I tend to enjoy the rivals to lovers trope, and this one does not disappoint. Lari and Pedro are the 4th generation of the ongoing feud between their bakeries Salt and Sugar; a feud started by their great-grandmothers who once shared a friendship and a special cake recipe.

Lari is clumsy, awkward, and has no idea how to bake since her mother and grandmother have kept her out of the kitchen, encouraging her to study economics. While her grades are top of her class, she doesn’t really have any friends, especially after her grandmother dies.

Pedro, on the other hand, is an incredible baker and has tons of friends. He seems like he has it all, but things aren’t always what they seem. Especially when a big supermarket comes to town and starts putting all of the local shops out of business.

As circumstances force Lari and Pedro together, they begin to tolerate each other, even becoming friends. As they join forces to save their family businesses, they even fall in love. But could it ever work out for them?

Taking place in Brazil, the story is full of color and culture. And the food featured throughout is mouth-watering. The story is told first person from Lari’s POV, so our sympathies naturally lean towards Salt, but as Lari gets closer to Pedro, we learn more about his family, and where Sugar fits into everything.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this story through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.