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Disarm #7
Arrest
Life begins at happily ever after…
For Elsie and Henry, getting married and buying a house is only the beginning of their passionate new adventure. Elsie is flourishing in her job while Henry embarks on a new career as a police officer. Everything, it seems, has finally fallen into place.
Just when it’s all smooth sailing, they face life-altering changes that make Elsie question her ability to adapt. With Henry’s job putting him in constant danger, she watches helplessly while he slips back into his old habits. Elsie must find a way—through any means necessary—to prevent the past from repeating.
With the sand constantly shifting underfoot, Elsie and Henry have to figure out how to strengthen their bond—before they end up losing what matters most…
For Elsie and Henry, getting married and buying a house is only the beginning of their passionate new adventure. Elsie is flourishing in her job while Henry embarks on a new career as a police officer. Everything, it seems, has finally fallen into place.
Just when it’s all smooth sailing, they face life-altering changes that make Elsie question her ability to adapt. With Henry’s job putting him in constant danger, she watches helplessly while he slips back into his old habits. Elsie must find a way—through any means necessary—to prevent the past from repeating.
With the sand constantly shifting underfoot, Elsie and Henry have to figure out how to strengthen their bond—before they end up losing what matters most…
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2014
12 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
June Gray
39 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 67 reviews
June 18, 2014
Review by Allison East
I love June Gray, and her writing. Disarm made my top 20 the year I read it. I fell in love with Henry and Elsie, hard. I wanted nothing but good things for them, and for their romance to work out. And June likes to take you through a gamut of emotions before you actually get to the happily ever after, but you make it there- perhaps, not unscathed- but you make it. My hope of hopes was that regardless of all the angst and demons in Disarm, that Henry and Elsie got the happy ending. Because, dang it, they deserve it.
There were so many things- things from the past mostly, that held them back. They couldn't have the happy marriage right away- because of Henry going through the training with the police. That brought back war memories for Henry. Then you throw in stressful situations like babies, miscarriages, gun fights, miscommunications, and you get a doozy of a wrap up story.
I think this story deserves 5 stars because it is so very real to me. It's not another carbon copy love story- it's not all rainbows, unicorns, and puppies throughout the whole book, and I love that. This is a story that could happen to anyone, and I feel like a lot of people can relate to it. If you have suffered any type of loss, if you have PTSD, if you've had a miscarriage, if your spouse serves in the armed forces or police force, if you have ever gotten into a crazy fight with your better half and things didn't always seem like they were going to work out but they did, if you have ever made a sacrifice-then this book is for you.
Henry is already a very exposed person. His childhood was not great, his best friend was killed, and he went to war. Now becoming a police officer- I don't know how Elsie dealt with all of that piled onto one man. I am so glad Elsie is a strong heroine- and basically gives him ultimatums if Henry doesn't shape up, its time for her to ship out. He has been in therapy he just needs to remember what he learned., that he is good enough for Elsie and she would never leave him. I mean he did kind of get on my nerves- like alright already Henry, but overall- he finally calmed those demons.
And I love the sex scenes- steamy, and also emotional. Every time felt like the first time, and the role play? WOWZA.
June Gray has a fan in me for life, and while it was super angst filled, and I am not a huge fan of that- it was SO well written, I loved it ever more ! It was an emotional roller coaster I am glad I got on, and one I would ride over and over again.
I love June Gray, and her writing. Disarm made my top 20 the year I read it. I fell in love with Henry and Elsie, hard. I wanted nothing but good things for them, and for their romance to work out. And June likes to take you through a gamut of emotions before you actually get to the happily ever after, but you make it there- perhaps, not unscathed- but you make it. My hope of hopes was that regardless of all the angst and demons in Disarm, that Henry and Elsie got the happy ending. Because, dang it, they deserve it.
There were so many things- things from the past mostly, that held them back. They couldn't have the happy marriage right away- because of Henry going through the training with the police. That brought back war memories for Henry. Then you throw in stressful situations like babies, miscarriages, gun fights, miscommunications, and you get a doozy of a wrap up story.
I think this story deserves 5 stars because it is so very real to me. It's not another carbon copy love story- it's not all rainbows, unicorns, and puppies throughout the whole book, and I love that. This is a story that could happen to anyone, and I feel like a lot of people can relate to it. If you have suffered any type of loss, if you have PTSD, if you've had a miscarriage, if your spouse serves in the armed forces or police force, if you have ever gotten into a crazy fight with your better half and things didn't always seem like they were going to work out but they did, if you have ever made a sacrifice-then this book is for you.
Henry is already a very exposed person. His childhood was not great, his best friend was killed, and he went to war. Now becoming a police officer- I don't know how Elsie dealt with all of that piled onto one man. I am so glad Elsie is a strong heroine- and basically gives him ultimatums if Henry doesn't shape up, its time for her to ship out. He has been in therapy he just needs to remember what he learned., that he is good enough for Elsie and she would never leave him. I mean he did kind of get on my nerves- like alright already Henry, but overall- he finally calmed those demons.
And I love the sex scenes- steamy, and also emotional. Every time felt like the first time, and the role play? WOWZA.
June Gray has a fan in me for life, and while it was super angst filled, and I am not a huge fan of that- it was SO well written, I loved it ever more ! It was an emotional roller coaster I am glad I got on, and one I would ride over and over again.
March 19, 2019
Doppia Recensione
.
1"
Dopo il matrimonio sembra che la vita di Henry ed Elsie vada bene, insieme sono felici, il sesso è strepitoso, il lavoro di lei inizia a dare soddisfazioni e lui sta studiando all’accademia di polizia e sicuramente ce la farà, ma si sa quando tutto è splendido, prima o poi arriva la mazzata, quella che fa cambiare tutto, e loro la ricevono, anzi ne ricevono ben due e mezzo.
Henry supera brillantemente il corso, entra in polizia e inizia l’addestramento, ovviamente per le rinomate gerarchie a lui toccheranno i turni peggiori, quelli di notte, che con il lavoro diurno di Elisie combaciano ben poco, non lasciando loro molto tempo per stare insieme, anche se fanno il possibile per far incastrare il tutto, e per potersi vedere il più possibile. Tutto splendido quindi fino al giorno in cui Elsie scopre di essere incinta… panico puro!!! Mentre lei non si sente pronta, lui è al settimo cielo e cerca di tranquillizzarla, ma le sue paure non si placano fino alla prima ecografia, quando con il sentire il battito del cuoricino BAM è amore a prima vista. Quindi direte voi, superato il problema adesso è tutto a posto??? NO, perché la sfortuna è dietro l’angolo. Lui sempre preso dal lavoro inizia a fermarsi al bar con i colleghi, arrivando tardi a casa (e avvisare la moglie è ovviamente un optional), comincia a chiudersi in se stesso e non parla più con Elsie. Lei temendo che lui possa avere una ricaduta, proprio come accadde prima del matrimonio (ricordate il primo libro, vero?), cerca di farlo parlare, gli lascia spazio, prova in qualsiasi modo a risolvere la situazione, ma lui si allontana sempre più, fino a quando Elsie, sfinita e delusa, getta la spugna e dice BASTA.
Però non era lei la persona che aveva bisogno d’aiuto; ero io. Mi sentii sopraffatto dalla vergogna mentre mi risuonavano in testa le parole di Elsie: “Non si può aiutare chi non vuole aiutare se stesso”. Prima di poterci ripensare, mi sedetti sulla sedia del computer e cercai gruppi locali di sostegno, trascrivendo luogo e orario di uno di quelli specializzati in stress traumatico degli agenti di polizia.
Anche in questo secondo romanzo la lotta dei due protagonisti per riuscire a superare le crisi psicologiche di Henry sono notevoli, lui si chiude in se stesso perché facendo così, spera di non far soffrire Elsie, ma non si rende conto che lei non è una bambina e che sta lottando mostruosamente per non far naufragare il loro matrimonio. Henry dovrà arrivare al punto di allontanarsi per “svegliarsi”, per capire che il rischio di perdere l’amore della sua vita è ormai altissimo. Quindi dopo liti, morti, gelosie, discussioni, sesso tanto sesso (sembra essere questa l’unica cosa a funzionare ancora bene), un abbandono… si arriverà al lieto fine.
Vi dico che qualche lacrimuccia verso la fine mi è scesa, ora non so bene se la colpa sia del mega raffreddore che ho, o se mi sia realmente commossa per il libro, in ogni caso vedere come Elsie tenti di tutto per salvare Henry è commovente. E qui si capisce che, se una persona non vuole essere salvata, c’è poco da fare. Ogni rinascita deve comunque e sempre partire da dentro di noi, per quanto gli altri possano dire e fare, se non siamo noi a volerlo, niente cambierà. E per fortuna Henry alla fine, lotta per salvare se stesso e la storia d’amore con Elsie.
Tayla - per RFS
.
2"
Molto spesso ho scritto nei post delle pagine FB dedicate a questo genere letterario, quanto mi fosse piaciuto il secondo capitolo di questa serie, iniziata con Disarm (“La conquista”), per poi proseguire con “Arrest”. Sono quindi molto felice che Newton Compton abbia deciso di regalarci in italiano “L’abbandono”, che mi sembra un titolo piuttosto evocativo di ciò che accadrà in questo libro. Henry come sappiamo da “La conquista”, ha superato con grande difficoltà i dèmoni del suo passato in guerra ed ora, dimessosi dall’Esercito, lavora in polizia. Decisamente un impiego consono alla sua preparazione militare, ma forse non adatto al fardello emotivo che ancora si porta sulle spalle. Elsie, la sua roccia, la sua àncora di salvezza, ciò che lo tiene saldo nel non scivolare nei meccanismi autodistruttivi del passato, gli è vicina, sempre, attenta, perché consapevole che questo impegno lavorativo di Henry non è per lui la cosa più sana. Ma lo accetta. Lo accetta anche quando un dannato giorno accade ciò che è quasi inevitabile nella vita di un poliziotto, e tutti i traumi e le colpe del passato si riaffacciano prepotenti nella mente e nell’anima di Henry. Lentamente ma inesorabilmente, torna a comportarsi nell’unico modo che conosce per proteggere la sua donna dai propri incubi. Allontanandola. Ed Elsie impotente, vede suo marito cupo e preda delle antiche angosce, non comunica più, non la coinvolge più proprio ora che avrebbe più bisogno di lui, con un figlio in arrivo. E’ magnifico il modo in cui la Gray affronta la ‘Sindrome da stress Post-Traumatico’, perché non la vediamo solo attraverso le ombre che popolano i pensieri di Henry, ma soprattutto dal punto di vista di Elsie, che cerca disperatamente un modo per non perdere il suo uomo ma allo stesso tempo non può più annullarsi per sostenerlo, poichè ha una nuova vita a cui pensare e scelte molto difficili da prendere. Il lettore conoscendo entrambi i punti di vista, sa che l’amore tra i due non è messo in discussione, ma i due protagonisti temono che non sia abbastanza questa volta per annullare la distanza che si è creata tra loro. La SDSPT viene affrontata anche nella serie “Fuori Controllo” di Jen Mclaughlin, ma pur rimanendo la serietà della patologia, l’approccio è forse più “leggero”: sicuramente l’età dei protagonisti, in questo caso più maturi e con una famiglia in divenire sulle spalle, rende il problema di Henry più profondo poiché l’esito della sua lotta interiore avrà conseguenze anche sulla crescita di suo figlio. Elsie non può più permettersi di rincorrere Henry nel disperato tentativo di convincerlo a condividere con lei i carichi emotivi, le paure e i sensi di colpa sotto cui si sotterra. Tutto questo l’ha già fatto all’inizio della loro relazione. Ora deve rimanere forte, e salda, e intera per la vita che le cresce dentro. Ora tocca ad Henry combattere per non perdere ciò che hanno conquistato con tanta sofferenza, è lui che deve volere tornare intero, che deve volere lei e loro figlio nella propria vita, condividendo una volta e per sempre anche gli aspetti più oscuri del suo animo, accettandoli come una parte di sé che lo rende comunque l’uomo che è. Deve volere Elsie al suo fianco per portarne il peso, deve convincersi che il loro amore potrà farcela ad affrontarli e , se non a vincerli, quantomeno a rischiararli.
“ se questo fosse un sogno, mi pregheresti di tornare a casa e io direi di si, perchè è una cosa romantica. Ma la realtà è che ho bisogno di una tregua da noi. Tu devi fare un passo indietro e guardare alla tua vita, e riflettere su questi sentimenti distruttivi che ti porti dentro. Valgono la pena di perdere tua moglie e tuo figlio?”
Commovente, intenso, personaggi maturi e complessi, queste pagine ci regalano momenti di grande e profonda passione che va oltre lo sfogo dei sensi e l’appagamento del desiderio del primo libro, ma ci mostrano una comunione di anime che, nonostante i dèmoni e le ombre, lega inscindibilmente corpo e cuore dei protagonisti. Bello, bello davvero.
.
Silvery - per RFS
.
1"
Dopo il matrimonio sembra che la vita di Henry ed Elsie vada bene, insieme sono felici, il sesso è strepitoso, il lavoro di lei inizia a dare soddisfazioni e lui sta studiando all’accademia di polizia e sicuramente ce la farà, ma si sa quando tutto è splendido, prima o poi arriva la mazzata, quella che fa cambiare tutto, e loro la ricevono, anzi ne ricevono ben due e mezzo.
Henry supera brillantemente il corso, entra in polizia e inizia l’addestramento, ovviamente per le rinomate gerarchie a lui toccheranno i turni peggiori, quelli di notte, che con il lavoro diurno di Elisie combaciano ben poco, non lasciando loro molto tempo per stare insieme, anche se fanno il possibile per far incastrare il tutto, e per potersi vedere il più possibile. Tutto splendido quindi fino al giorno in cui Elsie scopre di essere incinta… panico puro!!! Mentre lei non si sente pronta, lui è al settimo cielo e cerca di tranquillizzarla, ma le sue paure non si placano fino alla prima ecografia, quando con il sentire il battito del cuoricino BAM è amore a prima vista. Quindi direte voi, superato il problema adesso è tutto a posto??? NO, perché la sfortuna è dietro l’angolo. Lui sempre preso dal lavoro inizia a fermarsi al bar con i colleghi, arrivando tardi a casa (e avvisare la moglie è ovviamente un optional), comincia a chiudersi in se stesso e non parla più con Elsie. Lei temendo che lui possa avere una ricaduta, proprio come accadde prima del matrimonio (ricordate il primo libro, vero?), cerca di farlo parlare, gli lascia spazio, prova in qualsiasi modo a risolvere la situazione, ma lui si allontana sempre più, fino a quando Elsie, sfinita e delusa, getta la spugna e dice BASTA.
Però non era lei la persona che aveva bisogno d’aiuto; ero io. Mi sentii sopraffatto dalla vergogna mentre mi risuonavano in testa le parole di Elsie: “Non si può aiutare chi non vuole aiutare se stesso”. Prima di poterci ripensare, mi sedetti sulla sedia del computer e cercai gruppi locali di sostegno, trascrivendo luogo e orario di uno di quelli specializzati in stress traumatico degli agenti di polizia.
Anche in questo secondo romanzo la lotta dei due protagonisti per riuscire a superare le crisi psicologiche di Henry sono notevoli, lui si chiude in se stesso perché facendo così, spera di non far soffrire Elsie, ma non si rende conto che lei non è una bambina e che sta lottando mostruosamente per non far naufragare il loro matrimonio. Henry dovrà arrivare al punto di allontanarsi per “svegliarsi”, per capire che il rischio di perdere l’amore della sua vita è ormai altissimo. Quindi dopo liti, morti, gelosie, discussioni, sesso tanto sesso (sembra essere questa l’unica cosa a funzionare ancora bene), un abbandono… si arriverà al lieto fine.
Vi dico che qualche lacrimuccia verso la fine mi è scesa, ora non so bene se la colpa sia del mega raffreddore che ho, o se mi sia realmente commossa per il libro, in ogni caso vedere come Elsie tenti di tutto per salvare Henry è commovente. E qui si capisce che, se una persona non vuole essere salvata, c’è poco da fare. Ogni rinascita deve comunque e sempre partire da dentro di noi, per quanto gli altri possano dire e fare, se non siamo noi a volerlo, niente cambierà. E per fortuna Henry alla fine, lotta per salvare se stesso e la storia d’amore con Elsie.
Tayla - per RFS
.
2"
Molto spesso ho scritto nei post delle pagine FB dedicate a questo genere letterario, quanto mi fosse piaciuto il secondo capitolo di questa serie, iniziata con Disarm (“La conquista”), per poi proseguire con “Arrest”. Sono quindi molto felice che Newton Compton abbia deciso di regalarci in italiano “L’abbandono”, che mi sembra un titolo piuttosto evocativo di ciò che accadrà in questo libro. Henry come sappiamo da “La conquista”, ha superato con grande difficoltà i dèmoni del suo passato in guerra ed ora, dimessosi dall’Esercito, lavora in polizia. Decisamente un impiego consono alla sua preparazione militare, ma forse non adatto al fardello emotivo che ancora si porta sulle spalle. Elsie, la sua roccia, la sua àncora di salvezza, ciò che lo tiene saldo nel non scivolare nei meccanismi autodistruttivi del passato, gli è vicina, sempre, attenta, perché consapevole che questo impegno lavorativo di Henry non è per lui la cosa più sana. Ma lo accetta. Lo accetta anche quando un dannato giorno accade ciò che è quasi inevitabile nella vita di un poliziotto, e tutti i traumi e le colpe del passato si riaffacciano prepotenti nella mente e nell’anima di Henry. Lentamente ma inesorabilmente, torna a comportarsi nell’unico modo che conosce per proteggere la sua donna dai propri incubi. Allontanandola. Ed Elsie impotente, vede suo marito cupo e preda delle antiche angosce, non comunica più, non la coinvolge più proprio ora che avrebbe più bisogno di lui, con un figlio in arrivo. E’ magnifico il modo in cui la Gray affronta la ‘Sindrome da stress Post-Traumatico’, perché non la vediamo solo attraverso le ombre che popolano i pensieri di Henry, ma soprattutto dal punto di vista di Elsie, che cerca disperatamente un modo per non perdere il suo uomo ma allo stesso tempo non può più annullarsi per sostenerlo, poichè ha una nuova vita a cui pensare e scelte molto difficili da prendere. Il lettore conoscendo entrambi i punti di vista, sa che l’amore tra i due non è messo in discussione, ma i due protagonisti temono che non sia abbastanza questa volta per annullare la distanza che si è creata tra loro. La SDSPT viene affrontata anche nella serie “Fuori Controllo” di Jen Mclaughlin, ma pur rimanendo la serietà della patologia, l’approccio è forse più “leggero”: sicuramente l’età dei protagonisti, in questo caso più maturi e con una famiglia in divenire sulle spalle, rende il problema di Henry più profondo poiché l’esito della sua lotta interiore avrà conseguenze anche sulla crescita di suo figlio. Elsie non può più permettersi di rincorrere Henry nel disperato tentativo di convincerlo a condividere con lei i carichi emotivi, le paure e i sensi di colpa sotto cui si sotterra. Tutto questo l’ha già fatto all’inizio della loro relazione. Ora deve rimanere forte, e salda, e intera per la vita che le cresce dentro. Ora tocca ad Henry combattere per non perdere ciò che hanno conquistato con tanta sofferenza, è lui che deve volere tornare intero, che deve volere lei e loro figlio nella propria vita, condividendo una volta e per sempre anche gli aspetti più oscuri del suo animo, accettandoli come una parte di sé che lo rende comunque l’uomo che è. Deve volere Elsie al suo fianco per portarne il peso, deve convincersi che il loro amore potrà farcela ad affrontarli e , se non a vincerli, quantomeno a rischiararli.
“ se questo fosse un sogno, mi pregheresti di tornare a casa e io direi di si, perchè è una cosa romantica. Ma la realtà è che ho bisogno di una tregua da noi. Tu devi fare un passo indietro e guardare alla tua vita, e riflettere su questi sentimenti distruttivi che ti porti dentro. Valgono la pena di perdere tua moglie e tuo figlio?”
Commovente, intenso, personaggi maturi e complessi, queste pagine ci regalano momenti di grande e profonda passione che va oltre lo sfogo dei sensi e l’appagamento del desiderio del primo libro, ma ci mostrano una comunione di anime che, nonostante i dèmoni e le ombre, lega inscindibilmente corpo e cuore dei protagonisti. Bello, bello davvero.
.
Silvery - per RFS
September 22, 2020
Ugh.
This was not any better. I have an assumption that this author was inspired by EL James 50 Shades series because of every possible incident that could possibly happen. The difference is, EL James could pull it off and June Gray cannot.
This was not any better. I have an assumption that this author was inspired by EL James 50 Shades series because of every possible incident that could possibly happen. The difference is, EL James could pull it off and June Gray cannot.
July 16, 2015
Sono molto combattuta per quanto riguarda questo libro, ho adorato "La Conquista" dall'inizio alla fine, questo secondo capitolo ho invece iniziato ad apprezzarlo dalla metà in poi.
Volete sapere perchè?!? Ve lo spiego subito, ritengo June Gray un'autrice fantastica, mi piace il suo stile, l'introspezione che hanno i suoi personaggi, credo che riesca a dilaniare il cuore, a farti provare la sofferenza che provano i protagonisti.
Capisco che in questo libro avesse bisogno di dare un po' di respiro alla narrazione, ma 120 pagine le ritengo veramente troppe. Diciamo che nella prima parte del romanzo, non facciamo altro che vivere la loro serena storia d'amore, con la certezza pero' che accadrà qualcosa di terribile... non lo sto dicendo perchè lo ipotizzo io, è proprio l'autrice a portarci a questo status mentale, e devo ammettere che è bravissima anche in questo, lo fà tramite le insicurezze e i pensieri di Elsie.
E quindi, ormai stremati, dopo tutta questa attesa arriviamo al punto. Alla nuova "crisi" di Henry, alla sua totale dedizione al lavoro, e alla ricaduta nel baratro attraverso i soliti circoli viziosi, il tutto questa volta lo viviamo ancora più intensamente dal momento che siamo li con lui, è tutto in diretta, motivazioni e autodistruzione. Penso di aver odiato poche volte un uomo così tanto in vita mia, non riesce a reagire viene travolto dagli eventi pur essendoci già passato.
L'autrice, non mi stancherò mai di dirlo è indubbiamente brava ti coinvolge talmente tanto da risucchiarti completamente nella vicenda.
PER LEGGERE IL SEGUITO DELLA RECENSIONE CLICCATE QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...
Volete sapere perchè?!? Ve lo spiego subito, ritengo June Gray un'autrice fantastica, mi piace il suo stile, l'introspezione che hanno i suoi personaggi, credo che riesca a dilaniare il cuore, a farti provare la sofferenza che provano i protagonisti.
Capisco che in questo libro avesse bisogno di dare un po' di respiro alla narrazione, ma 120 pagine le ritengo veramente troppe. Diciamo che nella prima parte del romanzo, non facciamo altro che vivere la loro serena storia d'amore, con la certezza pero' che accadrà qualcosa di terribile... non lo sto dicendo perchè lo ipotizzo io, è proprio l'autrice a portarci a questo status mentale, e devo ammettere che è bravissima anche in questo, lo fà tramite le insicurezze e i pensieri di Elsie.
E quindi, ormai stremati, dopo tutta questa attesa arriviamo al punto. Alla nuova "crisi" di Henry, alla sua totale dedizione al lavoro, e alla ricaduta nel baratro attraverso i soliti circoli viziosi, il tutto questa volta lo viviamo ancora più intensamente dal momento che siamo li con lui, è tutto in diretta, motivazioni e autodistruzione. Penso di aver odiato poche volte un uomo così tanto in vita mia, non riesce a reagire viene travolto dagli eventi pur essendoci già passato.
L'autrice, non mi stancherò mai di dirlo è indubbiamente brava ti coinvolge talmente tanto da risucchiarti completamente nella vicenda.
PER LEGGERE IL SEGUITO DELLA RECENSIONE CLICCATE QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...
November 24, 2015
Ho adorato questo libro dall'inizio alla fine!
Ritroviamo Elsie e Henry all'inizio della loro vita matrimoniale in una nuova città e con un nuovo lavoro. Infatti Henry ha lasciato la carriera militare ed è ora un poliziotto. All’inizio tutto sembra andare per il meglio ma i drammi per questa coppia sono dietro l’angolo e Henry ricade in quella spirale autodistruttiva che lo aveva avvolto di ritorno dalla guerra. Elsie è una donna forte e fa di tutto per aiutare il marito, ma il primo che deve voler guarire deve essere proprio Henry e i due sembrano precipitare in un mare di incomprensioni, ansie e dubbi. Riusciranno a salvare il loro matrimonio?
Questo libro mi ha travolto con un mare di emozioni: le situazioni descritte sembrano proprio un estratto di vita reale, con tutti i problemi che possono capitare in una coppia e la volontà di salvare un matrimonio.
Mi sono ritrovata completamente coinvolta con i due e ho ammirato moltissimo Elsie per la forza che è riuscita a trovare per non abbattersi mai e per cercare sempre una soluzione.
Da leggere assolutamente, insieme al primo libro della serie “La conquista”.
Ritroviamo Elsie e Henry all'inizio della loro vita matrimoniale in una nuova città e con un nuovo lavoro. Infatti Henry ha lasciato la carriera militare ed è ora un poliziotto. All’inizio tutto sembra andare per il meglio ma i drammi per questa coppia sono dietro l’angolo e Henry ricade in quella spirale autodistruttiva che lo aveva avvolto di ritorno dalla guerra. Elsie è una donna forte e fa di tutto per aiutare il marito, ma il primo che deve voler guarire deve essere proprio Henry e i due sembrano precipitare in un mare di incomprensioni, ansie e dubbi. Riusciranno a salvare il loro matrimonio?
Questo libro mi ha travolto con un mare di emozioni: le situazioni descritte sembrano proprio un estratto di vita reale, con tutti i problemi che possono capitare in una coppia e la volontà di salvare un matrimonio.
Mi sono ritrovata completamente coinvolta con i due e ho ammirato moltissimo Elsie per la forza che è riuscita a trovare per non abbattersi mai e per cercare sempre una soluzione.
Da leggere assolutamente, insieme al primo libro della serie “La conquista”.
June 2, 2014
Hot baby-making love! For those who doubt that a book about a married pair can be as gripping as before the longed-for commitment takes place, doubt no more. Henry and Elsie lost none of their steam, fire and anguish just because they said 'I do'.
This follow-up sequel to Henry and Elsie's tumultuous journey to love and forgiveness in Disarm proves that after Happily Ever Afters have to be fought for just as hard as getting to that point. Mixed into one strong and moving story are all the ingredients that I came to appreciate in the first book: hope, playful love, adorable chocolate lab, little black tape recorder, a hot man in uniform that rides a Harley, loss, jealousy and fear, secrets, a scrappy beautiful woman who is the glue that holds it all together and love that sometimes hurts yet sometimes transcends into something stronger than ever. Yeah, this deep and difficult romance grabbed all the emotions, twisted me up inside and finally gave me what I knew was coming all along.
Henry and Elsie's story is told in another six part piece that is altogether in one book. Elsie narrates the first five parts in first person, but then Henry takes over for the last part. Getting inside their heads and feeling it right along with them is what keeps the reader right there in the middle of it all engaging the senses right along with the characters. This one picks up right where the first one ends so I'd recommend reading it after Disarm not because it can't be read as a standalone, but because Disarm can only really be enjoyed if its read first. It will lose something if they're out of order.
"This time last year, I was in Korea, thinking I lost you for good. And now I'm here with you, building a life together," he said. "I could ask for nothing more."
"I'd say we got pretty lucky."
He shook his head with a tender smile, "Luck has nothing to do with it," he said. "We're just two willful people who moved mountains to be together." p. 5 Henry and Elsie from Arrest
The newlyweds are in their home, Elsie is settled into her new job and Henry finished with the Air Force is a cadet at the police academy. There is plenty of time for hot romantic encounters and lovely gestures. Elsie tamps down her fears for what is to come when Henry graduates and begins patrolling the streets. Being the wife of a Law Enforcement Officer is much like that of a military wife. Elsie is determined to be supportive and do what she must. Then she discovers Henry's been keeping secrets still and then as he comes home from work, she can tell he is holding stuff back. What is really going on those nights he doesn't come home until late? Is he really with co-workers? She has seen with her own eyes the appeal of Henry in uniform. On top of this, she is faced with getting pregnant sooner than she wanted and dealing with the fact that she isn't ready and guilty because she can't be as excited as Henry.
After dealing with a painful event when Henry isn't able to be there for her, her life starts spiraling out of control with late nights out with co-workers because Henry is working and she doesn't want to be alone, drinking, feeling a slight pull toward the boss who has some interest her way and now wants her to go with him to make a presentation to potential clients in Atlanta. Henry's jealousy and his continued withdrawal are nothing to what comes after a traumatic event occurs leaving Henry weighted down with guilt and self-loathing completely shutting Elsie out. He's is doing to her just what he did before and Elsie does her best to pull him out of it, but its not enough. She's left with the difficult decision. Love isn't always enough and she can't live like this anymore.
The storyline pretty much follows the ups and downs of a fledgling marriage that receives the added pressure of unexpected pregnancy, demands of a dangerous job and loss. There is never any doubt that Henry and Elsie love each other which is what I was left holding onto when tough stuff just kept happening. It was a fictional romance of course, but both the highs, lows, sweet moments, hot moments, and tender times made it so real. And the romance was possibly even more heated than it was when they were building a relationship. I loved the playful scenarios they cooks up, the strongly emotional sexy times as well as the quiet loving. These two are a powerful couple and I can't even separate the two like I can with some romantic interests. I see them as two halves to a whole.
The author's writing just takes me away each time I pick up her stories. I could have tabbed the whole book for memorable quotes and moments that I wanted to mark. So this means I have to share two and not one more quote.
Henry didn't come home when expected and Elsie's steamy romantic plans got put on hold while she tracked him down, but then her plans got resurrected in a surprising turn of events. She shrugs philosophically and accepts it:
It struck me then that we were in exactly the same place that I'd intended, only we'd taken the long route. But then again, wasn't that the story of our lives? Nobody could ever accuse us of taking the easy way to the finish line. p. 131 Elsie from Arrest
And this is because its so close to Father's Day and I can't resist a daddy/daughter moment:
"I've got you kid," I told her, marveling as she wrapped a frail little hand around my finger. "These hands will take care of you. As your dad, it's my job to hold you up high so that your dreams stretch as far as the eye can see. It's my job to hold your hand and try to lead you in the right direction, to cover you and protect you from pain. But most of all, these hands are here to help you up and dust you off whenever you fall."
I gazed down at the innocent being in my arms and felt like the luckiest (SOB) in the world.
When next I looked up, I found Elsie watching me from the bed.
"I can't believe we made something so perfect," I whispered. p. 324 Henry from Arrest
So in the end, this intense and yet gently paced story of a love affair that began when they were kids and has continued through into marriage was just as incredible as the first book. It's not one easily forgotten. I am so excited to see that Julie gets her story next. My recommendation is to those who don't mind a difficult man in uniform contemporary romance with lots of hot passion and a few tugs on your heart.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
This follow-up sequel to Henry and Elsie's tumultuous journey to love and forgiveness in Disarm proves that after Happily Ever Afters have to be fought for just as hard as getting to that point. Mixed into one strong and moving story are all the ingredients that I came to appreciate in the first book: hope, playful love, adorable chocolate lab, little black tape recorder, a hot man in uniform that rides a Harley, loss, jealousy and fear, secrets, a scrappy beautiful woman who is the glue that holds it all together and love that sometimes hurts yet sometimes transcends into something stronger than ever. Yeah, this deep and difficult romance grabbed all the emotions, twisted me up inside and finally gave me what I knew was coming all along.
Henry and Elsie's story is told in another six part piece that is altogether in one book. Elsie narrates the first five parts in first person, but then Henry takes over for the last part. Getting inside their heads and feeling it right along with them is what keeps the reader right there in the middle of it all engaging the senses right along with the characters. This one picks up right where the first one ends so I'd recommend reading it after Disarm not because it can't be read as a standalone, but because Disarm can only really be enjoyed if its read first. It will lose something if they're out of order.
"This time last year, I was in Korea, thinking I lost you for good. And now I'm here with you, building a life together," he said. "I could ask for nothing more."
"I'd say we got pretty lucky."
He shook his head with a tender smile, "Luck has nothing to do with it," he said. "We're just two willful people who moved mountains to be together." p. 5 Henry and Elsie from Arrest
The newlyweds are in their home, Elsie is settled into her new job and Henry finished with the Air Force is a cadet at the police academy. There is plenty of time for hot romantic encounters and lovely gestures. Elsie tamps down her fears for what is to come when Henry graduates and begins patrolling the streets. Being the wife of a Law Enforcement Officer is much like that of a military wife. Elsie is determined to be supportive and do what she must. Then she discovers Henry's been keeping secrets still and then as he comes home from work, she can tell he is holding stuff back. What is really going on those nights he doesn't come home until late? Is he really with co-workers? She has seen with her own eyes the appeal of Henry in uniform. On top of this, she is faced with getting pregnant sooner than she wanted and dealing with the fact that she isn't ready and guilty because she can't be as excited as Henry.
After dealing with a painful event when Henry isn't able to be there for her, her life starts spiraling out of control with late nights out with co-workers because Henry is working and she doesn't want to be alone, drinking, feeling a slight pull toward the boss who has some interest her way and now wants her to go with him to make a presentation to potential clients in Atlanta. Henry's jealousy and his continued withdrawal are nothing to what comes after a traumatic event occurs leaving Henry weighted down with guilt and self-loathing completely shutting Elsie out. He's is doing to her just what he did before and Elsie does her best to pull him out of it, but its not enough. She's left with the difficult decision. Love isn't always enough and she can't live like this anymore.
The storyline pretty much follows the ups and downs of a fledgling marriage that receives the added pressure of unexpected pregnancy, demands of a dangerous job and loss. There is never any doubt that Henry and Elsie love each other which is what I was left holding onto when tough stuff just kept happening. It was a fictional romance of course, but both the highs, lows, sweet moments, hot moments, and tender times made it so real. And the romance was possibly even more heated than it was when they were building a relationship. I loved the playful scenarios they cooks up, the strongly emotional sexy times as well as the quiet loving. These two are a powerful couple and I can't even separate the two like I can with some romantic interests. I see them as two halves to a whole.
The author's writing just takes me away each time I pick up her stories. I could have tabbed the whole book for memorable quotes and moments that I wanted to mark. So this means I have to share two and not one more quote.
Henry didn't come home when expected and Elsie's steamy romantic plans got put on hold while she tracked him down, but then her plans got resurrected in a surprising turn of events. She shrugs philosophically and accepts it:
It struck me then that we were in exactly the same place that I'd intended, only we'd taken the long route. But then again, wasn't that the story of our lives? Nobody could ever accuse us of taking the easy way to the finish line. p. 131 Elsie from Arrest
And this is because its so close to Father's Day and I can't resist a daddy/daughter moment:
"I've got you kid," I told her, marveling as she wrapped a frail little hand around my finger. "These hands will take care of you. As your dad, it's my job to hold you up high so that your dreams stretch as far as the eye can see. It's my job to hold your hand and try to lead you in the right direction, to cover you and protect you from pain. But most of all, these hands are here to help you up and dust you off whenever you fall."
I gazed down at the innocent being in my arms and felt like the luckiest (SOB) in the world.
When next I looked up, I found Elsie watching me from the bed.
"I can't believe we made something so perfect," I whispered. p. 324 Henry from Arrest
So in the end, this intense and yet gently paced story of a love affair that began when they were kids and has continued through into marriage was just as incredible as the first book. It's not one easily forgotten. I am so excited to see that Julie gets her story next. My recommendation is to those who don't mind a difficult man in uniform contemporary romance with lots of hot passion and a few tugs on your heart.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
April 13, 2020
3 very, very, painfully repetitive stars.
July 28, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Arrest essentially picks up where Disarm leaves off. Henry is about to finish up his training at the police academy and Elsie is finding success in her new position. Things are good for a while until the pressures of their jobs and the day-to-day reality of living with each other begin to take their toll.
As if dealing with Henry’s new career in law enforcement wasn’t enough, Elsie has to deal with a boss (Conor) that is obviously into her, and not quite willing to back off. When Henry becomes wrapped up in his career and is unwilling to share with Elsie the things that are bothering him, Conor’s attention become a source of comfort. Henry’s lack of communication and the temptation he faces from other women at every turn may lead Elsie into the arms of another man.
Henry, like many other new recruits, feel it is his job to save the world from all who threaten it, even at the expense of his sanity and marriage. Once again he is internalizing all of the wrongs of the world he cannot fix, yet is unwilling to burden Elsie with his problems, much less seek counseling to help him get through it. Will it take nearly losing everything important to him for Henry to finally understand that Elsie has reached her breaking point and can no longer continue on their current path? Will Elsie ever truly be able to trust Henry?
Law enforcement is a career many prior military gravitate to because there are so many similarities between the two. As civilians, we understand the military life a bit more because the danger service members face is a little more removed from our everyday lives. Deployments often take them thousands of miles from home, so there is a bit of an “out of sight, out of mind” factor involved. The separation of deployment we understand (or think we do) yet with law enforcement officers or fire fighters, they face danger in their own backyards. They are away from their families for long periods of time as well and their family lives suffer for it. No, it’s not months, but in a lot of ways, it’s almost worse to be so close to your family, yet not able to be a part of their lives because of what the job entails. Ms. Gray obviously has done her homework when it comes to understanding the toll the career can have on a family.
While Disarm left us with a feeling of a “happy for now” ending, Arrest gives us a sense that finally, Henry and Elsie are going to get their “happily ever after”. Their story has come full circle, and the ending is very cathartic, especially given the amount of emotional turmoil we have felt over the past two books. It feels like the hard work has paid off, and now they are free to reap the benefits of that work.
Arrest is another five star novel. It is well written and once again the characters are well developed and their pain, heartbreak, and joy are all very tangible. It was riveting from cover to cover and was another emotional roller coaster ride. Once again the love between Henry and Elsie is evident and very much real. We delve even further into their relationship and learn more about how their pasts have influenced their present, as well as their futures. I also loved that we learn more about Julie and her past with Jason and I love the familial relationship and friendship that is blooming between Julie and Elsie. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book, Surrender, when we will learn even more about Julie and Jason.
Arrest essentially picks up where Disarm leaves off. Henry is about to finish up his training at the police academy and Elsie is finding success in her new position. Things are good for a while until the pressures of their jobs and the day-to-day reality of living with each other begin to take their toll.
As if dealing with Henry’s new career in law enforcement wasn’t enough, Elsie has to deal with a boss (Conor) that is obviously into her, and not quite willing to back off. When Henry becomes wrapped up in his career and is unwilling to share with Elsie the things that are bothering him, Conor’s attention become a source of comfort. Henry’s lack of communication and the temptation he faces from other women at every turn may lead Elsie into the arms of another man.
Henry, like many other new recruits, feel it is his job to save the world from all who threaten it, even at the expense of his sanity and marriage. Once again he is internalizing all of the wrongs of the world he cannot fix, yet is unwilling to burden Elsie with his problems, much less seek counseling to help him get through it. Will it take nearly losing everything important to him for Henry to finally understand that Elsie has reached her breaking point and can no longer continue on their current path? Will Elsie ever truly be able to trust Henry?
Law enforcement is a career many prior military gravitate to because there are so many similarities between the two. As civilians, we understand the military life a bit more because the danger service members face is a little more removed from our everyday lives. Deployments often take them thousands of miles from home, so there is a bit of an “out of sight, out of mind” factor involved. The separation of deployment we understand (or think we do) yet with law enforcement officers or fire fighters, they face danger in their own backyards. They are away from their families for long periods of time as well and their family lives suffer for it. No, it’s not months, but in a lot of ways, it’s almost worse to be so close to your family, yet not able to be a part of their lives because of what the job entails. Ms. Gray obviously has done her homework when it comes to understanding the toll the career can have on a family.
While Disarm left us with a feeling of a “happy for now” ending, Arrest gives us a sense that finally, Henry and Elsie are going to get their “happily ever after”. Their story has come full circle, and the ending is very cathartic, especially given the amount of emotional turmoil we have felt over the past two books. It feels like the hard work has paid off, and now they are free to reap the benefits of that work.
Arrest is another five star novel. It is well written and once again the characters are well developed and their pain, heartbreak, and joy are all very tangible. It was riveting from cover to cover and was another emotional roller coaster ride. Once again the love between Henry and Elsie is evident and very much real. We delve even further into their relationship and learn more about how their pasts have influenced their present, as well as their futures. I also loved that we learn more about Julie and her past with Jason and I love the familial relationship and friendship that is blooming between Julie and Elsie. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book, Surrender, when we will learn even more about Julie and Jason.
June 11, 2014
My heart! MY HEART! My poor heart went through a stiff beating from June Gray's ARREST. As if things in Disarm aren't enough, what I hoped was a smooth sailing HEA between Henry and Elsie was too much to hope for. This couple had many many things they had to work on before they even get to that blissful place we all imagine married book couples have. Old demons coming back to the surface, babies, job situations, miscommunication, pride, stragglers and a bunch of other stuff that throws a wrench on all of our perceived notions about happily ever after.
The best part about ARREST is how believable Henry and Elise's story is. It's not glossed over nor is it exaggerated. Theirs is a story that could happen to anybody and I'm sure that a lot of us can relate to their struggles one way or the other. Henry, to begin with, is already a fragile and vulnerable person. His childhood was rough and going to war certainly didn't help his disposition. Joining the [police] force is masochistic IMO because the cases he worked on dredged up a smorgasbord of issues, I'm surprised Elsie still managed keep it together for them.
The thing is, Henry carried some of his demons in his marriage to Elise so you can only imagine how trying that can be for Elsie. Now Elsie's a good gal but she's no martyr so she's reached her limit once or twice and I loved how she basically gave Henry the finger, cuing him him get his shiznit together or she's OUT! Girl's got some balls and I loved her for it! Henry sure irritated me a bit, I mean stop with the antics already! You got a great girl, apply what you've learned in therapy, man and make. It. Work!
The series is also mildly erotic and for someone who is so wary of sexed up novels, JGray sure has her own style of making intimacy not just erotic but emotionally sweeping too. Every sex scene between Henry and Elsie is a revelation of some sort and it's not just a physical expression of their love, frustration and sometimes even anger at each other. It's beyond sex, ALWAYS, a true depiction of "making love" if you get my drift.
I can't express how fiercely I love Disarm and now ARREST. I'm not a big fan of angsty tales and I sure hate emo characters but for some reason I loved Henry and Elsie. I believed in their love, their struggles are very real and even on those moments where they're acting childish and petty, I understood where those emotions are coming from. I rooted for these two like a rabid sports fan! Disarm and ARREST to me is the epitome of contemporary romance and a definite must-read.
The best part about ARREST is how believable Henry and Elise's story is. It's not glossed over nor is it exaggerated. Theirs is a story that could happen to anybody and I'm sure that a lot of us can relate to their struggles one way or the other. Henry, to begin with, is already a fragile and vulnerable person. His childhood was rough and going to war certainly didn't help his disposition. Joining the [police] force is masochistic IMO because the cases he worked on dredged up a smorgasbord of issues, I'm surprised Elsie still managed keep it together for them.
The thing is, Henry carried some of his demons in his marriage to Elise so you can only imagine how trying that can be for Elsie. Now Elsie's a good gal but she's no martyr so she's reached her limit once or twice and I loved how she basically gave Henry the finger, cuing him him get his shiznit together or she's OUT! Girl's got some balls and I loved her for it! Henry sure irritated me a bit, I mean stop with the antics already! You got a great girl, apply what you've learned in therapy, man and make. It. Work!
The series is also mildly erotic and for someone who is so wary of sexed up novels, JGray sure has her own style of making intimacy not just erotic but emotionally sweeping too. Every sex scene between Henry and Elsie is a revelation of some sort and it's not just a physical expression of their love, frustration and sometimes even anger at each other. It's beyond sex, ALWAYS, a true depiction of "making love" if you get my drift.
I can't express how fiercely I love Disarm and now ARREST. I'm not a big fan of angsty tales and I sure hate emo characters but for some reason I loved Henry and Elsie. I believed in their love, their struggles are very real and even on those moments where they're acting childish and petty, I understood where those emotions are coming from. I rooted for these two like a rabid sports fan! Disarm and ARREST to me is the epitome of contemporary romance and a definite must-read.
June 20, 2014
Erin's Review
Arrest picks up right where Disarm left off, Elsie and Henry are just married and it appears that life is finally getting on track for our couple. Let me just say this right off the bat, there were times I hated Henry. I hated what he did to Elsie. With that being said, I understand WHY he did it. He had to, he didn't know how to cope. There was not one minute in this book that I didn't feel what these characters were going through. It was heartbreaking, full of joy, anger, frustration, sadness, love, hot steamy sex....everything a real marriage goes through. I love these characters because they are so real. Not everything is tied up with a pretty ribbon. They fight, they love, they claw their way through hell to make things right.
Henry can be summed up with one word, noble. Even when he's being the biggest ass on the planet, he has his reasons, most of the time. His love for Elsie consumes him.
Elsie didn't get away unscathed by me either. I adore her but dear God is she stubborn! Then again, I can't say I blame her for being the way she was with Henry. You feel every ounce of frustration she feels, you feel her heartbreak and then it all clicks. You know just what she thinks and it makes perfect sense.
Then we have Conor. I would love for him to get his own story. He is intriguing as hell and how can you not love an Irishman? Conor forever has a fan in me.
You will ugly cry while reading this, no doubt. If not, we'll met at Tapwerks and first round is on me. I love that June gave a very real picture of what it's like to be a LEO wife and showed the ugly side of PTSD. She takes the reader through every emotion the characters go through. I also love the alternating view points. It's nice to get a glimpse of what the other person is thinking and going through too.
This was a 5 star read for me. I loved every word, and I simply adore Elsie and Henry. You must get this book.
Arrest picks up right where Disarm left off, Elsie and Henry are just married and it appears that life is finally getting on track for our couple. Let me just say this right off the bat, there were times I hated Henry. I hated what he did to Elsie. With that being said, I understand WHY he did it. He had to, he didn't know how to cope. There was not one minute in this book that I didn't feel what these characters were going through. It was heartbreaking, full of joy, anger, frustration, sadness, love, hot steamy sex....everything a real marriage goes through. I love these characters because they are so real. Not everything is tied up with a pretty ribbon. They fight, they love, they claw their way through hell to make things right.
Henry can be summed up with one word, noble. Even when he's being the biggest ass on the planet, he has his reasons, most of the time. His love for Elsie consumes him.
Elsie didn't get away unscathed by me either. I adore her but dear God is she stubborn! Then again, I can't say I blame her for being the way she was with Henry. You feel every ounce of frustration she feels, you feel her heartbreak and then it all clicks. You know just what she thinks and it makes perfect sense.
Then we have Conor. I would love for him to get his own story. He is intriguing as hell and how can you not love an Irishman? Conor forever has a fan in me.
You will ugly cry while reading this, no doubt. If not, we'll met at Tapwerks and first round is on me. I love that June gave a very real picture of what it's like to be a LEO wife and showed the ugly side of PTSD. She takes the reader through every emotion the characters go through. I also love the alternating view points. It's nice to get a glimpse of what the other person is thinking and going through too.
This was a 5 star read for me. I loved every word, and I simply adore Elsie and Henry. You must get this book.
April 23, 2015
Elsie lo sa, ci è già passata, si ricorda l’angoscia dei lunghi mesi passati da sola mentre Henry era in missione all’estero, senza avere notizie per giorni, svegliandosi ogni mattina con il letto vuoto e vorrebbe non doverci passare mai più. Ma Henry ama il suo nuovo lavoro; il suo alto senso di giustizia lo spinge anche a farlo nel migliore dei modi, e ad esporsi così a rischi, ma non si rende conto che così facendo si sta allontanando sempre di più da sua moglie. Paure, gelosie, incomprensioni, ansie ed eventi drammatici segneranno il cammino del primo anno di matrimonio dei nostri due sposi, riusciranno a far sopravvivere il loro matrimonio a tutto questo? O la sconfitta è in agguato dietro il prossimo angolo?
Mie care Crazy, vi scrivo dalla valle di lacrime in cui mi ha lasciato la lettura di questo libro magnifico, dolorosamente struggente e profondamente sensuale. E vi scrivo appena terminato di leggere, completamente di pancia, con le emozioni ancora nude e grezze, con l’anima scorticata e maltrattata dalla sofferente bellezza di queste pagine così vere, così poco romanzate, così sofferenti. Avevo già idea che la seconda parte della storia di Henry ed Elsie non sarebbe stata una passeggiata di salute, quella frase sibillina con cui ci aveva lasciate l’autrice alla fine di La Conquista già faceva presagire sofferenza e angoscia per noi povere lettrici dai palpitanti cuoricini romantici, ma per farvi capire quanto la lettura di questo libro mi ha catturato vi basti sapere che me lo sono praticamente bevuto in un giorno e mezzo o poco più nonostante non sia un romanzo breve e nonostante lo abbia fatto interrompendo spesso la lettura per i miei impegni quotidiani.
Continua a leggere su..
crazyforromance
Mie care Crazy, vi scrivo dalla valle di lacrime in cui mi ha lasciato la lettura di questo libro magnifico, dolorosamente struggente e profondamente sensuale. E vi scrivo appena terminato di leggere, completamente di pancia, con le emozioni ancora nude e grezze, con l’anima scorticata e maltrattata dalla sofferente bellezza di queste pagine così vere, così poco romanzate, così sofferenti. Avevo già idea che la seconda parte della storia di Henry ed Elsie non sarebbe stata una passeggiata di salute, quella frase sibillina con cui ci aveva lasciate l’autrice alla fine di La Conquista già faceva presagire sofferenza e angoscia per noi povere lettrici dai palpitanti cuoricini romantici, ma per farvi capire quanto la lettura di questo libro mi ha catturato vi basti sapere che me lo sono praticamente bevuto in un giorno e mezzo o poco più nonostante non sia un romanzo breve e nonostante lo abbia fatto interrompendo spesso la lettura per i miei impegni quotidiani.
Continua a leggere su..
crazyforromance
June 19, 2014
If you are looking for a sexy, adult, emotionally-written novel, Arrest is for you. June Gray writes a beautiful portrait of the newly-married Elsie and Henry as they struggle though the challenges of their first year of marriage. Henry is a new law enforcement officer and Elsie is a rising star at her PR firm and although they are deeply in love, not everything is all hearts and flowers.
I loved this very sexy and a little angst-y story of two people who are bound to each other physically and emotionally but who face tons of uphill battles both from outside forces and from their own inner insecurities and turmoil. Although reading Disarm first is not a must, it is recommended so that you can really fully experience the journey that this couple takes.
Ms. Gray writes some incredibly hot and very loving sex scenes and I absolutely fell in love with Henry! This is a very sexy and very beautifully-written book about married life. Enjoy!
(ARC supplied by the publisher via NetGalley)
I loved this very sexy and a little angst-y story of two people who are bound to each other physically and emotionally but who face tons of uphill battles both from outside forces and from their own inner insecurities and turmoil. Although reading Disarm first is not a must, it is recommended so that you can really fully experience the journey that this couple takes.
Ms. Gray writes some incredibly hot and very loving sex scenes and I absolutely fell in love with Henry! This is a very sexy and very beautifully-written book about married life. Enjoy!
(ARC supplied by the publisher via NetGalley)
June 8, 2014
I have loved the journey that is Elsie & Henry from the very beginning. I was thrilled to find out that this next chapter of their love story was being published.
It did not disappoint! The first year of marriage can be very difficult and the Logans have a lot of things to battle/push through but it was well worth the read and I loved it.
Henry & Elsie are a beautiful couple and I for one hope for future books detailing their relationship ~ even if it is just a peek in Julie's story? :)
Thank you June Gray for a challenging yet beautiful read!!!
It did not disappoint! The first year of marriage can be very difficult and the Logans have a lot of things to battle/push through but it was well worth the read and I loved it.
Henry & Elsie are a beautiful couple and I for one hope for future books detailing their relationship ~ even if it is just a peek in Julie's story? :)
Thank you June Gray for a challenging yet beautiful read!!!
August 26, 2014
Oh thank God. This book was super stressful and full of so many ups and downs that I felt like i was going to break down with Elsie at some points. I really likes the POV changes, it made me like Henry again, because his communication was horrible and seriously how many times was he going to put Elsie through this!? I'm even happier that this didn't turn out to be a novella, that it was complete, i don't think i could handle it any other way.
June 8, 2014
Bring out the tissues and get ready to go on a journey with Henry and Elsie again.June did an amazing job with bring Henry and Elsie characters to life.If you have read the others books in this series you will not be disappointed.
May 23, 2017
Arrest was an up and down emotional roller coaster. One minute you are happy then crying your eyes out. Great read and continuation of Elsie and Henry's story. Ending was bittersweet and left you feeling like the story got wrapped up in a nice little bow.
June 8, 2014
Amazing book. Love June Gray
June 19, 2014
Very moving story. Love the ending!
April 6, 2018
OKAYYYY LISTEN this was definitely better than the first one writing wise. The plot line continues to be the most dramatic thing I’ve ever read, but I think that’s all the author knows how to write. The characters infuriate me, no one knows how to communicate with each other and it PISSES me off. But ya it was pretty good I enjoyed it.
March 12, 2022
A beautiful ending to a beautiful story. I didn't know how much I needed this story until I read it. After reading disarm, I thought that Henry & Elsie got their HEA, but in this book we delve deeper into their relationship, & see how hard married life really is. Henry & Elsie go through so much & it was beautiful to see how their love for each endures during the hardest of times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2017
I loved the first book in this series. But as someone who not only works in law enforcement, but also has a sibling who is an officer... using every cliche is a bit much. This one was kinda overkill.
April 27, 2019
I love it
Good book and the first book captures you with the mystery of their romance. I want more of Henry and Elise
Good book and the first book captures you with the mystery of their romance. I want more of Henry and Elise
March 25, 2020
Amazing author.
June 7, 2014
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher for an honest review at Seductive Musings.
This review may contain spoilers for DISARM, the first book in this series. You should not try to read ARREST as a standalone, as it assumes you are already familiar with events of the previous book that are not always fully explained in this one.
I enjoyed reading June Gray’s DISARM romance novelettes after they were released as a full length book back in 2013, so when that book was acquired by a major publisher, I was happy that there would be two more books in the series. ARREST picks up where DISARM left off, with Henry and Elsie newly married and embarking on the rest of their Happily Ever After together. But just because they got past all their previous obstacles doesn’t mean that there aren’t new ones now that they are finally married. The primary source of their problems now is Henry’s new career as a law enforcement officer. It was bad enough when he was still in the US military and being sent into a war zone for months on end. Now Elsie has to worry about him every day and night, forever dreading a future where he doesn’t come home safely at the end of his scheduled shift. Their shared adjustment to this new reality, combined with his reaction to Elsie’s independent career as a web designer and the usual dips and bumps that happen in a marriage, constantly threaten their happiness even as they both know that they could never survive away from each other. The story of ARREST is how each crisis in Henry and Elsie’s marriage ultimately makes them stronger together, and better able to deal with whatever life throws at them next. But the journey isn’t easy and when Henry begins to rely on his old destructive coping mechanisms, it will take both of them working as hard as they can to get to the true happy ending they’d thought they already had on their wedding day.
As much as I enjoyed the previous book, the way Henry was always retreating from Elsie when he was upset did get to be tiring after a while, so I was worried that I might not be as sympathetic to him when all the new bad things started happening to them both in ARREST. However, I was quite happy to be proven wrong in my concern, as it appeared that Henry has indeed grown emotionally since then. The love he and Elsie have for each other is never questioned, and it never wavers. But as they and we already learned before, love isn’t enough to keep them together if they can’t communicate and compromise, and in ARREST, Henry and Elsie must both relearn those painful lessons if they’re going to stay married and happy together.
ARREST also has the advantage of hanging together better as an complete story from the start, as opposed to the previous title. We are shown once again how their past continues to affect their present, but also how they are aware of how easily they could fall back into a vicious cycle of hurting each other, however inadvertently. Being able to see Henry and Elsie take real steps toward a fully reciprocal relationship made reading through all their pain and sadness worth it for the true happy ending awaiting them both. ARREST is an excellent example of how the “marriage in trouble” trope can be realistic without being too depressing. But I’m relieved that the next story in the series will be about someone else, so I can be content in the knowledge that Elsie and Henry have finally earned their HEA and won’t have to suffer any longer.
Ratings:
Overall: 4
Sensuality level: 3.5
This review may contain spoilers for DISARM, the first book in this series. You should not try to read ARREST as a standalone, as it assumes you are already familiar with events of the previous book that are not always fully explained in this one.
I enjoyed reading June Gray’s DISARM romance novelettes after they were released as a full length book back in 2013, so when that book was acquired by a major publisher, I was happy that there would be two more books in the series. ARREST picks up where DISARM left off, with Henry and Elsie newly married and embarking on the rest of their Happily Ever After together. But just because they got past all their previous obstacles doesn’t mean that there aren’t new ones now that they are finally married. The primary source of their problems now is Henry’s new career as a law enforcement officer. It was bad enough when he was still in the US military and being sent into a war zone for months on end. Now Elsie has to worry about him every day and night, forever dreading a future where he doesn’t come home safely at the end of his scheduled shift. Their shared adjustment to this new reality, combined with his reaction to Elsie’s independent career as a web designer and the usual dips and bumps that happen in a marriage, constantly threaten their happiness even as they both know that they could never survive away from each other. The story of ARREST is how each crisis in Henry and Elsie’s marriage ultimately makes them stronger together, and better able to deal with whatever life throws at them next. But the journey isn’t easy and when Henry begins to rely on his old destructive coping mechanisms, it will take both of them working as hard as they can to get to the true happy ending they’d thought they already had on their wedding day.
As much as I enjoyed the previous book, the way Henry was always retreating from Elsie when he was upset did get to be tiring after a while, so I was worried that I might not be as sympathetic to him when all the new bad things started happening to them both in ARREST. However, I was quite happy to be proven wrong in my concern, as it appeared that Henry has indeed grown emotionally since then. The love he and Elsie have for each other is never questioned, and it never wavers. But as they and we already learned before, love isn’t enough to keep them together if they can’t communicate and compromise, and in ARREST, Henry and Elsie must both relearn those painful lessons if they’re going to stay married and happy together.
ARREST also has the advantage of hanging together better as an complete story from the start, as opposed to the previous title. We are shown once again how their past continues to affect their present, but also how they are aware of how easily they could fall back into a vicious cycle of hurting each other, however inadvertently. Being able to see Henry and Elsie take real steps toward a fully reciprocal relationship made reading through all their pain and sadness worth it for the true happy ending awaiting them both. ARREST is an excellent example of how the “marriage in trouble” trope can be realistic without being too depressing. But I’m relieved that the next story in the series will be about someone else, so I can be content in the knowledge that Elsie and Henry have finally earned their HEA and won’t have to suffer any longer.
Ratings:
Overall: 4
Sensuality level: 3.5
May 9, 2015
Sono molto combattuta per quanto riguarda questo libro, ho adorato "La Conquista" ( RECENSIONE QUI ) dall'inizio alla fine, questo secondo capitolo ho invece iniziato ad apprezzarlo dalla metà in poi.
Volete sapere perchè?!? Ve lo spiego subito, ritengo June Gray un'autrice fantastica, mi piace il suo stile, l'introspezione che hanno i suoi personaggi, credo che riesca a dilaniare il cuore, a farti provare la sofferenza che provano i protagonisti.
Capisco che in questo libro avesse bisogno di dare un po' di respiro alla narrazione, ma 120 pagine le ritengo veramente troppe. Diciamo che nella prima parte del romanzo, non facciamo altro che vivere la loro serena storia d'amore, con la certezza pero' che accadrà qualcosa di terribile... non lo sto dicendo perchè lo ipotizzo io, è proprio l'autrice a portarci a questo status mentale, e devo ammettere che è bravissima anche in questo, lo fà tramite le insicurezze e i pensieri di Elsie.
E quindi, ormai stremati, dopo tutta questa attesa arriviamo al punto. Alla nuova "crisi" di Henry, alla sua totale dedizione al lavoro, e alla ricaduta nel baratro attraverso i soliti circoli viziosi, il tutto questa volta lo viviamo ancora più intensamente dal momento che siamo li con lui, è tutto in diretta, motivazioni e autodistruzione. Penso di aver odiato poche volte un uomo così tanto in vita mia, non riesce a reagire viene travolto dagli eventi pur essendoci già passato.
PER LEGGERE ALTRE RECENSIONI E MOLTO ALTRO CLICCATE QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/
L'autrice, non mi stanchero' mai di dirlo è indubbiamente brava ti coinvolge talmente tanto da risucchiarti completamente nella vicenda.
Bè la seconda parte del libro vi assicuro che è veramente intensa e difficile da affrontare, una sofferenza incredibile ti pervade, per le scelte di Henry, per l'impotenza di Elsie, per la situazione in se che comprende anche una nuova vita in arrivo.
Insomma io ho sofferto questo libro molto più del primo, ma secondo me l'autrice non è riuscita a bilanciare la prima parte con la seconda.
E' un libro facile? No assolutamente no. I personaggi, soprattutto Henry, ma anche Elsie, sono tormentati, si amano alla follia, ma hanno molte paure giustificate dagli accadimenti regressi e quindi alla fine ricadono negli stessi errori.
Henry cambia lavoro, ma questo è forse ancora più coinvolgente del primo dal punto di vista psicologico e quando inizia la vera e propria routine dell'agente di polizia viene assorbito completamente dai problemi che ne derivano, naturalmente la Gray aggrava la situazione aggiungendo una circostanza per lui impossibile da affrontare, e lì abbiamo la resa.
Elsie, dal canto suo, ha quasi la certezza che il tutto si ripresenterà, vive anche la prima parte della sua storia e del suo matrimonio con l'ansia del crollo di Henry e con tutte le incertezze sulla sua gravidanza, come darle torto... io non me la sento.
E' proprio lei tuttavia a trovare la soluzione a questa tragedia amorosa, forse anche in parte inconsapevolmente. Il suo personaggio devo dire che l'ho apprezzato molto di più in questo secondo libro, nella prima parte un po' stentato, nella seconda diventa una roccia e fronteggia con coraggio anche se con sofferenza tutte le situazioni che le si presentano. Insomma, un consiglio, affrontate questa lettura in un momento adeguato e con la consapevolezza che vi trascinerà in una situazione tormentata sofferta e travagliata...
Lo consiglierei?!? Be avrete capito... si, lo consiglierei ma con i dovuti accorgimenti del caso.
Volete sapere perchè?!? Ve lo spiego subito, ritengo June Gray un'autrice fantastica, mi piace il suo stile, l'introspezione che hanno i suoi personaggi, credo che riesca a dilaniare il cuore, a farti provare la sofferenza che provano i protagonisti.
Capisco che in questo libro avesse bisogno di dare un po' di respiro alla narrazione, ma 120 pagine le ritengo veramente troppe. Diciamo che nella prima parte del romanzo, non facciamo altro che vivere la loro serena storia d'amore, con la certezza pero' che accadrà qualcosa di terribile... non lo sto dicendo perchè lo ipotizzo io, è proprio l'autrice a portarci a questo status mentale, e devo ammettere che è bravissima anche in questo, lo fà tramite le insicurezze e i pensieri di Elsie.
E quindi, ormai stremati, dopo tutta questa attesa arriviamo al punto. Alla nuova "crisi" di Henry, alla sua totale dedizione al lavoro, e alla ricaduta nel baratro attraverso i soliti circoli viziosi, il tutto questa volta lo viviamo ancora più intensamente dal momento che siamo li con lui, è tutto in diretta, motivazioni e autodistruzione. Penso di aver odiato poche volte un uomo così tanto in vita mia, non riesce a reagire viene travolto dagli eventi pur essendoci già passato.
PER LEGGERE ALTRE RECENSIONI E MOLTO ALTRO CLICCATE QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/
L'autrice, non mi stanchero' mai di dirlo è indubbiamente brava ti coinvolge talmente tanto da risucchiarti completamente nella vicenda.
Bè la seconda parte del libro vi assicuro che è veramente intensa e difficile da affrontare, una sofferenza incredibile ti pervade, per le scelte di Henry, per l'impotenza di Elsie, per la situazione in se che comprende anche una nuova vita in arrivo.
Insomma io ho sofferto questo libro molto più del primo, ma secondo me l'autrice non è riuscita a bilanciare la prima parte con la seconda.
E' un libro facile? No assolutamente no. I personaggi, soprattutto Henry, ma anche Elsie, sono tormentati, si amano alla follia, ma hanno molte paure giustificate dagli accadimenti regressi e quindi alla fine ricadono negli stessi errori.
Henry cambia lavoro, ma questo è forse ancora più coinvolgente del primo dal punto di vista psicologico e quando inizia la vera e propria routine dell'agente di polizia viene assorbito completamente dai problemi che ne derivano, naturalmente la Gray aggrava la situazione aggiungendo una circostanza per lui impossibile da affrontare, e lì abbiamo la resa.
Elsie, dal canto suo, ha quasi la certezza che il tutto si ripresenterà, vive anche la prima parte della sua storia e del suo matrimonio con l'ansia del crollo di Henry e con tutte le incertezze sulla sua gravidanza, come darle torto... io non me la sento.
E' proprio lei tuttavia a trovare la soluzione a questa tragedia amorosa, forse anche in parte inconsapevolmente. Il suo personaggio devo dire che l'ho apprezzato molto di più in questo secondo libro, nella prima parte un po' stentato, nella seconda diventa una roccia e fronteggia con coraggio anche se con sofferenza tutte le situazioni che le si presentano. Insomma, un consiglio, affrontate questa lettura in un momento adeguato e con la consapevolezza che vi trascinerà in una situazione tormentata sofferta e travagliata...
Lo consiglierei?!? Be avrete capito... si, lo consiglierei ma con i dovuti accorgimenti del caso.
June 3, 2014
Okay so I have been sitting here for a while wondering how I am going to write this review or the rating to give it. I am not trying to hurt June ( you know I love you June, just being my honest self. This is MY opinion on the book)
I have been waiting for this book for a very very long time. I have been a June fan since day one and love Henry and Elsie. And I wanted this book deeply. But after reading this non-stop, did not put it down once I started I sit here and wish maybe there was only a epilogue after Disarm... it hurts me to not love this book, it hurts me to type these next words because I LOVE JUNE! I love her writing, love all her books, love Elsie and Henry... but this... this I did not love at all... I was disappointed, aggravated, enraged... many of it I felt was just filler and way too long. Most of it I felt has happened in the Disarm series. It was the same crap, differen't story type. Henry pissed me off the entire book.... the last 10-15% of the book he redeemed himself and was the Henry I know and love... but even then, when will be the next time something happens and good ol' immature Henry comes back? is he everr going to grow up? ever stop being a dick and treating Elsie the way he does? I seriously do not know, but I was royally peeved. I really also disliked Conor.... I wanted to take a bat to his disrespectful kneecaps 65% of the book... around that time he actually stopped and wasn't a douche anymore... it made for a more spicy story, but he just got on my nerves. Is it sad at one point I was actually yelling at Elsie to just kiss him and get it over with? to teach Henry a lesson? but sadly, she is a better person than I must be. And I love Elsie and I am proud of her. She stopped taking crap and held her ground and she is hilarious and sweet and I will always love her. But she needs to put her foot down with Henry... Henry... what can I say? I love/hate you Henry... especially in Arrest. I'm glad you stepped up man, pissed it took you so long and I also don't have much faith you will change... le sigh...
What I did love about the book was the writing of course it's perfect. June is one of the best authors around. And what I also loved was Elsie. I love her to pieces. I also loved getting to read more about Will. Love that little guy...
I also loved they were every day couple and real life problems. But again, I felt we have been down this road with them and it felt redundant and repetitive and I really wish Henry would grow up.
But other than that I sadly did not LOVE this story and wish it was either way shorter or was left in Disarm with a happy epilogue. I will leave it for you to read and be the judge.
I cannot wait for Jason's story though. So very excited.
I will always continue to be a fan and friend of June and read anything she writes. This just wasn't my favorite.
"I'll hold you up until you're strong enough to stand on your own again."
"I'm not 'some men.' I'm The Man and only thing I've fallen for is you."
"Don't you know by now that I'm your battle buddy? Everything you've gone through, I've been at your back, watching your six."
I have been waiting for this book for a very very long time. I have been a June fan since day one and love Henry and Elsie. And I wanted this book deeply. But after reading this non-stop, did not put it down once I started I sit here and wish maybe there was only a epilogue after Disarm... it hurts me to not love this book, it hurts me to type these next words because I LOVE JUNE! I love her writing, love all her books, love Elsie and Henry... but this... this I did not love at all... I was disappointed, aggravated, enraged... many of it I felt was just filler and way too long. Most of it I felt has happened in the Disarm series. It was the same crap, differen't story type. Henry pissed me off the entire book.... the last 10-15% of the book he redeemed himself and was the Henry I know and love... but even then, when will be the next time something happens and good ol' immature Henry comes back? is he everr going to grow up? ever stop being a dick and treating Elsie the way he does? I seriously do not know, but I was royally peeved. I really also disliked Conor.... I wanted to take a bat to his disrespectful kneecaps 65% of the book... around that time he actually stopped and wasn't a douche anymore... it made for a more spicy story, but he just got on my nerves. Is it sad at one point I was actually yelling at Elsie to just kiss him and get it over with? to teach Henry a lesson? but sadly, she is a better person than I must be. And I love Elsie and I am proud of her. She stopped taking crap and held her ground and she is hilarious and sweet and I will always love her. But she needs to put her foot down with Henry... Henry... what can I say? I love/hate you Henry... especially in Arrest. I'm glad you stepped up man, pissed it took you so long and I also don't have much faith you will change... le sigh...
What I did love about the book was the writing of course it's perfect. June is one of the best authors around. And what I also loved was Elsie. I love her to pieces. I also loved getting to read more about Will. Love that little guy...
I also loved they were every day couple and real life problems. But again, I felt we have been down this road with them and it felt redundant and repetitive and I really wish Henry would grow up.
But other than that I sadly did not LOVE this story and wish it was either way shorter or was left in Disarm with a happy epilogue. I will leave it for you to read and be the judge.
I cannot wait for Jason's story though. So very excited.
I will always continue to be a fan and friend of June and read anything she writes. This just wasn't my favorite.
"I'll hold you up until you're strong enough to stand on your own again."
"I'm not 'some men.' I'm The Man and only thing I've fallen for is you."
"Don't you know by now that I'm your battle buddy? Everything you've gone through, I've been at your back, watching your six."
November 26, 2016
Recensione di Xania per il blog http://lettriciimpertinenti.blogspot....
La storia di Elsie e Henry è bellissima. Si piange, si ride, si riflette. ‘L’abbandono’ è il secondo episodio della serie ‘Disarm’. Il primo volume, ‘La conquista’, è stato bellissimo e di solito i primi volumi delle serie lo sono per poi perdersi nei successivi. Questa volta, invece, June Gray, è stata proprio brava a continuare una storia che non ha nulla di ripetitivo o di noioso.
Henry è un uomo fatto e cresciuto ma molto fragile psicologicamente perché si porta dietro un retaggio del suo periodo nell’aeronautica che lo ha segnato per sempre. Quello che non riesce a superare è il fatto che non è un supereroe: non può essere l’unico le cui spalle devono sorreggere i mali del mondo e soprattutto della donna che ama sin dalla sua giovane età. Henri è l’uomo che ogni donna vorrebbe al suo fianco perché per lei è disposto a fare di tutto ma se si esagera il fallimento è scontato. Però quella fase depressiva che vive attira gli schiaffi come le mosche sul miele!!!
Elsie è una bella donna, forte e coraggiosa. Il suo amore per Henri, che ha radici nel passato, è talmente forte, talmente radicato che niente e nessuno la allontana dal suo uomo. Anche lei ha dei momenti di debolezza - e chi non ne ha??? - ma recupera subito e combatte anche per Henri quando lui decide di gettare la spugna. Il suo personaggio soffre tanto, forse pure di più di Henri perché ha i suoi problemi di donna da affrontare e cerca disperatamente di aiutare anche il suo uomo adorato.
Quello che ammiro è la forza e l’amore che mantiene unita questa coppia anche se i problemi incombono uno dopo l’altro. Ed è proprio questo tipo di tensione che mi piace leggere. In questo romanzo non c’è noia, non c’è pausa per riflettere su quello che è accaduto che subito qualcos’altro scombussola la vita di questa coppia innamorata.
June Gray sa scrivere ma soprattutto sa coinvolgere i lettori nelle storie narrate. Si avvertono i cambiamenti di umore, la tristezza, la gioia dei protagonisti come se la vivessimo noi. Non parliamo poi delle scene di grande intimità che alternano forza e desiderio a dolcezza e sentimento struggente.
Mi è piaciuto anche il passaggio di punto di vista nell’ultimo capitolo. Henri descrive gli ultimi avvenimenti, quelli più importanti per la sua famiglia. Sembra essere tornato il sereno e le sue parole ci danno un senso di sollievo e ci fanno sorridere. Il temporale è passato anche se qualche nuvola rimane nel suo cielo ma ora si lotta per qualcosa in più e ne vale la pena.
Il bello di questa storia è che non si prendono posizioni: non si sta dalla parte di Elsie o di Henri. Si sta dalla loro parte. Si parteggia per la coppia e si sostiene il loro amore. Combattiamo su due fronti perché se loro sono felici, lo siamo anche noi.
Struggente storia d'amore che piace perché tocca abbraccia molte situazioni tipiche di una coppia. Se non lo apprezzate, non saprei proprio cosa possa piacervi!
La storia di Elsie e Henry è bellissima. Si piange, si ride, si riflette. ‘L’abbandono’ è il secondo episodio della serie ‘Disarm’. Il primo volume, ‘La conquista’, è stato bellissimo e di solito i primi volumi delle serie lo sono per poi perdersi nei successivi. Questa volta, invece, June Gray, è stata proprio brava a continuare una storia che non ha nulla di ripetitivo o di noioso.
Henry è un uomo fatto e cresciuto ma molto fragile psicologicamente perché si porta dietro un retaggio del suo periodo nell’aeronautica che lo ha segnato per sempre. Quello che non riesce a superare è il fatto che non è un supereroe: non può essere l’unico le cui spalle devono sorreggere i mali del mondo e soprattutto della donna che ama sin dalla sua giovane età. Henri è l’uomo che ogni donna vorrebbe al suo fianco perché per lei è disposto a fare di tutto ma se si esagera il fallimento è scontato. Però quella fase depressiva che vive attira gli schiaffi come le mosche sul miele!!!
Elsie è una bella donna, forte e coraggiosa. Il suo amore per Henri, che ha radici nel passato, è talmente forte, talmente radicato che niente e nessuno la allontana dal suo uomo. Anche lei ha dei momenti di debolezza - e chi non ne ha??? - ma recupera subito e combatte anche per Henri quando lui decide di gettare la spugna. Il suo personaggio soffre tanto, forse pure di più di Henri perché ha i suoi problemi di donna da affrontare e cerca disperatamente di aiutare anche il suo uomo adorato.
Quello che ammiro è la forza e l’amore che mantiene unita questa coppia anche se i problemi incombono uno dopo l’altro. Ed è proprio questo tipo di tensione che mi piace leggere. In questo romanzo non c’è noia, non c’è pausa per riflettere su quello che è accaduto che subito qualcos’altro scombussola la vita di questa coppia innamorata.
June Gray sa scrivere ma soprattutto sa coinvolgere i lettori nelle storie narrate. Si avvertono i cambiamenti di umore, la tristezza, la gioia dei protagonisti come se la vivessimo noi. Non parliamo poi delle scene di grande intimità che alternano forza e desiderio a dolcezza e sentimento struggente.
Mi è piaciuto anche il passaggio di punto di vista nell’ultimo capitolo. Henri descrive gli ultimi avvenimenti, quelli più importanti per la sua famiglia. Sembra essere tornato il sereno e le sue parole ci danno un senso di sollievo e ci fanno sorridere. Il temporale è passato anche se qualche nuvola rimane nel suo cielo ma ora si lotta per qualcosa in più e ne vale la pena.
Il bello di questa storia è che non si prendono posizioni: non si sta dalla parte di Elsie o di Henri. Si sta dalla loro parte. Si parteggia per la coppia e si sostiene il loro amore. Combattiamo su due fronti perché se loro sono felici, lo siamo anche noi.
Struggente storia d'amore che piace perché tocca abbraccia molte situazioni tipiche di una coppia. Se non lo apprezzate, non saprei proprio cosa possa piacervi!
June 9, 2014
2.5 Repetitive Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review from Berkley Trade
"How many more chances can she give you, Henry?"
So, I LOVED the Disarm Serials/Novel so I could NOT wait to read Arrest to find out what has happened with Henry and Elsie. However, once I started to read this one I felt like I was reading Disarm again with the same issues but now Henry is a LEO instead of Military. Which left it predictable and very repetitive.
Holy cow what a hot dysfunctional mess Elsie and Henry are. Basically their relationship is quite unhealthy. They love each other hugely but can't communicate expect sexually which gets them into a world of trouble. Henry retreats internally and Elsie pushes and pushes until they blow apart and then on the brink of loss then they pull their big girl and boy panties up and get their shit together.
I'm torn on how to review. I did like it but at the same time I was so frustrated and didn't like parts. When it was from Elsie's POV I felt like it didn't portray her in a good light oddly enough and then when it was from Henry's POV, Elsie came out all shiny and sweet. If I read this as a stand alone I think I would have liked it more but since I already read Disarm and it felt like I was experiencing 'groundhog day' by reading almost the same story it left me wanting more.
I like the concept of the series and even though Henry and Elsie are a hot mess they are real with their dysfunctions and issues. Even though this book didn't leave me with the warm and fuzzies I can't wait to read Surrender where we get to find a little happiness for Julie.
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July 20, 2014
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kimberlyfaye reads
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Elsie and Henry have been through a lot and just when they should be on their way to a happily ever after, life pops up to bite them in the ass once again. This time, they're both to blame. Henry is out of the military and working as a police officer. Elsie can't stand that he's constantly in danger. His PTSD is showing signs of coming back and she doesn't know what to do to stop him from falling into that deep hole once again. They both make mistakes–not of the cheating variety, I feel I have to make that very clear–and their relationship is definitely on the rocks. Can they pull it–and each other together–in time to save their marriage?
Arrest gives readers an honest look at married life. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the emotional. After all that Elsie and Henry went through in the first six books in the Disarm series, I had to know how their story ended. I wanted desperately for them to find their happily ever after, free of the past that threatened to separate them. I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up, even though I was terrified of where the ending would take me. It wasn't pretty, but it was real and gut-wrenchingly honest and it just about wrung me dry of all emotions.
Being that I was very much satisfied with the ending of Disarm, I very much questioned the need for this book and it's not because I didn't want more of Elsie and Henry. It was more because I knew to write it, there would have to be some amount of drama and strife in their life together and I didn't know if I could take any more... or if they could. In the end, I think this book was a great addition to the series. I do hope, however, this really is the end of the drama and pain for them.
All that said, I did really appreciate this book. Like or enjoy probably aren't the right words to use. It was angsty and painful at times. If you're looking for unicorns and kittens, this definitely isn't the book for you. If you can appreciate an unflinchingly honest look at life, love and the scars we all carry with us, you should be reading this series. I'm very much looking forward to the next book, Surrender, which follows Julie, Elsie's late brother's girlfriend, as she tries to put her own life back together. I know to expect to use lots of tissues for this one, too.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Elsie and Henry have been through a lot and just when they should be on their way to a happily ever after, life pops up to bite them in the ass once again. This time, they're both to blame. Henry is out of the military and working as a police officer. Elsie can't stand that he's constantly in danger. His PTSD is showing signs of coming back and she doesn't know what to do to stop him from falling into that deep hole once again. They both make mistakes–not of the cheating variety, I feel I have to make that very clear–and their relationship is definitely on the rocks. Can they pull it–and each other together–in time to save their marriage?
Arrest gives readers an honest look at married life. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the emotional. After all that Elsie and Henry went through in the first six books in the Disarm series, I had to know how their story ended. I wanted desperately for them to find their happily ever after, free of the past that threatened to separate them. I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up, even though I was terrified of where the ending would take me. It wasn't pretty, but it was real and gut-wrenchingly honest and it just about wrung me dry of all emotions.
Being that I was very much satisfied with the ending of Disarm, I very much questioned the need for this book and it's not because I didn't want more of Elsie and Henry. It was more because I knew to write it, there would have to be some amount of drama and strife in their life together and I didn't know if I could take any more... or if they could. In the end, I think this book was a great addition to the series. I do hope, however, this really is the end of the drama and pain for them.
All that said, I did really appreciate this book. Like or enjoy probably aren't the right words to use. It was angsty and painful at times. If you're looking for unicorns and kittens, this definitely isn't the book for you. If you can appreciate an unflinchingly honest look at life, love and the scars we all carry with us, you should be reading this series. I'm very much looking forward to the next book, Surrender, which follows Julie, Elsie's late brother's girlfriend, as she tries to put her own life back together. I know to expect to use lots of tissues for this one, too.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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