Yaffa S. Santos – författare

Winner of the International Latino Book Award for Best Novel–RomanceFrom 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 SweetbitterLumi 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 she grew up with and other world cuisines that have been a source of culinary inspiration to her.When Lumi’s venture fails, she is forced to take a position as a sous chef at a staid French restaurant in midtown owned by Julien Dax, a celebrated chef known for his acid tongue and brilliant smile. Lumi and Julien don’t get along in the kitchen and she secretly vows never to taste his cooking. Little does she know that her resolve doesn’t stand a chance against his culinary prowess.As Julien produces one delectable dish after another, Lumi can no longer resist his creations. She isn’t prepared for the intense feelings that follow, throwing a curveball in her plan to move on as soon as possible. Plus, there’s 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 will delight and entertain until the last page.

The kitchen is heating up in this “sweet and spicy tale” of two chefs filled with simmering romance and bonus recipes (Booklist).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, offering a mix of the Dominican food she grew up with and other cuisines she’s drawn culinary inspiration from.But when Lumi’s venture fails, she’s forced to take a position as a sous chef at a staid French restaurant in midtown owned by Julien Dax—a celebrated chef known for his acid tongue and brilliant smile. Lumi and Julien don’t get along, and she secretly vows never to taste his cooking. Little does she know that her resolve doesn’t stand a chance against his culinary prowess.As Julien produces one delectable dish after another, Lumi can no longer resist his creations. She isn’t prepared for the intense feelings that follow, throwing a curveball in her plan to move on as soon as possible. Plus, there’s the matter of Esme, Julien’s receptionist, who seems to always be near and watching. And as the attraction between Lumi and Julien simmers, Lumi is shaken by a tragedy that complicates not only her professional plans, but her love life . . . “This delightful debut charms the reader with its unique conflict, savory dishes, and engaging characters that warm your heart.” —Priscilla Oliveras, USA Today-bestselling author of Kiss Me, Catalina

"A delicious culinary romance." —BooklistFrom the author of A Taste of Sage comes another charming and engrossing novel in which a young woman must navigate her family’s expectations, the demands of her job, a new love, and a secret about her magical identity.Larimar Cintrón works hard at three things: her job as brand manager for Beacon Café, a New York based corporate bakery chain; taking care of her parents and her abuela; and hiding that she’s a ciguapa—a mythical creature of Dominican folklore with long, straight hair and backwards-facing feet. Larimar may only be a ciguapa on full moons, but she feels like an outsider in her family the rest of the month too. Her love of ’90s punk rock music and style further sets her apart. But when her best friend introduces her to Ray, a bakery owner and fellow punk rock lover, Larimar thinks she may have finally found someone with whom she can be her true self.As Beacon’s brand manager, Larimar oversees all new location openings, including its newest store in New Jersey, which could be the project that finally lands her a coveted promotion. But when she discovers the location is right across from Ray’s bakery, Borrachitos, Larimar is torn between impressing her boss and saving Ray’s business.As Larimar continues to grow closer to Ray and the new store’s opening looms, she struggles to hide the truth about herself and her job. But embracing her magical nature may be the only way Larimar can have everything she wants. Witty and poignant, A Touch of Moonlight is a celebration of heritage, culture, and identity—of embracing yourself and finding your place in the world.

"e;A delicious culinary romance."e; BooklistFrom the author of A Taste of Sage comes another charming and engrossing novel in which a young woman must navigate her familys expectations, the demands of her job, a new love, and a secret about her magical identity.Larimar Cintrn works hard at three things: her job as brand manager for Beacon Caf, a New York based corporate bakery chain; taking care of her parents and her abuela; and hiding that shes a ciguapaa mythical creature of Dominican folklore with long, straight hair and backwards-facing feet. Larimar may only be a ciguapa on full moons, but she feels like an outsider in her family the rest of the month too. Her love of 90s punk rock music and style further sets her apart. But when her best friend introduces her to Ray, a bakery owner and fellow punk rock lover, Larimar thinks she may have finally found someone with whom she can be her true self.As Beacons brand manager, Larimar oversees all new location openings, including its newest store in New Jersey, which could be the project that finally lands her a coveted promotion. But when she discovers the location is right across from Rays bakery, Borrachitos, Larimar is torn between impressing her boss and saving Rays business.As Larimar continues to grow closer to Ray and the new stores opening looms, she struggles to hide the truth about herself and her job. But embracing her magical nature may be the only way Larimar can have everything she wants. Witty and poignant, A Touch of Moonlight is a celebration of heritage, culture, and identityof embracing yourself and finding your place in the world.