Member Reviews
Thank you to Macmillan audio & SMP romance for the gifted arc and alc
I loved this book! I’m ready to buy a ticket to Spunes, Oregon (not Forks, Washington)
We have a soft hearted teacher FMC in Sage Byrd. Our MMC is a slightly jaded chef and single guardian, Fisher Lange.
Small town romances will forever be my favorite. It adds another character to the story, all the quirks, charm, and history.
The banter was *chefs kiss* and the “fake dating” was mutually beneficial. Sage & Fishers chemistry was undeniable. I did not expect to tear up, but alas I did.
🎧The audiobook was so good. Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber bring Sage and Fisher to life. The banter is so good and the emotional parts? Even better! I would definitely recommend this one on audio.
“I’ve finally figured out the whole heart skips a beat expression. It doesn’t miss a beat, it actually starts skipping like Dorothy down the yellow brick road, possibly on Red Bull.”
Savor It is such a cute, feel good summer romance that had smiling throughout the book. This book is full of warmth and humor, yet touches on some sensitive topics. I have several passages highlighted like the ones above and below. Sage is the kind of girl you would want as a best friend. She lights up the page with her warmth, wit, kindness and genuinely beautiful soul. Fletcher is incredibly charming. I admire his strength, his ability to communicate and the fact that he isn't afraid of his feelings. I love the banter between the duo and the added humor from the animals! Definitely recommend!
•Small-town romance
•Dual POV
•Next door neighbor
•Opposites attract
•Summer Romance
•Flirty banter
•HEA
“And I decided a long time ago that life being too short and too beyond my control meant that I’d let the small stuff feel big.”
Thanks so much to Tarah DeWitt, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC!
Literally so good. Tarah DeWitt is an automatic buy for me. I can’t seem to put her books down. I really couldn’t recommend this book enough. 🥰
Sage Byrd has lived in Spunes, Oregon her entire life and she adores the small town life, she making her own path and doing things the way she wants to do them. That doesn’t make it any easier when her ex gets engaged to one of her friends and she can’t escape the pity from everyone around her. She finds the perfect distraction in her new temporary neighbor, Fisher Lange. Fisher was a big time chef in NYC, but his world starts to crumble around him when he loses one of his Michelin stars and his love of cooking. He has custody of his teenage niece, Indy, following the death of his sister a few years ago and he is trying his best to keep his head above water with her. The temporary move to Spunes is exactly what Fisher didn’t know he needed and Sage just might end up being the best thing that could have walked into his and Indy’s lives.
I fell in love with this book and the characters from the very beginning. I loved Sage so much and liked how she wasn’t afraid to be herself, but still had the typical insecurities everyone has. She was a strong, sweet lead and the perfect match for Fisher. I am a fan of small town romances and this one checked all of the boxes. There were so many good tropes in this book that I really enjoy, like neighbors to lovers, small town romance, opposites attract, fake dating. I’m not always a fan of slow burning romances, but this one had the perfect amount of slowness. I really enjoyed everything about this book and the different layers of the characters and their extended families. I would love to visit this town and these characters again. If you are a small town romance fan this is a great summer read to check out.
Savor It
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Tarah Dewitt
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Summer won't last forever.
Sage Byrd has lived in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington) her entire life. She's learned to love her small world, with the misfit animals on her hobby farm, and her friendships with the town’s inhabitants. But when her 5-year relationship ends and her ex, town-golden-boy Ian, suddenly gets engaged, Sage needs a win—something that will convince everyone to stop pitying her all the time, and to put Ian in his place. The Festival of Spunes, the town’s annual summer competition, would be the perfect opportunity. She just needs a partner.
Fisher Lange was a hotshot chef in New York City until the loss of his sister left him numb, grieving, and responsible for his teenage niece Indy. When Fisher loses his Michelin star along with his love of cooking, his boss sends him and Indy to Spunes on a much-needed summer sabbatical to consult on a restaurant opening. But when clashes with the townspeople threaten his last chance to redeem himself and a kiss with his new neighbor Sage leads to dating rumors, a strategic alliance might just be the best way to turn things around.
A deal is struck. Sage will improve Fisher’s image in the eyes of the town and remove the roadblocks he is facing with the restaurant, and Fisher will be Sage’s partner for the competition. But as their pact quickly turns into steamy rendezvous, emotional wounds begin to heal, and the pair tries to savor every moment, they start to realize that summer is racing by much faster than they would like...
My Thoughts: This was quirky, fun, and sweet. Sage is a small town girl and thrives in the small town. She has a variety of animals, some who would not have a home otherwise, and enriching friendships within the community. Her relationship has ended with the town’s cop and he is suddenly engaged, everyone is pitying her. She needs something outside of that scope to elevate her above the pity. The Festival of Spunes would be the prefect opportunity, if only she had a partner. Fisher lost his sister, his job and is now responsible for his niece, Indy. They some to Spunes so he can consult on a restaurant rehab and build his career again. He is only there for the summer. At first, he clashes with everyone. He needs a way in to show the town that this restaurant is a good thing. Fisher and Sage then strike a deal, she will help his image with the townsfolk and he will be her partner for the festival. Then their pack turns into something unexpected, however, they only have the summer. This follows the tropes of single parent, enemies to lovers, small town romance, and fake dating.
The story is a dual narration between Sage and Fisher, in their respective perspectives. Sage was sunshine, fierce, and independent. Fisher was dealing with grief, navigating raising his niece, but was charming, and one of the best book boyfriends. The characters were developed with depth, had witty banter, to the moon chemistry, were passionate, and intriguing. The supporting characters, especially Ren and Indy really did elevate this story and this story would have been missing a solid piece without them. I also loved the town dynamics. A place where community looked out for its own and was a little standoffish with newcomers, but at the same time welcoming. The author’s writing style was complex, genuine, realistic, heartfelt, spicy, and engaging. The author really did an outstanding job with details on the town setting, you really felt like this was a real town that you could visit (and one I would absolutely visit). There is a third act breakup, it was mutual, but still so sad and made my heart go out to the MCs.
TW: grief, loss of a loved one (past), and bodily injury (insinuated). I had both the digital and audio ARC for this one. I preferred the audio. I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect mix of fun, heavy topics, and a sweet budding romance. I highly recommend picking up today!!
3.5/5
This was a sweet and cozy small-town romance. And even though it was sweet and cozy, there were a few sexy and steamy parts in it. I'm not complaining. It was a fun read and I liked the chemistry between Sage and Fisher, and the ending was very satisfying.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy.
This book took me a LONG time to get into. The first 3 chapters really confused me. A lot of characters and I had no idea what they were talking about. I almost DNF, but I kept going.
This is a small town romance where Michelin star chef meets small town woman with a lot of animals. They end up competing in some local contest, which… really seemed pointless but I suppose it was an excuse to hang out and fall in love?
The name of the town is Spunes. What kind of awful phlegm name is that? Why can’t it be something else?
Anyway, this book was just okay. It was a bit boring and I didn’t care for the characters as much as I wanted to.
Thank you to St Martins press and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first Tarah DeWitt book and it didn’t disappoint ❤️ The warmth, the softness of the prose was a welcome surprise for my stressed out mind.
I loved how gentle Fisher and Sage were towards each other. I loved the relationship between Fisher and Indy. The third act made my heard choke and reminded me that third act breakups are not a bad thing, and often are very necessary in romance. But I think I loved Wren and Ellis the most. Their book will be my favourite I just know it. One little line of dialogue (iykyk) and I melted 🫠
I really sympathised with Sage and her feelings, but I am happy that ultimately there was no villain in this story, just people who weren’t right for each other. Because that is life.
This definitely won’t be my last Tarah DeWitt book (my copy of Funny Feeling is eyeing me suspiciously from the shelf as I’m writing this).
Thanks to #netgalley and the author for trusting me with the ARC!
OKAY this was cuuuuute and so fantastically spicy! Seriously, a perfect read to kick off pool season and summer. Please give me a garden and a farm and a canoe and a fancy restaurant chef turned small town guy. Like seriously, I'm swooning at this setting! I really liked Sage's character and Indy as well!
“Savor It” by Tarah DeWitt is a charming small town romance that takes place in the beautiful PNW. Being from the PNW myself, I am always so drawn to this setting!
When Sage’s five year relationship ends, and her ex becomes engaged, the entire town pities her. With the upcoming town festival, she decides this is the perfect time to show everyone she is just fine. Enter Fisher. He is struggling dealing with the loss of his sister, and is sent to this small town on a sabbatical. Sage and Fisher strike up a deal to help eachother, and this turns to something much more.
I loved the character development in this one! Sage and Fisher are so sweet together! This is the perfect summer read, with small town vibes and conquering some deep feelings. Thank you so much to NetGalley and author for this ARC.
Savor It is a classic small town romance. Big city boy moves to town after a work-related fall from grace. Encounters his quirky next door neighbor and her assortment of misfit animals. Gets sucked into a local competition and falls in love with the girl and the place. It's cute, it's sweet, and it's a little spicy, and there's some depth to it that I really enjoyed. Sage bristles at being called the town golden girl or reduced to the girl next door. Fisher works through real issues, from burnout to playing parent to his orphaned niece. And also there's a goose who's in love with said niece.
My main issue with Savor It was the pacing. The prep for the competition stretched on way too long but also seemed to be less important than the characters kept insisting it was. And the end was rushed - certain turns of events threw a wrench into the competition, and while I understand the point that family always comes before local activities, I felt some whiplash over how invested I was supposed to be in any of it.
Generally, though, this was an enjoyable read with some emotional heft.
3.75/5
"Sometimes courage is just quietly trying again."
The delicious Savor It by insightful RomCom author Tarah DeWitt is an emotional read. The writer's uncanny ability to blend small town humor, witty banter, swoony romance, coping with grief, lost love and healing with found family is seamless.
Sage needs a partner for the annual summer canoe competition to win and stop the pity looks. So what if she and Ian broke up after 5 years, and in less than a year he's engaged...and always wins the canoe race. She's happy in her small world with her rescue animals.
Fisher resents this small town. He was a Michelin star NYC chef...until he lost the star, the chef's job...oh and his sister died leaving him his 15 year old niece, Indy. He's given a second chance to set up a new restaurant in town. But before he even starts he insults the townfolk jeopardizing the restaurant.
Enter new neighbor Sage. The town loves her. A deal is struck. He will be her canoe partner, they will fake date so the town will love him too. Let the quirky antics begin...until panic attacks, overwhelming grief, built up anger and life makes it all a bit too real.
Voice actress Karissa Vacker had me in tears as Indy navigates becoming a woman without a mother's guidance. The tissues were out for Sage dealing with buried grief. Voice actor Zachary Webber gives truth to Fisher's pain of losing his sister, fear of caring for Indy and undeserving of Sage's love. Also, Sage and Fisher's chemistry steams up the headphones with these talents.
The message amidst the laughs, tears, and swoon is enjoy it all but especially the smiles and the love; just savor it everyday.
I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review! Although I love this author I found this book to be a little slow for me. It started out cute and I wanted to love it but I just couldn't get into it.
Super charming, small town romance. Slow burn romance, but also instant love? I was bored, but also amused? While I enjoyed reading this book, I found myself speeding through it just to finish it. I usually don’t mind predictable books, but this one had me wishing something *more* would happen. Despite this, the communication and respect the main characters displayed was a masterclass for relationships!
Sage and Fisher meet when he and his niece temporarily move in next door. Sage is a teacher and has the summer off, and Fisher is sent there to prove himself, and find himself again as a chef.
A sweet quick romance but predictable. I was hoping for a bit more to make me invested in these characters
Cute, sweet slow-burn small town romance.
Loved the atmosphere, the characters, and all the animals. The dual POV was nice, but sometimes got confusing just because of the speed and timing of the flips.
Otherwise, a fun and enjoyable read.
Beginning to end, absolutely adored this one. The tragedy that Fisher and his niece experienced made for a heartwarming story of an uncle trying to connect with his teenage niece that he has taken in. Sage is simultaneously hilarious and poignant in every moment. I loved this book!!!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Single Guardian, Small Town, Fake Dating, Friends With Benefits.
3rd Act Breakup?: Yes
The Praise: I loved Sage and Fisher so much. The way they handled their situation was so sweet while also being heartbreaking. I also loved all of the animals. Tarah has a gift for writing quirky, relatable characters that make you want to root for them.
The Critique: I wish we had seen more of Fisher’s relationship with Indy evolving, and some of Sage using her teaching skills to develop her own relationship with Indy.
Final Thoughts: I really loved this. Lovable characters, hilarious banter, and sweet romance. Tarah, if you see this, I NEED Ellis and Wren’s second chance romance book, I’m willing to beg.
Another great small town romance! Sage Byrd lives in the small town of Spunes, Oregon. She’s lived there all her life. She loves her life – taking care of animals, having her brothers around. But her ex, who she was with for five years, is not engaged to a friend and she feels like her way to get a win is to win the town festival. But she needs a partner. Fisher Lange is a Michelin star chef from New York, in town to help open a new restaurant. Though, he lost a star, and his job. And the townspeople already don’t like him. He and Sage strike a deal – she will help his image to get the restaurant done, and he will be her partner in the competition. With his leaving at the end of the summer, these two get hot and heavy for the summer.
It started a little slow for me, but there is a scene in the library that made my heart fall in love with Fisher. Fake relationships, grumpy to sunshine, and a dual POV make this book what it is. I especially loved getting Fisher’s point of view, as a female I can relate to that point of view so easily, but I especially love getting into a male character’s thoughts.
This small town was great – everyone knew everyone and people helped each other. Sage had a slew of animals that she took care of – and they were such characters in the book! I loved reading about them, and how fantastic she took care of them.
Sage and Fisher’s romance didn’t seem to feel rushed. It felt like it happened slowly, which I appreciate because I cannot stand insta-love. I want to fall with the character, and in this book, I did. There is some spice in this book, but it’s not over the top and it is done pretty tastefully.
Overall, I enjoyed the book.
This book was so sweet and swoony! This one was a slow burn, but I felt that the theme tied in perfectly with enjoying life in the present. With small-town charm and characters who had heart, this book was wonderful. You won't regret picking this one up.
*ARC courtesy of the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy.*