ARC Review: “Savvy Sheldon Feels Good As Hell” by Taj McCoy

“Savvy Sheldon Feels Good As Hell” by Taj McCoy

Publishing Date: March 22, 2022

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

Page Length: 336 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

Savvy Sheldon spends a lot of time tiptoeing around the cracks in her life: her high-stress and low-thanks job, her clueless boyfriend and the falling-apart kitchen she inherited from her beloved grandma—who taught her how to cook and how to love people by feeding them. But when Savvy’s world starts to crash down around her, she knows it’s time for some renovations.

Starting from the outside in, Savvy tackles her crumbling kitchen, her relationship with her body, her work–life balance (or lack thereof) and, last but not least, her love life. The only thing that doesn’t seem to require effort is her ride-or-die squad of friends. But as any home-reno-show junkie can tell you, something always falls apart during renovations. First, Savvy passes out during hot yoga. Then it turns out that the contractor she hires is the same sexy stranger she unintentionally offended by judging based on appearances. Worst of all, Savvy can’t seem to go anywhere without tripping over her ex and his latest “upgrade.” Savvy begins to realize that maybe she should’ve started her renovations the other way around: beginning with how she sees herself before building a love that lasts.

Review:

Savvy is a hard worker who loves to cook, is renovating her grandparent’s house, and trying to juggle a healthy work-life balance. When she gets a devastating blow from her boyfriend, it shakes Savvy up. She’s always dealt with insecurities and being pushed to succeed by her mom but now she’s starting to crack under all the pressure. Trying to shake off all the bad feelings she decides to makeover herself to feel good and start the “new Savvy”. Determined to make her own path and change her own life, where will this new path take Savvy?

I love the way Savvy grows on her journey to not only better herself but to do all the things she wants to do on her own. The breakup is hard on her no doubt, but she uses this reinvention to not only heal her spirit but her heart. Plus the charming Spencer that waltzes into her life is very cute. It’s the spark that Savvy needs in her life after being in such a long relationship. I love her besties, Joanie and Maggie. Not only do they crack me up but I love how they are such a support system for Savvy and their tight-knit friendship overall. It’s so endearing!

This story also sends an important message about self-care and putting yourself first. You’re no good to anyone if you’re running ragged. Though Spencer and Savvy fall for each other instantly she eases into a new relationship slowly. Like other facets of her life, there’s a lot of healing to be done before jumping into new situations. The reader can connect with the overall theme surrounding the struggle of self-improvement.

“But you’re right. This whole journey isn’t about revenge. It isn’t about Jason at all. It’s about you feeling good and doing the things you love because you’ve gotta love you before you can love anyone else. Only you can decide when you’re ready, Savs.”

Also, Savvy is a cooking machine. Her scenes where she cooked show her passion for creating new recipes and sharing food as a love language. The recipes mentioned are mouth-watering and I wanted to try some of the savory dinner meals that Savvy creates. I need a recipe list in the author’s notes asap!

This was a beautiful novel about loving yourself inside and out. The message is heartwarming and the romance was sweet and spicy!

Final Verdict:

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.