Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing this ARC!

Savor It is a small town, forced proximity rom-com that is heavy on fluff but light on substance. I have not read any of Tarah DeWitt's books prior to this, so I can't confirm if this is typical or if that is limited to this book. The setting is quaint and the characters have a ton of chemistry, but those two things alone don't make for a captivating story.

Fisher heads to Spunes (not to be confused with Forks - cue a good chuckle or five) with the hopes of getting back in the driver’s seat of his life. As a highly trained chef, he needs to find his inspiration again and figure out how to take care of his grieving niece. With the help of his neighbor, Sage, Fisher needs to get the town on board with a new and improved restaurant.
There’s so much to love about this book between the idyllic town setting, layers of busy bodies, and historically wacky traditions to entice attention and income from beyond. Individually both Sage and Fisher are easy to love but together they’re fantastic. Fisher’s relationship with his niece plays out so well. It comes across incredibly raw and real.
I read and tandem listened to this one. Highly recommend the audio with performances from Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber, two of my favorites for the genre.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, SMP and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

I loved this so much!! Small town and fake dating are a winning combination in my book. I did need to take a short break from reading "Savor It", as I was reading "Funny Story" by Emily Henry at the same time and there were too many overlaps for my brain to keep the plotlines separated. But on that note, if you liked "Funny Story" then I think you'll like this one as well! I will definitely be picking up more Tarah Dewitt novels in the future.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really loved this!! Their banter and their tension/chemistry were so tangible and I loved seeing their relationship develop. I loved Sage & her beautiful garden & all her animals<3 Fisher’s relationship to his career hit a littttttlllleee too close to home and I did not need to be called out like that. 🫣 These two had me crying on the airplane with everything they’ve been through 😭😭

“That is exactly why I have no reason to be this goddamn miserable. I got what I wanted. I accomplished a dream, and it felt completely fucking empty. And then I went and fucked it up, anyway."

"Time's the only thing that increases your pain tolerance. Eventually, you see the good that came from it more than the pain.”

Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers & the author who sent me this ARC to read & review! <3

Really enjoyed this!

A sweet yet slightly angsty summer romance. It had just enough pain to make my heart ache but a lot of sweetness and love to make the taste less bitter. I loved our quirky, yet not too quirky, heroine. Our broody yet kind hero who is trying to do his best by his niece.

Fisher and his niece, Indy, end up in Spunes, Oregon to get his head on straight and set up a restaurant for his boss. They both has a lot pain and confusion to work through. Neither of them really wants to be there but this is a chance to shake it off and have a summer away from the stress of the big city.

Fisher doesn't want to get close to anyone here so he is quite wary of his sweet neighbor, Sage. Her and her small menagerie of animals are poised to steal his and Indy's hearts. That dang goose, I swear! He tries to keep her at arms length but she just might be his chance at redemption.

Sage knows how to navigate small town politics and personalities and in exchange for his help during the Festival of Spunes, she'll help Fisher win over the town. Of course, as they do this, falling is inevitable. But Summer won't last forever.

Have your tissues ready and keep your heart open. Because this book is gonna get ya. It felt a bit slow in some aspects around the middle but I enjoyed all the characters and the story. I REALLY hope Tarah isn't done with Spunes... there are many stories left to tell here.

Also, I listened to the audio, which was wonderfully performed by Zachary Webber & Karissa Vacker. Very enjoyable.

Savor It: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tarah DeWitt

“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.”

New to town, Fisher's just trying to boost his reputation and regain his inspiration. His next door neighbor Sage needs the town of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington) to get off her back about her ex-boyfriend. And so, an agreement is made for the length of the summer but summer won't last forever...

Tropes:
– Small town romance
– Fake dating with benefits
– Forced proximity (neighbors)
– Single guardian

Here's the thing. I almost want to hate this book. I want to hate it because Savor It has essentially spelled out to me–with albeit witty words with a deceptively humorous lilt–that I will never find the pure, wholesome, untainted, head-in-the-clouds, worth-savoring love that Fisher and Sage have. But I can't hate it. So instead, I love it with every part of me.

There's something about this book that made me feel like I was being stabbed repeatedly because I related to Sage way too much for comfort sometimes and the story made me feel like hey, maybe there is a Fisher out there who could love a silly, too-sweet girl like me too. Maybe I'll have to move to Spunes to find it. Don't threaten me with a good time. Mixed in with the impeccable wit and humor and the love and feelings, there are so many quotes in this that really speak to the soul:

"I would love to find a person of my own, but I refuse to let not having a partner preclude me from enjoying my life. It’d just be nice to share it with someone who appreciates and loves me as is." I mean are you kidding me? This is my whole entire life right now, where everyone seems to be moving on with their life and their relationships and finding their forever happy and I'm just here. I don't want to talk about how much this quote impacted me.

“So don’t think I choose those things just because I’m too nice. I’m not. I’m fully capable of deciding I want to do something because of how it makes me feel.” As someone who is constantly told she is too nice, this is refreshing. I can and will do things that I other people may want me to because it makes me feel good. And that's fine. Sure, I'm still working on the other side of this coin, which is doing things just to make other people happy, but that's a battle for another day.

"Because who am I to want something bigger for myself when so often I’ve been made to feel like the things I love are frivolous, anyway?"
Oh my God, please leave me alone I literally want to cry.

I loved every moment of this book. The audio is an absolute delight as well. Zachary Webber can do no wrong and while Karissa Vacker is new to me, I thought she did a phenomenal job of being Sage. The sweetest book that feels like a warm hug yet will simultaneously gut you from the inside out.

With tons of swoon-worthy moments mixed with impeccable wit, Tarah DeWitt mastered this small-town romance that will make you feel things you never knew you could before.

This was just a delightful book. I’m a sucker for a small town romance and this one absolutely delivered. Safe and Fisher were amazing together, but also were very well developed characters on their own who had some great character growth. I really related to Sage feeling like her interests and honestly, herself were frivolous and silly and I loved that Fisher made her feel like they were important. I also loved how Sage made Fisher take stock of his life and feelings and slow down to savor (get it?) each moment. I LOVED Sage’s menagerie of animals, especially Legoless and Gary. I did think the fake dating plot felt a little unnecessary since it was barely used and the big town event felt anticlimactic, but other than that, I really enjoyed these characters and the town of Spunes. I would love another book here, maybe about Wren!
Mini spoiler: nothing bad happens to any of the animals!

CW: mentions of parental death, grief, fire/fire injury

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher for this eArc.

I enjoyed funny feelings when I read it last year, so I was really excited for a new release from this author. Unfortunately this one didn’t work as well for me, and it’s hard to tell if it’s the book or just a reading slump, so I will definitely still be recommending it.

The beginning really hooked me but as it went on I found myself almost getting bored. It didn’t really feel like much was happening and the chemistry between the two leads felt a little stiff to me.

Overall, I would still recommend if you want a cute small town romance, but I was slightly disappointed.

This small town romance would make a great beach read! The characters are great. The community is its own character. The romance is swoon worthy and complicated. There are a lot of emotions in this one. I will definitely read this author again.

I loved Funny Feelings, so I was excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. Because it's an ARC, I read far long than I normally would. The characters and the story just didn't grip me, so by the 30% mark, I was losing focus. I skipped ahead trying to see if I could be pulled into the story but it didn't happen. I wish for books we DNF that we didn't have to leave a rating because this book wasn't for me but others will definitely love this. I'm providing 3 stars because of that.

Ooh boy, I am sobbing over here. I just wanted to wrap both Sage and Fisher in the biggest hug because man, they put themselves through it.
This also had some fun and quirky side characters, both human (some of whom I’d like their stories) and animals alike.
This was my first time reading Tarah Dewitt, but it certainly won’t be my last.

*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me an advanced digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for review.

This was my first book by Tarah DeWitt, and it will definitely not be my last.

Small town romance, with the depth of emotion of characters that will stay with you. Not only will this book have you laughing out loud, but moments where you are tearing up as well.

Sage and Fisher have great chemistry, and I love their banter. Fisher’s niece, Indy also plays a pivotal role in this book, and the relationship between her and her uncle is essential in this book.

“Love is this. Love is breathing. A sweet, deep, aching relief. And it’s somehow even more disorienting.”

This book was so cute! A small town swoon-worthy romance.
The small town gave such cozy vibes. I loved the opposite attract vibes with Fisher who is a struggling Chef and Sage who is a sweet small town girl. Their journey feels like it’s running on the clock with not much time left. What will happen when it’s time for Fisher to go back to New York?
Definitely one to recommend for my romance friends!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for review copies (ebook & audio). All opinions are slightly unhinged but they are my own.

I was blown away by this book. Tarah really went all out when it comes to character development, angst, grief, jokes, swoon, spice, and just all the emotions. Fisher’s grumpiness (mostly a product of his career imploding and questioning so many life decisions) juxtaposed with Sage’s sunshine (which was way more complicated than her cheerful demeanor let on) was a perfect balance. I’m always a sucker for guardianship romances and this was one of the best ones I’ve read, accurately capturing the feelings of uncertainty and guilt when it comes to parenting a teen unexpectedly following a traumatic loss. I cannot recommend this book enough, and do yourself a favor and treat-yo-ears to the audiobook: Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber are phenomenal in their ~9 hour performance.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.


When I saw all the tropes that "Savor It" had (opposites attract, small-town romance, friends with benefits, etc.), I knew I wanted to read it ASAP.

This book was one of the first I've read in a while where career burnout is explored in a romance setting. I also loved the core message of this novel: savor it, savor everything. It was a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things. I also resonated so personally with the message of letting go of control and savoring spontaneity and freedom. It's something I personally struggle with so to see this reflected in a character was satisfying and realistic for me.

In regards to the romance, I loved the juxtaposition between Sage and Fisher, the MCs. We had the sunshine, flowery girl who just goes with the flow, and the driven chef balancing raising his niece with processing grief.

Also, the communication in this book was incredible. I finally found a book couple who communicates all their feelings, emotions, and thoughts to avoid misunderstandings! 🤩🤩

"Savor It" is the definition of cozy small-town charm, and I absolutely loved it. I honestly hope Tarah Dewitt turns this into a series because I need to know more about the relationship between Sage's brother and best friend 😉

Savor it, 3 stars

This was one of my most anticipated titles of the year and I have to say I was mildly upset about how high my hopes were. I was looking forward to DeWitt's new relese but as soon as I finished page 1, I felt so thrown off in the story. I was so confused about the story line and the characters even though I love going in to books blind.

The names of the characters just did not stick with me, I felt lost the whole way and as much as I wanted to like the main character I just could not connect with her. Her thoughts were all over the place hwich made just so confused about what she was talking about and at what point she was at in the story. It just felt like she was trying to be relatable the whole time, but I could get her point, I just did not see how it was connected to what was going on in the present.

I also felt like the mmc was the biggest grump and not really in the best way, he just felt like he was down all the time and that he could not live up to what he needed to do, and his main importance was getting to connect with Sage rather than take what he had to do seriously.

At some point I got disconnected and it mainly had to do with Sage and how she would always go on her own thoughts, and maybe that was just how she expressed herself and she got lost in her own thoughts as well, but really, I do not mean any bad towards the character, I just felt confused around the 30% mark, and I really tried, but this book just felt really bland and brought nothing new.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review,

This was my very first descent into Tarah’s works and I am so glad to have found yet another must-read author to help me keep my TBR stacked with romance reads! This was such a fun yet mature and relatable read - not that I have summers “off” or have handsome chefs living next door or have a petting farm of animals in my backyard. But I am a woman who gives a lot of thought to love and relationships and the various forms they take and how they present themselves in our lives and take root, grow and flourish. And I like food. And beaches. And canoeing. So if any of this resonates with you add this book to your holds list or grab a copy at your local favourite indie! A beautiful love story that’s all about family, food and a frank foray into love and feeding our souls.

I will not be posting my review on socials until SMP addresses the boycott, which is unfortunate because I loved this book. I’ve recently been into small town romances tat feel modern and this definitely fits the bill. When NYC Michelin star chef, Fisher Lange, moves to a small town on the Oregon coast in an attempt to revive his career, he didn’t expect himself to be captivated by his new neighbor. Sage Byrd loves her life in Spunes as a teacher and mother to a variety of animals she has rescued. The only problem is she can’t seem to escape her ex and his fiance. As two people who are totally not head over heels for each other do, they decide to fake-date in order to help each other out. This book balanced its deep and complex family dynamics with humor and wholesomeness. It will make you think twice about the negative small town archetypes we often see in media. This book reaffirmed my dream life of living on a farm with a bunch of rescues. I look forward to reading more of Tarah DeWitt's work.

This was my first book from this a6uthor and it was just kinda eh for me.
I found myself bored and not caring about where things were going.
I didn't feel any chemistry between our MCs so everything felt forced.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Savor It is full of small-town charm and a swoon-worthy romance!

Fisher finds himself in Spunes, Oregon after a career shattering move in NYC. He’s given a second chance to prove himself as a chef but needs to create a menu for a new restaurant to do so. He is back in a small-town after hating the one he grew up in – but this one comes with some surprises.

I loved Fisher and Sage. Sage is such a wonderful woman and I loved her relationship with the townspeople and her absolute resourcefulness. She’s smart and savvy and I loved that she didn’t try to hide her emotions. There were so many layers to these characters that their lives and relationships felt real. The relationship Fisher has with his niece was also so sweet to see develop.

This is a classic romance, with a little romcom but added spice. It’s got something for everyone to be honest!