This was my first book from Tarah Dewitt and it won't be my last! I really loved how this romance played out. Both Sage and Fisher were great leads. I also really loved the small town vibes - I thought Dewitt did a great job making Spunes feel like a real place. My only problem was the pacing felt a bit off for me. But other than that, I would totally recommend this book!


** I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up!

My first book by this author and I was a little unsure how I was going to like it starting out because I felt like I had entered about 30 minutes into a movie that'd already started and I didn't know the backstory. After about 20% I settled in, the story found it's groove and I was hooked.

Set in a small town in Oregon, Spurnes isn't much to holler about to outsiders 11 months out of the year. When Fisher is sent here for the summer to basically reset his life (and career) he's not too optimistic, having grown up in a small town and fled as soon as he was able.

Spurnes is home to Sage, orphaned by age 12, she and her brothers have forged a life here. Living in her parents home, she has her animals, her garden, and she feels content/happy, at least she thinks she does until she starts spending time with Fisher.

Similar to many small town romances, the author has crafted this world which takes on a life of it's own. The characters, the town history, the charm of small town life, all speaks to the reader to get comfy and familiar with this life. There is a "found family" storyline that runs under the romance that I really enjoyed because community and belonging is a theme that comes up repeatedly and I like how the author wove it all together. Sage and Fisher are fire and I enjoyed what they brought out in each other as they make each other better. No one is perfect and each acknowledges their imperfections in a refreshing and mature manner. The animals were just the icing on the cake for me to tip me head over heels in love with this book.

Really enjoyed and will certainly reach for more books by this author. I recommend!

3.75/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Sage is a high school teacher and orphan living in a small town and her new neighbors are Fisher and his niece. I liked how their Fisher and Sage's relationship started and really enjoyed the small town vibes in this book. Both characters are fully fleshed out and mature.

I also really enjoyed the fact that although Sage was recently broken up with by her fiance this book didn't have the typically plot for that trope.

I wasn't a big fan of the pacing near the end of the book but otherwise, very much enjoyed this!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC and to SMP Romance for the ARC of Savor It by Tarah DeWitt. All opinions are my own.

I previously read The Co-Op by Tarah DeWitt and enjoyed it so much! When I saw that she was coming out with this book and I saw the cover, I knew that I wanted to read it.

Savor It is a heartfelt, spicy, and uplifting romance that was full of love, growth, and tenderness.

In this small-town romance, there was a fun community, a menagerie of lovable animals, and an ex-boyfriend who’s moved on. I thought the setting was perfect, and I loved seeing Fisher (the main male character) and his niece become a part of this close-knit community.

Sage was a darling protagonist. She was so sweet and welcoming. I loved how she wore her heart on her sleeve and how well she took care of the people she loved.

Fisher was charming and a complete goner for Sage. I loved how he called her by her last name, and I appreciated that he didn’t hold back his emotions from her.

While I am not a fan of spice in romances, those scenes were easy enough to skim over that I think closed door readers could enjoy this story as well.

I listened to this book on audio, and the narrators were perfect for these characters! This story is told using dual points of view, and I loved that there were two narrators for these characters. Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber are some of my favorite narrators, and they did not disappoint.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romances. It will make you smile and possibly even tear up.

a very sincere and heartfelt romance set in a cozy small town with very down to earth characters who just steal your heart! the characters just had very natural chemistry and you definitely feel that through the pages. i’d also love a book for ellis and wren, they’re definitely (still) in love with each other!

thank you to netgalley and tarah dewitt for the arc! ✨

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: May 21, 2024

A charming and sweet small town slow burn romance! It took me a few chapters to get into this one but I’m glad I did—our MCs are fully realized characters with fully realized lives. A miracle one in a million for a romance book—miscommunication isn’t the root of conflict!

4 🌟 3 🌶️ Savor It" by Tarah DeWitt is a delightful rom-com that captures the essence of summer and the spice of new beginnings. In the charming coastal town of Spunes, Oregon, we meet Sage Byrd, who's picking up the pieces after a tough breakup. Enter Fisher Lange, a chef who’s lost his zest for cooking but finds a new recipe for life in Spunes alongside Sage.

Their partnership, formed to help each other overcome local hurdles and personal heartbreaks, blossoms beautifully into something more. DeWitt skillfully unfolds their relationship with a genuine portrayal of the trials and triumphs that real couples face, making each development feel earned and sweet.

With its mix of humor, heart, and a dash ofs steam, "Savor It" is like a perfect sunny day at the beach—warm, comforting, and just what you need to lift your spirits. A truly enjoyable read that’s hard to put down!
*I received an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review*

Savor It by Tarah Dewitt is more than just a love story; it's a deep dive into the complexities of human connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unpredictable twists of fate that make life truly interesting. From the very first page, Dewitt skillfully weaves a tale that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reaching for the nearest box of tissues.

At its core, Savor It explores themes of love, loss, career struggles, and the beautiful messiness of life. Through her richly developed characters and poignant storytelling, Dewitt invites readers to reflect on the fragility of our plans and the importance of cherishing moments of joy amidst life's challenges. With precision and compassion, she navigates the emotional landscapes of her characters, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and profoundly moving. Dewitt's writing is as witty as it is heartfelt. The banter between her characters crackles with energy, and the chemistry between Sage and Fisher leaps off the page. Speaking of Fisher, could there be a more swoon-worthy leading man? As a chef with a troubled past and a heart of gold, he's the perfect complement to Sage's small-town charm and resilience.

The plot unfolds with all the delicious tension of a perfectly cooked meal as Sage and Fisher navigate their fake relationship while wrestling with their growing attraction to each other. From canoe competitions to sunlit romps in the sunroom, every moment between them crackles with electricity, making me look like a hungry madman eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.

And let's not forget about the supporting cast—Wren, Ellis, and the firemen brothers add depth and humor to the story, leaving me eager for more and very much hoping for a series! With its charming small-town setting and irresistible romance, this story will linger in your heart long after you've turned the final page. I freaking loved this story and highly suggest it to my contemporary romance fans. You won't want to put this one down!

Thanks to NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! This is my favorite Tarah DeWitt book so far. It’s a small town romance full of quirky townspeople, life lessons, and animals galore! A big-time chef from New York moves to the small town of Spunes, Oregon with his niece for the summer. It doesn’t take long for him to fall in love with his next door neighbor who lives life to the fullest. This was packed full with puns, which I am all here for. I loved that we got to really see Sage and Fisher’s relationship develop and grow. I also like that we are able to see Fisher and his niece Indy grow closer and learn life lessons together.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

Sage needs a partner to be able to compete in her town’s summer festival. Fisher needs to ingratiate himself to the people of the small town he’s trying to build a restaurant in. The pair decide that a fake summer romance may be beneficial to both of them. The only thing standing in the way of their faux relationship is real feelings.

Savor It is a stand-alone, contemporary romance. There are quite a few open-door scenes along with plenty of sweet and swoony moments. The banter that Tarah Dewitt crafts is always good and what’s found throughout Savor It is no exception.

As much as I loved watching the progression of the MCs opposites attract romance, the growth and trust that develops between Fisher and his niece is just as crucial. Their history gives them an interesting dynamic that is just as necessary to the storyline as any romance plot.

Both Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber did an excellent job bringing all the characters to life. Zachary always plays the broody, grump well but his expressions as a teenage girl were perfect.

I have read all of Tarah Dewitt’s books to this point. While Rootbound is still my favorite, I highly recommend any of her work. I look forward to whatever she has next for her readers.

I voluntarily read, listened to, and reviewed advanced copies of this book and audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you SMP Romance for my #gifted copy of Savor It!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐭
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

★★★★★

Oh. My. Heart. I LOVED this book! I LOVED the characters. I LOVED everything! No pun intended, but I savored this book for as long as I could. I did not want it to end. I don’t know that I will ever find two characters that I love as much as I love Sage and Fisher. Sage was so fun, strong, quirky, and upbeat. I loved her personality and she’s the type of person you want to be friends with. Fisher is the hot neighbor who has some baggage but is such a good guy and you can’t help but love him. What makes this book even better are the side characters and the amazing setting of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington).

There is so much to love about this book. Dewitt is such a brilliant writer and not only created amazing characters, but the plot and setting were perfect. I felt transported to Spunes from the very first page and I always love when an author can make me feel like I am inside a book along with the characters. The banter in this one is amazing and just overall such a charming read. I really could go on and on, but my best advice is to add this one to your TBR or pick up a copy. You are going to love it!

🩷Small Town Romance
🩷Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷Summer Love
🩷Dual POV
🩷Single Guardian
🩷Farm Animals
🩷Amazing Banter

Posted on Goodreads on May 8, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around May 9, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on May 21, 2024
**-will post on designated date

🌸 Savor It by Tarah Dewitt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 stars

General Thoughts:
I love Tarah Dewitt. Literally, her writing, the characters, everything about her books are absolutely amazing. I didn't think I could love another Tarah Dewiit book as much as Funny Feelings, but this one came very close!! Please read it, the title is exactly what I felt like I needed to do while reading.

Tropes:
☁️ Grumpy x sunshine
☁️ Fake dating
☁️ Small town
☁️ Friends to lovers
☁️ Slow burn

What I loved:
✨ the animals and small town vibes!! it was perfect.
✨ the characters' flaws! it was very refreshing to see imperfect characters and their obstacles throughout the story
✨ "It's been a privilege to fall in love with you, Sage." this quote. no words.

Spice: 🌶🌶 2

Thank you so much to Tarah Dewitt and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review <3

This had very cute small-town, farm, and summer vibes, unfortunately not the vibes for me... After reading Funny Feelings by Tara Dewitt, I was excited for this book. The cover is stunning and it involves a summer competition where the love interests need to become partner up for? Sign me up. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations.

It took me a long time to get into the story. I felt like the beginning of the book dragged the pacing down. I lost interest in the book and had to put it down for a few months. after I picked it back up, I found that half way through was when this book had finally caught my attention. And when things were finally looking up, the third-act problem and ending came and when in an unsatisfactory way.

Some saving graces for this story were the characters. Fisher and Sage's relationship was so cute and romantic. Both of the way Sage and Fisher would interact with Indy was interesting to see. There were also deeper topics discussed in this book. The topic of loss surrounding family members and the pressure to be great in your line of work even when you're not sure that's still what you want.

This was definitely not my cup of tea, but I encourage other readers to give this a try.

I normally don’t like “big-city character lands in small town temporarily” stories because it feels like every single one just spins its wheels in the same place, harping over and over again about how the romance is pointless/doomed because there’s an end date and how can big-city character ever survive in a small town?

But Tarah DeWitt manages to breathe so much new life into the trope in the subtlest of ways. She stays true to her title in the way Sage and Fisher savor their romance. It’s lovely and beautiful and quiet. The reasons keeping them apart feel authentic even if you know how it should and will end. The addition of Fisher’s orphaned niece and his work struggles add layers of importance to the conflict. This was a fantastic romance that I will definitely be revisiting again.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

You will love this book if you love small town romances and the single parent trope. I struggled with this book as I didn’t feel connected to the characters and the dual POVs seemed too disjointed for my taste.

This was a very sweet small town romance book. Sage is the pitied home town girl, who everyone feels sorry for because her boyfriend, town golden boy left her for a friend. Fischer is a fancy restaurant chef from NYC, brought to Sage’s small town to recover and get his head straight after gaining custody of his niece, and running into trouble at his job. There is so much about the two of them that is so different that it shouldn’t work between them, but they both have suffered so much loss in their lives that they truly can connect and understand each other. I loved the small town, with its quirky characters and beautiful scenery. I loved the character development and story arc. And I loved how open and honest Sage and Fischer were, and how much they were willing to put on the line. This was a beautiful book, my first by this author, but definitely not my last. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

Savor It was a delightfully romantic story, with plenty of laugh out loud scenes paired with tender and deeply emotional moments.

Sage is coming to terms with the fact that her ex-boyfriend has moved on, and quickly, and everyone in their small town of Spunes, Oregon knows all about it. Meanwhile, Fisher, a chef from New York who was recently fired after an outburst at a critic, is renting the home next to Sage for the summer, hoping to get a "reset" on his cooking while helping to launch a new restaurant in town. The pair cross paths several times, and eventually agree to a fake dating/mutual arrangement scheme - Sage will help Fisher smooth things over with the town and give advice on his recipes, while Fisher will help show everyone, including her ex, that she has moved on by helping her with the canoe competition in the local festival. Easy peasy right? After all, Fisher is only in town for the summer, so no one needs to get attached....but as the pair confide in each other and start to heal wounds that go deep, they find that faking this will be harder than either expected.

This was a lovely rom-com, and a perfect mid-week pick me up. I see this as a perfect summer/beach read, as it is full of summer vibes, steamy romance, and lots of really emotional and touching moments that make this story go a bit deeper. While this is a romance, a lot of this book deals with the after effects of grief and how grieving is a different process for everyone. For Sage, it forces her to live in the moment and enjoy each day to the fullest, but she still feels the pain of loss deeply. Fisher had complicated feelings after his sister died suddenly in a car accident, yet being his niece's guardian and bringing her along to Oregon makes him have to shift his focus and deal with his grief rather than avoiding it. I thought this was beautifully done, and I loved how the author wove this throughout the story and shaped the characters around it. There were lots of laugh out loud moments too, like Fisher hiding from the nosy townspeople to Sage just blurting out whatever is in her head. And of course plenty of swoony romance! As in any romance book, it's more about the journey than the destination, and this was a really lovely story and I enjoyed how this relationship developed between Sage and Fisher (and Indy!). There was also a strong found family vibe - wanting to find your people, and fit in where you’re loved and appreciated as is.

I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it as a great summer or beach read! Thank you so much to Tara DeWitt, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc.

This is a small town contemporary romance between the local school teacher and temporary resident chef who come together in the local town summer competition as a pair of competitors. They both learn from each other and grow as they navigate grief, personal discovery and love.

For the 30 + who are contemplating and comparing their lives with others, this was a perfect written example of we all grow at our own pace. Tarah has a fun way to write really thoughtful outlooks and makes you self reflect.

One of my favorite lines:
“Courage is a muscle. You strengthen it with use”

Highlights:
— Sweet slow burn, light spice
— So many puns and cute banter
— Fun farm animals
— Single guardian of a niece
— just move me to the cute town of Spunes!

I fell in love with Tarah’s Writing and can’t wait to read more from her.

“What if I don’t like it quick, Sage?” I ask, rapt in her reaction. “What if I prefer to savor things. Want it good and slow and drawn out?”

Tarah has done it again and she has absolutely knocked it out of the park. I keep reading her books and think there is no way they can get better but they do. She is absolutely poetic and just knows how to draw so much emotion out through her words.

Fisher is just something else entirely. He’s not afraid of showing emotion. He knows how to cook, I mean he’s well known for it. And he’s trying to be his best and find himself again after loss. He’s also funny.

Sage is just perfection. She loves a good pun and isn’t afraid of a goofy housecoat. Her little farm is also my favourite.

The love they have for each other is truly unmatched. I already want to reread this so I can be back in their orbit.

Side note. Thank you for the Farley Easter egg. I actually cackled and it brought me so much joy to have a snippet of her again!

I FINALLY read my first Tarah DeWitt book (I’m an idiot sandwich)

And I’m about to fall down a rabbit hole I just know it. There’s no other word besides “delightful” to describe her writing. I had such a good time reading this. Between the small town setting, fun quirks, and well written characters - i was just sold on the whole thing. Reading this coincided perfectly with my Top Chef marathon-ing as well, so Fisher was the MMC of my current dreams.

Thank you so much for this arc netgalley!