Savor It by Tarah Dewitt

 

Summary (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.

Review:  This was a cute rom com! So much to love about this - the west coast setting, the animal loving Sage, the chef who is down on his luck Fisher. I loved that Fisher has stepped up to raise his niece after his sister's death and trying so hard to be the support she needs. I thought it was cute that they ended up living next door to each other, so he can conveniently walk over with food he has fixed for her to try. 

But despite so many cute aspects, this just felt sort of flat for me. There was nothing I particularly disliked! But I didn't find it particularly gripping and didn't find myself excited to pick it up when I had a chance. I think it just paled in comparison to some other rom comes I have read lately, specifically a couple written by Abby Jimenez and Laura Wood that just had superior banter and more engaging dialogue and chemistry between the characters. Or maybe it's just me and I wasn't in the mood for a rom com! I'm sorry!!

I listened to the audiobook of this one and it was beautifully done in dual narration. In fact, it was the same male narrator in many of the Abby Jimenez books I've listened to, and he does a wonderful job!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.  

Stars: 3.5