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
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 loved Henry and Avery's story maybe even a little more than Beau and June's. The catastrophic plane trip, the deft way Henry takes charge to save them, the island paradise they create for themselves, the way they cling to each to each other in a world gone mad, the Golden Girls, and so much make this romance an adventure and a love story. The audiobook, narrated by Will Damron and M.K. Blackwood, is sheer perfection and I loved every minute spent with these memorable characters.