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The Dumont Diaries #2
To Hold
Author's Note: This novella is no longer available. I combined all of the Dumont Diaries novellas into a standalone novel, which was rewritten, expanded, and retitled as Trophy Wife.
When Nathan Dumont, heir to Dumont Shipping, steps onto the scene with a new wife, the media sits up and takes notice. But nothing can be found on the new Mrs.Dumont. No family history, private school chums, or expensively hidden skeletons in couture closets. It is as if she has materialized out of thin air, and wearing Chanel.
Life in a fairytale sucks. Even if it does come complete with eight inches of wontleavemealone steel. But when that glorious package is attached to a man that won’t give me a second glance, much less a piece of his heart, what good is a wedding ring and boatloads of cash?
To make matters worse, I am slowly stumbling along and finding red flags. Flags that make me think there is more to this fairytale than meets the eye. In fact, I’m not so sure it’s a fairytale at all. It looks to be much, much worse.
To Hold is a novella, approximately 60 pages, and was book 2 of a 4-part series.
When Nathan Dumont, heir to Dumont Shipping, steps onto the scene with a new wife, the media sits up and takes notice. But nothing can be found on the new Mrs.Dumont. No family history, private school chums, or expensively hidden skeletons in couture closets. It is as if she has materialized out of thin air, and wearing Chanel.
Life in a fairytale sucks. Even if it does come complete with eight inches of wontleavemealone steel. But when that glorious package is attached to a man that won’t give me a second glance, much less a piece of his heart, what good is a wedding ring and boatloads of cash?
To make matters worse, I am slowly stumbling along and finding red flags. Flags that make me think there is more to this fairytale than meets the eye. In fact, I’m not so sure it’s a fairytale at all. It looks to be much, much worse.
To Hold is a novella, approximately 60 pages, and was book 2 of a 4-part series.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2013
23 people are currently reading
1423 people want to read
About the author
Alessandra Torre
51 books16.5k followersAlessandra Torre (AR Torre) is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of twenty-seven romance and suspense novels. In addition to writing, she is the creator of Alessandra Torre Ink - an online community of over 40,000 published and aspiring authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
August 7, 2016
"I am a boat out on a deep blue ocean. Some days are calm, some days the sun comes out and I bask in it, lazily swaying from side to side in perfect harmony with the waves. But sometimes there is a storm, dark and mighty in its strength, and I list, side to side, the waves tossing me about in a sadistic show of their strength."
3 Stars
Okay, what just happened? I felt terribly cheated by the sudden twist of event. I really thought there's no love triangle involved here... but why???
First of all, I was so wrong about Nathan Dumont. In the first novella I swooned over him like a love sick puppy. Now I'm not sure anymore and I don't know what to do. Nathan is not what I thought he would be. Yes, he was an a-hole in the first novella but you know... I was kinda hoping that Candy will reform him. Too bad... I really believed that he's the love interest here.
Now there's Drew. I have no problem with Drew but I can't bring myself to consider him as the man for Candy. :( This novella was kind of a let-down but good thing it was still gripping. The mystery was so good as well as the shocking cliffhanger. I want to dig more. To confirm. I want to find out what Nathan is up to.
August 15, 2017
★★★★★! The Dumont Diaries, Part 2 of 4. SALVATION – BOREDOM – LONELINESS & DECEPTION!
Again my visible review is written to contain less details than book blurb. Please click on spoilers for more details..
“Control. It is a food that Nathan feeds on, devours with a vulgarity that clashes with his smooth exterior. He wants to control me, and he wants an audience — an audience that he controls in the process.”
The Dumont Diaries consists of 4 novellas, which must be read in order:
Part 1: To Have
Part 2: To Hold
Part 3: Till Death
Part 4: Do Us Part
Her salvation from a life as an in-debt stripper has come in the form of a mysterious stranger. To Hold (part 2), delves into mystery of the man who has so captivated her she is willing to do just about anything for sex with him, allowing him to control every aspect of her life. But as Candy settles into her new lifestyle, she is quickly hit by boredom, then by loneliness. Will her isolation lead her to seeking solace in another?
Six words to describe Candy: Despondent, desperate, reflective, endearing, lost and flawed.
“I needed the moment of backbone — at a time when I feel I am losing all the pieces that make me, me.”
The hero is a to-die-for enigmatic, rich, jaded playboy, but also cold, distant and rude! Are there mitigation circumstances for his detachment? Please click on spoiler for more details:
Part two also ends abruptly leading right to part 3, Till Death for the continuation of their story. Excellent storytelling! Interesting and captivating plot! Memorable, fascinating and addictive hero! I was hooked from page one and I am highly recommending this 4-part serial! For me it is still looking like a 6-star read! Thanks Ms. Torre!
“For us, silence is all we have ever known. I do not speak because I do not know what to say. He does not speak because he has no interest in talking.”
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Be sure to join Shh… [Smut, Heroes & HEAs…] with Alessandra here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
June 10, 2015
"Home is where my heart gets ripped out, trampled on, and then patched back together with expensive band-aids, beating a little weaker with every cycle. Home is where I wait for him to return, and hate myself for listening for his car." -Candy
To Hold is book 2 of The Dumont Diaries. In the first book, Candy was given the option of accepting a marriage proposal to Nathan Dumont. As this read begins, we see that she has in fact accepted. She has signed her name on the dotted line. She has accepted a marriage of convenience, a marriage with hot sex, a beautiful wardrobe, and a beautiful house. And yet, a marriage without love and companionship.
Nathan is cold and calculated. He has orchestrated a beautiful facade for he and Candy to live in. And yet, the sex between these two is beyond fulfilling.
"When he reaches for me, when his hands travel over my skin and his mouth claims my own, I melt. I enjoy every second of his touch."-Candy
Nathan has given financial support to her sick father. He has given her the means to visit him. And yet, the question remains. Why did he marry her? Why does he need a wife? How long can this go on?
Candy (now going by the name of Jenny) has formed a somewhat volatile friendship with Drew her bodygaurd. She also begins to question Nathan's motives. He can be so cruel and yet she can't get enough of him.
As the story begins to unfold, Candy grows more confident in her desire to find out why Nathan married her.
“Candy, they came here for you. They knew everything about you before they even walked in the door.”
To Hold was a fantastic read. The tension continues to build with each moment of the story. The hate she has for Nathan coupled with the desire to be with him has Candy/Jenny in a desperate place. You can't help but feel every pain, question, and moment of passion right along with her. At the conclusion of this book the same question remains, does a person need love? I cannot imagine that I will be able to love this hero. However if anyone can make me love him, Alessandra Torre can! I have no doubt there will be more twists and turns in this series. Moving on to the next read!
This book was read in conjunction with-
(F) BUDDY-READ ONE OF ALESSANDRA TORRE'S BOOK, READING WITH MY GIRLS @ SHHHHH and the lovely LOYDA!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Thanks ladies! As always, it has been a pleasure!
To Hold is book 2 of The Dumont Diaries. In the first book, Candy was given the option of accepting a marriage proposal to Nathan Dumont. As this read begins, we see that she has in fact accepted. She has signed her name on the dotted line. She has accepted a marriage of convenience, a marriage with hot sex, a beautiful wardrobe, and a beautiful house. And yet, a marriage without love and companionship.
Nathan is cold and calculated. He has orchestrated a beautiful facade for he and Candy to live in. And yet, the sex between these two is beyond fulfilling.
"When he reaches for me, when his hands travel over my skin and his mouth claims my own, I melt. I enjoy every second of his touch."-Candy
Nathan has given financial support to her sick father. He has given her the means to visit him. And yet, the question remains. Why did he marry her? Why does he need a wife? How long can this go on?
Candy (now going by the name of Jenny) has formed a somewhat volatile friendship with Drew her bodygaurd. She also begins to question Nathan's motives. He can be so cruel and yet she can't get enough of him.
As the story begins to unfold, Candy grows more confident in her desire to find out why Nathan married her.
“Candy, they came here for you. They knew everything about you before they even walked in the door.”
To Hold was a fantastic read. The tension continues to build with each moment of the story. The hate she has for Nathan coupled with the desire to be with him has Candy/Jenny in a desperate place. You can't help but feel every pain, question, and moment of passion right along with her. At the conclusion of this book the same question remains, does a person need love? I cannot imagine that I will be able to love this hero. However if anyone can make me love him, Alessandra Torre can! I have no doubt there will be more twists and turns in this series. Moving on to the next read!
This book was read in conjunction with-
(F) BUDDY-READ ONE OF ALESSANDRA TORRE'S BOOK, READING WITH MY GIRLS @ SHHHHH and the lovely LOYDA!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Thanks ladies! As always, it has been a pleasure!
August 30, 2016
I'm going to keep this short because I'm desperate to know what happens next!
Nathan Dumont:
Candace A.K.A. Jennifer Dumont:
My reaction to that ending:
Some of My Favorite Moments:
See my other reviews in the series:
The Dumont Diaries - My Review
(the first review is comprehensive of the whole series)
To Have - My Review
To Hold - you're reading it
Till Death - My Review
Do Us Part - My Review
Nathan Dumont:
Candace A.K.A. Jennifer Dumont:
My reaction to that ending:
Some of My Favorite Moments:
See my other reviews in the series:
The Dumont Diaries - My Review
(the first review is comprehensive of the whole series)
To Have - My Review
To Hold - you're reading it
Till Death - My Review
Do Us Part - My Review
December 4, 2014
I'm So Hooked....
August 31, 2013
What the heck is happening? Well, that's a total 180' change in one book! Nathan, I loathe you!
I was seriously hoping Nathan was going to be one of those heroes you really want to hate but he gives you this tiny piece of goodness we ladies hold onto.....um, none in this book. Nope, no goodness. All ass. What he did at the end of the book in the limo to his wife.....
I seriously wanted to slap the bone out of his neck!
This book picks up soon after Nathan and "Jennfier" are married. She lives a life full of rules and contracted limits. Her only happiness is in being able to visit her father every Wednesday. Nathan has put him up in a beautiful hospital with all the best care......and he's actually getting better. She can't do ANYTHING that will impede that progress. Another form of Nathan's control. His ace!
Drew was totally off my radar in To Have, ramping up his character in To Hold, he's still quite an enigma to me. He obviously has knowledge of Nathan and why he treats "Jennifer" the way he does but deep down, he obviously has a heart.....and a desire for Candace.
So if you're looking for uber short yet fast paced angsty reading material, this book delivers in spades. The first book was hot and heavy. This book not near so but more angsty and dramatic. Moving on.....
I was seriously hoping Nathan was going to be one of those heroes you really want to hate but he gives you this tiny piece of goodness we ladies hold onto.....um, none in this book. Nope, no goodness. All ass. What he did at the end of the book in the limo to his wife.....
I seriously wanted to slap the bone out of his neck!
This book picks up soon after Nathan and "Jennfier" are married. She lives a life full of rules and contracted limits. Her only happiness is in being able to visit her father every Wednesday. Nathan has put him up in a beautiful hospital with all the best care......and he's actually getting better. She can't do ANYTHING that will impede that progress. Another form of Nathan's control. His ace!
Drew was totally off my radar in To Have, ramping up his character in To Hold, he's still quite an enigma to me. He obviously has knowledge of Nathan and why he treats "Jennifer" the way he does but deep down, he obviously has a heart.....and a desire for Candace.
So if you're looking for uber short yet fast paced angsty reading material, this book delivers in spades. The first book was hot and heavy. This book not near so but more angsty and dramatic. Moving on.....
April 16, 2017
Good lord I feel like I've been slapped. Talk about being blindsided. Maybe I was being a wishful reader that believes in love. Yeah not in this installment.
I'm kinda just speechless.
I have to read the next installment just to find out.......
I'm kinda just speechless.
I have to read the next installment just to find out.......
August 15, 2013
ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, ALLRIIGGGHHTTTT..... I'm officially hooked. This series is great.. The author gives you nothing yet I already have multiple theories... If you like a book with a little bit of everything and splashes of extra picante read this ASAP <----Whole the phone! You need to read "TO HAVE" first.
I give it an around the world snap
***and a special thanks to Elaine for recommending this wonderful fucked up story ***
I give it an around the world snap
***and a special thanks to Elaine for recommending this wonderful fucked up story ***
November 1, 2015
Wow! I really don't know why she is attracted to Nathan. This guy treats her like dirt! He may be good in bed, but he's so demeaning and horrible toward her. Drew is better only by a small bit. I am glad she cheated on Nathan, just because it was like her giving him a big F-U! What a bunch of jerks! I am holding out hope that she'll kill him in the end. After that stunt he pulled at the end, loaning her services out to some random business associate, he's got it coming!
September 19, 2013
BUT...
Book 3
July 6, 2016
4 stars
A carefully controlled fairytale sounds perfect on paper but when you actually have to live it day in and day out, you begin to question your own sanity. Every decision, action and movement is controlled by him and him alone; is all this worth it, waiting alone in a home where your job is to be on-call for his demands and wishes. Granted he makes it worth her time in the few moments of bliss, but when that fades the feeling of loneliness is even greater. Is this new found “freedom” worth the loss of control, self and name; he owns you mind, body and soul.
To Hold is the beginning of Candy’s new life, and I have to say I hate Nathan right now, he is a freakin asshole. Granted this was their deal, but he could show a little compassion or kindness. He treats her as a glorified whore and it’s pissing me off. On top of that this whole thing with Drew, what the hell is his purpose??? I have so many questions, so I’m on to the next book…
**************************************************
The Dumont Diaries series to be read in order:
The Dumont Diaries #1: To Have Review
The Dumont Diaries #2: To Hold Review
The Dumont Diaries #3: Till Death Review
The Dumont Diaries #4: Do Us Part Review
I moaned when he spanked me. I begged for more as he fucked me. I looked into his eyes and asked for his cum.
I know. I am as screwed up as he is.
A carefully controlled fairytale sounds perfect on paper but when you actually have to live it day in and day out, you begin to question your own sanity. Every decision, action and movement is controlled by him and him alone; is all this worth it, waiting alone in a home where your job is to be on-call for his demands and wishes. Granted he makes it worth her time in the few moments of bliss, but when that fades the feeling of loneliness is even greater. Is this new found “freedom” worth the loss of control, self and name; he owns you mind, body and soul.
Home is where my heart gets ripped out, trampled on, and then patched back together with expensive band-aids, beating a little weaker with every cycle. Home is where I wait for him to return, and hate myself for listening for his car.
To Hold is the beginning of Candy’s new life, and I have to say I hate Nathan right now, he is a freakin asshole. Granted this was their deal, but he could show a little compassion or kindness. He treats her as a glorified whore and it’s pissing me off. On top of that this whole thing with Drew, what the hell is his purpose??? I have so many questions, so I’m on to the next book…
**************************************************
The Dumont Diaries series to be read in order:
The Dumont Diaries #1: To Have Review
The Dumont Diaries #2: To Hold Review
The Dumont Diaries #3: Till Death Review
The Dumont Diaries #4: Do Us Part Review
August 12, 2016
2 STARS
Number of characters who contracted herpes in this installment: 0
Number of fucks I give to what will happen toCandy Jennifer Ann: 1/2
I kinda liked how the characters in To Have were unapologetic and it did give off some satirical promise even with how it ended (though maybe that was just the auto-activated sarcasm function in my brain) but for this installment it just stopped being entertaining. Because I think this was meant to be taken seriously. Or it made some obvious effort to be taken seriously here what with the clouded metaphors and circular statements which, by the way, is so obvious padding to stretch a story that could have been done in ten pages. I kinda wish it just owned up to being self-deprecating and ironic instead of making up words and bending over backwards trying to contortCandy Jennifer into a certain kind of heroine early on, only to change her to someone else midway through.
I mean, she *did* sign a legal, business contract enabling her pretend husband to do this to her and NOW she gets a moral boner?
Also the chapters start out with these word games that should cut across the underlying darkness of the themes inCandyJennifer and Nathan's relationship but
Somehow this just rendered the supposed ominous tone the book is trying to achieve ridiculous and juvenile. She was a former stripper, let's not kick the poor woman's Dictionarying skills.
One thing I hate about these kindle serials is that I am almost resolute on quitting this series after this… but the next one is offered FOR FREE. And what's a girl to do if offered a free pass to watch something go down in majestic flames of glory?
Also on BookLikes.
My brain is screaming a loud, unintelligible sound that wants to know what the fuck is going on.
Number of characters who contracted herpes in this installment: 0
Number of fucks I give to what will happen to
I kinda liked how the characters in To Have were unapologetic and it did give off some satirical promise even with how it ended (though maybe that was just the auto-activated sarcasm function in my brain) but for this installment it just stopped being entertaining. Because I think this was meant to be taken seriously. Or it made some obvious effort to be taken seriously here what with the clouded metaphors and circular statements which, by the way, is so obvious padding to stretch a story that could have been done in ten pages. I kinda wish it just owned up to being self-deprecating and ironic instead of making up words and bending over backwards trying to contort
This is something I can't do. Fucking me in front of the staff is one thing. Offering me to a stranger something else.
… I can't do it. I just can't. Of everything I have sold at this point in time - my dignity, my life, my past - this is one step I cannot take.
I mean, she *did* sign a legal, business contract enabling her pretend husband to do this to her and NOW she gets a moral boner?
Also the chapters start out with these word games that should cut across the underlying darkness of the themes in
Word: 10 letters; the last letter is 'N'
Clue: a ___________ slip is often required at school.
Somehow this just rendered the supposed ominous tone the book is trying to achieve ridiculous and juvenile. She was a former stripper, let's not kick the poor woman's Dictionarying skills.
One thing I hate about these kindle serials is that I am almost resolute on quitting this series after this… but the next one is offered FOR FREE. And what's a girl to do if offered a free pass to watch something go down in majestic flames of glory?
Also on BookLikes.
August 15, 2013
Candy has taken up the offer from the mysterious Nathan Dumont. But life is not quite as Candy thought it would be.
It is all a lie. Every part of my day, whether it be in front of the camera or at home. Home. A horrible word for this ten thousand square feet of glass and stone. Home is where my heart gets ripped out, trampled on, and then patched back together with expensive band-aids, beating a little weaker with every cycle. Home is where I wait for him to return, and hate myself for listening for his car.
To Have
My thoughts
This second instalment just keeps getting better. The story has a very atmospheric feel to it, I'm so intrigued and nervous about what's to come.
What is Nathan Dumont about? what's his interest in Candy/Jenny?
I need book 3 like NOW!!!
I'm waiting now for Till Death
August 31, 2013
The Dumont Diaries is a mini-series told in four parts. Part 2 has Candance giving up her identity to become Jenny; polite, reserved and follows rules.
Candance is kept in a glass house right outside of Mr. Dumont's house.
Her confinement makes her question her sanity and choice that lead her to this life.
SERIES:
4 part mini-series
Candance is kept in a glass house right outside of Mr. Dumont's house.
Her confinement makes her question her sanity and choice that lead her to this life.
SERIES:
4 part mini-series
January 19, 2017
Ohhh no me gusta lo que estoy leyendo, pero me encanta lo que estoy leyendo, me entiendes???
Las acciones de los protas son totalmente cuestionables, hay mucho angst.
Una lectura super adictiva, a por el siguiente!
Las acciones de los protas son totalmente cuestionables, hay mucho angst.
Una lectura super adictiva, a por el siguiente!
July 24, 2014
The contract has been signed, the terms outlined. But the one thing that is still unclear is why. Why is Nathan in desperate need of a wife? Why doesn't the good-looking, sexual beast of a man who happens to be loaded - need a contract with a stripper to find a wife?
Candy doesn't exist anymore. Jenny Dumont does. She has made one request of her husband in order to agree to his demands. Care for her sick father. Nathan is cold and distant through most of the second installment, with some slight moments where his mask is dropped and something different shines in his eyes. But those moments are far and few between.
The second installment much more addictive than the first. You are no closer to figuring out just where this is headed and the reasons behind it - but suddenly things appear to be heading into a place of darkness.
The sex in this series so far has been pretty damn hot. Although Nathan's constant cold demeanor and actions are getting a bit extreme - the moments they share are completely raw and intense. Still amazed that with roughly sixty pages, so much is being told with so few words.
Candy doesn't exist anymore. Jenny Dumont does. She has made one request of her husband in order to agree to his demands. Care for her sick father. Nathan is cold and distant through most of the second installment, with some slight moments where his mask is dropped and something different shines in his eyes. But those moments are far and few between.
The second installment much more addictive than the first. You are no closer to figuring out just where this is headed and the reasons behind it - but suddenly things appear to be heading into a place of darkness.
The sex in this series so far has been pretty damn hot. Although Nathan's constant cold demeanor and actions are getting a bit extreme - the moments they share are completely raw and intense. Still amazed that with roughly sixty pages, so much is being told with so few words.
July 22, 2016
I hate Nathan. He's an asshole.
A cold hearted bastard who did the most horrible thing a man could ever do to his wife (contract or no contract).
I really like Candy and Drew and I hope they end up together.
There is no redeeming for Nathan in my eyes after what he did. He deserves the worst.
A cold hearted bastard who did the most horrible thing a man could ever do to his wife (contract or no contract).
I really like Candy and Drew and I hope they end up together.
There is no redeeming for Nathan in my eyes after what he did. He deserves the worst.
December 17, 2015
the first installment went slow into the almost fairytale story and ended with a promise of smth else coming...
well, ain't that the truth!
shit is piling and keeps coming...
and then there's Nathan Bane Dumont
I have problems with myself,LOL I'm actually shocked by my reaction to Nathan - I obviously have a fetish for damaged freaks, controlling pricks with weird sexual desires and even sicker ways to make them happen
of course, now that the shit had rolled my way...I have to see will I sink even deeper or will I dig myself out it (I kind of doubt the second LOL)
off to No.3
well, ain't that the truth!
shit is piling and keeps coming...
and then there's Nathan Bane Dumont
I have problems with myself,LOL I'm actually shocked by my reaction to Nathan - I obviously have a fetish for damaged freaks, controlling pricks with weird sexual desires and even sicker ways to make them happen
of course, now that the shit had rolled my way...I have to see will I sink even deeper or will I dig myself out it (I kind of doubt the second LOL)
off to No.3
August 30, 2013
Highly addictive series! Eating it up like a bag of m&m's....on to book 3!!
August 20, 2015
**** 4.5 Addicting Stars ****
I didn't think that this story would suck me in the way that it has, but I thought about skipping sleep to finish this entire series last night. I opted for sleep, I know...I know...sleep when you are dead right.
Alessandra Torre.....you got me girl!!!
Triangle of secrets and answers not given!!
I didn't think that this story would suck me in the way that it has, but I thought about skipping sleep to finish this entire series last night. I opted for sleep, I know...I know...sleep when you are dead right.
Alessandra Torre.....you got me girl!!!
Triangle of secrets and answers not given!!
April 30, 2016
Are...
You can read my full review for this series right HERE!
You can read my full review for this series right HERE!
September 21, 2015
4.5 "9 letters; at one time a fruit" stars...whew! I am officially addicted to this series! I think I have a similar love - hate thing going on here! What a crazy ride this story is turning out to be and I freaking love it!
June 4, 2017
3 stars
So, the mystery of Mr. Dumont, who he truly is and his underlying motivations has yet to unfold but we know he has a temper, a strong sex drive, very expressive eyes and oh yeah, he's a prick.
Yes, I did.
Don't get me wrong. The story is definitely holding my interest and I'm wondering what Candy is going to do and how she's going to deal with these circumstances. I know why she entered into them and I know what's keeping her there. At the same time, I get her frustration, her acts of rebellion, her mental defiance and the fact that she's drawn to another man who reminds her that she exists beyond the contract.
Candy realizes she is in danger of losing herself...
I despise the way Dumont humiliates her and I don't care if she turns around and says she finds herself aroused in spite of herself. It doesn't justify it. My sense is he wouldn't have cared if she was aroused or not. That was punishment.
And I don't care how exceptionally gorgeous and sexual the man is, when he's being a bastard, there needs to be consequences. At least in my worldview, even if the real world doesn't always work that way. Between the window scene and then his behaviour in the limo, I just wanted to do some violence on her behalf and for my own satisfaction.
For example:
Yes, Candy has made difficult choices, I get that. And dark and strange stuff is bound to go down because that's the nature of this story. Life isn't always easy or fair and all that jazz. So, I'm not sure how this is all going to unfold but I am definitely curious, irritated and uncomfortably intrigued.
Will Nathan actually reap some of what he has sown here? (Yes, please.) Will Candy find a way out of this mess and do a bit of ass kicking where necessary? (I hope so.) And, the big question for now is
Yes, another mystery to unravel.
Onto "Till Death" - should be very interesting...
***
My Other Reviews for this mini-series:
To Have (The Dumont Diaries, #1)
Till Death (The Dumont Diaries, #3)
Do Us Part (The Dumont Diaries, #4)
So, the mystery of Mr. Dumont, who he truly is and his underlying motivations has yet to unfold but we know he has a temper, a strong sex drive, very expressive eyes and oh yeah, he's a prick.
Yes, I did.
Don't get me wrong. The story is definitely holding my interest and I'm wondering what Candy is going to do and how she's going to deal with these circumstances. I know why she entered into them and I know what's keeping her there. At the same time, I get her frustration, her acts of rebellion, her mental defiance and the fact that she's drawn to another man who reminds her that she exists beyond the contract.
Candy realizes she is in danger of losing herself...
I despise the way Dumont humiliates her and I don't care if she turns around and says she finds herself aroused in spite of herself. It doesn't justify it. My sense is he wouldn't have cared if she was aroused or not. That was punishment.
And I don't care how exceptionally gorgeous and sexual the man is, when he's being a bastard, there needs to be consequences. At least in my worldview, even if the real world doesn't always work that way. Between the window scene and then his behaviour in the limo, I just wanted to do some violence on her behalf and for my own satisfaction.
For example:
Yes, Candy has made difficult choices, I get that. And dark and strange stuff is bound to go down because that's the nature of this story. Life isn't always easy or fair and all that jazz. So, I'm not sure how this is all going to unfold but I am definitely curious, irritated and uncomfortably intrigued.
Will Nathan actually reap some of what he has sown here? (Yes, please.) Will Candy find a way out of this mess and do a bit of ass kicking where necessary? (I hope so.) And, the big question for now is
Yes, another mystery to unravel.
Onto "Till Death" - should be very interesting...
***
My Other Reviews for this mini-series:
To Have (The Dumont Diaries, #1)
Till Death (The Dumont Diaries, #3)
Do Us Part (The Dumont Diaries, #4)
August 21, 2013
Five Stars
This story begins with their marriage. The business marriage with all the rules written to be obeyed. Nathan demands controls and their arrangement made Candy living in hell. A paradise trap, a golden cage, a fake happily ever after life with her father as Nathan's pawn.
Being Nathan Dumont's wife, Candy has a new name, Jennifer Ann Dumont. She has to leave her old life behind.
“I love his eyes. They are the only way I can read him. His body gives so little away; he controls his emotions so well. But his eyes are traitorous to his carefully maintained control. They blaze when he is angry, they soften when he is yielding, and they grow heavy with need when he is aroused.”
She starts to question everything. Her daily schedule is not enough to kill her boredom. She seeks other human and needs a true relationship. That's when Drew comes to give her something for her soul, an edge of sanity.
“While Nathan dominates my body, Drew is interested more in my soul.”
Wow... The second book of this series mesmerized me! I gasped, I flinched, I lost my breath and I desperately wanted more. I'm already in love with Candy but still I seek for more to come. Nathan coldness and indifference keeps a lot of mystery.
“For some couples, silence is comfortable, everything already discussed, shared, communication possible without speaking. For us, silence is all we have ever known. I do not speak because I do not know what to say. He does not speak because he has no interest in talking.”
Buddy reading with my lovely friend Dhini Hapsari. ♥ ♥
This story begins with their marriage. The business marriage with all the rules written to be obeyed. Nathan demands controls and their arrangement made Candy living in hell. A paradise trap, a golden cage, a fake happily ever after life with her father as Nathan's pawn.
Being Nathan Dumont's wife, Candy has a new name, Jennifer Ann Dumont. She has to leave her old life behind.
“I love his eyes. They are the only way I can read him. His body gives so little away; he controls his emotions so well. But his eyes are traitorous to his carefully maintained control. They blaze when he is angry, they soften when he is yielding, and they grow heavy with need when he is aroused.”
She starts to question everything. Her daily schedule is not enough to kill her boredom. She seeks other human and needs a true relationship. That's when Drew comes to give her something for her soul, an edge of sanity.
“While Nathan dominates my body, Drew is interested more in my soul.”
Wow... The second book of this series mesmerized me! I gasped, I flinched, I lost my breath and I desperately wanted more. I'm already in love with Candy but still I seek for more to come. Nathan coldness and indifference keeps a lot of mystery.
“For some couples, silence is comfortable, everything already discussed, shared, communication possible without speaking. For us, silence is all we have ever known. I do not speak because I do not know what to say. He does not speak because he has no interest in talking.”
Buddy reading with my lovely friend Dhini Hapsari. ♥ ♥
October 4, 2013
'To Hold' is part 2 of the 'Dumont Diaries' mini series.
To say I'm in utter shock is an understatement. Reading part 1 & going into part 2, change has developed. The mystery behind who Nathan Dumont really is continues to grow.
Nathan became her salvation the moment she chose to accept his business proposition. Candy gives in to his control & does whatever he asks to please him. She gives up her true identity to become someone else: someone polite, well-manner, & reserved. But soon his lifestyle & the feeling of being trapped bring forth feelings of loneliness & boredom.
"It is all a lie. Every part of my day, whether it be in front of the camera or at home. Home. A horrible word for this ten thousand square feet of glass and stone. Home is where my heart gets ripped out, trampled on, and then patched back together with expensive band-aids, beating a little weaker with every cycle. Home is where I wait for him to return, and hate myself for listening for his car."
Candy decides to rebel & break one of the rules of the contract. Nathan is not pleased. He soon shows her whose in control & reveals a bit of a dark side. Candace learns quickly that her marriage with this enigmatic man is a total sham. She'll never be more than a whore to him; someone he controls. She sees the true disguise for what it is; in front of society he portrays to be the happy, loving husband, but when alone he's cold & distant. It's sadistic in a sense because Candace gets off on that.
But what happens when her isolation makes her seek solace in someone else?
Part 2 had me at the edge of my seat. It was suspenseful & equally as addictive as part 1. Alessandra has great talent in getting so much intensity across in simply 60 pages.
To say I'm in utter shock is an understatement. Reading part 1 & going into part 2, change has developed. The mystery behind who Nathan Dumont really is continues to grow.
Nathan became her salvation the moment she chose to accept his business proposition. Candy gives in to his control & does whatever he asks to please him. She gives up her true identity to become someone else: someone polite, well-manner, & reserved. But soon his lifestyle & the feeling of being trapped bring forth feelings of loneliness & boredom.
"It is all a lie. Every part of my day, whether it be in front of the camera or at home. Home. A horrible word for this ten thousand square feet of glass and stone. Home is where my heart gets ripped out, trampled on, and then patched back together with expensive band-aids, beating a little weaker with every cycle. Home is where I wait for him to return, and hate myself for listening for his car."
Candy decides to rebel & break one of the rules of the contract. Nathan is not pleased. He soon shows her whose in control & reveals a bit of a dark side. Candace learns quickly that her marriage with this enigmatic man is a total sham. She'll never be more than a whore to him; someone he controls. She sees the true disguise for what it is; in front of society he portrays to be the happy, loving husband, but when alone he's cold & distant. It's sadistic in a sense because Candace gets off on that.
But what happens when her isolation makes her seek solace in someone else?
Part 2 had me at the edge of my seat. It was suspenseful & equally as addictive as part 1. Alessandra has great talent in getting so much intensity across in simply 60 pages.
December 27, 2015
We get to see whether or not Candy has decided to take Nathan up on his offer of marriage or not (which she did) and as it turns out, married life is an interesting thing in the Dumont household. Candy continues to live in the guest house but with a whole host of rules to go along with her new marriage. She’s stifled in her current environment, she doesn’t really have anyone to talk to aside from Drew who is more of a jailer than anything.
Despite her precarious and legally bound situation she begins and affair with Drew, right in Nathan’s house! I can see why Candy went to Drew seeking more of an emotional connection to go with the physical however, he’s another character we know far too little about. He’s another unknown in Candy’s new and foreign life. The only familiar face is her father’s, whom she’s allowed to see every Wednesday. This installment didn’t really answer any questions, it only caused more problems for Candy. She can’t seem to get out of her own way. P.S. I was appalled by Nathan’s requests in his car with his business associate. I can see why Candy capitulated but Nathan never should have threatened her the way he did.
**I read this as part of my Kindle Unlimited Subscription**
Control. It is a food that Nathan feeds on, devours with a vulgarity that clashes with his smooth exterior. He wants to control me, and he wants an audience — an audience that he controls in the process.
Despite her precarious and legally bound situation she begins and affair with Drew, right in Nathan’s house! I can see why Candy went to Drew seeking more of an emotional connection to go with the physical however, he’s another character we know far too little about. He’s another unknown in Candy’s new and foreign life. The only familiar face is her father’s, whom she’s allowed to see every Wednesday. This installment didn’t really answer any questions, it only caused more problems for Candy. She can’t seem to get out of her own way. P.S. I was appalled by Nathan’s requests in his car with his business associate. I can see why Candy capitulated but Nathan never should have threatened her the way he did.
**I read this as part of my Kindle Unlimited Subscription**
August 23, 2013
4.5--F U Nathan--Stars!!!
Da Da Da Dum....Da Da Da Dum....Da Da Da Da Da....Da Da Da Da Dum!
Nathan andCandyJennifer--husband and wife!
NOT!
Marriage Proposal = Business Agreement
Nathan andCandyJennifer agree to be "married". CandyJennifer will abide by all of Nathan's "rules". The will have a wonderful love-less marriage. In return, CandyJennifer will agree to service Nathan at his beck and call. CandyJennifer's dad will be taken care of medically and financially.
CandyJennifer is not happy. She starts to ask questions. Why did Nathan want to marry Candy? And why Candy? Why the Crystal Palace. CandyJennifer spends her days with Drew, one of Nathan's "men". Nathan is cold. Distant. Withdrawn.
CandyJennifer and Drew share some intimate moments together. Lines are crossed. Rules in the agreement are broken. What will happen if Nathan finds out?? Does he know??
Nathan:
That was a dick move!!!
But I don't....
Da Da Da Dum....Da Da Da Dum....Da Da Da Da Da....Da Da Da Da Dum!
Nathan and
NOT!
Marriage Proposal = Business Agreement
Nathan and
Nathan:
That was a dick move!!!
But I don't....
August 15, 2013
This series delivers everything it has promised to me. It has taken my breath away, caused gasps, heart clutches and desire for more; and that is just part two of a four part series. There is so much in these parts; they are packed full of emotion, concern, lust and wanting. There are noose ties figuratively around all fo the main characters, just with different types of life cord.
This part lays the groundwork for more intense addiction to this series with question after question of what is really going on; who is really in control and what is really at stake.
I am now a huge fan of Alessandra Torre. Her ability to taunt, tease and draw me into her world has given me such pleasure. I highly recommend this series and will be counting the days until the next one is released. The good news is it will not be long and she has proven she will not disappoint.
This part lays the groundwork for more intense addiction to this series with question after question of what is really going on; who is really in control and what is really at stake.
I am now a huge fan of Alessandra Torre. Her ability to taunt, tease and draw me into her world has given me such pleasure. I highly recommend this series and will be counting the days until the next one is released. The good news is it will not be long and she has proven she will not disappoint.
April 15, 2017
Desperate stripper Candy has morphed into trophy wife Jennifer. If only she knew why all this subterfuge was necessary. The golden cage is becoming oppressive, while her guards have become more interesting. This is a mess. I have to know what happens next.
August 18, 2013
Good lord this guy is an asshole.
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