Author: Tarah DeWitt

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...

Filled with spicy summer fun, small-town charm, and Big Feelings, this highly anticipated romcom is Tarah DeWitt’s best yet.

Review:

Savor It was a grumpy sunshine, small town romance that had so much heart!  With a cast of characters and animals that you can’t help but love, and a storyline that will have you rooting for their happily ever after, this book was a lot of fun!  If you adore adult romance, or loved how you felt reading In the Weeds by BK Borison, then definitely add this one to your list!

“Grief changes you,” I reply with as much brevity as I can.

Fisher seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders.  With his sister passing, he was now taking care of his teenage niece, Indy.  And for both of them to catch their breaths, they traveled from New York to a tiny little quaint town on the Oregon coast.  They both needed a reset.  Fisher from losing his job.  And Indy and her change of life.  They were both grappling with where their lives were supposed to go from here.

“Careful, Fisher. You’re starting to be a bit nosy. You might just fit in here more quickly than you think.” I finish the remark with a dry laugh.
He doesn’t respond to that, his mouth twitching in a brief smile before he shakes his head.

Their next door neighbor, Sage, was an absolute delight!  I loved that she talked to her animals,and found solace in her garden.  The way that Fisher and Sage met was adorable!  Plus Sage had a thing for pirates…..and Fisher had that vibe haha.  Even if he was grumpy, he had so many moments of showing that he was kind and thoughtful.  And then there was Sage who was a ray of sunshine, even if she was trying to find her new normal after her 5 year relationship went up in smoke.  I loved her calm, soothing manner with how she approached life.  And that was what both Fisher and Indy desperately needed right now.

She’s considering it. And then she quirks a dark brow in a challenge. “Explain how kissing you is a win for me.”
God, I forgot how good flirting with a woman could feel. “I could probably explain better with a demonstration.”
Her mouth and eyes go wide in a smile. “Trouble,” she repeats.

With goose antics, animals galore, and a garden that inspired those to quiet their thoughts, this story slowly unwound.  It’s definitely at a slower pace then other novels I’m used to, but it worked perfectly for this story.  As Sage and Fisher were drawn to one another, and Indy was finding her place in the world, I loved that we got to watch each of them form a bond and friendship with each other.  And they all learned to grow and heal in their own ways.  It was emotional, and I even shed a few tears.

I just want . . . I just want to know what it feels like to win , and I don’t think I want too much.

With small town charm, heartwarming characters, some steamy moments, and an ending that will leave you smiling, I adored this book!  The library scene was probably one of my favorite moments, and the race too.  And the ending haha.  If you love books that slowly unfold like honey trickling off of a spoon, then this is your book!  I’ll definitely be picking up other books by this author in the future!

PS Will her brothers each get their own books?  I have my fingers crossed!

PPS I loved her best friend Wren.  I’m hoping for her HEA!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*