Suped Up: Disarm by June Gray

Series: Disarm The Complete Novel
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

Amazon | Audible | Barnes & Noble | iBookstore | Kobo