A Taste of Sage by Yaffa S. Santos

A Taste of Sage

by Yaffa S. Santos

Winner of the International Latino Book Award for Best Novel–Romance

From talented new writer Yaffa S. Santos, a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com about chefs, cooking, love, and self-discovery—a cross between The Hating Game and Sweetbitter

Lumi Santana is a chef with the gift of synesthesia—she can perceive a person’s emotions by tasting their cooking. Despite being raised by a single mother who taught her that dreams and true love were silly fairy tales, she takes a chance and puts her heart and savings into opening a fusion restaurant in Manhattan. The restaurant offers a mix of the Dominican cuisine...

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Reviewed by girlinthepages on

2 of 5 stars

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Loved all of the food elements in this story! There's some great insight into the restaurant business, how different chefs approach their menus, how to keep your restaurant relevant, etc. Unfortunately a lot of the focus on the cooking and chef lifestyle/restaurant business disappeared in the second half of the book and it shifted to full on romantic drama (which wasn't a bad thing, but it got a little overdramatic for my taste). I liked Lumi and loved her (seemingly) magical ability which added a fun and interesting fantastical element to the novel, however I really wasn't a fan of Julian, who transitions from angry superstar chef stereotype to doting love interest way to fast (and I honestly found him to still be a bit problematic even after he softens up- I don't think he really listens to Lumi or gives her the space she needs).

Overall if you love books about food + chefs this fits the bill, but it missed on the romance elements for me.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 25 July, 2020: Finished reading
  • 25 July, 2020: Reviewed