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Disarm #1
Disarm
Even the deepest secrets always find a way to surface...
26-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, Henry has only ever treated her like a younger sister, stepping into her brother's shoes after he was killed in action.
That is, until one night, when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie aroused and confused. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother who also happens to be her roommate?
But Henry, an Air Force officer, has been harboring two secrets--one will bring them together and the other will tear them apart--and it is up to Elsie to decide if their relationship is worth fighting for.
26-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, Henry has only ever treated her like a younger sister, stepping into her brother's shoes after he was killed in action.
That is, until one night, when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie aroused and confused. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother who also happens to be her roommate?
But Henry, an Air Force officer, has been harboring two secrets--one will bring them together and the other will tear them apart--and it is up to Elsie to decide if their relationship is worth fighting for.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2012
102 people are currently reading
4012 people want to read
About the author
June Gray
37 books611 followersI am a writer who likes to titillate and enrage, who revels in breaking the reader's heart and putting it back together again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
October 23, 2015
Disarm had the perfect amount of sexy fun times and serious subject matter. Was truly a great read and had me in happy/sad tears throughout the story...especially the end!
November 23, 2012
4 stars
Fantastic! I loved this novella
Disarm is a quick and fairly steamy friends-to-lovers short story with an abundance of heart-and-soul. The plot is fresh and emotional without being formulaic or cliched. The story is full of enriched characters, emotional subject matter, playful banter, and a few spicy love scenes. It took me a few pages to become fully immersed in the story but once I was, oh boy, I couldn't tear myself away. I stayed up late into the night just to finish the book.
The reason for the slight drop in rating (I would have given it 4 1/2 stars) is because this novella is a continuing story. Meaning, as the reader, you have to buy the next few novellas to read the entire plot. I'm not a fan of this new trend of storytelling or marketing. It makes no sense to me why one full-length book can't be made out of three or four novellas. That said, the novellas in this series are reasonably priced at .99 cents, making it easier financially to continue the series and the journey of these wonderfully endearing characters.
Thank you, Wendy, for the awesome rec!
Fantastic! I loved this novella
Disarm is a quick and fairly steamy friends-to-lovers short story with an abundance of heart-and-soul. The plot is fresh and emotional without being formulaic or cliched. The story is full of enriched characters, emotional subject matter, playful banter, and a few spicy love scenes. It took me a few pages to become fully immersed in the story but once I was, oh boy, I couldn't tear myself away. I stayed up late into the night just to finish the book.
The reason for the slight drop in rating (I would have given it 4 1/2 stars) is because this novella is a continuing story. Meaning, as the reader, you have to buy the next few novellas to read the entire plot. I'm not a fan of this new trend of storytelling or marketing. It makes no sense to me why one full-length book can't be made out of three or four novellas. That said, the novellas in this series are reasonably priced at .99 cents, making it easier financially to continue the series and the journey of these wonderfully endearing characters.
Thank you, Wendy, for the awesome rec!
November 23, 2012
4.5 stars!
Henry an Air Force Officer has always looked upon Elsie as a little sister, until one night when a dance brings them a little closer and the chemistry is unleashed. Can he keep his heart at bay for a girl who he has touched his heart all those years ago?
I enjoyed this little read. It's smoothly written, with witty one liners and great characters that I abosolutely adored. This is a little gem and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
*I thank my friend Elizabeth, for finding this little gem. Thanks E!*
Henry an Air Force Officer has always looked upon Elsie as a little sister, until one night when a dance brings them a little closer and the chemistry is unleashed. Can he keep his heart at bay for a girl who he has touched his heart all those years ago?
I enjoyed this little read. It's smoothly written, with witty one liners and great characters that I abosolutely adored. This is a little gem and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
*I thank my friend Elizabeth, for finding this little gem. Thanks E!*
December 5, 2012
Story: GOOD
Intimacy Level: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Length:902 kindle
Style: Military/ Erotica
Series:(DISARM, #1)
I love this story. I thought it was sexy and cute with a dash of sweet intertwined. A concept with a teenage crush fast forwarding to years later has me at the first sentence; I never get tired of these concepts in my romance stories. Elsie and Henry are roommates, but roommates who have known each other for years, as Henry is Elise's brother's best friend. Although Elsie's brother, Jason, has passed away in the line of duty, she knew she could count on her brother's best friend for her support system. However, after a night out and a telling dance between the two, things will never be the same.
Henry had me at hello, how could you not love him. He is that Alpha that is kind of the silent type but not really and the kind of guy that could also be that awesome friend when you need one. One of the qualities I like about him, is his response to some of the things Elsie said or did. I love his reaction and what he said the night Elise had a dream and was found in a compromising situation. Elsie was a cute character. She complimented Henry in this story and with a quote saying "If anyone tries to steal you from me, I will shank a b@#$", how could you not like her. I love them both together.
This was a very nice read for me and think I might check out the rest of their story.
by
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
Intimacy Level: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Length:902 kindle
Style: Military/ Erotica
Series:(DISARM, #1)
I love this story. I thought it was sexy and cute with a dash of sweet intertwined. A concept with a teenage crush fast forwarding to years later has me at the first sentence; I never get tired of these concepts in my romance stories. Elsie and Henry are roommates, but roommates who have known each other for years, as Henry is Elise's brother's best friend. Although Elsie's brother, Jason, has passed away in the line of duty, she knew she could count on her brother's best friend for her support system. However, after a night out and a telling dance between the two, things will never be the same.
Henry had me at hello, how could you not love him. He is that Alpha that is kind of the silent type but not really and the kind of guy that could also be that awesome friend when you need one. One of the qualities I like about him, is his response to some of the things Elsie said or did. I love his reaction and what he said the night Elise had a dream and was found in a compromising situation. Elsie was a cute character. She complimented Henry in this story and with a quote saying "If anyone tries to steal you from me, I will shank a b@#$", how could you not like her. I love them both together.
This was a very nice read for me and think I might check out the rest of their story.
by
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
December 26, 2012
Elsie has been in love with her older brother’s best friend Henry forever and, after her brother’s tragic death in Afghanistan, she’s now sharing Henry’s apartment. He’s helped her get over the all-consuming grief and now they’re just great friends.
Or so she thinks. As a six month detachment to Afghanistan looms large on the horizon for Henry, they act on their feelings and finally succumb to their years old mutual attraction, long since denied.
For a short novelette, this one is packed full of emotional intensity and surprising character depth. I really felt that I’d got to know both Henry and Elsie well by the end of this one and felt deeply her sense of impending loss as Henry has to leave for his detachment. I’m a military wife myself and I’ve been in that situation so many times in the past. I know how much it hurts. She’s acutely aware of the loss of her brother and is now terrified that she could be about to lose Henry when they’ve only just begun to move their relationship on from friendship.
This all felt very real – neither Henry or Elsie are perfect and the relationship builds realistically. They share some steamy scenes together and their desperation to hold one to each other in the face of impending separation is really quite palpable.
There's no HEA - this is part of a continuing serial of 6 novellas. This story is to be continued.
4 stars – contemporary romance
Or so she thinks. As a six month detachment to Afghanistan looms large on the horizon for Henry, they act on their feelings and finally succumb to their years old mutual attraction, long since denied.
For a short novelette, this one is packed full of emotional intensity and surprising character depth. I really felt that I’d got to know both Henry and Elsie well by the end of this one and felt deeply her sense of impending loss as Henry has to leave for his detachment. I’m a military wife myself and I’ve been in that situation so many times in the past. I know how much it hurts. She’s acutely aware of the loss of her brother and is now terrified that she could be about to lose Henry when they’ve only just begun to move their relationship on from friendship.
This all felt very real – neither Henry or Elsie are perfect and the relationship builds realistically. They share some steamy scenes together and their desperation to hold one to each other in the face of impending separation is really quite palpable.
There's no HEA - this is part of a continuing serial of 6 novellas. This story is to be continued.
4 stars – contemporary romance
January 6, 2013
Omg, emotional!!!! So many tears, some happy, some sad... But what a ride.. So glad I chose this series to read, I needed a good cry and I got it in spades. I love Henry and Elsie, whilst I don't understand some of his decisions the thing I love about this book is that they fought for it, they loved each other, they knew it and even though sometimes they were apart, they always loved each other..it was a foregone conclusion but it took them long enough, and little Will such a nice touch... More tears... Fab series, loved it loved it!!
October 29, 2014
I normally never write reviews no matter how much I've enjoyed the book - but after reading this series, I feel compelled to do so.
I stumbled upon Disarm as a freebie on the Kobo site which was recommended to me as per my reading habits. As an avid reader, I must say this may have been my first (or one of very few times) that I've found myself so invested in the characters within the first few pages of the book. After reading Disarm (took me less than 2 hours) I wondered how approx. 40 pages caused me to cry twice (quite dramatically too!) and left my heart aching for them. Obviously, I bought the entire series the next day and finished it in one night.
Henry and Elsie's story touched me and found myself relating to them even though I am not apart of the military lifestyle nor have I lost a brother nor have a childhood best friend I could possibly be in love with. It was the simple struggle of real issues in a real relationship that got me. Finding your other half does not mean your happily ever after will be all hearts and flowers. Life is tough and relationships even tougher even if you both love each other deeply.
I won't give a summary of the book because you just need to read it for yourself but I mainly want to compliment June Gray for writing this excellent series. I cried an unbelievable amount throughout the whole series that's how touched I was. I felt Elsie and Henry's pain as if it was my own. An Absolutely Fantastic Experience Reading This.
I stumbled upon Disarm as a freebie on the Kobo site which was recommended to me as per my reading habits. As an avid reader, I must say this may have been my first (or one of very few times) that I've found myself so invested in the characters within the first few pages of the book. After reading Disarm (took me less than 2 hours) I wondered how approx. 40 pages caused me to cry twice (quite dramatically too!) and left my heart aching for them. Obviously, I bought the entire series the next day and finished it in one night.
Henry and Elsie's story touched me and found myself relating to them even though I am not apart of the military lifestyle nor have I lost a brother nor have a childhood best friend I could possibly be in love with. It was the simple struggle of real issues in a real relationship that got me. Finding your other half does not mean your happily ever after will be all hearts and flowers. Life is tough and relationships even tougher even if you both love each other deeply.
I won't give a summary of the book because you just need to read it for yourself but I mainly want to compliment June Gray for writing this excellent series. I cried an unbelievable amount throughout the whole series that's how touched I was. I felt Elsie and Henry's pain as if it was my own. An Absolutely Fantastic Experience Reading This.
February 2, 2014
When the secrets of the past begin to surface, the truth can be disarming
This story is simply amazing. This is a story that is not filled with an alpha man who comes in and sweeps the girl of his dreams off her feet and they fall instantly in love and live in bliss. This is a story about what the life of a soldier can do to you. It is about hiding your true feelings for someone because you think the timing is not right. The story of two people who met as teenagers became friends and then felt something more but neither one acted on those feelings until many years later.
The story is full of love, angst, sadness, longing, friendship, broken hearts, and mending those broken hearts. You will need some tissues with this story......
Twenty-six-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, Henry—now an Air Force officer—has only ever treated her like a younger sister, stepping into her brother’s shoes after he was killed in action.
I loved Elsie and Henry. They started out as friends when they were teenagers. Jason (Elsie’s brother was Henry’s best friend. They did everything together including joining the Air Force together) Henry had always thought of Elsie as Jason’s bratty little sister, and as time went on was like a big brother to her. When tragedy strikes Elsie’s family’s life Henry steps in to be there for Elsie and comfort her in her time of need, always keeping his own feelings for her hidden.
That is, until the night when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie aroused and confused. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother, who also happens to be her roommate? As the passion between them crosses the line into a territory that teases with the forbidden, Elsie decides to give herself to the man she has always desired. But Elsie is not prepared for where the relationship will take her.
We get to see what happens when you finally show your true feelings for someone, but then turn around and have to leave and leave the person you love behind. Elsie and Henry are put to the test. When Henry comes back from war he is not the same man who left 6 months before. Things start to get really strained between him and Elsie.
Henry has been harboring two secrets. One can bring them closer together. The other will tear them apart. Now, with each startling new revelation, Elsie realizes that only she can decide if the past can ever be forgiven—and if a future with Henry is worth fighting for.
Is their love worth fighting for? Can Elsie forgive Henry for what he has done? Will Henry be able to redeem himself in her eyes and get her trust again?
What do you do when the person who told you they love you turns around and tells you they are leaving because they need to figure out who they are? That is the true test for Elsie and Henry.
If you love a great soldier story with love and the trials and tribulations that come with being a soldier and loving someone so much you try to do the right thing by them, then this is a story to read. Their path to happiness is not an easy one, they have a lot to get through to get to their happily ever after. It truly is one amazing journey. I felt like I was right there with them throughout the whole story.
I honestly think that is enough from me. I went into this book simply from reading the synopsis. I read no reviews before reading this book. I think anyone who reads this should do the same so that you get the full effect of the story that June has given to us. I for one and Truly happy that I had the chance to read this story. It will definitely be a book that I own in paperback as well.
This story is simply amazing. This is a story that is not filled with an alpha man who comes in and sweeps the girl of his dreams off her feet and they fall instantly in love and live in bliss. This is a story about what the life of a soldier can do to you. It is about hiding your true feelings for someone because you think the timing is not right. The story of two people who met as teenagers became friends and then felt something more but neither one acted on those feelings until many years later.
The story is full of love, angst, sadness, longing, friendship, broken hearts, and mending those broken hearts. You will need some tissues with this story......
Twenty-six-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, Henry—now an Air Force officer—has only ever treated her like a younger sister, stepping into her brother’s shoes after he was killed in action.
I loved Elsie and Henry. They started out as friends when they were teenagers. Jason (Elsie’s brother was Henry’s best friend. They did everything together including joining the Air Force together) Henry had always thought of Elsie as Jason’s bratty little sister, and as time went on was like a big brother to her. When tragedy strikes Elsie’s family’s life Henry steps in to be there for Elsie and comfort her in her time of need, always keeping his own feelings for her hidden.
That is, until the night when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie aroused and confused. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother, who also happens to be her roommate? As the passion between them crosses the line into a territory that teases with the forbidden, Elsie decides to give herself to the man she has always desired. But Elsie is not prepared for where the relationship will take her.
We get to see what happens when you finally show your true feelings for someone, but then turn around and have to leave and leave the person you love behind. Elsie and Henry are put to the test. When Henry comes back from war he is not the same man who left 6 months before. Things start to get really strained between him and Elsie.
Henry has been harboring two secrets. One can bring them closer together. The other will tear them apart. Now, with each startling new revelation, Elsie realizes that only she can decide if the past can ever be forgiven—and if a future with Henry is worth fighting for.
Is their love worth fighting for? Can Elsie forgive Henry for what he has done? Will Henry be able to redeem himself in her eyes and get her trust again?
What do you do when the person who told you they love you turns around and tells you they are leaving because they need to figure out who they are? That is the true test for Elsie and Henry.
If you love a great soldier story with love and the trials and tribulations that come with being a soldier and loving someone so much you try to do the right thing by them, then this is a story to read. Their path to happiness is not an easy one, they have a lot to get through to get to their happily ever after. It truly is one amazing journey. I felt like I was right there with them throughout the whole story.
I honestly think that is enough from me. I went into this book simply from reading the synopsis. I read no reviews before reading this book. I think anyone who reads this should do the same so that you get the full effect of the story that June has given to us. I for one and Truly happy that I had the chance to read this story. It will definitely be a book that I own in paperback as well.
March 6, 2023
The story was okay. Lots of character conflict, lots of sex, and apparently a sequel. I would rather read the "Crossfire" novels.
Goodreads review published 12/05/2015
Goodreads review published 12/05/2015
February 25, 2014
Overall 2.5 - 3 stars
Disarm was originally written into six parts, so I will break out my review into six parts. Overall, I am rating the book 3 stars-ish.
Book 1 – Disarm
I liked the beginning. Henry is Elsie’s brother’s best friend, Jason. All three grew up together. Henry and Jason are in the military. Jason dies overseas. Overcome with major distraught, Henry and Elsie grow closer and move in together.
It’s a sad beginning, but I love it! I’m so into the brother’s best friend for some reason. Oh the pain Henry goes through. He is so in love with Elsie but he doesn’t want to pursue her because of his best friend, yeah, I know even though he’s not alive.
Book 2 – Besiege
Henry goes overseas and after six months of waiting, he’s back. I’m really excited for this because I want to know what will happen next?! Major events happened in Disarm.
Elsie is a great character. Yes, it took her awhile to understand where Henry’s coming from, but she’s just going through the emotions. You really do feel for her because Henry isn’t like how he was before.
Book 3 – Retreat
This is where things get kind of tough and really difficult for me. I felt like Henry and Elsie was getting on track with working things out, but Henry is just messed up. I guess I just don’t understand where he’s coming from. I can’t relate. I understand stuff happened overseas, but he’s being a prick and it’s pissing me off.
Book 4 – The Henry Session
This is Henry’s POV, flash back. In all honesty, this book could have been omitted from the series. It was not needed, I skimmed and it was just kind of boring. There were some sweet parts, but I felt like it was kind of already addressed in the previous books.
Book 5 – Engage
Getting back on track with the original tone of the series, I’m ready for Henry to redeem himself and kind of explain and show Elsie why he is the way he is. It’s a short section and I’m warming up back up to the series.
Book 6 – Capture
All things come to an end and you must wrap it up. I felt that Capture had a lot of the same look and feel of Disarm and I was happy about that since I enjoyed the beginning so much.
Overall
It was difficult for me to read the book broken into six books. At some parts, I felt like there was some disconnect, maybe it’s because of the Henry sessions kind of threw me off. I really enjoyed the beginning of the series (YAY STEAM!), but it was a slight struggle to get through the second half. I was however, very satisfied with the last book and I am not sure if Henry ever fully redeemed himself, he tried very hard to.
Full Novel
AMAZON
Series Parts
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
For more reviews, http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
Disarm was originally written into six parts, so I will break out my review into six parts. Overall, I am rating the book 3 stars-ish.
Book 1 – Disarm
I liked the beginning. Henry is Elsie’s brother’s best friend, Jason. All three grew up together. Henry and Jason are in the military. Jason dies overseas. Overcome with major distraught, Henry and Elsie grow closer and move in together.
It’s a sad beginning, but I love it! I’m so into the brother’s best friend for some reason. Oh the pain Henry goes through. He is so in love with Elsie but he doesn’t want to pursue her because of his best friend, yeah, I know even though he’s not alive.
Book 2 – Besiege
Henry goes overseas and after six months of waiting, he’s back. I’m really excited for this because I want to know what will happen next?! Major events happened in Disarm.
Elsie is a great character. Yes, it took her awhile to understand where Henry’s coming from, but she’s just going through the emotions. You really do feel for her because Henry isn’t like how he was before.
Book 3 – Retreat
This is where things get kind of tough and really difficult for me. I felt like Henry and Elsie was getting on track with working things out, but Henry is just messed up. I guess I just don’t understand where he’s coming from. I can’t relate. I understand stuff happened overseas, but he’s being a prick and it’s pissing me off.
Book 4 – The Henry Session
This is Henry’s POV, flash back. In all honesty, this book could have been omitted from the series. It was not needed, I skimmed and it was just kind of boring. There were some sweet parts, but I felt like it was kind of already addressed in the previous books.
Book 5 – Engage
Getting back on track with the original tone of the series, I’m ready for Henry to redeem himself and kind of explain and show Elsie why he is the way he is. It’s a short section and I’m warming up back up to the series.
Book 6 – Capture
All things come to an end and you must wrap it up. I felt that Capture had a lot of the same look and feel of Disarm and I was happy about that since I enjoyed the beginning so much.
Overall
It was difficult for me to read the book broken into six books. At some parts, I felt like there was some disconnect, maybe it’s because of the Henry sessions kind of threw me off. I really enjoyed the beginning of the series (YAY STEAM!), but it was a slight struggle to get through the second half. I was however, very satisfied with the last book and I am not sure if Henry ever fully redeemed himself, he tried very hard to.
Full Novel
AMAZONSeries Parts
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZONFor more reviews, http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
December 1, 2012
Wow, for a novelette this is the most I have ever connected with the characters! It is emotional, passionate and steamy! I love Henry & Elsie's story.
I don't usually give 5 stars to short stories, but after reading the 4 books that have been released thus far I upped my rating to 5 stars. This is a great series, I hope it gets the attention it deserves. After you've read one of them you won't be able to stop until you've read all ;)
PS. My heart bleeds for those people with loved ones going to war :( Hope they return home safely soon!
I don't usually give 5 stars to short stories, but after reading the 4 books that have been released thus far I upped my rating to 5 stars. This is a great series, I hope it gets the attention it deserves. After you've read one of them you won't be able to stop until you've read all ;)
PS. My heart bleeds for those people with loved ones going to war :( Hope they return home safely soon!
December 29, 2012
Disarm is the first of six novellas in June Gray's Disarm series. It begins with Elsie and Henry Logan as long time friends sharing an apartment together. It's not long before their true feelings surface, and, Ooh-La-La, things heat up fast!
Quick, steamy Delicious friends-to-lovers read! I loved it and now I'm off for book #2 Besiege!
Thanks again Jilly for another great rec:)!
Quick, steamy Delicious friends-to-lovers read! I loved it and now I'm off for book #2 Besiege!
Thanks again Jilly for another great rec:)!
October 7, 2021
Para ser una historia tan breve creo que tiene una muy buena calidad, obviamente le falta un poco mas de desarrollo a los personajes y a la historia en si, pero quede bastante sorprendida con lo muy bien escrita que esta la novela.
Se que no soy objetiva pero a mi dame un Friends To Lovers y pierdo la cabeza y si ademas añades un soldado a la mezcla, ya ahi si que no me responsabilizo de mis actos xDD, por eso no es nada nuevo que esta lectura me haya durado tan poco tiempo, ahora a por la siguiente parte.
En conclusion, un debut muy grato con la autora y con esta pequeña saga, ahora entiendo porque tantas personas me la recomendaron.
2.75 Estrellas!
August 27, 2016
4.5 stars
Disarm, by June Gray, is a beautiful story of friendship, loss, self-discovery and love. Originally released as a serial, this now complete novel was an incredible read with flawlessly written characters that kept me captivated throughout the entire book.
Elsie and Henry have known each other since they were children. For the past two years they have been roommates, sharing an apartment since the death of Elsie’s brother and Henry’s best friend, Jason. Elsie has had a crush on Henry since she was 12, but he has always treated her like his little sister and nothing more. One night while out having drinks with friends, a dance between them changes their world. Desire and passion ignite a fire between them that refuses to be extinguished.
I absolutely loved Elsie and Henry. Their connection, as friends first and lovers second, was beautiful, but definitely not easy. Before Henry could accept that he was worthy of Elsie’s love, he had to reconcile the feelings that he had about himself. To become happy with and love who he was as an individual. Elsie had to be willing to let Henry go, even though it killed her to do so, in order for that to happen. Their path to one another was filled with separations, hurt, forgiveness and acceptance. But it was also completely and utterly honest, filled with such raw emotion that I couldn’t help but be affected by it.
Disarm was an extraordinary story of two friends who find eternal love. I loved every single word of their story and feel that, even though their path was not easy, it made them a stronger couple by traveling it. I had the pleasure of reading the complete story in one sitting vs. the six parts that it was originally released in. Having done that, as a whole, I feel the story was much more enjoyable than if I had read the parts separately. Their love was the prominent driving factor, instead of the angst between the characters, propelling you to read the next part.
Disarm is, without question, a story that needs to find its voice in the hearts of every reader. If you are a fan of breathtaking love stories that are not perfect, but still just as beautiful - then Disarm is a must read!
*ARC copy provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Disarm, by June Gray, is a beautiful story of friendship, loss, self-discovery and love. Originally released as a serial, this now complete novel was an incredible read with flawlessly written characters that kept me captivated throughout the entire book.
Elsie and Henry have known each other since they were children. For the past two years they have been roommates, sharing an apartment since the death of Elsie’s brother and Henry’s best friend, Jason. Elsie has had a crush on Henry since she was 12, but he has always treated her like his little sister and nothing more. One night while out having drinks with friends, a dance between them changes their world. Desire and passion ignite a fire between them that refuses to be extinguished.
I absolutely loved Elsie and Henry. Their connection, as friends first and lovers second, was beautiful, but definitely not easy. Before Henry could accept that he was worthy of Elsie’s love, he had to reconcile the feelings that he had about himself. To become happy with and love who he was as an individual. Elsie had to be willing to let Henry go, even though it killed her to do so, in order for that to happen. Their path to one another was filled with separations, hurt, forgiveness and acceptance. But it was also completely and utterly honest, filled with such raw emotion that I couldn’t help but be affected by it.
Disarm was an extraordinary story of two friends who find eternal love. I loved every single word of their story and feel that, even though their path was not easy, it made them a stronger couple by traveling it. I had the pleasure of reading the complete story in one sitting vs. the six parts that it was originally released in. Having done that, as a whole, I feel the story was much more enjoyable than if I had read the parts separately. Their love was the prominent driving factor, instead of the angst between the characters, propelling you to read the next part.
Disarm is, without question, a story that needs to find its voice in the hearts of every reader. If you are a fan of breathtaking love stories that are not perfect, but still just as beautiful - then Disarm is a must read!
*ARC copy provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 25, 2015
Review of the audiobook
Good narration. I liked the female narrator better than the male one. Usually the narration alternated but at one point it was combined.
The book has its highs and lows. It started off strong, seriously lagged for me in the middle, picked up and then disappointed with a Happy For Now ending.
Apparently, this in not the "Complete" Novel as indicated in the title. It is parts 1-6 of a 7 part serial novel. Part 7 I assume deals with the issues left unresolved in this version.
The biggest star-reducer was the middle section called The Henry Sessions. It was supposed to be tapes Henry recorded with his therapist and was sharing with Elsie. However, they were just a lot of "telling" of memories and seemed more like filler than something to move the story along or something to give us insight into the characters. I can't imagine Henry talking like that to his therapist.
I will probably read the last part, but I'm not in a big hurry to do that.
Good narration. I liked the female narrator better than the male one. Usually the narration alternated but at one point it was combined.
The book has its highs and lows. It started off strong, seriously lagged for me in the middle, picked up and then disappointed with a Happy For Now ending.
Apparently, this in not the "Complete" Novel as indicated in the title. It is parts 1-6 of a 7 part serial novel. Part 7 I assume deals with the issues left unresolved in this version.
The biggest star-reducer was the middle section called The Henry Sessions. It was supposed to be tapes Henry recorded with his therapist and was sharing with Elsie. However, they were just a lot of "telling" of memories and seemed more like filler than something to move the story along or something to give us insight into the characters. I can't imagine Henry talking like that to his therapist.
I will probably read the last part, but I'm not in a big hurry to do that.
September 21, 2020
I’ve been writing several of these reviews of late....
This was not good. It wasn’t the worst book that I’ve read, but it had a plethora of cringeworthy moments. I just think this author didn’t have enough experience at the time this was written. I think that reading some really great military romances could’ve help, like Corinne Micheals Salvation Series. But even still, the military aspect was a minor component of this book, which was also a bummer. But persevere I must, as there are 2 more books to this series. Pray for me.
This was not good. It wasn’t the worst book that I’ve read, but it had a plethora of cringeworthy moments. I just think this author didn’t have enough experience at the time this was written. I think that reading some really great military romances could’ve help, like Corinne Micheals Salvation Series. But even still, the military aspect was a minor component of this book, which was also a bummer. But persevere I must, as there are 2 more books to this series. Pray for me.
April 4, 2013
Absolutely amazing!!! I'm not sure what took me so long to pick this series up, but Damn am I glad I did. If you haven't read it yet, DO IT !!!!! Make sure you have some tissue handy, your emotions will be all over the place.
I've just a short on the authors blog and I understand there will be more to Henry and Elsie's story. That makes this reader very happy.
I've just a short on the authors blog and I understand there will be more to Henry and Elsie's story. That makes this reader very happy.
November 7, 2020
No me suelen gustar mucho estas series de novellas cortísimas que podrían juntarse fácilmente en una única novela de extensión normal. Y así voy a hacer la reseña, como si de un único libro se tratara.
Dicho esto, la historia de amor entre Henry y Elise ha estado llena de química y, aunque ha tenido sus altibajos, en general me ha gustado. Seguiré leyendo más libros de esta autora, a la que no conocía.
Dicho esto, la historia de amor entre Henry y Elise ha estado llena de química y, aunque ha tenido sus altibajos, en general me ha gustado. Seguiré leyendo más libros de esta autora, a la que no conocía.
January 30, 2018
Ouch! My heart will go on, but I don't want it to!
"I'll be back soon, don't worry"
I've never read any military type books. But I'm all over it. Is that classified as a novella? Because it was short as hell! Where can I buy me a Henry, cause there was not enough of him in this book. Thank god it's a series, or I would've been totally pissed.
Book 2 here I come!
"I'll be back soon, don't worry"
I've never read any military type books. But I'm all over it. Is that classified as a novella? Because it was short as hell! Where can I buy me a Henry, cause there was not enough of him in this book. Thank god it's a series, or I would've been totally pissed.
Book 2 here I come!
October 22, 2013
Source: eARC for Honest Review from Penguin Books via NetGalley
There are so many themes that I love about this book.
1) Friends to Lovers with a whole schwack of passion (Yowza!)
2) The heart break about your lover going off to war
3) The ramifications of what war can do to someone
4) The journey of growth of a person and independence for Elsie
5) The heart breaking journey of Henry finding himself again.
When I first read this book it was when it was serial novels. It felt like a different experience the second time around reading it right through. The first time I was filled with so much angst. The second time I was filled with so much beauty and heartbreak.
Elsie and Henry have always had a bond. It was easy with Henry being her brothers best friend but unbeknownst to the other they had feelings for one another but had denied them because the familiarity of each other was easier. Until Henry gets the news that he is going to be deployed. After the loss of Elsie's brother she hardly can take it but Henry realizes that he has to let her know how he feels before it is too late.
One week before he goes he admits that he is in love with Elsie which is returned but then he is sent off with Elsie waiting for him to return.
He does return but he doesn't return as the same person. Knowing that Elsie has lost a part of Henry she pushes to hard and both of them are left on their own to heal themselves from a gutting heartbreak.
But this is where the beauty comes in the journey for the two them is painful yet still beautiful. To find themselves so they can be whom each other needs.
This book has a perfect balance of passion, angst, heartbreak, healing, friendship and love.
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January 31, 2013
3.5 stars
I read the first book in this series as a freebie, and I was hooked. I really like Henry and Elsie. I am a sucker for a "in love with my brothers best friend story". I wanted to know more about them, and see their happily ever after. I ended up not really liking Henry. He makes so many decisions that, even after all the explanations never really sense to me - unless he wasn't really the kind of guy I thought he was in that first book.
I did end up liking Elsie more by the end. I was proud of her for standing up for herself, and not letting Henry walk all over her. I was happy with the conclusion, but I probably would have been just as happy to see Elsie be happy with someone else.
I read the first book in this series as a freebie, and I was hooked. I really like Henry and Elsie. I am a sucker for a "in love with my brothers best friend story". I wanted to know more about them, and see their happily ever after. I ended up not really liking Henry. He makes so many decisions that, even after all the explanations never really sense to me - unless he wasn't really the kind of guy I thought he was in that first book.
I did end up liking Elsie more by the end. I was proud of her for standing up for herself, and not letting Henry walk all over her. I was happy with the conclusion, but I probably would have been just as happy to see Elsie be happy with someone else.
December 19, 2012
I bought the first book on a whim; it sounded good. I zoomed through it and bought the rest of the series that was out (which was the fifth book at that time.) I will admit that I stalked websites to see when the sixth book was going to be released because I needed my fix of Henry and Elsie.
Elsie and Henry have that kind of friendship that most long for. They have the kind of friendship that takes an extra step and turns into a hot romance. They have that hot romance that swells your heart with the love that they feel for each other. It works you up with the tension between them and it plummets your soul when the perfect romance turns out not-so-perfect.
But what is so beautiful about this relationship is that they fight for it. Now when you read this, you might not agree, but in the end, I hope you see what I saw; this relationship wasn’t easy but they sure as heck were in love enough to ride out the rough waves.
This series made me wish I had a brother so that I could send him off to the Air Force and he could be-friend a man like Henry.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
Elsie and Henry have that kind of friendship that most long for. They have the kind of friendship that takes an extra step and turns into a hot romance. They have that hot romance that swells your heart with the love that they feel for each other. It works you up with the tension between them and it plummets your soul when the perfect romance turns out not-so-perfect.
But what is so beautiful about this relationship is that they fight for it. Now when you read this, you might not agree, but in the end, I hope you see what I saw; this relationship wasn’t easy but they sure as heck were in love enough to ride out the rough waves.
This series made me wish I had a brother so that I could send him off to the Air Force and he could be-friend a man like Henry.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
December 2, 2012
3.5 stars
This is one of the growing trend of serialized books. A short little slice of the story that hopes to entice the reader to become captivated enough to want to continue reading as future books become available.
It’s a good friends to lovers, you’re my best friend’s little sister story and the author accomplished her goal. I did become invested enough in Elsie and Henry’s story to want to read the next instalment especially considering where it ended.
I’m not sure I’m liking this new way to deliver the story to the reader, but I guess if I didn’t want to continue reading then I can stop the one-click at Amazon at any time.
This is one of the growing trend of serialized books. A short little slice of the story that hopes to entice the reader to become captivated enough to want to continue reading as future books become available.
It’s a good friends to lovers, you’re my best friend’s little sister story and the author accomplished her goal. I did become invested enough in Elsie and Henry’s story to want to read the next instalment especially considering where it ended.
I’m not sure I’m liking this new way to deliver the story to the reader, but I guess if I didn’t want to continue reading then I can stop the one-click at Amazon at any time.
January 11, 2013
Book #1 of this series was my favorite - funny and sexy Disarm has it all. Highly recommend...but readers beware...this novella/mini series will become a new guilty pleasure.
My Henry & Elsie:
My Henry & Elsie:
November 13, 2012
well, I really don't like reading military love stories as they always and I mean always make me cry. yet, when I read this book I fell in love with Henry and just couldn't put it down it was short and only took an hour to read but I couldn't stop reading. I immediately bought book two and can't wait to read book three I just hope there is a happy ending I don't think I will be able to emotionally handle it if there's not lol
September 4, 2016
LOVED this as a series when I first read it. You will need to devour this is one sitting because you will not be able to put it down. Believable characters and an adorable love story. My only wish is I could get a signed copy to proudly display on my shelf.
I had to edit this because I actually did win a signed copy with a very sweet note from the author. This series is one I always go back to in my mind as one that touched my heart and soul. I simply adore it.
I had to edit this because I actually did win a signed copy with a very sweet note from the author. This series is one I always go back to in my mind as one that touched my heart and soul. I simply adore it.
September 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this series the relationship between Henry & Elsie was a roller coaster of emotions and it was a refreshing change to other romances that I have read. Would recommend to anyone who love's a good romance.
April 19, 2013
I loved all of these books in the series. I laughed, cried and couldn't put it down until I had read them all.
July 1, 2015
Elsie Sherman è una giovane web desiner, vive in Oklahoma vicino alla base aerea di Tinker con suo fratello Jason e il suo migliore amico Henry Logan. 
I tre ragazzi sono praticamente cresciuti insieme e i due maschi sono ufficiali dell’aeronautica. Elsie ha una cotta per Henry da quando aveva tredici anni e lui è entrato a far parte della sua famiglia come amico di suo fratello. Hanno condiviso la loro vita per molti anni e una volta cresciuti e laureatisi, si sono trovati tutti e tre a vivere insieme. Poi Jason viene mandato in missione in Afganistan e, per la disperazione di tutti, viene ucciso da un cecchino. La perdita straziante dei due ragazzi li avvicina, anche perché Elsie continua a condividere con Henry la casa dove abitavano tutti insieme. Quello che non sa è che Henry è innamorato di lei da sempre. Una sera, complice qualche bicchierino di troppo, mentre ballano improvvisamente Elsie si rende conto che tra di loro qualcosa sta cambiando.. Ma Henry troverà il coraggio di rivelare i suoi sentimenti a Elsie solo dopo averle detto che di li a poco partirà anche lui per l’Afganistan. Questo nuovo sconvolgimento emotivo fa definitivamente crollare le loro difese e i due si abbandonano ad una passione bruciante e assoluta, completamente sopraffatti dall’intensità dei loro reciproci sentimenti.Dopo pochi giorni di passione purtroppo Henry deve partire ed Elsie rimane sola ad attenderlo con l’ansia e la paura che gli possa succedere qualcosa. Quando dopo sei mesi di missione torna a casa, però, Henry non è più lo stesso ragazzo che aveva visto partire, la guerra lo ha cambiato, e a causa di un attacco kamikaze subito dalla sua base e dallo shock seguente è ora affetto da Sindrome da Stress Post Traumatico. Riuscirà Elsie con il suo amore a far tornare Henry come prima o il profondo disagio che lo affligge lo allontanerà da lei? E cosa riserverà ancora la vita a questi due spiriti affini?
Mie care nipotine, non mi sono ancora ripresa dalla lettura di questo magnifico libro. Mi ha preso, mi ha frullato, mi ha capovolto e mi ha ripiegato e ne sono uscita davvero provata dal punto di vista emotivo. Scritto veramente molto bene e con una struttura narrativa inconsueta (era diviso in sei parti, le prime tre sono raccontate da Elsie, la quarta è il resoconto delle sedute che Henry fa dalla psicologa che lo aiuta e sono quindi dal suo punto di vista e poi le ultime due di nuovo col “pov” di Elsie), ti tiene incollata alle pagine con un senso costante di ansia, di paura di cosa succederà in seguito per quanti colpi di scena ci sono.
L’argomento dei militari reduci dalle missioni di guerra e dei traumi psicologici che molto spesso si portano dietro tornando a casa è serio e delicato, ma è sviluppato dall’autrice con pudore e gentilezza, e anche la devastante perdita in missione di un familiare, anche se è solo a margine della storia d’amore di Henry e Elsie, è trattato con estrema delicatezza. La storia è bella e coinvolgente, i continui colpi di scena ti lasciano sempre più scossa man mano che si sviluppa la trama e vi assicuro che in alcuni passi si piange davvero, ma non vi posso dire di più per non rovinare la sorpresa. Vi dico solo che ha comunque la sua buona dose di erotismo, mai volgare ma molto, molto coinvolgente e sensuale. I nostri due piccioncini fanno l’amore e non solo sesso fin dal primo rapporto, perché quando ci arriveranno i loro sentimenti saranno già molto chiari ad entrambi, ma lo fanno con una passione e una foga travolgenti, i loro sono amplessi quasi furiosi, ma sempre carichi di significato. È che si vogliono talmente tanto l’un l’altro che non riescono a controllarsi, non riescono ad andare piano, hanno un bisogno quasi animalesco di amarsi e di essere uniti anche fisicamente. Henry è un personaggio magnifico, e non per la sua prorompente fisicità (“era così grosso che avrebbe potuto disfarsi di un po’ di muscoli e darli in prestito”) ma al contrario per la sua fragilità emotiva, per la sua insicurezza e per l’immenso amore che prova per Elsie, che mai, in nessun momento della storia è messo in discussione. I sentimenti che prova per lei sono l’unica cosa ferma della sua vita, l’unica cosa a cui riesce ad aggrapparsi per uscire dal suo stato di disagio. Ed è dolcissimo con lei, le dice in continuazione che la ama, non avevo mai incontrato in un libro un uomo che esternasse così massicciamente i suoi sentimenti, e non solo a parole. Insomma alla fine, nonostante tutto quello che succede e che lui le fa passare, amare Henry è la cosa più naturale che vi verrà di fare dopo la lettura del libro, come capita a Elsie; io leggevo con gli occhi a cuoricino. Elsie è una brava ragazza risoluta e forte, è ancora affranta per la perdita del fratello, ma quello che paradossalmente per lei sarà più difficile è abbandonarsi ai sentimenti che prova per lui, timorosa di perderlo e di ritrovarsi con il cuore a pezzi.. dovrà armarsi di una buona dose di colla per aggiustarlo perché per lei non sarà affatto semplice arrivare al lieto fine.
continua suCrazyforRomance
I tre ragazzi sono praticamente cresciuti insieme e i due maschi sono ufficiali dell’aeronautica. Elsie ha una cotta per Henry da quando aveva tredici anni e lui è entrato a far parte della sua famiglia come amico di suo fratello. Hanno condiviso la loro vita per molti anni e una volta cresciuti e laureatisi, si sono trovati tutti e tre a vivere insieme. Poi Jason viene mandato in missione in Afganistan e, per la disperazione di tutti, viene ucciso da un cecchino. La perdita straziante dei due ragazzi li avvicina, anche perché Elsie continua a condividere con Henry la casa dove abitavano tutti insieme. Quello che non sa è che Henry è innamorato di lei da sempre. Una sera, complice qualche bicchierino di troppo, mentre ballano improvvisamente Elsie si rende conto che tra di loro qualcosa sta cambiando.. Ma Henry troverà il coraggio di rivelare i suoi sentimenti a Elsie solo dopo averle detto che di li a poco partirà anche lui per l’Afganistan. Questo nuovo sconvolgimento emotivo fa definitivamente crollare le loro difese e i due si abbandonano ad una passione bruciante e assoluta, completamente sopraffatti dall’intensità dei loro reciproci sentimenti.Dopo pochi giorni di passione purtroppo Henry deve partire ed Elsie rimane sola ad attenderlo con l’ansia e la paura che gli possa succedere qualcosa. Quando dopo sei mesi di missione torna a casa, però, Henry non è più lo stesso ragazzo che aveva visto partire, la guerra lo ha cambiato, e a causa di un attacco kamikaze subito dalla sua base e dallo shock seguente è ora affetto da Sindrome da Stress Post Traumatico. Riuscirà Elsie con il suo amore a far tornare Henry come prima o il profondo disagio che lo affligge lo allontanerà da lei? E cosa riserverà ancora la vita a questi due spiriti affini?Mie care nipotine, non mi sono ancora ripresa dalla lettura di questo magnifico libro. Mi ha preso, mi ha frullato, mi ha capovolto e mi ha ripiegato e ne sono uscita davvero provata dal punto di vista emotivo. Scritto veramente molto bene e con una struttura narrativa inconsueta (era diviso in sei parti, le prime tre sono raccontate da Elsie, la quarta è il resoconto delle sedute che Henry fa dalla psicologa che lo aiuta e sono quindi dal suo punto di vista e poi le ultime due di nuovo col “pov” di Elsie), ti tiene incollata alle pagine con un senso costante di ansia, di paura di cosa succederà in seguito per quanti colpi di scena ci sono.
L’argomento dei militari reduci dalle missioni di guerra e dei traumi psicologici che molto spesso si portano dietro tornando a casa è serio e delicato, ma è sviluppato dall’autrice con pudore e gentilezza, e anche la devastante perdita in missione di un familiare, anche se è solo a margine della storia d’amore di Henry e Elsie, è trattato con estrema delicatezza. La storia è bella e coinvolgente, i continui colpi di scena ti lasciano sempre più scossa man mano che si sviluppa la trama e vi assicuro che in alcuni passi si piange davvero, ma non vi posso dire di più per non rovinare la sorpresa. Vi dico solo che ha comunque la sua buona dose di erotismo, mai volgare ma molto, molto coinvolgente e sensuale. I nostri due piccioncini fanno l’amore e non solo sesso fin dal primo rapporto, perché quando ci arriveranno i loro sentimenti saranno già molto chiari ad entrambi, ma lo fanno con una passione e una foga travolgenti, i loro sono amplessi quasi furiosi, ma sempre carichi di significato. È che si vogliono talmente tanto l’un l’altro che non riescono a controllarsi, non riescono ad andare piano, hanno un bisogno quasi animalesco di amarsi e di essere uniti anche fisicamente. Henry è un personaggio magnifico, e non per la sua prorompente fisicità (“era così grosso che avrebbe potuto disfarsi di un po’ di muscoli e darli in prestito”) ma al contrario per la sua fragilità emotiva, per la sua insicurezza e per l’immenso amore che prova per Elsie, che mai, in nessun momento della storia è messo in discussione. I sentimenti che prova per lei sono l’unica cosa ferma della sua vita, l’unica cosa a cui riesce ad aggrapparsi per uscire dal suo stato di disagio. Ed è dolcissimo con lei, le dice in continuazione che la ama, non avevo mai incontrato in un libro un uomo che esternasse così massicciamente i suoi sentimenti, e non solo a parole. Insomma alla fine, nonostante tutto quello che succede e che lui le fa passare, amare Henry è la cosa più naturale che vi verrà di fare dopo la lettura del libro, come capita a Elsie; io leggevo con gli occhi a cuoricino. Elsie è una brava ragazza risoluta e forte, è ancora affranta per la perdita del fratello, ma quello che paradossalmente per lei sarà più difficile è abbandonarsi ai sentimenti che prova per lui, timorosa di perderlo e di ritrovarsi con il cuore a pezzi.. dovrà armarsi di una buona dose di colla per aggiustarlo perché per lei non sarà affatto semplice arrivare al lieto fine.
continua suCrazyforRomance
November 15, 2017
3 a bit pushed but okay stars!
Definitely HOT!
I think that was a good and lovely start.. it could have been a bit better.
Looking forward for more!
Definitely HOT!
I think that was a good and lovely start.. it could have been a bit better.
Looking forward for more!
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