A review by reading_historical_romance
Savor It by Tarah DeWitt

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

“I realized that infatuation was the shortness of breath, the adrenaline, the idea that we could ever just be friends and it wouldn’t kill me each and every day. Love is this. Love is breathing. A sweet, deep, aching relief. And it’s somehow even more disorienting.”

Sage Byrd is a high school teacher and lifelong resident of the small, coastal town of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington). She takes in animals that no one wants, and grows flowers that she loves to give away. Content with her life, she’s unprepared for the sparks that fly when she meets Michelin star winner and recently unemployed Fisher Lange, who rents the neighboring farmhouse while consulting on the opening of a new restaurant. Sage knows she should keep Fisher in the friend zone as he’ll be heading back to Manhattan when the summer is over – until Fisher offers a kiss to help her save face in front of her ex.

I’m virtually throwing heaps of stars into the air, giving two thumbs up, jumping up and down, laughing, and crying right now. I loved every word of this book. It’s one of my favorite reads of the year. I loved it so much that as soon as I finished the e-ARC I received, I preordered a physical copy because I must have this book for my shelves of fame. I seriously want to make all the reels, and the mood boards, and shout about this book all over my Bookstagram until everyone I know reads this too.

Tarah DeWitt is now an auto-buy author. Her writing talent shines throughout this novel and can be felt on every page and in every character. Fisher is now and forever one of my official book boyfriends. He’s a chef and he cooks for her. His romantic appeal is a 15/10 based on this fact alone! When you pair that with his sincere efforts to parent his orphaned teenage niece, his mid-career crisis, his patience with animals, and small town antics? I want to marry you myself, Fisher.

There is so much to rave about here. Perfect pacing. Heartfelt emotion. Hilarious banter. Sexual tension. Steamy spice that never gets crude. This is one of those rare rom-coms that really has all that you’re looking for in the genre, but never once do you feel like it's trying too hard. The plot and the romance spin out so effortlessly I couldn't put it down. An absolute pleasure to read.

Tropes: small town, fake dating, single dad, friends to lovers, star-crossed, hurt/comfort

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.