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The Dumonts #3
Disavow
From New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle comes a seductive novel of riches, romance, and redemption.
In the Dumont fashion empire, no heir has a reputation as decadent, arrogant, and ruthless as that of Pascal Dumont. Every transgression, an indecent pleasure. Every woman, a conquest. And none is more challenging than his new personal assistant, Gabrielle Caron. She’s defiant, alluring, and a mystery Pascal can’t wait to solve.
A former family servant and daughter of the head maid, Gabrielle’s returned as suddenly as she left eight years ago. No longer an awkward teen, the ethereal young beauty has amassed a wealth of resolve. She’ll need it. In hire to the devilishly charming scion, she’s come back for one reason only. And she dare not whisper why.
But as the nights grow more intimate at the Dumont maison, Gabrielle realizes that the last man she believed in is the one man she can trust with her secrets. For Pascal, falling in love means more than his own redemption. It could mean saving Gabrielle’s very life as they confront a dark and scandalous past…together.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
371 people are currently reading
2503 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 228 reviews
February 4, 2020
4 stars
Karina Halle ended The Dumonts series with a bang. Disavow is one of those books I was looking forward to, but was also a little nervous to read it. Pascal Dumont has not been a likable character throughout this series, but I should have known Karina could pull it off. She gave us the most delectable antihero with Pascal, and a strong and brave heroine with Gabrielle.
Gabrielle's mother is the maid for the Dumont household. Gabrielle lived there when she was a teenager, but she's been gone for quite some time. Now she's back and back with a vengeance. She's there for only one thing, revenge. She ends up getting a job assisting Pascal Dumont while back in town. This helps her to get closer to her goal.
But things aren't going as planned. What she never expected, never dreamed would happen has. She and Pascal are starting to fall for one another. Pascal isn't a bad guy, but he's done a lot of bad things in his past. Gabrielle makes him want to be different, be better. I loved these two together. Both are damaged in their own way, but also courageous. I really loved them together. They had great chemistry and growth.
If you're looking for a sexy series full of secrets, suspense, and romance, pick these up. I enjoyed all three of the books in this series and recommend them to all lovers of romantic suspense.
Karina Halle ended The Dumonts series with a bang. Disavow is one of those books I was looking forward to, but was also a little nervous to read it. Pascal Dumont has not been a likable character throughout this series, but I should have known Karina could pull it off. She gave us the most delectable antihero with Pascal, and a strong and brave heroine with Gabrielle.
Gabrielle's mother is the maid for the Dumont household. Gabrielle lived there when she was a teenager, but she's been gone for quite some time. Now she's back and back with a vengeance. She's there for only one thing, revenge. She ends up getting a job assisting Pascal Dumont while back in town. This helps her to get closer to her goal.
But things aren't going as planned. What she never expected, never dreamed would happen has. She and Pascal are starting to fall for one another. Pascal isn't a bad guy, but he's done a lot of bad things in his past. Gabrielle makes him want to be different, be better. I loved these two together. Both are damaged in their own way, but also courageous. I really loved them together. They had great chemistry and growth.
If she’s not my salvation, if she’s not my redemption, then she’s something better and greater than that. I think I might be finding a better version of myself in her. A better man.
If you're looking for a sexy series full of secrets, suspense, and romance, pick these up. I enjoyed all three of the books in this series and recommend them to all lovers of romantic suspense.
February 26, 2020
3.5! I liked this one the most of the series. I was so curious about how Karina Halle would redeem Pascal and I think she did a good job! I just didn't fall in love with the story overall.
February 25, 2020
4.5 'You are my redemption' Stars!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Never thought I’d see the day that Karina Halle would make us fall in love with Pascal Dumont but that has happened! If you read the previous books in this series, I am sure you know Pascal was not the best of men. He was infamous like his father. Or is he? Will he finally open his eyes if the right woman appears in his life? If you want to find out, you have to read the conclusion of this scandalous and suspenseful series!
Disavow is the third and final installment in Karina’s The Dumonts series and, as I said, we get the story of the anti-hero: Pascal Dumont. Pascal is his father’s right hand, he is arrogant, ruthless and does not care about the consequences of his and his father’s actions. Enter Gabrielle Caron, his new personal assistant and the daughter of the Dumonts’ head maid that disappeared suddenly years ago. But she is not back to work for Pascal, she has other reasons. What these two don’t expect is the chemistry between them. Will love win or will it be darkness?
He’s got quite an unusual way of looking at you, always has. Like he can see right through you, but it’s also more than that. Like he knows all your secrets, and plans on using them against you later.
This is surely the darkest installment in the series. We are finally inside Pascal Dumont’s head and it’s not a happy place. We are able to peel the layers of his personality and get to know why he is the way he is. Is he that bad? Does he have conscience? Does he care? Gabrielle changes everything for him. But Gabrielle herself has her own demons and that demon happens to be the same one as Pascal’s. She is secretive and mysterious, she is scared but she is also strong after everything that’s happened. And Pascal cannot stop himself from wanting her.
I have this woman, and I have to wonder if this is what I’ve been missing out on my whole life.
Gabrielle has plans, plans that involve getting herself and her mother out of the Dumonts’ house. But not without getting what she wants first. But she falls in love with Pascal in the process and that changes things. Their connection and chemistry is beautiful and explosive and that is stopping her plans. Revenge is a very strong force and it makes its way in. Things get dark towards the end and Disavow is not easy to read at times but it’s definitely worth it.
She wanted to fix me? Well, she has. She has made me become the person I needed to be, the person I was always afraid to be.
Therefore, I am rating Disavow with 4.5 STARS because Karina did a wonderful job with the final book in her Dumonts’s series. Pascal’s redemption was everything I expected and so much more. Do I dare say he is my favorite of the Dumonts? Pascal’s back story, Gabrielle’s demons and the strong connection between them make this book such an exhilarating read. It surely gets intense but I am so glad these two found each other! I quite enjoyed this series and if you enjoy suspense, sexiness and emotions running high, you should check these books out!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Never thought I’d see the day that Karina Halle would make us fall in love with Pascal Dumont but that has happened! If you read the previous books in this series, I am sure you know Pascal was not the best of men. He was infamous like his father. Or is he? Will he finally open his eyes if the right woman appears in his life? If you want to find out, you have to read the conclusion of this scandalous and suspenseful series!
Disavow is the third and final installment in Karina’s The Dumonts series and, as I said, we get the story of the anti-hero: Pascal Dumont. Pascal is his father’s right hand, he is arrogant, ruthless and does not care about the consequences of his and his father’s actions. Enter Gabrielle Caron, his new personal assistant and the daughter of the Dumonts’ head maid that disappeared suddenly years ago. But she is not back to work for Pascal, she has other reasons. What these two don’t expect is the chemistry between them. Will love win or will it be darkness?
He’s got quite an unusual way of looking at you, always has. Like he can see right through you, but it’s also more than that. Like he knows all your secrets, and plans on using them against you later.
This is surely the darkest installment in the series. We are finally inside Pascal Dumont’s head and it’s not a happy place. We are able to peel the layers of his personality and get to know why he is the way he is. Is he that bad? Does he have conscience? Does he care? Gabrielle changes everything for him. But Gabrielle herself has her own demons and that demon happens to be the same one as Pascal’s. She is secretive and mysterious, she is scared but she is also strong after everything that’s happened. And Pascal cannot stop himself from wanting her.
I have this woman, and I have to wonder if this is what I’ve been missing out on my whole life.
Gabrielle has plans, plans that involve getting herself and her mother out of the Dumonts’ house. But not without getting what she wants first. But she falls in love with Pascal in the process and that changes things. Their connection and chemistry is beautiful and explosive and that is stopping her plans. Revenge is a very strong force and it makes its way in. Things get dark towards the end and Disavow is not easy to read at times but it’s definitely worth it.
She wanted to fix me? Well, she has. She has made me become the person I needed to be, the person I was always afraid to be.
Therefore, I am rating Disavow with 4.5 STARS because Karina did a wonderful job with the final book in her Dumonts’s series. Pascal’s redemption was everything I expected and so much more. Do I dare say he is my favorite of the Dumonts? Pascal’s back story, Gabrielle’s demons and the strong connection between them make this book such an exhilarating read. It surely gets intense but I am so glad these two found each other! I quite enjoyed this series and if you enjoy suspense, sexiness and emotions running high, you should check these books out!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
July 29, 2022
Disavow is the best in Dumont series. Miss Halle hits all the right spot. Pascal is the heart breaker, I anxiously waiting for his own story.
His chemistry with Gabrielle is spot on. Gabrielle meanwhile is drama queen. What happened to her is tragic. I wish she can focus on sruvivor mode instead of revenge mode.
However, I do like the contrast between Pascal and Gabrielle. Pascal determines to find his redemption and Gabrielle determines to avenging her past.
Overall a very good book.
4 stars
His chemistry with Gabrielle is spot on. Gabrielle meanwhile is drama queen. What happened to her is tragic. I wish she can focus on sruvivor mode instead of revenge mode.
However, I do like the contrast between Pascal and Gabrielle. Pascal determines to find his redemption and Gabrielle determines to avenging her past.
Overall a very good book.
4 stars
March 6, 2020
Ok read.
August 10, 2020
I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was looking forward to reading Disavow. I love all things France so I may be partial to the fact that this book is set in France.
I didn't like Pascal in book 1 and to be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with the whole "redeeming" aspect of characters because let's be real here for a second, when you start to really hate a character from the previous book, are you seriously telling me that you're going into the book with an open mind? NOPE! But I'm fickle minded when it comes to book characters.
I more than enjoyed Disavow. Looking forward to reading more from this series.
I didn't like Pascal in book 1 and to be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with the whole "redeeming" aspect of characters because let's be real here for a second, when you start to really hate a character from the previous book, are you seriously telling me that you're going into the book with an open mind? NOPE! But I'm fickle minded when it comes to book characters.
I more than enjoyed Disavow. Looking forward to reading more from this series.
January 10, 2020
Book 3. Pascal. After the last two books we kind of thought he would always stay the bad guy. But now he's getting his chance for his own happily ever after.
And I loved it! I loved getting a look inside his head and his heart.
Gabrielle used to live in the Dumont mansion years ago - as the daughter of the maid. But bad things happened with Pascal's father and eight years ago she was finally able to run away.
But now she's back. And she's out for justice and revenge. And help comes from the last person she ever expected it to come from: Pascal. But she can't tell him about her plans - and she can't fall for this very bad bad guy, right?
Pascal is fascinated by this beautiful girl. He feels himself soften - he feels his frozen heart getting warmer. He doesn't want to end up like his father. He's not like him.
Let's hope Gabrielle and Pascal can stop this horrible man before he hurts anymore people!
Great romance. Suspensy, exciting, dangerous, sexy, adorable, heartbreaking. I loved reading it! I adored the epilogue!!!
💜
💜
February 4, 2020
4 stars!
The final book in The Dumonts trilogy, and Karina Halle has pulled off the almost impossible by taking series bad guy, Pascal, and not only redeeming him, but making me fall in mad love with him. A fantastic story of overcoming your past, with a gorgeous romance that left me swooning, it’s a great finish to the series, and I loved it!
For the last two books we have seen Pascal Dumont plot and scheme with his evil father to take over the family fashion dynasty. Well, now he’s got everything he ever thought he wanted, but it’s not sitting well with him. We saw a glimpse of this in the last book, but now we get to see how his and his father’s past actions have impacted on him, which had me feeling for him from the very beginning. And life is about to get even more complicated for him with the return of Gabrielle, the daughter of their family’s maid.
Gabrielle’s childhood was difficult and it only got a whole lot worse when her mother became the maid to the Dumonts. Living on the family’s property, she began working for them as a teenager, but she suffered terribly at the hands of Pascal’s father, leaving her and traumatised and emotionally scarred. She ran away when she was 18, and now eight years later she is back to seek her revenge.
With Gabrielle back in the house, Pascal immediately employs her to work with him. It’s a chemistry-filled enemies-to-friends-to-lovers setup with the two of them going head to head, but it doesn’t take long for things to begin to shift and change between them.
Their love story is so, so beautiful. It takes a while for things to start to happen, which was realistic, and when it does, it’s natural, passionate and emotional, and I loved how open they both were to just follow their hearts and go with it.
Of course it’s driven by a strong physical attraction, but there’s a beautiful bond between these two, and as they open up to each other, that only grows, and I love watching it all unfold.
And their sexual chemistry burns up the pages, super steamy of course, but also showing their intense emotional connection.
The suspense and mystery that began in the first book continues, and we get to see the thrilling conclusion to the ‘whodunnit’ aspect of the series. It ties in so well to Pascal and Gabrielle’s individual journeys, giving us a really satisfying ending to that part of the story. The characters from the previous books also appear which provides some great closure to the series as a whole, and the epilogue finishes everything off beautifully.
But even with that big ending, for me, this book was all about the love story and it was fantastic. Fun, sexy, emotional and functional, it was a really beautiful read.
I loved this one – 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The final book in The Dumonts trilogy, and Karina Halle has pulled off the almost impossible by taking series bad guy, Pascal, and not only redeeming him, but making me fall in mad love with him. A fantastic story of overcoming your past, with a gorgeous romance that left me swooning, it’s a great finish to the series, and I loved it!
For the last two books we have seen Pascal Dumont plot and scheme with his evil father to take over the family fashion dynasty. Well, now he’s got everything he ever thought he wanted, but it’s not sitting well with him. We saw a glimpse of this in the last book, but now we get to see how his and his father’s past actions have impacted on him, which had me feeling for him from the very beginning. And life is about to get even more complicated for him with the return of Gabrielle, the daughter of their family’s maid.
Gabrielle’s childhood was difficult and it only got a whole lot worse when her mother became the maid to the Dumonts. Living on the family’s property, she began working for them as a teenager, but she suffered terribly at the hands of Pascal’s father, leaving her and traumatised and emotionally scarred. She ran away when she was 18, and now eight years later she is back to seek her revenge.
With Gabrielle back in the house, Pascal immediately employs her to work with him. It’s a chemistry-filled enemies-to-friends-to-lovers setup with the two of them going head to head, but it doesn’t take long for things to begin to shift and change between them.
Gabrielle is my key.
The key to becoming a better man.
She’s the one who is worth it.
Their love story is so, so beautiful. It takes a while for things to start to happen, which was realistic, and when it does, it’s natural, passionate and emotional, and I loved how open they both were to just follow their hearts and go with it.
“You’re mine now. Every single inch of you is mine. That just sealed it. There is no escaping this.”
Of course it’s driven by a strong physical attraction, but there’s a beautiful bond between these two, and as they open up to each other, that only grows, and I love watching it all unfold.
“I’m not damaged goods,” she whispers, staring into my eyes with such intensity that I don’t dare move. “I’m just a little broken. Maybe I need you to put me back together again. It can’t hurt to try, can it?”
God, I hope she’s right.
And their sexual chemistry burns up the pages, super steamy of course, but also showing their intense emotional connection.
“You feel so fucking good, Gabrielle. I am all but lost to you.” He slowly pulls back out with a grown, but his eye contact doesn’t break. “I’m not sure I want to be found.”
The suspense and mystery that began in the first book continues, and we get to see the thrilling conclusion to the ‘whodunnit’ aspect of the series. It ties in so well to Pascal and Gabrielle’s individual journeys, giving us a really satisfying ending to that part of the story. The characters from the previous books also appear which provides some great closure to the series as a whole, and the epilogue finishes everything off beautifully.
But even with that big ending, for me, this book was all about the love story and it was fantastic. Fun, sexy, emotional and functional, it was a really beautiful read.
“Tell me I’m yours. I need to know it. I need to feel it.”
The words just come out.
“I’m yours.”
I loved this one – 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2020
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
"Money is our legacy. Greed is our strength. And getting what I want is where I really shine."
Disavow is the last book in The Dumonts series, and one I have been anticipating since I finished the previous book. I have had a love/hate relationship with Pascal since I met him in the first book Discretion. He definitely wasn't likable back then, but he kind of grew on me in the second book Disarm after I got to know him better. I love a good redemption story and I think Karina Halle did a great job with Pascal. He didn't have an easy life, even if he is a heir to the Dumont fashion empire. His father is just pure evil and his mother never showed him any love, so him turning out the way he did was to be expected. He is struggling internally with some of his actions and when he is finally coming face to face with the consequences he needs to decide on which side he's one. Will he follow his father's footsteps or break free like his cousins and brother. I really like anti-heroes so it didn't take me long to warm up to him in this series. I especially loved seeing him question everything after meeting Gabrielle and falling for her. He finally saw a different life he could have, but to get it he would have to make difficult decisions in his life.
"You have me, okay? You have me. This doesn't end here. It continues. I told you that you were mine, and I'm yours too. I'm not backing down. I'm not letting go."
Gabrielle comes from a complete different background and is the daughter of the head maid. She didn't have an easy life and after very horrific and traumatic incidents she leaves and doesn't come back for years. Why did she come back now? You'll have to read the book to find out. I really liked her character and I loved how fierce she was. She came back stronger than ever, but was still dealing with her trauma. The interaction between Pascal and Gabrielle was sensual and she didn't back down to him. I loved how their relationship progressed and I think they were a great fit with amazing chemistry. Pascal for the first time in his life felt like he was worth being loved. This being the last book in the series I was looking forward to the confrontation with Gautier (father of Pascal and villain of the series), which we have been moving closer to from the beginning of the series. I was expecting a bit more suspense in this book. Also there was one incident that I found unbelievable but I am not an expert so maybe it is possible, but I am not so sure (sorry for being vague, you'll know which scene I am talking about when you get to it). Overall this was a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I especially loved the epilogue which showed the whole family together. I am definitely going to miss these amazing characters.
"Money is our legacy. Greed is our strength. And getting what I want is where I really shine."
Disavow is the last book in The Dumonts series, and one I have been anticipating since I finished the previous book. I have had a love/hate relationship with Pascal since I met him in the first book Discretion. He definitely wasn't likable back then, but he kind of grew on me in the second book Disarm after I got to know him better. I love a good redemption story and I think Karina Halle did a great job with Pascal. He didn't have an easy life, even if he is a heir to the Dumont fashion empire. His father is just pure evil and his mother never showed him any love, so him turning out the way he did was to be expected. He is struggling internally with some of his actions and when he is finally coming face to face with the consequences he needs to decide on which side he's one. Will he follow his father's footsteps or break free like his cousins and brother. I really like anti-heroes so it didn't take me long to warm up to him in this series. I especially loved seeing him question everything after meeting Gabrielle and falling for her. He finally saw a different life he could have, but to get it he would have to make difficult decisions in his life.
"You have me, okay? You have me. This doesn't end here. It continues. I told you that you were mine, and I'm yours too. I'm not backing down. I'm not letting go."
Gabrielle comes from a complete different background and is the daughter of the head maid. She didn't have an easy life and after very horrific and traumatic incidents she leaves and doesn't come back for years. Why did she come back now? You'll have to read the book to find out. I really liked her character and I loved how fierce she was. She came back stronger than ever, but was still dealing with her trauma. The interaction between Pascal and Gabrielle was sensual and she didn't back down to him. I loved how their relationship progressed and I think they were a great fit with amazing chemistry. Pascal for the first time in his life felt like he was worth being loved. This being the last book in the series I was looking forward to the confrontation with Gautier (father of Pascal and villain of the series), which we have been moving closer to from the beginning of the series. I was expecting a bit more suspense in this book. Also there was one incident that I found unbelievable but I am not an expert so maybe it is possible, but I am not so sure (sorry for being vague, you'll know which scene I am talking about when you get to it). Overall this was a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I especially loved the epilogue which showed the whole family together. I am definitely going to miss these amazing characters.
February 17, 2020
4.5 STARS!
Disavow, the final installment to The Dumont series by Karina Halle was wickedly thrilling, sexy, and truly the perfect ending to this lavish story!
Gabrielle and her mother came to the Dumont estate when she was just a young girl. As the years past she soon became Gautier's personal maid. Though he was a predator who he hurt and abused her, she managed to escape when she was eighteen. Eight years later, Gabrielle is back in Paris and she wants revenge.
Pascal Dumont is the anti-hero of the story. He's in need of a personal assistant/maid. When he sees Gabrielle he's momentary struck by her unique beauty. She's quick to put him in his place and not bow down to his every whim. With the chance to return to the Dumont estate, Gabrielle can finally seek justice, but what she never expected was to fall for Pascal.
Pascal and Gabrielle are two damaged souls who seek comfort in each other. Pascal sees redemption and hope with Gabrielle. He soon realizes he isn't the villain but a tool, a puppet that was used by Gautier for his own personal gain. If it wasn't for Gabrielle's courage, Pascal wouldn't have changed and grown so much. This, was so wonderful to witness.
The Dumont series was a 'dynasty' royals collection filled with scandal, deception, lies, drama, and above all sexy, edgy, and romantic moments that will leave you at the edge of your seat! I'm looking forward to what else Karina has up her sleeve.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Montlake Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
Disavow, the final installment to The Dumont series by Karina Halle was wickedly thrilling, sexy, and truly the perfect ending to this lavish story!
Gabrielle and her mother came to the Dumont estate when she was just a young girl. As the years past she soon became Gautier's personal maid. Though he was a predator who he hurt and abused her, she managed to escape when she was eighteen. Eight years later, Gabrielle is back in Paris and she wants revenge.
Pascal Dumont is the anti-hero of the story. He's in need of a personal assistant/maid. When he sees Gabrielle he's momentary struck by her unique beauty. She's quick to put him in his place and not bow down to his every whim. With the chance to return to the Dumont estate, Gabrielle can finally seek justice, but what she never expected was to fall for Pascal.
Pascal and Gabrielle are two damaged souls who seek comfort in each other. Pascal sees redemption and hope with Gabrielle. He soon realizes he isn't the villain but a tool, a puppet that was used by Gautier for his own personal gain. If it wasn't for Gabrielle's courage, Pascal wouldn't have changed and grown so much. This, was so wonderful to witness.
The Dumont series was a 'dynasty' royals collection filled with scandal, deception, lies, drama, and above all sexy, edgy, and romantic moments that will leave you at the edge of your seat! I'm looking forward to what else Karina has up her sleeve.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Montlake Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
March 2, 2020
4 1/2 "Redemptive" Stars!!
Oh Ms. Halle!! I really didn't think you could do it but you made me like Pascal!! I thought there was no way you could redeem him for me....but you worked your magic and bam!!
Pascal had done horrible things in the books prior to this. It always appeared that he enjoyed being his father's accomplice ....let's just say all was not as it appeared. Pascal really does have a heart and it takes a beautiful woman named Gabrielle to help him discover that it still beats.
I think this was probably my favorite book of the series. It's hard to not love a bad boy turned good - especially when he rides to the rescue of his damsel in distress. I don't want to give away too much of this story but let's just say that Pascal makes some difficult decisions and discoveries in this book. They aren't easy but they seem to make him a stronger man.
I know people will say you can read this as a standalone and you can....but it is a richer experience if you read these books in order. You get all of the history for each character and know how they got to the place they are now. Since they are a family, it is meaningful.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Ms. Halle for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh Ms. Halle!! I really didn't think you could do it but you made me like Pascal!! I thought there was no way you could redeem him for me....but you worked your magic and bam!!
Pascal had done horrible things in the books prior to this. It always appeared that he enjoyed being his father's accomplice ....let's just say all was not as it appeared. Pascal really does have a heart and it takes a beautiful woman named Gabrielle to help him discover that it still beats.
I think this was probably my favorite book of the series. It's hard to not love a bad boy turned good - especially when he rides to the rescue of his damsel in distress. I don't want to give away too much of this story but let's just say that Pascal makes some difficult decisions and discoveries in this book. They aren't easy but they seem to make him a stronger man.
I know people will say you can read this as a standalone and you can....but it is a richer experience if you read these books in order. You get all of the history for each character and know how they got to the place they are now. Since they are a family, it is meaningful.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Ms. Halle for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2020
***AUDIOBOOK***
4.5 STARS
Listen, I’m a sucker for a happy ending. I’m a sucker for a villain turned hero. They are my vices and Disavow gave me both.
Pascal was redeemed. His actions, his affection towards the heroine, and the epilogue sold me. I’m here for it all.
I liked the heroine. She endured a lot, and I completely got her need for revenge. She is definitely someone who deserved an HEA.
The story moves pretty quickly. I enjoyed them as a couple, the steam factory was there, and we get some suspense and danger. The epilogue sold me, too. I’m a sucker for a good epilogue.
The audiobook was good as well. I liked the narrators, their pacing and voice were engaging and nice to listen to.
Definitely a fave series from Karina Halle.
4.5 STARS
Listen, I’m a sucker for a happy ending. I’m a sucker for a villain turned hero. They are my vices and Disavow gave me both.
Pascal was redeemed. His actions, his affection towards the heroine, and the epilogue sold me. I’m here for it all.
I liked the heroine. She endured a lot, and I completely got her need for revenge. She is definitely someone who deserved an HEA.
The story moves pretty quickly. I enjoyed them as a couple, the steam factory was there, and we get some suspense and danger. The epilogue sold me, too. I’m a sucker for a good epilogue.
The audiobook was good as well. I liked the narrators, their pacing and voice were engaging and nice to listen to.
Definitely a fave series from Karina Halle.
May 8, 2020
3.5 stars
I love the redemption of a conniving, devious and morally questionable hero, one of my favorite tropes. I also love it when the villain get his!
A nice conclusion to the series.
I love the redemption of a conniving, devious and morally questionable hero, one of my favorite tropes. I also love it when the villain get his!
A nice conclusion to the series.
March 6, 2020
If someone checks my GR profile, they will find a (short) list of my 5 pet peeves. Number two is the following:
2. Sleeping with other people. I don't want to read about one of the MCs having sex with a person who is not the other MC.
Somewhere in this book, Pascal makes Gabrielle find a restaurant to take his date to and find out her name. After the date, he brings the other woman home and fucks her while she is leaning on the window and he hopes that Gabrielle is watching because he wanted to make her jealous. The next morning he makes Gabrielle clean said window.
I stopped reading after that because I wanted a heroine who wouldn't settle for a man like Pascal. He didn't deserve her. Especially after what she went through.
2. Sleeping with other people. I don't want to read about one of the MCs having sex with a person who is not the other MC.
Somewhere in this book, Pascal makes Gabrielle find a restaurant to take his date to and find out her name. After the date, he brings the other woman home and fucks her while she is leaning on the window and he hopes that Gabrielle is watching because he wanted to make her jealous. The next morning he makes Gabrielle clean said window.
I stopped reading after that because I wanted a heroine who wouldn't settle for a man like Pascal. He didn't deserve her. Especially after what she went through.
January 27, 2020
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Definitely my favorite of the series. I have a weakness for antiheroes and Pascal is for sure one! I loved him and Gabrielle, they truly healed each other and helped each other move on from their demons
Definitely my favorite of the series. I have a weakness for antiheroes and Pascal is for sure one! I loved him and Gabrielle, they truly healed each other and helped each other move on from their demons
September 10, 2021
DELUXE NIGHTS habe ich jetzt schon vor knapp einer Woche beendet. Tatsächlich habe ich die ganze Reihe innerhalb einer Woche gelesen bzw. zum Teil gehört.
Und wo ich von Band 1 und 2 eher so semi-begeistert war, ist Band 3 für mich eindeutig das beste Buch der Reihe.
Dabei hatte ich anfänglich wirklich Bedenken, denn Pascal war in den anderen Teilen ein wirklich schrecklicher Charakter. Ihn jetzt als Protagonisten zu haben, war ein wenig merkwürdig. Dabei fand ich ihn am Ende wirklich toll. Hätte ich gar nicht gedacht. Aber er hatte so viele gute Seiten, die haben schlicht überwogen am Ende.
Auch die Protagonistin fand ich gut, auch wenn ich mit ihr so ein paar Probleme hatte. Aber das war schon okay.
Insgesamt war DELUXE NIGHTS ein gutes Buch mit einer soliden Geschichte die mich an einigen Stellen auch geschockt hat. Das Buch ist jetzt kein unbedingten Must-Read, war ein guter Abschluss einer eher durchwachsenen Reihe.
Und wo ich von Band 1 und 2 eher so semi-begeistert war, ist Band 3 für mich eindeutig das beste Buch der Reihe.
Dabei hatte ich anfänglich wirklich Bedenken, denn Pascal war in den anderen Teilen ein wirklich schrecklicher Charakter. Ihn jetzt als Protagonisten zu haben, war ein wenig merkwürdig. Dabei fand ich ihn am Ende wirklich toll. Hätte ich gar nicht gedacht. Aber er hatte so viele gute Seiten, die haben schlicht überwogen am Ende.
Auch die Protagonistin fand ich gut, auch wenn ich mit ihr so ein paar Probleme hatte. Aber das war schon okay.
Insgesamt war DELUXE NIGHTS ein gutes Buch mit einer soliden Geschichte die mich an einigen Stellen auch geschockt hat. Das Buch ist jetzt kein unbedingten Must-Read, war ein guter Abschluss einer eher durchwachsenen Reihe.
February 25, 2020
Disavow is the third book in Karina Halle’s Dumonts series, and it’s my favourite of the series. Although I have enjoyed the entire series, I will be honest and say it’s not a favourite from the author. Each book made for addictive reding but Disavow was the only book that really made me say wow.
In truth, I was a wee bit nervous about this one. I was unsure if I could be won over by our male lead and was ready for another enjoyable book that didn’t quite amaze me as much as it could. However, my worries were quickly put aside once I started.
There was plenty wrapped up within this story, with the series going in an unexpected direction. I had ideas of how things would play out in the end, but I was wrong. There were certain details I was right about, but the overall end result was surprising.
If you’ve enjoyed the prior books in the series, you need to give this one a read. It’s easily the best of the three.
In truth, I was a wee bit nervous about this one. I was unsure if I could be won over by our male lead and was ready for another enjoyable book that didn’t quite amaze me as much as it could. However, my worries were quickly put aside once I started.
There was plenty wrapped up within this story, with the series going in an unexpected direction. I had ideas of how things would play out in the end, but I was wrong. There were certain details I was right about, but the overall end result was surprising.
If you’ve enjoyed the prior books in the series, you need to give this one a read. It’s easily the best of the three.
December 3, 2019
Favorite of the series, ends with a bang!
July 7, 2020
***4 ‘Sprite’ Stars***
Ever since meeting Pascal in Discretion I’ve been fascinated by him and just how he can do all that he does and I gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed getting inside his head and watching him brought to his knees by his sprite, Gabrielle.
I loved Pascal and Gabrielle. While I was fascinated by Pascal, I didn’t necessarily like him. But watching as Gabrielle gets under his skin and things start to shift in him, well the man that comes out of that experience is one I wouldn’t mind getting to know. As for Gabrielle, she is strong, intelligent and determined. I loved her spirit and how genuine her heart was, despite all that she’d been through.
Gabrielle and Pascal’s journey was definitely an interesting one. I loved how, despite all their intentions, they got under each other’s skins and ended up truly seeing who the other was and finding that they actually liked them with all their bruises, edges and demons. I have to say it was a lot of fun to watch them dance around each other, regardless of the darkness that surrounded them, and I loved that they got their HEA.
This was definitely an interesting series with all kinds of crazy ~ both the good and the bad ~ going on. I have to say that I really liked how the author dealt with all the various family issues both in the last chapter and then the epilogue. She didn’t make things rose colored, it was real but hopeful and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for the Dumont clan.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
Ever since meeting Pascal in Discretion I’ve been fascinated by him and just how he can do all that he does and I gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed getting inside his head and watching him brought to his knees by his sprite, Gabrielle.
I loved Pascal and Gabrielle. While I was fascinated by Pascal, I didn’t necessarily like him. But watching as Gabrielle gets under his skin and things start to shift in him, well the man that comes out of that experience is one I wouldn’t mind getting to know. As for Gabrielle, she is strong, intelligent and determined. I loved her spirit and how genuine her heart was, despite all that she’d been through.
Gabrielle and Pascal’s journey was definitely an interesting one. I loved how, despite all their intentions, they got under each other’s skins and ended up truly seeing who the other was and finding that they actually liked them with all their bruises, edges and demons. I have to say it was a lot of fun to watch them dance around each other, regardless of the darkness that surrounded them, and I loved that they got their HEA.
This was definitely an interesting series with all kinds of crazy ~ both the good and the bad ~ going on. I have to say that I really liked how the author dealt with all the various family issues both in the last chapter and then the epilogue. She didn’t make things rose colored, it was real but hopeful and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for the Dumont clan.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
January 13, 2020
First of all, let me say that I'm sad that this trilogy is over. I started reading it last summer when Discretion came out and it's followed to 2020. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to everyone, especially the evil Gautier. And I wanted to know how the author would redeem Pascal, since he always acted like he was going to be brutal as his father and he did some despicable things (although not as disgusting as what his father did).
Well, I am sold, and I think there wasn't a better way to conclude this series than with this book.
You need to read the first book, Discretion, and the second book, Disarm, if you want to know what happened. Theoretically, you could read Disavow alone, but you would live half the story. So I suggest you start from the first book.
We finally get into Pascal Dumont's head in this one. Pascal is the oldest of Gautier's sons, and the one his father has always tried to shape him into becoming a sort of his clone, a ruthless man with only money in his mind and hatred for those who wanted to have control of what he deemed as his own brand. If you read Discretion, you'll know that Pascal's father took over the company who initially belonged to Olivier and Seraphine because it was their fathers', and he's keeping his oldest son as the CEO God knows why. He doesn't even trust Pascal, yet, it's Pascal who is running everything after more than a year from the events in Discretion. Pascal is able, but at some point even he questions if work is all there is in life and if this is his destiny, since all that his father does is being disappointed by him.
Enter Gabrielle.
Gabrielle used to work for the Dumonts 8 years before. She's the daughter of their maid, Jolie, and we discover why she decided to leave not only the mansion, but also France, to go abroad to live and study. Gabrielle was raped. This alone is terrible, but the astonishing (well, not really) fact is that it was Gautier Dumont, Pascal's father, who raped her several times. If you hated Gautier already for the disgusting man that he is, you'll surely want him dead after finding this out. Well, Gabrielle has that covered too, but we know that it won't be easy, especially after she starts to work for Pascal.
Pascal knew Gabrielle and didn't know the reason why she left, and he notices that something must have happened to her that made her run away from their mansion. He proposes her to work for him, and she accepts despite she doesn't like him. After all, Pascal is Gautier's son, and even his cousins and brother believe that he and his father are cut from the same cloth. As Pascal and Gabrielle get reacquainted with each other, she finds out that the man actually has a conscience and he seems to reflecting on the things he did (like threatening his cousin Olivier or mistreating his brother Blaise) and slowly, Gabrielle makes him see things differently. Is this worth it? Pascal suspects that his father may be a murderer, but the problem is that he doesn't have evidence to prove it.
Without spoiling anything, let me say that this was a believable journey to me. Pascal's story didn't start in his own book because we saw it begin in Discretion. After the events of that story and Disarm, which I think cover about 2 years or so, Pascal changed a lot. I think it's redemption is acceptable because it took years to complete. He's always been under his father's thumb and did all he could to please him, believing that was what he had to do, until his father committed the oldest of sins: he killed his own brother. Pascal never had the physical evidence to prove the murder accusations thrown at his father by his brother and cousins, but in his heart he knew that they weren't wrong - his father was indeed a killer and he did the unthinkable, and he was sure that he didn't want to become a psychopath like him. Pascal could save himself because he still had a conscience, but it was also thanks to Gabrielle. Sometimes other people get in our lives to show us a different side to our story. Sometimes, even the people we consider strangers at first (in this case), may give us better advice than old friends and make us see things in another light. I think that's what Gabrielle did with Pascal. She came to the Dumont mansion with the worst opinion possible about Pascal but he ended up being awoken by that opinion. Pascal didn't want to be a life-less, greedy, human being and he pushed himself to be a better man and to change to stop the never ending cycle his father created when he murdered Ludovic Dumont. Had Gabrielle not come back into his life, at this time Pascal would have probably been as ruthless as his father. Heck, he would have been his father's hunting dog, a slave. Somebody his father "owned" just because Pascal was "his" son.
I love Karina Halle's books and she is really good at writing suspense romance. Of this series, I think I loved Blaise and Pascal's books more than Olivier's, maybe because the first book is always the one that does the groundwork for the future. Or maybe because I don't know, since Olivier and Sadie didn't have "history" like Blaise and Seraphine and Gabrielle and Pascal, perhaps I found their romance too quick for my tastes.
Anyway, I highly suggest this series and it'd be better if you read it in one go to have the complete timeline of events more clear.
Well, I am sold, and I think there wasn't a better way to conclude this series than with this book.
You need to read the first book, Discretion, and the second book, Disarm, if you want to know what happened. Theoretically, you could read Disavow alone, but you would live half the story. So I suggest you start from the first book.
We finally get into Pascal Dumont's head in this one. Pascal is the oldest of Gautier's sons, and the one his father has always tried to shape him into becoming a sort of his clone, a ruthless man with only money in his mind and hatred for those who wanted to have control of what he deemed as his own brand. If you read Discretion, you'll know that Pascal's father took over the company who initially belonged to Olivier and Seraphine because it was their fathers', and he's keeping his oldest son as the CEO God knows why. He doesn't even trust Pascal, yet, it's Pascal who is running everything after more than a year from the events in Discretion. Pascal is able, but at some point even he questions if work is all there is in life and if this is his destiny, since all that his father does is being disappointed by him.
Enter Gabrielle.
Gabrielle used to work for the Dumonts 8 years before. She's the daughter of their maid, Jolie, and we discover why she decided to leave not only the mansion, but also France, to go abroad to live and study. Gabrielle was raped. This alone is terrible, but the astonishing (well, not really) fact is that it was Gautier Dumont, Pascal's father, who raped her several times. If you hated Gautier already for the disgusting man that he is, you'll surely want him dead after finding this out. Well, Gabrielle has that covered too, but we know that it won't be easy, especially after she starts to work for Pascal.
Pascal knew Gabrielle and didn't know the reason why she left, and he notices that something must have happened to her that made her run away from their mansion. He proposes her to work for him, and she accepts despite she doesn't like him. After all, Pascal is Gautier's son, and even his cousins and brother believe that he and his father are cut from the same cloth. As Pascal and Gabrielle get reacquainted with each other, she finds out that the man actually has a conscience and he seems to reflecting on the things he did (like threatening his cousin Olivier or mistreating his brother Blaise) and slowly, Gabrielle makes him see things differently. Is this worth it? Pascal suspects that his father may be a murderer, but the problem is that he doesn't have evidence to prove it.
Without spoiling anything, let me say that this was a believable journey to me. Pascal's story didn't start in his own book because we saw it begin in Discretion. After the events of that story and Disarm, which I think cover about 2 years or so, Pascal changed a lot. I think it's redemption is acceptable because it took years to complete. He's always been under his father's thumb and did all he could to please him, believing that was what he had to do, until his father committed the oldest of sins: he killed his own brother. Pascal never had the physical evidence to prove the murder accusations thrown at his father by his brother and cousins, but in his heart he knew that they weren't wrong - his father was indeed a killer and he did the unthinkable, and he was sure that he didn't want to become a psychopath like him. Pascal could save himself because he still had a conscience, but it was also thanks to Gabrielle. Sometimes other people get in our lives to show us a different side to our story. Sometimes, even the people we consider strangers at first (in this case), may give us better advice than old friends and make us see things in another light. I think that's what Gabrielle did with Pascal. She came to the Dumont mansion with the worst opinion possible about Pascal but he ended up being awoken by that opinion. Pascal didn't want to be a life-less, greedy, human being and he pushed himself to be a better man and to change to stop the never ending cycle his father created when he murdered Ludovic Dumont. Had Gabrielle not come back into his life, at this time Pascal would have probably been as ruthless as his father. Heck, he would have been his father's hunting dog, a slave. Somebody his father "owned" just because Pascal was "his" son.
I love Karina Halle's books and she is really good at writing suspense romance. Of this series, I think I loved Blaise and Pascal's books more than Olivier's, maybe because the first book is always the one that does the groundwork for the future. Or maybe because I don't know, since Olivier and Sadie didn't have "history" like Blaise and Seraphine and Gabrielle and Pascal, perhaps I found their romance too quick for my tastes.
Anyway, I highly suggest this series and it'd be better if you read it in one go to have the complete timeline of events more clear.
January 19, 2020
He’s the man I shouldn’t want, the son of the devil. And he’s staring at me like I’m the only woman in the world for him, the only one he really, truly needs. Salvation, maybe. Whatever it is, I want more. I want all of him.
For two books now, we’ve seen how diabolic Pascal Dumont can be. He’s the absolute worst. While book one (Discretion – Sadie and Olivier) was okay, I couldn’t wait for book two, Seraphine’s and Blaise’s story (Disarm); but it has always been Pascal that has had my interest totally piqued. I couldn’t wait to read about this guy. Bad boys just do it for me; especially when I know there’s a reason that makes them bad. There was no way this guy could be a dick just because.
While Pascal has been revered as he favorite son of his father’s, he’s wants to be nothing like his father. Beneath that rough, horrible exterior is a man that just wants to discover who he really is and be true to himself. When Gabrielle Caron returns to the Dumont Estate, so does Pascal’s chance at redemption.
Gabrielle fled the Dumont Estate with secrets. Now she’s back determined to get her mother out of the clutches of the Dumont shadows, but her mother doesn’t make it easy. Instead of snatching up her mother a fleeing, she finds herself the personal assistant/maid to Pascal and is soon wrapped up in his investigation to find the person who’s been sending threatening letters to his father.
Being his assistant gives Gabrielle an up close and personal view on the real Pascal and she realizes that the man she labeled as horrible and despicable might not be so horrible after all.
Although he hardly gives his staff a second thought, Gabrielle’s sudden and unexpected return has him realizing that he’s often wondered about her abrupt exit. The closer he works with her the more he’s forced to reveal who he wants to be, but Gabrielle has secrets of her own even while she’s sharing his bed.
When I say I devoured this book, I am not exaggerating, and I was quite shocked how quickly I was sucked in. From the first page, I was hooked on these two. With chemistry that jumped out at you, I absolutely loved them together. I truly expected Pascal to be uptight but he was actually laid back and easy going. While he was definitely a privileged snob he was could still let loose. What surprised me most about this book was the dialogue and banter between the two characters. It was comical and Gabrielle did not hold back. She lets Pascal know exactly what she thinks of him any chance she gets.
"I think the person who sent these letters thinks that my father murdered Ludvic.” Her brows shoot up. “Your father murdered his own brother?” Careful, I tell myself. Be very careful right here. “No.” I pause, composing my thoughts. “This is just what someone thinks.” “And what makes you so sure of that? Why jump to that conclusion? Surely you’ve done many horrible things that would make someone want to blackmail you.” It shouldn’t bother me that she said that, because it’s completely true, but it does anyway. “Don’t be so sure.” “I’m more than sure,” she says, and for a moment I wonder if she’s talking about my cousin Olivier and the fact that I had a hand in blackmailing him for ten years. “You don’t get to the top without crushing people on the way up. Everyone knows that.”
The more he and Gabrielle spend time together the more Pascal becomes “human”. He faces the horrible things he’s done and dares to dream about a life from under his father’s thumb. He starts to realize how lonely his life truly is. There are even a few moments when he acknowledges to himself how much he misses his brother Blaise, even if they weren’t extremely close.
I think one of the turning points for him was a telephone conversation with his cousin Olivier.
“Our father was murdered,” Olivier seethes. “And whether you did it or not, you deserve to have whatever is coming to you. If this means blackmail, so be it. I hope this chases you for the rest of your goddamn life.” For once I’m speechless. “And if you thought you could just phone me and confide in me and treat me like a long-lost friend, you’re even more fucked-up than I thought. You have no one, Pascal. Not your brother. Not your cousins. Everyone hates you, and you only have yourself to blame. If you want to dig in a little deeper, I think you’ll find that even your mother and father would sell you out to the highest bidder. You’re alone in this world, and it’s exactly what you deserve. And the way it will stay. Au revoir.” The line goes dead, and I start at the phone in my hand for a moment, trying to process what happened. Normally I just shrug it off, let it slide. Any kinds of insults or conflict are brushed away because it’s not important, it’s just background noise. But this cuts deeper, far deeper than it should. I don’t know if Olivier knew the sword, he was wielding today, but it did some damage. That hurt It shouldn’t have. It was nothing new, nothing I hadn’t heard before. It was the truth and nothing else. But the truth hurts this time around. I truly do have no one. No one has my back, not a soul would stand by my side. And I never thought that would be a problem, but now I’m thinking otherwise, a tiny see of truth that ‘s sprouting in the depths of my brain. What am I even doing with my life?”
He wasn’t even talking to me, but Olivier’s rant hurt my feelings!!! I wanted to cuddle him and tell him it would all be okay; but I think it did the trick in prompting Pascal to reevaluate.
Definitely the best book in the series and I was not disappointed at all. Shocked, but definitely not disappointed.
For two books now, we’ve seen how diabolic Pascal Dumont can be. He’s the absolute worst. While book one (Discretion – Sadie and Olivier) was okay, I couldn’t wait for book two, Seraphine’s and Blaise’s story (Disarm); but it has always been Pascal that has had my interest totally piqued. I couldn’t wait to read about this guy. Bad boys just do it for me; especially when I know there’s a reason that makes them bad. There was no way this guy could be a dick just because.
While Pascal has been revered as he favorite son of his father’s, he’s wants to be nothing like his father. Beneath that rough, horrible exterior is a man that just wants to discover who he really is and be true to himself. When Gabrielle Caron returns to the Dumont Estate, so does Pascal’s chance at redemption.
Gabrielle fled the Dumont Estate with secrets. Now she’s back determined to get her mother out of the clutches of the Dumont shadows, but her mother doesn’t make it easy. Instead of snatching up her mother a fleeing, she finds herself the personal assistant/maid to Pascal and is soon wrapped up in his investigation to find the person who’s been sending threatening letters to his father.
Being his assistant gives Gabrielle an up close and personal view on the real Pascal and she realizes that the man she labeled as horrible and despicable might not be so horrible after all.
Although he hardly gives his staff a second thought, Gabrielle’s sudden and unexpected return has him realizing that he’s often wondered about her abrupt exit. The closer he works with her the more he’s forced to reveal who he wants to be, but Gabrielle has secrets of her own even while she’s sharing his bed.
When I say I devoured this book, I am not exaggerating, and I was quite shocked how quickly I was sucked in. From the first page, I was hooked on these two. With chemistry that jumped out at you, I absolutely loved them together. I truly expected Pascal to be uptight but he was actually laid back and easy going. While he was definitely a privileged snob he was could still let loose. What surprised me most about this book was the dialogue and banter between the two characters. It was comical and Gabrielle did not hold back. She lets Pascal know exactly what she thinks of him any chance she gets.
"I think the person who sent these letters thinks that my father murdered Ludvic.” Her brows shoot up. “Your father murdered his own brother?” Careful, I tell myself. Be very careful right here. “No.” I pause, composing my thoughts. “This is just what someone thinks.” “And what makes you so sure of that? Why jump to that conclusion? Surely you’ve done many horrible things that would make someone want to blackmail you.” It shouldn’t bother me that she said that, because it’s completely true, but it does anyway. “Don’t be so sure.” “I’m more than sure,” she says, and for a moment I wonder if she’s talking about my cousin Olivier and the fact that I had a hand in blackmailing him for ten years. “You don’t get to the top without crushing people on the way up. Everyone knows that.”
The more he and Gabrielle spend time together the more Pascal becomes “human”. He faces the horrible things he’s done and dares to dream about a life from under his father’s thumb. He starts to realize how lonely his life truly is. There are even a few moments when he acknowledges to himself how much he misses his brother Blaise, even if they weren’t extremely close.
I think one of the turning points for him was a telephone conversation with his cousin Olivier.
“Our father was murdered,” Olivier seethes. “And whether you did it or not, you deserve to have whatever is coming to you. If this means blackmail, so be it. I hope this chases you for the rest of your goddamn life.” For once I’m speechless. “And if you thought you could just phone me and confide in me and treat me like a long-lost friend, you’re even more fucked-up than I thought. You have no one, Pascal. Not your brother. Not your cousins. Everyone hates you, and you only have yourself to blame. If you want to dig in a little deeper, I think you’ll find that even your mother and father would sell you out to the highest bidder. You’re alone in this world, and it’s exactly what you deserve. And the way it will stay. Au revoir.” The line goes dead, and I start at the phone in my hand for a moment, trying to process what happened. Normally I just shrug it off, let it slide. Any kinds of insults or conflict are brushed away because it’s not important, it’s just background noise. But this cuts deeper, far deeper than it should. I don’t know if Olivier knew the sword, he was wielding today, but it did some damage. That hurt It shouldn’t have. It was nothing new, nothing I hadn’t heard before. It was the truth and nothing else. But the truth hurts this time around. I truly do have no one. No one has my back, not a soul would stand by my side. And I never thought that would be a problem, but now I’m thinking otherwise, a tiny see of truth that ‘s sprouting in the depths of my brain. What am I even doing with my life?”
He wasn’t even talking to me, but Olivier’s rant hurt my feelings!!! I wanted to cuddle him and tell him it would all be okay; but I think it did the trick in prompting Pascal to reevaluate.
Definitely the best book in the series and I was not disappointed at all. Shocked, but definitely not disappointed.
October 7, 2025
Disavow was an intense story. Pascal and Gabrielle have a difficult journey to hea by overcoming trauma of a dysfunctional childhood. both survive Abusive parents and the big evil sociopath Dumont. Pascal is a little rotten at first but he falls first and is a loving caretaker despite a checkered past. Gabrielle is drawn a strong character but I did not feel it. I wished both characters had more explanation for how they evolved as people in years apart. this book has some big triggers, I felt a little shocked by them.
overall nice series. Love the french fashion house - brand. and southern france locale.
overall nice series. Love the french fashion house - brand. and southern france locale.
June 23, 2024
Review to come!
February 26, 2020
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I was a little nervous going into this book. Throughout this series, Pascal has done things to warrant the reader to greatly dislike him. I admit that I did dislike him in the previous books. I didn't know how well I would perceive him in this book but Karina Halle writes a good redemption story. I went from disliking him to rooting for him.
I've really enjoyed the characters in this series. In this book, the focus is on Pascal. I really liked getting a deeper look into him. I liked how flawed his character was. He has done some horrible things in his past and in this book we get to see behind his mask. We get to see what he thinks and feels about his actions from the past and we get to step inside his head. We get to see what makes him tick. Gabrielle was a great character as well. She has suffered trauma in her past but she is a strong character with a big heart.
I think that Pascal and Gabrielle complimented each other well. They have both experienced darkness in their pasts and it really makes them like kindred spirits. They have very palpable chemistry with one another. You couldn't help but root for them.
The plot of this story is really solid. I really liked the build-up from the previous two books. While this is a standalone story that can certainly be enjoyed by itself, there is definitely more depth when you read all the books of this series in order. I really liked that I had no idea what was going to happen. The suspenseful aspect of this story had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen.
Overall, this was a strong finish to the Dumonts series. If you enjoy steamy romance with great characters and an element of suspense then this is the series for you. I can't wait to read what is next from Karina Halle!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
I was a little nervous going into this book. Throughout this series, Pascal has done things to warrant the reader to greatly dislike him. I admit that I did dislike him in the previous books. I didn't know how well I would perceive him in this book but Karina Halle writes a good redemption story. I went from disliking him to rooting for him.
I've really enjoyed the characters in this series. In this book, the focus is on Pascal. I really liked getting a deeper look into him. I liked how flawed his character was. He has done some horrible things in his past and in this book we get to see behind his mask. We get to see what he thinks and feels about his actions from the past and we get to step inside his head. We get to see what makes him tick. Gabrielle was a great character as well. She has suffered trauma in her past but she is a strong character with a big heart.
I think that Pascal and Gabrielle complimented each other well. They have both experienced darkness in their pasts and it really makes them like kindred spirits. They have very palpable chemistry with one another. You couldn't help but root for them.
The plot of this story is really solid. I really liked the build-up from the previous two books. While this is a standalone story that can certainly be enjoyed by itself, there is definitely more depth when you read all the books of this series in order. I really liked that I had no idea what was going to happen. The suspenseful aspect of this story had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen.
Overall, this was a strong finish to the Dumonts series. If you enjoy steamy romance with great characters and an element of suspense then this is the series for you. I can't wait to read what is next from Karina Halle!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
March 21, 2020
4.5 stars!!!
Each book in this series just got better and BETTER. So of course, Pascal has become my favorite Dumont!!! I was wondering how Karina was going to make me fall for him, especially considering I didn't like him at all in the previous books, but it didn't take me very long at all to love him.
In Disavow, all of my questions were answered. We were introduced to Gabrielle. She was a great heroine and the perfect counterpart for Pascal. By the time I got to the end I was in TEARS because this series ended so perfectly.
Each book in this series just got better and BETTER. So of course, Pascal has become my favorite Dumont!!! I was wondering how Karina was going to make me fall for him, especially considering I didn't like him at all in the previous books, but it didn't take me very long at all to love him.
In Disavow, all of my questions were answered. We were introduced to Gabrielle. She was a great heroine and the perfect counterpart for Pascal. By the time I got to the end I was in TEARS because this series ended so perfectly.
February 22, 2020
Disavow is the third book in Dumont trilogy. If you’re a sucker for villains, this is the book for you. It has some darker subjects. It’s a little addicting at times. There is some suspense in it that made my tummy have all kinds of reactions. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. 😳 Not a bad conclusion to the series.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
September 3, 2021
Bewertung: 1,5 Sterne
Ich habe Band 1 und 2 der Reihe ja wirklich total geliebt daher war ich natürlich umso neugieriger auf den finalen Band.
Der Schreibstil war wieder sehr locker und flüssig. Ich kam schnell und gut durch die Geschichte. Erzählt wird auch dieses Buch abwechselnd aus der Sicht der Protagonisten Gabrielle und Pascal.
Wobei es mit Abstand das dünnste Buch der Reihe ist.
Das Cover ist wieder unglaublich schön! Die drei Bände haben mal ganz andere Farben als viele andere Reihen. Cremweiß, rotbraun und dunkelblau. Aber dennoch sieht die Kombination aus diesen drei Farben wirklich, wirklich toll aus. Ein richtiger Hingucker im Bücherregal.
Kommen wir zu Gabrielle. Ich muss leider sagen dass ich sie von Anfang an merkwürdig fand. Ich konnte keine richtige Verbindung zu ihr aufbauen. Sie hat schlimme Dinge erlebt, gewisse Gedanken und Wünsche konnte ich schon sehr gut nachvollziehen. Aber es war ihre gesamte Art und Weise, ihre teilweise naive Dummheit die mich einfach nur genervt hat und wodurch sie mir auch sehr, sehr unsympathisch geworden ist.
Pascal ist ja auch nicht unbedingt der sympathischste Typ, wie man in den vorherigen Bänden ja schon rausgefunden hat. Ich hatte eher das Gefühl dass er hier zwanghaft sympathisch gemacht wurde damit man ihn mag. Dennoch konnte ich seine Handlungen der Vergangenheit etc. einfach nicht verstehen, nachvollziehen oder verzeihen. Ja, er hat sich verändert, hat eine Wandlung durchgemacht aber ich konnte die alt leider nicht wirklich nachvollziehen weil ich seine Zuneigung zu Gabrielle absolut nicht verstehen konnte.
Die Geschichte war so ganz anders als Band 1 und 2. Ich muss gestehen dass ich schon relativ am Anfang gemerkt habe, dass ich nicht so mit Feuereifer dabei bin wie bei den anderen Büchern. Bestimmt teilweise durch Gabrielle geschuldet. Die Handlung war meines Erachtens komplett sinnlos und sie kam mir durch Gabrielles Handeln einfach nur dumm und naiv und dämlich vor.
Am Ende gab es dann sehr viel Action aber das hat es für mich nicht besser gemacht.
Ich bin ehrlich gesagt der Meinung dass der dritte Band weggelassen werden hätte sollen. Man hätte es hier bei einem Zweiteiler belassen sollen. Der dritte Band hat für mich persönlich irgendwie die bislang so tolle Reihe mit einem sehr, sehr unnötigen und schwachen Finale abgeschlossen. Es wirkte irgendwie auch alles so zwanghaft – so jetzt muss noch ein dritter Band geschrieben werden. Die Qualität hat hier echt sehr, sehr gelitten.
Ich kann diesen Band leider echt nicht empfehlen. Wer die Reihe liebt, der sollte die Finger vom dritten Band lassen.
Ich habe Band 1 und 2 der Reihe ja wirklich total geliebt daher war ich natürlich umso neugieriger auf den finalen Band.
Der Schreibstil war wieder sehr locker und flüssig. Ich kam schnell und gut durch die Geschichte. Erzählt wird auch dieses Buch abwechselnd aus der Sicht der Protagonisten Gabrielle und Pascal.
Wobei es mit Abstand das dünnste Buch der Reihe ist.
Das Cover ist wieder unglaublich schön! Die drei Bände haben mal ganz andere Farben als viele andere Reihen. Cremweiß, rotbraun und dunkelblau. Aber dennoch sieht die Kombination aus diesen drei Farben wirklich, wirklich toll aus. Ein richtiger Hingucker im Bücherregal.
Kommen wir zu Gabrielle. Ich muss leider sagen dass ich sie von Anfang an merkwürdig fand. Ich konnte keine richtige Verbindung zu ihr aufbauen. Sie hat schlimme Dinge erlebt, gewisse Gedanken und Wünsche konnte ich schon sehr gut nachvollziehen. Aber es war ihre gesamte Art und Weise, ihre teilweise naive Dummheit die mich einfach nur genervt hat und wodurch sie mir auch sehr, sehr unsympathisch geworden ist.
Pascal ist ja auch nicht unbedingt der sympathischste Typ, wie man in den vorherigen Bänden ja schon rausgefunden hat. Ich hatte eher das Gefühl dass er hier zwanghaft sympathisch gemacht wurde damit man ihn mag. Dennoch konnte ich seine Handlungen der Vergangenheit etc. einfach nicht verstehen, nachvollziehen oder verzeihen. Ja, er hat sich verändert, hat eine Wandlung durchgemacht aber ich konnte die alt leider nicht wirklich nachvollziehen weil ich seine Zuneigung zu Gabrielle absolut nicht verstehen konnte.
Die Geschichte war so ganz anders als Band 1 und 2. Ich muss gestehen dass ich schon relativ am Anfang gemerkt habe, dass ich nicht so mit Feuereifer dabei bin wie bei den anderen Büchern. Bestimmt teilweise durch Gabrielle geschuldet. Die Handlung war meines Erachtens komplett sinnlos und sie kam mir durch Gabrielles Handeln einfach nur dumm und naiv und dämlich vor.
Am Ende gab es dann sehr viel Action aber das hat es für mich nicht besser gemacht.
Ich bin ehrlich gesagt der Meinung dass der dritte Band weggelassen werden hätte sollen. Man hätte es hier bei einem Zweiteiler belassen sollen. Der dritte Band hat für mich persönlich irgendwie die bislang so tolle Reihe mit einem sehr, sehr unnötigen und schwachen Finale abgeschlossen. Es wirkte irgendwie auch alles so zwanghaft – so jetzt muss noch ein dritter Band geschrieben werden. Die Qualität hat hier echt sehr, sehr gelitten.
Ich kann diesen Band leider echt nicht empfehlen. Wer die Reihe liebt, der sollte die Finger vom dritten Band lassen.
February 26, 2020
What an amazing, intense and fitting ending to The Dumont Saga by Karina Halle. As if she saved the best for the last. This story pulled at my heartstrings and pushed me to the edge of emotional breakdown. Disavow is a perfect balance of sultry, suspenseful, heartbreaking and swoonworthy!
Pascal Dumont has been portrayed like a bad boy with evil intentions like his father all along but at the end of last book I could feel he has a lot more hiding under this dark aura. After "death" of his uncle and sending his cousins away to different countries with their own HEA, Pascal is running The Dumont company. And he needs a maid or personal assistant since his onld one left. Gabrielle, one of their oldest maid's daughter takes the job after much persuasion and Pascal is immediately intrigued by her. Her sass, her smartness, her genuine way of caring and her beauty fascinates him. But she is also hiding dark secrets and Pascal is facing some terrible threats. Can they make out of this chaos alive? Can Gabrielle get her closure? Can Pascal be ever free of his monster father?
I am in love with the layers and facets of Pascal. He has never been loved by his parents. His cousins are disgusted by him. He has worked tirelessly to get control of the company but he is not even sure that he is happy with it. His father can very well be a murderer. He has the burden of everything but he is still a good guy inside. He took care of Gabrielle and he believed her and protected her. My heart swells and breaks for him! And Gabrielle is so strong! I cannot imagine her pain and suffering. But she got back on her own two feet against all odds. They have a strange camaraderie and they are fighting together against the world. Gautier had it coming since the first book. And I rejoiced for his fall!! The story has sharp twists and unpredictable turns and I was literally holding my breath in last few chapters. But it was a beautiful ending. I could not hold back tears
Karina Halle created a fantastic journey in The Dumont world. It is the world of riches, power, deception, mind games and danger. But it is also the world of love, redemption, second chances and self discovery. Disavow have the best of both worlds.
Received ARC for honest review
Pascal Dumont has been portrayed like a bad boy with evil intentions like his father all along but at the end of last book I could feel he has a lot more hiding under this dark aura. After "death" of his uncle and sending his cousins away to different countries with their own HEA, Pascal is running The Dumont company. And he needs a maid or personal assistant since his onld one left. Gabrielle, one of their oldest maid's daughter takes the job after much persuasion and Pascal is immediately intrigued by her. Her sass, her smartness, her genuine way of caring and her beauty fascinates him. But she is also hiding dark secrets and Pascal is facing some terrible threats. Can they make out of this chaos alive? Can Gabrielle get her closure? Can Pascal be ever free of his monster father?
I am in love with the layers and facets of Pascal. He has never been loved by his parents. His cousins are disgusted by him. He has worked tirelessly to get control of the company but he is not even sure that he is happy with it. His father can very well be a murderer. He has the burden of everything but he is still a good guy inside. He took care of Gabrielle and he believed her and protected her. My heart swells and breaks for him! And Gabrielle is so strong! I cannot imagine her pain and suffering. But she got back on her own two feet against all odds. They have a strange camaraderie and they are fighting together against the world. Gautier had it coming since the first book. And I rejoiced for his fall!! The story has sharp twists and unpredictable turns and I was literally holding my breath in last few chapters. But it was a beautiful ending. I could not hold back tears
Karina Halle created a fantastic journey in The Dumont world. It is the world of riches, power, deception, mind games and danger. But it is also the world of love, redemption, second chances and self discovery. Disavow have the best of both worlds.
Received ARC for honest review
February 25, 2020
3.7 Stars
Disavow brings the conclusion of the Dumont family story with Pascal, a character who in previous books proved to be as villainous as his father. So I was curious to see if this character would have redemption, and I think the author managed to make me cheer and even like him in the end. A good job.
The story of Pascal and Gabrielle is full of secrets, suspense, revelations and romance. A book that caught my attention from that Prologue that broke my heart to the last pages.Pascal is a dubious character, but page by page we can see subtle changes in him and him beginning to feel the weight of the things he has done in the past and reaching the realization that he did not want to be like his father. Gabrielle is someone who has gone through something horrible in the past and returns to the Dumont home with one goal in mind, only she didn't expect to be attracted to Pascal.
While I really liked the individual story of these two characters, the novel itself did not convince me. That they were attracted to each other that was visible, but in love ?! I couldn't see that.
The book is good, aside from the romance that in my opinion left a little to be desired, the book managed to capture my attention and it was one of those readings that I didn't even see time pass by being involved with the story
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
Disavow brings the conclusion of the Dumont family story with Pascal, a character who in previous books proved to be as villainous as his father. So I was curious to see if this character would have redemption, and I think the author managed to make me cheer and even like him in the end. A good job.
The story of Pascal and Gabrielle is full of secrets, suspense, revelations and romance. A book that caught my attention from that Prologue that broke my heart to the last pages.Pascal is a dubious character, but page by page we can see subtle changes in him and him beginning to feel the weight of the things he has done in the past and reaching the realization that he did not want to be like his father. Gabrielle is someone who has gone through something horrible in the past and returns to the Dumont home with one goal in mind, only she didn't expect to be attracted to Pascal.
While I really liked the individual story of these two characters, the novel itself did not convince me. That they were attracted to each other that was visible, but in love ?! I couldn't see that.
The book is good, aside from the romance that in my opinion left a little to be desired, the book managed to capture my attention and it was one of those readings that I didn't even see time pass by being involved with the story
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
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