Still high on the vibes of this book!
Overall
5
Leave Me Behind
None
Military Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Bloom Books
September 2, 2025
Paperback, Audio, and E-Reader
352
From fan-favorite author K.M. Moronova comes a biting, suspenseful dark romance set inside an elite special ops squad. Nell Gallows is the sole survivor of an elite dark forces squad, Riøt, after a detrimental attack two years ago. Unsurprisingly, she's being put up as the top candidate for the special ops team: Malum. The squad that goes where no one else will or can. There's only one problem: Malum blames their one casualty from the Patagonia mission on the Riøt squad. So what is she to do when she finds herself on a plane to California and on her way to a sure death sentence? A one-night stand. At least, that's all it was supposed to be―one last night to be free. Only, she finds out too late that the dark and mysterious man she solely wanted as a fling is not only her new comrade but also the one she dreaded meeting most―her immediate superior and untouchable devil in the field. Bones. He's hell on earth―cruel and unforgiving, but most of all, he hates her, and he makes sure she knows it. And yet, she finds herself unwilling to leave his side when he's unable to get to the evac point when their mission goes awry. She stays behind with the devil and the secrets he keeps. They only have one another to trust when no faith is left. Delicious tropes:
- Dark special ops romance
- Enemies to lovers
- High stakes and danger
- Found family
- "Touch her and die"
In Leave Me Behind, two dark force operatives are thrust into a high-stakes mission where revenge ignites passion—and love becomes the ultimate risk.
When two different women tell you on the same day how good a book is, you buy it and read it. I’m here to tell you, they weren’t wrong! Leave Me Behind gives the reader a suspense-filled adventure, complete with a badass FMC, broody and tattooed MMC, and a mission for revenge with so many unexpected twists!
“It’s the monster in me that craves the one in you.”
You can’t say anyone in this book is “good,” they all have blood on their hands. Nell has been trained to kill without question or emotion. While she is a total badass, you begin to see how lonely this life has made her. She longs for more but doesn’t believe she deserves it.
“I like the way broken men grieve.”
Bones is ruthless and terrifies everyone he meets, everyone except Nell. Bones’ PTSD and grief were raw and painful. He is clearly struggling with the loss of a comrade and friend while also trying to maintain his edge. He craves peace from his inner demons and he finds it in the one person he hates the most.
“I couldn’t control myself. You like the darkest parts of me, and I wanted you all over my c**k.”
“Have I seen the darkest parts of you?”
“Not even close.”
Leave Me Behind is a dark romance, including pain, blood, and consensual non-con. While I loved the spice, this may be the tamest quote I could find. So please, check the trigger warnings, especially if you are new to dark romance. HOWEVER, unlike some dark romance, you don’t have to sacrifice plot for spice in this one. Moronova blends the story well, not losing sight of their goal while showing how much they are drawn to one another despite all the reasons they shouldn’t be.
In conclusion, this book pulled me in and didn’t let go. I am eagerly awaiting the next Dark Forces book, expected in November 2025!
I am a Libra, who advocates for rescue animals, loves to buy people gifts, travels as often as possible, and has an OBSESSION with special edition books. It all started with HP, Holly Black, and Cassandra Clare and has ended with a personality made up entirely of Romantasy and Dark Romance stories. I am married with 2 dogs and a grumpy cat. I love shiny things, glitter, gems, and foiled covers with metallic edges. I’m a proud feminist but also like my husband to put gas in the car. Lastly, and most importantly, I’m always down to get Greek food, attend a book con, go on a trip, or make new book besties.
