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!

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.

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!

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.

At a glance:
- A renowned chef recovering from burnout—and who has recently been knocked down a peg—moves to a small coastal town in Oregon just for the summer
- With his teenage niece, of whom he has recently gained custody, in tow
- Moves in next to a sunshiny high school teacher / gardener / animal menagerie owner
- Who is dealing with her own grief
- Their time together kindles romance (of course) but helps both to rekindle their joy for life and confidence as well
- Bonus points for mental health and migraine rep

I especially enjoyed the last 30% of the book and want to move to a plot of land with a bunch of animals, a garden, and a hot chef next door. (Do you think my husband would mind?)

Highlights for me:
- A ton of puns
- The goose choosing his mate
- Sage’s eclectic robe collection (all of Mrs. Munty’s creations, tbh)
- Sage's journal and the wisdom it holds
- Her house, especially her sunroom (I would live in it if I could)
- The food descriptions
- “I might love the library” 😏

The audiobook is narrated by Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber. They’re two of my favorite narrators, and they do a fantastic job of portraying Sage and Fisher.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.

This was the first Tarah DeWitt novel that I've read, and I'm happy to report that I'm obsessed. A small town, fake dating-adjacent, and a bit of found family are in this new romance novel (potentially the first in a series? I hope so!)

I listened to the audiobook of this and the narrators were fantastic. There were some parts where they would whisper which I feel like I don't get often in audiobooks. It made the experience that much more realistic. Also, the male narrator often sounded a bit exasperated which worked so well for our MMC.

Sage and Fisher are officially my new favorite couple. They balanced each other out so well! There wasn't a distinct grumpy/sunshine going on, but a bit of a trade-off at times. Sage would get annoyed and Fisher would laugh and cheer her up. Or Fisher would be so clueless about his niece and Sage would say all the right things to help him understand his teenage charge.

There was a bit of a plot to this one which is more rare for romance novels these days. It wasn't super driven, but there was enough of a story to keep things moving along. I would have liked to have seen more of the competition, but I understand why it wasn't shown.

As I mentioned, this really seems like it's being set up for a series of interconnected standalone. We meet each sibling and are told some of their backstories (and relationships) throughout the book. I wouldn't be surprised if each Byrd sibling received their own book. And I would be the first person in line to read it.

Overall, this was a fabulous book from DeWitt. With the right amount of humor, heart, and small town antic-ness, it should be everyone's number one pick for their May reading! I need to go back and read the other books she's already written and am eagerly anticipating what's next from her!

This was my first introduction to Tarah Dewitt's writing, and I LOVED it! I laughed, swooned, cheered, and savored this book!  I enjoyed how much the idea and imagery of "savor it" was woven in, from the times the phrase was mentioned to how the MCs relished the food Fisher made and their time together. This book hooked me from its adorable opening meet-cute and I did not want it to end.

Told in a dual POV of Fisher and Sage. They were well-developed, compelling characters and a couple that was very easy to root for. Both have endured significant losses, and the story respectfully touches on some complex issues like grief. Sage was delightfully quirky, bright, optimistic, and open-hearted. Fisher was sensitive, introspective, sexy, and sweet. Their dialogue was well-written, and I loved their tender moments and fun, flirty banter.  A slow burn, their relationship was brimming with chemistry and spice.

The small-town setting in the PNW was charming. It had a wonderful library and was populated with great side characters, including adorable animals. I wanted to stay in this little town. If I could move there, I would! Highly recommended-this had so much heart.

Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber narrated, and both were fantastic in their individual roles, nailing the range of emotion and humor. But together, they made this a great listening experience. I hope they're paired together again soon. An easily bingeable audiobook!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook!

*4.5 rounded up

I had such a fun time reading this that I had to listen to the audio narration! I loved the witty banter! And I loved the small town romance and fake dating tropes! Definitely will be reading other works by this author!

What a great summr romance read! Pick this up if you love small town romance, witty banter, fake dating, or friend to lovers! I especially LOVED the PNW setting. I found myself swooning and smiling through the entire novel and would recommend this on audio to any readers!

This book was a DELIGHT. Tarah, you had me at Spunes, OR (not to be confused with Forks, WA). The humor was just so good, with all the fun, witty banter. The quirky characters (and animals!) of Spunes have my heart. There were some heavier themes and a deeper storyline and romance that balanced perfectly with the humor as well. I really loved the romance between Sage and Fisher. They are both in their 30’s, and they communicate like adults! It was so refreshing to read. If you’re looking for a swoony, spicy, hilarious rom-com, go grab this one next week! A note on the audio: narrated by two of my favorites, Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber, you cant go wrong with this audio. They both do a fantastic job of narrating these characters with heart and humor.

Read this if you like:
👨🏻‍🍳 small town romance
👨🏻‍🍳 grumpy sunshine
👨🏻‍🍳 professional chef mmc
👨🏻‍🍳 single parent (raising his niece)
👨🏻‍🍳 fake dating
👨🏻‍🍳 witty banter
👨🏻‍🍳 PNW setting

Savor It is a smartly written story with hilarious circumstances and well thought out characters. My favourite character had to be Fisher’s moody teenage niece with her snarky attitude and witty insults that made me burst out laughing. I thought the chemistry between Fisher and Sage was fabulously written and the setting and the town’s quirky traditions made me feel like I was right within the book along with all the characters. DeWitt has a way of making you buy into what the characters are feeling and experiencing and you can’t help but want to go along for the ride. I only wished there was a bit more relationship building between the two MCs. Additionally, the narrators were perfect for this story and enhanced the experience of it all.

ARC from Macmillan Audio, these are my own thoughts and opinions.

Okay I LOVED this! It was so cute and feel good and I already want to listen to it again. This book was everything I wanted in a romance. The chemistry between Sage and Fisher was so so good! There was therapy rep, witty banter, and so much small town love! And it’s a fake dating? I’m sold. Add this to the top of your TBR!

Releases May 21!

Posted on Goodreads and StoryGraph 5/17, posting on Instagram stories 5/18 and Instagram feed 5/20 or 21

Tropes:
Friends to FWB to ❤️
Summer fling
Single dad
Grumpy chef / sunshine gardener, animal lover

This was such a sweet, feel good romance. Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC.

5 ⭐ 2 🌶 5 🎧

Oh my goodness, this was the cutest story I've read in a while. It was chock full of small town and grumpy sunshine goodness with other goodies like single guardian of his teenage niece and hilarious farm animals galore. Sage and Fisher were absolutely everything and I loved them so much.

I really loved the not so hidden morals of the story. It was so wonderful seeing Fisher and Indie find themselves in Spunes. They thought this was going to be summer vacation to restart, but this small town ended up being everything they never knew they needed.

The audio was fantastic. I'm obsessed with Zachary Webber, he was half of the reason I picked this book up (the other half being the beautiful cover). He played Fisher so perfectly and Karissa Vacker was incredible as Sage too. This was such a wonderful listen and I already can't wait to start again.

Savor it by Tarah DeWitt was a great summer romance between a professional chef and small town farmer. When Fischer makes a commotion on his first night calling emergency services for an "intruder" in his summer rental, Sage gets a quick introduction to her new and mysterious neighbor.
This book deals with moments of grief, dealing with the complex emotions that follow it, and its lingering affects. What started as purly a relationship out of convenience to encourage the small town of Spoons to accept Fischer and his new restaraunt, while Sage was feeling cornered upon meeting her ex's new girlfriend turned into a super sweet and spicy summer that for sure wasn't going to become more.
With the added complexity of Fisher navigating how to build a relationship with his niece after his sister died, this story is the perfect amount of sweet, spicy, and emotional.
The narrators also did a great job, I loved having a narrator for each POV!