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What We Don't Say #1
Disarm
CALEB
I’ve spent most of my life hiding.
Hiding the fear. Hiding the pain. Hiding the memories that still scream when the lights go out. Every day is a performance—perfect student, perfect basketball player, perfect everything—because if I’m flawless, no one looks too closely at the cracks.
But I’m not okay. I’m barely holding it together.
Nobody sees me. Not really.
Except him.
Miguel.
My stepbrother. My anchor. The one person who doesn’t flinch when I break—who looks straight at the ugly parts of me and stays anyway. He makes me feel safe in a way that terrifies me, because safety turns into need, and need turns into wanting, and wanting turns into something I don’t know how to survive.
And then he touches me like he already knows I’m his.
MIGUEL
I’ve loved Caleb from the start, even when he refused to love himself.
I know his tells—the way his hands shake, the way his smile goes too sharp, and the way he goes quiet when his head gets loud. I know every scar, every shadow, every trembling edge of him.
And I’m not subtle about what I feel.
I want him. I want to protect him. I want to hold him so close the past can’t reach him anymore. I know the road to him is tangled with fear and doubt—but I’ll follow him anywhere. I’ll fight for him. I’ll wait for him.
And when he finally lets go…
I’m going to be the one there to catch him.
Because love like this comes with consequences. With boundaries to test and with walls to break down. And as we navigate desire, trust, and the past that refuses to let go, one thing becomes terrifyingly
We are each other’s only way forward.
Tropes & Themes
• M/M contemporary romance with dark elements
• Stepbrothers / forbidden love
• Hurt/comfort + trauma recovery
• Possessive protector / “touch him and die” devotion
• High heat / aftercare
• Hard-won HEA
Disarm is a MM contemporary romance with some darker themes. Please make sure to check the author's note for content warnings before reading. It is advised to at least have read Trick of the Flesh prior to reading, as it helps the readers get a little bit more background on Miguel and Caleb. Sin of the Season is a holiday novelette, and while there is some extra spice, it's mostly that.
I’ve spent most of my life hiding.
Hiding the fear. Hiding the pain. Hiding the memories that still scream when the lights go out. Every day is a performance—perfect student, perfect basketball player, perfect everything—because if I’m flawless, no one looks too closely at the cracks.
But I’m not okay. I’m barely holding it together.
Nobody sees me. Not really.
Except him.
Miguel.
My stepbrother. My anchor. The one person who doesn’t flinch when I break—who looks straight at the ugly parts of me and stays anyway. He makes me feel safe in a way that terrifies me, because safety turns into need, and need turns into wanting, and wanting turns into something I don’t know how to survive.
And then he touches me like he already knows I’m his.
MIGUEL
I’ve loved Caleb from the start, even when he refused to love himself.
I know his tells—the way his hands shake, the way his smile goes too sharp, and the way he goes quiet when his head gets loud. I know every scar, every shadow, every trembling edge of him.
And I’m not subtle about what I feel.
I want him. I want to protect him. I want to hold him so close the past can’t reach him anymore. I know the road to him is tangled with fear and doubt—but I’ll follow him anywhere. I’ll fight for him. I’ll wait for him.
And when he finally lets go…
I’m going to be the one there to catch him.
Because love like this comes with consequences. With boundaries to test and with walls to break down. And as we navigate desire, trust, and the past that refuses to let go, one thing becomes terrifyingly
We are each other’s only way forward.
Tropes & Themes
• M/M contemporary romance with dark elements
• Stepbrothers / forbidden love
• Hurt/comfort + trauma recovery
• Possessive protector / “touch him and die” devotion
• High heat / aftercare
• Hard-won HEA
Disarm is a MM contemporary romance with some darker themes. Please make sure to check the author's note for content warnings before reading. It is advised to at least have read Trick of the Flesh prior to reading, as it helps the readers get a little bit more background on Miguel and Caleb. Sin of the Season is a holiday novelette, and while there is some extra spice, it's mostly that.
724 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
94 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
5+ stars
TW - Mental health struggles of the characters are compared to my own in this review
I’ll be straight with you; I did have to take a couple of breathers away from this book while reading occasionally. But that’s not because I didn’t love it – it does absolutely deserve this five-star rating – it was because I found this to be one of the most relatable books I’ve ever read, and it managed to hit me especially hard sometimes.
It did feel as though Izzy had reached deep into my soul and my inner thoughts and managed to capture that in her writing. This book didn’t just speak Caleb and Miguel’s truths; it spoke my truths – and I’m sure many others who have been in similar positions with their mental health –and there were times I needed a little space to process that rawness.
Caleb’s the most darling lost little lamb, and I honestly couldn’t feel for him more. Some of his quotes could have been plucked out of my brain and pasted onto the page. So many of his concerns, so much of that guilt and worry that it’s affecting others in such a negative way – I’ve been there. I’ve hidden behind “I’m fine” and “I’m okay” and fake smiles so I saw him. His character is incredibly dear to me, and I so wanted to hold him close and tell him how remarkable he was.
I couldn’t be more relieved that Caleb had Miguel in his corner – wonderful Miggy, a real knight in shining armour, who’s ready to go to the ends of the earth for his stepbrother. He always showed up. He always there with comfort food and supportive words. Every bit of praise, no matter how small, mattered to Caleb, and every single one made me fall for Miggy even more.
Their connection is so beautiful, so pure, and I absolutely treasured all their sweet, good moments together. There’s a real intimacy in all their interactions, not just their spicy scenes.
Caleb and Miguel do not have an easy ride, and it’s not easy to see them both struggle in their own ways, but it’s so very real. There’s no hiding how deeply one person’s mental health difficulties can affect the other in a relationship here, but the fact that Miggy goes to therapy too, speaks of how desperately he wants them to be endgame.
I’m deeply thankful that they have the most awesome mom, who’s there for them 100%.
I had heart eyes for Miguel and Caleb even before beginning this book after their prequel novellas, and while I didn’t think that love for them could grow even more, it did tenfold.
I highly recommend this, but I’d definitely advise having tissues. And if you struggle with your mental health too, potentially have something of comfort to hand because this will hit deep. I’m not going to lie and say it wasn’t hard to read at times; it’s emotionally heavy and will occasionally pummel you with its realness, but Miguel and Caleb are so worth it. So precious that their hard fought happy ending feels so much more special, and it was the hope that they’d get there eventually that got me through the overwhelming emotions that hit me sometimes.
----
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
-----
Some of my favourite quotes
If loving him in the quiet, in the spaces between, is all I get, I’ll take it.
Sometimes love isn’t about fixing, it’s about holding someone together long enough for them to remember they’re still whole.
I used to think love was supposed to be easy. Simple. Something that came and went without tearing you open. But this—this quiet, trembling, heavy thing—it’s the real kind. The kind that asks you to stay even when it’s hard.
“Every part of you is perfect, Caleb. Down to the very marrow of your bones.”
‘I just love you, Caleb. That’s all. No expectations. Just that.’
“You don’t owe me forever, Caleb. I just wanted you to know that I see one with you. That’s all.”
Maybe this is what healing looks like. Not some grand, “Look, I’m cured” moment. It feels more like a choice to keep showing up, even when things are hard. When the future looks so vague, but you push yourself to keep moving forward.
“You don’t have to be perfect for me. Or for anyone.”
“You can believe in forever, Caleb. And if that’s too hard for you right now, I’ll do it for you. Because whatever has happened in your life that has made you this way... whatever was said or done to you, it doesn’t need to define you.”
“Caleb, you are the most beautiful thing in my life. Don’t you know that?”
“Anyone can love you on the good days, baby. I’m here for all of it. The panic, the tears—that’s part of the deal.”
“You’re never going to be too much. You’re just... a lot of love and a lot of hurt in one body. That’s not too much of anything. That’s just who you are and I love you for you, baby.”
“It’s feeling like everything else is loud and sharp and wrong, and you’re the only thing that feels like home. It’s... wanting to make you feel good because all you ever do is hold me together. You’re not a distraction for me, Miguel. You’re the only thing that makes anything make sense.”
“His acceptance would be nice. But it’s not oxygen. We can breathe without it. You have been breathing without it for a long time.”
“And my person—just happens to be a man. This man. It’s not a placeholder until the ‘right girl’ shows up. He is my right person.”
“You were incredible today.” “On the court or—” “All of it. The game, the dinner, the way you talked to him, the way you told the truth without apologizing for it. I’ve never been prouder of you. Ever.”
“Caleb. No. I’ll show up for you even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.”
“You didn’t ruin anything. You’re not too much. You are exactly the weight I want on me, Caleb.”
“You’re my choice and I’ll choose you no matter what stands in the way.”
“I don’t need his permission. To love you. To hold your hand. To build a life with you, if that’s what we decide. He can catch up or he can stay behind. I’m not leaving you halfway, so he feels better about his worldview.”
“Caleb. I didn’t sign up for the ‘healthy brain, zero trauma’ package. That’s not a thing. I signed up for you. All of you. The laughing in the kitchen, horny gremlin, who is an anxious overachiever, and the four-year-old who didn’t get fed enough and still somehow figured out how to love people. This—is part of the deal. It sucks. I hate it. But leaving you is not on the table.”
“I promise to hold the net with everyone else. To be a point in your web, not the whole thing. And as long as I’m breathing, I promise to choose you. On the easy days. On the seven days. On the days our brains are jerks and the days they’re quiet.”
TW - Mental health struggles of the characters are compared to my own in this review
I’ll be straight with you; I did have to take a couple of breathers away from this book while reading occasionally. But that’s not because I didn’t love it – it does absolutely deserve this five-star rating – it was because I found this to be one of the most relatable books I’ve ever read, and it managed to hit me especially hard sometimes.
It did feel as though Izzy had reached deep into my soul and my inner thoughts and managed to capture that in her writing. This book didn’t just speak Caleb and Miguel’s truths; it spoke my truths – and I’m sure many others who have been in similar positions with their mental health –and there were times I needed a little space to process that rawness.
Caleb’s the most darling lost little lamb, and I honestly couldn’t feel for him more. Some of his quotes could have been plucked out of my brain and pasted onto the page. So many of his concerns, so much of that guilt and worry that it’s affecting others in such a negative way – I’ve been there. I’ve hidden behind “I’m fine” and “I’m okay” and fake smiles so I saw him. His character is incredibly dear to me, and I so wanted to hold him close and tell him how remarkable he was.
I couldn’t be more relieved that Caleb had Miguel in his corner – wonderful Miggy, a real knight in shining armour, who’s ready to go to the ends of the earth for his stepbrother. He always showed up. He always there with comfort food and supportive words. Every bit of praise, no matter how small, mattered to Caleb, and every single one made me fall for Miggy even more.
Their connection is so beautiful, so pure, and I absolutely treasured all their sweet, good moments together. There’s a real intimacy in all their interactions, not just their spicy scenes.
Caleb and Miguel do not have an easy ride, and it’s not easy to see them both struggle in their own ways, but it’s so very real. There’s no hiding how deeply one person’s mental health difficulties can affect the other in a relationship here, but the fact that Miggy goes to therapy too, speaks of how desperately he wants them to be endgame.
I’m deeply thankful that they have the most awesome mom, who’s there for them 100%.
I had heart eyes for Miguel and Caleb even before beginning this book after their prequel novellas, and while I didn’t think that love for them could grow even more, it did tenfold.
I highly recommend this, but I’d definitely advise having tissues. And if you struggle with your mental health too, potentially have something of comfort to hand because this will hit deep. I’m not going to lie and say it wasn’t hard to read at times; it’s emotionally heavy and will occasionally pummel you with its realness, but Miguel and Caleb are so worth it. So precious that their hard fought happy ending feels so much more special, and it was the hope that they’d get there eventually that got me through the overwhelming emotions that hit me sometimes.
----
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
-----
Some of my favourite quotes
If loving him in the quiet, in the spaces between, is all I get, I’ll take it.
Sometimes love isn’t about fixing, it’s about holding someone together long enough for them to remember they’re still whole.
I used to think love was supposed to be easy. Simple. Something that came and went without tearing you open. But this—this quiet, trembling, heavy thing—it’s the real kind. The kind that asks you to stay even when it’s hard.
“Every part of you is perfect, Caleb. Down to the very marrow of your bones.”
‘I just love you, Caleb. That’s all. No expectations. Just that.’
“You don’t owe me forever, Caleb. I just wanted you to know that I see one with you. That’s all.”
Maybe this is what healing looks like. Not some grand, “Look, I’m cured” moment. It feels more like a choice to keep showing up, even when things are hard. When the future looks so vague, but you push yourself to keep moving forward.
“You don’t have to be perfect for me. Or for anyone.”
“You can believe in forever, Caleb. And if that’s too hard for you right now, I’ll do it for you. Because whatever has happened in your life that has made you this way... whatever was said or done to you, it doesn’t need to define you.”
“Caleb, you are the most beautiful thing in my life. Don’t you know that?”
“Anyone can love you on the good days, baby. I’m here for all of it. The panic, the tears—that’s part of the deal.”
“You’re never going to be too much. You’re just... a lot of love and a lot of hurt in one body. That’s not too much of anything. That’s just who you are and I love you for you, baby.”
“It’s feeling like everything else is loud and sharp and wrong, and you’re the only thing that feels like home. It’s... wanting to make you feel good because all you ever do is hold me together. You’re not a distraction for me, Miguel. You’re the only thing that makes anything make sense.”
“His acceptance would be nice. But it’s not oxygen. We can breathe without it. You have been breathing without it for a long time.”
“And my person—just happens to be a man. This man. It’s not a placeholder until the ‘right girl’ shows up. He is my right person.”
“You were incredible today.” “On the court or—” “All of it. The game, the dinner, the way you talked to him, the way you told the truth without apologizing for it. I’ve never been prouder of you. Ever.”
“Caleb. No. I’ll show up for you even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.”
“You didn’t ruin anything. You’re not too much. You are exactly the weight I want on me, Caleb.”
“You’re my choice and I’ll choose you no matter what stands in the way.”
“I don’t need his permission. To love you. To hold your hand. To build a life with you, if that’s what we decide. He can catch up or he can stay behind. I’m not leaving you halfway, so he feels better about his worldview.”
“Caleb. I didn’t sign up for the ‘healthy brain, zero trauma’ package. That’s not a thing. I signed up for you. All of you. The laughing in the kitchen, horny gremlin, who is an anxious overachiever, and the four-year-old who didn’t get fed enough and still somehow figured out how to love people. This—is part of the deal. It sucks. I hate it. But leaving you is not on the table.”
“I promise to hold the net with everyone else. To be a point in your web, not the whole thing. And as long as I’m breathing, I promise to choose you. On the easy days. On the seven days. On the days our brains are jerks and the days they’re quiet.”
March 2, 2026
2.5⭐️ rounded up for GR.
”I see two people who love each other very much, both carrying a lot of history, trying to figure out how to do this without losing themselves.”
I started this once and DNF'd it, but I was in a bit of a reading slump at the time, so I decided to give it another chance. Well...
Even though I'm giving this a lower rating, I don't want to diminish the work the author has put into the book and its themes. I always review a book purely based on the feelings it evokes in me and what kind of reading experience it overall was for me personally.
This book is really heavy read. It goes into great detail about Caleb's (and Miguel's, but more Caleb's) psyche and his healing journey. It's great that the book describes in detail how Caleb copes day after day, and this is an important and difficult topic, but in terms of the book's entertainment value, it's too detailed for my liking—it starts to get really tiring and repetitive. They go over the same things, feelings, and conversations over and over again.
No matter what Caleb faces, whether it's basketball, school, exams, relationships, his father, therapy, or even just dinner, everything is really challenging for him. They discuss the feelings that all these events/things evoke in Caleb, and everything is rehashed over and over again.
For every single event and conversation, they break down how it feels, and then there are the therapy sessions separately. And then, after the therapy sessions, well, guess what? U guessed it, they talk some more!! with Miguel again about how the therapy felt. Honestly, it got really tiring. In terms of the plot, not much else really happens in the book until about 80% of the way through. I mean, over 700 pages of this…
Also, although the book is long, it hardly touches on the trauma Caleb went through during his childhood, just the healing journey and day-to-day coping.
So yes, it's great that books like this are being written and the themes are being explored in depth, but as far as the reading experience goes, this one wasn't quite to my liking; too repetitive, overly drawn out and exhausting to read. It just didn’t keep my interest.
”I see two people who love each other very much, both carrying a lot of history, trying to figure out how to do this without losing themselves.”
I started this once and DNF'd it, but I was in a bit of a reading slump at the time, so I decided to give it another chance. Well...
Even though I'm giving this a lower rating, I don't want to diminish the work the author has put into the book and its themes. I always review a book purely based on the feelings it evokes in me and what kind of reading experience it overall was for me personally.
This book is really heavy read. It goes into great detail about Caleb's (and Miguel's, but more Caleb's) psyche and his healing journey. It's great that the book describes in detail how Caleb copes day after day, and this is an important and difficult topic, but in terms of the book's entertainment value, it's too detailed for my liking—it starts to get really tiring and repetitive. They go over the same things, feelings, and conversations over and over again.
No matter what Caleb faces, whether it's basketball, school, exams, relationships, his father, therapy, or even just dinner, everything is really challenging for him. They discuss the feelings that all these events/things evoke in Caleb, and everything is rehashed over and over again.
For every single event and conversation, they break down how it feels, and then there are the therapy sessions separately. And then, after the therapy sessions, well, guess what? U guessed it, they talk some more!! with Miguel again about how the therapy felt. Honestly, it got really tiring. In terms of the plot, not much else really happens in the book until about 80% of the way through. I mean, over 700 pages of this…
Also, although the book is long, it hardly touches on the trauma Caleb went through during his childhood, just the healing journey and day-to-day coping.
So yes, it's great that books like this are being written and the themes are being explored in depth, but as far as the reading experience goes, this one wasn't quite to my liking; too repetitive, overly drawn out and exhausting to read. It just didn’t keep my interest.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Izzy, you out did yourself with this one. I dont think my eyes were dry the whole time. Whether is was happy tears of how much these two really do love each other. Or bawling my eyes out because their journey really was fucking hard. I even started crying while going back through my highlights to make this edit. And what do you know, I'm crying again. There's so much raw emotion in this. It's like youre right there with them rooting for their happy ending.
This is a long read but their journey is definitely worth it. This is going to be one of those reads that just sticks with me.
There's some heavy, heavy topics in this one so definitely read the trigger warnings.
Also, I recommend reading their two novellas before diving into this one. Trick of the Flesh and Sin of the Season. You get to meet both of them and get a feel of the relationship and a heads up of the journey to their HEA.
This is a long read but their journey is definitely worth it. This is going to be one of those reads that just sticks with me.
There's some heavy, heavy topics in this one so definitely read the trigger warnings.
Also, I recommend reading their two novellas before diving into this one. Trick of the Flesh and Sin of the Season. You get to meet both of them and get a feel of the relationship and a heads up of the journey to their HEA.
February 27, 2026
This story is an emotional reckoning, following Caleb and Miguel as they fight for self-love, healing, and the courage to accept a love without conditions. Caleb’s devastating past still haunts him, filling him with doubt and making it hard to believe he deserves the happiness standing right in front of him. Miguel has always been his safe haven and fiercest champion, yet even he learns that love sometimes needs extra tools to survive. Their bond may toe the line of co-dependency, but their self-awareness, honest communication, and willingness to seek therapy make their growth feel raw and real. Through tender game nights, quiet dinners, and unwavering support especially from Miguel’s unforgettable mom. They prove that love isn’t a cure-all, but with work, time, and vulnerability, it can be something beautifully worth fighting for.
March 1, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
This isn't just a romance. It's a story about trauma, survival, and what it means to be loved when you don't believe you deserve it.
Caleb is barely holding himself together - perfect student, perfect athlete, perfect mask. But inside? He’s unraveling.
Watching him navigate anxiety, therapy, flashbacks, and the crushing weight of childhood abuse was raw and painfully real. There were moments I had to pause just to breathe with him.
And Miguel…my god. Miguel is the kind of love that doesn't flinch. Steady. Patient. Fiercely protective without being suffocating.
He doesn't try to "fix" Caleb.
He just stays. He feeds him. Holds him. Reminds him to eat. And to breathe.
Everyone deserves that type of devotion and love.
The therapy scenes were especially powerful. They didn't feel dramatized - they felt honest. Uncomfortable in the way healing actually is.
This book doesn't glamorize trauma, and it doesn't rush recovery. It shows that healing is messy and nonlinear.
The romance is intense and intimate, with heavy themes and explicit content, so definitely check the trigger warnings.
But beneath all of it, this is a story about being chosen. About someone looking at your broken pieces and saying, "You're my mess. I can handle you. All of you. No matter what."
And sometimes, that's everything.
This isn't just a romance. It's a story about trauma, survival, and what it means to be loved when you don't believe you deserve it.
Caleb is barely holding himself together - perfect student, perfect athlete, perfect mask. But inside? He’s unraveling.
Watching him navigate anxiety, therapy, flashbacks, and the crushing weight of childhood abuse was raw and painfully real. There were moments I had to pause just to breathe with him.
And Miguel…my god. Miguel is the kind of love that doesn't flinch. Steady. Patient. Fiercely protective without being suffocating.
He doesn't try to "fix" Caleb.
He just stays. He feeds him. Holds him. Reminds him to eat. And to breathe.
Everyone deserves that type of devotion and love.
The therapy scenes were especially powerful. They didn't feel dramatized - they felt honest. Uncomfortable in the way healing actually is.
This book doesn't glamorize trauma, and it doesn't rush recovery. It shows that healing is messy and nonlinear.
The romance is intense and intimate, with heavy themes and explicit content, so definitely check the trigger warnings.
But beneath all of it, this is a story about being chosen. About someone looking at your broken pieces and saying, "You're my mess. I can handle you. All of you. No matter what."
And sometimes, that's everything.
February 16, 2026
This was a journey where both Caleb and Miguel learned about self love, healing, how to be vulnerable, hard truths and how to accept love without conditions.
Caleb has a heartbreaking backstory filled with horrific circumstances that he still struggles with as an adult. This brings on a lot of self doubt as well as doubts when it comes to him and Miguel and part of it is that it’s hard for him at times to believe his current situation is real and deserved.
Miguel has always been Caleb’s champion and safe space but along the way realizes he may need some additional tools to help the both of them get to a better place and I love that he acknowledges this even though it’s hard for him to accept.
I really liked the dynamic between these two. Were they co-dependent?! Sure! BUT they were both very much self aware and this helped when times got hard and they needed to bring in some additional help. The communication between them was nice to see. They checked in with one another and they were able to reassure each other when needed because of this. I enjoyed the sweet moments where Miguel showed up at games, dinner at the condo and tv shows on the couch!
I appreciated that since therapy was a tool they utilized to help them understand themselves and each other better that we got to see it being implemented. I also appreciated that the expectation wasn’t that their love alone or therapy alone was going to be a cure all. They knew they were going to need to put in the work and the time and they did! I loved Miguel’s mom. She was a great addition to their support system and funny. This was a really great read!
🤍ARC REVIEW💙
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
Caleb has a heartbreaking backstory filled with horrific circumstances that he still struggles with as an adult. This brings on a lot of self doubt as well as doubts when it comes to him and Miguel and part of it is that it’s hard for him at times to believe his current situation is real and deserved.
Miguel has always been Caleb’s champion and safe space but along the way realizes he may need some additional tools to help the both of them get to a better place and I love that he acknowledges this even though it’s hard for him to accept.
I really liked the dynamic between these two. Were they co-dependent?! Sure! BUT they were both very much self aware and this helped when times got hard and they needed to bring in some additional help. The communication between them was nice to see. They checked in with one another and they were able to reassure each other when needed because of this. I enjoyed the sweet moments where Miguel showed up at games, dinner at the condo and tv shows on the couch!
I appreciated that since therapy was a tool they utilized to help them understand themselves and each other better that we got to see it being implemented. I also appreciated that the expectation wasn’t that their love alone or therapy alone was going to be a cure all. They knew they were going to need to put in the work and the time and they did! I loved Miguel’s mom. She was a great addition to their support system and funny. This was a really great read!
🤍ARC REVIEW💙
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
March 9, 2026
Whew, this was HEAVY. Pleaseeee take the trigger warnings seriously if mental health struggles are a trigger for you.
Miggy has my whole heart with how hard he worked to be the support Caleb needed, including even going to therapy himself. Poor Caleb truly battles his brain this entire book, and I related in some ways. Their relationship was beautiful, and I loved to see the progression throughout as they fought so hard to keep it all together. The book was pretty lengthy, so it took me a while to get through, but it was definitely worth the time it took.
Miggy has my whole heart with how hard he worked to be the support Caleb needed, including even going to therapy himself. Poor Caleb truly battles his brain this entire book, and I related in some ways. Their relationship was beautiful, and I loved to see the progression throughout as they fought so hard to keep it all together. The book was pretty lengthy, so it took me a while to get through, but it was definitely worth the time it took.
March 5, 2026
arc review to come
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 Izzy, I both hate you and love you. Gracias por escribir estas historias tan hermosas que no nada más son spicy, pero también que nos hacen sentir, que nos hacen conectar con los personajes. Disarm sano una parte de mi y siempre será unos de mis libros favoritos junto a Break Me.
🖤 I knew going in that Disarm was going to wreck me, but what I wasn’t prepared for was just how much I’d relate to Caleb. Funny enough I also found myself called out by a lot of the things that Dr. K would tell Caleb. A lot of nervous laughs from me and “damn I didn’t need to be called out that hard” 😂. Caleb, that sweet boy, I just wanted to go in there and give him a big hug. He’s so precious and needs to be protected at all costs and Miguel does just that and more. We all need a Miggy in our lives. Someone who will see us at our worst and meet us with love and compassion and understanding. La canción Te Regalo de Carla Morrison no salía de mi cabeza mientras leía el libro, especialmente porque me recuerda tanto a la manera en como Miguel ama a Caleb. El momento en que Miguel dijo que el también necesitaba ayuda, llore mas. He’s such a fierce lover and protector that him admitting that he also needed help and started getting himself help was huge. I was so proud of them both. I wasn’t expecting for THE chapter to be that brutal even though the events leading up to it felt like a huge warning. Like a big flashing “if you think the book has wrecked you already, haha you’re in for a rude awakening.” Did I believe it? No, not really. Did I sob for way too long that my face was puffy and red and my eyes burned? Yes, absolutely. If you read it, make sure you always have tissues on standby. This book will wreck you and heal a part of you. And it also reminded me that even though sometimes it feels like it’s 1 step forward and 2 steps back, that’s how healing is, it’s not linear and it’s ok to not be at 100% all the time.
🖤 The ending was absolutely perfect, and I was so fucking happy for them, especially with how hard and rocky their journey to that happy ending was. The babies se merecen todo lo bueno que la vida tiene para ofrecerles.
📚Book Type: Stepbrother romance
😈WHAT TO EXPECT😈
🧎🏽♀️Stepbrothers
🧎🏽♀️Hurt/confort
🧎🏽♀️Mental health rep
🧎🏽♀️Mask play
🧎🏽♀️High heat
🧎🏽♀️Lots of aftercare
🧎🏽♀️Mentions of child abuse
🧎🏽♀️Mentions of and on page suicide attempt
🖤 I knew going in that Disarm was going to wreck me, but what I wasn’t prepared for was just how much I’d relate to Caleb. Funny enough I also found myself called out by a lot of the things that Dr. K would tell Caleb. A lot of nervous laughs from me and “damn I didn’t need to be called out that hard” 😂. Caleb, that sweet boy, I just wanted to go in there and give him a big hug. He’s so precious and needs to be protected at all costs and Miguel does just that and more. We all need a Miggy in our lives. Someone who will see us at our worst and meet us with love and compassion and understanding. La canción Te Regalo de Carla Morrison no salía de mi cabeza mientras leía el libro, especialmente porque me recuerda tanto a la manera en como Miguel ama a Caleb. El momento en que Miguel dijo que el también necesitaba ayuda, llore mas. He’s such a fierce lover and protector that him admitting that he also needed help and started getting himself help was huge. I was so proud of them both. I wasn’t expecting for THE chapter to be that brutal even though the events leading up to it felt like a huge warning. Like a big flashing “if you think the book has wrecked you already, haha you’re in for a rude awakening.” Did I believe it? No, not really. Did I sob for way too long that my face was puffy and red and my eyes burned? Yes, absolutely. If you read it, make sure you always have tissues on standby. This book will wreck you and heal a part of you. And it also reminded me that even though sometimes it feels like it’s 1 step forward and 2 steps back, that’s how healing is, it’s not linear and it’s ok to not be at 100% all the time.
🖤 The ending was absolutely perfect, and I was so fucking happy for them, especially with how hard and rocky their journey to that happy ending was. The babies se merecen todo lo bueno que la vida tiene para ofrecerles.
📚Book Type: Stepbrother romance
😈WHAT TO EXPECT😈
🧎🏽♀️Stepbrothers
🧎🏽♀️Hurt/confort
🧎🏽♀️Mental health rep
🧎🏽♀️Mask play
🧎🏽♀️High heat
🧎🏽♀️Lots of aftercare
🧎🏽♀️Mentions of child abuse
🧎🏽♀️Mentions of and on page suicide attempt
Review of advance copy received from Author
DISARM is the contemporary romance that comes after the novellas Trick of the Flesh and Sin of the Season — and trust me, you’ll want to read those first. That’s where you really meet Caleb and Miguel, feel the depth of their bond, and see the first cracks (and sparks) on their road to an HEA.
Caleb carries a devastating past shaped by horrific circumstances that still haunt him as an adult. The self-doubt? Crushing. The “is this happiness even real?” spiral? Constant. Loving Miguel means confronting the fear that maybe he doesn’t deserve something this good.
Miguel has always been Caleb’s safe place, his loudest cheerleader, his steady ground. But in Disarm, he realizes love alone isn’t always enough. Watching him accept that they might need outside help — even when it’s hard on his pride — was everything. The fact that he goes to therapy too? That man said “endgame” and meant it.
Their journey isn’t easy. It’s raw. It’s uncomfortable at times. It shows exactly how one person’s mental health can ripple through a relationship. But it’s also deeply tender, healing, and painfully real.
If you’re in the mood for something heavy in the best way — the kind of story that breaks you a little just to put you back together — Disarm will absolutely stay with you.
Things to know
mm romance, hurt/comfort, forbidden, stepbrothers, childhood trauma, self-worth struggles, dubcon, fear play, mask play, degradation and praise, rope play, primal play, breath play, spitting, gagging, profanity, panic attacks, anxiety, self-deprecating talk, depression, sex as a coping mechanism, C-PTSD, flashbacks of child abuse and child neglect, domestic violence, self-harm, suicidal ideations, attempted suicide, obsessive and possessive MMC, oral sex, anal sex, unprotected sex, mentions of death of a parent by suicide, brief mentions of mild homophobia, marijuana use, alcohol consumption, trauma recovery, and extensive aftercare.
Caleb carries a devastating past shaped by horrific circumstances that still haunt him as an adult. The self-doubt? Crushing. The “is this happiness even real?” spiral? Constant. Loving Miguel means confronting the fear that maybe he doesn’t deserve something this good.
Miguel has always been Caleb’s safe place, his loudest cheerleader, his steady ground. But in Disarm, he realizes love alone isn’t always enough. Watching him accept that they might need outside help — even when it’s hard on his pride — was everything. The fact that he goes to therapy too? That man said “endgame” and meant it.
Their journey isn’t easy. It’s raw. It’s uncomfortable at times. It shows exactly how one person’s mental health can ripple through a relationship. But it’s also deeply tender, healing, and painfully real.
If you’re in the mood for something heavy in the best way — the kind of story that breaks you a little just to put you back together — Disarm will absolutely stay with you.
Things to know
mm romance, hurt/comfort, forbidden, stepbrothers, childhood trauma, self-worth struggles, dubcon, fear play, mask play, degradation and praise, rope play, primal play, breath play, spitting, gagging, profanity, panic attacks, anxiety, self-deprecating talk, depression, sex as a coping mechanism, C-PTSD, flashbacks of child abuse and child neglect, domestic violence, self-harm, suicidal ideations, attempted suicide, obsessive and possessive MMC, oral sex, anal sex, unprotected sex, mentions of death of a parent by suicide, brief mentions of mild homophobia, marijuana use, alcohol consumption, trauma recovery, and extensive aftercare.
Read
February 27, 2026I am so happy the boys are out in the world for everyone to love!! ❤️
My heart… my heart.. This book destroyed me and healed me. But absolutely DESTROYED me. No words are enough to express how I feel about this book. I have been following Miggy and Caleb from the novela Trick of the Flesh and Sins of the Season. I have been hooked on these boys since then and they live in my head RENT FREE. I’m not even mad at it.
Disarm was the the full length novel for my boys and they deserve the world and more. I could read about the for DAYS and be content.
Miguel and Caleb are stepbrothers who fell in love and their story is both tragic and beautiful. The story brings you through so many ups and downs. It will have you crying, screaming and kicking your feet. The entire time I just wanted to hug them both and never let go.
Each of the boys have their own demons and the emotion that Izzy put into this book will embed itself into your soul and probably never leave. There are so many quotes that live with me.
I am obsessed with the way Izzy writes and I LOVE the Spanish talk and she made me realize the Spanish dirty talk…. TOP TIER ! Hubby.. do your thang 😂 I love that their love language is cooking and smoking. They are a beautiful mess together and I love it.
This book is very heavy on the triggers so protect your mental health. But every step of this book is essential and beautifully broken. They do not have it easy and it is a HEA that is EARNED through a lot of blood, sweat, tears and lots of sexy times. Their love is so beautiful and it makes you fall in love with them and their journey. This is a must read. One of my favorites. It made my heart so happy and I will forever love Miggy and Caleb 🖤
My heart… my heart.. This book destroyed me and healed me. But absolutely DESTROYED me. No words are enough to express how I feel about this book. I have been following Miggy and Caleb from the novela Trick of the Flesh and Sins of the Season. I have been hooked on these boys since then and they live in my head RENT FREE. I’m not even mad at it.
Disarm was the the full length novel for my boys and they deserve the world and more. I could read about the for DAYS and be content.
Miguel and Caleb are stepbrothers who fell in love and their story is both tragic and beautiful. The story brings you through so many ups and downs. It will have you crying, screaming and kicking your feet. The entire time I just wanted to hug them both and never let go.
Each of the boys have their own demons and the emotion that Izzy put into this book will embed itself into your soul and probably never leave. There are so many quotes that live with me.
I am obsessed with the way Izzy writes and I LOVE the Spanish talk and she made me realize the Spanish dirty talk…. TOP TIER ! Hubby.. do your thang 😂 I love that their love language is cooking and smoking. They are a beautiful mess together and I love it.
This book is very heavy on the triggers so protect your mental health. But every step of this book is essential and beautifully broken. They do not have it easy and it is a HEA that is EARNED through a lot of blood, sweat, tears and lots of sexy times. Their love is so beautiful and it makes you fall in love with them and their journey. This is a must read. One of my favorites. It made my heart so happy and I will forever love Miggy and Caleb 🖤
March 9, 2026
Shattering, Healing, and Unforgettable 🖤
Disarm absolutely destroyed me in the most beautiful way. This book ripped me open, healed parts of me I never expected a story could touch, and then carefully put me back together again.
I related so deeply to Caleb. Our traumas aren’t the same, but when Caleb reached the point of feeling like he didn’t want to exist anymore… that was me. I’ve been there. Two failed attempts, inpatient care, and the long road back to finding a place where, when things get loud, I reach out instead of shutting down. Reading Caleb’s journey felt incredibly personal and painfully real.
Miguel reminded me so much of my husband. Not someone trying to be a shield or carry everything alone, but a partner. Someone who learns how to stand beside you, love you through the chaos, and build a safety net together instead of trying to hold the whole world on his own. Watching Miguel love Caleb the way he does was breathtaking.
I have never cried this hard reading a book before, and somehow I loved every second of it. There is something powerful about healing through stories, about seeing pieces of yourself reflected on the page. Not everyone understands how reading can do that, but those of us who do know exactly what it feels like.
This book is heavy. Raw. Honest. But it is also full of love, patience, and hope.
Please check the trigger warnings before diving in. Some parts are incredibly intense, and it is completely okay to pause and come back when it feels too heavy. Your well-being always comes first.
And if you need the reminder today: you are loved exactly as you are, messy and broken pieces included.
Thank you, Izzy, for giving us Caleb and Miguel.
Five stars. No questions asked. 🩶
Disarm absolutely destroyed me in the most beautiful way. This book ripped me open, healed parts of me I never expected a story could touch, and then carefully put me back together again.
I related so deeply to Caleb. Our traumas aren’t the same, but when Caleb reached the point of feeling like he didn’t want to exist anymore… that was me. I’ve been there. Two failed attempts, inpatient care, and the long road back to finding a place where, when things get loud, I reach out instead of shutting down. Reading Caleb’s journey felt incredibly personal and painfully real.
Miguel reminded me so much of my husband. Not someone trying to be a shield or carry everything alone, but a partner. Someone who learns how to stand beside you, love you through the chaos, and build a safety net together instead of trying to hold the whole world on his own. Watching Miguel love Caleb the way he does was breathtaking.
I have never cried this hard reading a book before, and somehow I loved every second of it. There is something powerful about healing through stories, about seeing pieces of yourself reflected on the page. Not everyone understands how reading can do that, but those of us who do know exactly what it feels like.
This book is heavy. Raw. Honest. But it is also full of love, patience, and hope.
Please check the trigger warnings before diving in. Some parts are incredibly intense, and it is completely okay to pause and come back when it feels too heavy. Your well-being always comes first.
And if you need the reminder today: you are loved exactly as you are, messy and broken pieces included.
Thank you, Izzy, for giving us Caleb and Miguel.
Five stars. No questions asked. 🩶
March 15, 2026
This is not a light romance. This is a story of trauma and mental turmoil, of hitting rock bottom. But it is also a tale of hope, love, vulnerability and acceptance.
Caleb has faced an extremely traumatic past which has left him struggling hugely with his mental health, and being incapable of accepting that he is deserving of the unconditional love his stepbrother Miggy offers. Miggy is steadfast in his devotion for Caleb, helping him breathe through the panic attacks, holding him when he can’t keep himself together, ensuring he eats and is showered.
But even Miggy begins to realise after talking to this wonderful mum Celeste, that he can’t pour from an empty cup, and that even he needs support as the partner of someone with serious mental health issues.
Not only are they battling Caleb’s past traumas, but school, games, eating out and every day activities trigger Caleb, and there is also the issue of how his father will take the news of the stepbrothers relationship too.
They don’t have an easy journey, but this story shows that healing isn’t quick, easy or linear, but that with dedication, a great and steady partner and support network and time, that progress is possible.
This book is such a masterpiece in mental health awareness. It is so powerful and raw. It empathises the importance of the world hope.
I absolutely adore Caleb and Miggy. They truly are soulmates in every way. Co-dependency was a huge factor in the beginning of their relationship, but their honesty, dedication, therapy, commitment and communication allowed them to hope for and focus on a future together.
March 2, 2026
This book was SO GOOD. Seriously. One of the best books I have ever read. Reading a 700+ page books sounds like it would feel like running a marathon, but that absolutely wasn't the case at all with Disarm. The pace, the character arcs, the transitions and the content matter were written so well and was so engaging that I was wholly lost in the throes of Miggy and Caleb's love story.
Disarm was equal parts devastating and healing for the soul. This book is not sugar coated yet the subject matter was handled with so much care, and raw human realness that the experience felt real. This book was gut punch after gut punch. I devoured all the broken pieces and came out the other side as a new person.
Miguel and Caleb are hands down one of my most favorite book couples of all time. The love, the pain, the trauma, sacrifice and life they learn to carry together is precious, unbreakable and absolutely HUMAN in such a raw, real way.
The balanced exploration of being someone who needs mental health support and another someone who is in love with and supporting the one who needs help was done with incredible tact. Miguel's character made me feel represented in a way I never have before, as the caregiver, "the strong one" and the support system. I walked away from this book feeling seen, and feeling like I learned things. That's some powerful writing.
I can't wait to get a physical copy of this book. I need it to live on my shelf so I can easily come back to it again and again. I am so grateful to have read this.
Disarm was equal parts devastating and healing for the soul. This book is not sugar coated yet the subject matter was handled with so much care, and raw human realness that the experience felt real. This book was gut punch after gut punch. I devoured all the broken pieces and came out the other side as a new person.
Miguel and Caleb are hands down one of my most favorite book couples of all time. The love, the pain, the trauma, sacrifice and life they learn to carry together is precious, unbreakable and absolutely HUMAN in such a raw, real way.
The balanced exploration of being someone who needs mental health support and another someone who is in love with and supporting the one who needs help was done with incredible tact. Miguel's character made me feel represented in a way I never have before, as the caregiver, "the strong one" and the support system. I walked away from this book feeling seen, and feeling like I learned things. That's some powerful writing.
I can't wait to get a physical copy of this book. I need it to live on my shelf so I can easily come back to it again and again. I am so grateful to have read this.
February 28, 2026
“I know, Caleb.” His voice goes soft. “You’ve never asked me to hold you together single-handedly. I volunteered for that job and then stapled myself to it.”
This book.....man, top 5 of the year so far for me. We follow the story of 2 stepbrothers who are already in some semblance of a relationship, not officially yet. The story follows Caleb and Miguel (Miggy). I loved everything about this story. Caleb struggles with childhood trauma and is an adult literally trying to find his way. Miguel is a sounding board, he's a partner, and sometimes a martyr in this story to save Caleb. This book was over 700 pages, and I honestly could have kept reading; that's how engaging it was. I felt like I was in the story with the two of them, trying to support them both, but aching for them. There was spice, and it was 5/5 each time, and also it wasn't the whole story, but definitely very important. This really takes you on a journey into the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma accompanied by limited emotional support.
We develop a toolkit with Caleb and Miguel, and all the family and friends who support them on this long journey of healing. We see there is no "fix" but constant adapting and evolving to get to a "good volume". I love how supportive Miguel was, and his mother, Celeste, was amazing. Loved the cultural aspects brought into this book, as one of the MCs is Mexican. Fantastic story! Definitely buying the physical to go on the shelf.
Spice- 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotion- 💧💧💧💧💧
This book.....man, top 5 of the year so far for me. We follow the story of 2 stepbrothers who are already in some semblance of a relationship, not officially yet. The story follows Caleb and Miguel (Miggy). I loved everything about this story. Caleb struggles with childhood trauma and is an adult literally trying to find his way. Miguel is a sounding board, he's a partner, and sometimes a martyr in this story to save Caleb. This book was over 700 pages, and I honestly could have kept reading; that's how engaging it was. I felt like I was in the story with the two of them, trying to support them both, but aching for them. There was spice, and it was 5/5 each time, and also it wasn't the whole story, but definitely very important. This really takes you on a journey into the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma accompanied by limited emotional support.
We develop a toolkit with Caleb and Miguel, and all the family and friends who support them on this long journey of healing. We see there is no "fix" but constant adapting and evolving to get to a "good volume". I love how supportive Miguel was, and his mother, Celeste, was amazing. Loved the cultural aspects brought into this book, as one of the MCs is Mexican. Fantastic story! Definitely buying the physical to go on the shelf.
Spice- 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotion- 💧💧💧💧💧
March 1, 2026
Oh okay, this book is emotional. There are two novellas to it prior to reading this that I really recommend reading before you go into this. This book is everything and by everything I mean literally everything to me. It was a book that is very well written. I don't know how she managed to get the foster care statistics in here and make me feel like she 100% understood it because I don't know if she ever went through it but she went through and she broke me slowly. So with this book I do recommend that you like 100% check your triggers because even though it's not like clumped together by the end, you build so much connection and emotion that she just slowly breaks you and then near the end like she completely breaks you before putting you back together. She 100% was amazing. This book was more than I thought like. This was one of my first three reads of hers. The other two were the two novellas for this book and honestly she like ripped me open and put me back together within a matter of 10 chapters like she slowly broke me up until like the 75% 80% Mark and then she like completely like damaged me and put me it back together in that last 20% of the book. This is a m/m book so if you are not a fan of that or taboo relationships, I would really suggest you look and think before you read this because not only is it heavy, it is more of a taboo relationship style book. And like I said, I would look into reading the two novellas before you read this one
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
Another hurt comfort book to help my cold dead heart.
I read trick of the flesh and sin of the season as per the request before reading this book but I dont personally think you need to read those before this one. Yes it is about the same characters but in my opinion it is not needed. Just good to have if you want that origins of how they became a couple.
Now on to the review,
Wow what a great book. My heart hurt so much for Caleb the whole time. Although I wish we got a little more about him childhood in his therapy sessions you get enough to understand his trauma. Watching Caleb love so big when he was neglected as a child was so beautiful to read. So much so that while you are reading this book you often just want to wrap him up and snuggle all his hurt away.
Miguel is the absolute best. The way he loves Caleb exactly the way Caleb needs was so touching. Even at his own detriment at times. He was always learning exactly how to be who Caleb needed in his worst moments without holding back from what worries him buy saying it gently enough that gets through to Caleb. It melted my heart.
Caleb's dad made me angry for about 75% of the book but im happy he got his ish together eventually because I kept screaming "OMG dude get it together!!!"
Miguel's mom is who I hope I am as a mom. She is everything a mother should be and I absolutely loved her for it.
Another hurt comfort book to help my cold dead heart.
I read trick of the flesh and sin of the season as per the request before reading this book but I dont personally think you need to read those before this one. Yes it is about the same characters but in my opinion it is not needed. Just good to have if you want that origins of how they became a couple.
Now on to the review,
Wow what a great book. My heart hurt so much for Caleb the whole time. Although I wish we got a little more about him childhood in his therapy sessions you get enough to understand his trauma. Watching Caleb love so big when he was neglected as a child was so beautiful to read. So much so that while you are reading this book you often just want to wrap him up and snuggle all his hurt away.
Miguel is the absolute best. The way he loves Caleb exactly the way Caleb needs was so touching. Even at his own detriment at times. He was always learning exactly how to be who Caleb needed in his worst moments without holding back from what worries him buy saying it gently enough that gets through to Caleb. It melted my heart.
Caleb's dad made me angry for about 75% of the book but im happy he got his ish together eventually because I kept screaming "OMG dude get it together!!!"
Miguel's mom is who I hope I am as a mom. She is everything a mother should be and I absolutely loved her for it.
February 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Talk about a heartbreaking story. Miguel and Caleb have a relationship that I think a lot of people would consider toxic, or at the very least difficult. Caleb is dealing with some serious past trauma that causes him anxiety and to have very little self worth. While Miguel is his safe place, the rock that Caleb needs to just survive day to day. I would 100% say they are codependent on one another, but in very different ways.
I think the thing that sets this story apart from other romances I’ve read with codependency is they are aware of it, they talk about it, and they take steps to get help. Therapy isn’t glossed over, it’s a huge part of the book and a huge part of how these two navigate their relationship. Their healing journey isn’t one that linear, they have their good days and also some really shitty days, but they always make room for each other.
I’ll also add that Caleb’s dad is a dick, but he kinda gets his shit together near the end. However Miguel’s mom is the best, she’s sweet, kind, understanding, and always in Miguel and Caleb’s corner. I would definitely check your TW before diving in because even if you think you know what you’re getting into you don’t. I go into books blind as I don’t have any triggers but I wasn’t prepared for all the emotions swirling in this book.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Talk about a heartbreaking story. Miguel and Caleb have a relationship that I think a lot of people would consider toxic, or at the very least difficult. Caleb is dealing with some serious past trauma that causes him anxiety and to have very little self worth. While Miguel is his safe place, the rock that Caleb needs to just survive day to day. I would 100% say they are codependent on one another, but in very different ways.
I think the thing that sets this story apart from other romances I’ve read with codependency is they are aware of it, they talk about it, and they take steps to get help. Therapy isn’t glossed over, it’s a huge part of the book and a huge part of how these two navigate their relationship. Their healing journey isn’t one that linear, they have their good days and also some really shitty days, but they always make room for each other.
I’ll also add that Caleb’s dad is a dick, but he kinda gets his shit together near the end. However Miguel’s mom is the best, she’s sweet, kind, understanding, and always in Miguel and Caleb’s corner. I would definitely check your TW before diving in because even if you think you know what you’re getting into you don’t. I go into books blind as I don’t have any triggers but I wasn’t prepared for all the emotions swirling in this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a thick one even for a speed reader like myself but it was soooo worth it.
Izzy I love your boys Caleb and Miggy so much.
Caleb. I related so much to him. And let me tell you mental health does matter and you never know what someone’s going through and he went through so much to find his safe place. His person. I was hurting for him.
Miggy.. everyone needs a Miggy. Everyone needs someone that can tell you that you’re enough and you matter and they are willing to fight for you. He proved time and time again with actions and words that he was there and would do whatever he needed to be there for Caleb and not leave.
Swear I cried like a b*tch through this whole book especially the end because through it all. The mental battles. Caleb thinking he didn’t deserve anything or anyone good. That he didn’t matter. That scene when Miguel comes home to him and thinking he was going to lose him. The entire thing with the 911 phone call and after. And the end. Because no matter what everyone deserves to have their person that makes them feel safe. That shows them they are enough. I loved this emotional chokehold and highly recommend. I also need signed trophy please and thank you
Izzy I love your boys Caleb and Miggy so much.
Caleb. I related so much to him. And let me tell you mental health does matter and you never know what someone’s going through and he went through so much to find his safe place. His person. I was hurting for him.
Miggy.. everyone needs a Miggy. Everyone needs someone that can tell you that you’re enough and you matter and they are willing to fight for you. He proved time and time again with actions and words that he was there and would do whatever he needed to be there for Caleb and not leave.
Swear I cried like a b*tch through this whole book especially the end because through it all. The mental battles. Caleb thinking he didn’t deserve anything or anyone good. That he didn’t matter. That scene when Miguel comes home to him and thinking he was going to lose him. The entire thing with the 911 phone call and after. And the end. Because no matter what everyone deserves to have their person that makes them feel safe. That shows them they are enough. I loved this emotional chokehold and highly recommend. I also need signed trophy please and thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
𝒟𝒾𝓈𝒶𝓇𝓂 🌊
𝙱𝚢: 𝙸𝚣𝚣𝚢 𝚁𝚊𝚟𝚊𝚜
“𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙨. “𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?” “𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚.” 𝙄 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙧, 𝙢𝙮 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙬. “𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙛𝙬𝙖𝙮? 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚.”
I’m going to need some time to recover after this one 🥹
They’ve been in love since they were teenagers. Forbidden, secret, and terrifying. These boys go through so much together that the HEA is so well deserved you just want to hug them both so hard.
Caleb, oh my goodness. Always trying to be someone worth everyone’s time but is drowning himself to do so. My heart hurt for him. The only one that’s been there through it all and to help him see the light on bad days, is Miggy ❤️
Miguel had a lot of patience and a lot of love to give Caleb. He didn’t want him to drown more than he already was but was slowly burning himself out trying to save him.
“𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙩,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙨, 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜. “𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙮, 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩.”
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🏀 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚙-𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚜
🏀 𝙷𝚞𝚛𝚝/𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝
🏀 𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑 𝚁𝚎𝚙
🏀 𝙼𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝙿𝚕𝚊𝚢
🏀 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎
🏀 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚞𝚊
🏀 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚢
𝙱𝚢: 𝙸𝚣𝚣𝚢 𝚁𝚊𝚟𝚊𝚜
“𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙨. “𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?” “𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚.” 𝙄 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙧, 𝙢𝙮 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙬. “𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙛𝙬𝙖𝙮? 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚.”
I’m going to need some time to recover after this one 🥹
They’ve been in love since they were teenagers. Forbidden, secret, and terrifying. These boys go through so much together that the HEA is so well deserved you just want to hug them both so hard.
Caleb, oh my goodness. Always trying to be someone worth everyone’s time but is drowning himself to do so. My heart hurt for him. The only one that’s been there through it all and to help him see the light on bad days, is Miggy ❤️
Miguel had a lot of patience and a lot of love to give Caleb. He didn’t want him to drown more than he already was but was slowly burning himself out trying to save him.
“𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙩,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙨, 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜. “𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙮, 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩.”
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🏀 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚙-𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚜
🏀 𝙷𝚞𝚛𝚝/𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝
🏀 𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑 𝚁𝚎𝚙
🏀 𝙼𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝙿𝚕𝚊𝚢
🏀 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎
🏀 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚞𝚊
🏀 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚢
February 27, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
“For anyone who’s ever been broken, just know that healing isn’t linear and you are doing amazing. I promise. This book is also for the person who made it safe for us to be whole again, those who have taught us how to love ourselves—even when we thought we were unlovable.”
When a book starts with a dedication like this, you know it’s going to break you before putting you back together… and that’s exactly what this one did.
You already know I loved Miguel and Caleb from the two prequel novellas, but this book made me completely obsessed with them and the way they love each other… deeply and wholeheartedly.
I loved watching their relationship grow and evolve, and seeing how they changed along the way. I laughed with them, I cried with them—I felt every raw, intense emotion right alongside them.
Izzy thank you so much for trusting me with their story. I’m endlessly grateful 💕
⚠️In this book there are some themes that some people might find triggering like trauma, panic attacks and mental health rep. Please read the Author’s Notes. Your mental health is important!⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
“For anyone who’s ever been broken, just know that healing isn’t linear and you are doing amazing. I promise. This book is also for the person who made it safe for us to be whole again, those who have taught us how to love ourselves—even when we thought we were unlovable.”
When a book starts with a dedication like this, you know it’s going to break you before putting you back together… and that’s exactly what this one did.
You already know I loved Miguel and Caleb from the two prequel novellas, but this book made me completely obsessed with them and the way they love each other… deeply and wholeheartedly.
I loved watching their relationship grow and evolve, and seeing how they changed along the way. I laughed with them, I cried with them—I felt every raw, intense emotion right alongside them.
Izzy thank you so much for trusting me with their story. I’m endlessly grateful 💕
⚠️In this book there are some themes that some people might find triggering like trauma, panic attacks and mental health rep. Please read the Author’s Notes. Your mental health is important!⚠️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m almost positive that Izzy broke me and put me back together with this book!!
I fell in love with Miggy and Caleb while reading Trick of the Flesh and was so excited when I found out they were getting a full length novel.
Caleb, my poor sweet broke boy!! I don’t think I have ever related more to a character than I have with Caleb. This sweet boy went through hell and just wanted to be loved but without feeling like he was a burden to everyone around him. He loved so big and had such big feelings to going through so much trauma.
Miguel, the sweet loving boy who just wanted to be everything for Caleb!! He was willing to wear himself so thin and risk his own mental health just to make sure that Caleb was safe and loved.
These two were so powerful together and shows that love, healing and some real therapy are so important. Miguel and Caleb didn’t shy away from baring their souls and being broken open so that they can be put back together and even stronger!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m almost positive that Izzy broke me and put me back together with this book!!
I fell in love with Miggy and Caleb while reading Trick of the Flesh and was so excited when I found out they were getting a full length novel.
Caleb, my poor sweet broke boy!! I don’t think I have ever related more to a character than I have with Caleb. This sweet boy went through hell and just wanted to be loved but without feeling like he was a burden to everyone around him. He loved so big and had such big feelings to going through so much trauma.
Miguel, the sweet loving boy who just wanted to be everything for Caleb!! He was willing to wear himself so thin and risk his own mental health just to make sure that Caleb was safe and loved.
These two were so powerful together and shows that love, healing and some real therapy are so important. Miguel and Caleb didn’t shy away from baring their souls and being broken open so that they can be put back together and even stronger!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐ 3 🌶️
I loved the prequel novellas we got before Miguel and Caleb's full story, but Disarm is E V E R Y T H I N G I love in an emotional romance. We dialed back the dark spicy romance and made it emotionally dark with a side of spice and I loved it so much. I don't often cry in books and Izzy had me welling up multiple times as this story unfolded. Between Caleb's depression and anxiety, Miguel's lack of self care as he attempted to be Caleb's lifeline and the relationship between these two and their parents I was basically a puddle on the floor the entire book.
I really, really enjoyed watching Ashton's journey. I kinda low key hated him to start, and he didn't react the way I'd hoped from the start. But he really took the feedback and grew sooo much from page 1 to page 614. Ashton in the epilogue was a dad to be proud of and it made me so happy for Caleb and Miguel.
I have Blot on the docket from Izzy, which is a totally different cup of tea, but one I'm equally excite to sip on and I can't wait to delve further into their backlist.
I loved the prequel novellas we got before Miguel and Caleb's full story, but Disarm is E V E R Y T H I N G I love in an emotional romance. We dialed back the dark spicy romance and made it emotionally dark with a side of spice and I loved it so much. I don't often cry in books and Izzy had me welling up multiple times as this story unfolded. Between Caleb's depression and anxiety, Miguel's lack of self care as he attempted to be Caleb's lifeline and the relationship between these two and their parents I was basically a puddle on the floor the entire book.
I really, really enjoyed watching Ashton's journey. I kinda low key hated him to start, and he didn't react the way I'd hoped from the start. But he really took the feedback and grew sooo much from page 1 to page 614. Ashton in the epilogue was a dad to be proud of and it made me so happy for Caleb and Miguel.
I have Blot on the docket from Izzy, which is a totally different cup of tea, but one I'm equally excite to sip on and I can't wait to delve further into their backlist.
Review of advance copy
More Emotional Damage
(Plot/Spice/Tears/Violence-Gore-Action)
📚 5/5 - 🌶 2.5/5 - 💧4/0 - 🗡 2/5
2 swords for Self-Harm.
Please check trigger warnings, this story is very emotional.
“You can believe in forever, Caleb. And if that’s too hard for you right now, I’ll do it for you. Because whatever has happened in your life that has made you this way… whatever was said or done to you, it doesn’t need to define you.” - Miguel
I met Miguel and Caleb last October when Trick Of The Flesh was released, I loved them. Then Sin Of The Season came out in December, I was hooked. I was so excited when I found out they were getting a Novel.
I loved Caleb's sarcasm, and humor, and Miguel really sets the bar for supportive partners.
Izzy's realistic attention to the details in the fight, and the growth they both go through while dealing with Caleb's mental health from his childhood trauma(which is heartbreaking) was so hard to read about at times. Not in a bad way, but because it was raw, and emotionally heavy.
Disarm is a beautiful, traumatic, and healing love story, that is going to stay with me forever. Also, Trama Gremlin is now in my vocabulary.
“You’re not a distraction for me, Miguel. You’re the only thing that makes anything make sense.” - Caleb
(Plot/Spice/Tears/Violence-Gore-Action)
📚 5/5 - 🌶 2.5/5 - 💧4/0 - 🗡 2/5
2 swords for Self-Harm.
Please check trigger warnings, this story is very emotional.
“You can believe in forever, Caleb. And if that’s too hard for you right now, I’ll do it for you. Because whatever has happened in your life that has made you this way… whatever was said or done to you, it doesn’t need to define you.” - Miguel
I met Miguel and Caleb last October when Trick Of The Flesh was released, I loved them. Then Sin Of The Season came out in December, I was hooked. I was so excited when I found out they were getting a Novel.
I loved Caleb's sarcasm, and humor, and Miguel really sets the bar for supportive partners.
Izzy's realistic attention to the details in the fight, and the growth they both go through while dealing with Caleb's mental health from his childhood trauma(which is heartbreaking) was so hard to read about at times. Not in a bad way, but because it was raw, and emotionally heavy.
Disarm is a beautiful, traumatic, and healing love story, that is going to stay with me forever. Also, Trama Gremlin is now in my vocabulary.
“You’re not a distraction for me, Miguel. You’re the only thing that makes anything make sense.” - Caleb
February 28, 2026
Their Love Broke Me... In a Good Way
OMG Besties… when I tell you I was emotionally spent in the best way possible? I mean it. I first met Caleb and Miguel in "Sin of the Season" (holiday novella), and that tiny glimpse? SINFULLY delicious. But getting their full story in "Disarm"? Utter perfection.
Caleb shattered me. The pressure, the hiding, the pain he carries behind that “perfect” mask? I felt every crack. And Miguel? That man is possessive protector, 'touch him & d!e' energy wrapped in devotion and aftercare. The way he loves Caleb through trauma, fear, and self-doubt had me crying happy tears, ugly tears… all the tears.😢
This is a long read, but Besties, it’s SO worth it. The hurt/comfort... Top tier. The spice... YUMMIE. The healing... Hard fought and deeply earned. But please... read the TWs. They matter.
Their love is messy, forbidden, stepbrother complicated… and absolutely everything. You MUST read their story.🖤
My Ratings: ⭐ 5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG Besties… when I tell you I was emotionally spent in the best way possible? I mean it. I first met Caleb and Miguel in "Sin of the Season" (holiday novella), and that tiny glimpse? SINFULLY delicious. But getting their full story in "Disarm"? Utter perfection.
Caleb shattered me. The pressure, the hiding, the pain he carries behind that “perfect” mask? I felt every crack. And Miguel? That man is possessive protector, 'touch him & d!e' energy wrapped in devotion and aftercare. The way he loves Caleb through trauma, fear, and self-doubt had me crying happy tears, ugly tears… all the tears.😢
This is a long read, but Besties, it’s SO worth it. The hurt/comfort... Top tier. The spice... YUMMIE. The healing... Hard fought and deeply earned. But please... read the TWs. They matter.
Their love is messy, forbidden, stepbrother complicated… and absolutely everything. You MUST read their story.🖤
My Ratings: ⭐ 5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
March 16, 2026
WOW — a full length review will follow eventually when I’ve settled down enough to fully capture my emotions, but OMG this book is everything I’ve ever wanted.
At over 700 pages not one page is wasted or unnecessary. It is written so beautifully and captured me immediately. Every single page is filled with deep emotion from love, passion, depression, fear, contentment, strength….. everything.
I devoured Disarm in less than 2 days and am absolutely certain I will have a Caleb and Miguel shaped hole in my heart for a very long time. Their love and commitment to each other through the noise and struggle was deeply inspiring.
This isn’t an easy read, but it is powerful and devastating and there is so much beauty in their pages. It resonates deeply with me and will without a doubt feel familiar to so many.
Really beautiful job by the author of capturing the struggle of mental health from not only the individual, but the partner, the family, the professionals. I feel so grateful I happened to find this story while browsing KU. Easily a contender for my top read of 2026!
At over 700 pages not one page is wasted or unnecessary. It is written so beautifully and captured me immediately. Every single page is filled with deep emotion from love, passion, depression, fear, contentment, strength….. everything.
I devoured Disarm in less than 2 days and am absolutely certain I will have a Caleb and Miguel shaped hole in my heart for a very long time. Their love and commitment to each other through the noise and struggle was deeply inspiring.
This isn’t an easy read, but it is powerful and devastating and there is so much beauty in their pages. It resonates deeply with me and will without a doubt feel familiar to so many.
Really beautiful job by the author of capturing the struggle of mental health from not only the individual, but the partner, the family, the professionals. I feel so grateful I happened to find this story while browsing KU. Easily a contender for my top read of 2026!
February 27, 2026
ARC Review
Disarm
Izzy Ravas
Mi amor, te amo for healing parts of you but also being selfless. Healing parts of us familia; the readers.
When a book becomes more than pages but a lifeline, a connection. The words bring meaning, tears, love, pain, and… hope. All between the lines that bleed into my own heart and the air breathed back into my lungs; as if Izzy is giving me CPR and a lifeline I need to survive. Caleb I understand immensely in ways that chapter 41 and the chapters before can explain!! Caleb/Izzy gives me hope not only for a Miggy but a fighting chance. This book grabs ahold of not only your heart but weary soul and if you love a book with so much meaning that you end up crying in pain but also relief. To feel seen, heard, and understood from both Caleb and Miguel’s POV; to also see the other’s side too. This book is it. This series that leads to this moment, this tear jerking moment of everything. Then what are you waiting for.
Disarm
Izzy Ravas
Mi amor, te amo for healing parts of you but also being selfless. Healing parts of us familia; the readers.
When a book becomes more than pages but a lifeline, a connection. The words bring meaning, tears, love, pain, and… hope. All between the lines that bleed into my own heart and the air breathed back into my lungs; as if Izzy is giving me CPR and a lifeline I need to survive. Caleb I understand immensely in ways that chapter 41 and the chapters before can explain!! Caleb/Izzy gives me hope not only for a Miggy but a fighting chance. This book grabs ahold of not only your heart but weary soul and if you love a book with so much meaning that you end up crying in pain but also relief. To feel seen, heard, and understood from both Caleb and Miguel’s POV; to also see the other’s side too. This book is it. This series that leads to this moment, this tear jerking moment of everything. Then what are you waiting for.
February 28, 2026
I can't believe it's already time for me to say goodbye to Caleb and Miguel. (Though more than likely I will be re-reading this book endlessly 🤣) From the moment I read Trick of The Flesh they had me in an inescapable chokehold, that I wouldn't leave even if I could.
Caleb really made me feel like I was looking into a mirror, sure there's been other characters in books that I've related to but no one quite like him. In every struggle and biting thought I found myself there with him, in weird way that was healing because I also saw how Miguel loved him through those moments. No questions asked. It wasn't a chore, it was second nature.
That's what I hope everyone takes from this book- love is not easy, it's messy and there will be things to overcome. But it's worth the fight against the darkness to have a love that's like the sun itself. Bright, beautiful and keeps you warm even when it's cold outside.
Caleb really made me feel like I was looking into a mirror, sure there's been other characters in books that I've related to but no one quite like him. In every struggle and biting thought I found myself there with him, in weird way that was healing because I also saw how Miguel loved him through those moments. No questions asked. It wasn't a chore, it was second nature.
That's what I hope everyone takes from this book- love is not easy, it's messy and there will be things to overcome. But it's worth the fight against the darkness to have a love that's like the sun itself. Bright, beautiful and keeps you warm even when it's cold outside.
March 2, 2026
WHAT A READ
Miguel and Caleb were a forbidden couple I’ve been interested in since their novella, but this story truly solidified Ravas’ writing style.
Caleb’s vulnerability and rawness takes hold of your heart in ways you can’t describe. Some moments you empathize with him, and others you find the feeling of being seen. He struggles with trauma, anxiety and the pressures of perfection, which is where Miguel comes into play.
Miguel? Whew, that was a man through and through 😩 this novel reveals a deeper understanding into his character and just made me fall in love deeper. His understanding, his steadfast love—chef’s kiss omg.
Their love was raw, emotional, co-dependent yet endlessly sweet. I just loved the exploration in the complexity of trauma and survival; additionally, the reflections on getting help was truly intriguing. Overall great read!
*PLEASE make sure you heed triggers, this story grapples with heavy themes that could be triggering for some.
Miguel and Caleb were a forbidden couple I’ve been interested in since their novella, but this story truly solidified Ravas’ writing style.
Caleb’s vulnerability and rawness takes hold of your heart in ways you can’t describe. Some moments you empathize with him, and others you find the feeling of being seen. He struggles with trauma, anxiety and the pressures of perfection, which is where Miguel comes into play.
Miguel? Whew, that was a man through and through 😩 this novel reveals a deeper understanding into his character and just made me fall in love deeper. His understanding, his steadfast love—chef’s kiss omg.
Their love was raw, emotional, co-dependent yet endlessly sweet. I just loved the exploration in the complexity of trauma and survival; additionally, the reflections on getting help was truly intriguing. Overall great read!
*PLEASE make sure you heed triggers, this story grapples with heavy themes that could be triggering for some.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
Disarm is a taboo MM Romance. There is heavy elements of mental health; Suicide ideation and an attempt.
Those aside I loved this book. Personally the mental health was a spot on representation that's not always black and white. Miguel was great through everything though. He was there for Caleb and himself. Another thing I enjoyed was their mom. She was a great cheerleader for all parties. Then, epilogues aren't a big thing for me but it definitely was a fully circle for them and more. While this book focuses on mental health the spice was there an top tier. There is Sins of the Season and and Trick of the Flesh with Miguel and Caleb I reccomend reading those before (you get a glimpse of everything). back to what I was saying the spicy was a coping mechanism but there was just with a shi ton of kink.
Disarm is a taboo MM Romance. There is heavy elements of mental health; Suicide ideation and an attempt.
Those aside I loved this book. Personally the mental health was a spot on representation that's not always black and white. Miguel was great through everything though. He was there for Caleb and himself. Another thing I enjoyed was their mom. She was a great cheerleader for all parties. Then, epilogues aren't a big thing for me but it definitely was a fully circle for them and more. While this book focuses on mental health the spice was there an top tier. There is Sins of the Season and and Trick of the Flesh with Miguel and Caleb I reccomend reading those before (you get a glimpse of everything). back to what I was saying the spicy was a coping mechanism but there was just with a shi ton of kink.
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