I really loved this book! After the first couple chapters, I really thought I was going to hate it because I thought it was going to be cringy, but I'm so glad I stuck with it! I loved the MCs, and Monroe did a great job with the character development while still keeping them true to who they were. I appreciated that the mfc didn't make apologies for being a diva and the mmc didn't expect any from her either.

Thank you to Max Monroe and NetGalley for the ARC!

I have always been a fan of Max Monroe and this book did not disappoint. Avery Banks was introduced in Meet Me at Midnight and she is one of those conundrums of a person that you can't help but like and you are not sure why. On the surface, Avery is Daddy's spoiled princess: Daddy funds her entire lifestyle and provides her with a "job" that she barely comes to. However, she is a fiercely loyal friend and sibling who somehow always knows the right thing to say in moments of big feelings. She uses her humor to diffuse tough situations and lives to bring joy to those around her.

Henry Callahan has been her brother's best friend for as long as she can remember and a person that she has had a few flirty moments with over the years. He's steady and caring with a preference for the outdoors and a rush of adrenaline.

When their friend group getaway becomes just the two of them, it puts them in a situation that requires them to get to know each other more deeply than they have from their peripheral interactions to date and stop dancing around each other (which they have not even realized they've been doing until they look back at their past).

This book is not just fun, its a reminder that people are more than what they appear in first impressions and that you never know how a person will step up when faced with a difficult situation.

As usual, Max Monroe have created compelling, multi faceted characters that you can't help but root for and want to be friends with.

I was excited when I opened my email app and found the approval for “Leave Before I Love You.” I had read Meet Me at Midnight it seemed like forever ago and I was getting antsy, waiting for book II to come out. This was such a good story. I was hooked from the start with the suspense of the setting to then their survival, and ultimately to exploring one another. The only thing I didn’t like was that it ended in a whirlwind. I wanted to read more about Avery and Henry. All in all, this was another good one from Mac Monroe!

I was so excited when I got approved for the new Max Monroe book, I had to move it to the top of my list, and i’m so glad I did. I loved it! We first met high maintenance Avery in Meet Me at Midnight, her brother Beau and her BFF Junes book. She was kind of snotty and posh, with funny scenes of her at work, so I was glad we could get to know her on a deeper level than her money, designer clothes and “Starbys.” I’m from the Valley Girl generation so this shortening of words/names is new to me. She did that a lot, but she grew on me so much when she’s stripped bare in a situation where her and MMC, Henry need to rely on each other for everything. She was funny and caring of others, a side she hides in her vapid party girl reputation. Henry was a man sized Boy Scout and it was so attractive, especially in the situation they find themselves in. And I dug that plot line, haven’t read that in a long while. Enjoyed their forced proximity and how author could write them falling in love while the world outside is unknown.. So romantic, but I always did have a crush on McGyver. There are just the right amount of flashbacks to lay their foundation without getting lost in them. Their crush as teens and into their 20’s was fun to read and just quick chapters. The scenes with bff June were hilarious. June is pregnant and very hormonal and those scenes very laughable.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read another Max Monroe, I’ve left this recommendation willingly.

When I read Meet Me At Midnight, it was my first Max Monroe novel—and I was instantly hooked. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN and easily gave it 5 stars. I had no idea there would be a sequel, so when I saw Leave Before I Love You, I could hardly believe my eyes. Another story, this time about Beau’s sister Avery and his best friend Henry? I was all in.

The chemistry, the banter, the suspense, the love, the fear, the adventure… this book has everything I could want in a romance. Max Monroe’s writing is addictive, emotional, and completely unputdownable. I had tears in my eyes while flipping through the pages as fast as I could.

I don’t even need to give you the plot—just buy it, just read it. You’ll love it. I promise.

Thank you to Max Monroe LLC and NetGalley for the ARC. Honestly, I was truly honored to read this copy. I will always be a cheerleader for your books!

Gossip girl meet Bachelor in Paradise vibes with the wealthy rich, private villa on a beach. Even though it was just the two characters for most of the story, I felt like I had a whole world because it was really entertaining. I so need the audio for this because so much of it is really funny and steamy spice. The brothers best friend, mmc, Henry is such a swoony guy. I loved the pinning and yearning from Avery and eventually from Henry too.

Quick Summary: A heart for adventure romance

My Review: Leave Before I Love You by Max Monroe is a 2025 romantic fiction novel. It is scheduled for release on 9/12/25.

About the Book: “She’s the rich party girl; he’s her brother’s wild, adrenaline junkie best friend.

…when she finally gives in to her attraction to Henry, what was meant to be a fling might just turn into something more.”

In My Own Words: Henry and Avery have secretly been on a slow burn hum status for a while. When an unexpected life altering event occurs, they finally allow the burn to turn into a blaze.

About the Characters: The family and friends were a colorful group. They were funny and entertaining all in one. They had rich people problems, for sure. In terms of Avery and Henry, I liked them as individuals and I liked them together as a couple.

Avery - > Unique, savvy, flirtatious, loyal, spontaneous, guarded, hesitant, kindhearted/good, hides in plain sight…except in front of Henry

Henry - > Adventurous, protective, honorable, sexy, decent/good, brave, encouraging, allows himself to be vulnerable in front of Avery

I loved how Avery and Henry allowed themselves to be free with their feelings.

About the Conflict: The initial conflict that led to the stranded status was so original. I loved it! The references to Wilson and Helen Hunt made me smile. It was a great nod.

Fighting the emotions and the obvious stress and anxiety that went along with the situation the leads found themselves in was written so well. The tension pulled and in doing so, it had me.

The conflict that the featured couple faced upon their return home proved to be layered. The press, the family, the BFF who was all in her own feelings, the partners that came for them - it all added texture to the story.

About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Will Damron and M.K. Blackwood. The duo did an amazing job in bringing this story to life. The entire listening experience had me completely hooked.

My Final Say: I genuinely liked this story. It was all about adventure, all about family, all about love, and all about forever.

Other: Readers who enjoy “brother's best friend," "best friend's little sister,” age gap romances will like this book.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status/Level: 💖
Formats: E-book, Audiobook (Immersive Reading Experience)
Narration: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publishers (Max Monroe, Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC and to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The immersive reading/listening experience was so worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. It’s a wonderful story. I hope there will be more to come from this group of people.

I love the authors that write under Max Monroe. This book is a standalone in a series. Without giving tropes away it just isn’t my favorite of their books but is still a good read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC, these thoughts are my own.

I really liked the first part but also the fact that the story changed settings.
That was a quick and nice summer read and my first (but not last) Max Monroe!

Max Monroe knows how to write funny rom-com’s. I laughed a lot. Avery and Henry are so endearing.
You just never know what Avery is going to say or do. It’s sweet and sexy and just a great read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Max Monroe never disappoints, and Leave Before I Love You is no exception. Set (for a lot of the book) on a deserted island, the romance that unfolds is the perfect blend of escapism, chemistry, and heart.
I especially loved Avery — she’s smart, strong, and so easy to root for. Watching her navigate this unexpected, isolated situation and connect so deeply with the love interest was such a treat. The setting added the perfect tension and intimacy to their relationship, and the writing had that signature Max Monroe wit and warmth that I always look forward to.
If you're into stranded-together romances, swoon-worthy moments, and lovable characters, you’ll fly through this one. Highly recommend to fans of fun, feel-good romance with a little spice and a lot of heart.

The Adrenaline Junkie and the Princess!

I loved Henry ... he sure is a resourceful hunk. The way he took charge and knew what to do ... swoon! But Avery wasn't my favorite person ... I thought she was an over-the-top princess. How can a person be so clueless as to who is paying her credit card bill? But she redeemed herself (a little) on the island by at least trying to help Henry. The chemistry between Henry and Avery is off the charts. 

Henry is Avery's brother's best friend and therefore they are off limits to each other. When everyone in their friend group back out of a holiday on a Caribbean Island, Henry and Avery are the only two to hop on the small plane. But when the pilot has a heart attack, Henry knows the plane is going down in the ocean and he has to take action for Avery and him to survive. They end up on an island and have to fend for themselves until they can hopefully be rescued.

I received an ARC courtesy of the author through NetGalley.

Did I binge read this in one day? Yep!

This book takes place in the same world as meet me at midnight but this is Avery and Henry's story! When I was reading this all I heard was "rich girl" song 🤣. Who thinks a quick fling will "get him out of your system" we all know how that ends!! This story is chaotic-lly addicting!

Best friends brother- yep
Party girl- I'm already tired 🤣
Forced proximity- sign me up
Secrets- what could it be

Read to find out how this story plays out and trust me there's lots of banter and edging! Get ready!

Thank you Max Monroe and NetGalley for this early review copy!

2.5⭐️


Avery Banks tenía claro que su inicio de año sería un viaje de lujo a una isla privada junto a su mejor amiga, su hermano y sus amigos. Pero un embarazo inesperado y varias cancelaciones la dejan atrapada en el peor escenario: sola con Henry Callahan, el mejor amigo de su hermano, con quien comparte una historia de chispas y discusiones. Lo que comienza como una incómoda travesía en avión para llegar a la isla termina en desastre cuando el piloto muere y ambos se ven obligados a saltar en paracaídas, cayendo en un lugar desconocido y completamente aislado. Sin forma de comunicarse con el exterior, Avery y Henry deberán encontrar la manera de sobrevivir mientras enfrentan el calor abrasador, la escasez de agua, la convivencia forzada y una atracción que se vuelve imposible de ignorar. Entre peleas, confesiones inesperadas y momentos de vulnerabilidad, la supervivencia podría no ser lo único en juego… también sus corazones.


___

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I enjoyed the book and loved Avery and Henry, a fast read and a roll coaster romance! The banter and whit had me laughing but the growth in the characters was written so well!
Thank you NetGalley and Max Monroe for letting read this before pub day!

Leave Before I love you can be read as a standalone but it will be helpful to have read meet me at midnight first. Avery is a spolied boy crazy 27 in Miami who is preparing to go on a trip with her brother's three best friends. Two of said best friends end up backing out of the trip. so it just avery and one of her brother's best friend, Henry. Henry is an aderline junkie known for his womanzing ways. Avery and Henry have a brief history and have a strong phyical connection. The trip does not go as planned for Avery and Henry. The two of them are stuck together and quickly start to realize that there is more to each other than they ever realized. I loved avery and henry together. I do wish the epligoue was longer and the reader got see the characters latter on.

Another great book from Max Monroe! Leave Before I Love You was a fast paced, rollercoaster ride full of fun banter and quick-wit humor. I loved Avery’s character growth and Henry is 100% an A+ book boyfriend with the way he supported and cared for her. Loved the epilogue and the glimpse into the future we got to see after following their journey!

Thank you to NetGalley and Max Monroe for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

📚 ARC Read from NetGalley 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
This book is a standalone romance releasing on September 12th of 2025! Avery Banks with a rich girl whom is a rebellious socialite. Henry Callahan is her brother’s best friend, who enjoys anything that brings him an adrenaline rush. Over the years, their dynamic has built on tension and teasing, so when they are forced to be in each other’s proximity, alone… the stakes increase.
The ending was perfect, and I absolutely enjoyed this read.

Some Tropes:
Brothers best friend / best friend’s little sister
Forced proximity
Rich party girl versus adrenaline junkie

4.75 Stars

Avery + Henry

Henry is her older brother's BFF and the whole gang was supposed to fly to a private villa in the Bahamas for a fun weekend. But instead of her bestie and brother and two other friends... it's only her and Henry. The guy she's been crushing on since she was a basically a toddler.
They start arguing before the plane even lifts off the ground and unfortunately that's only the beginning. Because they do not arrive at their luxurious villa.
Anyone got a spare volleyball to paint a face on?

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!

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ADORABLE!
That was so cute and funny and sweet and a bit sad and exciting and adventurous.
First we're on that crazy dangerous and romantic adventure for a while - just the two of them - and the second half of the book it's back to life in the real world.
A world they both feel they don't fit into anymore. At least not yet. After what they survived. So they spend most of their time together. Secretly.

That was just adorable. I loved reading it.
We get to see lots of Beau and Juniper and little Addie. Great cast of people!
And I loved how Avery never really changed from the hilarious fashionista IT girl but she grew up a lot in this book.

It wasn't the re-invention of the rom-com - we've read dozens of books in this genre - but pff - who cares. It's why we love romance. There's always something new or funnier or better or whatever!

► LEAVE BEFORE I LOVE YOU was such a cute brother's-best-friend Rom-Com. Funny, sexy, exciting and all the things! Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Henny - this one is mine!

Leave Before I Love You is a sizzling, emotionally rich romance that ignites from the first page. Avery Banks is a rich, confident party girl and has been harboring a long-standing crush on her brother’s best friend, Henry. Their years of unspoken tension and longing finally collide in a passionate, roller-coaster of heat, heartbreak, and authentic connection. Monroe nails the build, heartfelt confession, and satisfying chemistry with flair. Pure fire, pure heart and absolute must for fans of sweet, steamy romances that don’t hold back.