What a stunning, second-chance romance! Left of Forever is a lovely story of reconnection and bravery.

I am genuinely in awe of the emotions that Tarah was able to convey in this book. I’m not sure if my emotions were a result of being a child of divorce myself, but regardless, it felt profound to read.

I teared up multiple times while reading Ellis’s moments of vulnerability and openness. His thoughts of love for his wife were beautiful - “She’s kissing me. Her lips are on mine after five long years. Five hundred years. She’s kissing me. I’m home.” “Make plans with me forever, I mean. Hitch your life to mind again and we’ll go places. We’ll share every plan, every heavy thing together, and all the good stuff, too.” I just can’t with how wonderful this man is. But I love that it’s not his natural inclination to be open and earnest. He goes to therapy and is working on himself, and I love it.

I enjoyed Wren’s fun-loving nature and her willingness to open herself back up to romance. I thought she was inspiring in that way. One of my favorite quotes from Wren is, “I grew up with my great love, so I think maybe my heart took shape around his.” To feel that way, but still be willing to try again with the same man that she felt so separate from was beautiful. It really shows the heart's resilience and penchant for connection.

Tropes: second chance, firefighter, small town, found family, marriage in crisis/divorce reconciliation

Left of Forever is an outstanding contemporary romance following a divorced couple after their son leaves for college. This book was the perfect balance of emotional and humorous. The spicy scenes were full of steam, and I loved all of the family dynamics (which hopefully turn into future installments in the series). Definitely a must read if you like contemporary romance!

Narration performed by Connor Crais and Megan Wicks was 10/10.

I received an ARC and ALC from St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my heart🥰 I love the Byrds!!!

Tarah DeWitt is such a skilled romance writer and you can truly FEEL the deep, intimate love these characters have for one another. I am not always the biggest fan of second-chance romance, but this is it done right! I am so thankful Tarah gave these characters their own story after getting glimpses of them in Savor It - Left of Forever captures the beauty of choosing your person over and over again❤️

5⭐️ 2.5🌶️

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Writing perspective: first person, dual POV
Reading format: Kindle
ARC provided by: SMP + NetGalley

Relationship dynamic: MF
Tropes/Microtropes/Vibes/Reps:
🏡 Small town
❤️‍🔥 Divorce in crisis
💖 Second chance
🚗 Road trip
🚒 Firefighter MMC
🧁 Baker FMC

📖 LITERAL PERFECTION. NO NOTES. The way this book scooped out my heart, warmed it up, gave it some love and nurturing, and jammed it back into my body 10 thousand times more fulfilled… pure magic. Sometimes characters just feel so… REAL. Like they are genuine people you could know in real life. Tarah did such an outstanding job bringing them to life, creating those small details that made everything authentic. I felt like I was watching two people go through this in real time, but also feeling their feelings with them. The character development was obviously phenomenal. The romance… SWOON. Definitely in my top books of the year. I will not soon forget the magic of Wren and Ellis Byrd.

(2.5) I am unfortunately not a fan, but I am the unpopular opinion, so maybe it was just a me thing!

There are genuinely sweet moments between the main characters, and by the end, you really feel that deep, lasting love they share. That said, I had a harder time connecting with Wren and Ellis. Even the first letter did not hook me immediately as I thought. The chemistry between the leads was intense and fast, and I wish there had been more time spent rebuilding their emotional bond before things heated up physically.

The dialogue didn’t feel mature enough for the characters’ age or history, and it threw me off. It was like an uncanny valley version of adult conversation - close, but not quite right - and it kept me from fully buying into their reunion.

I am utterly obsessed with this book. It was perfect. Wren and Ellis were everything. Their relationship was so real, so raw, and so damn relatable. This is one of the best second chance romances I have read in a long time. UTTER PERFECTION

This book had me feral from page one — like, the second I saw the playlist, I knew I was about to be emotionally ruined (and Tarah DeWitt did not disappoint). Wren and Ellis gave me everything: the pining, the second-chance angst, the soft moments, the off-the-charts tension — every “baby” from Ellis sent me spiraling. It’s one of those romances that feels like coming home, packed with heart, humor, a cozy small-town vibe, and side characters so good you’ll wanna beg for their spin-offs. Yeah, I kinda wish we got more of their messy past instead of just hints, and maybe the healing journey could’ve hit harder, but honestly? I didn’t even care because the vibes were immaculate, the characters felt real, and I finished the book grinning and sobbing at the same time.

I received an ARC of Left of Forever for our book club, and although I never got around to reading Savor It, I quickly understood why this release was so highly anticipated. I tore through it in just two days—it completely hooked me and left me feeling all the things.

Ellis and Wren’s love story is raw, honest, and deeply human. Tara DeWitt masterfully explores how time, circumstance, and the weight of everyday life can wear on even the strongest relationships—yet she also captures the beauty in choosing your person over and over again. Their journey feels both epic and intimate, as if they’ve lived a hundred lives together and somehow always find their way back to each other.

This isn’t just a love story—it’s a story about growth, forgiveness, and the kind of enduring connection that stands the test of time. If you’re a fan of emotional, character-driven romance, Left of Forever is not to be missed.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC!

If Savor It was the scrumptious meal, Left Of Forever is the decadent dessert! I am simply obsessed with Tarah DeWitt's writing!

There was a magnetic pull towards Wren and Ellis the whole time I read Savor It; I yearned to know their story and was desperate for them to get the HEA they deserved. Let me tell you, Left Of Forever more than exceeded any expectations I could have dreamt up!

I'm pretty sure Ellis's DNA speech altered me! He is book boyfriend gold! And Wren is a beautiful soul who guarded her wounded wing until she was finally able to sore once again.

I slowly melted into this book as the story subtly took hold of me. Before I knew it I was 80% deep, had already cried, and was on the verge of tears all over again - desperate for the ending, but not wanting it to finish. The way I bawled as this book came to its conclusion!!! I could not contain my happy tears as I bore witness to this redeeming love story and some very special moments for the characters of Spunes, Washington!

More thoughts:
-Indy will grow up with two of the very best female influences (and it would be so cool to see her story later in life)
-I am so happy for Fisher and Sage, and the whole damn town!

Megan Wicks is an audiobook narrator I didn't know I needed in my life! Her voice is rich, breathy and powerful - perfectly matching Wren's character! All I can say about Connor Crais is that I will indeed be seeking out more books by him! How does his voice conjure the cover image of Ellis every time I hear it? Perfect narrator choices!

Simply put: I was a gonner for this book! Left Of Forever gets all the stars encompassing campfire night!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.

Holy smokes this was fantastic!

This had everything the premise promised: second chance yearning, sweeping romantic love and sexy & intimate spice. This was full of heart and angst and I devouring it like a starving person. It was so good! I simply adored Wren and Ellis. They are the ultimate book couple.

This will make you cry & give your heart butterflies. It was perfect.

Highly recommend!!

Wren and Ellis fell in love as kids, had their son Sam as teenagers, and got married. Now divorced and in their 30s, they're thrust together on a road trip to move Sam into college, debating if they should give their relationship one last chance.

I'm not usually a big second chance romance fan, but I loved the divorced/married couple scenario from Wren and Ellis. We got to see them unpack what went well and wrong years earlier, and saw Ellis' growth and commitment to being a better partner.

I also liked seeing their families scheming a bit to nudge them back together. I do wish we got a bit more of the flirty rekindling of their connection instead of immediately hooking up, but overall still enjoyed them finding their way back to each other.

It can be read standalone, but I suggest picking up Savor It because it's great and you'll have some context to the side characters. Looking forward to more from DeWitt and the crew in Spunes.

I was obsessed with this book! The characters, the passion, all of it. Wren and Ellis were just amazing characters and I loved watching them fall back in love in front of my eyes.

“I grew up with my great love, so I think maybe my heart took shape around his.”

This book packs a big emotional punch and after absolutely loving Savor It it was so good to return to Spunes. I love them so much I am going to set aside how far fetched the pen pal situation was. As someone who has been married for over 25 years and has sent her only child off to school I found myself so touched by their experiences.

Five years apart is a long time to fix everything with a road trip but my romantic heart was rooting for them. ♥️

“She’s kissing me. Her lips are on mine after five long years. Five hundred years. She’s kissing me. I’m home.”

I dare you to read this and not have the burning desire to go make out with your significant other.

Thank you to NetGalley and St-Martin’s Press and the author Tarah DeWitt for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.

After reading Savor It and now Left of Forever, I can officially say I’m completely in love with the big, boisterous Byrd family! Tarah DeWitt writes the kinds of characters I crave in romance—flawed but full of heart, willing to do the work, and learning that love isn’t about being perfect, but about growing together.

Left of Forever follows Wren and Ellis Byrd, childhood sweethearts who married young, built a beautiful life—and then lost it. Now divorced and living separate lives in their hometown of Spunes, Oregon, they are brought back together when their son leaves for college. A spontaneous road trip offers them one final chance to see if the pieces of their love still fit... or if it's time to finally let go.

Second-chance romances can be tricky, but DeWitt nails it. The idea of soulmates is woven into Wren and Ellis’s story without ever feeling forced. Instead, it’s layered with family ties, self-discovery, acceptance, and the beautifully messy journey of figuring out who you are—and who you want to be—after life knocks you down. This is the kind of story that will linger in your heart long after the final page.

What I Loved:

The pacing is pitch-perfect. While Savor It had to slowly set the stage for the Byrd family series, Left of Forever jumps right in and never drags.

The writing is vivid and relatable. DeWitt has a gift for sneaking in lines that instantly make you feel the characters’ hearts—like describing emotions as a "Heinz57 bottle of emotion, upside down and shaken, waiting for the inevitable plop." It's these small moments that make the characters feel so real.

Wren is a standout heroine. She's whimsical and funny, but her depth and vulnerability shine through every scene. I adored her. (Also, "Wren Byrd" is a name that makes me smile every time.)

Ellis’s character arc is exceptional. His emotional growth—especially through therapy—is portrayed with such sensitivity and realism. He was already lovable, but his evolution into a true partner made him unforgettable.

The emotional layering through letters, flashbacks, and dialogue weaves past and present seamlessly, making Wren and Ellis’s journey feel even more poignant.

The Audiobook:
I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of the audiobook, narrated by Connor Crais and Megan Wicks. They brought so much emotional depth to Wren and Ellis's story—their performance is phenomenal, and I highly recommend experiencing the book in audio format as well. Whether you read or listen, you can’t go wrong.

If you love:
▪️ Marriage in crisis
▪️ Second chances
▪️ Small-town settings
▪️ Found family
▪️ Foodie romances
▪️ Firefighter heroes
▪️ Road trip adventures

…then Left of Forever needs to be at the top of your TBR!

Content Warnings: Ectopic pregnancy, infertility

I absolutely loved this book. When I read Savor It last year, I yearned for a story about Wren and Ellis, and this book delivered! Wren and Ellis grew up together, and they became parents to their son, Sam, when they were teenagers. They were married, and when their marriage fell apart, their feelings still lingered for each other.

When Sam is moving into college, Ellis proposes that he and Wren go on a road trip to see if they can rekindle their relationship. This story is emotional and raw, but it's also filled with so much love and intimacy. Wren thinks that Ellis didn't do enough to show that he cared, and he became complacent in their marriage. He shows her that he has changed by planning a road trip full of surprises for her.

I loved the dual POV, and each character's emotions were shining their layers of pain. Their love showed that there is always room for a second chance with the one you were meant to be with.

ꨄ𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
♥︎𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬
ఌ𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞
♥︎𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧

✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
Wow, what a story! It gripped me so completely that I couldn't tear my eyes away for even a moment. This is one of those books I want to reread again and again. I had the chance to both read and listen to this story, and it was an experience like no other. 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭’𝐬 beautiful writing paired with the incredible dual narration truly sets this apart for me. It's hard to imagine anyone not falling in love with this book; it is in a league of its own!

𝐀 little insight into the story: Wren and Ellis married young and grew apart but still carry a torch for each other that never truly fades. Co-parenting their son while keeping their distance only made it clearer that they are meant to be together. Their journey to rekindling their love was both emotional and passionate, and I couldn't get enough of it.

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 something so special about Wren and Ellis's second chance romance. Their history and chemistry go beyond mere words. It’s a mix of flirty banter, emotion, and intimacy that made me feel like I was intruding on their world. How can two characters be so absolutely perfect for each other? My heart raced as they navigated their way back to each other, and I cheered when they finally realized what we all knew deep down - they are meant to be together, like two halves of a whole.

𝐈𝐟 you enjoy emotional second chances with a cast of amazing characters that will make you giddy, don't hesitate to pick up this book!

Huge thanks to 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 for this ARC. All opinions expressed here are completely my own.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ♾️⭐️’𝐬
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 𝟑🔥

I absolutely LOVED this!
A wonderful second chance romance. Two people finding each other again in a fun and deeply emotional way.
I definitely cried a couple time reading this

Ahh I loved this romance! I was hesitant because I had to Dnf Savor It because I found the pace too slow. This was not the case with this book, I ate it up in a day. Each chapter kept me wanting more of Wren and Ellis. As an Oregonian I love the rep, even if Spunes is not a real place. I could imagine the scenery and relate it back to growing up and going to the coast. I found the characters real and relatable. They had realistic problems that they communicated and worked through. It was funny at times and so damn cute😭Truly a 5 star romance read! Will continue to read more from Tarah DeWitt

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for a eARC

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tarah for the ARC! I would rate this a 3.5 star, I really enjoyed the premise of this story, and how well written it was, but what fell a little flat for me were the meaningful conversations between our two main characters. The big thing that caused their divorce was summed up in a one page conversation and it felt like something much larger, something that required a more in depth discussion, in my opinion.

Overall the characters connection was beautiful, there were some really funny moments, I loved their banter, and this story just really gives you a sense of hope for the two MCs. I loved all of the support they received from their family, and think the epilogue was the perfect wrap up. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a story with longing, some groveling, and just some really great feel good moments.

Hope.
Hope.
Hope.
Not only is this the beat of Wren’s heart, but it encompasses the entire feeling of this book. And Left of Forever is all about vibes. It’s a second chance romance between Wren and Ellis Byrd who have been divorced for five years, neither ever moving on with their lives since their separation. This is the kind of book you go into knowing it might rip your heart apart, but you’ll be so glad it did. The Byrd’s have never lost attraction for each other but a series of life altering struggles challenged their relationship enough to cause a rift of brokenness. There was no big betrayal to cause mistrust and so a glimmer of hope makes itself known through something as simple as Wren writing a letter that ends up in the hands of her ex-husband.

I loved that even though this was a second chance between a couple that had been married and birthed a child together, the emphasis was still on how they could reconnect emotionally and re-discover what it was/is that they enjoyed about one another. I’m all for grand gestures and Ellis definitely makes the first move at opening the door to reconciliation in the form of a birthday trip after moving their kid Sam into college. But it honestly takes both Wren and Ellis putting themselves out there and making themselves vulnerable and I loved how “in this together” the romance felt.

Intimacy is written gloriously, from the playful flirty nervousness to the tearful I Might Die If I Can’t Have You Right Now coupling. The way DeWitt writes memories into the physicality between Wren and Ellis is so beautiful and I felt it viscerally in the way their bodies remember and yet are learning each other anew. The sex becomes heightened because this is a couple fighting for each other, willing to show each other how much they are loved. And with no third act breakup(!), this romance felt like passing a test; the main characters put in all the hard work of studying and preparing and have aced their test with flying colors. Their reward? The ultimate HEA.

If you haven’t yet read Tarah DeWitt, you’re truly missing out. Each written word feels so intentional and perfect for expressing her characters’ feelings. Thank you to my gifted copy from St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭🪭
Emotional vibes: 💥💥💥💥