---3.5 Stars---

Well....I think I set myself up on this one. What do I mean? I mean I think I was SOOOOO excited to read Seraphine's story that I set the bar WAY TOO HIGH not only for myself, but for the author. So I'm trying to figure out if it's really my fault or if I just wasn't that in to the story itself. Sigh.....

Don't get me wrong. This was still a good installation to the Dumonts series and I'll still pick up the next one. But it felt.....different from the first in so many ways. Maybe that was the point and I'm completely missing it. Geez, I'm a idiot.

Still dealing with the loss of her father, Seraphine is more determined than ever to prove her suspicions about her uncle are correct. The problem is that her uncle is tied in to everyone and everything in Paris, and no one will believe her. So what does she do? She takes matters in to her own hands and investigates, trusting the one person she thought she'd never trust.

Turns out she was right not to trust him, and now faces another obstacle. Her cousin Blaise. Why is he an obstacle? Because they have some serious history that is way more complicated that most family issues. So here she is...again....having to trust, again. Can she? She doesn't really have a choice.

Blaise hasn't felt like a member of his family since....ever. In fact, the only person he's ever felt knew him is the one person his father and brother want to destroy. Is the family name more important than doing the right thing? Is it too late to earn Seraphine's trust again, especially after what they've been through? There's only one way to find out.

There is a lot going on in this story. Not in a bad way, there's just a lot of information to take in. Between Seraphine and Blaise's past to the current investigation and drama, you'll be pulled in enough to keep those pages turning. In fact, I found myself enjoying the flashbacks more than the current events (who knew). But despite my own confusing thoughts about this particular story, it's still very much worthy of reading.

Definitely an improvement over the first book. The back story between Seraphine and Blaise helped a lot, with delicious tension and intrigue in the Dumont family to keep me wanting more.

The pace is good, flashbacks in between with dual POV fleshed out the plot nicely. It wasn’t rushed.

There’s a part about one of the main characters that had me a little bit in disbelief (yes, even with this type of storyline) (no spoilers here) but other than that minor hiccup, I preferred this to Discretion (book 1).

And now that I’ve seen the cover for Pascal’s book, I can’t wait for his redemption.

Disarm is the second in ‘The Dumont’s’ a new series of connected standalones by Karina Halle. It follows the first explosive story, Discretion. It’s best to read that one first as book 2 does allude to events and characters in it.
This book focuses more on the ‘bad’ side of the Dumont family as Blaise is part of it. He’s the younger son and hasn’t been treated with love by his father for much of his life. He’s also harboring a secret desire for Seraphina, one he’s held close to his chest since he was a young teenager.
Seraphina once felt close to Blaise, but when she was ready to give him everything, he turned his back on her. Now, she just hates him, even though she has to work with him. It’s a family business after all.
But, with the death of her father, and her older brothers both living in the US, Seraphina is left to navigate the harrowing halls of the Dumont company in France, alone. Or so she thinks.
When she thinks she’s discovered who and what really caused her father’s death, she won’t stop until the guilty party is revealed- family be damned. Only one person believes her and it’s down to Blaise to save her from certain death.
This story was filled to the brim with angsty teenage love, then grown-up lust and desire. Throw in a side of mystery and suspense and you have one heck of a fast-paced, unputdownable book. This is a definite One-Clicker.

Gripping suspense romance.

After Discretion, the first book in the series about the Dumont family, I was completely addicted. This second novel focuses on Seraphine, the younger sister, and Blaise, her black-sheep cousin.

The relationship between them is slow-burn and punctuated with glimpses of the past as they grew up, their feelings getting more complicated and sensual in the process. I really loved it, the taboo of it all, the subtle communion as they navigated the rotten patterns of the two sides of their family feud. Though the romance takes a long time to develop because the story has a stronger feel of mystery rife with mafia vibes.

Seraphine is suspicious about her father's death and she embarks on a mission to uncover ugly truths that proves to be suicidal. Blaise is the lesser of all the evils, and she can’t quite let herself believe in him despite the fiery chemistry they share. I enjoyed his tormented thoughts and her endless hope. I think we really get to know the characters and what moves them beyond what they feel for each other. In particular, I loved her origins and also the difficult path their relationship goes through.

The villains are blood-thirsty and the race to the end is full of adrenaline and neck-breaking confrontation. It's a struggle between trust and betrayal. Can she put her faith in a man who wasn’t trustworthy in the past? It was a long wait, but when the passion makes an appearance is ravenous and hot. The ending is a pact of sorts that feels like a promise and a chessgame tie. What's more, the face-off with Pascal is phenomenal and I can’t wait for his own novel!

I think the first book was more exciting and luxurious, and this one tends to be more serious and angsty. As a series, it is great entertainment.

3.5 stars

The second book in the Dumonts series, this book takes us back into the world of wealth and privilege with the story of Seraphine Dumont, sister of the hero of book #1, and adopted daughter of the head of a Parisian fashion dynasty. I love the first book of this series, where we were given a glimpse of Seraphine and the intense chemistry between her and her adopted cousin, Blaise. And with that twisted family dynamic, and the fact that their two families have a long-running rivalry, I was really excited to read their story.

Seraphine was adopted into the Dumont family as a 9 year old. Welcomed with open arms, she was loved without reservation by her parents and brothers. Her interactions with the extended family weren’t so positive, except for young Blaise. Though adopted cousins, they never shared a familial bond, but there was always something ‘extra’ about them, and as teenagers that began to develop into something more, but it ended before it even really began and both were left broken hearted.

Years later and Seraphine is grieving the death of her adopted father and trying hard to hold on to his legacy. Her uncle (Blaise’s father) seems determined to push her out of the family company and destroy everything that her father built, and when she begins to suspect that her father’s death may not be accidental, with her uncle at the centre of it all, she starts investigating her suspicions.

Blaise has spent years pining for the girl he’s loved his whole life. It’s an obsession he’s kept secret, but when Seraphine runs into trouble while investigating her father’s death, he is there, determined to protect and be there for her. It’s been years since they’ve spent any time together, but their feelings for each other haven’t diminished, and after all this time, Blaise refuses to hold back any longer and finally lays himself open for her.

“What I felt for you, what you did to me, body and soul, I was never able to find in anyone else. Not even close.”

He is fierce and protective and so freaking swoony, and as things progress between them, he’s hot as all hell. But just as they find what they have longed for with each other, they begin to realise the extent of the danger they are in as Seraphine’s investigations uncover devastating secrets. Neither of them are safe and they don’t know who they can trust, and there is action, excitement and intrigue as they fight for the truth and to escape the situation they have found themselves in.

The mystery/suspense part of the story is really well done, and though there is some progression with that, it remains unfinished, to be picked up in the next book. I was stunned to learn that the next book will be Pascal’s, and after establishing himself as a major asshole with only a glimpse of humanity, I’m looking forward to seeing him redeem himself in Disavow.

This was an enjoyable read. It’s a quick one, and it moves pretty fast so there’s not a whole lot of depth, but we get flashbacks of Seraphine and Blaise in the past which helps to build the anticipation of the love story, and I like the way their romance unfolded with honesty, passion and lots of heart.

“I love you, and I’ve never loved anyone before. Never said it to anyone. Never even thought it. because ever since you came into my life, those words have belonged to you, and they’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting for the chance to be heard.”

3.5 stars.

Karina Halle brings readers back to Paris and The Dumonts with Disarm, the second book in her Dumonts series and this one is even more angsty than the first. It's all about danger and mystery as Seraphine tries to get to the bottom of her father's death. While this does read as a complete standalone, it is recommended that you read Discretion first to best understand the story as some parts of this book take place during that story.

In Discretion we first met Seraphine and Blaise and my interest was peaked by the weird chemistry between them. In Disarm, Halle jumps back and forth in time and she does this seamlessly, filling in the past between Seraphine and Blaise and building the perfect backstory for these two strong characters. Their chemistry is evident in every interaction even when disguised as anger and hate. They spew vitriol at one another and spar at every turn but underneath is a burning passion. There's danger at every turn in this story and Halle does a great job building the anticipation. The last quarter of the book I found myself unable to put it down, dying to know how the story would play out. I love how we see these characters transform when faced with the challenges that they do.
Disarm is a great read and I can't wait to get Pascal's story next! 4 stars

This was a dramatic followup to Discretion (Book #1) and I enjoyed it just as much if not more! The slow burn and dynamic chemistry between Blaise and Seraphine was amazing in this book. Add in the suspense and mystery aspect and I couldn't ask for more. I love the dynamic among these characters, the plot and the constant tension that had me on the edge of my seat throughout this read. Can't wait for Pascal's story-I think it will be an interesting one! Solid 4.5 star read for me. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Disarm is filled with mystery, angsty situations, manipulative characters you like to hate will keep you hooked to the story. And when it comes to romance, it's a slow burn between, the main character, Seraphina and Blaise. I like how their feeling built cautiously even though their attraction was instant, giving them time to fully appreciate each other.

Karina Halle didn't disappointed in writing a more intense second book of the Dumonts series. I absolutely enjoyed it! A must-read!

I actually really enjoyed this book from Karina Halle

It was a real change from her usual books- and I honestly don't believe this book could even be categorised as a romance novel- it's certainly more of a family drama book with a side of romance that doesn't kick in until towards the end.

I really enjoyed the characters and the deceit from the Dumont family and I am seriously looking forward to the next book in this series as the side characters on this series are so interesting and well developed.

I wont lie- I pretty much love everything Karina writes- but this one was fantastic- but jeez it gave me the biggest case of blue balls!!!!

Okay, we are left with yet another incomplete but complete ending in this the second book in the series. The Dumonts have a sordid and dangerous story of betrayal, conspiracy, love, abuse and murder. A dysfunctional family that gives us the ultimate crime. In this the second book we have even more dysfunction with a romantic twist. Seraphine and Blaise both unloved when young, find a tenuous bond in that they crave a connection that will last. Now that they have found it, it is not a connection that would be accepted because of their circumstances. Cousin... through adoption. Yeah taboo, but not.
Danger follows the life of Seraphine after the death of her father. Blasie, a person who, has hurt her before and should bot be trusted, is the only one she can trust. In their need to connect and the pull they have towards one another, their relationship is simply put beautiful.
An addicting story that will have you glued to the steamy pages of this suspenseful, as the truth begins to unravel and the players start to make mistakes.
Addictive!

"There's nothing in this world more beautiful than her, not even a million rising and setting suns."

Disarm is the second book in The Dumonts series. I was really looking forward to Seraphine's story after meeting her in Discretion. I liked this book better than the previous one, and that is because there was more character growth, and history between the two main characters. I admired Seraphine's strong and determined personality. Even though she wasn't born into the Dumont family, she still feels a strong loyalty to her adoptive father and the family business. Even after being adopter at nine years old, she still feels like she isn't enough and doesn't fully belong. She comes from a lost and damaged place, and is scared that she will end up alone again. Blaise is the black sheep of the family and her adoptive cousin. Unbeknownst to her, he too feels like he is alone in the world. Not fitting in and being a failure in the eyes of his parents.

Blaise and Seraphine have history, and I was happy that the author showcased this in short flashbacks. This really helped me in connecting with the characters. This was very important because the book isn't that long for a drawn-out development of the relationship, so seeing that there already was something between them helped me in believing in their love in present time. The suspense was done really well in this book and I enjoyed reading the scenes were the characters were in danger. I really enjoyed this book and loved seeing these two great characters come together. I absolutely love Karina Halle's writing style, it was very easy to read and it had a great flow. I am pleasantly surprised that the next book Disavow is Pascal's story. I currently dislike him, but I do have a thing for anti-heroes and redemption stories, so I look forward to seeing how it will play out.

Now THIS is the book i was waiting for! Disarm is the second book in The Dumont series and one filled with lies, secrets and taboo relationships. It is like a little Dynasty in France and I ate it up.

While Disarm is the second book in The Dumonts series, I think you could pick this one up before the first book, Discretion and totally understand where the story is going. It picks up where book one left off, months later with different characters in the family. We are seeing how Seraphine (who is the adopted sister of Olivier, the main character of book one) is dealing with the death of her father. She is working for an Uncle she despises and still looking for answers. She may have an ally in her search, but apparently no one can trust the Dumonts.

This story is told in Seraphine and Blaise's POVs. In book one, I wasn't 100% sure about Blaise. He was questionable. But with Disarm, we get a lot of flashback sequences for these two and how their lives and relationship developed over the years. It was a taboo, unrequited sort of love. Second chance of sorts with perhaps an enemy to lovers thrown in for good measure too. And even when these two finally get together, their pasts made it completely believable.

With the mix of mystery, suspense, romance and all the lies thrown in, this is the book I was hoping for with book one. This book was solid and not disappointing at all. It had my heart pounding at some moments and I got excited for the characters in others. There are some dirty characters and characters I wish I could throw from a cliff, but when emotions get that high, I know the author has succeeded in making me believe in the unbelievable. And I'm here for it!

"The same wicked blood pumps through all of our veins, only we're the ones we aren't scared of being who we are. We embrace it. They do it in secret and pretend to be good. It's all a mask, song, all a mask."

The conflict, the angst and the underlying dirty dealings with the Dumonts make for a very revenge filled plot that is all coming together. It is not pretty in the family, but this world is about to crumble and I can't wait to see what Pascal is going to do with his villain role for book 3. Let's just say I have very high hopes after reading this second book in the series. It did not disappoint!

I really liked this book, I thought it was even better than Discretion. The plot was very compelling and interesting. The sparks between Seraphine and Blaise were intense, and the taboo nature of their relationship was different and hot.

I was a bit surprised Olivier and Sadie were not in it other than brief mentions, but I am fascinated to read Pascal's future story. I thought for sure book 3 would be Renaud's story.

I voluntarily read this ARC for an honest review - all thoughts and opinions are mine and unbiased

I wanted to enjoy this but found it a bit hard going - maybe my head was in the wrong place

I found most of the characters unlikeable which I think has tempered my enjoyment

Not for me I'm afraid

This book... was absolutely amazing!! I love Seraphine and Blaise so much! I already loved her from Discretion, but their history just tore me up. I couldn’t get enough!
The mystery behind Ludovic and the Dumonts kept me on the edge of my seat. I swear, this family is addictive and I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
Bravo to Karina Halle for another amazing segment to the Dumont series! This was just as incredible as the first one. I seriously CAN. NOT. WAIT. For the next one!!!

So glad that this book was about Seraphine and Blaise. I'm always here for a forbidden romance and I wasn't disappointed. But do have to sa most of the plot lackluster and predicable.

The plot thickens and the web of lies gets bigger everyday! But as the lies stretch so do the strings holding them together and at some point they will burst and I can’t wait to see what happens!

Seraphine and Blaise are outcasts trying to fit in a family they are unsure of! They try and try but nothing clicks into place, nothing feels right except for brief moments together but how can that be, it’s wrong! When truths are revealed and choices become about life and death seraphine and Blaise decide that right or wrong no longer matter only love does! If only justice can be served then they can all be at peace!!

I love the mystery of the Dumont series and how intense it is becoming! With each book we learn more and more and I can’t wait to see what Karina has planned!

Disarm is the second book in The Dumont's series and centers around Seraphine. When we first met her in Discretion, I like her right away. She's the adopted daughter, but her sense of obligation to the family and family name is fierce and she is a kickass heroine who desperately wants to get to the bottom of what truly happened to her father. She's convinced he was murdered, at the hands of her despicable uncle.

Now, six months after her father's passing, she's the only one in her family left working in the business. Her two brothers have gone off to California to work in their hotels and winerys. She's left to defend herself against her uncle and two cousins, who treat her horribly on a daily basis.

I was super intrigued with Blaise in the first book. It was obvious to the reader that he had some type of feelings for Seraphine, but couldn't display them in front of his father or brother. As we find out in this book, looks are oftentimes deceiving.

Karina does a great job of laying out the slow burn between Seraphine and Blaise in this story. There's more suspense and twists this time around, I think because that element didn't present itself until towards the end of the first book. This one has it all the way through, and as much as I disliked alot of things Blaise has done in the past, I was rooting for him and Seraphine in this book. How do you pursue a relationship with someone who you've treated horribly in the past because it was expected of you by your father, as well as being taboo because Seraphine is considered your cousin, in name only?

I completely hated Pascal in the previous book and in the beginning of this one, but I have to say, I feel like I'm changing my attitude towards him...I can't wait for his book to release!! I'm also hoping the questions I still have running through my head are resolved in his story, because there's a couple of things not tied up in this book that I need answers to!

I loved being back in Paris again!

Disarm follows on with the story from Discretion the first book in this series, it's about the Dumont's. They are a ruthless and wealthy french family that run a designer fashion label amongst other many other things such as hotels and a vineyard. This book tells the story of Seraphine Dumont, while trying to prove that her father was murdered she tries to fight against her feelings that she has always had, for her in name only cousin Blaise. As he becomes her only ally it becomes harder for her to resist his help and his charms.
This story I found was really fast paced and full of all the excitement of a spy thriller, as much as I liked Discretion this book was on a totally different level. I really love the strength and bravery Seraphine showed while trying to find out the truth and Blaise was an amazing hero, he really showed his metal by facing up to his family because of his love for Seraphine.
The writing was really engaging and I just couldn't put this book down as it was so good. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series as the intrigue just became that more explosive!

This is the second book in The Dumont series. A 4 star romantic suspense.

Seraphine had a rough start in life. Came into the Dumont family and adapted well into the life of the rich. Blaise was born rich but with a father’s heavy hand. Together they will form a bond and alliance.

This is somewhat a forbidden, slightly taboo. A great romantic, suspense with great characters. I like the description of different places in Europe. I felt like I was there.

This book can be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I recommend this story.