There are some books that leave a lasting impression from the very first page to the very last. Left of Forever is absolutely one of them. Ever since the “She’s still a Byrd.” moment in Savor It, I had a feeling Ellis and Wren would become a couple I’d never forget. And wow, was I right.

Watching these two stripped down to their rawest selves, grappling with emotions that never really went away, growing both individually and together, and ultimately realizing they’re meant for each other, was the very definition of second chance romance. Which just so happens to be one of my favorite tropes ever. This book was beautifully written, and I loved every second of it.

Tarah handled some tough topics with so much poise and care. Ellis, Wren, and the entire Byrd family felt so real, flaws and all, which is exactly why I loved their story so much. This isn’t your typical cookie-cutter romance. It’s rough, it stings at times, but if you're willing to put in the emotional work, it leaves you with the kind of satisfaction that makes you believe in love again. Like Ellis and Wren, you come out the other side stronger and happier. I know I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time, and I’m honestly jealous of everyone who still gets to experience it for the first time.

I loved it so much that I signed up for the audiobook as well, it did not disappoint both Megan Wicks and Connor Crais brought the story to life so beautifully. Whether you read it or listen to it, you’re in for something special. I already can’t wait to reread it. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martins Publishing for the eARC and ALC.

PERFECT IN EVERY WAY!!!!

I had previous read this book and loved it so much that I was already craving the audiobook for a re-read! And let me tell you this story was just as amazing the second time around. Whether you are reading with your eyeballs or listening with your ears the book will truly deliver. And yes I still bawled my eyes out the second time. Wren and Ellis’s story is so messy and emotional and that makes it so relatable.

Left of Forever will always be a masterpiece is my eyes!

I didn’t read it. I survived it.

What makes this worse is that I was so excited for this book. I even put myself through reading the first one just so I could get to this because the cover and book blurb EATS but my excitement was crushed a couple chapters in.

This book had me fighting for my life in every chapter. Two divorced parents somehow manage to co-parent like functioning adults but can’t communicate for anything? MAKE! IT! MAKE! SENSE!

I couldn’t connect with these characters if I tried. They annoyed me every time they spoke and don’t get me started on the inner monologue. It was 90% yapping, 10% plot (i’m being generous with this 10%), and 100% me asking myself when will it get better.

And THEN they both magically realize they’re still in love five years later? Okay. Sure. That’s not chemistry, that’s called DELULU

Thank you netgalley for the arc.

This audiobook SLAPPED. If there’s a way to play this on repeat as background noise in my head, I’d do so in a heartbeat. The production was well done and I just thought to myself “Yes THAT’S Wren and Ellis right there.”

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!

“We have whatever’s left of forever, you and me.”

It’s only been a few days since I finished reading Left of Forever (more like it finished ME) and I don’t think I’ve fully processed it all yet. Tarah has a way of writing the most heart shattering moments of life and morphing it into a beautiful masterpiece that’ll leave you breathless and in awe.

From the moment we learn about Wren and Ellis in Savor It, I knew they’d leave a mark on me. Their connection over the years was no easy rollercoaster ride to say the least, and I loved all the raw and messy moments because that’s exactly how life can be. And of course all the support (aka meddling) from the fellow Byrd family members was a great way to show that there were people in their corners rooting for them.

I was invested from start to finish and tried so desperately to savor this, but my god this was absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend the audiobook as well!! Tarah really outdid herself with this one and I’m so excited for everyone to read Ellis and Wrens story!

AL THE STARS ♾️

Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt was for the Byrds! I don't know what it is about a second chance after a divorce story, but it's just so achingly heartbreaking and soothing at the same time. Two people who once loved each other so deeply, suddenly call it quits and become total strangers, then go on to find each other again after growing and finding themselves. It's the falling in love all over again that makes it all worth it. This is what essential happens between Ellis and Wren as they've known each other forever, having been together since they were seventeen and eighteen. They faced many challenges but stayed strong for the sake of their son, Sam.

Left of Forever was beautiful and quickly owned my heart. I was lucky to receive both an audiobook and ARC copy to listen and read simultaneously. The narrators portrayed the story with so much emotion and depth that I could feel it through my headphones. I loved both Connor Crais and Megan Wicks' performances. They truly did a phenomenal job 🤌🏼. Listening to this story was a wonderful experience. 10/10 recommend this book!!

Left of Forever felt like a wonderful warm hug that can do nothing less than leave you with the best kind of a soul piercing ache.

This book perfectly captures the magic and yearning (omg the delicious yearrrrrnnnnning) of second chance romance. Wren and Ellis’ story is so beautiful. Their journey was captivating and well written. I loved so easily connecting to each of them and seeing how they fell apart but because of it became much better versions of themselves and creating a better forever together.

Thank you so much NetGalley for the ALC. The narrators were absolutely perfect for this story and truly made this story come alive.

Audiobook Review: Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt 🎧💛

Wren and Ellis have my whole heart forever and always. From the very beginning, I was completely invested in their story. I rooted for them through every twist, every heartache, and every bittersweet memory. And when they finally found their way back to each other? Cue the happy tears 🥹

One of the things I loved most about this book was how we got to experience everything. From their teenage love to building a life together, to the heartbreak of their separation, and finally, to this raw, emotional road trip where they begin to rediscover themselves and each other outside of being parents. The way Tarah DeWitt navigates the complexities of love, grief, growth, and healing was so beautiful and real.

The audiobook narration was soo good. I felt like I was right there with them laughing, crying, and cheering them on!

If you love second chance romances that tug on every single heartstring, Left of Forever is a must-listen!

As always thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

Well this was a 5⭐️ for me! And a 5 ⭐️ audio 🎧

An Emotional Second Chance Romance That Hit Every Note

After just one chapter, I messaged my best friend: “Yeah, this is going to be good. Wow.”
And I was right, this book did not disappoint.

First off LOVED that the characters are in their 30’s!

Second: It’s everything I want in a second chance romance: heart, depth, emotional growth, and characters that feel so real it’s like they’re breathing on the page. I loved watching both characters take responsibility for their past mistakes and actively do the work to grow—not just for each other, but for themselves. This story wasn’t about falling back in love (they never really fell out of it). It was about CHOOSING each other again, with all the history, heartbreak, and healing between them.

They acknowledged what went wrong in their relationship, but also what had always been right. And after everything they went through, it felt like a true, earned second chance. A perfect reminder that if someone is meant for you, they'll find their way back, even if you let them go.

The audiobook? Incredible. I was lucky enough to listen to the ALC, and the narrators absolutely nailed it. A perfect narrator cast for this book.

Megan Wicks brought perfectly Wren to life with her beautifully emotional, slightly raspy voice. I hung on every word.

Connor Crais has the kind of deep, steady voice that makes you *feel* things. I wanted to hear more.

I seriously wish this had been a full duet narration just to hear them read together.

Im gonna need a physical copy of this book to annotate!
---

Trops:

💍Marriage in crisis
🏕️ Second chance
💍Small town & found family
🏕️Childhood friends to lovers to exes to lovers
💍 Dual POV
🏕️Road trip

---

Favorite Quotes (Spoilers Ahead):

"Because you make up half of my soul."

"I. Love. You. I would choose you. Over everything! Over everyone." He’s a statue other than a rogue tear tracking down his cheek. "I still would. I still love you." I put both hands over my breastbone like I can hold my heart in place there, the cage of my ribs not enough to keep me together. "Whatever you want from me, Ellis. It’s all yours. It’s always been yours."

"If you won’t have me back anymore, then I’ll find you in the next life. You are the only thing that makes me believe in that. In something bigger than myself. The way I have felt about you has been the only thing that’s felt like... like it can’t be contained in one body or lifetime."
"She’s kissing me. Her lips are on mine after five long years. Five hundred years. She’s kissing me. I’m home."

"If you’re lost, I’ll find you. I’ll give you my body, my heart, and my soul. I’ll cherish every part of you in return. I’ll fight with you, and I’ll fight for you. I’ll love you for everything that’s left of forever in every lifetime we get."

—-

Thank you Netgalley and Tarah Dewith for this ALC!! It was truly amazing

one of my new all time favorite romance books🥹🫂 this book is the perfect example of why i love reading romance. it’s the love you can’t deny, the souls that are intertwined as one, the people who make you feel seen, and the undeniable way two hearts can forever be connected by that invisible string. wren & ellis are soulmates and seeing them grow close again after life’s harsh moments got in the way, was everything to me and the reason why i believe love can conquer all and how you never really stop loving the one.

here’s a few things i loved while reading:
🐦‍⬛ tarah’s writing is so beautiful i feel like this book is going to break me and put me back together
🍷 the letter & the two horses
🐦‍⬛ “it was like — seeing home after decades away”
🍷 wow i already love them, they’re still so in love
🐦‍⬛ him eating her desserts & baked goods again
🍷 the angst is so well done
🐦‍⬛ i love how body positive wren is
🍷 ellis making all the plans for the trip
🐦‍⬛ i love the byrd family so much
🍷 “save me a seat?”
🐦‍⬛ obsessed with the whole roadtrip idea and so excited to see how everything plays out
🍷 they’re so in tune with each other
🐦‍⬛ a little co-op cameo!! deacon!!!
🍷 ellis is so hot
🐦‍⬛ his tattoo🥹🥹🥹
🍷 i’m obsessed with them and their flirting/banter
🐦‍⬛ here for all the growth & open communication
🍷 “byrd”
🐦‍⬛ “i’m home” brb crying
🍷 wren’s journal entries and ellis’s responses to them
🐦‍⬛ i love getting to be in their heads and see how they view each other and how much they’re truly in love
🍷 the pepper scene i shouldn’t be laughing but i can’t help it
🐦‍⬛ HAHA HER MOM STOP I LOVE IT
🍷 “make plans with me forever”
🐦‍⬛ “it’s all yours. it’s always been yours”
🍷 all the origami birds
🐦‍⬛ sage & fisher🥹🥹
🍷 silas’s’ speech!!!
🐦‍⬛ everything left of forever!!!!
🍷 no other notes, this was a MASTERPIECE

i listened to the alc and followed along in my earc and truly loved every second i spent reading this. both narrators did a fantastic job and i loved the production especially for the back and forth letters in the beginning! literally finished in 2 sittings because i couldn’t put it down! tarah you are a queen this book is so beautiful im honestly at a loss for words to explain just how much i loved it and love ellis & wren. as a major second chance girlie, i can confirm this book just made it to my top 3 for second chance romances!

My review is my own experience and opinion, but I thank #NetGalley for the ARC audiobook.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would because I went into it kind of expecting some bitter characters or a whole lot of negative dwelling on the past. Instead, the characters were extremely likable, they owned their faults, and they looked forward to the future with hope.

It’s not often I run across a story based on an ex-husband and ex-wife trying to figure out if they can make it work with each other again. It was honestly a refreshing take on relationships, and there was a lot wisdom and maturity in the pages.

While it had some spicy moments, that wasn’t the focus of the book. The narration was super pleasant to listen to!

Audiobook rating: 5 ⭐️ Loved the narrators!
Story rating: 3 ⭐️ I couldn't quite connect.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ contemporary romance
✨ second chance
✨ divorced for 5 years
✨ co-parents
✨ baker x fire fighter
✨ grumpy, broody MMC
✨ yearning / longing
✨ secret letters
✨ road trip
✨ one-bed / cabin
✨ SPICE
✨ miscommunication
✨ men in therapy 👏
✨ groveling
✨ HEA
✨ TW: ectopic pregnancy (off page in past) and references to infertility


My Thoughts:

The audiobook for this was fantastic! Megan Wicks brought so much depth and emotion to Wren. I felt everything right alongside her. And Connor Crais as Ellis? Literal perfection. His voice is exactly how Ellis should sound - sexy, vulnerable, grounded. I would listen to him narrate a grocery list because his voice is just so sexy. The chemistry between them in audio form felt so real, and the production overall was flawless. Easily a 5-star listening experience!

As for the story itself. . . I didn’t connect with it the way I’d hoped. I’ve been waiting for Wren and Ellis’s book since Savor It, and while I loved the emotional journey and the love they clearly still had for each other, some choices just didn’t work for me. The lust-heavy tone, the five-year gap with no real communication, and Ellis’s sudden transformation felt a little hard to believe. I wanted more emotional rebuilding and less “we’re still super hot for each other” energy. But that’s just me, and as you can see from other reviews, plenty of readers are loving this one!

All that said, if you’re an audiobook fan, this is absolutely worth the listen!

This is officially my gold standard for what a second chance romance should be. DeWitt crafted an incredible story with amazing character growth, yearning, and relationship development. I really appreciated how DeWitt approached bringing Wren and Ellis back to each other and the work it would take. Too many stories skip over the issues that lead to the split in the first place but DeWitt did not shy away from that. Both characters had to come to terms with the ways they hurt each other, so they could heal. That takes an incredible amount of trust and vulnerability. I also loved that Ellis put in so much work to be ready to try and win his ex wife back. I also felt that DeWitt balanced the emotional with plenty of light hearted and steamy moments. The audiobook for Left of Forever was great. I love when dual POV romance books have separate narrators for each POV, so this was a win for that fact alone. Crais and Wicks also did incredibly well bringing a wealth of emotion to their performance making it easy to get invested and stay invested in the story. While this was my first read by DeWitt, it will not be my last.

Audiobook Review of Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt

Left of Forever completely wrecked me...in the best way possible. This second-chance romance is easily in my top 10 reads of the year and I can’t stop thinking about it.

I listened to the audiobook and the narration was perfect. Every moment was brought to life with such depth and emotion. It is one of those stories that completely grabbed me and refused to let go - I stayed up past my bedtime for this one... rooting for Wren and Ellis the whole time.

The weight of their shared past and the slow-burning reconnection on their road trip back to Spunes was beautifully told. Their chemistry? Absolutely electric. The spice? Made the slow burn oh-so-worth it. The emotions? Real and raw.

If you love second-chance romances, unforgettable characters, and stories that pull you in from the first page, Left of Forever is an absolute must. Don’t walk—run—to this one.

left of forever (deserves all of the stars) 💓♾️📖✨🕊️

This book wrecked me and put me back together more times than I can count. I’m usually so picky about second chance romances, and it is safe to say, this one was executed beautifully. 🥹

I saw so many pieces of myself in both Ellis and Wren. Their characters were written with such depth, and this book was filled with raw emotion and love. At times, these characters felt so real to me that I genuinely felt like I was invading their privacy lol!! You could feel the depth and history of their connection in every moment. This book captured the beauty of truly knowing your partner on every level, and how intimate that kind of understanding and knowledge can be.

The longing, the pining, the tension, and the yearning? Absolute perfection!!! 🤌🏻 And their communication? I LOVED it!! It brought me so much joy to see two people who were both willing to put in the work to better themselves individually and the relationship as a whole. 🥹 Relationships aren’t easy, so I appreciated seeing the acknowledgment of their past mistakes and their growth in these particular areas!!!

The overall storyline of this book was also so enjoyable with the pen-pal situation at the beginning and then the road trip throughout (and also very thoughtful… iykyk 😭)!

I adored the audio version of this book. The narrators did an amazing job and truly did this book justice. I absolutely love dual narration and would highly recommend it!

I cannot recommend this book enough (take this as your sign to please read it!!) and I am eager for whatever comes next! 🥹

Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for the e-arc! 💓

The characters! Were so darn perfect!!! Spunes just keeps getting better and better! I fell so in love with with Ellis and Wren, their grit, soft sides and commitment to one another.

It was sweet, hillarious, tough and spicy with the best cast of characters. Tarah does family/community so well.

I hope y’all love this grow up together, second chance romance as much as I did!

The audio was perfection! The vulnerability, the tension, the cast perfected Wren and Ellis.

This book is so tender and angsty and sexy and grounded and just everything I want in a romance — especially in a second chance/estranged exes story. I reviewed the book already, but when the audio became available, I was going to listen to it no matter what… and then I saw Connor Crais’ name and I knew it would be perfection. And it is. Connor Crais voices dutiful, reticent, serious Ellis with the exact right amount of gruffness and vulnerability. The yearning is palpable! And Megan Wicks is new to me but an exciting discovery. Her voice is pleasantly husky, and it highlights Wren’s maturity and lived experience. Both performances feel so real, and they ground what is already an emotionally nuanced and deep story. I absolutely recommend this book in any format, but the audio is something extra special.

If Tarah DeWitt writes it, I will read it.

Left of Forever is utter perfection - and if you love second chance romances, strong family bonds, and a couple who are utterly perfect for each other in a world that's imperfect, you're going to love this book.

Wren and Ellis are teen parents turned divorcees, trying to maintain a good co-parent relationship and move on from what once was a perfect life together. But when their son needs to move into college, there's an opportunity to revisit what once was, and try to salvage what's left of their forever.

When I tell you this book made me feel things - first, please make sure to check the trigger warnings and take care of yourself as readers. There's some heavy stuff in here, and if you want to know more I'm happy to chat about it before you dive in. But there is beauty in being broken, and I think this story does an absolutely incredible job at discusses all types of loss - love, fertility struggles, deaths, and dreams. Tarah's depth to her characters makes these themes feel very real - I know I personally could relate to a few of them, and the way some of the lines made my tears fall...

Ellis is the literal blueprint for men - so boys, take notes. The way he loves his family and everyone who falls into his life is incredible - and the sheer growth we see from him throughout the book made me fall in love with him practically immediately. Adding him into my top ten book boyfriends was one of the easiest decisions I've made. Wren is also a force - I wish I knew her in real life, because she would be an incredible friend. Her commitment to her family and her passion and drive are traits to look up to.

The audio version of this book is perfection - both narrators are easy to listen to on high speeds, and bring to life the story as they read. The one thing I found tricky about the audio was when the journals and letters are being read - it was hard to differentiate sometimes between the story and the letter, and I wish there had been a more clear distinction, but when I followed along in my ARC the audio just heighted the story.

I look forward to the rest of the Byrd sibling's stories - but this one will always have a spot in my heart.

after all, what is bravery if not hope in action?

4 ★

another escape to the wonder and comfort that is spunes could never be a bad thing. whether you choose to read <i>left of forever</i> with your eyeballs or with an audiobook, there is truly no wrong choice. tarah's ability to craft a story full of heart and soul and warmth will soar either way. ellis and wren's journey back to each other was intimacy and hard-fought, a rediscovery of the life they once dreamed of sharing.

additionally, tarah's knack for delivering intentional and impactive spice added such a necessary layer to this story. it is never smut for the sake of it, but rather worship of all the other is and what they could be together. all of those elements of a romance are on full display for wren and ellis as they navigate a second chance at their happy ending.

left of forever is a found family, second chance, small town romance wonder. all of the best components of those popular romance tropes are used to their fullest potential here. after falling in love so young, to witness the ways this pair learned to laugh together again was so special. having to relearn someone they never anticipated being separated from created both an ache and a healing for them. they fought for it and the future is theirs again.

this release has felt like a long time coming, but I am so pleased for tarah and readers alike that wren and ellis are finally out in the world, ready for their rightful home on bookshelves everywhere.

thanks to macmillan audio for access to an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

infinite stars once again!

reread via audiobook and this book is everything!!!!!!!!

bury me with this book. it makes me ache how much these two love each other.

truly one of the best books I’ve ever read.

the audiobook is narrated so well!! Megan Wicks and Connor Crais are both phenomenal in this and brought Wren & Ellis to life perfectly.

They read with so much feeling!!!!

it was perfect, no notes!

Officially adding exes to lovers to my list of favorite tropes! Though I haven’t read the first book in this series, I really enjoyed this one! This was my first read by Tarah DeWitt and I will definitely read more. I listened to the audiobook and both narrators were good. The writing was gripping and I wanted to know how the story would play out. Both MCs were likable which made it easy to root for them. Thanks to NetGalley for an early ALC to review.