📝 I was in the mood for something a little darker so I decided to give this a try. Dark, is definitely the word for this book. I really enjoyed a lot of this book, I didn't even mind the bully aspect. The twists and turns were fun as well. I didn't love some of the side parts, when the MFC was with other people besides the MMC... But... I'm just a sucker for a "there is only one". It was a quick read!


If you are interested in a darker romance with a few twists and turns,  this is the book for you..

I'm not sure if I received a bad copy or what, but the format for my kindle is terrible. I was really looking forward to starting this one!

I enjoyed reading about 90% off the book. The mystery behind why she was sent to Malum team and what happened in Patagonia had me hooked. I also enjoyed the tension between the fmc, Nell and the Malum team, especially the mmc - Bradshaw.

But, I wasn't satisfied with some parts towards the end. We had all this lead up to the mission and then when she finally meets the leader and finds answers nothing really happens. It was just her making the decision to protect those she loved then a time jump. Though, it was a sad and emotional decison to make, I guess it felt underwhelming because we had all this action and fight beforehand then the resolution didn't meet that same energy.

Also, the ending seems rushed because of her decision and the time jump alot of issues that happened are just forgiven and forgotten. In saying that, I liked the story and characters soo much I wanted more out of the ending. I wanted the story neatly wrapped up and finished but that just wouldn't suit the characters or story either. After all they've been through, maybe it's easier to forget and move on so they could get the HEA they deserved.

This book was so full of angst and emotion. It was dark, funny at times, unique in it's quasi military plot, spicy, and just a riot overall. The pace was fantastic and I loved that it was action-packed both between the characters and in relation to their jobs/missions. The characters were very clearly tormented by their pasts, leading to a lot of emotional whiplash. While a lot of the characters' choices and the way their dark ops ran were a bit far-fetched, it was still a fun and entertaining quick read.
3.5 rounded up

Thank you to Soucebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a dark, military romance with lots of twists and turns this is the book for you. Seriously even in the last 10% of the book I still had no idea how things were going to play out.

The hatred the MMC had for the FMC is palpable - and watching the relationship change into something completely different was fascinating to see.

My one complaint was the ending felt a bit rushed the way things played out.

I will definitely read more by this author.

6 stars!!!

This book is fucking incredible!! I am ll kinda of obsessed and not okay and in love and very overwhelmed I cant lie.

The story outside of their romance was incredible! The depths their military went with, the background to their lives before they even met was so cool!

The hate to love was PERFECT!!! I loved it!! And the SPICE?!?!? Had me questioning things about myself, I've never had a book affect me this much but oh dear lord 🫣

Format: digital and physical
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Note: I also have my own physical copy that I bought from Probably Smut.

Overall:
This is a disclaimer that this is a Dark Romance. There are violence and non-con stuff in here so check the trigger warnings.

Penelope Gallows, aka Bunny, is new to Malum, a dark forces team. They're the elite killers of the army. In this new team is Bradshaw, aka Bones. He hates her but he's also pulled to her, so much so that he takes it out on her violently. The thing is, she also thinks she's a monster inside for liking some of the things he does to her.

The whole story was intriguing and I was hooked until some of the events that happen in the last quarter of the book. It was just… not good for me. Like why?!?!???!?

I finished this book with very mixed feelings, and if this review comes across as conflicted, it’s because that’s exactly how the story left me.
On the surface, it’s an easy and fast-paced read, and I’ll admit that it held my attention in places. The military backdrop was what initially drew me in, and I did enjoy that unique setting—it added grit and intensity to the story. But unfortunately, everything else surrounding it felt uneven. For the first half, I thought it might turn into something solid, but then chapter 18 happened. From that point on, the plot seemed to unravel, and I honestly considered setting the book aside. I pushed through, hoping the conclusion would make the journey worthwhile, but the ending was underwhelming, confusing, and left me with more questions than answers. The abrupt time jumps didn’t help either, and the two-page epilogue didn’t provide the closure I was hoping for.
Overall, this book leaned heavily on vibes rather than cohesive storytelling. Yes, there were flashes of compelling action scenes and moments I genuinely enjoyed, but they weren’t enough to outweigh the frustration. It was chaotic, unhinged at times, and certainly won’t be the kind of read that works for everyone.
As far as the “bully romance” element goes, I was expecting more intensity. Instead, the male lead didn’t even dislike the heroine until her identity was revealed, which made the setup feel inconsistent. It was hard to buy into their constant back-and-forth dynamic.
Bradshaw (“Bones”): His hot-and-cold behavior made him feel unstable, and while I understood his initial anger, his constant mood swings made him nearly impossible to root for. There were glimmers of depth, but they were buried under too much whiplash. He came across as someone who needed serious help rather than a romantic lead.
Nell (“Bunny”): At first, she seemed strong and self-assured, but her actions—particularly around men—quickly undercut that impression. She forgave betrayals far too easily and made choices that left me frustrated again and again. In some ways, I found her behavior even more baffling than Bradshaw’s, which made it difficult to stay invested in her journey.
What was marketed as a romance read more like a cycle of lust and conflict. They swung wildly between hating each other, tolerating each other, and declaring love, only to fall back into hostility. It lacked the consistency and growth needed to make their connection believable. If anything, Bradshaw seemed more invested in Nell than she ever was in him, which threw the dynamic further off balance.
This book had potential, and I can see why some readers might be intrigued by its chaos. But for me, it just didn’t come together. The uneven pacing, confusing resolution, and frustrating character dynamics overshadowed the flashes of promise. While I appreciated certain aspects of the setting and some of the action, it wasn’t satisfying overall.
Would I read something else by this author? Honestly, I’m undecided. This one left me disappointed, but I can see the raw potential in their storytelling voice.

I liked the drawings at the beginning, they added a nice touch 🎨 After that, what really stayed with me was the story itself. The writing felt emotional and authentic, with passages that made me stop and reflect 💭 Some parts were intense, others more quiet and thoughtful, but together they created a flow that kept me engaged.

The book has a strong atmosphere, and I felt close to the emotions the author wanted to share 🌌 It is the kind of read that makes you think about your own experiences while following the narrative. The mix of vulnerability and depth gave the whole book a lasting impact.

In the end, it felt less like just reading and more like being taken through someone’s inner world, and that is what makes it memorable 📖❤️

Thank you to netgalleyfor an opportunity to read this as an arc was so good

I was hooked right from the first page and this was so different than any other book I've read. Nell is the best
Iloved seeing this entire story unfold and the hate to love romance between Nell and Bradshaw was amazing and the hate sex omg
Highly recommend this book to anyone that loves bully
"Hatred and desire aren't so different. Both are an obsessive, all-consuming emotion. It's a thin line to walk on. And God, is it easy to fuck someone you hate."
-military romance
-enemies to lovers
-bully romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book was everything I needed to get me back into dark romance. The bantering was top tier and hilarious. I found myself laughing a little too hard, out loud, for some words written on paper--but that is what I crave when reading. When I saw three years later I had to put the book down for a minute because..... excuse me. This was my first K.M. Moronova book and I will absolutely be adding her to my must read author list.

Thank you to Sourcebooks, Netgalley, and to Ms. Moronova for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

Dark (make that pitch-black) military romance is new to me. Honestly I've rarely dipped into military romance in the first place so this was a surprise. And surprising what an easy, gripping read it was considering its violence. I've read a number of books described as "dark romance" but this one REALLY REALLY means it. I read it SO fast too. Nell (Gallows)/ (Bunny) is such an easy character to root for; the reader spends the majority of time in her head so you know she's both really messed up and really trying succeed on her new squad. Bradshaw (Bones) is really dynamic as well and even though he is completely unhinged you can't help but root for him to work through his issues.

The training montage... whooooooo. That was some *messed up stuff.*

I thought the bit with the, no spoilers, I'll say "other person" near the end (last 10%?) was a little weird though. I guess it tracks for Nell, who had her head thoroughly turned around and brainwashed, but it was... odd. The ending worked out though so I guess no complaints.

I have another book by this author to read which looks to be the same sort of setting, so I'm looking forward to seeing if lightning will strike twice and ultra-dark military romance is a new thing for me. lol.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.5 ⭐️

This one surprised me, in the best way. Dark, military romance wasn’t something I thought I would really be into, but here I am with a high star review.

The first 80% of the book..5 stars. I literally couldn’t put it down. Binged til I forced myself to put it down and go to sleep at 3a kinda read. Absolutely mind blown and just pulled me straight in to the story. The dynamic between Bradshaw and Nell was 🔥🔥🔥

Honestly, this would have easily been a 5 star read for me but the last 20% was not was I was expecting and I was a little disappointed with parts of it. Though, I was really happy with the final outcome of the story.

Definitely worth the read!! One of my top reads of the year!

As a romance girlie, I do like to dip my toes into some dark romance, and this one was extremely addictive. It’s fast-paced, filled with action and sizzling spice, but also layered with depth and humor.

That said, be warned: if dark and morally questionable characters aren’t your thing, this might not be the book for you... 🐇💀

Oh hello comfort zone, I stepped out of you during this read! Did I miss you? Let's find out:

'Leave me behind' is a romance set in an underworld military setting. Nell lost her entire team Riøt - including her lover and moral compass Jenkins - in a vicious attack and is determined to get to the bottom of the revenge barrel, cause she is wired that way due to childhood trauma. She is assigned to a new crew named Malum (but they just about live up to that name because of their bullying during training). On the flight to her new assignment, she meets two brothers and the magnetism towards Bradshaw is undeniable, as it should be in a romance story. What harm could one kinky night do before starting with the Malum crew? Apparently a whole lot...

I admit this was the darkest novel I have read spicewise. There are specific kinks in here I couldn't relate to and can’t imagine that people who do like to experience their sexuality this way do so without precautions or at a one night stand. It would have felt a lot more real if there was not only the violent side to the kinks.

The plot is steady up to the point where she and the brother 'join forces' and it never gets mentioned again.
My biggest issue is with Eren, the brother, has the wonkiest arc of them all. He is cute, but an asshole but sweet but the baddest guy but the best brother but the biggest creep (disturbingly) but the hero and him walking (sorry, that might me insensitive of me) out on the good side of it all?? And what's with loosing your legs but going for a walk and pub crawls in the end? whut?!? My heart was ready to be ripped up by his betrayal and him being the darkest heart possible.
Jenkins' part in this novel is crucial and I love that he tries to kill her though loves her (twisted, dude. But I get the sentiment of 'if I cannot have her, no one can').

The author K.M.Moronova draws the characters herself, which I think is beautifully executed (I don't usually like fan art as I want to picture the characters myself from the words). It kept my brain from going in overdrive and make them into the monsters they actually are... though that might have been a logical route for my brain to take.

So though I am glad to continue with something more in the range of my comfort zone, I am glad to have read my first dark romance novel. I chuckled every now and then and was horrified as you should be during a dark romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Bloom Books for the free ARC so I could write my honest review.

Hauntingly beautiful. It’s been a long time since a book broke me this hard and then found a way to put the pieces together in a way that was beautiful. The way the author told Bones and Bunny’s story kept me on my toes and wondering where the next big hit would come from. No punches were pulled. People were left behind. This was a TRUE enemies to lover! It was dark and haunting, while also being beautiful and healing. I felt so sucked into this world, and I want to stay there. 🖤

Raw, relentless, and emotionally charged. Leave Me Behind is a hauntingly powerful read that plunges deep into trauma, obsession, and the darker edges of desire. The atmosphere is unapologetically gritty, with a narrative that doesn’t flinch from pain or vulnerability. The romantic tension leans heavily into sadomasochistic dynamics and bully romance tropes, creating a volatile push-pull that’s as disturbing as it is addictive.

The plot is well constructed, with twists that feel earned rather than gratuitous, and the characters are exceptionally flawed, complex, and unforgettable. It’s not a story that asks for comfort, it demands surrender.

Thank you for the earc. All thoughts are my own.

First, the cover art is BEAUTIFUL and was what drew me to this book.

I was SO sucked in by this book and even when I set it down I was still thinking about it. So many twists and turns and the characters were very fun in a completely delightful unhinged kind of way.

I may get permanent forehead wrinkles for the amount of time my eyebrows were up reading this one.

This was a 5 out of 5 for me based solely on fun factor. It had some parts that made me frustrated (the end), but it never went the way I expected and that was refreshing.

Leave Me Behind is a dark, gritty military spicy romance with an intense atmosphere that pulled me in right away. The plot and setting were really intriguing, and I found myself hooked on the tension between Nell and Bones early on.
⚠️ Just a heads up: this one gets very dark and includes gore and bullying, so it’s worth checking content warnings first.

Are you looking for a dark military romance to split you open and keep your heart rate at 200+ beats per minute? Then this is the book for you. I could not put it down! Read the triggers carefully because this isn't a book for everyone, but for my fellow dark romance readers, this was not over-hyped. This will grab you by the throat and keep you coming back for more.