Format: eGalley
Release Date: December 31, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Romantica
26-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, ever since her brother was killed in action, Henry has only treated her as a little sister that needed to be protected. That is, until one night, when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie confused and ridiculously turned-on. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother who also happens to be her roommate? But Henry has been keeping two secrets--one will bring them together and the other will ruin everything--and it is up to Elsie to decide if their relationship is worth fighting for.
You have to read this, Supies!! I seldom push a book but this one I will pimp like a bordello Madam! DISARM by June Gray is so so good I don't know what words to use to describe this amazing story. It's sexy, it's emotional, heartfelt, brimming with love, pain, hurt and other delicious stuff it's a definite 4-5+ cauldron read for the hopeless romantics like me (and a 3.5 for the nitpicky, can't ignore those!).
DISARM is a military contemporary romance with a friends-to-lovers trope. I know some of you is shifty about books like this but I promise June Gray did it thoughtfully and skillfully. Henry Logan and Elsie Sherman have known each other since they were teens. Henry is Jason's, Elsie's big brother, bestfriend and both have served in the Air Force straight after graduation. Unfortunately Jason got killed in Afghanistan and since then, Henry and Elsie has been each other's support system. Eventually they hooked up which wasn't a surprise because they've been in love with each other for the longest time. But Henry is bent out of shape in so many places which pushed and pulled their relationship and tested their love in extreme ways. Expect a lot of love and necessary "evils" as Henry and Elsie navigate the ups and downs in their relationship, every reader is sure to empathize and sympathize with these two.
DISARM is one of the realist novel I've read in a long time. It was tough to read emotionally because of the rich history between Henry and Elsie which played a major part in their relationship. Going in to the novel I was expecting a lot of angst and surprisingly, there's almost none of that. The heart of DISARM is Henry and his inner demons that needs exorcising and holes that needs to be filled to make himself whole before he can be part of something. There's no doubt that Henry loves Elsie to the moon and back but he is in desperate need of fixing and unfortunately Elsie can't be part of that process. The question Henry indirectly posed to Elsie is: do you love me enough to let me go so I can be happy?
We all get confused about ourselves but we don't go hurting those we love just so we can get some clarity - Elsie
And that is one flucked up question right? So many warring emotions attached to that question, do you take the selfish lover route or do you become the gracious best friend? JGray did a fantastic job in presenting both sides, so good that I felt I was in the middle of the fray myself. On one side I understand and appreciate Henry's ordeal and applaud him for acknowledging his problems and not dumping it on Elsie. On the other side my heart went to Elsie because she just found love and now she's being asked to give it up and gracefully at that.
You were the goodness & light when my life was full of darkness - Henry
DISARM will take you on a journey. Henry reminisced about the past and retraced his steps on how he met and fell in love with Elsie. Unlike other contemporary novels time didn't stand still for these two, the entire novel spans over a decade of love and friendship. JGray showcased the highs and lows of Henry and Elsie's platonic and romantic relationships beautifully. And contrary to other erotica/romantica tales, they didn't fluck their problems out nor sought solutions in the bedroom, they actually did SOMETHING to fix things. Henry didn't go to Elsie for redemption, he worked for it and Elsie let him earn his worth. I guess what I'm trying to say is the resolution was normal, organic and REAL. It wasn't a bloated version of what non-fictional people would do, it IS what I would do if I were caught in the same situation.
Anyway, I can go wax poetic until I've used up all the English words I know and still it won't do justice to DISARM. All I can say at this point is read the darn thing! If you're unsure get the first serial. It is a beautiful love story and I can't wait for book 2, Arrest. It looks like our lovers will once again be tested and I can't wait to be part of that again.
DISARM was previously released as a 6 part serial which is still available. But I strongly encourage you to get the print edition because of the bonus, Henry and Elsie's honeymoon, which you'll only read in the first edition (accdg. to the book).
Purchase Disarm
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ACK! You know I love my super emotional love stories, Braine. Disarm sounds absolutely wonderful and you have convinced me to get it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review!
Oh gosh you will LOVE this, I'm sure of it!
DeleteThe premise does annoy me a bit, he is not your big brother, just do him
ReplyDeleteShe DID him! LOL
DeleteI've got the first part of the serial waiting on my Kindle ;)
ReplyDeleteYou'll find yourself reading non-stop. It's so hard for me to put down because of the volley of emotions.
Deletewow that's so wonderful to find a book like that. Something realistic and with a great story!
ReplyDeleteYes it is indeed rare & I'm so lucky I found this :)
Deletesounds like a very sweet story. I do like my military romances
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to like them more and more
DeleteI haven't read any military romances (being an Army wife I think I just get enough military as it is) but this one actually does sound good. I like that you pointed out it is a common trope,but that you think it was done well here. Great review.
ReplyDeleteNothing better than the real thing eh?
DeleteI don't read too many military romances, but this one sounds like a book that I could totally get into. Great Review, SW. I think I might buy this book because of your thoughtful and honest review.
ReplyDeleteGrace
It's worth the buy, SW
DeleteSounds good! Thanks for the heads up. This was a new one to me :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome :)
Deletelove my emotional reads and I love when couple have that friends to lovers thing going on. Thanks for sharing Braine!
ReplyDeleteYes and the best part is it went beyond that too. So much history here you have to read it to understand why I'm gushing so much!
DeleteI love friends-to-lovers scenarios! And if it's a little bit angsty and emotional, all the better. Adding Disarm to my TBR :) Thanks for sharing, Braine, it looks excellent.
ReplyDeleteLexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Don't forget SEXY!!
DeleteI want!
ReplyDeleteI love that is an emotional read without much angst. I need to add it to my TBR.
Yeah, I can't tolerate too much angst anymore. I want go-getters LOL
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed this set of books all in one. I had a lookie on NG but it is no longer about. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you can ask the pub for a copy :)
Delete*winces in pain* Okay, you've twisted my arm...I'll read Disarm. ;) LOL If you're gonna pimp a book Braine, I know it's a goodie! Thanks for sharing, babe.
ReplyDeleteYW and it's worth the pain!
DeleteNice review!!! I'm sold girl, I will add this to my TBR, and I actually read it. Wow 2 books in a week that' I'll be reading instead of waiting for the audio..LOL But after that review how can I not?
ReplyDeleteThank you, great job!
Weee! I will look forward to your review so we can compare notes. I hope you like/love it!
DeleteThank you for the wonderful review! I'm so glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for an awesome story! I love this book to the moon and back, I can't wait for the next one!!
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