Book Review: Surrender by June Gray

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Surrender
DISARM #8
Author: June Gray
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: November 4th 2014
Review Source: Berkley Trade | Penguin

Bestselling author June Gray’s romances have been praised as “scorching hot”(MsRomantic Reads). Now, in her latest scintillating read, one woman is torn between remembering her past and committing to an unpredictable future...

Julie Keaton had everything—she had a new career in a new city and, more importantly, a bright future with fiance, Jason Sherman. That is, until the day she discovered that he had been killed in Afghanistan. In one moment, her life changed, as everything she’d hoped for died along with him.

Years later and Julie still feels the aftershocks of Jason’s death. She is no longer the same adventurous, open girl; now she wears armor around her heart in order to protect the most important thing in her life—her son.

But when Julie meets the mysterious Neal, she starts to feel the smallest flicker of hope, as what began as a fling quickly becomes something more. Neal is the first man since Jason’s death to break down her armor and make her believe again. But when she discovers the secret he’s been keeping, she has to ask herself: can she surrender to a future with Neal or will Jason’s death forever tie her to the past?

This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to read and review June’s Disarmed series. It was a heartbreaking story. So when I started Surrender, I knew June will be breaking my heart again. To surrender is hard. To show your emotions to someone, to be honest… this is something one can have difficulty with. Julie, our main character, had a difficult time expressing her feelings toward Jason. And now it’s late. Jason’s a hero and died for his country in Afghanistan. If you’ve read Disarmed, then you may recall that Jason is Elise’s brother. Before heading to Afghanistan, Julie discovers that she is pregnant and his death hits her hard.

Years after Jason’s death, Julie is in California for Elise and Henry’s wedding. (My heart was happy to know this). Upon her morning run, she meets a gorgeous man and immediately hit it off. Let’s say Surrender was a lot steamier than Disarm! Neal slowly peels off Julie’s covers and we begin to see this fun and daring side of her.

Surrender was a steamy read compared to Disarm. I love how Neal was able to break the walls Julie built to guard herself from ever getting hurt again. He taught her man things - life is too short to regret things, to live life completely so when death comes, there is nothing left for it to take.

Once again, I found myself enjoy reading one of June Gray’s novels. I highly recommend this book, and/or Disarm, to anyone that lost someone dearly and is afraid to move on.

Book Review: Disarm: The Complete Novel by June Gray

Disarm: The Complete Novel
Author: June Gray
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: February 4th, 2014
Review Source: Berkley Trade | Penguin

June Gray's bestselling erotic serial is now available in print for the first time—as one complete novel.

When the secrets of the past begin to surface, the truth can be disarming…

Twenty-six-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, Henry—now an Air Force officer—has only ever treated her like a younger sister, stepping into her brother’s shoes after he was killed in action.

That is, until the night when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie aroused and confused. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother, who also happens to be her roommate? As the passion between them crosses the line into a territory that teases with the forbidden, Elsie decides to give herself to the man she has always desired. But Elsie is not prepared for where the relationship will take her.

Henry has been harboring two secrets. One can bring them closer together. The other will tear them apart. Now, with each startling new revelation, Elsie realizes that only she can decide if the past can ever be forgiven—and if a future with Henry is worth fighting for.

Includes a never-before-published bonus short story.

Having a military life is not an easy life, for both serving member and family. I can only take glimpse of the life of these individual through some of my friends. I know how worried they are when their love ones are away. How tough they need to portrait for the young ones. I know how incredibly strong one they are.

Disarm The Complete Series is a combination of novellas that is very personal to the author. See June Gray is a military wife. And before starting this review, I would like to thank her and everyone out there for fighting for our freedom.

Six novellas put together making one amazing love story. This is fairly a friends-to-lover kind of story. And how wouldn’t want this?

At a young age Elise has consider Henry to be the One. She was convinced that she would marry him. As the years passed, realization struck her. Henry will always see her as her brother’s best friend’s little sister. One night, as they dance, their attraction with one another unleashed. This is the night that changed everything. Within days, Henry tells Elise the truth. His feelings are mutual. This is when their journey begins as Henry starts his rounds at the Air Force.

I love these two. Sharing an apartment that was meant for her brother to share as well but with his death, they stay alone together. I love how sorrow brought them together, as friends and lovers. They become close by sharing their pain. I love Henry. He puts this tough façade but in reality he is this big warm loveable person. We see how he breaks yet comes back to her many times.

This is a roller coaster, heartwarming-heartbreaking ride. Your heart will hurt from reading this story. I recommend everyone to read this book, especially those that love reading sad but happy endings. Thank you, June, for sharing this lovely story. And thank you to all those who have served, are serving, and/or will serve