With a soft, tender romance and a small town that is bursting with eccentric charm, this quiet love story slowly got under my skin in the best of ways. I’ve loved all three of DeWitt’s previous books, so I was nervous that this wouldn’t meet my very high expectations, but I shouldn’t have worried. Her writing is fresh and distinct (as always), with an undercurrent of emotion weaving through the pages. I loved that this was so fun and genuinely funny, while also sneaking in moments of heart-wrenching angst. This couple knows from the start that their connection is meant to be a temporary one, so that adds a layer of tension to the bond that forms between them. It’s got a great strangers to friends to lovers feel, with tons of chemistry and a fantastic cast of characters. The heroine is a delight, and I so appreciated that she found her partner in a man who is worthy of her time. My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough, but I have a feeling we’ll be back in this small town before long. I loved it!
The story follows Sage, a woman who has found family in her small community. While others can’t wait to get out of town, Sage has flourished here. When a sexy chef and his troublesome teenage niece move next door for the summer, Sage isn’t sure what to think. Fisher is clearly a bit of a mess and trying to find himself again, while his niece is counting the days until they can return to the city. Though Fisher is attracted to Sage, he knows that starting something up is ill-advised at best. So the two form a tentative friendship that sometimes feels like more. As Sage and Fisher grow closer throughout the summer, their connection starts to feel deeper than anything temporary ought to be.
I tried to avoid all spoilers and go into this with fresh eyes, though I was already drawn in by my past love of DeWitt’s work and that gorgeous cover. It took no time at all before I was feeling the attraction between these two, and I loved that everyone in the story felt unique and authentic. The small town vibes are immaculate, and I sincerely hope we’re getting several of the other stories that are teased here. But I loved Sage and Fisher most of all, because they were absolutely perfect together. Sage has the lightness that Fisher needs in his life, and he was such an empowering presence for Sage. They were better together. I’ve never enjoyed a hero who is described as looking like a sexy pirate, but Fisher definitely stole my heart. Their story is just the right mix of soft, sexy, and sentimental, with as many playful, humorous moments as there are angsty and emotional ones. The spice certainly didn’t hurt either, lol, and I felt the slow-burning attraction in a big way. I would’ve eaten up another 50-100 pages of their love story, but the shorter length made it easy to devour in a single day. It was everything I wanted and more.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4apM9M1
Audio Note:
I’m happy to report that the audio lives up to the quality of the storyline! Karissa Vacker is quickly becoming one of my favorite female narrators, because her voice is so easy to listen to and perfect for the feel of this story. I also really love Zachary Webber’s voice, though it’s not quite what I pictured for the “sexy, sad boy, modern pirate” vibes our hero gives off. That’s probably tough to emulate, lol, so I’ll forgive that – especially since I like Webber’s narration so much. The runtime (around 9 hours) is ideal for bingeing, and I do recommend this as a workday listen. There is some heat, but it’s not the focus and the story is a slow burn overall. The audio is a great way to experience this heartfelt love story!
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/44Fb0ZD
Blurb:
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.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4apM9M1
About the Author:
Tarah DeWitt is an author, wife, and mama. When she felt like she devoured every romcom available in 2020, she indulged herself in writing bits and pieces of her own. Eventually, those ramblings from the Notes app turned into her debut novel. Tarah loves stories centered around perfectly imperfect characters, especially those with just enough trauma to keep them funny, without ever being forcefully cavalier. She believes laughter is an essential part of romance, friendship, parenting, and life. She is the author of Rootbound, The Co-op, and Funny Feelings.
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