Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of Savor It by Tarah DeWitt.

THIS BOOK IS TOO FREAKING GOOD!! This book will always hold a special place in my heart since it was my first ever ARC but also because it is such an amazing book! These characters and this place have such a special place in my heart. Even though this book was a mere 300 pages, I felt like it was fleshed out so well! The small town setting was perfect with its quirky characters and the PNW charm. I also liked the history lessons about Spunes as a town and the significance of August as a month for the town. I’m hoping this book is the first in a series, as I could see all of the Byrd siblings getting their happily ever after (I see a second chance romance in the cards for Elias and Wren!) I liked Indy’s character and felt her relationship with Fischer was wonderful, but maybe it could have been fleshed out more. I liked the idea of single guardianship, it was a unique spin on single dad. Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait until more readers have this book in their hands.

OKAY, this book was EVERYTHING. I SOBBED in the best way! I am a sucker for small town romances, and Spunes is truly perfect. I am so happy we get more books in this setting (COUGH.WRENANDELLISPLZ.COUGH).

Sage and Fisher's love story was so natural and easy. I loved reading about the simplicity of their every day life - from trips to the library to going down to O'Doyle's (the town's one stop shop). Their relationship was so tender, and I absolutely adored how supportive they were of one another.

I also am completely obsessed with Indy and Gary the goose. It was SO SWEET and the perfect little addition to the story.

This was the first book I've read by Tarah DeWitt, but it certainly won't be the last. I am ready to devour her backlist!

love isn’t even strong enough if a word to explain what i feel about this book. the adoration i feel for tarah bleeds right into this absolutely phenomenal book that made me feel every single emotion ever. like she put her whole tarussy in this mfer i swear 😭

tarah has never written a character that i don’t love with everything in me. sage byrd is my literal spirit animal. i want to be her and i want to be her best friend. she’s such a ray of sunshine and love and she’s also human just like the rest of us and it’s so refreshing & fisher is an angel. i simply cannot fathom somebody not adoring this man. he’s so strong and such an incredible guy who’s just doing the best he can and working through his stuff and i will protect him at all costs.

this book is small town, pure love and magic while showing that just because something might have some charm doesn’t mean there’s not dark sides to people and places. this was just simply so well done that i really refuse to hear anything bad about it. i will have this book and these characters etched into my soul forever 🥺

& the byrd brothers have my by the throat i love their crazy asses

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt follows Sage Byrd, who has lived in her hometown her entire life. She loves her small world filled with farm animals, her friends, and family. The annual summer festival holds a competition that Sage desperately wants to win, but she needs a partner. Then Fisher Lange, a Michelin-Star chef, moves into the rental house next door with his niece, Indy, of whom he is now the guardian. Fisher was sent to the small town to consult on a restaurant opening, but quickly clashes with the townspeople. Sage and Fisher quickly make a deal: Sage helps Fisher with the townspeople, if Fisher becomes her partner for the competition. But with all the time spent together, friendship quickly evolves into something more and both of them soon realize that the summer won’t last forever. 

This might be one of the Tarah’s best works. The real, beautiful emotion throughout the book was so enjoyable to experience. I loved Sage’s joy and Fisher’s grumpiness. Yes, it’s classic grumpy-sunshine, but there is a whole lot more depth to their characters. Their slow burn was fantastic, and it was great to see such a healthy relationship. This books has my giggling, swooning, but also in tears with so much emotion. Throughout the story, we touch on important topics like grief and healing, as well as seeing a new guardian grow into his new role and relationship with his niece. Tarah writes characters who are real, flawed, and growing just like the rest of us - and the stories she creates are truly enjoyable. 

I can’t wait to return to Spunes for future stories (at least I hope based on what was hinted!!)

Savor It comes out on May 21, 2024!

Star Rating: ️ ️ ️ ️4.25 / ️5
Spice Rating: 2.5 / 5
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Tara DeWitt was a new to me author and I seriously loved her writing! I highlighted so many beautiful quotes from this book. I loved how well DeWitt portrayed trauma and grief for our two main characters and how they help each other grow throughout the book.

I also loved Sage's relationship with her brothers! In so many romance books, when the FMC has older brother(s) it becomes a huge ordeal with them being massively overprotective and borderline harassing the MMC's or trying to control what the FMC does with their life. This book was not like that at all, and it was such a breath of fresh air. As Sage said herself, her brothers care about her but they aren't misogynists and they recognize that she can make her own decisions. The overprotective brother trope is so tired, and I love how this author struck the perfect balance of having loving, protective, and loyal brothers without making them all complete jerks.

This was a really beautiful book and some of the lessons really hit home. I was tearing up throughout a lot of the story.

My first Tara DeWitt book, but definitely won't be my last! I've already downloaded another one of her books to read next.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC and introducing me to a new author!

This was a new to me author!

This made me laugh, tear up, and was a beautiful story! I want to read the author backlist!

How can you not like a book that has rescued animals ❤️❤️

Will recommend the author and the writing style us amazing!

an achingly sweet and earnest little love story…
a hallmark movie if it was actually funny, sexy, and had immensely complicated characters.

I’ll continue to read whatever Tarah writes, her mind is a delightful thing.

This is my first Tarah Dewitt book and I really enjoyed it. I love her writing style and the characters. Good read overall.

3.5

i liked it! wasn’t my favorite or anything, but i enjoyed the characters. small town stuff i’m usually a fan of, and this one’s done well. i don’t have much else to say, it was kind of middle-of-the-road, but i did appreciate the pacing of the third act.

#netgalley

Not Tarah Dewitt having me SOBBING on a Monday evening.

"It's been a privilege to fall in love with you, Sage."

Savor It is such a tender, cozy love story that is very much on par with Tarah Dewitt's previous releases. Sage & Fisher are fast friends-to-lovers and I just loved LOVED getting to read their story. The small-town vibes were perfect and Fisher was giving Carmy from The Bear (iykyk). I loved this so much. I know that Tarah Dewitt has not yet ventured into the interconnected standalones business, but I NEED more Spunes, Oregon, especially in the form of an Ellis & Wren story asap.

"Love is this. Love is breathing. A sweet, deep, aching relief."

If you're considering picking up Savor It next May, I cannot recommend it enough. Plus, Tarah Dewitt's backlist is a trove of beautiful, heartwarming romances that deserve your love & attention. Here's to Fisher & Sage on their HEA.

This is the first book by Tara DeWitt that I have read. *Me running to store to purchase her previoius books*. I could not put this down. I read until all hours of the night to finish. I held my breath, I cried, I laughed. I ran through the gamut of emotions. Tarah DeWitt just has a way with words. I am thankful I was able to read this in advance. Thank you to Netgalley and publisher.

“You’re all the shapes made perfectly to hold me, and you’re all my favorite colors.”

Sage and Fisher. He’s a burnt-out chef that’s struggling to connect with his teenage niece that he’s now a guardian to. His boss sends him on a summer long sabbatical to a small, coastal town where he meets his temporary neighbor, Sage.

This book was pretty deep — lots of talk about grief and losing loved ones, as well as losing passion for something you loved to do. It did take me awhile to finish but overall it was still a good book!

🪿🛶READ IF YOU LIKE🛶🪿:
- dual POV
- grumpy x sunshine
- he’s a burnt-out chef & single guardian
- close proximity
- temporary next door neighbors
- punny tops & robes
- small, coastal town
- annual summer competition: trivia, cooking contest & canoe race
- gary the goose

cw: death of loved one, car accident, grief, bodily injury, career burn out, mention of divorce

Thank you @smpromance and @netgalley for the advanced copy! Savor It is available on May 21, 2024!

"Savor It" by Tarah DeWitt is a delightful romcom that serves up a perfect blend of spicy summer fun, small-town charm, and heartwarming moments. Set in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon, the novel introduces us to Sage Byrd, a resilient and relatable protagonist navigating the challenges of a post-breakup life. The story takes an engaging twist when Sage, in need of a win after her ex's sudden engagement, enters into a strategic alliance with Fisher Lange, a former hotshot chef from New York City grappling with loss and redemption.

The Festival of Spunes, the town’s annual summer competition, becomes the backdrop for this charming tale as Sage and Fisher team up as unlikely partners. DeWitt skillfully weaves together their individual struggles, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and humorous. The author's portrayal of Spunes and its quirky inhabitants adds a layer of small-town charm that enhances the overall reading experience.

The dynamic between Sage and Fisher is a highlight of the novel, and the progression of their relationship from a strategic alliance to steamy rendezvous is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The characters are well-developed, each carrying their own emotional baggage, and the journey of healing and self-discovery is beautifully depicted.

The thematic elements of redemption, healing, and the fleeting nature of time add depth to the story, making it more than just a lighthearted romance. DeWitt's writing style is engaging, filled with humor, and captures the essence of summer romance. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers invested in the evolving relationship between the characters.

"Savor It" stands out as Tarah DeWitt's best work yet, offering a perfect summer escape with its mix of romance, humor, and poignant moments. The novel is a testament to the author's ability to create relatable characters and weave them into a storyline that is both entertaining and emotionally satisfying. If you're looking for a feel-good romcom with a touch of spice, "Savor It" is a highly recommended read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

Tarah DeWitt is quickly becoming one of my favorite small-town romance authors! Savor It is so beautifully tender and heartwarming. Sage and Fisher are the perfect contrast of light and dark, grumpy and sunshine, and their relationship is just..... sigh. *So good.* I think my favorite aspect of the relationship between Fisher and Sage is the fact that they're not so wrapped up in each other that they lose themselves - instead, they find the best versions of themselves together. Fisher's emotional growth is inspiring and I love that he is able to voice his feelings and work through his trauma to come out even stronger for himself and for those he loves. I am picking up what they're putting down when it comes to healthy relationship vibes!

This is a story of family, healing, and forgiveness - both for yourself and those around you. It's second chances and second glances. Lost love and found family. I laughed and cried and swooned - all my favorite emotions when it comes to books :-) Don't miss this one, friends!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

And side note - can we PLEASE have Wren and Ellis's story next?

I have never read Tarah DeWitt before, and this book makes me want to dive back into her backlist. Savor It is the best kind of romance - one that is funny, and sexy, and also deals with real topics in an authentic way. The way that both Sage and Fischer are processing distant and recent grief while trying to figure out what is next is really captivating. And the tension!! I am usually not a fan of instalove type books, which this isn't specifically, but they certainly waste very little time in turning their fake romance into a real one. But here it works. It'll make you want to move to a small town in Oregon and fall in love with a local, without question.

4.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC.

I enjoyed this book but didn’t love it.
Spunes was an adorable town that I would be interested in reading more about. The people were quirky and the setting was described beautifully.
I really liked Sage as a character. I think it’s amazing that she was so good with animals and willing to help anyone that needed it. This book would’ve been a 5 star read if I liked Fisher more. I think he had a great story arc but his backstory didn’t interest me at all. I normally enjoy stories were a main character takes in someone else’s kid but it almost felt like an afterthought at times. Indy seemed to become less important as the book went on. I would’ve liked to see more interactions with her and Sage.

Savor It
Tarah Dewitt
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary romance
Rating: 5 stars!

You know what’s appetizing in this small Oregonian coast romance? Everything really, but what I’m focusing on is TRUE, RAW, and OPEN communication between mature adults that are absolutely besotted with each other. You don’t realize how refreshing this is until you dive deep into this story, healing and joining both Sage and Fisher’s hearts from two vastly different pasts. I could picture everything described by the author, from the foggy small town along the Oregon coast to the budding floral farm in Sage’s yard - filled with personable animals, to Fisher’s full sensory experience meals, and to Sage and Fisher’s genuine attraction to each other. Don’t let me fail to mention that this is DUAL POV so you will know exactly how tender hearted both of these beautiful souls are.


This book is a gift and I do not say this lightly in that it will be my top romance read of this year. Also, I am committing myself to read each and every one of Tarah Dewitt’s novels.

Thank you @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and @authortarahdewitt , it was truly an honor to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was another lovely book from Tarah DeWitt. I really enjoyed getting to know Sage, and loved how she was unapologetically herself (well, sometimes she apologized, but it was always made clear immediately that no one else thought she should be apologizing!). DeWitt writes very human and relatable FMC's and it's appreciated. None of her heroines are willing to change themselves just for a man. Fisher was dreamy in the way a MMC should be, while also opening acknowledging his flaws. One thing I appreciate about DeWitt's work is how she doesn't drag her characters through some sort of forced misunderstanding/climactic faux-ending, instead she creates more realistic stories that resolve themselves in believable ways, without running her characters through the absolute wringer. Savor It is an excellent example of a contemporary romance, with a lovely slow burn, a fun dose of faux-dating, found-family, and some adorable animals.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 (The chemistry! 🥵)

I just finished this book, and to say it made my heart happy is an understatement. This is due to the happy ending, naturally, but also from learning things from these characters. The Sage Advice both Sage and her mom gave, along with the lessons Sage, Fisher, and Indy learned along the way put some things into perspective for me. A light bulb has gone off, if you will. Learning things from books is a fun little added bonus to the story. Here is one of the pieces of Sage Advice that hit home most for me: People can't follow your rules if you don't make them clear. This applies in all your relationships: parenting, love, and friendships alike. If you don't tell people what is and isn't okay with you, they have no way of knowing.

I think we all knew where Sage and Fisher were headed from the get-go. Their chemistry was instantaneous and so hot (though it was definitely a slow burn!). Even when they were just friends, they were so aware of each other's feelings and needs. That's the dream! I was so uncertain of whether they would actually end up together due to the nature of Fisher and Indy's lives and relationships, and was very much happy with where things landed. Indy crying over her goose made me cry laugh. Quirky things like that made me fall in love with this book. A three-legged cat named Legoless? Genius! References to a phallic shaped building at the beginning of the book had me interested immediately - hook, line, and sinker.

This was a quirky, adorable romance novel that taught me some valuable lessons. I truly enjoyed reading it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy to review.