I am not someone who cries easily, but my eyes were leaking by the end of this book?! Tarah DeWitt found all my soft spots and YANKED on those heartstrings. Seeing Ellis and Wren send their baby boy off to college was so bittersweet. And ooooooh my gawwwwd Ellis and Wren. These two were so achingly tender and blisteringly hot. The absolute definition of soulmates, I refuse to believe they ever fell out of love. Life was just cruel for a bit there but they found each other again and it was perfect.

I really appreciated that we stayed in the present for this one. They had memories of the past and they talked about it, but not having to live through their breakup as a reader prevented it being too heavy and kept it hopeful. This book was really special.

At this point, I think I would trust any and all romances that are written by Tarah. Left of Forever was an absolute BANGER and I'm so happy to be back in Spunes! I missed Sage and Fisher so much, so seeing them sprinkled throughout this book was a gift. Do I now have a strong love for Ellis and Wren? ABSOLUTELY. I love an angst and pining filled romance, so knowing this was a second chance/saving a marriage type story, I definitely looked forward to some emotional destruction. Watching Ellis shed the stoic mask and actually go to therapy essentially unprompted endeared him to me. His character growth was fantastic and should be a shining example to why therapy is probably something we all need. Don't even get me started on the pulsating chemistry and draw between Wren and Ellis. From the get-go I couldn't wait for them to finally say screw it and be together again. Their communication advanced from basically nonexistent to healthy with obvious work from the both of them. But seriously, Left of Forever is great and a must read for the romance lovers.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

Absolutely stunning and so beautiful. Wren and Ellis Byrd are so absolutely lovely! I think that Tarah did a phenomenal job of making us feel like we’ve known these characters forever while also making them feel so brand new and exciting. Their love story is so beautiful, and I love that we got to walk alongside them as they rediscover that love!

Tarah DeWitt is just on another level. I am not a second chance girlie, particularly in cishet couples (men barely deserve one chance, let alone a second one). I also typically *hate* a marriage in crisis moment. But man Wren and Ellis just grabbed my heart and truly would not let go.

It is honestly so lovely to have a male main character actually own his role in the demise of a relationship and recognize not only how his trauma has shaped how he shows up in relationships but actually SEEKS THERAPY to change his communication and behavior patterns. So often in second chance romance there is no actual evolution in the characters or learning about why things went sideways in the past -- the characters just magically overnight become better at communicating and avoiding their prior missteps. I thought the pacing on this book was excellent and the way DeWitt plays with the timeline to build in time and space for Ellis to go to therapy and actually work on his shit was so well done. More men in therapy in romance novels please!!!

I also love an epistolary moment in a romance novel and I thought it was well done in this one (and wasn't the cause of a dreaded third act breakup which I was SO grateful for!!!) This novel actually does revolve around some key moments of miscommunication to drive the plot forward -- but really its cases of mistaken identity or making assumptions about the others behavior as opposed to the tired trope of "i'm just going to get mad but not say anything to you about it." I often find dual POV doesn't really add much to the narrative but having both Ellis and Wren's perspective in this novel is essential, particularly for making the audience understand why Ellis and Wren keep misinterpreting the other's actions etc.

Anyway top to bottom pretty sure Tarah DeWitt could write any trope (except for accidental pregnancy, it's 2025, that one is never ok) and I would devour it.

4.5⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martins Press, and Macmillan Audio for sending me an E-ARC and an ALC. This is such a beautiful, real and raw story.

It made me reflect on my own marriage and how we were both young when we got married. I think it beautifully showcased how sometimes in marriage you can drift apart, but you can also find your way back to each other if you want too.

I loved the letters and the trip Ellis planned and how much effort he put into showing Wren how serious he was about trying again. They are so good together, I adore them.

This book made me feel everything and solidified my love of second chance romance. Wren and Ellis are just so perfectly imperfect and that made their story so so real.

There was so much that resonated in my heart about their story. I laughed, I giggled and kicked my feet. I felt their excitement with all the highs and lows. And I cried the tears that can only come from the most bittersweet of moments.

This is my second book by Tarah and I am decidedly a fan. I’ll read whatever she writes!

I loved returning to Spunes and getting a deeper look into Wren and Ellis. I have been liking these romance novels with 30+yo MCs more and more lately as I can relate, being late-30s myself, more than to the teenage angst anymore.

After dropping their son off at college, they take a road trip back home together, with Ellis having planned the whole thing and incorporating all the spots he knew she’d always wanted to visit. I enjoyed reading the story of two parents reconnecting after a divorce, can definitely relate to kids and life getting in the way of a good marriage to your best friend. While the reconciliation was maybe a little too easy, that’s the best part about romances, they make the hard things seem possible.

You can expect:
Second-chance Romance
Divorced Parents
Baker x Firefighter
Birthday Road Trip through NorCal
Forced Proximity
Pining and Flirting
Care while Sick
Small PNW Town
Mid30s MCs
Dual, 1stP POV

The first part of this novel takes place at the same time as Savor It, and does reference some of the events. So while you don’t have to read that first, it definitely helps give more insight into the Byrd family dynamics - and it’s an amazing book too. Tarah said she didn’t think she would ever write a sequel until this couple jumped out at her, and now I’m wondering if another sibling will get a story too, it seemed like it could be set up that way at the end. I would love to continue reading an interconnected series with all the Byrd siblings, they’re all such well-rounded characters that deserve their own journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins for providing and eARC for my honest opinion.

I don’t think there’s enough words in the dictionary to describe what this book made me feel. Tarah DeWitt, YOU. ARE. A. POET.

I’m left speechless, but hopeful, that love like Wren’s and Ellis’ will find everyone in their lifetime.

I don’t think there will be any book that tops this book for me this year. It’s automatically taken the first place spot and will remain there for the end of time, or what’s left of forever 🥹 (probably until Tarah’s next book tbh)

For me, second chance stories are always hard to gauge at first, and sometimes I’m not thoroughly convinced the protagonists really love each other. I knew in chapter 1 of this book that Ellis and Wren’s love ran DEEP. Their story is so honest and raw and real. They made me giggle, and actually burst out laughing, but also made me cry. The work that Ellis put in to be a better man was inspiring & the strength Wren showed when shouting her most vulnerable thoughts was amazing. I want a love like theirs, with all their faults and quirks, because it feels so real.

LOL this is starting to look like a diary entry I’ll stop now

10/10, a million stars, so so so honored to have gotten an advanced copy because I truly just want to shout it from the rooftops BUY THIS BOOK. READ THIS BOOK. LOVE THIS BOOK. CRY WITH THIS BOOK.

thank you to NetGalley, Tarah DeWitt, and St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is out May 20th🩷

This is truly Tarah’s best work and has quickly become my favorite second chance romance 😩. Tarah tore us apart and put us back together in the most beautiful way. I did not want this book to end. Wren was so endearing and Ellis is what dreams are made of. Their story was so real and vulnerable, it will put you through all the feels as they go one their journey back towards their HEA.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for advance copies of the audiobook and the ebook to follow along. Connor Crais and Megan Wicks were lovely choices for the narrators on this one. They brought so much to the story.

These two never treated each other with anything other than tenderness and respect even in the divorced years which was really lovely of them. This was a nice second chance romance where the wrongs that they did way back when were understandable and grown. I appreciated that none of their issues were petty. These were full blown adults dealing with life and some parts of that are horrible. I also appreciated that when he decided to make a plan, it didn’t come together sloppily overnight. He worked for months to get this right.

This is a tender look at what could easily be any relationship in the real world. It made my heart ache to read about Wren and Ellis, who love both each other and everyone around them so. damn. much. and who are so busy taking care of others that they forget to take any care with themselves. Their heartbreaks were so visceral, as were their realizations that their love for each other was still alive and well. I loved all of their interactions, especially their teasing, yearning, and the pining for each other (!!!! I am a fool for even the tiniest scrap of yearn and pine)

I really liked Ellis' restraint and respect for what Wren wanted; while also taking the steps to grow and change, and be what she needed. I also loved their reconciliation and the emotional breakthroughs that they had together.

I loved the letters, and especially the use of journaling to show us Ellis and Wren's beginnings - how their love grew from childhood into teenage years, through to parenthood and adulthood, and how that love changed and grew the whole time. Also how things fell apart, not from a lack of love, but from a whole jumbled mess of different things happening in their lives- that's the most human, heartbreaking part of it all.

honorable mentions for Ellis' little mustache, the chilli peppers (RIP), and the Byrd family just doing their things chaotically in the background.

I loved Savor it and was so excited that we were going to get Ellis and Wren’s story.
Marriage is tough and this book doesn’t pretend that it’s simple, Ellis and Wren have to decide if it’s worth it to fight for what they once had or continue as friends.
If you love road trips
Second chance
Slow burn
Good banter
Pick this book up and you will not want to put it down.

Going back to Spunes and getting to know the whole Byrd family really made this book for me.
Tarah DeWitt Please give us the full Byrd Family books! I want to read about Micah and Silas too❤️

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“One day, when we’re very old and gray, one of us will open our eyes to a day that the other won’t, but we’ll smile knowing how full life has been, knowing how we spent forever. Everything left of it, together.”

At some point these authors have to pay for the emotional damage they cause me, right????

I actually can’t put into words how completely lovely this book was. It’s funny and earnest and gut wrenching and unflinchingly slutty. You dare give me a slutty mustache AND make this man the epitome of YEARNING?! Jail.

Both Wren and Ellis are one of my favorite second chance romances to date. There’s no unnecessary drama. There’s just them clinging to hope and love. Their journey was so fun to watch unfold and I loved the cameo from Deacon and Larynn!!!!! I was giggling getting to see them again!

There were so many fun and silly moments throughout this and I loved getting to see the playful parts of Ellis and Wren. They deserve the world.

Thank you St. Martin’s Griffin for the early copy of this book through NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫 𝑰𝑭 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑳𝑰𝑲𝑬:
♡ second chance
♡ letter writing & emails
♡ forced proximity
♡ meddlesome side characters
♡ BAWLING YOUR EYES OUT

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺
I’m literally getting weepy simply thinking about this story. Second chances aren’t my favorite because THIS. THIS is what a second chance love story should be.

The sheer amount of YEARNING in this book broke my heart down piece by piece but made me SO hopeful for that HEA. They had true love and lost their way from each other, only to realize they were always meant to be. They had to share hard truths before they could see if they could ever work again. It was gut wrenching to see two people want each other so much, share such RAW emotions, and despite how scared they were, to be so hopeful that their love would find a way again.

I really don’t know what to say about this book to convince you to read it because everything was so perfect. The writing itself was BEAUTIFUL. The way love was portrayed and described felt familiar yet brand new. If you’re in the market for a love story unlike all the rest, pick this one up 🤍

Where do I even begin? This book was perfection from start to finish! It had me laughing and sobbing by the end! Tarah just has a way of writing stories that just hit you in the feels in the most beautiful way!

Wow, Tarah writes such beautiful stories. I laughed, I cried.

Wren was such a strong character. I would like my own Ellis Byrd now.

OMG THE YEARNING!! (Thank you to SMP Romance & Macmillan Audio for the ARC/ALC.)

This is one of the best second chance romances that I’ve ever read. DeWitt masterfully balances the love these two characters have for each other with the ways that they hurt each other to create a love story I could not put down.

I love a down bad man, and Ellis is the down bad-est of them all. He’s gone to therapy, he’s done the work, and he’s ready to win back his (ex) wife’s heart.

TYSM St. Martins and Macmillan Audio for this diamond of a book. I freaking loved it. Infinity stars.

TL;DR:

Left of Forever is a dual POV, character-driven second chance romance that will make you laugh until you cry and then sob because you feel so many feelings. It’s one of the sweetest stories I’ve ever read, but it’s not at all cheesy. The characters are strong and vulnerable and I dare you not to fall in love with them. The pacing is spot on, the dialogue is exquisite, and the spice is perfectly placed to complement up the emotional tension.

While I have your attention, let me add that all of Tarah’s books are great so please read Savor It, The Co-op, Funny Feelings, and Rootbound too.

Full review:

I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Ellis Byrd gruff, “She’s still a Byrd” — and I’ve been waiting on this book ever since.

Friends, it delivered. Left of Forever is a stunning love story from beginning to end. It’s packed with pining and angst, but balanced with just the right amount of sweetness to keep it from veering into heartbreak territory.

Second chance romances are tough — the couple has to break up for a real reason, but their reunion also needs to feel earned. Tarah threads that needle perfectly with Wren and Ellis, both in the story and the way it unfolds. The pacing is spot on and I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down.

As with all of Tarah’s characters, Wren and Ellis are strong, funny, and full of heart — but they’re also willing to be vulnerable and fight for what they want. Ellis is the ultimate book husband. He worships Wren and it . Wren might be the strongest heroine I’ve ever read. She’s been through so much and still dares to hope. It’s beautiful.

The roadtrip setting is really fun. Wren and Ellis get up to a lot of hijinks along the way, with a few especially hilarious scenes that were reminiscent of Abby Jimenez type malarky. I laughed so hard at the cooking class scene and the ~situation~ it causes (IYKYK). Oh and the cable car scene SENT me.

After the roadtrip, we’re treated to a few scenes back in Spunes. Seeing the Byrds together with their pranks and jokes, their deep love for one another, the family they’ve built together — it’s heartwarming and just what this Fisher/Sage stan needed to read.

OH! I almost forgot to mention, there’s a little tiny You’ve Got Mail element that culminates in someone saying “I wanted it to be you.” SWOON

Audio
The audiobook is INCREDIBLE. The narrators have these gravelly voices that are hot rather than annoying. In the story, Ellis talks about altering Wren’s DNA, and yeah, I think that’s what this audiobook did to me. It’s the peak of perfection and I don’t know how anything else will ever compare… until Spunes book 3!

I loved and adored this story, I couldn’t get enough of Ellis and Wren. Such an emotional and beautiful journey that had my heart in my throat - I know this will be one that I’ll read time and again. So special.

This is the epitome of the perfect second-chance romance novel. After reading Savor It, I was really looking forward to Wren and Ellis's story. It did not disappoint. This is full of big feelings, deep regrets, and how we can grow and move forward, make amends, and find right where we belong.

I ended up listening to this on audio and both narrators were incredible. They brought the character to life, you felt their longing, sorrows, and triumphs.