I devoured this novel! I think it was immediately captivating and well paced. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than 24 hours from when I started it. As long as you are okay with the trigger warnings I would recommend this book!

DNF 😬 I got the ick and the crazy unrealisticness of the special forces was driving me nuts. When I read there was bullying later in the book, I knew I wouldn’t be continuing

Things I hated:
💀The man was literally so basic and nothing he did was attractive to me
💀You’re telling me he wasn’t paranoid at all when he first met her? Didn’t check for cameras or bugs or anything? Doesn’t seem like trained special forces to me
💀The spice was boring and lowkey really quick
💀You’re telling me they just said they were in the “secret special forces” right out there on the street? Fr?
💀The girl was giving pick me
💀The ex thing was annoying already, she brought him up way too much

Also, I know it’s book logic but women aren’t allowed in special forces and noticeable, markable facial tattoos aren’t either. Those seem like two giant plot holes that I just couldn’t get behind. The romance wasn’t good because he was a total jerk and not in a hot way, and neither was the military aspect.

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏 ✮⋆˙

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 spice

What to Expect:
💀 Dark Military Romance
💀 Secret special forces
💀 Enemies to Lovers
💀 Bully Romance
💀 Everyone is morally grey
💀 Forced proximity
💀 Lots of dub con

Sick, twisted, depraved and I loved it..
Is there something wrong with me? Probably.

First time reading any sort of military romance, and this was perfection. Let’s hope you like it dark as sin because this is not for those who can’t get with dub-con/non-con..but if you can, the spice is immaculate.

The characters were perfectly imperfect, dark and damaged in all the right ways. I absolutely could not put it down and finished it in less than 2 days. Also obsessed with the author doing her own character art for her books!

I will devour everything written in this universe. Dying to know what she carved on his back though…did I miss it? was it bunny ears? lol

I do have questions about a few things that didn’t get resolved in the plot and the ending was…under-developed. Otherwise this would have been a 5 star read.

Could have been maybe 50 pages longer so it wasn’t so rushed and we got better emotional build for the main romance, but honestly, don’t care all that much when I just ate up the whole thing.

There is one part that was a real head scratcher..(spoiler warning, I suppose, if you don’t want to know anything that happens, you’ve been warned) but what on earth are we meant to make of her little jerk off session with Eren..like, his brother? And they NEVER discuss it for a second after the fact?! I thought oh, ok it’s going to be a threesome situation and I can get down with that, but nah. Don’t get my hopes up like that… definitely wanted more from that scenario. Could have been fun 😅

I want to thank NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKs Bloom Books for this ARC. The following is my honest review of Deluxe Edition of Leave Me Behind by K. M. Moronova

Ever since I heard about this book last year, I knew I had to add it to my TBR. It got so much praise online and it seemed exactly like the type of book I would LOVE. Dark Military Romance with high stakes and enemies-to-lovers, sign me up!

The cover and art inside are stunning and I love that the author included a playlist. It really sets up the haunting mood for this book. I usually don’t like people on the cover but this is the exception to the rule. I sometimes struggle with imagining the people the way the author describes but this was very helpful and the artist did such a great job.

4 /5⭐️ and 3/5 🌶️, definitely worth the hype!!! If I had the time I would have read this book in one sitting. However, I’m glad that I couldn’t because I wanted to savour r this story as much as possible. I loved Nell aka Bunny. She is such a strong and loyal FMC and she can really hold her own. I also liked Bones the main MMC and his sexy, cruel way. Both of them had lost someone close to them and blame each other, which leads to a lot of tension, anger and resentment which turns into a heated arguments, fights which then turns into passion and a love so strong, they would burn the world down for eachother. You can feel all of the pain, trauma and every single emotion with the characters. A truly great enemies-to-lovers. The story and characters will continue to haunt me for days and I’m sure I won’t get this story out of my mind. It has become ingrained in my soul.


More thoughts and SPOILERS:

I was intrigued by the twins from the beginning. I knew Eren was not the one who would get with Nell from the beginning. I thought it was a bit weird that there was a sexual connection between Eren and her later on, it seemed unnecessary to me and was probably only added for additional spice and to make the betrayal sting even harder. Overall the spice, mostly the wording was not really my thing but I am very picky when it comes to that.

I liked Nell a bit more than Bradshaw as a character. But I did loved them as a couple and their dynamic was so good. She felt more completely thought out. Bradshaw was supposed to be this evil devil, but Eren seemed worse than him and the bigger mastermind behind this whole operation, even when he seemed nicer towards the outside. Bradshaw saw himself as this devil and having done so many bad things but it never really became clear to me why or what he has done. He only got caught up in all of it because of Eren. Yes, he was bad but not as bad as Eren by any means, or even Bunny. Yes he was cruel to her but it really expected worse (I know, I know) and he had a soft spot for her pretty early on. Overall, it seemed to me that he was just intrigued by the darkness and the fact that she liked the pain he was giving to her.

During the start of the mission I knew that Ian must have been the one to betray them, all the hints pointed to him. I also guessed that Jenkins might not be dead after all. While these turns were not surprising to me, the first about 60-75% of the book was pretty unpredictable. My heart broke when she told Bones to go and leave her behind. I really felt their pain and my heart shattered to pieces 💔💔💔 and then they put it back together.

“Who taught you to beg for death because you were a device?“ “You’re just the weapon fired, not the evil that wields it.” 🖤🖤🖤🖤

✨ARC REVIEW✨
Leave Me Behind by K.M. Moronova
•
WOW wow wow, this book is 1000% worth the hype!!! I wasn't bored for a single second while reading this book.
There was plot, spice, violence, trauma, hate, betrayal, bloodshed, forgiveness, dark forces missions, ambushes, comraderie, but most of all there was love. True Enemies to lovers. 🖤
•
How many times can a book wreck you and put you back together again? The answer is many, many, many times. Leave me behind was such an emotional rollercoaster. One of those stories that'll stay with you for a long time.
•
Bradshaw and Nell meet on a plane and spend a night together before going their seperate ways. At least, that was the plan. Turns out they're team members on a secret military dark forces team, a team that hates Nell's guts for replacing their fallen teammember, and because they don't trust her for being the sole survivor after her whole team perished in the field.
Nell (codename Bunny) is a complete badass though and endures anything they do to get her to quit. Bradshaw (codename Bones) has been living like a soulless killing machine for years untill Bunny enters his life.
•
"You are where my sanity starts"
"You are where mine ends"
Bones & Bunny foreverrrr 💀🐰
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
•
Thank you #NetGalley for letting me review #LeaveMeBehind

I was really intrigued by the premise and gave this book a try, but unfortunately I had to stop at chapter 18. The story had the potential for a strong enemies-to-lovers arc, which is why I initially rated it 2 stars, but the execution was not for me.

The intimate scenes made me very uncomfortable—particularly the dynamic involving two brothers—which completely pulled me out of the story. While I understand some readers may enjoy this level of spice, personally it was far beyond my comfort zone and I couldn’t continue reading.

This is definitely a book for readers who are comfortable with heavy smut and unconventional relationship dynamics. Sadly, it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

Ratings 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Leave Me Behind is my very first read from author K.M Moronova and was actually an ARC that I received on Netgalley.

I have a lot of thoughts about this book and honestly I am at a loss of words to accurately explains how I felt while reading it.

Moronova's writing style to me felt immersive and encompassing. I felt like I was in the book hiding and running for my life with the characters. I believe an author has to be truly talented to make one feel that way. I really am looking forward to exploring and reading other books by the author.

Having said that lets talk about the plot. The plot was very unpredictable in terms of the background stories and plot twists. For the first 50% of the book I couldn't predict what actually was going to happen so it kept me hooked. It is centered around two military personnel Nell Gallows aka Bunny and Bradshaw Bright aka Bones.

Nell gets reassigned to a new squad of military after some unfortunate events with her previous one. There she comes across Bradshaw Bright who seems to hate her and wants make her quit. (Ques in excited squealing for toxic enemies to lovers* 🥵😭🥵)

Why he feels that way and wants that and how things unfold further was very intriguing.

I absolutely loved the FMC. She is strong, resilient, ruthless and courageous. Her loyalty was such a turn on until the last 20% of the book ( iykyk, ps I won't spoil it). I loved how Bunny was never once weak and or clingy even when she fell for Bradshaw. ( I'm saying this because more often than not I have come across books that have badass FMCs who turn into total damsel's once they fall for the MMC which does get a bit cringey for me but this was kept true to her reserved/ cautious nature till the end so kudos for that 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼)

I enjoyed reading Bradshaw's character too. He is so similar to Nell's in terms of being aloof, reserved and somewhat guarded and wary. Which is understandable considering they are both in military and somewhat desensitized and sceptical of trusting people easily. Thus the characterization really complimented the plot. 😍😍😍

I adored the way Nell and Bradshaw came together and how they each recognized the dark parts in each other, it annihilated and wrecked me 😭😭😭.

I mean
"When she stared at me with all of that hatred burning in her eyes, I wanted to carve it out of her myself and that’s exactly what I did." 🥰😭😭
"I wonder if she knows that she smells like flowers, even when she’s bleeding and smothered in mud. Flowers. Like a field of wild, fluttering petals dancing in the wind. I want to sit with her for a long while. For as long as I can."😍❤️❤️

“I’m never letting you go again, Bun. Never. You’ve always belonged to me." 😭🥰


However if I'm being honest the ending shook me. I wanted both MCs to get their happy ending sooner rather than later. But I won't deny the way Moronova ended the book was more realistic for the setting and the plot so I'm not complaining.


Plot 8/10
Pacing 9/10
Characterization 10/10 (Bunny and Bones 😍😍)
Dialogues 9/10
Spice-o-meter 8/10 🌶️🌶️
Angst-o-meter 7/10

Ps this is a dark romance please check your triggers.


Thank you NetGalley, marketing@sourcebooks.com, Bloombooks and K.M Moronova for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I first read Leave Me Behind back when it was indie published, so this was a re-read.

This was my very first military-themed romance back then, and left a lasting mark. Since that first read, I’ve been craving more books like this, and it still hits all the right notes.

Moronova’s writing always flows beautifully and effortlessly. Her style is immersive without ever feeling forced, and I find myself getting lost in her prose every time.

From the very first page, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down and devoured it in a single sitting.

A word of caution for those new to DR as a genre: this one definitely leans on the darker side. It can get intense, so check your triggers before diving in.

A TRUE enemies to lovers/bully romance in the way they hated each other so deeply yet came together with violence/revenge. KM Moronova has a way with writing characters that are broken, complex and deep and this story is not different in that sense because beneath their tough military exteriors, we see glimpses of vulnerability adding to those layers.
The back-and-forth chemistry between MC’s is fire and ice and will keep you in a constant state of emotional whiplash- but in a good way.
The plot, the spice, the banter, the twists, the suspense, and the tears👌🏼
My reading experience did make this a little predictable for me but I still thoroughly enjoy the story.

“You are where my sanity starts,”
“You are where mine ends,” I whisper back.

Leave Me Behind completely blew me away. This was my first K.M. Moronova book, and now I can safely say it won’t be my last - I’m definitely a fan.

This story is dark, raw, and emotional in a way that clings to you long after you’ve put it down. Bunny and Bones’ relationship is volatile, brutal at times, but the push-and-pull between them had me devouring chapter after chapter. It’s enemies-to-lovers at its most intense, with just enough tenderness buried underneath the grit to keep me rooting for them.

What really stood out was how immersive the writing is - the military backdrop, the trauma, the tension - it all felt so visceral. It’s not just a romance, it’s survival, healing, and learning to trust in the unlikeliest of places. And the spice??!! 🥵

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC through NetGalley and Bloom Books, and I’m so grateful, because this one is going to stay with me. If you like your romances dark, emotional, and unapologetically intense, you need to pick this up.

Check the TW's!

C'est la première fois que je lisais une romance militaire et je trouvais que le fait de coupler ça avec une dark romance était intéressant. Ce que j'ai beaucoup apprécié dans ce livre c'était que l'héroïne n'était pas une petite chose sans défense et ça change. Et franchement, le fait ne réussir à me faire apprécier une dark romance est un vrai point positif !!
Après j'ai trouvé que tout allait un peu trop vite sur la fin quand même.

Leave Me Behind was a good read! I was reminded of Dauntless from Divergent by Veronica Roth if they were adults. This was my first book of this kind so it was pretty unique to me.

I am rating it 3.5 stars because the pacing towards the end and some of the plot took a little weird turn. I also wish the characters chemistry was a little better it just felt circumstantial rather than love to me. I also wish the motives of side characters were better explained to show how they all got into their situation.

Leave Me Behind took me by surprise in the best way. It’s one of those books that pulls you in with its emotional depth and makes you sit with the characters’ pain and growth. The way trauma and healing were portrayed felt raw and real—nothing was sugarcoated, and I appreciated that honesty.
I loved the connection between the main characters and how their relationship slowly built layer by layer. It wasn’t just romance for the sake of it; it felt like two people learning to trust again, both themselves and each other. That kind of emotional vulnerability is what makes this book stand out to me.
It’s heavy at times, but it’s also full of hope. By the end, I felt like I had been on the journey right alongside them, and that’s exactly the kind of story that stays with you.

CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS VERY DARK BOOK!!!

Bones & Bunny's relationship is a captivating journey that readers will want to revisit. Bunny stands out as a strong female character, while Bones embodies the archetype of a distant and dark male lead. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed with intensity, drawing readers into thrilling action scenes and a gripping plot that maintains tension throughout.

K.M. Morovona has crafted intricate characters in this narrative. Nell emerges as a powerful figure, showcasing determination and resilience in a male-dominated environment, all while guarding her heart. Bradshaw represents the complexities of a morally ambiguous character, carrying his own burdensome past. Eren, despite his flaws, brings an appeal that will resonate with readers.

This book comes highly recommended, but it’s essential to CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. Kudos to Ms. Morovona for delivering an action-fueled, dark military romance that is sure to engage and entertain 🖤📚🖤📚🖤📚

✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ✨

I absolutely loved this book. The story, the atmosphere, and especially the characters Bradshaw and Nell – just everything. The main characters were so full of depth, broken and almost stripped of their humanity. Bradshaw and Nell’s chemistry was sparkling from the very first pages.

And the spicy scenes… oh, they were truly something! Spicy, kinky, and at times overwhelming – I actually had to pause my reading just to take a breath.

The relationship development was raw, intense, and addictive. You could feel every emotion bleeding through the pages. The plot itself was gripping and so well written. The ending was a bit disturbing and heartbreaking – I even shed some tears.

Overall, it was an amazing read. The writing style was engaging and the pacing kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Raw, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. This story ripped me apart and still managed to put the pieces back together. I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking about this book.

THIS BOOK !!! Oh my god km 👏this book was everything!!!! I recently started reading and have enjoyed it and this book has got me so into reading I devoured this book !!!within the one day it was finished i honestly couldn’t put the book down !!!

Bunny and bones 😩I absolutely loved the banter and arguing between these two especially in the spicy scenes and BOY CAN SHE WRITE A SPICY SCENE the hatred between these two is insane and I loved the fact that km slipped the scene with his brother in there too it really showed how they went from enemy’s to lovers

The whole book reminded me of call of duty kind of vibes and I was loving it .i picked it up solely based of the hardback artwork was absolutely beautiful and I couldn’t resist it so when o started it I had the best book I’ve possible picked up I was so grateful I picked it up ❤️

So, yeah, I'm obsessed with this book. Dark, bully, military romance that will have you questioning your own morals. This is a true enemies to lovers and they stay enemies for a long time despite their close proximity. That's not to say it isn't filled with tension because it sure is, and there may be some hate sex mixed in with some dubious consent. The spicy scenes had me squirming and clutching my pearls, the action scenes were exciting and tense and the ending was so good. 4.5 stars

Check your trigger warnings before reading this one please.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Deluxe Edition Pub Date: Sep 02, 2025

Leave Me Behind by new to me author K.M. Moronova, published by Sourcebooks Bloom Books, is a stand alone, dark military romance. A raw and gritty read, a bully romance about a toxic relationship with a wild ending.
Belive me when I say it was a wild ride reading the book, reading about Nell Gallows and her encounters. It was just over the topin storyline, over the top in plotholes, and yes, there are some major ones. All in all a good dark novel, 4 stars.

I ate this book up! Finally a true enemies to lovers story. The build up/action kept me hooked, and the SMUT? 😮‍💨.

That said, I’m giving four stars because the ending felt a bit rushed. There were also a couple of things that just didn’t do it for me (like THAT scene involving the brother and the ending with bunny having a photo of her ex hung in the house. Just….why?! lol)

Overall it was a great read and would recommend!