Left of Forever
By Tarah Dewitt

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️

ARC Review

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

I have been looking forward to this book since before it was announced. My favorite Tarah Dewitt book is Savor It, so getting to stay in Spunes and hang out with the Byrds some more is basically the dream. And for it to be a second chance romance (of a divorced couple) with epistolary elements? Basically my perfect book.

I loved Wren and Ellis both individually and together. They had been together in one way or another their entire lives, and I think the time they spent apart was vital to their ability to be their own people. Tarah shows, not just the happy and easy parts of marriage and life and love. She shows the devastating and difficult and she does it with so much tenderness. But in the end, these two are soulmates. They are inevitable.

Pen pals, letters and other epistolary elements are some of my favorite things in romance. There is something so intimate and special about it every time. This was no different. I only wish there had been more to that element of this book.

I love Wren's relationship with the Byrds, but I cried multiple times during this book because of Ellis' brother Silas. He's so funny but also such a loyal brother and friend. The way he supported Ellis, but was also an amazing friend to Wren while they were apart, had me in my feels.

Now I just have to hope that Tarah plans to stay in Spunes even longer because I love Silas so much and I need him to get a book. And the youngest Byrd, Micah? I swear there was a hint at a Savannah Bananas-esque book for him in this and if I'm right, I NEED IT.

𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑. 𝑩𝒖𝒕… 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔. 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅𝒔.

Read July 20-21, 2025

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced review copy.

I just loooove a second chance romance and this one between a divorced couple just hit the spot! The yearning, the longing, the love is just everything! AND he has a mustache🫠

💫 Book Review

Left of Forever
By @authortarahdewitt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

2️⃣Second chance
🥐 baker
🧑🏻‍🚒 fire fighter
✍️ writing letters
📝 journal
🗣️Therapy
🗺️ Road trip
🚙 Forced proximity
🎠 fair
🐠 aquarium
🌶️ spicy
🍦 iykyk

This was my first Tarah Dewitt book it won’t be my last. I enjoyed it and I am going to read Savor it as well. The sweetest second chance romance with some sexy firefighters. If you loved this you should also read Where the Black Line Ends by Megan Williamson.

Thank you @netgalley @authortarahdewitt @stmartinspress for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

#leftofforever #tarahdewitt #bookreview #secondchanceromance #fivestarbookreview #romance #readingwithanicedcoffee #netgalley #netgalleyarc #advancedreadercopy #canva #momswhoread #summer #summerreading #stmartinspress

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A tender, steamy, second-chance stunner that will absolutely wreck you, in the best way.

Left of Forever is everything I want in a romance: achingly emotional, richly atmospheric, and impossibly swoony. Tarah DeWitt writes with such intimacy and vulnerability that I felt like I was living inside Wren and Ellis’s story. Watching them crumble, rebuild, and rediscover the kind of love that never really goes away.

Wren and Ellis are the kind of couple you root for with your whole chest. Their history is full of heartbreak and hard-earned love - young parents who built a life too soon, only to fall apart before they really had a chance to grow together. But this isn’t just a story of rekindled romance; it’s a slow-burning journey through forgiveness, growth, and the bittersweet beauty of second chances.

The California road trip element? Pure magic. Every stop along the way is vivid, cinematic, and dripping with chemistry—there’s tension, banter, deep conversations, and yes, plenty of steam. But what really sets this book apart is the emotional depth. DeWitt captures the nuances of co-parenting, regret, healing, and hope with such care and realism that I cried more than once and then grinned through my tears.

By the time I reached the final page, I was completely undone in the best way. Left of Forever is about more than romance. It’s about timing, trust, and finally believing that love can be better the second time around.

Highly, HIGHLY recommend for fans of Katherine Center, Abby Jimenez, and Carley Fortune. Tarah DeWitt is at the top of her game, and this one is going straight to my favorites shelf.

Left of Forever was a second chance romance that was heartwarming, laugh out loud hilarious, and had the most fabulous ending! With a road trip and forced proximity, this book was filled with deeply emotional moments plus all the fun. Left of Forever is officially my favorite Tarah DeWitt book!

This story gave us moments from their past, and it made for such a deeper connection with Wren and Ellis. They fell in love when they were kids, had a child when they were teenagers, and fell apart in their 20s. Their past could be so heart wrenching. Now that they were both in their 30s, and their son was going off to college, a road trip was in their future. It felt like their last chance. Was anything still there, or were they truly done forever?

I already adored Wren in Savor It. She ran the local bakery in town and was bestie’s with Ellis’ sister. Ellis was the oldest of his siblings, a firefighter, and he seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. The story was told from both of their POVs, and they were so easy to connect with and love. Yet they both didn’t seem fully happy with their lives. Wren couldn’t stop thinking about their past, and Ellis desperately missed his wife. Watching them both struggle broke my heart. But as little moments between them caused butterflies to erupt, I held out all the hope!

Being on the road trip together forced Wren and Ellis to face their past. There was a lot of hurt and pain that needed to be worked through, so I loved how the communication was handled. They each shared their struggles from the past, yes it was gutting, but it was also beautiful watching them work through their issues. I loved how everything was laid out on the table. And even though the emotions were intense, there was hope woven through it all too.

But we were also surrounded by flirtatious moments, family intervention that will keep you smiling, a cooking scene that will have you rolling with laughter on the ground, and even occasions of holding hands made my heart soar. The sexual tension was intense, and when they crossed the line to more, it was steamy and so wonderful! Rounding out this story was the most beautiful ending and it made me cry all of the happy tears! I definitely recommend it to all of the romance lovers out there!

I read my first Tarah Dewitt book earlier this year and I absolutely loved it. So I was very excited to know that this book would be returning to the charming small town of Spunes, Oregon. Even moreso we would get to follow two characters we caught glimpses of in "Savor It". I'm usually hesitant when it comes to chance romances,, its rare that an author can convincingly sell me on the shared history and past of the main characters enough to make their reunion feel earned. But with Ellis and Wren, Tarah Dewitt pulled it off. It was emotional, raw, funny and healing in all the right measurements.

No one does romance like Tarah DeWitt. The yearning leaps off the page from the very first chapter, and my heart was HOOKED. I was immediately invested in Wren and Ellis' story and rooting for them throughout the book. At times, the story felt almost *too* romantic with the level of devotion and desire between the characters. Is that a thing? It seemed like I was intruding on private moments and private thoughts - which shows the level of characterization and realism in the writing of this love story. 4.5 stars

Such a great return to Spunes. The chemistry in Tarah DeWitt's books is always amazing. This is a great one to recommend to romance readers who are looking for something a bit cozy, with a nice family element to it.

this book is the epitome of second chance romances. I was swooned by this book. The way Tarah DeWitt wrote these two characters together, their love and their growth was amazing. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book. This book made me look more into her books as this was the very first book of hers that I read.

THIS BOOK - oh my goodness Tarah Dewitt, you just don't stop.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a good well rounded story that didn't leave much out. The premise of the story was descriptive and well thought out - it starts with such an emotional grip that you cant help but wanna keep reading and not put it down.

Wren and Ellis's relationship has gone through some EMOTION - all within a short period of time - this had big impacts, leading to their divorce. Now years have passed and their son is graduating from high school - and they're taking a road trip. This is a second chance, marriage in crisis with a rekindling road trip between and baker and a fire fighter... need i say more?

Thoughts:
- there is a lot of positive therapy acceptance on Ellis's part and I'm such of fan of his emotional growth throughout the story
- the writing was seamless and felt complete - the emotion really jumped off the pages here
this is FOR SURE her spiciest book yet - DAMN
- ELLIS - first the letter, next the origami birds, then all the additional things that come out of his mouth????
- I felt that the book for me (personally) started a little slow in terms of interest but it definitely got better as you go
- the rekindling of their relationship was so gentle and tender - it made my heart flutter. Everything between them shapes in the most gentle way and i'm obsessed with it
<spoiler>them going to the bar and dancing was super hot and then them going into a n alcove and getting things done was SUEPR HOT</spoiler>
- I LOVED how all the side characters were rooting for them to get back together. It really warmed by hear
- I think the most exciting and deep part of this is how a couple who is so used to each other gets to reexperience the giddy, slow, anxious moments and I feel like Tara Dewitt has done an OK job of listening those emotions.

Fave Quote:
“he sometimes called me bird because my name was one. In a weird way, this always felt like a sign that we belonged together”

Thank you Berkley Romance for the free book!

Achingly beautiful, lush prose. My second book by this author and she’s becoming an auto buy for me.

“You are my person. If not you, then no one else. If this life is not for us, then I’ll wait until the next.”

This wasn’t just a romance; it was a beautifully layered journey of heartbreak, healing, and holding on to the hope that love might still live in the ruins of what once was.

Wren and Ellis’s second chance love story gripped me from the very beginning. Five years apart, years of silence and unspoken pain — and then a slow, tender unraveling of all the things left unsaid. Their reunion wasn’t easy or overly romanticized. It was honest. Messy. And real. Watching them navigate their past and try to rebuild something stronger in the present was both heart-wrenching and deeply satisfying.

What made this story unforgettable was how emotionally grounded it was. The characters talked about grief, about mistakes, about the love that didn’t die even after everything broke. And that vulnerability? That’s what made their chemistry so electric.

Tarah DeWitt’s writing is pure magic, funny, heartfelt, a little raw, and completely immersive. The town of Spunes came alive on the page, and every side character felt like someone you’d know (and probably love). And Ellis? Yeah… he had me blushing, swooning, and smiling like an idiot. Total cinnamon roll with a side of smolder.

There’s something so powerful about watching two people choose each other again, not out of nostalgia, but because they’ve grown, changed, and still believe their love is worth fighting for.

Put Left of Forever at the top of your TBR. I’m still not over it, and I don’t want to be.

Thank you so much, @stmartinspress , for the advance copy of Left of Forever by @authortarahdewitt

5/5 Stars 3/5 Spice

Tropes:
Small Town
Second Chance
Road Trip
Forced Proximity
Mutual Pining

one of my top reads of the year. i ADORED this story. tarah honestly always slays but this was just incredible. i cannot say enough good things. this book wrecked me in the best way. the way wren & ellis fall in love with each other all over again (did he ever really stop though? his yearningggggggg had me in a chokehold) had me feeling all of the feels. i plan to reread this at least five more times honestly. i'll simply never ever ever be over them.

Cute and spicy 2nd chance romance. Starts off a bit slow, but picks up a lot about 25% in. I haven’t read the first book but am curious about it now. Thank you for the advanced reader’s copy!

Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt coming out May 20th
“Holding on to happy takes work”
Left of forever is a second chance romance about Ellis and Wren. A couple who married young but never learned how to communicate and process their grief/ trauma, leading to divorce. Years later it’s clear that there is still a lot of love left despite all the built up resentment. With their son moving to college, they decide to give their love one more chance on the return road trip.
This book is steamy (in all the best ways), with a lot of “it’s always been you” and “my wife” energy. It is also a realistic view on marriage and how even with all the love in the world it takes work and communication. And let me tell you, the way they learn to communicate and discuss their feelings 🙌🏻 Highly recommend.
*And yes that is Henry Cavil in the reel, every MC is Henry Cavil 😉
Thanks NetGalley & St.Martin’s press for the arc
#theliterarywives #booklover #romancebooks #bookstagram #secondchanceromance #mywifeenergy

Life never works for everyone but you can still have hope, right?
Tarah Dewitt wrote a beautiful second chance romance. Real emotion raw feelings for those who have a slight chance for hope.
Wren and Ellis' story became so realistic and emotional, the first read of how feelings developed, how life was was unbearable knowing many couples fall in this same category.

Trigger warning for those who have a heavy heart and a nerd for second chance romance. You may shed tears for those and for yourself so I love how Tarah really made Wren and Ellis re fall in love again.
Divorced for 4 years and coparenting, not many can say they have a successful relationship with their ex.

Thank you Tarah Dewitt and St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot give this book enough stars! This was actually perfection! Like for real why was I crying in the second chapter! This was beyond a doubt the best iteration of the second chance marriage in crisis trope.

The emotions that are thrown at you in the first chapter are deep and thought provoking and I immediately got teary eyed about some darn horses! But it really wasn’t about the horses…

Wren and Ellis are completely and utterly in love with each other and yet they are still divorced. Right off the top you know these two characters are going to work through some tough moments and you know it’ll be worth it in the end, but man does it hurt to read them.

There was just the right amount of banter, sarcasm, and spice to balance out the emotional trauma of the main course. The sensitive topics discussed are done so with care. The supporting characters are ones we’ve seen before and I was happy to be seeing them again!

I can’t wait to go back to Spunes and see what comes next!

[Left of Forever]

This book is special. It was the most beautifully written story about second chances, the one that got away, and the person who will always be yours. It made my heart completely ache at times while also making me laugh and swoon. I had so much fun with Wren and Ellis as they went on a road trip together while trying to work through their past. They had so many hilarious stops along the way that kept the book feeling light while also having the perfect balance of emotional moments. The ending was beyond perfect. Do not miss this book! I absolutely loved it.

Grab this one if you love:
✨ Second Chance After Divorce
✨ Co-Parenting
✨ Roadtrip
✨ It’s Always Been You
✨ Tattoos
✨ One Bed

📚 Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥Spice Rating: ❤️

🎧 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼...
Oh my GOODNESS this audio was FANTASTIC. Connor Crais and Megan Wicks were absolutely perfect. They nailed the longing between Wren and Ellis so perfectly while also keeping it so hopeful and fun. This was an infinity star audiobook performance for me. So so great!

Thank you to Tarah DeWitt, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for this gifted advanced reader copy and ALC.

Spice Rating
🤍 clean romance
💗 closed door/ fade to black
❤️ spicy content (a few detailed scenes)
❤️‍🔥 explicit, play-by-play (major part of the plot)
🖤 graphic, more than vanilla

One of the most heart warming books I have read in so long. There was so much emotion between these two and I loved every single second of it. The history they have just makes this book so much better. I love a book that shows that your true love will always come back to you.

Why did I wait so long to read this?!! I loved Ellis and Wren… but especially Ellis and his mustache. It was great to be back in Spunes and I will continue to read whatever Tarah DeWitt gives us!