Karina Halle, the New York Times bestselling author of Discretion, lifts the veil off a privileged family dynasty to reveal a wealth of secrets and dangerous obsessions.Seraphine Dumont seems to have it all: she’s gorgeous, brilliant, and part of one of France’s most illustrious dynasties. But underneath the facade, Seraphine struggles to hold it all together. Besides grieving her adoptive … Besides grieving her adoptive father’s suspicious and sudden death, she also shares a tenuous role in the family business with Blaise, her in-name-only cousin. As tumultuous as their history is, he may be the only member of the deceptive Dumont family she can trust.
Seraphine is a temptation Blaise can’t resist. The torch he’s carried for years still burns. It’s his secret—a quiet obsession just out of reach. Until his brother demands that he spy on the increasingly cagey Seraphine, whom their father considers a dispensable Dumont outlier. But the more Blaise watches her and the closer he gets, the more he sees Seraphine may have every right to be suspicious. And she could be the next one in danger—from his own family.
As blood runs hot and hearts give in, Seraphine and Blaise have only each other. But can their love survive the secrets they’re about to uncover?
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Disarm by Karina Halle is book 2 in the Dumont series and it centers around Seraphine and Blaise. Since reading Discretion I’ve wanted their book. You could say it’s enemies-to-lovers with a forbidden aspect #justhowilikeit.
Seraphine and Blaise are cousins but not related by blood. Seraphine was adopted by the Dumont family when she was nine-years old. She always felt like she never belonged. She’s the Indian girl with the brown skin and her uncle’s side of the family never fails to remind her that she is not a Dumont. Yet there’s always been this spark, instant connection and attraction between Seraphine and Blaise. One night while they were both in Mallorca for a family vacation, one thing leads to another and they no longer fight the temptation. But things do not end well. Soon they grow to hate each other, acting as if the other does not exist.
Power, greed, betrayal, and deceit rule this world Karina has created with an iron fist…
Seraphine will stop at nothing until she discovers the truth behind her father’s death. She knows it in her heart that he was murdered and she suspects Gautier (her uncle) is behind it. Now Blaise is asked by his brother, Pascal to follow her and put an end to her snooping. Blaise has never shown any loyalty towards his family and now he’s asked to show it.
Will Blaise turn his back on his family and help the girl he’s always loved or will he convince her to stop playing with fire?
Disarm was a suspenseful, action-packed story that will have you biting your nails in anticipation! The romance was slow but equally sweet at the same time. I’m intrigued for the next book, which just so happens to be Pascal’s story Let’s go!
Love, love, love Karina Halle!
4.5 Stars
The second Dumont book!
Olivier already found his happily ever after and left for California.
Seraphine is left all alone with her horrible uncle and her cousins. She’s trying her best to keep the family company running the way her dad would’ve wanted it – but her uncle is quickly ruining everything.
Plus she also thinks that her dad was murdered. By her uncle, or her cousin Pascal?
And suddenly she’s working together with her cousin Blaise to find out what happened and to survive whatever the bad guys have planned for them …
P.S. Seraphine was adopted when she was nine – so Blaise is not a blood relative – in case you were weirded out
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH SERAPHINE & BLAISE?
WILL WE GET A HAPPY END?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
Well, I loved this!
It’s a sweet and exciting love story.
I already had to cry in the prologue!
Poor Seraphine was so happy to have been adopted by the Dumonts, but now she’s left all alone. Only her cousin Blaise seems to be on her side. Well, when he’s not driving her insane – like he’s been doing since they were teenagers! She’s not really sure she can trust him. But they have to work together to stop Gautier from destroying the company and more importantly from killing any more people – like maybe Seraphine!!!!?
I really enjoyed reading it. There were some weird moments, like with how Blaise was celibate for years and years while he waited for Seraphine to fall in love with him? A bit ridiculous.
But I really like this series and I can’t wait to see how in the hell we will fall in love with Pascal in the next book! Whoops – S p o i l e r ! Now you already know that Pascal might not be the baddest guy here!
DISARM was a really sweet & exciting love adventure!
The betrayals and secrets in the Dumont family is an addictive thing. Though DISARM is written to be a standalone, I highly recommend getting to the Olivia and the Dumont family when all the betrayals come to light. It’s intense.
Seraphine and Blaise’s story…man. It was filled with so much. The two branches of the Dumont family were so different and though Seraphine was adopted into the family, she’s was raised and loved as a Dumont but her addition to the family was never accepted by her uncle’s side of the family. So they’ve always made her feel like an outside. But Blaise was an outsider for different reasons. He envied Seraphine’s side of the family. They were living, caring and supportive. Their parents adored their children. That wasn’t something he experienced. He was the black sheep because he wasn’t heartless like his parent or his brother. He tried and did what he had to but could never stomach it.
Together their love wasn’t exactly normal but it was 100 percent true. And though they’ve fought it over the years it was time they joined forces and accepted the chemistry, connection and bond.
Their story was incredibly beautiful as they found their way to each other and worked to protect each other and uncover some truths and I’m chomping at the bit till Gautier Dumont get what’s coming. I’m curious how Pascal will fair in all this. I can’t wait to see how he sees himself after having been a player in everything.
I’m still in love with gay Paris!! Karina Halle’s got me hooked on these Dumonts. From the suspense and intrigue to the romance and family, I was beyond interested. I think the taboo feel of what lay between Blaise and Seraphine was the biggest draw for this story. It was sweet and forbidden and although they weren’t blood related, the idea of their coupledom would have its own share of problems. It was what kept holding them back, at least for her. And every time they came close to having everything they wanted, the ‘bad’ Dumonts stood in their way. I couldn’t get enough of the flashbacks to their youth and the many ways that their love was inevitable.
Can I just reiterate how much of a monster Gautier is? He doesn’t deserve a bit of kindness and I want to know what screw is loose to make him the way he is. Why does family mean nothing? Why does loyalty mean nothing? Why does nothing but money and power mean anything to him? I also want to know why the author took the path she did when it came to ‘uncle Luddie’. Why tarnish his good name? After everything he and his family had been through, after his children now have to navigate life without him, dealing with the pain of his sudden loss, why sully him? Maybe this will all become clear in the next book. Pascal is next and I have absolutely no clue how the author will redeem his character. She did a little bit to finally humanize him in this book, but I just can’t picture him as a hero. I’m looking forward to her forcing my change of heart.
HOLY WHOA! Karina Halle went for it with this one and it paid off. Big time. Talk about dark and twisted, sexy and dangerous. From the start, Disarm grabbed me by the throat and the hold kept getting tighter and tighter as the story unfolded.
I loved Seraphine. Her grit. Her need to find the truth. Her faith in people even when they’ve let her down. Her quest to get answers about what really happened the night her father died unleashes a chain of events that nobody could’ve seen coming. Thankfully, Blaise was there. Watching. Trying to stay two steps ahead and keep both his father and brother in check.
It was for sure a love-hate relationship between Blaise and Seraphine. There was years of family feuding and broken promises. And a touch of the forbidden only made the anticipation that much more But with lives on the line, they had no choice but to band together and find a way out of the mess.
My heart was pounding through the final third of this book. Karina Halle took me on a ride that had me wondering just how bumpy the end would be. Let me tell you, all the pain and fear and anticipation and mystery was so worth it. I loved how Blaise and Seraphine were able to work through their years of anger and hurt. How they created their own world where all that mattered was hope and love and happiness and they had that in spades. But that ending…gah! It was beyond perfect and more than either one ever dreamed of.
This story was a really compelling read, an exciting read. It just got right into the action and made it hard to put down. The back and forth timeline in the beginning made me a little impatient, but the background information was important to understanding the relationships between all of the characters, and I didn’t know who to feel sorrier for—Blaise or Seraphine.
It’s difficult to give a synopsis without giving spoilers, so I will just say that this book is equal parts suspense and romance. The suspense is intense, and the romance is a very slow burn with deeply rooted connections and lots of complications.
I felt like Book One (Discretion) was more of a standalone than this book is. At the end of this book I was still afraid for everyone in the family so reading Book 3 is essential for me. There are still a lot of questions to be answered. I was surprised to see that Book 3 will be about Pascal, but I guess I shouldn’t be. How else will this dilemma be resolved if not through Pascal’s story? I really want to hate this guy. He was a creeper in Book One, and he’s still a creeper. But if Ms. Halle says Pascal will win me over then I trust her.
I mostly read this book on my Kindle, but once in a while I switched to the audible to hear the text read with a French accent. 🙂 It made me feel like I was in Paris with Blaise.
Definitely read this series. Book One is great and leads right into Book Two, which is even better.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
When I read Discretion and we first met Seraphine and Blaise I was very curious about both of them and the strange relationship that they had. I was so eager for this book and to hear their stories.
What I love about this book is that it shows that sometimes things are hidden beneath the surface. Not everything is always what it seems, and that goes for people as well.
This story was told through alternating from the past and present with Seraphine and Blaise. We get a look back at some of the key moments between them and we see important things from their pasts. I liked having this perspective. It felt very intimate and it really allowed the reader to get to know the characters.
With that said, the character development was fantastic in this book. Getting those glimpses of the past really cemented some deep feelings and attachment to the characters. I really felt drawn to them and I connected with them easily.
Seraphine and Blaise definitely have a chemistry between them. They have a very complicated relationship because of all the circumstances in their lives. I loved how loyal Blaise was to Seraphine even when he was hiding from the world.
I enjoyed the plot of the story and I loved all the unexpected twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. The author has a beautiful and clean writing style that is fantastic to read.
Overall, this was an excellent story in the Dumont series. Each of the characters in this series has been a delight to read about and I am so eagerly awaiting Pascal’s story in the next book. This author really makes you care about these characters and you will be addicted to them and their stories.
The audio is even better!
Disarm is my favorite of the series so far. I’m not sure if it’s the taboo aspect, the enemies to lovers, or all of the above. Just know that where the Dumonts are trouble isn’t far behind.
Seraphine and Blaise are two Dumonts who feel the name is just a title. Neither has ever really felt like a Dumont. Both struggle with their perceived, whether real or not, alienation.
All it takes to bring them together…is a little murder. Sometimes a little good can come from a terrible thing.
I can’t wait for the truth to come out!
Seraphine Dumont is positive her father was murdered and will do anything to prove it. Blaise and her have always had a connection, more than cousins, even though they are not related by blood, and throughout the book we get a look back and forth through their history. Now, they are brought together by intrigue and danger and finally cannot deny the truth.
***3.5 Stars***
Is it a bad thing that I found myself more interested in the mystery and suspense side of things and Pascal, than I was in Seraphine and Blaise?
It’s probably a “No.” when it comes to the mystery/suspense side and an eyebrow raise when it comes to Pascal, but truth is truth.
I didn’t not like Seraphine and Blaise, I actually did like them. Seraphine is strong and determined, even when her insecurities rear their ugly heads. I didn’t always agree with some of her choices, but I could never fault her for wanting to find out all that happened with her father. Blaise was an interesting one. I liked seeing him finally find his backbone when it came to his brother and father, something he didn’t have for awhile ~ though I understood why he chose the path he did ~ so I was pleasantly surprised when he did find it and became the man he truly wanted to be.
As for their relationship/journey to their HEA. First thing:the fact that they were cousins, Seraphine was adopted, didn’t bother me in any way. I did like that they attempted to not step over that line, but as the flashbacks showed, they were inevitable. But outside of that obstacle, I just found their journey to be a little flat. Not boring per se, it just couldn’t out do the suspense aspect for me. I liked them together and I like that they got their HEA in the end.
Then there is the mystery surrounding Ludovic’s death. I have to say, I’m good with how things played out for the most part. Nothing is resolved and a ton more questions are needing to be answered, but I liked how there is a lot more gray at play now.
This may not be my favorite book of the author’s, but it still has me intrigued enough to see how everything comes together in Disavow ~ especially when it comes to Pascal. So, here’s to hoping that the finale will bring me the closure I want.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
I loved Blaise and Seraphine’s story, and I was hooked from the very start. There is a lot going on in this book, from the beginning of a forbidden romance to the ruthless actions of a powerful family. There’s mystery, drama, and an electrifying love story. Very well done and I can’t wait to read Pascal’s story.
This series just keep getting better. Karina Halle is a must read author for me. Get ready for a roller coaster ride. This book was packed with scandal and secrets.
I am loving the Dumont family and all the complications that come with them. Seraphine was adopted into the Dumont family when her father died. She is looking for answers and won’t stop until she gets them.
Blaise was hard character for me to like at first but he quickly turned that around. He was going to make sure Seraphine was protected. I liked these two.
I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait for more in this series.
Seraphine is grieving from the death of her stepfather and she doesn’t believe it was an accidental death. Blaise is part of the Dumont family and the only one she can trust. He has an obsession with Seraphine and watches from afar. The twists and turns in this story were numerous and shocking. A really enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
All I can say about this book is that it’s a powerful story. Most enjoyable.
This is another great book in this series. I look forward to the next one.
I recommend this author and this series.
If you thought this family was complicated in the first book… you haven’t seen anything yet. A gripping and mysterious look into family dynamics and the forbidden nature of falling for your adoptive cousin, Disarm is about more than just romance. The first book in the series faltered a bit for me, so I didn’t go into this with high expectations (even though I usually love Karina Halle’s writing). That all changed very quickly as I got into the story. If you haven’t read the first book, that’s ok – the mysterious/suspenseful aspects of the story are laid out pretty clearly. It’s well written, complex, and engrossing with a slow burn that spans over a decade until it pays off in a big way. Not so much a book about falling in love as it is a book about embracing it, Disarm builds up to a pretty great conclusion… while laying the groundwork for what should be another powerful book featuring a Dumont in need of redemption.
The story follows Seraphine, the adoptive daughter of the Dumont family. As an orphan of Indian descent going from one foster family to the next, she didn’t have the best childhood and saw the Dumonts as her chance to finally have a real family. There’s tension between her father and uncle, but it isn’t until her father’s death (murder?) that things really come to a head. Through the years, her complicated feelings for her adoptive cousin, Blaise, added tension to their relationship. They’re not blood relations, but the attraction that simmers between them still doesn’t feel right. In the present, their relationship is as strained as it’s ever been – Seraphine is, after all, accusing Blaise’s father of murdering her own – but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still feelings between them.
Mixing flashbacks with events in the present day, the reader gets to see the undeniable connection between Seraphine and Blaise. The attraction has been there for years, but they’ve never completely taken the leap – dating your cousin isn’t something you can just rush into and hope it works out. I loved seeing the softer side of Blaise when he was younger, because in the present he’s a pretty cold and detached guy. Perhaps my only complaint about the book is that we don’t get to see the connection between them in the present until quite a ways into the book, because the family dynamics take up so much of the story. That being said, it all pays off in the end, culminating in such a great ending for these two. I’m glad I gave this a shot after the lackluster first book in the series (Halle acknowledged writing that one was a struggle and it showed). This completely made up for that, and left me wanting to see what’s next for this family – I think the third book has the potential to be fantastic. My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review of this suspenseful, multi-faceted book.
Having read Discretion, this was definitely different! It was very good slow burn between cousins. So you can expect some forbidden and taboo romance. And I would say this is a lot more suspenseful than Discretion.
When I first read the blurb for this book I was hesitant. I have cousin’s who are related to me by adoption. Then I sat back and thought, well this isn’t really any different than the “stepbrother” romance books. I never really got into those, but I was never really against them. In the case of Seraphine & Blaise, they were related by adoption, but they never grew up around each other. I don’t know if that makes it better in your eyes, but there it is.
This series has a very “Dynasty” feel to it, I loved that show (both reboots). There is secrets, lots of scandal, and a whole bunch of betrayal to keep you warm at night. The soap opera feel to this makes getting consumed in the story all the better. The slow burn romance with a side of romantic suspense is my favorite part of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed Blaise is this story. He was the thee part of the story that I loved the most. He is dedicated, and solid, and so protective. I swooned hard over him. Seraphine is exactly who she says she is. She’s so strong and determined. These two together are perfect.
While I get this make make you a bit uncomfortable if you are not into “taboo” romance, you should try it. It’s a great story with so many layers. I’m glad I moved past my initial hesitancy and read it anyways.
I was intrigued by Seraphine since book 1 and I wasn’t disappointed. She wasn’t a doormat and stood what she believed in. Blaise was the cousin that wasn’t a cousin, lol, and their feelings for each other was a bit complicated. But he believed in Seraphine and her work. When things started going left and family secrets were revealed, Blaise had her back. These two fell for each other without even noticing. Blaise was never manipulated by his dad and felt like an outsider at times like Seraphine. Their ending was perfect for them especially after all the drama and angst these two encountered.