Stirring Up Love - (Taste of Love) by Chandra Blumberg (Paperback)

About the Book

"After doing her time in corporate Chicago, Simone Blake returns to small-town Illinois to tackle a new venture: her grandfather's barbecue restaurant. The secret, as they say, is in the sauce. Simone's plan is to sell Honey and Hickory's signature sauce to put her hometown on the map. But she's not the only one with a recipe and a plan: chef Finn Rimes from nearby Springfield has a similar vision. To jump-start his dream of opening a culinary school, he shows up at the local farmers' market with his own barbecue sauce. When Simone's plan to outsell Finn falls flat, she auditions for a reality show to pitch her brand. But she's horrified to discover Finn's had the same idea. As Simone and Finn wage barbecue war on television, their feud turns into an undeniable attraction. With their livelihoods on the line, it may not be so much about making the best sauce--but finding their way to each other"--

Book Synopsis

From the author of Digging Up Love comes a heartfelt story about two rivals whose passion for food and their communities brings them together in ways they never expected.

After doing her time in corporate Chicago, Simone Blake returns to small-town Illinois to tackle a new venture: her grandfather's barbecue restaurant. The secret, as they say, is in the sauce. Simone's plan is to sell Honey and Hickory's signature sauce to put her hometown on the map.

But she's not the only one with a recipe and a plan: chef Finn Rimes from nearby Springfield has a similar vision. To jump-start his dream of opening a culinary school, he shows up at the local farmers' market with his own barbecue sauce.

When Simone's plan to outsell Finn falls flat, she auditions for a reality show to pitch her brand. But she's horrified to discover Finn's had the same idea. As Simone and Finn wage barbecue war on television, their feud turns into an undeniable attraction.

With their livelihoods on the line, it may not be so much about making the best sauce--but finding their way to each other.

Review Quotes

"Rival chefs are forced into a business partnership that sparks unlikely love in Blumberg's sweet second Taste of Love romance...Readers will root for this couple in both business and love." --Publishers Weekly

"She couldn't surrender to love; he didn't think he was lovable. And yet, they are drawn together. A gentle soul, he brings steadiness and steadfastness into her life. She brings caring and a sense of home to his. Together, they feel hopeful for their future for the first time. A moving story imbued with thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit." --Kirkus Reviews

"Simone, the sister of Alisha, featured in Blumberg's Digging Up Love (2022), gets her own love story in this fun enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity rom-com. This smart, sweet romance from rising star Blumberg uses favorite tropes in a deliciously entertaining adventure." --Booklist

"Stirring Up Love is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Finn and Simone have crackling chemistry and the people of Hawksburg are so much fun you'll wish you could be eating BBQ or hanging out at the farmers market with them. A five-star read that will make you hungry!" --Addie Woolridge, author of The Checklist

"Stirring Up Love is the perfect mix of strong characters, sweet moments, and delicious romance. It's a completely charming read that will leave you smiling." --Denise Williams, author of The Fastest Way to Fall

"Like a good barbecue sauce, Stirring Up Love is sweet, tangy, and has the perfect amount of heat. Small town romance fans will adore watching Simone and Finn fall in love." --Jennifer Bardsley, author of Sweet Bliss

"Stirring Up Love by Chandra Blumberg is simply delicious. Readers will devour this sweet small-town romance sprinkled with saucy banter and plenty of heart-warming moments to savor." --USA Today Bestselling Author Melonie Johnson