A Taste of Sage

A Novel

By: Yaffa S. Santos

Narrated by: Inés del Castillo, Jonathan Todd Ross

A June 2020 Indie Next List Pick!

From talented new writer, Yaffa S. Santos, comes this unforgettable, heartwarming, and hilarious rom-com about chefs, cooking, love, and self-discovery that is 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 just by tasting their cooking. Despite being raised by a single mother who taught her that dreams and true love were silly fairy tales, she decides to take a chance and puts her heart and savings into opening a fusion restaurant in Inwood, Manhattan. The restaurant offers a mix of the Dominican cuisine she grew up with and other world cuisines that have been a source of culinary inspiration to her.

When Lumi’s eclectic venture fails, she is forced to take a position as a sous chef at a staid, traditional French restaurant in midtown owned by Julien Dax, a celebrated chef known for his acid tongue as well as his brilliant smile. Lumi and Julien don’t get along in the kitchen--to say Lumi is irritated by Julien’s smug attitude is an understatement, and she secretly vows never to taste his cooking. Little does she know that her resolve doesn’t stand a chance against Julien’s culinary prowess.

As Julien produces one delectable dish after another, each one tempting Lumi with its overwhelming aromas and gorgeous presentations, she can no longer resist and samples one of his creations. She isn’t prepared for the feelings that follow as she’s overcome with intense emotions. She begins to crave his cooking throughout the day, which throws a curveball in her plan to save up enough money and move on as soon as possible. Plus, there’s also the matter of Esme, Julien’s receptionist who seems to always be near and watching. As the attraction between Lumi and Julien simmers, Lumi experiences a tragedy that not only complicates her professional plans, but her love life as well...

Clever, witty, and romantic, A Taste of Sage is sure to delight and entertain readers until the very last page.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Enjoyable read/listen

Your typical romance where the rich boss falls in love with the new employee. Story is pretty predictable, but still enjoyable nonetheless!

A little research would have gone a long way

The story started cute enough. if only the writer had learned a little bit more how a professional kitchen and a restaurant work, especially in a city like NY...
Things were so outlandish that they distracted me from the storyline itself and it all sounded very flat.

Fell in love with this heartfelt romance

The title says it all! I instantly connected with Lumi, and was rooting for her and Julien as well as for her to accomplish her dreams. This is a wonderful book for everyone who loves food and cooking as well, although the heart of the story is the trust and love that grows between the characters. I am looking forward to this author's next release!

Very Enjoyable

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I loved story and the performance of the narrators. A very soothing listen.

Great summer read!

Loved this book! Great storytelling, unique and entertaining with some funny parts that had me laughing out loud. Can’t wait to read to more from this author.