This second chance romance brought everything to the table. Love, loss, hope, heartache, and understanding.

Wren and Ellis are so unmatched, alone and as a couple. They loved hard, and in the end, they had to walk away from another….. But not forever. Their journey to find themselves for themselves and each other was raw, emotional, and honest. They wanted to be better for each other, their son, and their families.

The banter and tension between Wren and Ellis made this book so hard to put down. While some moments had me in tears, I also laughed. The story is really well written, I ended this book with no lingering thoughts or questions. I also felt that this story can be very relatable, married, or divorced. It made me look at my own marriage and what I appreciate about it. As someone who solely reads romance, I have never found myself thinking about my life and how it could relate to what I’m reading, and for me, that made me love this book more. I could not recommend this book enough.

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

There is something so captivating in Tarah’s books. The way she captures feelings, even the simplest sentences are so damn emotional. Admittedly I was not someone who held on to the “she’s still a Byrd” from Savor It but god was I wrong for that!!!! I have fallen so hard for these characters and their love and their determination to get it right this time around. Watching these two find their way back to each other ripped my heart out in the best way. I loved seeing the work that Ellis put in, he knew he needed to show Wren things would be different now and wasn’t shy to vulnerability and communication even when it didn’t come naturally. The history that Tarah manages to give us without dual timelines was magic, so easy to see who both Ellis and Wren were throughout the years of growth and change of their relationship. It’s so clear they never fell out of love but are also learning to love each other all over again. I was so emotional reading this and I’ll be thinking about “I’ll save you a seat” forever. (Also are we getting a Silas book because I fear I won’t be able to handle that)

I LOVED this book. LOVED this book. Tarah Dewitt must be some kind of writing goddess because she can do no wrong. The emotional depth, the scenery, the longing, the character depth, the character growth, THE MUSTACHE. Left of Forever had it all. I’m kinda obsessed with Spunes and would like to love there ASAP

After the divorce, Wren and Ellis are forced to live their lives separately after so many years together. Being together since they were 17 and 18 years old, they find it hard to imagine a life without each other. 5 years after the divorce, they come together to send their son, Sam, off to college. Ellis has more planned than just a send off trip, which leads to more than just saying their goodbyes to their boy.

This book was honestly so much better than Savor It. I'm not sure if it's because all the characters were already established. It just seemed so much more structured and less chaotic. I really loved the premise of it all and I loved Ellis! He was such a family man with a good heart. I loved how he so easily took care of everyone. It makes me wonder why they even got divorced in the first place.

Romance novels have a way of being unrealistic, and this one seemed to be that way. Sam was conveniently such a good kid and didn't have any teenage angst issues. Ellis conveniently loved Wren despite the divorce, it didn't seem like they were any qualms. It just didn't feel that believable as to why they even got divorced in the first place. I've read some second-chance romances in the past and this seems to be the most unrealistic of them all. But I guess that's the beauty of fiction novels?

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC!

Tarah just hits every dang time! I loved this one, just like I loved all the others. Great read with characters I cared about and a storyline I wanted to see to completion!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of Left of Forever by Tarah Dewitt.

I had a feeling this was going to be one of my top romance reads of the year, and it still managed to blow my expectations out of the water. Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt is, without question, the best second-chance romance I’ve ever read. And that’s saying something, because it’s not even my go-to trope. But DeWitt completely nailed it with Ellis and Wren.

She set things up so beautifully in Savor It (book one in the series), where you catch the spark between two people who clearly still have feelings but need time and space. In Left of Forever, she explores what happens when people take the time to grow, reflect, and then rediscover what’s been there all along. The emotional depth, the vulnerability, the slow rebuilding, it’s all just so well done.

This book is thoughtful, moving, and surprisingly relatable, even if you’ve never been in a similar situation. It’s a story about love, identity, and choosing each other again after life has happened in between. I can’t recommend it enough.

While Left of Forever can technically be read on its own, I highly recommend starting with Savor It to get a better sense of the characters, the town of Spunes, and the beautiful dynamic of the Byrd family. It makes the experience that much richer.

I’ve never highlighted so much in a book. So many lines felt like they were written just for me, and I think a lot of readers will feel the same. I sincerely hope Tarah DeWitt continues this series. I am not ready to leave this world behind and can’t wait to revisit Spunes again.

The romance was ROMANCING with this book and I absolutely am here for it. I love a second chance romance any day but I don’t usually like marriage in distress because I often find them depressing. I think because Wren and Ellis have been separated for 5 years this gave off more second chance romance vibes, and because there was very little resentment or anger between the couple it worked so much better for me. I loved Ellis and was eating up every single thing he said and did. I loved the way Tarah wove letters that gave flashbacks to their previous relationship throughout so we could understand more but not have to have an actual time hop. I also loved their trip and the funny little things that happened along the way. Ellis’ siblings are so fun and gave the story a lighthearted feel. I sincerely hope we get Silas and Micah’s stories next. This book just really was so romantic, and I don’t usually feel that way about romance books (ironically enough). The way the characters felt about each other and expressed that had me swooning left and right. A 5 star read for me all around!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I really really enjoyed this one!! Perhaps even loved...with some minor bones to pick, ha.

Given that this is a story about a divorced couple finding their way back to each other, I kind of expected more discussion around their divorce, how to make amends, and just MORE in that category. I felt like they went from not speaking for FIVE YEARS to flirting and hooking up. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed those bits but I'd like to think there was more emotional trauma associated with a LONG relationship ending in DIVORCE. It seemed like they just needed a couple deep discussions to make amends and it made me wonder why they couldn't do that 5 years ago. I realize they changed as people and worked on themselves, but.... not that much. It doesn't seem like either of them changed all that much, they were already good people with minor flaws. Alas, this is fiction and it was cute and I flew through it! The road trip aspect was fun as cute as well.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC!

Even if I had everything left of forever, it wouldn’t be enough time to gush about this book. Tarah set the stage for the Bryds’ stories in Savor It, and Left of Forever took over and dug into the very nuanced relationship between Ellis and Wren. Sometimes getting back together with your ex is a terrible idea, but other times it’s not about getting back together - it’s about starting over after life has changed you. Tarah did a wonderful, soul altering-worthy job of picking this all apart and putting it together in something better than it was before. It was a joy seeing the other Bryds and diving into Ellis’ head, and I wish there would be more to come.

cute and sweet. nothing special but enjoyable and all the characters are fun. Curious to see who Micah and Silas will end up with

Second Chance is one of my favourite romance tropes. It's insta-love without the cringe, with deep respect and love and admiration; it's slow burn and yearning but with fantasies fueled by memories instead of infatuation. And this, THIS my friends....is the perfect second chance romance.

Ellis and Wren are childhood sweethearts who married young after Wren got pregnant at 17. They drifted apart and divorced about five years ago, but now their son is off to college and they're young empty nesters...who have never been able to forget each other. After an epistolary twist of fate, Ellis convinces Wren to take a road trip with him after they drop Sam off - one last chance to see if they can patch their love back together.

This is a story full of love, growth, vulnerability, and oh my god, the emotion. And the spice. And the love. These two have been goners for one another from the start—it never stopped; life just got in the way, as it does. And now they're adults and finally able to try and get past the heartbreak and the changes to truly see one another and figure out if they can give one another what's left of forever.

I'm still crying while I think about it now, over 24 hours after I finished it. This is a special one. Thank you, thank you, thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this one in advance and spread the word - please add this to your summer road trip romance pile. It'll make you believe in love and second chances.

I am obsessed with how this book turned out! I don’t normally gravitate toward older main characters as I often find it so hard to identify with how they are written, but Ellis & Wren are two of the most interesting individuals that it almost felt as though I knew them & was being told the long story on a nightly recap with my best friend! We have a second chance between two parents while they actively attempt another go at their relationship while on a beautiful road trip through California after dropping of their son at college. The story is absolutely beautiful and refreshing 💕 I could read about Wren & Ellis every single day for the rest of my life & still want to know more

ELLIS AND WREN OH M GEEEEEE!!! I love a good ole second chance romance and the fact that this was one after divorce made it so much sweeter!!! Not only did I enjoy their story of finding each other again, I also loved learning about them as parents. They love their guy, Sam, with everything in them and it’s so so wholesome!

Tarah also has easter eggs from her previous books (The Co-Op, I’m looking at you!!) so it was so fun to see some characters I’ve read about before!!!

I also loved the road-trip aspect. The forced proximity YES MA’AM!!!😙🤌🏼

Overall, this was my favorite book by Tarah! She has given a heartfelt story about second chances, love, and the invisible string that ties two people together!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

5 big bright beautiful shining stars for this one!!!!! oh my goodness, did I just read one of my favorite books of 2025?! The perfect second chance romance does in fact exist and it was written by Tarah DeWitt!!!!!

I immediately requested her entire back list from the library and am going to be Booked and Busy for the new few weeks!! There are so many things I loved about this book and I truly don’t know where to begin…

This book is sooo romantic and swoon worthy!! These two were truly meant for one another in the most beautiful way and I loved experiencing their relationship and moving through their mistakes with them. They have lived so much of their lives together and I really felt every bit of their history in this book.

Some things I absolutely loved:
- The characters were well developed, complex, relatable, and I truly rooted for this relationship as if it were my friends.
- Ellis!! freaking Byrd!!!!!!! oh myyyyyyyyy.
- The perfect second chance romance!! The way they fell back in love?! The communication?! the learning and growing from their past?! love love love
- The paper cranes! the secret tattoos! and then…. THE TATTOO!!
- The perfectly planned road trip!
- The perfect pacing!!

I will say, I have not read Savor It yet and while it’s said that this could be read as a stand alone, I think I missed some aspects and was a bit confused trying to keep track of characters. The Spunes-verse was already set and I felt like I was jumping right in. It didn’t negatively impacting my reading experience so significantly that I took a star away from my rating, just something to consider if you haven’t read Savor It.

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

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Romance

Read this book if you like:
Second chance romance
childhood romance
firefighters
penpals
road trips

Review:
I loved this book! I'm the biggest sucker for a second chance romance. This was the first book I've read by Tarah DeWitt and it was incredible. I knew just a few chapters in that this was gonna be one of my favorite books I've read so far this year. This book had me laughing and tearing up. There are so many little moments that happen in this book that make it so special. Also, the spice was spicy!

I loved the importance of family in this book and how Ellis's family was still there for Wren after their divorce. Ellis and Wren were also just adorable. Ellis would really do anything just to make Wren happy and the whole trip is a testament to that. I also loved everyone trying to match make them, so so cute.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5⭐️ I loved this book and the story of how sometimes life itself is the bad guy in a failing relationship. I am really impressed by Tarah’s ability to consistently write good stories with humor and heart. Wren & Ellis went on a beautiful journey in this book and I loved Ellis’ determination and effort to get it right. The side characters were amazing of course - we got to get to know the other two Byrd siblings a little bit more and of course catch up with Fisher and Sage and the rest of Spunes.

I think ultimately it could have been a little longer as I felt like I missed a chunk of story in the middle somewhere? All the sudden it was almost the end and I wanted a little more depth to some of their conversations. Overall this is a beautiful story of hope, choosing love, and putting in the work for your relationships. I can’t wait to see what Tarah cooks up for Silas & Micah next…Thank you to SMP Romance and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

4.5⭐️

My first book by Tarah DeWitt and it really moved me. Left of Forever is a beautifully meaningful second chance romance. What happens when all the butterflies of first love are overshadowed by years together and unforeseeable problems.

Wren and Ellis are childhood friends who fall in love, have a son and get married but after terrible loss, they drift apart and divorce.

Left of Forever is their journey back to each other. I loved the letters, the banter, the trip, the spice and all the family members. They both grow as people but Ellis’s growth is so touching. I love them together. This is an emotional and beautiful read.

Looking forward to going back and reading Savor It next…love the Bryds!

Thanks to Tarah DeWitt, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book had all the elements of a romance book that I love. A really good, solid man that is working on himself and yearns with the best of them. YEARNS. Oh my heart. A smart and funny woman that is soft-hearted but wary due to past hurts and guards her heart accordingly. Second chances. Forced proximity. A family rooting for them in the background. An epistolary touch that adds extra dimension to the reconnection of Ellis and Wren…it all adds up to perfection.

I think Tarah DeWitt writes romance SO WELL. Her build up of plot and character and emotion always, always, always pays off in the most satisfying way. Whether it’s an anticipated first kiss, an angry and tense moment, or something emotional that brings on tears, you believe in it. It feels real and you’re right there with the characters. This book hurt my heart in all the good ways. Not once in Left of Forever did I feel like I was anything but fully immersed in this gorgeous story. I find her way with words so easy to connect to.

This was laugh out loud funny in many parts. DeWitt has a sense of humor I really connect to. The Byrd family is charming and hilarious and real. The connection Wren continues to have with the rest of Ellis’s family is lovely, and the way his brothers wanted so deeply for Wren and Ellis to find their way back to each other was heartbreakingly sweet.

Savor It by this author was my favourite book of 2024, and I already know Left of Forever is going to be on my “best of” lists for 2025.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press for this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

As a huge fan of second chance romance, I was curious about this one. And after reading the new edition of The Co-op, I wanted to read more of the author's books.
Left of Forever started as a very emotional story and I loved the letters they wrote. The growth and self awareness of the characters made them instantly likeable, especially Ellis. To me, he was a massive green flag and I liked how he took responsibility, went to therapy and learned how to express and communicate his emotions. The way Ellis and Wren opened up to each other, talked about the past and were vulnerable showed how well-written and deep they were as characters. Their story also showed that love isn't enough to make a relationship work...
The roadtrip was a great idea to bring them together to figure things out and to increase the tension between them and I loved the Easter egg from The Co-op😍You'll also get to see Sage and Fisher from Savor It. I haven't read that one, but reading about them in this book made me want to pick up Savor It soon!
The only reason I'm not rating this 5 stars is that I wish they'd taken things slower. Things happened a little too quickly, but that might just be me.

Second chances are notoriously hard to write and connect with, because chances are - you’ll be rooting for them to break up for good. And i'm happy to report that this was not the case with Left of Forever.

Wren and Ellis deserved a second chance and I was truly rooting for them to figure it out. There was communication, reflection on the past, little adventures to keep it fun and entertaining but also longing and heart wrenching confessions that made me reach for a napkin.

What I wish was also present is a closer look at them falling in love in the past. Because from the very beginning both of them knew they still loved each other and even though I was able to care for them - I did not fully connect. The only glimpses of their past we got were covered in a haze of teenage hormones and lust. There were other domestic snippets but it was all tell and no show.

Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience and highlighted what seems like half a book, so despite the one thing that lacked for me it is still a great, well rounded story that I encourage you to pick up.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher - St. Martin’s Press - for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.