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The Dumonts #2
Disarm
Karina Halle, the New York Times bestselling author of Discretion , lifts the veil off a privileged family dynasty to reveal a wealth of secrets and dangerous obsessions. Seraphine Dumont seems to have it she’s gorgeous, brilliant, and part of one of France’s most illustrious dynasties. But underneath the facade, Seraphine struggles to hold it all together. Besides grieving her adoptive father’s suspicious and sudden death, she also shares a tenuous role in the family business with Blaise, her in-name-only cousin. As tumultuous as their history is, he may be the only member of the deceptive Dumont family she can trust. Seraphine is a temptation Blaise can’t resist. The torch he’s carried for years still burns. It’s his secret―a quiet obsession just out of reach. Until his brother demands that he spy on the increasingly cagey Seraphine, whom their father considers a dispensable Dumont outlier. But the more Blaise watches her and the closer he gets, the more he sees Seraphine may have every right to be suspicious. And she could be the next one in danger―from his own family. As blood runs hot and hearts give in, Seraphine and Blaise have only each other. But can their love survive the secrets they’re about to uncover?
271 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2019
630 people are currently reading
2638 people want to read
About the author
Karina Halle
122 books19.6k followersKarina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Grave Matter, Blood Orange, & The Royals Next Door, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
November 11, 2019
4 stars
The Dumont family is a complicated one… if you’ve read the first book in this series, you know that already. Seraphine was adopted into the family at the age of nine. Her life truly started then. She came from a loving family, but then her father died and everything fell apart. All she wants now is answers, and she’ll get them no matter how dangerous. The only person out there to protect her is someone she’s not sure she can trust. Blaise Dumont, her evil uncle’s son.
The best part about this book was Blaise… I loved Blaise so hard. What I loved about him most was how he loved Seraphine something fierce. He always put her first and never gave up on her. He was such an amazing and strong hero.
Seraphine is going through a lot and she’s determined. At times, she’s reckless and stubborn. Thank goodness she had Blaise by her side, and thankfully, eventually, she grew to trust him. I loved these two together. It was a very slow burn romance, but so worth the wait.
Some would consider this book a bit of a taboo/forbidden love story as the main characters are cousins (one is adopted so no true relation, and they didn’t grow up close by any means) but I found it to be a beautiful love story full of sacrifice and growth. I truly adored Blaise and Seraphine’s love story and can’t wait to see what direction Karina takes the next book in this series. I want answers about certain things and I’m dying to see how she turns Pascal around. All in all, this was a fabulous romantic suspense.
She’s not telling me to stop. She has a war inside herself too.Karina Halle’s The Dumonts series is action packed, full of secrets, scandals, betrayals, and suspense. While I enjoyed the first book of the series, this one was so much better for me. Mainly, because I loved the romance so much more!
The Dumont family is a complicated one… if you’ve read the first book in this series, you know that already. Seraphine was adopted into the family at the age of nine. Her life truly started then. She came from a loving family, but then her father died and everything fell apart. All she wants now is answers, and she’ll get them no matter how dangerous. The only person out there to protect her is someone she’s not sure she can trust. Blaise Dumont, her evil uncle’s son.
The best part about this book was Blaise… I loved Blaise so hard. What I loved about him most was how he loved Seraphine something fierce. He always put her first and never gave up on her. He was such an amazing and strong hero.
“You have me,” I say emphatically, holding her head in place, searching deep in her eyes, looking for a sign that she understands. “Even if you don’t want me, you have me.”
Seraphine is going through a lot and she’s determined. At times, she’s reckless and stubborn. Thank goodness she had Blaise by her side, and thankfully, eventually, she grew to trust him. I loved these two together. It was a very slow burn romance, but so worth the wait.
Some would consider this book a bit of a taboo/forbidden love story as the main characters are cousins (one is adopted so no true relation, and they didn’t grow up close by any means) but I found it to be a beautiful love story full of sacrifice and growth. I truly adored Blaise and Seraphine’s love story and can’t wait to see what direction Karina takes the next book in this series. I want answers about certain things and I’m dying to see how she turns Pascal around. All in all, this was a fabulous romantic suspense.
All we might have needed is each other.
November 19, 2019
I'm still in love with gay Paris!!
Karina Halle's got me hooked on these Dumonts. From the suspense and intrigue to the romance and family, I was beyond interested. I think the taboo feel of what lay between Blaise and Seraphine was the biggest draw for this story. It was sweet and forbidden and although they weren't blood related, the idea of their coupledom would have its own share of problems. It was what kept holding them back, at least for her. And every time they came close to having everything they wanted, the 'bad' Dumonts stood in their way. I couldn't get enough of the flashbacks to their youth and the many ways that their love was inevitable.
Can I just reiterate how much of a monster Gautier is? He doesn't deserve a bit of kindness and I want to know what screw is loose to make him the way he is. Why does family mean nothing? Why does loyalty mean nothing? Why does nothing but money and power mean anything to him? I also want to know why the author took the path she did when it came to 'uncle Luddie'. Why tarnish his good name? After everything he and his family had been through, after his children now have to navigate life without him, dealing with the pain of his sudden loss, why sully him? Maybe this will all become clear in the next book. Pascal is next and I have absolutely no clue how the author will redeem his character. She did a little bit to finally humanize him in this book, but I just can't picture him as a hero. I'm looking forward to her forcing my change of heart.
Can I just reiterate how much of a monster Gautier is? He doesn't deserve a bit of kindness and I want to know what screw is loose to make him the way he is. Why does family mean nothing? Why does loyalty mean nothing? Why does nothing but money and power mean anything to him? I also want to know why the author took the path she did when it came to 'uncle Luddie'. Why tarnish his good name? After everything he and his family had been through, after his children now have to navigate life without him, dealing with the pain of his sudden loss, why sully him? Maybe this will all become clear in the next book. Pascal is next and I have absolutely no clue how the author will redeem his character. She did a little bit to finally humanize him in this book, but I just can't picture him as a hero. I'm looking forward to her forcing my change of heart.
November 19, 2019
Oh my god, what a ride!!!!!!
I love a book I completely get lost in, good, bad, ups, or downs. I throughly enjoyed this one, definitely want a re-read after I calm down!!!
I love a book I completely get lost in, good, bad, ups, or downs. I throughly enjoyed this one, definitely want a re-read after I calm down!!!
July 15, 2022
Disarm is not really an exciting book. Not a book left me with so much emotion. Instead Disarm is just OK book.
The story of enemy to lover is always my favorite trophe. Usually the author burns the chemistry of hate into love. Miss Halle failed to bring that chemistry.
Both characters have potential. Their name is very excotic. But because Blais, the hero, is always in the background of the story, the story loses it's bite on me.
Overall, OK book.
3 stars
The story of enemy to lover is always my favorite trophe. Usually the author burns the chemistry of hate into love. Miss Halle failed to bring that chemistry.
Both characters have potential. Their name is very excotic. But because Blais, the hero, is always in the background of the story, the story loses it's bite on me.
Overall, OK book.
3 stars
November 20, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
DISARM (The Dumonts Book 2) by Karina Halle is the new contemporary romance set in the privileged and ultrarich French family dynasty of the Dumonts. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily read as a standalone.
Seraphine Dumont was adopted by the Dumonts at the age of eight from an English orphanage. Of Indian decent, Seraphine has beautiful exotic features and has grown up with the love of her parents and two brothers. She has worked hard to get to the top of the beauty department of the Dumont dynasty.
Everything changes with her father’s suspicious and sudden death at their annual masked ball.
Her uncle has taken over the company and placed his two sons in positions of power. Seraphine’s position is now tenuous at best because not only has she never gotten along with her uncle’s family, but she is working to prove that he was responsible for her father’s death.
Blaise Dumont is Seraphine’s cousin, but not by birth. He has always felt an outsider in his own family and been intrigued by Seraphine. As the two have matured, they find that they can no longer ignore the passion that is growing between them, but her quest to prove his father guilty of her father’s death has placed her in danger that even Blaise may not be able to save her from.
I enjoyed Seraphine and Blaise’s growing romance with the author’s flashbacks to how it evolved. Seraphine was a believable character with all the issues of an adoptive child. I liked Blaise and his continued avoidance of the dark side of his family’s business, but I found it difficult to believe he would stay celibate for years waiting for Seraphine. This was an enjoyable and easy-to-read romance with an easily solved mystery and dark, manipulative and secretive family members. For me, this was similar to reading/watching an episode of Dallas or Dynasty. (Yes, I know I just dated myself.)
DISARM (The Dumonts Book 2) by Karina Halle is the new contemporary romance set in the privileged and ultrarich French family dynasty of the Dumonts. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily read as a standalone.
Seraphine Dumont was adopted by the Dumonts at the age of eight from an English orphanage. Of Indian decent, Seraphine has beautiful exotic features and has grown up with the love of her parents and two brothers. She has worked hard to get to the top of the beauty department of the Dumont dynasty.
Everything changes with her father’s suspicious and sudden death at their annual masked ball.
Her uncle has taken over the company and placed his two sons in positions of power. Seraphine’s position is now tenuous at best because not only has she never gotten along with her uncle’s family, but she is working to prove that he was responsible for her father’s death.
Blaise Dumont is Seraphine’s cousin, but not by birth. He has always felt an outsider in his own family and been intrigued by Seraphine. As the two have matured, they find that they can no longer ignore the passion that is growing between them, but her quest to prove his father guilty of her father’s death has placed her in danger that even Blaise may not be able to save her from.
I enjoyed Seraphine and Blaise’s growing romance with the author’s flashbacks to how it evolved. Seraphine was a believable character with all the issues of an adoptive child. I liked Blaise and his continued avoidance of the dark side of his family’s business, but I found it difficult to believe he would stay celibate for years waiting for Seraphine. This was an enjoyable and easy-to-read romance with an easily solved mystery and dark, manipulative and secretive family members. For me, this was similar to reading/watching an episode of Dallas or Dynasty. (Yes, I know I just dated myself.)
November 18, 2019
The second Dumont book!
Olivier already found his happily ever after and left for California.
Seraphine is left all alone with her horrible uncle and her cousins. She's trying her best to keep the family company running the way her dad would've wanted it - but her uncle is quickly ruining everything.
Plus she also thinks that her dad was murdered. By her uncle, or her cousin Pascal?
And suddenly she's working together with her cousin Blaise to find out what happened and to survive whatever the bad guys have planned for them ...
P.S. Seraphine was adopted when she was nine - so Blaise is not a blood relative - in case you were weirded out ☺
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH SERAPHINE & BLAISE?
WILL WE GET A HAPPY END?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!☺
═════════════════
Well, I loved this!
It's a sweet and exciting love story.
I already had to cry in the prologue!
Poor Seraphine was so happy to have been adopted by the Dumonts, but now she's left all alone. Only her cousin Blaise seems to be on her side. Well, when he's not driving her insane - like he's been doing since they were teenagers! She's not really sure she can trust him. But they have to work together to stop Gautier from destroying the company and more importantly from killing any more people - like maybe Seraphine!!!!?
I really enjoyed reading it. There were some weird moments, like with how Blaise was celibate for years and years while he waited for Seraphine to fall in love with him? A bit ridiculous.
But I really like this series and I can't wait to see how in the hell we will fall in love with Pascal in the next book! ☺ Whoops - S p o i l e r ! Now you already know that Pascal might not be the baddest guy here! ☺
DISARM was a really sweet & exciting love adventure!
♡
♡
November 15, 2019
Sexy, addictive, and did I mention sexy? With the perfect touch of forbidden, Karina Halle has outdone herself with this angsty, intriguing slow burn romance that will have your feelings pulled in every direction. Disarm is one of those books you don't want to put down, and at the same time, you don't want it to end.
Everything about this story was more intense-the writing, the storyline, and the character development was stellar. And now that I have finished it, I'm already so fucking eager to get to know more about the Dumont family-their secrets, lies, and fascinating members.
I'm still in shock to know that the third book is not going to be about Renaud, but PASCAL!! I'm dying to know how Karina will turn Pascal around.
You can find me here: | INSTAGRAM
Everything about this story was more intense-the writing, the storyline, and the character development was stellar. And now that I have finished it, I'm already so fucking eager to get to know more about the Dumont family-their secrets, lies, and fascinating members.
I'm still in shock to know that the third book is not going to be about Renaud, but PASCAL!! I'm dying to know how Karina will turn Pascal around.
You can find me here: | INSTAGRAM
November 19, 2019
4 'My chaos. My Blaise' Stars!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What a freaking rollercoaster! This series just keeps getting more suspenseful and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I confess I had a bit of a hard time with the first book in the series and it took me a bit to connect with the story and characters. In this case though, I am happy to say, this book was definitely so much better for me. Especially in regards of the storyline and how the romance was developed.
Disarm is the second installment The Dumonts series and it keeps getting inside of the wealthy and scandalous Dummont family. Now Seraphine (Olivier’s adopted sister) is alone in the family business and she is not in a good place after her father’s death. She suspects there is a lot more behind it and that her vicious uncle is involved. She is getting too close when Pascal (one of her cousins) asks Blaise (her other cousin) to follow Seraphine. That is the start of a love story full of action, secrets, angst and a whole lot of tension.
Just the sight of her makes something inside me unravel.
I can’t let that happen.
I have to stay intact. I have to avoid her.
Wow, this series just keeps getting more dramatic with every installment! Disarm is more packed with suspense and action than Discretion was and I really liked it. This family and the secrets around them, everything is just insane! Of course, this is also a romance and I have to say Karina did a great job with this one and these two characters. I loved Seraphine and Blaise, they are both kick ass protagonists and their story (past and present) keep me hooked from start to finish.
I just want to trust him.
I want to let him in.
I want to lose myself to him, go up in the heat and flames, and somehow manage to not get burned in the process.
Yes, these two are family but not by blood! Actually, Blaise and Seraphine had feelings for each other much earlier than I expected and it made the story even better for me. Blaise is so protective of her and I loved him for it. He loves her so much and he will do anything for her. And when she realizes that and she accepts her feelings too, their chemistry is burning hot! It was a slow burn romance (maybe it took a bit too much for my taste) but it was definitely worth it in the end.
He will remind me that it happened.
And he will remind me of who we are in the midst of chaos.
This is my chaos.
This is my Blaise.
Therefore, my rating for Disarm is 4 STARS because it was a good continuation of the Dummont family story. I enjoyed this dramatic and kind of taboo love story and seeing how the whole storyline with the death of Seraphine’s father was developed. The romance was a bit slow but smoking hot and the chemistry between these two was on point! Now I am surely curious to know how everything concludes and I am even more curious to know about Pascal’s story. Is he as bad as he seems? I guess we will find out in the next installment!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What a freaking rollercoaster! This series just keeps getting more suspenseful and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I confess I had a bit of a hard time with the first book in the series and it took me a bit to connect with the story and characters. In this case though, I am happy to say, this book was definitely so much better for me. Especially in regards of the storyline and how the romance was developed.
Disarm is the second installment The Dumonts series and it keeps getting inside of the wealthy and scandalous Dummont family. Now Seraphine (Olivier’s adopted sister) is alone in the family business and she is not in a good place after her father’s death. She suspects there is a lot more behind it and that her vicious uncle is involved. She is getting too close when Pascal (one of her cousins) asks Blaise (her other cousin) to follow Seraphine. That is the start of a love story full of action, secrets, angst and a whole lot of tension.
Just the sight of her makes something inside me unravel.
I can’t let that happen.
I have to stay intact. I have to avoid her.
Wow, this series just keeps getting more dramatic with every installment! Disarm is more packed with suspense and action than Discretion was and I really liked it. This family and the secrets around them, everything is just insane! Of course, this is also a romance and I have to say Karina did a great job with this one and these two characters. I loved Seraphine and Blaise, they are both kick ass protagonists and their story (past and present) keep me hooked from start to finish.
I just want to trust him.
I want to let him in.
I want to lose myself to him, go up in the heat and flames, and somehow manage to not get burned in the process.
Yes, these two are family but not by blood! Actually, Blaise and Seraphine had feelings for each other much earlier than I expected and it made the story even better for me. Blaise is so protective of her and I loved him for it. He loves her so much and he will do anything for her. And when she realizes that and she accepts her feelings too, their chemistry is burning hot! It was a slow burn romance (maybe it took a bit too much for my taste) but it was definitely worth it in the end.
He will remind me that it happened.
And he will remind me of who we are in the midst of chaos.
This is my chaos.
This is my Blaise.
Therefore, my rating for Disarm is 4 STARS because it was a good continuation of the Dummont family story. I enjoyed this dramatic and kind of taboo love story and seeing how the whole storyline with the death of Seraphine’s father was developed. The romance was a bit slow but smoking hot and the chemistry between these two was on point! Now I am surely curious to know how everything concludes and I am even more curious to know about Pascal’s story. Is he as bad as he seems? I guess we will find out in the next installment!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
February 2, 2020
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy Disarm as much as I enjoyed Discretion, the first book in this series, and overall, it was a pretty boring read.
While I read Discretion in two sittings, it took me more than two weeks to finish reading Disarm. I really loved Seraphine and Blaise in book one and was so excited to finally read their story. Since they've known each other for many years, this novel was a mixture of flashbacks to their childhood/teenage years and scenes from present day. The flashbacks were okay but overall very boring and made me kind of lose interest in Seraphine and Blaise. Furthermore, the present day scenes weren't really any better. Most of them really dragged on and I often found myself skimming passages of the novel. The scenes that were supposed to be a little more suspenseful and exciting felt pretty unrealistic, over the top and it was quite easy to predict how those scenes would unfold.
However, one of the reasons I kept reading this novel even though I wasn't really enjoying "Disarm" was that I was hoping I'd begin liking it a little more after Seraphine and Blaise had gotten together. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The way the two of them ultimately got together was pretty weird and quite disappointing. So once they'd gotten together, I pretty much lost all interest in this novel. I mostly skimmed the rest of the book and was once again disappointed when the ending of this novel also wrapped up a little too easily.
I love Karina Halle's writing and will definitely keep reading her other books, but I won't be continuing this series.
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Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy Disarm as much as I enjoyed Discretion, the first book in this series, and overall, it was a pretty boring read.
While I read Discretion in two sittings, it took me more than two weeks to finish reading Disarm. I really loved Seraphine and Blaise in book one and was so excited to finally read their story. Since they've known each other for many years, this novel was a mixture of flashbacks to their childhood/teenage years and scenes from present day. The flashbacks were okay but overall very boring and made me kind of lose interest in Seraphine and Blaise. Furthermore, the present day scenes weren't really any better. Most of them really dragged on and I often found myself skimming passages of the novel. The scenes that were supposed to be a little more suspenseful and exciting felt pretty unrealistic, over the top and it was quite easy to predict how those scenes would unfold.
However, one of the reasons I kept reading this novel even though I wasn't really enjoying "Disarm" was that I was hoping I'd begin liking it a little more after Seraphine and Blaise had gotten together. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The way the two of them ultimately got together was pretty weird and quite disappointing. So once they'd gotten together, I pretty much lost all interest in this novel. I mostly skimmed the rest of the book and was once again disappointed when the ending of this novel also wrapped up a little too easily.
I love Karina Halle's writing and will definitely keep reading her other books, but I won't be continuing this series.
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December 6, 2019
3.5 stars
Even though I read the first book in this series, "Discretion", which featured the two main characters of this novel as side characters, I didn't necessarily predict a story for these two.
I am not new to the 'forbidden romance' trope but for me, this novel took my experience of that trope to a different level. I don't want to give anything away but I will say that I think the author executed this specific relationship and trope perfectly because typically, I don't think I would have been on a board with a similar relationship--no matter the circumstance. Yet with this novel, there was an explanation and eventually I was rooting for the couple once I got over some hesitation.
This novel featured somewhat of a slow burn romance which was tension filled making some of the scenes even more HOT (more like sweltering).
Overall, this was a good and thrilling read. It actually felt sort of like reading a James Bond movie because it was so action packed. I can't wait to read the next book in this Dumont series.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Even though I read the first book in this series, "Discretion", which featured the two main characters of this novel as side characters, I didn't necessarily predict a story for these two.
I am not new to the 'forbidden romance' trope but for me, this novel took my experience of that trope to a different level. I don't want to give anything away but I will say that I think the author executed this specific relationship and trope perfectly because typically, I don't think I would have been on a board with a similar relationship--no matter the circumstance. Yet with this novel, there was an explanation and eventually I was rooting for the couple once I got over some hesitation.
This novel featured somewhat of a slow burn romance which was tension filled making some of the scenes even more HOT (more like sweltering).
Overall, this was a good and thrilling read. It actually felt sort of like reading a James Bond movie because it was so action packed. I can't wait to read the next book in this Dumont series.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
November 5, 2019
Disarm is filled with mystery, angsty situations, manipulative characters you like to hate will keep you hooked to the story. And when it comes to romance, it's a slow burn between, the main character, Seraphina and Blaise. I like how their feeling built cautiously even though their attraction was instant, giving them time to fully appreciate each other.
Karina Halle didn't disappointed in writing a more intense second book of the Dumonts series. I absolutely enjoyed it! A must-read!
ARC provided by Netgalley, Publisher & Karina Halle. Thank you!
Want to read
November 19, 2019 4 STARS
This is the second book in this series and I really enjoyed it as much as I did with the first book!I really liked the mystsery in this story!The characters were well developed and the storyline very good!
“You have me,” I say emphatically, holding her head in place, searching deep in her eyes, looking for a sign that she understands. “Even if you don’t want me, you have me.”
There is action and the romance was fantastic!Seraphine and Blaise have a great dynamic!
This is the second book in this series and I really enjoyed it as much as I did with the first book!I really liked the mystsery in this story!The characters were well developed and the storyline very good!
“You have me,” I say emphatically, holding her head in place, searching deep in her eyes, looking for a sign that she understands. “Even if you don’t want me, you have me.”
There is action and the romance was fantastic!Seraphine and Blaise have a great dynamic!
November 28, 2019
*** AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW ***
4.5 Suspenseful CROWNS
I am absolutely loving this world, the rivalry between the sides of the Dumont family and the suspense that stems from it. I’m absolutely captivated by it all.
Blaise and Serpahine might not be everyone’s cup of tea, because they are cousins, but not by blood. Seraphine was adopted into the Dumont family, so she has zero blood relation to them, but this still might be a hard pass for some as they call themselves cousins throughout the book. It didn’t, however bother me. I enjoyed seeing them develop through the years. And while Blaise is from the bad side of the Dumonts, he wants to be good. He tries to protect her and do what is right in a family of wrong. Serpahine is responsible for the suspense of the story and the evolving mystery from book one.
I absolutely loved the pacing of this book and the overarching plot line. There are times where the romance takes a back seat to the romance, but I dint mind that overall. And if you love audibles, definitely check this one out.
Karina Halle has crafted one of my favorite worlds from her. I am enjoying every single page.
ARC review
4.5 Suspenseful CROWNS
I am absolutely loving this world, the rivalry between the sides of the Dumont family and the suspense that stems from it. I’m absolutely captivated by it all.
Blaise and Serpahine might not be everyone’s cup of tea, because they are cousins, but not by blood. Seraphine was adopted into the Dumont family, so she has zero blood relation to them, but this still might be a hard pass for some as they call themselves cousins throughout the book. It didn’t, however bother me. I enjoyed seeing them develop through the years. And while Blaise is from the bad side of the Dumonts, he wants to be good. He tries to protect her and do what is right in a family of wrong. Serpahine is responsible for the suspense of the story and the evolving mystery from book one.
I absolutely loved the pacing of this book and the overarching plot line. There are times where the romance takes a back seat to the romance, but I dint mind that overall. And if you love audibles, definitely check this one out.
Karina Halle has crafted one of my favorite worlds from her. I am enjoying every single page.
ARC review
December 3, 2019
4 STARS
Disarm by Karina Halle is book 2 in the Dumont series and it centers around Seraphine and Blaise. Since reading Discretion I've wanted their book. You could say it's enemies-to-lovers with a forbidden aspect #justhowilikeit.
Seraphine and Blaise are cousins but not related by blood. Seraphine was adopted by the Dumont family when she was nine-years old. She always felt like she never belonged. She's the Indian girl with the brown skin and her uncle's side of the family never fails to remind her that she is not a Dumont. Yet there's always been this spark, instant connection and attraction between Seraphine and Blaise. One night while they were both in Mallorca for a family vacation, one thing leads to another and they no longer fight the temptation. But things do not end well. Soon they grow to hate each other, acting as if the other does not exist.
Power, greed, betrayal, and deceit rule this world Karina has created with an iron fist...
Seraphine will stop at nothing until she discovers the truth behind her father's death. She knows it in her heart that he was murdered and she suspects Gautier (her uncle) is behind it. Now Blaise is asked by his brother, Pascal to follow her and put an end to her snooping. Blaise has never shown any loyalty towards his family and now he's asked to show it.
Will Blaise turn his back on his family and help the girl he's always loved or will he convince her to stop playing with fire?
Disarm was a suspenseful, action-packed story that will have you biting your nails in anticipation! The romance was slow but equally sweet at the same time. I'm intrigued for the next book, which just so happens to be Pascal's story 💜 Let's go!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Montlake Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
Disarm by Karina Halle is book 2 in the Dumont series and it centers around Seraphine and Blaise. Since reading Discretion I've wanted their book. You could say it's enemies-to-lovers with a forbidden aspect #justhowilikeit.
Seraphine and Blaise are cousins but not related by blood. Seraphine was adopted by the Dumont family when she was nine-years old. She always felt like she never belonged. She's the Indian girl with the brown skin and her uncle's side of the family never fails to remind her that she is not a Dumont. Yet there's always been this spark, instant connection and attraction between Seraphine and Blaise. One night while they were both in Mallorca for a family vacation, one thing leads to another and they no longer fight the temptation. But things do not end well. Soon they grow to hate each other, acting as if the other does not exist.
Power, greed, betrayal, and deceit rule this world Karina has created with an iron fist...
Seraphine will stop at nothing until she discovers the truth behind her father's death. She knows it in her heart that he was murdered and she suspects Gautier (her uncle) is behind it. Now Blaise is asked by his brother, Pascal to follow her and put an end to her snooping. Blaise has never shown any loyalty towards his family and now he's asked to show it.
Will Blaise turn his back on his family and help the girl he's always loved or will he convince her to stop playing with fire?
Disarm was a suspenseful, action-packed story that will have you biting your nails in anticipation! The romance was slow but equally sweet at the same time. I'm intrigued for the next book, which just so happens to be Pascal's story 💜 Let's go!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Montlake Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
November 5, 2019
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
"There's nothing in this world more beautiful than her, not even a million rising and setting suns."
Disarm is the second book in The Dumonts series. I was really looking forward to Seraphine's story after meeting her in Discretion. I liked this book better than the previous one, and that is because there was more character growth, and history between the two main characters. I admired Seraphine's strong and determined personality. Even though she wasn't born into the Dumont family, she still feels a strong loyalty to her adoptive father and the family business. Even after being adopter at nine years old, she still feels like she isn't enough and doesn't fully belong. She comes from a lost and damaged place, and is scared that she will end up alone again. Blaise is the black sheep of the family and her adoptive cousin. Unbeknownst to her, he too feels like he is alone in the world. Not fitting in and being a failure in the eyes of his parents.
Blaise and Seraphine have history, and I was happy that the author showcased this in short flashbacks. This really helped me in connecting with the characters. This was very important because the book isn't that long for a drawn-out development of the relationship, so seeing that there already was something between them helped me in believing in their love in present time. The suspense was done really well in this book and I enjoyed reading the scenes were the characters were in danger. I really enjoyed this book and loved seeing these two great characters come together. I absolutely love Karina Halle's writing style, it was very easy to read and it had a great flow. I am pleasantly surprised that the next book Disavow is Pascal's story. I currently dislike him, but I do have a thing for anti-heroes and redemption stories, so I look forward to seeing how it will play out.
"There's nothing in this world more beautiful than her, not even a million rising and setting suns."
Disarm is the second book in The Dumonts series. I was really looking forward to Seraphine's story after meeting her in Discretion. I liked this book better than the previous one, and that is because there was more character growth, and history between the two main characters. I admired Seraphine's strong and determined personality. Even though she wasn't born into the Dumont family, she still feels a strong loyalty to her adoptive father and the family business. Even after being adopter at nine years old, she still feels like she isn't enough and doesn't fully belong. She comes from a lost and damaged place, and is scared that she will end up alone again. Blaise is the black sheep of the family and her adoptive cousin. Unbeknownst to her, he too feels like he is alone in the world. Not fitting in and being a failure in the eyes of his parents.
Blaise and Seraphine have history, and I was happy that the author showcased this in short flashbacks. This really helped me in connecting with the characters. This was very important because the book isn't that long for a drawn-out development of the relationship, so seeing that there already was something between them helped me in believing in their love in present time. The suspense was done really well in this book and I enjoyed reading the scenes were the characters were in danger. I really enjoyed this book and loved seeing these two great characters come together. I absolutely love Karina Halle's writing style, it was very easy to read and it had a great flow. I am pleasantly surprised that the next book Disavow is Pascal's story. I currently dislike him, but I do have a thing for anti-heroes and redemption stories, so I look forward to seeing how it will play out.
November 19, 2019
Disarm is the second book in Karina Halle’s Dumonts series, and if I’m honest I did not enjoy this one quite as much as I enjoyed the first. It certainly has me eager to see what the third book brings, but I was not as obsessed with it as I have been with other books from the author.
With Disarm, we continue the story first introduced to us in Discretion. I enjoyed digging deeper into the story, finding out more about what was going on and how much bigger certain elements of the story were than I expected.
Although I enjoyed seeing the overall story develop, I wasn’t crazy about the characters in this one. I was excited for their story, desperate to find out more, but I found I was never as invested in them as I had expected to be. Things between them felt rather lukewarm, rather than the scorching heat I had been anticipating.
All in all, this was not a favourite from the author, but I remain curious about the series.
With Disarm, we continue the story first introduced to us in Discretion. I enjoyed digging deeper into the story, finding out more about what was going on and how much bigger certain elements of the story were than I expected.
Although I enjoyed seeing the overall story develop, I wasn’t crazy about the characters in this one. I was excited for their story, desperate to find out more, but I found I was never as invested in them as I had expected to be. Things between them felt rather lukewarm, rather than the scorching heat I had been anticipating.
All in all, this was not a favourite from the author, but I remain curious about the series.
November 22, 2019
Disarm is the second book in the Dumonts series and is a complete standalone. It’s a romance with some added suspense throughout. Seraphine was adopted as a young girl by the Dumonts. Blaise is a Dumont, and her cousin, although not related by blood. Seraphine believes her adopted father was murdered, and she is trying to find out the truth. The two were in a lot of dangerous situations, and Blaise protected and saved her a lot. The book goes back and forth between past and present, with the past mostly being about their developing relationship.
Honestly, I’m pretty on the fence about this one. While it was a page turner, I really struggled with the romance. I know they aren’t technically related, but the word cousin kept coming up right when they’d get together, and it just felt weird. I never fully got on board with their relationship because of this. I did like the characters each separately, just the romance part of it didn’t work for me. On the other hand, the suspense kept me very interested and I was flipping pages quickly to get answers. it was a quick, entertaining read and for this reason, I would recommend it.
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I’m pretty on the fence about this one. While it was a page turner, I really struggled with the romance. I know they aren’t technically related, but the word cousin kept coming up right when they’d get together, and it just felt weird. I never fully got on board with their relationship because of this. I did like the characters each separately, just the romance part of it didn’t work for me. On the other hand, the suspense kept me very interested and I was flipping pages quickly to get answers. it was a quick, entertaining read and for this reason, I would recommend it.
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2019
And another ace for Karina Halle’s Dumonts series. The family dynamic after book one had me reeling, and I was so intrigued as to how Seraphine and Blaise’s web would weave.
”I am forever the predator when it comes to Seraphine, not just in body but in spirit. I want to possess her heart and her thoughts and her soul the same way that she’s taken ownership of mine.”
Disarm is a story of love and family, but also fighting for what you believe in and taking what you deserve. It’s full of angst and oh-so-much sexual tension, I was busting at the seams reading it!
”I am forever the predator when it comes to Seraphine, not just in body but in spirit. I want to possess her heart and her thoughts and her soul the same way that she’s taken ownership of mine.”
Disarm is a story of love and family, but also fighting for what you believe in and taking what you deserve. It’s full of angst and oh-so-much sexual tension, I was busting at the seams reading it!
December 4, 2019
I was looking forward to reading Seraphine's (and Blaise's) story.
I loved Seraphine-especially her back story. Her early childhood broke my heart.
Unfortunately, I could not get into this forbidden love story.
I listened to the audio book. I was a little cheesy with Blaise's extremely heavy accent. The narrator was constantly whispering, even when there was internal monologue.
I love this writer's books. I really liked both narrators. This just didn't work for me.
I have a feeling that the kindle book (#kindleunlimited) is better. YMMV
I'll give this 3.5 stars
I loved Seraphine-especially her back story. Her early childhood broke my heart.
Unfortunately, I could not get into this forbidden love story.
I listened to the audio book. I was a little cheesy with Blaise's extremely heavy accent. The narrator was constantly whispering, even when there was internal monologue.
I love this writer's books. I really liked both narrators. This just didn't work for me.
I have a feeling that the kindle book (#kindleunlimited) is better. YMMV
I'll give this 3.5 stars
December 21, 2019
Mediocre read
This author can write a lot better: this book seemed raw and unfinished, what a pity!
Very slow in the beginning, quite good in the middle and a lot of rush till the end...
Sex scene about 76%of the book.
Not safe
Hero faithful to heroine for 9 years. She wasn't faithful to him because she didn't know he loved her. She was married and dated all this 9 years.
Bravo!!!
This author can write a lot better: this book seemed raw and unfinished, what a pity!
Very slow in the beginning, quite good in the middle and a lot of rush till the end...
Sex scene about 76%of the book.
Not safe
Hero faithful to heroine for 9 years. She wasn't faithful to him because she didn't know he loved her. She was married and dated all this 9 years.
Bravo!!!
May 4, 2020
3.5 stars.
November 20, 2019
4.5 stars
I have been getting a little bored with Romantic Suspense lately … same stories, different characters. But, Karina Halle wrote an interesting story that may not be for everyone but it was definitely for me. I enjoyed the storyline. I enjoyed the characters. Blaise marched to his own drummer. Seraphine wanted to follow the drum beat but was a little too suspicious until he proved to her that he was the one Dumont that could be trusted.
What may have started out as a family rivalry ended up with people dead. Family secrets unveiled. Who can be trusted? Who can’t? Will Seraphine be able to unravel the mystery or will she end up totally out of the business and possibly the next fatality? If her “Uncle” has his way, she’s gone. But, she will fight up until the bitter end, no matter the outcome. Seraphine had tenacity. She knew, deep down, that her father was murdered and her Uncle either did it himself or had it ordered. What she didn’t know was who was in on it all. Her brothers, no matter how much love was between them, abandoned her. She knew she couldn’t go to them with her suspicions, they would just want her to go to California. She was on her own. Blaise always wanted to be on his own.
He didn’t like his family. He didn’t trust his family. He was the black sheep that would never live up to his father’s expectations. He knew that early on in life and accepted it. His mother brought him back into the fold. But, at what cost? He has always been obsessed with his “cousin” Seraphine. She was different. She was always caring, compassionate. She was one of the few people who knew. Then he messed things up. Now, he has to tell her the truth, get her to trust him so that he could protect the only woman who he has ever loved.
I truly enjoyed the intrigue that was laid out in this story. Karina Halle did a great job of holding my interest in the story. She had me trying to figure out Blaise’s angle and I loved how she showed his true colors. And, those of his father and brother. Maybe there is some salvation for Pascal. I didn’t like how Oliver and Renaud couldn’t be relied on … that was a bit disappointing. And, I definitely didn’t like Blaise in the beginning but, he won me over. Actually he had me going in several directions … feeling sorry for him, then despising him, then loving him. And that is one of the reasons why I enjoyed this story.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I have been getting a little bored with Romantic Suspense lately … same stories, different characters. But, Karina Halle wrote an interesting story that may not be for everyone but it was definitely for me. I enjoyed the storyline. I enjoyed the characters. Blaise marched to his own drummer. Seraphine wanted to follow the drum beat but was a little too suspicious until he proved to her that he was the one Dumont that could be trusted.
What may have started out as a family rivalry ended up with people dead. Family secrets unveiled. Who can be trusted? Who can’t? Will Seraphine be able to unravel the mystery or will she end up totally out of the business and possibly the next fatality? If her “Uncle” has his way, she’s gone. But, she will fight up until the bitter end, no matter the outcome. Seraphine had tenacity. She knew, deep down, that her father was murdered and her Uncle either did it himself or had it ordered. What she didn’t know was who was in on it all. Her brothers, no matter how much love was between them, abandoned her. She knew she couldn’t go to them with her suspicions, they would just want her to go to California. She was on her own. Blaise always wanted to be on his own.
He didn’t like his family. He didn’t trust his family. He was the black sheep that would never live up to his father’s expectations. He knew that early on in life and accepted it. His mother brought him back into the fold. But, at what cost? He has always been obsessed with his “cousin” Seraphine. She was different. She was always caring, compassionate. She was one of the few people who knew. Then he messed things up. Now, he has to tell her the truth, get her to trust him so that he could protect the only woman who he has ever loved.
I truly enjoyed the intrigue that was laid out in this story. Karina Halle did a great job of holding my interest in the story. She had me trying to figure out Blaise’s angle and I loved how she showed his true colors. And, those of his father and brother. Maybe there is some salvation for Pascal. I didn’t like how Oliver and Renaud couldn’t be relied on … that was a bit disappointing. And, I definitely didn’t like Blaise in the beginning but, he won me over. Actually he had me going in several directions … feeling sorry for him, then despising him, then loving him. And that is one of the reasons why I enjoyed this story.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
November 14, 2019
„You’re mine, you always have been, even if you didn’t know it.”
Disarm is a romantic suspense at its best! Angsty, thrilling, full of twists and turns. Mystery and danger is lurking from every side. The sexual tension between Seraphine and Blaise is off the charts, just like their chemistry. And the forbidden type of their relantionship? Cherry on top! I absorbed this read in one sitting and I was unable to break away until I knew all the answers. The Dumonts series is captivating and addictive!
I loved how Karina showed the Dumonts family, how power and wealth come at a price. I also love how using flashbacks she revealed the past between Blaise and Seraphine. These two never had a great sense of belonging and maybe that's exactly what connected them in the first place. The author beautifully depicted that neither blood ties nor position and money shape you as a human being. She also wonderfully showed that the heart wants what it wants, even if it is a forbidden fruit.
Blaise was a real surprise to me. Despite the influence and wealth, this guy has a solid moral backbone and is faithful to his beliefs. He’s also caring, protective and if he gives his heart to someone, he gives 100%. He will stop at nothing to protect his loved one. He's a real swoon-worthy hero!
Seraphine is a strong and brave heroine, determined and stubborn. But she also has a vulnerable side that wants to be loved and accepted. She’s a perfect combination of strength and sensibility.
Their romance is a delicious slow-burn wrapped in taboo. Although for the world they should never be together, the uninhibited passion and sizzling chemistry that connects them for years, couldn’t be silenced forever.
Disarm is a perfect combination of romance and thriller. Karina combined a hot, steamy read with suspensful and angsty mystery that keeps you at the edge of the seat. This book is full of lies, betrayals, family feuds and power play, and with small steps it leads us to unfold the secrets about murder in one of the most influental Parisian families. But Disarm is also a hot forbidden romance that will steal your breath and make you blush. I’m obsessed with The Dumonts and I need more answers. I can’t wait for Pascal’s book!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review by Montlake Romance via NetGalley.
Disarm is a romantic suspense at its best! Angsty, thrilling, full of twists and turns. Mystery and danger is lurking from every side. The sexual tension between Seraphine and Blaise is off the charts, just like their chemistry. And the forbidden type of their relantionship? Cherry on top! I absorbed this read in one sitting and I was unable to break away until I knew all the answers. The Dumonts series is captivating and addictive!
I loved how Karina showed the Dumonts family, how power and wealth come at a price. I also love how using flashbacks she revealed the past between Blaise and Seraphine. These two never had a great sense of belonging and maybe that's exactly what connected them in the first place. The author beautifully depicted that neither blood ties nor position and money shape you as a human being. She also wonderfully showed that the heart wants what it wants, even if it is a forbidden fruit.
Blaise was a real surprise to me. Despite the influence and wealth, this guy has a solid moral backbone and is faithful to his beliefs. He’s also caring, protective and if he gives his heart to someone, he gives 100%. He will stop at nothing to protect his loved one. He's a real swoon-worthy hero!
Seraphine is a strong and brave heroine, determined and stubborn. But she also has a vulnerable side that wants to be loved and accepted. She’s a perfect combination of strength and sensibility.
Their romance is a delicious slow-burn wrapped in taboo. Although for the world they should never be together, the uninhibited passion and sizzling chemistry that connects them for years, couldn’t be silenced forever.
Disarm is a perfect combination of romance and thriller. Karina combined a hot, steamy read with suspensful and angsty mystery that keeps you at the edge of the seat. This book is full of lies, betrayals, family feuds and power play, and with small steps it leads us to unfold the secrets about murder in one of the most influental Parisian families. But Disarm is also a hot forbidden romance that will steal your breath and make you blush. I’m obsessed with The Dumonts and I need more answers. I can’t wait for Pascal’s book!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review by Montlake Romance via NetGalley.
November 19, 2019
I was a little worried starting this one because the first book disappointed me. I will say that I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book. There is a second chance, slow burn between the past and the present. I ate it up. There was some suspense to it that was fun. I’m all ready for the last book in the series.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
November 19, 2019
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review, blog tour and giveaway can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
You know that you have great romantic suspense when both characters have also angst and their own conflicting emotions to deal with, along with everything else! That's what I enjoyed so much reading in Karina Halle's new book! Following the success of the first book, Disarm is the story of Seraphine and Blaise who are step-cousins and at the same time rivals in the war for power in the fashion industry.
Following the events from the first book, we learn about how Seraphine came into the Dumont family who adopted her and loved her in the way every child should be.
Following the POV of Blaise and Seraphine back and forth from past to present, I got to see the longing and the unrequited love. There were so many emotions in this one I could burst! Not to mention that there was action and the scheming of the other members of the family was downright evil.
Money indeed doesn't bring happiness.
This was a really good sequel which left me anxiously hoping to see how Pascal will be redeemed!
You know that you have great romantic suspense when both characters have also angst and their own conflicting emotions to deal with, along with everything else! That's what I enjoyed so much reading in Karina Halle's new book! Following the success of the first book, Disarm is the story of Seraphine and Blaise who are step-cousins and at the same time rivals in the war for power in the fashion industry.
Following the events from the first book, we learn about how Seraphine came into the Dumont family who adopted her and loved her in the way every child should be.
Following the POV of Blaise and Seraphine back and forth from past to present, I got to see the longing and the unrequited love. There were so many emotions in this one I could burst! Not to mention that there was action and the scheming of the other members of the family was downright evil.
Money indeed doesn't bring happiness.
This was a really good sequel which left me anxiously hoping to see how Pascal will be redeemed!
June 28, 2020
Dnf.
2 months and still not interested in finishing this. ‘Me’ problem I guess.
P.s up to the 75% I read, its decent with strong heroine and decent if not slightly coward hero. But he was getting better when I lost interest. He was also celibate for a looong time because of heroine. So that’s an extra point too.
2 months and still not interested in finishing this. ‘Me’ problem I guess.
P.s up to the 75% I read, its decent with strong heroine and decent if not slightly coward hero. But he was getting better when I lost interest. He was also celibate for a looong time because of heroine. So that’s an extra point too.
October 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this one! The first book wasn't for me, too insta-lovey but Blaise and Seraphine's slowburn was so angsty and sexy I coudn't help but devour this story as quickly as possible. Can't wait for Pascal's story!
hmmmmm
November 18, 2019Waiting to see if heroine is a virgin and if the hero slept with every woman in sight while being in love with her 🤔
November 19, 2019
4.25 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date 19, 2019
Seraphine Dumont seems to have it all: she’s gorgeous, brilliant, and part of one of France’s most illustrious dynasties. But underneath the facade, Seraphine struggles to hold it all together. Besides grieving her adoptive father’s suspicious and sudden death, she also shares a tenuous role in the family business with Blaise, her in-name-only cousin. As tumultuous as their history is, he may be the only member of the deceptive Dumont family she can trust.
Seraphine is a temptation Blaise can’t resist. The torch he’s carried for years still burns. It’s his secret—a quiet obsession just out of reach. Until his brother demands that he spy on the increasingly cagey Seraphine, whom their father considers a dispensable Dumont outlier. But the more Blaise watches her and the closer he gets, the more he sees Seraphine may have every right to be suspicious. And she could be the next one in danger—from his own family.
As blood runs hot and hearts give in, Seraphine and Blaise have only each other. But can their love survive the secrets they’re about to uncover?
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--DISARM is the second instalment in Karina Halle’s contemporary , adult THE DUMONTS erotic, romance series focusing on the wealthy Dumont family of France. This is twenty-nine year old Blaise Dumont, and twenty-six year old Seraphine Dumont’s story line. DISARM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.
SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier Ludovic Dumont, of the Dumont fashion dynasty died under mysterious circumstances, and in the aftermath his brother Gautier has all but removed any trace of Ludovic’s heirs from the family business.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Blaise and Seraphine) using present day and memories from numerous timelines in the past, DISARM follows the forbidden relationship between cousins twenty-nine year old Blaise Dumont, and twenty-six year old Seraphine Dumont. Adopted at nine year’s old Seraphine was welcomed into her new family but felt like an outcast when it really mattered. Over the course of several years and several face to face confrontations, Seraphine would discover that her cousin Blaise was the only member of their extended family who accepted Seraphine for who she was, until the day her pushed Seraphine out of his life. Fast forward to present day wherein, Seraphine, the only member of her immediate family still employed by the Dumont Fashion House of France, begins a search for the people she believes killed her father, and betrayed the family. Enter Blaise Dumont, the man with whom Seraphine will fall in love. What ensues is the search for the truth, and the potential fall-out as Serpahine has caught the attention of everyone involved.
The Dumont Fashion House of France hides many secrets behind the illustrious parties and fashion line debuts. From illicit affairs to murder the Dumonts are no strangers to controversy but Seraphine Dumont is front and center when secrets and lies force our heroine to take matters into her hands. Blaise Dumont has loved Seraphine Dumont since the day his aunt and uncle brought her into the family. A forbidden love that forced Blaise to step away when his secret is discovered by the brother whose own actions and allegiance is questionable and wrong.
The relationship between Blaise and Seraphine struggles in the face of the forbidden. With her brothers now living in America, and her parents dead under mysterious circumstances, Seraphine feels abandoned when she needs them the most. Several attempts on her life including threats from an unlikely source find Blaise protector and guardian of his cousin Seraphine, a young woman who stole his heart, years before. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Seraphine’s ruthless uncle Gauthier, and arrogant cousin Pascal. Her brothers Olivier (Discretion#1), and Renaud are more or less absent from the ongoing story line. Pascal’s story line is next in Disavow.
DISARM is a story of family, betrayal, secrets and lies; of vengeance and murder; power and control. The premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are energetic and colorful ; the romance is seductive. DISARM is story of dysfunctional family dynamics in the face of public perception, and private h*ll.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date 19, 2019
Seraphine Dumont seems to have it all: she’s gorgeous, brilliant, and part of one of France’s most illustrious dynasties. But underneath the facade, Seraphine struggles to hold it all together. Besides grieving her adoptive father’s suspicious and sudden death, she also shares a tenuous role in the family business with Blaise, her in-name-only cousin. As tumultuous as their history is, he may be the only member of the deceptive Dumont family she can trust.
Seraphine is a temptation Blaise can’t resist. The torch he’s carried for years still burns. It’s his secret—a quiet obsession just out of reach. Until his brother demands that he spy on the increasingly cagey Seraphine, whom their father considers a dispensable Dumont outlier. But the more Blaise watches her and the closer he gets, the more he sees Seraphine may have every right to be suspicious. And she could be the next one in danger—from his own family.
As blood runs hot and hearts give in, Seraphine and Blaise have only each other. But can their love survive the secrets they’re about to uncover?
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--DISARM is the second instalment in Karina Halle’s contemporary , adult THE DUMONTS erotic, romance series focusing on the wealthy Dumont family of France. This is twenty-nine year old Blaise Dumont, and twenty-six year old Seraphine Dumont’s story line. DISARM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.
SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier Ludovic Dumont, of the Dumont fashion dynasty died under mysterious circumstances, and in the aftermath his brother Gautier has all but removed any trace of Ludovic’s heirs from the family business.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Blaise and Seraphine) using present day and memories from numerous timelines in the past, DISARM follows the forbidden relationship between cousins twenty-nine year old Blaise Dumont, and twenty-six year old Seraphine Dumont. Adopted at nine year’s old Seraphine was welcomed into her new family but felt like an outcast when it really mattered. Over the course of several years and several face to face confrontations, Seraphine would discover that her cousin Blaise was the only member of their extended family who accepted Seraphine for who she was, until the day her pushed Seraphine out of his life. Fast forward to present day wherein, Seraphine, the only member of her immediate family still employed by the Dumont Fashion House of France, begins a search for the people she believes killed her father, and betrayed the family. Enter Blaise Dumont, the man with whom Seraphine will fall in love. What ensues is the search for the truth, and the potential fall-out as Serpahine has caught the attention of everyone involved.
The Dumont Fashion House of France hides many secrets behind the illustrious parties and fashion line debuts. From illicit affairs to murder the Dumonts are no strangers to controversy but Seraphine Dumont is front and center when secrets and lies force our heroine to take matters into her hands. Blaise Dumont has loved Seraphine Dumont since the day his aunt and uncle brought her into the family. A forbidden love that forced Blaise to step away when his secret is discovered by the brother whose own actions and allegiance is questionable and wrong.
The relationship between Blaise and Seraphine struggles in the face of the forbidden. With her brothers now living in America, and her parents dead under mysterious circumstances, Seraphine feels abandoned when she needs them the most. Several attempts on her life including threats from an unlikely source find Blaise protector and guardian of his cousin Seraphine, a young woman who stole his heart, years before. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Seraphine’s ruthless uncle Gauthier, and arrogant cousin Pascal. Her brothers Olivier (Discretion#1), and Renaud are more or less absent from the ongoing story line. Pascal’s story line is next in Disavow.
DISARM is a story of family, betrayal, secrets and lies; of vengeance and murder; power and control. The premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are energetic and colorful ; the romance is seductive. DISARM is story of dysfunctional family dynamics in the face of public perception, and private h*ll.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 15, 2019
Wow.
End of review.
No, for real though. Disarm by Karina Hall is book 2 in The Dumonts series. It’s meant to read as a standalone book, but I’d highly recommend reading Discretion (book 1) first. We get a lot of groundwork story in book 1 that really set the scene for what was happening in book 2. I don’t think I would’ve understood the magnitude of what was happening without book one.
This book was SOOOOOOOO different than the first book. The format was different because it switched back and forth from past to present. The dynamic between the characters was totally different. And talk about a slow burn!
Blaise and Seraphine are cousins by law, but not by blood. Neither has ever felt like they’ve really fit in with their families. But they come from opposing sides of the family and have grown up in a family where they were taught to hate each other. But, do they? Their relationship has been complicated since they were kids, and Disarm explores the idea of what happens when you break all the rules.
I usually feel super connected to the hero in a story. I’m a sucker for charm and easily find the lead guys swoonworthy in most of the books I read in this genre. But, Blaise was not that. He didn’t charm the pants off of the world around him. He’s admittedly untrustworthy and dark and borderline slimy. But yet, I really wanted a happy ending for him even though I knew what that would mean.
Seraphine was really something. I could really feel her pain sometimes. It was heartbreaking to watch someone’s world fall apart around her while some of her biggest fears came true. But she’s strong, won’t back down from a fight, and absolutely determined to defend the honor of her father’s legacy.
This story was so captivating! The sexual tension between these two could cut my kindle in half with a knife. I found myself rooting for the villain. I found myself questioning my morals. I felt myself feeling the roller coaster of emotions the characters were feeling. And, I was 1000% invested in this story. GREAT writing. Deep, dark story. Amazing book!
End of review.
No, for real though. Disarm by Karina Hall is book 2 in The Dumonts series. It’s meant to read as a standalone book, but I’d highly recommend reading Discretion (book 1) first. We get a lot of groundwork story in book 1 that really set the scene for what was happening in book 2. I don’t think I would’ve understood the magnitude of what was happening without book one.
This book was SOOOOOOOO different than the first book. The format was different because it switched back and forth from past to present. The dynamic between the characters was totally different. And talk about a slow burn!
Blaise and Seraphine are cousins by law, but not by blood. Neither has ever felt like they’ve really fit in with their families. But they come from opposing sides of the family and have grown up in a family where they were taught to hate each other. But, do they? Their relationship has been complicated since they were kids, and Disarm explores the idea of what happens when you break all the rules.
I usually feel super connected to the hero in a story. I’m a sucker for charm and easily find the lead guys swoonworthy in most of the books I read in this genre. But, Blaise was not that. He didn’t charm the pants off of the world around him. He’s admittedly untrustworthy and dark and borderline slimy. But yet, I really wanted a happy ending for him even though I knew what that would mean.
Seraphine was really something. I could really feel her pain sometimes. It was heartbreaking to watch someone’s world fall apart around her while some of her biggest fears came true. But she’s strong, won’t back down from a fight, and absolutely determined to defend the honor of her father’s legacy.
This story was so captivating! The sexual tension between these two could cut my kindle in half with a knife. I found myself rooting for the villain. I found myself questioning my morals. I felt myself feeling the roller coaster of emotions the characters were feeling. And, I was 1000% invested in this story. GREAT writing. Deep, dark story. Amazing book!
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