First of all, the location is Spunes (pronounced Spoons), Oregon which I LOVED!

Sage grew up in Spunes and mostly loves small town life. She takes in animals, is close with the townspeople, and is just a light of the town. The only downfall is running into her ex all over town.

Fisher is a Michelin star chef from NY. He lost his sister in an accident, has gotten custody of his teen niece, and has spiraled in his job. He comes to town to assist his boss with a new restaurant she's opening there and just get away and connect with his niece and find his path.

He moves in next door to Sage and they become somewhat reluctant friends. I loved Sage. She is quirky and sassy and just genuinely a good person. Fisher is grieving and realizes he needs help with his niece. He opens up to Sage. She talks to him. They care for each other.

Their communication was top notch which was refreshing.

The audio dual narration was so well done!

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press for an eARC and MacMillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this. Sage's life seems so fun; teacher during the school year but a caretaker of animals and people during the summer. I really liked the found family angle as well.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This was an enjoyable read. I liked the chef aspect tying into the name. Savor it, savor everything.

There is anxiety, grief, romance, teen angst, and acceptance. This is a small-town romance with a single dad(guardian), fake dating, grumpy/happy dynamics, and themes of grief and healing.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Anytime I see that Zachary Webber is narrating a romance, I will absolutely listen to it. And pairing him with Tarah DeWitt’s writing was a winning match. Her prose is funny and allowed him to be silly and get into the different small town characters voices. Listen, if you can make me laugh out loud while reading, then I will always pick up your books. Karissa Vacker is also a solid narrator and I enjoyed envisioning her as Sage. She surprised me with how well she read a masculine voice too! This was a dual narration double POV book with alternating chapters.

Savor It is a small town romance. It’s only predictable in the way all small town romances are—one MC is from out of town and the other has lived in this place all their life amongst a cast of goofy characters, if there’s a third act breakup it’s because one of the MCs will inevitably leave, at least temporarily. But Savor It never felt gimmicky or tropey (just a little puny) and knew when to make fun of itself. Sage and Fisher are introduced because Fisher is renting out a cottage for the summer in Spunes, OR that Sage takes care of for the owners—the meet cute itself is hilariously original (Webber’s “police” voices are to die for funny!). Although their start is a bit rocky, Fisher saves Sage from awkwardness with her ex in the town library. Their banter and sexual tension really begin in this moment; two things DeWitt is really good at writing. Savor It is low angst, high Stars Hollow vibes with the perfect dose of steam mixed in. It’s easily enjoyable without making you work too hard to have fun. Although the details may be somewhat forgettable, the sweet feeling will stay with you. I received this advanced e-copy and audio-copy from St. Martin’s and Macmillan. All opinions are my own.

Fisher and Sage (via the words of #tarahdewitt) bring a class Hallmark Trope ro the page. Big fish lands himself in a small pond after a touch of both personal and professional chaos. Is it predictable? Absolutely. Is that the whole point of a Hallmark trope - duh. Did you know geese mate for life? Mate yourself with this heartfilling story of love.

Thank you #netgalley and #MacMillanAudio for the #savorit #arc

Thank NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook. This book has duel narration and duel perspective; which is a bonus when it comes to romance. The connection between the two characters was okay, it took me a while to start to feel the romance. I thought the male character was more of a shadow in the story even though he’s what the book is based on. It took a long time to discover details about him and 70% in is when I felt like understood that character better. I loved the narrators they were a great combo for this book.

I absolutely loved this book and would very excitedly read another book by this author. It’s a modern romance that addresses heavy topics in a way that does them justice. Strong female lead. Chef’s kiss (pun intended)

4.5 ⭐️ I adored this small town romance! Sage and Fisher have the life I would dream of in an alternate reality. I love how the title “Savor It” came up several times throughout the story, each with a different meaning and context. The supporting characters, and animals, added depth and humor to the story. I felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie but with a few spicy scenes added in - the perfect combination! A must read summer novel. Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber did an outstanding job narrating the audiobook, I couldn’t stop listening!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of the audiobook. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Savor It might just be my new favorite Tarah Dewitt novel. It’s the perfect small town, summer romance but it’s so much more than that. It’s healing, and growing, and being loved as you are. It made me laugh and hurt and really just hit that sweet spot. The narrators did a wonderful job with these characters.

In Spunes, Oregon, Sage Byrd is determined to bounce back from her breakup by winning the town's Festival. She teams up with Fisher Lange, a former NYC chef who's grieving his sister and struggling with his career while taking care of his niece. As their partnership turns romantic, they find healing and new beginnings just as summer flies by.

Even Sage admits Fisher’s forced summer in Spunes feels like Hallmark possibilities abound. They’ve both suffered loss but she chooses to find joy in the mundane, helping his character grow and develop. The heat doesn’t stay in the kitchen and instead ends up translating to a friends-with-benefits situation—my least favorite trope 🙃 I think what redeemed this for me was that their friendship shone through in a kind & caring way. I even enjoyed how their grief and similar life circumstances brought them together. Though you could fly through this beach read, I have a feeling you’ll want to savor it.

PSA- don’t read this book when you’re hungry.

I primarily listened to the audiobook and the male narrator sounded so precious 🥹

Thank you @macmillan.audio @netgalley @smpromance for the free books! #netgalley #MacAudio2024

Perfect for you if you like:
Friends with benefits
Food + more food
Grief and character growth

Similar to:
Love You Mean It by Jilly Gagnon
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams (closed door)
Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey

⛔️chapters 20, 21, 24, 26 & 31 contain explicit romance scenes (open-door)
⚠️explicit language (frequent), grief, death of a loved one (off-page), career burnout, bodily injury (off-page)

for this gem of a small town romance, infused with just the right amount of heart and humor, karissa vacker and zachary webber are perfectly cast as sage and fisher! they delivered all I could have hoped for since this listen was a reread for me, as an advanced copy of savor it was one of my favorite reads of last year.

4.5 ★

as an avid consumer of romance novels, certain books come around and remind me why I adore the genre so damn much. savor it lives on that tier of the ladder, where there is such depth and nuance to the characters that they truly feel alive, like friends you wish to comfort, people you'd do anything to know. while sage and fisher are imperfect, they're still hopeful and trying, aware of the risk they face when being vulnerable. it's no small thing to reveal all we are to someone, so it was magical to witness the connection they formed, and the way they were intentionally gentle with each other. the full gambit of emotions was felt during the last 10 to 15 percent, and isn't that what we do hope for, at the end of the day? the buzzing anticipation of the happy ending? the satisfaction of witnessing the characters we love being loved? I don't imagine it could ever grow old.

this is a special book that paved the way for a special audiobook. karissa and zachary are masters of their art, perfectly conveying the wit and comfort and love shared between these two characters. there were several parts I had to replay over and over...and over again just to hear the pure excellence of the delivery.

thanks to macmillan audio and tarah dewitt for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Fisher is a hot shot chef who has won Michelin stars for his restaurants. After he has a public meltdown on a critic, he’s forced to settle down far away and try to pick up the pieces of his life. He’s raising his niece the best he can. He meets Sage and she tries to help him open a new business and start over again.
I really wanted to love this book but I love her other books but this one fell kind of flat for me. I was kind of just waiting for something exciting to happen and I predicted what would happen at the time.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for the chance to read this book in return for my honest opinion. I did enjoy the audio a lot. I think the narrators did justice to the book.

Read if you like:
🏘️ Small Town Romances
🌤️ Grumpy x Sunshine
☀️ Just for the summer
💋 Fake Dating
🌶️ Friends with Benefits
🥕 Hot Chef’s

The depth of emotion while balancing in banter and laugh out loud moments was so well done! This was my first book from Tarah and it most definitely will not be my last.

I loved the small town vibes, the chaos of the animals and the community members as that just added something so fun to the plot!

I am not one for single dad plots, but damn if I’m not all in on hot uncle/daddy plots now!

The way that emotion for both Sage and Fisher were written was just so well done, especially when adding in the complexity of Indy and her emotions too!

I really appreciated how the “third act breakup” happened because I truly think it had to be done for the story, especially for Indy and Fisher to get to where they needed to be with their story and their traumas.

The audiobook was so well done with two of my faves Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber narrating!

Thank you so much to Macmillan audio for my ALC and SM Griffin for my ARC!

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt is a delightful gem that captures the essence of summer with its heartwarming romance, endearing characters, and the charming small-town vibe of Spunes, Oregon. From the moment the audiobook begins, you are transported to a world where emotions run deep, the community is close-knit, and love has the power to heal and transform.

Sage Byrd is an absolutely perfect character, navigating the ups and downs of life with a refreshing blend of strength and vulnerability. Her journey from heartbreak to self-rediscovery is beautifully narrated, making her someone you root for every step of the way. Fisher Lange, with his brooding demeanor and hidden layers, complements Sage perfectly. Their chemistry is palpable and builds naturally, providing a mix of steamy romance and genuine emotional connection.

The setting of Spunes adds an extra layer of charm to the story. It’s the perfect small town. It's a place where everyone knows everyone, and the annual Festival of Spunes becomes more than just a backdrop—it’s a pivotal element that brings the characters together in unexpected and delightful ways. The competition and the town's quirky traditions are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the sense of community and belonging.

Narration in the audiobook is top-notch, bringing the characters and their emotions to life with a perfect blend of warmth and intensity. The pacing is just right, keeping you engaged without rushing through the pivotal moments that make the story so special.

Tarah DeWitt’s writing is witty, heartfelt, and sprinkled with moments of humor that lighten the mood while never detracting from the deeper themes of loss, healing, and love. The way she handles Fisher’s grief and Sage’s need for a fresh start is both sensitive and realistic, making their growth individually and as a couple incredibly satisfying.

"Savor It" is more than just a summer romcom—it’s a story about finding yourself, embracing change, and savoring the moments that truly matter. It’s filled with Big Feelings, spicy encounters, and a wonderful message about the power of love and community. If you're looking for an audiobook that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love, this is it. Highly recommended!

Oh my gosh I love Tarah DeWitt and was so excited to get my hands on this arc, but to be honest, I just never could connect with the characters and it ultimately just fell a little flat for me. It was definitely a me thing though, and I’d recommend to others!

This book was sooooo close to perfect for me, I think the only reason it is 4 out of 5 stars for me is that I read this in tandem with Funny Story and the theme of broken people supporting one another is big in that one too. It was just sliiiiightly higher tier for me, I think the only thing I did not like (in comparison) was how some of the spicy parts came not out of nowhere necessarily but was at level 200 when the scene we were living in was at a level 20.

Fisher owning his struggles and clearly communicating with Sage was EVERYTHING to me. Responsibility and accountability is my kink so I was here for that. I also did NOT like being called out for putting myself down (like Sage) as a defense mechanism. Him saying "I don't like that your brain is bullying you because I dont know how to fight that". SIR. SIR WHY?!

Genuinely, this book was so enjoyable. Having dual narrators is my FAVORITE. I really dislike dual pov romance stories that only have one narrator because it takes me right out of the book so I appreciate the the attention to detail. Both narrators were perfect and I think they were fantastic!

Take some time to savor this book!

4.5 stars. This was such a great summer read! I loved the fictional Oregon coastal town setting. The characters are fun, the writing is witty, and the main character chemistry is on point. Fisher is a hunky leading male who can cook and is his niece’s guardian. Sage is a free-spirited social studies teacher with her own little country menagerie. The audiobook narration is fantastic. I’m grateful to have received an advance copy from NetGalley.

Both narrators for savor it really impvoed the reading experience ten fold! It was extra funny, extra emotional. It made me want to listen over and over again.

Oh man, this was good. A really slow burn, with flawed and wonderful characters. There’s definitely a lot of emotional trauma to spread around, but it’s not so heavy that it weighs down the story. So much light and fun. And I loooove dual narrators! It’s all so much richer and engaging hearing different voices. And narrators Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber were both nuanced and just spot on.

🎧 Savor It
✍️ Tarah DeWitt
🎤 Karissa Vacker; Zachary Webber
🗓️ May 21 2024
📝 Macmillan Audio

Genre: contemporary romance
Summary:
“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...”
Diverse cast of characters?: yes!
Hero: Fisher Lange
Heroine: Sage Byrd
Side cast:
Adorable! I had such strong Gilmore Girls vibes here. The relationships are wonderful and I loved the characters.

Setting:
the fictional town of Spunes, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest. I love that setting.

Fluency/Writing:
This gave me Gilmore Girls vibes! I pictured Spunes a bit like Stars Hollow and I absolutely love the Gilmore Girls. This book had adorable banter and I liked the friendships and relationships here.
I liked the romance. This was a fun and light read induced with some heavier topics. But all five is such a sensitive and loving way. Maybe a tad too predictable for me.

Narration:
The whole reason why I requested this at first was because of Karissa Vacker. She is by far my favourite female narrator. I can listen to her voice for hours. Every time she does an amazing job and even if a book is not my taste, she saves it with her narration.
Zachary Webber was unknown to me, but he was fabulous as well!

Cover:
It’s one of these comic book covers that I am usually not really fond of. This one is fine, kind of cute, but I don’t think I’d pick it up based on the cover.
Series or standalone:
standalone as far as I know, but Wren and Ellis have so much potential, this should be a series!
POV: dual
Tropes:
Small town romance, grumpy x sunshine, slow-burn, fake dating
⚠️: burnout, grief, loss of a loved one (off page)
not really a trigger, but there is a third-act-break-up
🌶️: 2/5
🎧: the audiobook is fabulous, two splendid narrators came together!
❤️: 4/5
⭐️: 4/5
Do I recommend:
if the tropes sit with you, this is your book!


⭐️Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own, I was under no obligation to review.