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, … 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.
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This author has a style that never fails to wrap me up, totally and completely from the very beginning!
I had faith that she could make me love this story, but still had reservations that she could make me like Pascal. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have doubted even for a moment.
Know going in that everyone has or had ulterior motives in this story. Nothing is simple. The past of these characters looms big and dark and the only way out is through. Of the trio, this is hands down my favorite! They can be read as standalone, but I highly recommend starting at the beginning for full understanding.
Recommend!
„Your name doesn’t dictate what you do or don’t do. Your will does.”
It’s hard for me to say goodbye to the Dumonts series, but I’m doing it with a grin on my face, because Karina Halle left the best for last! Don’t get me wrong, I love all the parts in this trilogy, but it’s Disavow that had the biggest impact on me because I could feel that Pascal’s story would be something shocking and mind-changing. From the first book in the series we knew him as an anti-hero, whose moral backbone left much to be desired, but learning his backstory his character was not a surprise at all.
The fact that Pascal was the son of the devil incarnate resulted in decisions and actions that from a moral point of view were terrible and unforgivable. But Pascal has something that his father lacks – a conscience. And it forced him to question his own doings and ask himself if he really wants to turn into ruthless and evil man like his father. We could get glimpses of Pascal’s vulnerability, which showed how he suffered from his strict upbringing. We could also see the longing for a normal life after he fell for Gabrielle. And that was something that made me cheer on him, because falling in love stripped him somehow from bad traits and showed the real man he is- protective, caring and (surprise!) loving.
My heart was hurting for Gabrielle, who got back to France to seek justice for all the horrible things that happened to her in the past. What she didn’t expect was to fall for the man she was working for- infamous Pascal Dumont. Being close to him allowed her to get to know the real him and to show him that there’s more to life than power and wealth.
Two people who were hurt by the same person, connected by the need to close the door on the past. The road to redemption, revenge and closure. With the sizzling chemistry, incredible passion and purpose, Gabrielle and Pascal became a force to take down the tormentor.
Karina ended this series phenomenally. She gave us not only the great romance between Gabrielle and Pascal, but she also epically solved the mystery that had me at the edge of the seat from the first book. Dumonts is a trilogy that’s a MUST READ. It’s suspenseful, heart-gripping and super steamy. And Disavow is a perfect ending for the incredible journey Karina Halle took us
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.
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.
After watching Pascale 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. Pascale 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 Pascale 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 Pascale, I still cheered her on.
Karina Halle keeps you waiting for the sexy times between Pascale 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 Pascale.
Are there more Dumonts? I sure hope so. I’m not ready to let go of these people.
4.25stars–DISAVOW is the third and final instalment in Karina Halle’s contemporary, adult THE DUMONTS erotic, dark romance series focusing on the Dumont dynasty. This is Dumont fashion heir Pascal Dumont, and PA Gabrielle Caron’s story line. DISAVOW can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history.
SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier Ludovic Dumont, of the Dumont fashion dynasty died under mysterious circumstances, and in the aftermath his brother Gautier has all but removed any trace of Ludovic’s heirs from the family business. But all is not well in the Dumont family, with the return of Gabrielle Caron, the long-time maid’s only daughter.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Pascal and Gabrielle) DISAVOW follows the return of Gabrielle Caron to the house of horrors she experienced in her youth. Eight years earlier Gabrielle’s life was destroyed by Gautier Dumont, and in the ensuring years Gabrielle went to college, and planned for the future. Fast forward to present day wherein Gabrielle’s return forces Pascal to look at the bigger picture, a dysfunctional family whose own members can not be trusted, and have been destroyed by sins of the past. What ensues is the slow building romance between Gabrielle and Pascal, and the potential fall-out as Gautier Dumont is determined to destroy what’s left of our story line heroine.
The Dumont family has been torn apart by secrets and greed. With the mysterious death of Ludovic Dumont his own heirs have been shoved to the side but have managed to succeed on their own. With the return of Gabrielle Caron, Pascal Dumont’s struggles with issues of trust, but none more so when Gabrielle reveals the truth behind her unexpected return.
The relationship between Gabrielle and Pascal begins as a business arrangement when Pascal struggles to keeps a PA and maid. Gabrielle is reluctant to take on the position that places her in the direct line of fire, but a position that can also ensure close contact with her mother who continues to work for the Dumont family. Pascal’s slow seduction of our story line heroine forces Gabrielle to struggle between head and heart knowing that what she is about to do will destroy them all. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
All of the previous story line couples return in cameo roles, as well as the return of Gauthier Dumont, his long suffering wife; and Gabrielle’s mother Jolie Caron.
DISAVOW is a story of extreme family dysfunction; of secrets, lies, power and abuse; of forgiveness, acceptance, murder and love. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are energetic, ruthless and desperate; the romance is seductive and captivating.
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!
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.
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 !!
Disavow by Karina Halle is book three in her The Dumonts Series. Every book is about another couple and can be read as stand-alone. The previous books are Discretion and Disarm.
Disavow is Gabrielle and Pascal’s story.
Excellent written and beautifully thought out, beautifully told.
A fast paced, dramatic read that had me in suspense til the end.
I loved the story and the characters. 4,5 Stars.
4.5 stars
Pascal Dumont has been a villain throughout this series only second to his monster of a father. He has been described as arrogant, ruthless, cold, greedy, and even “slightly off.” He is a womanizer and does not value relationships. He has even hurt and forsaken many of his own family in his quest to be the best and impress his father.
Gabrielle Caron has seen the horrors of the Dumonts up close since her mother has been a long time employee and so was she when she was younger…until she escaped. But now she is back and feels the need to be near her mother. She is feisty, stubborn, and outspoken. And she has garnered the attention of Pascal who strikes a deal with her.
There are secrets, lies, and dirty deeds in the history surrounding this house. And there are threats coming from both outside it and in it. Pascal is hunting his own answers while Gabrielle might just have her own hidden agenda. Despite Pascal being dangerous in his own right, she finds him preferable to his horrible father so she is glad to have him as a quasi shield…and an unlikely friend.
Pascal essentially has had no allies and is not used to having someone to confide in or to connect with on another level. It is foreign to him, but also has him taking a look at the man he is and the man he wants to be. They share some secrets, but some might be too damning.
Who can be trusted? Who is out for revenge? And when all is said and done, who will be friend or foe…or even still standing?
I love a good redemption story and based on his previous actions, I figured it was going to be hard to warm up to him. But I think just getting in his own head helped a lot. And Gabrielle was a catalyst for him to think outside the box. Their rapport and chemistry were great, and his acceptance of her issues while recognizing he had his own made him more human. Both of these characters were broken and stuck until they became vulnerable and supportive of the other. But the situation was complicated and messy and ramped up to one helluva climax. But Pascal won my heart and I loved these two together. They both showed growth and were good for each other. And their actions affect others in their family as well. I was so glad to get an epilogue and see progression with the other couples too.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Five scintillating stars for this fabulous last book of the Dumont trilogy! It was going to be a tough sell to get Pascal into anything approaching my good books, but Karina Halle succeeds in bringing him gleefully to life with all his bad behaviour and arrogance and opening him up to the possibility of a new way of thinking and behaving. A new way of life in fact. Gabrielle is a fantastic character. There is real flesh on her bones and the Prologue sets the tone of fear and the underlying menace that haunts her life, in a manner which continues to permeate the book with the toxicity that is Gautier. I just could not stop reading! This book is that terrific!
This is a series which will bear rereading and its conclusion is everything! Brilliant!
One might imagine that living life in the shadow of luxury would have its advantages. Nothing could be further than the truth for Gabrielle. As the daughter of a maid for a wealthy family, Gabrielle knows that secrets and sin lie behind the doors of the Dumont family. Determined to escape the fate that lies behind those doors, Gabrielle flees the only place that she has ever called home.
Years have passed since Gabrielle found herself struggling with the pain inflicted from her teenage years. Time has not healed the turmoil that still haunts her memories. With vengeance in her heart, Gabrielle once again finds herself returning to the Dumont estate. As the most recent employee of Pascal Dumont, Gabrielle begins to enact a plan that was years in the making. The only problem with the execution lies in the soul of a tattered heart that knows the pain attached to the name Dumont.
What a journey!! The last installment in the Dumonts series will lead you on a journey of secrets, sinners, and redemption. Gabrielle has struggled with the repercussions of a past that forever changed her outlook on the future. Meeting Pascal was a bonus in Gabrielle’s plan for revenge. There wasn’t anything in those plans that included falling in love, but Gabrielle is facing the pull of her heartstrings with each passing day.
Prepare yourself to experience the heartache that lies behind the doors of the Dumont compound. The mayhem will definitely pull you into Gabrielle’s story, and leave you hoping for a brighter future. A great way to end the series!!
A great conclusion to this series. As Pascal tries to figure out the lies and truths of his uncle’s death, he sees Gabrielle again. Their chemistry from the start drags you into this twist and turn storyline. You’ll be hooked until the end from the suspense, the need to know. A must read.