Discretion by Karina Halle

Category: Contemporary romance/Romantic suspense
Publication date: 08/06/2019
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

I’m a big fan of this author. If you’ve seen any of our “best of” lists, you already know that. I’m happy to report that her latest release didn’t let me down in any way. 

Plot overview: Down-on-her-luck student Sadie Reynolds lucks out in a BIG way when Olivier Dumont saves her from an attacker on the street, then takes it upon himself to take care of her while she recovers from an injury. But everything isn’t exactly rosy in Olivier’s family, and drama and intrigue ensue. It’s a forced proximity, opposites attract romance with a side of romantic suspense.

First of all, I was a big fan of both Sadie and Olivier. They come from two different worlds, but in their hearts, they aren’t that different. They’re both kind, giving, and fiercely protective of their families and loved ones. Sadie is generous with her heart, and Olivier is generous with his money. They were a perfect match for each other and I had no trouble believing that they could build a long, happy life together. 

The sexy times in the book are of the oh-holy-hell-that’s-hot variety. There were also plenty of sexy times in the book. This is definitely NOT a chaste, closed door kind of romance. But even so, there weren’t so many sexy times that they got in the way of the character development or plot. There was a nice balance here.

Things really got interesting and suspense-y towards the end of the book. There’s plenty of action and intrigue, and while there are no cliffhangers, there are a few unanswered questions that I imagine will be addressed later in the series. (And I’ll definitely be sticking around to read more of these books, I can promise you that.)

If I was going to nitpick, I guess I wish that Olivier would have told certain members of his family to take a flying leap sooner. (Yes, I’m intentionally being vague so as not to give out any spoilers) But I forgave him because his heart was in the right place. And extra points to Sadie for being nothing but supportive when the truth came out. 

So, long-story-short, if you like hot and spicy contemporary romance with a side of action and suspense (not to mention a sexy hero with a hot French accent), Discretion might just be your next 5-star read.  

Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley free of charge.      

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
No rehab needed. This one’s clean and sober.

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