Member Reviews
I have to be honest and say from the beginning, I was not sure if I would like this character. Pascal has definitely not been one of my favorites in the previous books in this series. However, I should not have been worried as the character was completely redeemed and I fell hard. I was on the edge of my seat the entire read and could not put this book down. I absolutely can't wait for more.
After watching Pascal weave his danger in Discretion and Disarm, I was more than a little curious to see how Karina Halle would redeem him. We saw some hints at the end of Disarm that made us think he wasn't as awful as he appeared--as he wanted to appear--but nevertheless, he is someone we don't really like.
From the opening pages of this book, I became intrigued, and I found myself on his side. Pascal shares his thoughts and feelings with you, letting you see what he really thinks about his father. He also shows you the immediate effect Gabrielle, a woman returning to the Dumonts after running away from her job as a maid, has on him.
Halle also shows you the effect Pascal has on Gabrielle. Not that Gabrielle wants anything to do with him. She is there for a reason, and she does not want to be dissuaded from her task. I liked her a lot, and even though her return may hurt Pascal, I still cheered her on.
Karina Halle keeps you waiting for the sexy times between Pascal and Gabrielle, but that wait is so worth it. Even as you're enjoying all the delicious details, though, you worry. You know what secrets Gabrielle is hiding, and you hope they don't destroy her and Pascal.
Are there more Dumonts? I sure hope so. I'm not ready to let go of these people.
Karina did an magnificent job tying up loose ends with this last installment of the Dumont trilogy, one of her best series ever in my opinion. Gotta say it was awesome seeing Pascal finally brought to his knees after being one of the bad guys in the previous two books.
Gabrielle daughter of the Dumont's head maid is back after eight years. She suffered sexual abuse from Pascal's father for years before she finally escaped and now she wants revenge, and she wants Pascal to help her to get it. What she wasn't planning for was to fall in love with Pascal.
After all his scheming in the previous book I thought this guy was heartless, but in this finale we find out that he does have one after all and falling in love with Gabrielle is giving him a whole new outlook on his life. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts especially while they are on vacation together and we really do see a different side of Pascal. Who is this loving caring guy who only wants to make Gabrielle happy, and not only that sees a future with her?
It's a wake up call for Pascal when he finds out about Gabrielle's past and coupled with the abuse that he has suffered at the hands of his father he knows that it is time for justice for both of them.
It is a brilliant totally unexpected ending which would have had me nibbling on my nails with all the drama if I was not holding my kindle. Whew, definitely not to be missed, read the previous two books in this terrific hot, sexy, romantic and thrilling series if you have not already done so, you will be far from disappointed.
Pascal is the Dumont everyone in the family loathes. He has done despicable things, all in the name of furthering the name. Lately though he has realised that the things he has done are not who he wants to be. He does not want to be his father. He can no longer pretend his father is anything but evil. Gabrielle is another victim of the cruelty and viciousness that is the head of the Dumont family. She has spent years plotting her revenge, hoping to free her mother as well. She never expected to fall for Pascal. Buy slowly he erodes her resolve and her revenge takes a back seat. How long though can she let it go? Their story is dark and twisted, riveting and emotional. It is all you would expect for the last Dumont and his lady love. I enjoyed every minute and am sad to see it end!
What a way to end the Dumont series! I really enjoyed Pascal & Gabrielle’s story which was surprising because of Pascal’s past. Pascal definitely won me over! And I loved how Gabrielle challenged Pascal.
Gabrielle & Pascal’s journey had some twists & turns that kept me flipping the pages.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Oh, Pascal, you evil Frenchman! You conquered me body and soul. This story is superb. And the best of the series in terms of drama and fulfillment. Wow.
A corrupt, lavish fashion dynasty in France, more secrets than a lost civilization, bad deeds to overflow Hell, and one villain to hate until he becomes the dark hero to right all the wrongs.
Beautiful redemption tale, the third and last in the Dumont empire series, it is full of tragedy, exciting romance, and a love that pushes the characters to their harrowing yet cleansing happily ever after. And thankfully the author brings all brothers and cousins, enemies and kin, to a closure that really satisfies to the core. Cheers for that, lady. Not before putting them through torture, though.
I was not expecting such a brutal start, or such a monstruous upbringing for the female character. She is a survivor, an amazing woman with a strength borne of suffering and resilience. Revenge, too, which is what drives her through the worst and into the world of Pascal Dumont, a devil on his own right and equally charming. I loved their dynamic dialogues teeming with sensual energy and smart attitude. They provided so much depth to the atmosphere. She has ulterior motives and an ingrained pain, while he battles his inherited darkness for the first time as he realizes he cannot stomach his own corruption.
The epiphany of these two characters as they confront their mutual enemy and their inner demons is dramatic, spectacular and bloody, and a sacrifice of love from every point of view. And the passion they exude as they fall in love, make wild love, and open up each other’s hearts to hope is just pure magic.
Phenomenal read. A hard story with triggering themes, and yet so enlightening and hopeful. Loved it to ten stars.
Disavow is the final book of The Dumont series and honestly, this one was my favorite out of the three. Pascal was always painted as the villain, a bad boy and exactly the same of his father, but he is so much more than that.
Gabrielle spent her younger years in the Dumont mansion, her mom was a maid there, but after some terrible things Pascal’s father did, she was able to escape….only to find her back in the mansion and working for his son. She wants revenge for what was done and she is going to do anything she can to get it. She has the help from the one person she never thought she would get it from, Pascal. Pascal is instantly attracted to Gabrielle. There is something about her that he is drawn to, she softens his heart and opens his eyes. I loved the connection between these two and their banter.
If you’ve been following this story from the beginning you know there is a mystery that has been mention throughout all of them. Those unanswered questions are answered. Disavow was full of drama, suspense, and steam. It was a great ending to the series.
What a finale! Ms. Hale saved the best for last. The character you loved to hate in the previous stories in this series, Pascal, gets his moment to tell his story.
Pascal Dumont the villain, the hated Dumont. He gets his chance at redemption in this story and Ms. Hale amazes me with her ability to take such a reviled character and bring him to heroism.
This story of Pascal and Gabrielle brings the Dumonts full circle. Secrets are revealed, mysteries are solved and the devil is forced to pay his dues.
This was a beautifully written story, set in the beautiful country of France and Spain. Ms. Hale has such a talent for bringing vision to her words. You can see yourself on the cliffs of Mallorca to the historical beauty of Paris.
The love between Pascal and Gabrielle is hard-fought. It was fragile and vulnerable until it needed to be strong. And it so was! Both Pascal and Gabrielle's pasts were fraught with ugliness and scars but they fit each other perfectly.
If you are looking for a lush, beautiful story, get your hands on this. In fact get your hands on the whole series.
Thank you Montlake and Karina Halle for the chance to read and review Disavow! I love this series! The drama, mystery, and pure sultriness drew me in from book one until the end. Pascal and Gabrielle are FIRE! So so good!
I love Karina’s books! This is such a fun story and I really enjoyed it. I love how she brings all the characters together in a series.
Thanks for the chance to read this early!
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.
4.5⭐
Karina Halle brilliantly brings the Dumonts series to a close with Pascal's story who, it's fair to say has been a villain throughout. But with the help of the returning Gabrielle a maid who used to work for the family, and specifically Pascal's father, he finds redemption, peace, and happiness whilst Gabrielle is able to get the revenge she has returned for.
And I was certainly hooked from the start, as the story was fast-paced and thrilling not to mention the change in Pascal from self-serving a-hole to caring human being was really well done, and I loved Gabrielle, who returns to the Dumont estate, terrified of Gautier but determined to save her mum and get justice even if that justice wasn't by legal means and at the expense of Pascal.
I also genuinely enjoyed the dynamic between Gabrielle and Pascal and the romance was certainly believable furthermore, it helped bring out Pascal's softer side and that helped make him a more likable character in the end.
And with an epilogue that nicely pulled together the main characters from across the series and handed you a peak into the future this really was a fantastic read; and it's one I would happily recommend to others.
I'm gutted this series has ended but what a finish!
Through the series we've seen what a ruthless, heartless piece of work Pascal Dumont can be so how the hell has Karina turned him into one hot, loveable rouge?
Pascal is getting swamped with the responsibilities that come with running the family business. He's looking to find a maid to help get his life back in order when he discovers that Gabrielle is back in town. Gabrielle used to work for the family years ago before she left the Dumonts and Paris without a word. He manages to convince her to come back to the Dumont fold but working solely for him not realising that Gabrielle has her own agenda surrounding her sudden return to Paris. She's hiding some dark demons but can Pascal get her to open up and why does he suddenly care when he's only ever cared about himself?
I've really enjoyed this series. Every book has been full of suspense and mystery and this one was no different. The ending was the perfect was to finish the story and tie everything up. Was nice to see the rest of the family coming briefly back in this one too
This is the third and final book about the Dumont fashion empire and I have loved every one of them There is nothing better than an alpha man been brought to his knees by the woman that is meant for him. This the third book is the story of Pascal Dumont
Pascal is the playboy of the family and the one who plotted with his father to take over the entire business from his brother and cousins We thought he could never be redeemed but he is about to find the one woman that will turn his life around. Gabrielle has a past with the Dumont family her mother was the head maid at their home and Gabrielle suffered greatly at the hands of Pascal's father She is emotionally and physically scarred by what he did to her but she has arisen like a phoenix and she is back for revenge What she doesn't expect is that Pascal the son of the man she hates could be the one to help her with that revenge and int he process that he would fall for her and start to break down her walls. Can these two people both damaged in their own way actually be the salvation f one another.
5 STARS for Disavow by Karina Halle
ARC received from NetGalley & Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
This is Book 3 in the Dumonts Series but can be read as a stand alone. I will be looking up this author to add to my TBR list and the other 2 books in the series as well .....
Loved the cover ! It got my attention ! The cover model is definetly who I pictured as Pascal.
Great read - loved the characters & it's not just your typical romance as there are some interesting plot twists. I especially liked the very strong female character - Gabrielle ; having had a lot to over come in her young life and who was able to put it aside when it means finding your true love.
Highly recommend this book & author !
Loved it !!
4.6 stars
How in the holy hell did this author make the bad guy a good guy? Furthermore, How and WHY did I fall in love with him? Pascal, oh sweet Pascal, how I wanted to shake you to death, slap you, and also hug you and keep you forever.
I was not expecting this level of suspense, even though there had been so much in the previous books. I am not sure why that is other than the fact that it seemed to really escalate in this book and was taken to a whole new level. This book had it all, an anti-hero, a likable heroine, off-the-charts chemistry/steam, suspense, action, mystery, plausible storyline, and a whopper of an ending. I highly recommend this entire series.
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.*
I loved seeing this antihero get his redemption! This hooked me in from the very beginning and kept me devouring it for hours. Anyone who has read the first two books in the series (not required, but STRONGLY recommended) knows just what they're in store for with a book centered around Pascal. To say that my feelings for him are complicated would be an understatement, but Karina Halle did an excellent job making me fall for him throughout the course of the series. I saw hints of the good guy underneath the mask in Disarm, so I went into this with an open mind. And while I think there are a few small issues with the romance in this book, it's a wholly satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. This complicated family keeps the pages turning with an original romance that is anything but predictable.
The story follows Pascal, a cold, ruthless, semi-villain who has followed in his father's footsteps his whole life. Being a part of the Dumont family has taught him to behave in a way that is the opposite of kind - he's uncaring that his actions hurt others, and he's quick to turn himself off to emotion in order to make it through the day. When the family maid's daughter, Gabrielle, reenters his life, she makes an immediate impact on Pascal. He feels an instant connection to her, and can't seem to understand why she makes him want to behave differently. As someone all too familiar with the damage the Dumont family can do to a person, Gabrielle understands that Pascal is the lesser of two evils - even if he does has some evil in his depths.
The writing is engrossing, seductive, suspenseful, and when paired with these complex characters, it makes for one enticing read. I loved the connection between Pascal and Gabrielle - they're both a little broken, the chemistry jumps off the page, and she makes him a better man. Pascal doesn't get a new personality overnight, instead making small changes that impact him along the way. The first half of the book is really, really great, though I do have a few issues with the second half. First, that the romance accelerates so quickly - we go from a scene with another woman to infatuation in a short period of time, which I take issue with. Secondly, the resolution of Gabrielle's plan, which I cannot spoil but will say does contain a LOT of triggering content. This ties up the series perfectly, held my attention all the way through, and left me wanting more. I can't give it anything but 5 stars because it accomplished the near-impossible feat of making me love Pascal and how this twisted family has evolved. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy and suspenseful book.
Karina Halle mentioned this series was inspired by Dynasty and similar soap operas, with outlandish and edgy drama. I’d say she succeeded because The Dumonts didn’t do anything by half measures.
Pascal was 100% a villain throughout the series. I thought it was interesting to see how he could turn things around. He was the perfect anti-hero with such a stained past. Gabrielle definitely took him by surprise and it was fun to see his gradual change of character.
Pascal and Gabrielle are my favourite couple of the series, they had the best interactions (not to mention steamy scenes) and character development.
An enemies to lover story. The final book in the interconnected Dumonts series. This story is full of suspense, romance, and a bang of an ending. Pascal and Gabrielle are the main characters, and the story is told from their alternating povs. Pascal hasn’t been the most likable character in the previous novels. This concerned me and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to be swayed towards his side. But as usual Karina has a way with words and Pascals transformation was gradual.
The ultimate anti-hero. A heroine out for revenge. What could possibly go wrong?
Thank you to the publishers and Netgally for the review copy. Can’t wait for Karina’s next novel