From the publisher:
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.Most Anticipated by USA Today, Culturess, The Nerd Daily, Goodreads
“DeWitt’s sprightly narrative is by turns funny and red-hot, as Sage and Fisher, who share a love of puns, develop some serious chemistry… This is a charmer.” ―Publishers Weekly“This Pacific Northwest rom-com has delicious tension from the first interaction. Add in fake dating and a steamy scene in a library, and who could ask for more? Readers will appreciate how much attention and care DeWitt put into creating fully-framed characters grappling with grief, chasing dreams, and figuring out how to live in the moment.” ―LibraryReads, May 2024 pick
“DeWitt delivers another emotion-packed rom-com that readers will be eating up, full of witty banter, comical hijinks, and tender moments of healing. Hand to those who enjoy grumpy/sunshine pairings as well as fake-relationship romances.” ―Library Journal
https://amzn.to/4bzagrt
This author was new to me, and I found this book on the LibraryReads May picks. Those recommendations are rock solid, and this book is no exception – it was a terrific read. Small town romance, fake dating, and some steamy sex combine to make a combustible, unputdownable read.
Sage lives on a farm, of sorts – she takes in any stray animals that need a home, from goats to horses to dogs and cats. She also takes care of her neighbor’s house; they are traveling quite a bit. They also rent it out, as is the case here, to a chef and his niece.
Fisher is reeling from losing his sister, assuming guardianship of his teenage niece, and then losing his job. It’s all too much, and his boss decides that what he needs is to get out of the city and into something new. She has purchased some property in the small town of Spunes, Oregon, for a new restaurant, and she asks Fisher to oversee the renovations and help plan the menu.
Fisher is having a time of it with his niece and this new project, but when he meets Sage his world starts turning around. Every August is tourist season, and the town sponsors a major competition. Sage needs a partner and Fisher fits the bill. In return, she will help him deal with the small town rules and regulations in getting the new restaurant ready.
Bottom line is Fisher and Sage spend a lot of time together. His niece, Indy, is the love object of one of Sage’s geese, and she starts hanging around with the animals and Sage’s nephew. Things are looking up, but Indy makes Fisher promise that they will return to the city at summer’s end. Of course, by then, he and Sage have fallen in love but a promise is a promise. Sage and Fisher need to find a way to get to their happy ending, and it is an emotional road to get there.
This was such an enjoyable read; the characters had depth, and I couldn’t help but root for them. I loved the small town, not that I could live like that but it’s fun reading about it. If you like steamy romances with some laugh out loud moments as much as I do, pick up a copy of this book!
5/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
SAVOR IT by Tarah Dewitt. Griffin (May 21, 2024). ISBN: 978-1250329424. 336p.
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