❥ Friends with Benefits
❥ Small Town Romance
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ Dual POV

4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

✨Happy Release Day✨

“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒔. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈.“

If that quote alone doesn’t make you swoon, I don’t know what to tell you. I fell in love with this book, and with the writing. I devoured this story! I could not and would not put it down lol.

Both of our main characters are a treasure! I’m in love with both of them! This book is a small town romance so of course we get a lot of side characters, and I loved them too. Not her ex though, definitely don’t like him.

“𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑺𝒂𝒈𝒆.“

It was a privilege to read this book! I love romance. It’s my favorite book genre, and this book did not disappoint! I loved that both Sage and Fisher were open with each other, and there was no miscommunication. Their chemistry was fantastic, and even though the spice scenes weren’t super detailed or graphic, they were perfect!

If you like any of the tropes mentioned, then you should definitely read this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

FIVE STARS!! I am obsessed with Sage and Fisher 🥹

I officially need to buy Rootbound and the Co-op bc somehow this book was even better than Funny Feelings ?? And that’s saying A LOT, esp bc I’m allll for spice and even though this book was less spicy, it was one of the best romances I’ve ever read 😭😭

The characters and plot and setting and writing were just SO GOOD that I didn’t care about the steam level whatsoever. This is definitely a slow burn, and the steam is open door, but it’s written in a very romantic way. Not a single point of this book lost my attention. I was invested throughout.

I loved that this small town romance was a spin on what we normally see — uptight city girl who learns to love the slow life from the MMC, shifts her priorities, and lives happily ever after (think Hart of Dixie, Book Lovers by Emily Henry, both of which I love by the way, this is no shade!!) But this gender twist was a breath of fresh air, and I love how Sage affects Fisher’s perspective about what it means to “live by your own standards and no one else’s.”

Tarah DeWitt is masterful in the nuanced way she explores small town living. Yes, it has the funny, Gilmore-Girls-esque town hall scene, and quirky side characters, but it also called attention to the complexities of small towns. Often times, there’s a part of my queer heart that keeps a wall up whenever I read hetero small town stories. I try not to overthink it, but it’s hard not to, so it’s just not my fav trope. Tarah DeWitt shows the double edge sword of the small town — the potential to be charming, to have found family… but also the potential to be close-minded, exclusive, toxic, and xenophobic. I was rooting for Fisher and Indy to find their happiness, and loved watching their journey to finding their peace in Spunes, Oregon.

Also, I related to Sage so hard. I loved this book berry much 🍓

Thank you NetGalley and Tara DeWitt for a free copy of Savor It in exchange for an honest review!



Fav quotes:
“And god, I wish she’d appreciate a melodramatic rendition of, “YOU IMPRINTED ON MY SON?!” and get the reference, but alas, I think the nuance would be lost on her.“

“And this is one of my favorite things about teenagers, actually. Where adults require a foundation of small talk, followed by steps that build up before they’re comfortable with the more revealing things, I find that teens are usually hoping to be perceived with minimal effort. Eager to be understood and seen.”

““Whenever you think too little of the world, try to remember that somewhere, something, or someone is always waiting to be known.” I think it might be derivative of some more renowned line, but I love her version most. It’s one of those things that simultaneously brings me a sense of peace and keeps me curious.“

“Keep letting me in that mind. You make it look like it’s a fun place to be.”

““It’s so beautiful out there in the mornings,” I tell him, voice tight with exhilaration. “Everything looks like it’s letting off steam, like dragons are just starting to wake up, too, or something.””

“I remind myself that it’s absurd, that life is not a meritocracy. Just because you do everything right, even if you know you deserve it, doesn’t mean that it will all be perfect in the end. Just because you accomplish a dream doesn’t mean it’ll make you happy forever. Sometimes wonderful people get sick, and sometimes people who were terrible to you have everything go according to plan. It really is what you do with it, what you take with you when you go to bed at night that counts.”

““But you know what the bravest thing of all is? The most extraordinary thing?” I let out a relieving breath I feel to my very soul, because I also know the truth in what I’m saying. “To live by your own standards and no one else’s. To be happy by your own measure.””

“Life’s short. Go to the library. Live a million different stories and see a million different places in one. You might not have control over some things, but you can always foster your imagination.”

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

What a perfect summer romance with lots of heart and growth for the characters. I read this authors book Funny Feelings last year and really enjoyed it and I am happy to say that I enjoyed this one just as much if not more. I loved the small town, the fact that it was in Oregon made it even better as I could actually picture it. I also really enjoyed all the mentions of food, flowers, beach and animals. The romance was so sweet, and felt so organic. A great summer read!

This was mid tier romance for me. The story was cute and I liked Sage and Fisher as individuals, but it fell flat for me. There wasn’t an emotional connection between the main characters. I feel like they also just lacked emotion themselves and then all of a sudden they’re in love and I’m like did I miss something?? The writing style was good, which is why I think I was able to finish the book. Also, this book is not comparable to Schitt’s Creek or The Bear so do not read this thinking it’s similar!! I was really hoping for more small town and chef vibes.

I loved Tarah DeWitt's Funny Feelings and knew I needed to dive into another book by her. Savor It is such a fun and lighthearted small-town romance told with Tarah's notorious witty humor!

Spunes, Oregon, is the cutest little Northwest coastal town where everyone knows everyone and no one is a stranger. When Fisher loses his passion for cooking, in addition to his restaurant's Michelin Star, he's given a new assignment to help develop the menu for his boss's new restaurant venture. This means he and his niece must pack up their home in New York and move to Spunes for the summer. Spunes doesn't get many newcomers, so their arrival causes a stir in the town. Luckily for Fisher, Sage lives just across the meadow and is here to help him adjust to the whacky town and its traditions. However, the more time they spend together the more they realize this relationship is something neither of them wants to last just for the summer.

Sage's personality is the absolute because she went after everything she wanted to accomplish full force and with passion! If she failed, she would just try again. I wish I could have that type of motivation! She was also so caring for everyone around her. You could tell how big of a heart she has and how loved she is in the town. While Fisher was struggling to rediscover his passion for cooking, Sage played a big role in helping him get his confidence back. Fisher is also learning how to be the best guardian to his niece. I loved that both Sage and Fisher were working toward becoming better versions of themselves and that they were able to do that together.

Overall, this was just a really fun, heartwarming read! I also really hope we can see more of Spunes in Tarah's future books because I would love to read more about Sage's brothers, especially Elias and Wren, because there are definitely some second-chance romance possibilities there!

If you love small-town, grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, and summer fling tropes, give this one a shot because you won't be disappointed!

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt
Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. Fake relationship.
Sage Byrd has lived in Spunes, Oregon her entire life. She knows everyone and loves that, but it also means that everyone knows about her breakup with a long time boyfriend and the fact that he’s already engaged to someone else. Sage needs a way to distract everyone from feeling sorry for her.
Fisher Lange is burned out after the emotional toll of losing his sister. He’s lost his enthusiasm for cooking with results in the loss of a Michelin Star. His friend and boss sends Fisher to Spunes to consult on a new restaurant. But small town is not necessarily ready for New York dining experiences and Fisher finds himself turning to Sage for help. Together, they will face the annual summer competition, pretending to be dating, while Sage teaches him about small town preferences. That their relationship becomes steamy is fine with both of them. It’s temporary and they went into it with eyes wide open.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The narration is done by Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber in alternating chapters based on POV by either Sage or Fisher. They both have distinct voices for Sage and Fisher and the performances are delightful and occasionally steamy. I love dual narration. It absolutely helps with alternating POV but more, it adds to the romance and knowing how each of the main characters feel. Yes, the ebook has chapter titles so you know whose POV it is, but since both are in first person, it can be easy to forget until content places you back in the right person’s head. Plus, these two do such a great job on the opposite sex that it almost feels like both of them in many of the conversations.

Fake relationships that turn to mutual attraction that can’t be ignored is such a fun troupe. Surprise passion is hot! Their missteps aren’t surprising, but we get a bit of humor from the small town inhabitants and Sage’s menagerie of animals. And of course, an hea that will make you sigh in contentment.
Endearing and charming.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher.

rating: 5⭐️
spice: 2🌶️

tropes:
- small town romance
- next door neighbors
- single guardian
- grumpy/sunshine
- chef/teacher
- slower burn
- too many cute animals

thoughts:
**please check trigger warnings, there are heavy themes such as loss of loved ones discussed throughout the story

gosh i really do enjoy anything that tarah writes!! she makes us laugh and swoon, get angry, and then BAM, unexpectedly sob your eyes out (especially when indy thinks about gary🪿) ALL IN ONE STORY! but thats what i truly love about a story, it makes it feel authentic and relatable… and thats what this story provided with Fisher and Sage and a small town called spunes 🖤

its so hard to put in words what i loved most about this book because honestly, it was everything!! but i think you’ll do better by just reading it yourself 🤭 especially if you love stories about small towns, burnt out chefs looking to reignite their passion, a compassionate teacher/gardener/farmer who loves taking in stray animals 🥹💕 moody teenagers who secretly are awesome and caring, fun small town competitions… the list goes on! but if any of those sound good, READ THIS

side note: i aspire to have sage’s wardrobe… punny graphics tees, ridiculous but meaningful kimonos and of course, a new nail polish color every day!? sign me up 🤣

side side note: please please please turn this into a series!! i need more of these spunes characters 💕

thank you NetGalley, St Martins Press and Tarah DeWitt for providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I had a lot of fun with this book. Sage and Fisher’s relationship was cute; and I liked all of the characters, animals, and settings. There were many side characters I would love to see again! It was fun watching Sage and Fisher grow to like each other, but it all felt very surface level. I could imagine their attraction to each other, and I understood that they got along, but I wanted some deeper introspection into why they loved each other. I appreciated their open communication with each other, and they handled topics of grief well.

This book could have been longer. The pacing was good at the beginning, but then suddenly when the plot needed to be moved forward, we lost a lot of details that would have strengthened Sage and Fisher’s relationship. Especially since this is a slow burn, speeding up the events the further we got into the book really did a disservice to their relationship (i.e. telling instead of showing).

Overall, many readers will enjoy this book, but it’s not for everybody.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Tarah DeWitt for the ARC.

Happy release day to this wonderful book!! I honestly cannot believe I haven't read a book by Tarah up until this point, but I LOVE her writing and the way she writes such complex relatable characters, so I will certainly be coming back to read her other books. Savor It is a beautiful romance between Sage and Fisher (also the NAMES). Fisher is dealing with burnout and failure in his career as a famous chef, forced to come to Sage's small town to try and win back his job. Sage is someone who lights up every room, wants to help every person (and every animal), and suddenly is forced to deal with her 5-year relationship ending. The two become next door neighbors and very slowly form a friendship.

This book literally had EVERYTHING I love in a romance. The characters at the point in their lives, both dealing with the uncertainties of relationships and jobs that face people in their 30s and trying to figure out who they are in the world. I loved that Sage and Fisher both helped each other grow and work through their different challenges and come into themselves.

Most of us, I LOVED Sage's character. She was such a badass, yet tender and soft female main character. Sage was truly so unique and she had so many personality traits and hobbies that I myself hope to emulate as I get old and grow more confident with myself. I loved her tendency to protect and nurture everything she touches, her insistence on taking the time to do things she loved, even if they felt silly, and how deeply she loved her people and animals. This book felt often more like a character study then just a romance and is most likely why I loved it as much as I did.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tarah Dewitt for providing me with this free copy in exchange for my honest review!!

Overall this was a really touching love story, even though it took a really long time to get to the chemistry. I wanted to love it from the beginning but I just couldn’t get into it but then the ending just really sealed the deal for me and that’s why I bumped it to four stars!

This was my first book by Tarah DeWitt but definitely won't be the last.

I loved the rapport between Sage and Fisher. The goofy banter, the pining, and the PUNS! I was absolutely tickled with all the punning.

Fisher is also quite possibly the most perfect book boyfriend to ever exist. Too perfect?... in reality, perhaps. But if we can't have a perfect man in life, may he reign in fiction. Forever and ever amen.

There were several side plots that I wish were more fleshed out or consolidated, there was just a lot going on that pulled focus. Otherwise, loved it. I'll be diving into her backlist immediately.

Check it out if you like:
Puns
Sage advice
Chef MMC
Small town charm (Not Forks WA, but Spunes OR)
Girl next door
Friends with benefits
Dwarf goats
🌶 Open door spice

4.5⭐️

Cute!! This one took me a little longer to get into, but once I was, I loved it. Super cute small town, friends with benefits turned lovers romance. Also, kind of a single dad trope.

Fisher and Sage were goofy and cute and just worked so good together. I loved Indy’s character as well.. and all the animals! A different and fun book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tarah DeWitt, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC & ALC.

“I think finding the right people—finding your people—can be the thing that makes anywhere feel like home,”

Buckle up, we’re taking a trip to Spunes, Oregon and you don’t want to miss it. We have a small town girl, big city guy. A lot of people try to escape the small town life. Sage relishes in it; can’t imagine a life other than the one she’s creating. Fisher, new to Spunes, is a highly decorated chef looking for a fresh start and ends up in the house next door. Between navigating the rough waters of caring for his teenage niece and making a career comeback, he’s just trying to hang on.

I think one of the things I love most about Sage is she lets the small stuff feel big, because you don’t know whats coming. Fisher has some experience with this. Sudden disruption.
Loss. Grief changes you and there is no time limit. So seeing Fisher open up to Sage is everything. She’s learning it’s ok to want more for herself. He’s learning grace and forgiveness. That mistakes happen and we need to move forward. Their connection is simple, honest, and fresh. I really enjoyed the banter and that slow build genuine deep soul altering love. And I can’t forget the small town comradery. The people of Spunes rock!

Tarah’s writing is so descriptive and visually pleasing. Savor It is a sunny delight. Happy, fun, heartwarming and sweet. Exceptionally beautiful. Swoony. Light yet heavy and grounding. I’m not sure what I expected going into this book but I am so smitten. I have moments where I can’t stop crying. Some sad but mostly happy tears. This one definitely left its mark. I read it first and went back for another round with the audio. Karissa Vacker and Zackary Webber brought Sage and Fisher to life!! I can’t get over their chemistry. Their performances elevated the magic Tarah created. Savor It is a world I just don’t want to leave and a top 2024 read for me.

“I want to be worth considering.”

“Something tells me I couldn’t have you pegged in a decade, let alone a few days, Sage. But even I can tell that you’re vast.”

“Don’t worry so much about the clouds that you miss the flowers at your feet.”

“I’ve spent so much of my life observing others, trying to learn the things I was missing, trying to make myself significant to them, but this man who has known me a month has made himself feel crucial to me.”

“I’m drowning in you, Sage.”

“I promise I’ll make it quick,”
“What if I don’t like it quick, Sage?”
“What if I prefer to savor things. Want it good and slow and drawn out?”

“It’s been a privilege to fall in love with you, Sage,”

A Delightful Blend of Flavor and Love

Narrated by Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber, Tara DeWitt's "Savor It" is a beautiful, hilarious, and quirky small-town romance that balances spicy moments with deeply moving ones. This story of love and loss, burnouts, and the journey to self-discovery and recovery is a true treat for the senses. It’s a feast for the eyes and food for the soul, and I will be savoring this book for a long time to come.

The narration was perfection. Zachary Webber can deliver a joke like no other romance narrator. Karissa Vacker had a strength to her voice that matched Sage's character to a T. I was so enthralled with this narration I could not put it down!

If you appreciate puns, both silly and witty, you'll love this book as much as I did because it is full of them! "Savor It" is my first book by Tara DeWitt, and it has quickly become the best contemporary romance I've read in a while. DeWitt’s charming writing, much like her description of hugs—"It's agony. It's bliss"—radiates warmth and enfolds you in its delightful and heartfelt moments. The story kept me thoroughly engaged, and by the end, I fell in love with the town of Spunes!

The story's structure and pacing are well-crafted. The humor in the book had me grinning from ear to ear, especially the circumstances in which Sage and Fisher meet. The endless jokes and puns—whether it’s the town name Spunes, not to be mistaken for Forks, Washington, or the “sage advice” from Sage Byrd—added to the book's charm. I also appreciated the film and TV show references, from Gossip Girl and Bridgerton to Twilight and Lord of the Rings. Naming a three-legged cat Legoless and describing Sage crawling around like Gollum? Genius!

"Savor It" is a delightful read that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied, much like a perfect meal. Tara DeWitt has created a captivating story that blends humor, heart, and hope in a way that is sure to resonate with readers. If you're looking for a contemporary romance that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love, this book is a must-read.

4.5/5 ☆

Savor It is an ode to the positive vibes only girlies that go on doesthedogdie.com and uses self deprecating jokes as a coping mechanism!!! Sage Byrd is us.

This book takes the city boy & small town girl trope to the next level. Fisher is basically a grumpy captain Hook and single guardian to his niece with one less Michelin star on an eat pray love sabbatical in Spunes, Oregon. There he meets Sage, a bubbly teacher who can’t stop adopting animals and tired of being pitied by her town.

I loved MANY things about this book. the goose. the town antics. the fake dating. Fisher losing a year on his life anytime Indy did anything. but my absolute fav part of this book is the open communication Fisher and Sage have.

They just GET it ya know? Fisher taking care all of Sage’s responsibilities when she gets sick. “I’ve been paying attention.” Literally four words but I had to put the kindle down bc my heart. Sage being open about what she wants and setting him STRAIGHT from day one that her choices don’t make her weak. Their relationship is just so refreshing and I love them.

I did NOT savor this book bc I devoured it.

Savor It is out now! ✨ Thank you to @netgalley and @authortarahdewitt for this arc in exchange for an honest review. 4.5/5 ☆

Savor It is an ode to the positive vibes only girlies that go on doesthedogdie.com and uses self deprecating jokes as a coping mechanism!!! Sage Byrd is us.

This book takes the city boy & small town girl trope to the next level. Fisher is basically a grumpy captain Hook and single guardian to his niece with one less Michelin star on an eat pray love sabbatical in Spunes, Oregon. There he meets Sage, a bubbly teacher who can’t stop adopting animals and tired of being pitied by her town.

I loved MANY things about this book. the goose. the town antics. the fake dating. Fisher losing a year on his life anytime Indy did anything. but my absolute fav part of this book is the open communication Fisher and Sage have.

They just GET it ya know? Fisher taking care all of Sage’s responsibilities when she gets sick. “I’ve been paying attention.” Literally four words but I had to put the kindle down bc my heart. Sage being open about what she wants and setting him STRAIGHT from day one that her choices don’t make her weak. Their relationship is just so refreshing and I love them.

I did NOT savor this book bc I devoured it.

Savor It is out now! ✨ Thank you to @netgalley and @authortarahdewitt for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Happy Release Day to this hug of a book @authortarahdewitt ! I loved this storyline and tore through the audiobook in less than a day! Karissa and Zachary were the perfect narrators! Sage & Fisher (& Indy) were just the best characters and each of their stories had me so invested! Sage has the purest heart of gold, and Fisher was so adorable in how he wanted to protect Indy and Sage. The small town vibes were perfect, and I rest hope this might become a character series because I want more of Sage’s brothers!

“It’s been a privilege to fall in love with you, Sage.”

🩷Single Male Guardian (Uncle)
❤️ Opposites Attract
💜Fake Dating
❤️Small Town Romance
🩷Forced Proximity (Neighbors)

Final Rating: 5⭐️, 2.25🌶️

Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unpaid review!

Tarah Dewitt, emphasis on the wit! The author writes with such charisma and hilarity, akin to Emily Henry banter. I had presumed that the last Dewitt book I had read was simply funny because it was about a comedian (Funny Feelings), but alas she can make even a farm setting funny and punny.

Books like this are such a comfort to me, but I find that there is a thin line between cheesy predictability and original love stories. This one had enough going on that it rang true as original. I also appreciate when books break the fourth wall a bit, and call out the cliches. For instance when Fisher was irritated by how “perfectly cliche” Sage was for being the “ball of sunshine, wholesome girl next door”.

Now, I did feel a little robbed that they didn’t get to fully compete in the competition. I felt like this was going to be a big redemption/revenge for Sage and was sad when the competition itself didn’t pan out to be a big part of the story. After all of their training it seems a little glossed over to me in the end. Plus how great would it be to ruin her not-so-admirable exes long running streak??

I’m ready for Wren and Ellis’ second chance as a second installation to the series!

I received this book as an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you Tarah Dewitt and St. Martin’s Press!

DNF

The writing did NOT work for me AT ALL. I'm still interested in trying this author's other books though.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for providing me with an E-Arc of this book. The following is my honest opinion *

i enjoyed reading this book. It is a nice small town, fake dating romance. The main characters, Sage and FIsher, have a good chemistry and I love the growth that happens to them individually and together.

This is my first book by this author. I really liked her writing style and how it felt like talking to an old friend.

Would recommend to friends,

This was my first book by Tarah DeWitt, but it definitely won't be my last! I liked the dual POV. The story took me a little bit to get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it! I am interested in listening to it since I heard Zachary Webber is one of the narrators and he's my favorite!