I absolutely adore this book. Tarah manages to hit it out of the park once more! She truly captures emotions like no one else I've read before. This story has so many layers and WrenEllis have my entire heart.

4⭐️ loved this book!!
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Savour It (if you’ve not read it definitely go back and read) and was so excited to read this second instalment.
I loved the quiet broody Ellis and was so happy for his second chance with Wren.
I really hope we get more book in the series and find out about the rest of the Byrd brothers!!

Thank you LittleBrownBookGroup and Netgalley for the eArc of this book.

Left of Forever is a second chance romance book in the Spunes, OR series. Although they are technically interconnected standalones, I would recommend reading the first book Savor It before this one to get to know the characters and small town setting. Sadly, I struggled to connect to this book in the way I did with Savor It. I think it would have benefited from showing us more of Ellis and Wren’s history and struggles before their divorce as well as more of their interactions since they split to understand the current state of their relationship because they seemed to get back together quickly after only one/two conversations. I also would have preferred some alternation of their povs in the middle of the book as there were some back to back chapters focused solely on Wren or Ellis - this would have helped gain both their perspectives on certain situations. I enjoyed the road trip aspect of the story (and especially the winery cooking class!) but it felt a bit all over the place pacing wise. Wren and Ellis were likeable MCs but I think I am more intrigued by Silas (and hopefully Micah’s) stories. Fingers crossed we get them as I’ve grown fond of the Byrd family!

I'm not even doubting the rating because this book was so perfect! Everything I've ever wanted from a second chance was in this book. The story itself was so captivating — I couldn't put it down, not even for a bit, because I was completely consumed by the narration. It's my first book by Tarah DeWitt — and I know I should've read "Savor It" first. I realized it while reading this one, and I will definitely go back to it because I've fallen in love with the writing and the compelling narration.

Ellis and Wren's first introduction was so well-executed, and somehow they felt so familiar — like I'd met them before and was now getting to know them all over again. That exact feeling worked perfectly with the story, since the whole point was for Ellis and Wren to get to know the new versions of each other. And that worked for me too, as I was doing the same thing alongside them. It was very easy to get into this book, as the story gradually developed — focusing on each character separately at first. Then, when Wren and Ellis started working toward rekindling their bond, the focus shifted to them as a couple. But their individual growth was never sidelined. That’s such a tremendous achievement for the author — maintaining those separate storylines while allowing the characters to grow back together.

I'm a sucker for second chances, but lately I've realized I'm also a sucker for the marriage-in-crisis trope. Even though this book starts with the main characters already divorced, that theme works beautifully here too. This story is about communication and trust — about rebuilding something precious while also creating a new bond, a new connection, and laying the foundation for a healthy relationship, brick by brick.

The characters and their dynamic were so electrifying — even in those first awkward encounters between Wren and Ellis. I don't know how Tarah DeWitt did it, but the chemistry felt so familiar, like I already knew these characters. Wren's personality especially drew me into the story even more. She's so perfect and yet imperfect at the same time — she feels like a real human, not a fictional one. She's not flawless, she makes mistakes and takes responsibility for them. I love when authors create tangible, real characters — not perfect ones — because those imperfections make them feel truly human.

Wren’s journey of finding herself, of overcoming her desire to be everything for everyone, was deeply moving. She became a mother at seventeen and, since then, took responsibility not just for her son but for the entire Byrd family. Her journey in this book — a journey of finding her own voice — was so perfectly crafted and explored. Bravo!

As for Ellis — honestly, I cannot shut up about this man! He was just so utterly perfect. Ellis Byrd is the definition of “down bad” because he was really, really down bad for Wren throughout the whole book. He’s his own person, but at the same time, Wren and Sam are his world — they are what make him happy, what keep him moving forward. Watching Ellis rediscover himself, admit his mistakes, and try to correct them was powerful. He wanted to be the man Wren needed, and his growth in this book showed that anyone can change for the better.

The bond between Ellis and Wren was something else. I was drawn to them immediately, and there was never a moment when I couldn’t see them rekindling their relationship — they were just made for each other. They grew up together, they grew apart together, and seeing them work on growing back together? Such a full-circle moment.

The chemistry between them, like I said, was electrifying — but more than that, their story felt raw and real. Their imperfect bond overcame so many obstacles, and where others might have given up, Ellis and Wren fought for each other. They got to know each other again. They fell in love again. And at the same time, they never really stopped loving each other. Is that possible? You tell me after reading this book.

This book was so, so, so good, and I won’t stop talking about it anytime soon. I love books that explore imperfections, and this one presented such a real story between two people who love each other infinitely. It’s a story about soulmates — about people who want to be together and are ready to fight for each other and for their happiness. I would recommend this book to everyone — it’s now one of my favorite reads of the year!

Like Ellis altered Wren’s, this book altered my DNA. What a stunning second chance. The slow burn was delicious, the hurt palpable, and the reconciliation was worth every second of pain. This book just became a favourite.

I have to say I'm not usually the biggest supporter or second chance romance but this book was so good.
There is lots of delicate topics here including miscarriage and infertility, I think they were dealt with with sensitivity and care.
Lots of male yearning in his pov, he's doing the work, going to therapy and takes on board things and changes.
Definitely shed a tear at the end of this.

Tarah DeWitt's Left of Forever is a masterfully crafted second-chance romance that perfectly balances emotional depth with sizzling chemistry. The story follows Wren and Ellis Byrd, childhood sweethearts who fell in love young, had their son as teenagers, but drifted apart in their twenties. Now divorced and in their thirties, their paths converge again when their son gets accepted to college.

The reconnection begins six months before the main story, when Wren, fascinated by a story about horses in a California wildfire, writes to a firefighter seeking information. By chance, Ellis receives her letter, leading to a secret correspondence where she unknowingly falls for her ex-husband all over again through their written words.

Ellis is the kind of hero that makes readers melt. His devotion to Wren shows in countless ways: from stopping eating her baked goods during their separation (then intentionally starting again when he wants her back), to leaving origami birds in her pockets, to planning their entire road trip around her dream destinations. When he says things like "My DNA mixed with yours, and it altered your very bones, Byrd... We belong to each other in ways no one else ever will," it's impossible not to swoon.

The tension in this book is exquisite. Every scene crackles with unresolved emotions, from playful banter about their shared past to charged moments of physical proximity. Their first on-page kiss, coming after 60% of delicious anticipation, perfectly captures their dynamic. When Wren finally kisses him and Ellis whispers "I'm home," it's a moment of pure romance.

The story thoughtfully incorporates mental health representation, showing Ellis dealing with PTSD from his firefighting career and actively participating in therapy, while Wren embarks on her own journey of self-discovery. The dual timeline effectively shows both their past and present, creating a rich tapestry of their relationship.

What makes this romance feel especially authentic is how it handles conflict. Instead of relying on dramatic third-act breakups, the story presents realistic arguments that get resolved through actual communication. The characters bicker and have mini fall-outs like real couples do, making their journey back to each other feel genuine and earned.

Surprisingly spicy scenes add another layer to their reconnection. While never intensely raunchy, the book features some unexpectedly steamy moments that perfectly balance the emotional depth of their relationship.

Left of Forever is the kind of romance that makes you want to cry happy tears, watching these characters support and pine for each other as they grow together. It's a testament to why second chance romances can be so powerful - when it's the right person, and all the elements are executed perfectly, with immaculate tension, it's an immediate five-star read.

This is a heartwarming and hilarious journey that explores themes of second chances, self-discovery, and the unexpected paths life can take us on. The story revolves around Harper, a woman who finds herself at a crossroads after a series of life-altering events. DeWitt's writing is engaging and witty, making it easy to connect with Harper and root for her as she navigates her new reality.

What sets this book apart is DeWitt's ability to balance humor with genuine emotion. The dialogue is sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny, while the characters are complex and relatable. Harper's journey is not without its challenges, but DeWitt handles these moments with sensitivity and grace, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Another ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a huge fan of Second Chance Romances and Left of Forever is a great addition to this sub-genre. Wren and Ellis were so young when they first fell in love and became teenage parents. When you add to this that they also became substitute parents for Ellis’s siblings after their mother passed away, it’s no wonder they drifted apart over the years when they had so many other responsibilities.

It’s obvious that despite the divorce, Wren and Ellis are perfect for each other. The physical attraction between them is there from the very beginning. If only they could spend quality time together and talk. It’s a great idea for them to take an extended road trip after helping their son, Sam move to college and I really appreciated the descriptions of the various places they stayed at during their trip.

One of the reasons I enjoy reading Second Chance Romances so much is because it’s about more than just a meet-cute, these couples often have to really dig deep and explore what drove them apart in the first place before they’re willing to risk another attempt at a HEA. Yes, you could look at it that the years they spent apart were wasted but maybe it gave them the opportunity to mature and figure out what they really wanted, building a more solid foundation for the future.

I feel like that’s what happened with Wren and Ellis. After they divorced they both had a lot of things to figure out that maybe they wouldn’t have fully addressed if they’d stayed married. I like the fact that Ellis talks openly about going to therapy because we need more representation of men’s mental health in romantic fiction.

I liked the antics of the extended Byrd family and I’ve already added the first Spunes, OR novel, Savor It (featuring Ellis’s sister, Sage) to my Wish List.

Well, I’ve got a new book to feature on my top reads of 2025 list. I’ve also now got a new favourite Tarah DeWitt book! This is Tarah’s best book yet, in my opinion, and is knocking Savor It off that top spot. These characters, this storyline, the emotion, the humour, everything! Perfect.

We follow Wren and Ellis who were childhood friends to teenage lovers and young parents (at 17&18). They had grow up together so quickly. Then life takes a turn and their marriage doesn’t survive. Their son is now moving out to college and they decide to take a road trip together after dropping him off, to finally talk about everything that happened and how they felt, both then and now.

These characters felt so real at times. Their struggles were real. Their ways of dealing with it were real. Tarah really brought to life how lost you can get in a marriage but also, at its core, how you’re together for a reason and that reason is love. Some of their truths, and declarations were just so beautiful.

I was utterly absorbed. My heart was in this journey with them, and I immediately want to read it again. I can’t wait to return to this series for the next instalment of the Byrd siblings.

Thank you so much for the gifted e-arc and the opportunity to rate and review this book ahead of its release on 20th May.

Everyone needs to read this!!

An enjoyable read eventually but if first felt a bit all over the place unfortunately. It would have been really great to have more snippets of their relationship before the breakdown so I felt more invested in them as a couple. We don't find out for ages what ended up being the breaking point and then it felt really lackluster because if only they had a had an honest chat with eachother it could have all been avoided! They also seemed to get back together really fast with very little effort however there were things in the mix I did resonate with and which felt like honest and raw emotions/feelings so I appreciated that!

Side note - not sure what happened with the Kindle version I read but there seemed to be some sentences that just stopped abruptly so I'm not sure I got the whole picture in some parts!

To nobody’s surprise, least of all mine, this book was incredible. Each word carried so much of the love, and also the desperation between Wren and Ellis. Tarah has managed to put words together in a way you would never think of, but somehow makes complete sense and immediately resonate with you. It’s an earth shattering love story of a tragic wound that finally gets its chance to heal. It’s painful and slow, carried by Wren and Ellis’ wish to make things better but deep fear of making them worse. Would you choose to forever remain in an uncomfortable in-between, divorced but not over your ex, or do you reopen an old wound that hasn’t fully healed in the hope of making it better, and risk bleeding out in the process?

5 ⭐️♾️

ALL THE FEELS 😭😭

Thank you, thank you endlessly to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the arc, I’m forever indebted that I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reader’s copy of one of my most anticipated reads of 2025!🧡

“She’s still a Byrd” I know I don’t speak for myself when I say that ever since Ellis Byrd shouted this in the town hall meeting in Savor It, have been so curious, borderline feral for Ellis and Wren.

If Savor It hadn’t solidified for me that Tarah is an auto-buy author me, then Left of Forever most certainly did.

I was barely 100 pages into this, and I was already emotional, literally on the verge of tears because there’s just something so profound and beautiful with the way that Tarah tells a story, and the way she navigated Wren and Ellis’s relationship with such delicacy and tenderness, it was truly remarkable and a testament to her as an author. I’m literally in all of the way she pens words onto paper and tells such a compelling story.

It was so raw and authentic, and from the moment that I picked this up, I couldn’t put it down because I was so invested from the moment of their opening chapters.

You really get insight to both of their journeys, how their divorce and the breakdown of their marriage really affected them and still affects them, almost five years on. Both of them are emotionally intelligent and can realise where they went wrong, how they could’ve done better to support each other, and naturally are still scared to allow themselves to have that second chance of happiness, which is buried under a mountain of hurt and anguish.

Honestly, this was such a perfect, angst, second chance romance, and I loved every moment of it.

Tropes

Second chance
Divorced couple
Forced proximity
Small town
Mutual pining
A man who YEARNS
Road trip
Angst and yearning for dayyss

Oh, this was good. Anyone who’s read Savor It would surely see that there’s a story lurking there for Wren and Ellis, and the author delivers it in style here. This pair are forced to grow up when very young and the way they then grow apart is painfully relatable - as is the excruciating awkwardness of their post-divorce existence when their lives are still so entwined. But when sheer coincidence gives Ellis an unexpected insight into Wren’s state of mind, he makes it his mission to engineer them one more try and what follows is part road trip with a wonderfully described backdrop, part heart wrenching examination of their marriage, and part deliciously slow-burn romance. Throw in emotional growth, yearning, banter, funny moments and an excellent supporting cast (loving, meddlesome and light relief in equal measure), and this book left me with a big smile on my face. Highly recommended.

This book was such a breath of fresh air. It’s not often you find a love story that explores what happens after the happily ever after, and Tarah DeWitt absolutely nailed it. She dives deep into the messy, complicated parts of long term love through Wren and Ellis, childhood sweethearts who’ve weathered life together but have slowly drifted apart.

Their journey really hit me. It shows how love can quietly fade when you stop tending to it, and how that distance doesn’t just affect you and your partner, it can ripple out to your whole family. I loved how real their struggles felt, especially the quiet moments of disconnection that can build silently over time without either of you even noticing.

What truly got me was their son and their tight-knit family. Their role in helping them find their way back to each other was so beautifully done. There’s something really powerful about seeing love through a child’s eyes, and that of siblings as well, and it added so much warmth and hope to their story. I’m not going to lie, I teared up twice while reading out loud passages to my husband.

DeWitt’s writing is heartfelt, honest, and just so authentic. Left of Forever is a gorgeous reminder that love isn’t a finish line, it’s something you have to keep choosing, keep fighting for, even when it’s hard. I adored this book and can’t recommend it enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy.

Wow wow wow! I absolutely loved this book! It was absolutely fantastic. A beautiful romance! Loved the characters! Will definitely be reading more from this author!

My first book by tarah and what a mistake to have left it so long because wow!! Perfect!! I love a second chance romance and this one did not disappoint! Loved the road trip plot and all the characters, wren and Ellis forever tbh.

Left of Forever is a beautifully written romance full of heart, angst, and slow-burn yearning. Wren and Ellis’s journey felt raw and real, with a road trip backdrop that added charm and emotional depth. Their reconnection was honest and earned, making the ending feel perfectly satisfying. A tender, hopeful story. Tarah DeWitt has my heart!

Thank you @LittleBrownBookGroup_UK and @netgalley for an opportunity to read an arc copy of this book.

I went into this one excited-it's a second-chance romance, which is a trope I usually love and while there were definitely beautiful moments, it took a while for me to really get into it.

The first half felt slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters early on. But I'm glad I stuck with it, because once the emotional layers started to unfold, Wren and Ellis's story became more grounded and heartfelt. Their conversations felt raw and honest-two people carrying years of history, hurt, and unresolved love.

Tarah DeWitt's writing is thoughtful and often poetic, and I appreciated the mature, introspective take on what it really means to rebuild something that once fell apart.

The road trip added real weight to the story—it gave them space to talk, to sit in silence, to remember, and to reflect.

Thank you to Piaktus ( little brown books ) via NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for a honest review - it was an honour to be able to read this amazing book

I honestly enjoyed this a lot - a mutual of mine on insta & here said it was like out of the woods but better and I agree. In every aspect that out of the woods failed to get right this book did - I dnfed out of the woods.

I binged this book within 24 hours

This book has traumatic situations happen in the past ( off page ) like wren the fmc having a ectopic pregnancy in the past .

- this book has :
•no 3rd act Breakup
• a really fun road trip ( where the main part of the story happens )
• dual pov
• communication - and them actually talking things out

Now I didn’t like savor it at all when I Read it last year ( it wasn’t for me ) - and then I read root bound and disliked it too) but then I did read funny feelings & loved it and I feel that this book was one I loved & enjoyed

The romance was perfect - them getting to kinda know each other again + them actually talking about the things that went wrong / what each other them did wrong & fixing it/ owning up to it . I feel like it helped that they both got a divorce in the past because it meant they got time to grow as people & be their own people without each other - before they ofc grew back together . I feel like this was a perfect second chance romance as there was not resentment towards each other - no “ I hate xyz now” but just two people who realised “wait I still love xyz” and figuring things out.

Honestly, I absolutely loved Elias and how much he loved WREN. You could just tell even before they went on that road trip that how much he loved her . His view of her in his pov was perfect the same as him in hers + the emotion that was in this book - the emotion you could feel within this book - through this couple was just everything I needed and more

- the road trip was seriously a fun thing to read about especially with them actually communicating willingly with each other with the whole “ no pressure we don’t have to end up dating by the end of this” situation.

I choose to believe that these 2 after this one week continue to grow closer & communicate even more - this time without having to raise a kid this time considering they originally got married young as they were teen parents . I also choose to believe these two truly are meant to be together .

The ending was perfect !!