Don't Leave Me Behind

by Bailey Johnson

One night ruined everything. One bed might fix what’s left.

Ten years ago, Clayton Traeger vanished from Leni Kane’s life without a word. Now she’s back home—jobless, heartbroken, and walking into the cabin she thought was empty.

It’s not.
He’s there.
Shirtless. Brooding. Still stupidly gorgeous.
And there’s only one bed.

Leni swore she hated him. Clayton swore he’d moved on. Both were lying.

Forced proximity turns ten years of tension into wildfire. The boy she once loved is now the man who makes her feel safe again.

But Leni didn’t come home empty-handed. She’s carrying secrets. And some truths hit harder than heartbreak.

A childhood-crush to enemies-to-lovers romance with a broody cowboy deputy, ranch setting, second chances, and the kind of slow-burn heat that will set the pages on fire. Perfect for fans of Jessica Peterson and Lyla Sage.

Genres: Romance

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Bailey Johnson has been writing stories since she learned to write. Filling composition books up front to back in high school. Now, as a stay at home Mama, she’s pursuing her dream to become a full time author. She lives on a farm in North Dakota, with her husband and son, and a boatload of animals. Getting inspiration from ranching, rodeo, and music. Infusing her characters with personal hardships, Bailey writes heartfelt romance books that will leave you wanting more.

Reviews

[veerali · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm very grateful to have received an e-arc of this book. the premise sounded fantastic, and it went in with high hopes.

the characters are definitely the heart of this story. leni and clay are so easy to root for, and i genuinely enjoyed the found family dynamic. the bond with leni's brothers was a standout for me, and i'm already looking forward to brooks's book!

i'm a huge fan of the second chance romance trope, and i personally prefer a slower rebuild with more emotional tension. for my taste, the romance here moved very quickly, which took away from the second chance feeling i was hoping for.

while the romantic arc wasn't a perfect fit for me, this book has so many wonderful elements. it's easy to see why it's going to be a favorite for so many readers, and i'm glad i gave it a try.

⤿ second chance
⤿ he falls first
⤿ one bed
⤿ spicy
⤿ forced proximity
⤿ found family

౨ৎ ⋮ more by bailey johnson
─ kane ridge ranch book 2 (TBA)

[herbookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, funny, touching, and full of both positive and negative emotions !

The relationship between Leni and Clay was genuinely interesting. Even though I don’t usually love situationship-style dynamics, where the relationship is basically real but both main characters seem to ignore it, I found that the issues surrounding their relationship felt realistic. Not living in the same place, believing everything is temporary because the FMC has a life elsewhere (even if she just lost her job)… those are real concerns. And for someone like Clay, with such low self-esteem and doubts about his ability to take care of Leni or anyone really, his internal struggle felt believable. Honestly, I kept thinking he needed therapy!

I also loved the Kane family dynamic. The brothers teasing each other, joking around, and exchanging playful insults made their interactions fun and entertaining. And both parents brought their own personalities and forms of support, different, but equally meaningful. It made the family feel warm, authentic, and full of heart.

[Cheyenne Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! There was great character development and a wonderful redemption story. The group chats were HILARIOUS and some of my favorite parts throughout the book. It was spicy, funny, heart wrenching, and kept me turning the pages - anxious to gobble up what happens next.
I cannot wait for the rest of them, I need to know all about the Kane family!!

[Lena Peebles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC Reader for Don't Leave Me Behind

This book deals with PTSD and sexual assault in a way that I thought was respectful and did not make the characters feel like they were in any way less for what happened.

The book was easy to read and the characters, even the side characters, all felt 3 dimensional. Don't Leave Me Behind had a great plot which and nothing felt forced between the main characters, and the story flowed so well from one scene to the next. I enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down once I started reading.

[Susie | rekroceisusreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. A killer cowboy romance debut that you’re going to want to add to your TBR ASAP.

I don’t have brothers, but I certainly feel like I do now after the various frustrations that Bailey was able to make me feel through the interpersonal conflicts throughout the story development. Each character was beautifully flawed within their own rights in a way that as so incredibly realistic. They had me so worked up at various points. My Kindle is full of annotations and reaction comments. Bravo!

I am a sucker for second chance romances. I was so deeply invested in this book, all of the characters, and character development. For being a debut, I think Bailey did a really good job handling the complexity of creating a world with so many crucial characters and giving them a unique set of quirks and personalities. The beginning was a bit confusing and hard to follow at times because we were introduced to so many people while trying to get a grasp of the world, main characters, and backstory. There were times where names and nicknames were used in a way that we should have known who they were without being fully explained. There were also times where references were made to the backstory/stories that almost felt like as the reader, we missed something. By the end of the book, all of this was in the back of my mind because of the execution and it all came together.

I am so deeply invested in these characters, Kane Ridge Ranch, and the universe that Bailey created.

Thank you so much to Olive Press Publishing and the author for the early copy and opportunity to review this book before its release. I will be marking my calendar for Don’t Forget About Me!!

[Tiffany Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Honest Review...

I give this book 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the story. I loved the second chance romance and military aspect of it. I was a little annoyed in the beginning because the "miscommunication / lack of communication" troupe is my #1 disliked trope. I can't tell you how many times I yell at the characters, "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!!" (not specifically just this book but all miscommunication trope books lol). The spice was excellent in my opinion... the scene at the pond (insert sweating face emoji lol).... I loved the funny banter and friendship between Pepper, Miya, and Leni (the facetime call, ROFLMAO).

I did find that i was trying to predict the next couples in the subsequent books in this series and.... Bailey Johnson, I NEED TO KNOW... when are the other scheduled to debut!!

I will be adding this book (and likely the others) to my TBB (to be bought) list....

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book and I look forward to the rest.

[Rayna Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new reader to second-chance romance, I really enjoyed this book! It was funny and spicy, but it touched my heart as well.

The chemistry between Leni and Clay was so intense and interesting. It was clear they both loved each other, but they were too stubborn to admit it. The issues surrounding the relationship felt very realistic.

I also loved the Kane family dynamic. From the group chats to the bond they share. I’m highly looking forward to Brooks’s book!

Thank you for sending this wonderful eARC!

[T || · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dont leave me behind by Bailey Johnston

Thanks to Olive Press for this ARC!

DLMB starts with our PTSD MMC Clay, whos staying in our FMC (Leni) 's cabin while she lives out of town. Clay is woken by noises outside the cabin, gun pointed to the door, he waits for the intruder.  Only for it to be our FMC Leni fall in her own front door.

The depiction of Clays, PTSD attack was done with such vivid detail and descriptions, it really does perceive a real attack (talking from experience) congrats.

Moving on. The Tropes:
One Bed
Forced Proximity
Second Chance Romance
PTSD Representation
He Falls First
Spicy
Found Family

Honest the  highlights in this book for me were the group chat conversations. 🤗🤣🤣🤣 these to me more than the depthness in the story really shone a light on the characters and their personalities 🙂

I get that Clay has PTSD and the trauma from that an previous incidents, but im like. Man up? Stop being such a wimp about a woman you've loved all youre life man. The backs and forwards of them fighting the urges of each other really grated on me, but when it finally happens damn!!

The emotions, the twists & turns, and the whole family dysfunction / dynamic eventually, was great.

All that aside, something was missing but I cant unfortunately put my finger on what.

Which is the reason for my rating, that being said. I would definitely read book 2!

[Jess Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankful to receive this ARC from Olive Press publishing.
4 ⭐️

This book had some very heavy elements to it but was beautifully done that really engaged you into the story.

This follows Clay and Leni who find their way back at second chance love and their story starts again. Leni comes back home after loosing her job and her place but she doesn’t want anyone to know she’s home yet so she sneaks back home to find Clay living in her house. This is where things heat up with only the old one bed only trick.

Their love rekindles but lies and their past threaten to tear them apart again. I wasn’t expecting the twist but thought it was the perfect fit for this book.

If you like:

* one bed 🥵
* second chance love 🩷
* trauma bonding 🔗
* found family 🏡
* small town romance 🤠

This is for you! Keen to read all about Brooks next 🥰

[Paige Gillis]

This book surprised me in the best way.
Don’t Leave Me Behind isn’t your typical romance novel and that’s exactly what made it so compelling. It’s layered with history, emotion, and unexpected turns that kept me turning pages when I thought I knew where the story was headed… and then realized I absolutely didn’t. The relationship between the FMC and MMC at the center of the book felt earned and not rushed. The storyline shared pasts, unresolved moments, and the kind of emotional weight that only comes from characters who’ve lived real life before finding their way back to each other. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about what love looks like after time, distance, and everything that’s happened in between.
If you enjoy romance that leans more emotional than predictable, with twists that add substance instead of shock value, this one is worth the wait.

[Matthew Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like spice in your cowboy romances, you'll love DON'T LEAVE ME BEHIND by Bailey Johnson. But it's not the heat that makes it a great read; it's the light.

The romance between Eleanor "Leni" Kane and Clayton "Clay" Traeger is clouded by years of trauma. For Clay, it was the horrors of growing up in an abusive home and combat service. For Leni, it was a night where Clay's PTSD got the best of him and an assault on the bus ride home. The "will they, won't they" is dragged by inner turmoil and a close-knit family that becomes much too close.

When Leni and Clay finally connect, it is written in exquisite detail. Subtle touches bring their passion and mutual pleasure to life.

Beyond the spice, Bailey does a beautiful job depicting the effects of PTSD and the love-hate dynamics of a large and close family. She also has the most effective use of group chats I've ever seen in a story. Dramatic twists that threaten the young couple's happiness spring naturally from the plot, including one fateful drive that could destroy everything.

A story rich in family drama, humor, and toe-curling sexiness, DON'T LEAVE ME BEHIND is a well-crafted, satisfying, and uplifting novel. It's more than a steamy cowboy romance.

This review is based on an ARC provided by the author.

[Crown Nowl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well hello Kane Ridge Ranch!

This book. Ok, I’ve read a few ARCs here and there, but I’ve never been asked by an author to read their first book (before anyone else I might add). What a thrill! Does that officially make me a beta reader?!

Claim to fame: I proposed the city name Benson!!

Reading the very first version, then having it go to editors and be reworked I can appreciate a lot more the journey authors go to get their stories out in to the world!!

Leni and Clay. Ok honestly first, the spice. IT HITS! But not only the spice, because some of the sweet things Clay says to her had my tummy fluttering! I love love!! And the cowboy hats hoofta!

Those Kane Ridge boys. I loooove that there is a whole dang family of these men, because you best believe that each of them will be getting their own books and love affairs as well!! The good keeps getting better!

Some of my fav things:
•The group chats
•All of the dispatch/sheriff talk. Sounds so legit.
•This entire scene “My legs feel as stable as a freshly born foal’s.” 🌶️🌶️🌶️
•The family dynamic
•The good writing, just because this is a debut author DOES NOT mean it lacks quality.

5 stars! Well earned! Cannot wait for the next ones to come out as well! Keep writing Bailey and I’ll keep reading!!

[Zara Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary cowboy western romance is everything I want in a series opener. It gives major Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage vibes and officially makes Bailey Johnson an auto-buy author for me.

Set on the Kane family ranch, the story follows Leni Kane and Clayton Treager - two people who once meant everything to each other before it all fell apart. Ten years later, Clayton is a veteran turned deputy, practically adopted by the Kane family, and living on the ranch. Leni, who left for the city to become a teacher, shows up in the middle of the night after losing her job… only to find Clayton living in her cabin.

And yes - there’s only one bed. And yes - they hate each other.

The childhood lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers arc is done so well it physically hurts. Clayton’s tragic past, the Kane brothers’ loyalty, and the emotional weight of everything left unsaid made this story impossible to put down.

I fell in love with the entire Kane family. Truly. If the Kane ranch were real, I would pack my bags immediately and wait in line for the next available Kane brother.

This is hands down my favorite western romance of all time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and then some)

[Lyndsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance filled with such heartache and longing, it will give you all the feels.

10 years ago, Clayton pushed Leni out of his life, believing that she would be better off without him. Unfortunately for both of them whilst they physically moved apart, neither of them got over each other and when Leni returns back to her hometown after losing both her job and apartment, it is none other than Clayton who is staying in the cabin at her parent's home.

The tension rolls off the pages as old feelings re-surface, and they try to navigate how to interact with each other as adults knowing the past has never been fully resolved.
They moved a little faster than I was expecting, but overall I really enjoyed this book. The difference in maturity and how they handled the intricacies of a relationship as adults.

Thank you to Olive Press Publishing and Bailey Johnson for the e-arc copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Your Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pretty special. It starts with our main characters Clay and Leni who have known each other for a very long time. Clay is local sheriff deputy in a country town and when I say this author knows how to write a character who is in law enforcement, I'm not lying. Most authors get it wrong, but not Johnson. She had details that most skip over.
Leni is adorable and the author wrote the dialogue between the "best bitches" group chat so well. I found myself laughing and nodding to some of the back in forth as if I was in the group text too. They sounded just like my own friend group.
The story had a satisfying AND realistic ending that I enjoyed. She also did an amazing job at setting up future books for the series.
I'd highly recommend if you are a romance seeker like I am!

[Courtney Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t leave me behind by Bailey Johnston is a second chance , forced proximity , with a dash of over protective brother romance. it’s not my usual read , but my god it’s good . There is a couple of heavier topics in the book and the author goes about it so well , the story just flowes and before you know it , your done the book .
Leni is absolutely strong from having to deal with her brothers and there overprotective nature. Her relationships with her two best friends? just perfect .
Clay . A handsome cowboy / cop we would all swoon for . You can feel how much he cares for Leni and his best friends which just so happen to be her brothers . I absolutely adored this book , I hope you do as well

This was an Arc Review. And one hundred percent honest

[Ashley Seetaram · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first ever cowboy romance anddd I’m hooked. Definitely will not the last! 🤠This book had many tropes that were calling my name, forced proximity, second chance romance anddd spice! The FMC and MMC each had struggles on their own from domestic to mental health which added depth to the storyline. Their journey begin 10 years prior and fell apart until that unexpected second chance. I’ll admit FMC’s miscommunication and self doubt was a bit frustrating.. I was literally yelling at my kindle! A few of the spicy moments leaned a bit cheesy for me, but overall the spice definitely delivered!

[Renee Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually into cowboy romances, but one of my goals for this year was to step outside of my comfort zone. So when I saw the opportunity to read this ARC, I jumped on it. And I am so glad that I did. I immediately fell in love with Leni and Clay and was rooting for them from the very beginning. This is an adorable love story with some very real, very difficult moments tucked in. I laughed out loud, I cried a little and I think the Kane family has made a special place in my heart. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Sarah Seay · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was such a cute read, I loved Clay and Leni’s second chance at love story! I loved the characters and the found family dynamic was written so well! This story had me laughing and blushing! If you’re looking for a spicy read with a grumpy deputy that had the audacity to put on a cowboy hat… this is it! Also can’t wait to see what comes next for Kane Ridge Ranch!

Oh by the way, there was only one bed 😉

Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book!!

[bookish._me_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Leave me Behind
Release Date 2/21
Leni and Clayton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Clayton is staying in Leni’s cabin and she shows up in the middle of the night to find him there and their past all comes rushing back in a hurry. I ate this book right up! One bed, forced proximity, second chance, Cowboy romance, “it was always you”, hurt / comfort👌🏼👌🏼
The hand cuff scene. IYKYK
I loved the texting parts in this book between all the family and friends. The banter was perfect.

I always can’t wait to see who else gets a book in this series.

[Emily Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great cowboy romance full of relatable emotions, top tier humor and fantastic spice. Bailey is a phenomenal writer, and the care she pours into each character is palpable on every page. The Kane family is one you want to be a part of. All of them have my whole heart. If you love spicy romance thats also deeply emotional, then this book is for you. I cannot wait until the next book in the series releases. And I will always read anything Bailey writes, she is a truly gifted author.

[lisa_lou_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

These two tortured souls had my heart. And the Kane men, well they can fret over me any day. Leni and Clay lost so much time together, 10 years to be exact. Their story of coming back to one another is beautiful. They learn that loving each other means forgiving the versions of themselves that caused pain.
Warning this book has heavy topics so please read the warnings.

[Lauren Alicia Aycock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC. The premise initially drew me in, and I can see this being a strong fit for readers who enjoy spicy, trope-forward cowboy romance and emotionally charged dynamics.
While the story didn’t quite click for me personally, I appreciate the opportunity to read an early copy and wish the author the best with the release.

[Diet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Johnson is an author who brought cowboy romance to life. I enjoyed the chemistry between Clay and Leni, especially the scene where she made him dinner, iykyk. The author handled heavy topics in a mature and respectful way. I highly recommend giving this book a read if you enjoy realistic situations with characters you love!

[Ashli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast paced, spicy, second chance, cowboy romance. It has friends to lovers/enemies to lovers, one bed, and a bit of the miscommunication trope. It also deals with some heavy themes such as ptsd but handles them beautifully. I can see this being a huge hit for most romance fans. Overall though, it just wasn’t for me. It’s not bad at all, I just personally didn’t vibe with it.

[Shalyn Deemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

BAILEY JOHNSON- You’re telling me that I have to patiently wait for the next book?! 😅

This book gave me ALL of the feels from romance and spice 🫣🔥, to sorrow, humor, to connections, etc. The group chats and banter between the characters had me laughing out loud, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!

A must read that will have you impatiently waiting for more in this series! Highly recommend!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and thrilling!

Loved this book! Sweet, romantic and serious when needed! Worth a chance to read! Started off a bit slow but definitely picks up and gets better! Spice level is pretty good as well! Not too overbearing but definitely enough!

[April jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It had story lines, and kept me engaged!

[Paige Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book elicited many emotions and I ate it up!! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!👏🏻