This book was suspenseful which I loved, I am usually not a fan of insta love, but I did not mind it so much with Oliver and Sadie. The location of this book just screams for sexy times...this was a bit of a slow read for me, but I did however still enjoy the classic Karina Halle staples. It's nice to see how the other half lives.

3.75 stars--DISCRETION is the first instalment in Karina Halle’s contemporary, adult THE DUMONTS erotic, romance series focusing on the wealthy Dumont family of France. This is thirty year old, eldest son Olivier Dumont, and twenty-three year old, American college student Sadie Reynolds’ story  line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sadie and Olivier) DISCRETION follows the building romance between thirty year old, eldest son Olivier Dumont, and twenty-three year old, American college student Sadie Reynolds. Sadie Reynolds found herself alone in Europe after discovering her boyfriend Tom had cheated back home. By herself, struggling to make ends meet, Sadie will come face to face with her future following an attempted robbery wherein our heroine is rescued by the man with whom she will fall in love. Enter billionaire hotelier and heir to the Dumont fashion house of France,  Olivier Dumont. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Olivier and Sadie, and the potential fall-out as the dysfunctional Dumont family forces Sadie to run to protect the man that she loves.

Sadie Reynolds was on vacation in Europe with her boyfriend when her best friend called to say she discovered Sadie’s man had been having an affair. Alone, and without support, Sadie travels from hostel to hostel until someone attacks leaving Sadie injured, and in need of help. Olivier Dumont hides a secret that is about to implode his well-organized world, a secret that will affect his relationship with our story line heroine- the woman with whom he is hoping to spend the rest of his life. A scandal that could potentially split the House of Dumont; a blackmail scheme that could have easily been nipped in the bud years before is about to come to fruition and upend Olivier’s life.

The relationship between Sadie and Olivier is one of immediate attraction but Sadie struggles with the difference between the haves (Dumonts) and the have-nots (Sadie). When Olivier offers Sadie the opportunity to remain in France until it is time to go home, Sadie jumps at the chance only to discover that all is not well within the Dumont dynasty. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Olivier’s sister Seraphine and brother Renaud, as well as  their father Ludovic Dumont; Uncle Gautier, and Olivier’s cousins Pascal and Blaise.

DISCRETION is a story of family, betrayal, power and control. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are colorful, energetic and dynamic; the romance is steamy and hot. DISCRETION is a dramatic and interesting tale but several scenarios were not quite believable, and could have been dealt with in other ways.



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Discretion by Karina Halle is book one in her brand new The Dumonts Series and can be read as a standalone.
Meet Olivier Dumont. He's the heir to an empire, wealthy, uberrich.
And then there's Sadie. She's a brokenhearted backpacker through Europe. When she gets mugged, Olivier is at the right palce at the right time and helps the damsel in distress. What he didn't expect is to falling in love with her knight in shining Mercedes.
Discretion is a well written, witty and fun fluffy summer read. I liked the writing and the characters . I give 4,5 Stars.

It has been a long time since I’ve read a book by Karina and I know a lot in the romance community that absolutely adore her books. Once I saw that she was coming out with a new series, I couldn’t wait to give Discretion a try.

For the most part I was really enjoying the majority of the book, Olivier is caught in the cross hairs when it comes to his rather dysfunctional family. And don’t even get me started on his crazy cousin, Pascal, that guy has a few screws loose. Throughout the entire book, you’ll be wondering what it exactly it was that he did.

The story line was pretty easy going and with Olivier being a bit of a knight in shining armor, I rather enjoyed the relationship that that he and Sadie fell into. Other than that, there just wasn’t a whole lot going on.

I didn’t have an issue connecting with the characters, but was hoping more of a stronger development for the both of them. And when it comes to the secret that Olivier has been holding for years, it felt like it wasn’t enough of a conflict.

Towards the end, things really pick up and Karina adds the suspense element to their story. I definitely loved that part and am hoping we get more of that with the rest of the series. I still have several questions that will hopefully be answered as we get to know the other Dumonts.

I absolutely loved this! It was exciting, intriguing, and super sexy. I’m usually not a fan of insta-love, but it just works here. It’s a true testament to Karina’s writing. Sadie and Olivier were off the charts! The Paris setting didn’t hurt either. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series. I love that we got Sadie and Olivier’s full story in this book, but that the underlying story of the Dumont brand and the crazy family dynamics is continuing. Can’t wait!

It had been way too long since I last read a Karina Halle novel, so I was very much looking forward to starting this one and I wasn’t disappointed. “Discretion” contained so many things that I enjoyed- Characters that I loved, a story that kept me turning the pages and a swoon worthy romance. There was also a beautiful epilogue that finished the book off perfectly.

"...my heart won't stop spinning for him. It's his now." 

I really loved Olivier and Sadie. They each came from very different worlds and had both led such different lives, yet the sweet pair made such a cute couple. Olivier's family were richer than rich, owning a huge designer fashion business in France. Sadie was just a normal American girl backpacking around Europe. Their romance was sort of an insta-love and I was sold on their relationship. I was invested in them every step of the way.

"I feel nothing but butterflies in my chest and love in my heart. 
I let myself be ravaged by my Frenchman-mind, body, and soul." 

This standalone love story was well worth the read. I’m definitely going to be picking up book two when it releases. I have a feeling I already know who’s book will be next up.

I was hooked from the very beginning of this beautiful, romantic story. Sadie is backpacking across Europe with her boyfriend when an unexpected breakup occurs. She is a strong, brave female that continues on her adventure alone. A series of unfortunate events for Olivier leads him into Sadie’s path at just the right time. Olivier and Sadie had an attraction that was instant and their love story flowed with ease. The romance of Sadie and Olivier, the side characters you love and hate, and the air of mystery untwined into the story makes it hard to stop reading. I loved the happily ever after. Very well done!

What a fantastic way to start a new series! Discretion is the first book in Karina Halle’s new The Dumont series and even though this book has its own HEA the plot doesn’t end here and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Olivier and Sadie meet in the most unexpected way and there relationship blooms almost instantly but their story is filled with family drama, danger, hidden plots, twists, turns and some hotness all wrapped into a book that will leave you wanting more ASAP!

I really fell for Sadie first, not that Olivier wasn’t amazing but there was something about Sadie that drew me in right away. Then I fell for Olivier and together they might be one of my favorite couples. 

I really need to know what happens next and I can’t wait to find out who the next book is about! Grab this book now so you can be ready for the next one, you don’t want to miss out!

This book has the perfect backdrop for falling in love and I could visualize it every step of the way! Karina has a knack for writing complex characters and story lines and this is shown not only in this book but others of hers as well. This is truly what I look for in a romance. Something with more complexity, feeling, and heart. Karina nailed it with Discretion and I am really looking forward to the next one.

Discretion is the first book in Karina Halle’s new series, The Dumonts, and, I am in love with everything about this lush, compelling family-centric saga and cannot wait for more. In Discretion, you’ll meet my new book-husband, Olivier Dumont, who is a gorgeous, international playboy and hotel mogul with a cynical and slightly tortured soul. He meets Sadie, a young American traveling in Europe (who may or may not remind me of myself at that age), and he finds himself captivated by her. They have a whirlwind romance, but Olivier’s past and his powerful extended family will put their newfound relationship to the test. Prepare yourself to be enthralled with this potent blend of sexy, swoon-worthy romance and intense, intriguing family drama.

DNF @ 45%

I had heard a lot about Karina Halle and I had been so looking forward to reading one of her novels.  Unfortunately, Discretion fell super flat.

There was too much telling and not enough showing.  I didn't feel any attachment towards any of the characters. I made it about halfway through the story but I can't even tell you what the plot was.  To be totally honest, I forgot I was even reading this until I checked Goodreads.

I'm planning on giving the author another chance, but this book was just not for me.

2.75 stars

It's been a minute since I've read a Karina Halle book. So, I was looking forward to Discretion. Unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed. I didn't hate it. It was sexy and full of captivating family drama. But still, I thought it was just okay. 

It took me a while to connect with the main characters. Sadie and Olivier were definitely hot. However, I wasn't fully sold on their connection. I don't mind an instalove. That's not what turned me off. It just felt like something was missing. 

Honestly, the ending was what bothered me the most. I hated how the hero handled the situation. It felt like a cop out and weak. 

As I said above, I didn't hate it and I wouldn't discourage anyone for reading it. But, at the same time I'm not dying to continue the series.

Book Title: Discretion (The Dumonts #1)
Author: Katrina Halle
Pub Date: August 6th, 2019

***ARC  was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 3.5/5 I really enjoyed everything before they get to Paris.

Heroine (Sadie Reynolds): 4/5 Sadie is a twenty three year old communications major from Seattle. At home she took care of her mentally ill mother and grew up mostly without a father. 

Hero (Oliver Dumont): 4/5 Oliver was born into wealth but still broke away from the family to start his own business of high end hotels. His father still hopes that he will one day run the Dumont business. 

Plot: 3/5 Sadie is on a tour of Europe and finds herself in France. She is mugged but saved by a handsome stranger who turns out to be the very wealthy son of a high end designer. Sadie and Oliver find they don’t want to part and she becomes his secret lover. Oliver doesn’t want his uncle finding out about Sadie, he likes to take the things that make Oliver happy away from him. Can their love survive Oliver’s family feuds?

Personal Review: Oliver and Sadie have great chemistry and if you’re into a sugar daddy relationship then this is a great read. But if that’s not your thing then get ready for a girl in a foriegn country, who doesn’t speak more than a handful of phrases in the language, who has no money to her name who is completely dependent on her new rich boyfriend. I get it, it’s hot to be taken care of, but at the same time this girl could be in a very bad spot if Oliver’s kindness suddenly ran out. 

*Spoilers* For a story that puts Oliver in the plot of the Lion King, he never really takes back the throne. It would be like Nala showing up to pick up Simba and then instead of overthrowing Scar, they just moved to a new kingdom to start their own pride. I don’t know, this story which I know is only part one, really just felt like we let the bad guys win despite the happy ending for the couple.

“How was I able to go through life not knowing just what it was like to have someone be so in tune with every cell in your body, every drop of blood pouring through your veins?”

Discretion is a modern day fairy tale that will fulfill all your grown-up fantasies. While backpacking through Europe, Sadie finds herself in need of a little help. Olivier, son of the Dumont dynasty, happens to be in the right place at the right time and that’s where this story begins. This was such a cute love story filled with emotion and selflessness. 

Sadie is super sweet and unassuming, yet can give a little sass when she needs to. Thrust into Olivier’s world of wealth and backstabbing, it would be easy for someone to either get carried away, or get scared and run. Sadie does neither, staying true to herself while also giving up everything for the man she loves.

“He saved me in so many different ways. And now it is my turn to save him.”

Olivier is truly a prince out of a fairy tale story, caught between supporting his family and being with the woman he loves. Forever dealing with the aftermath of a young mistake, Olivier is forced to make important choices.

“…she feels like home to me, like this is a place I’ve been searching for, a place I’ve just found, a place I never want to leave.”

3.5 stars! 

Discretion is the first in the new Dumont series by Karina Halle. 
I was super excited to read a book by this author for the first time. And that blurb was very intriguing. 

The book started out very strong. Sadie is a twenty-three-year old American who is backpacking through Europe. While is France, she finds herself in a bit of trouble. Our hero, Olivier swoops in to save her. And from there on out everything develops pretty quickly. 

Their chemistry is undeniable and sizzling. This author really knows how to write that part of the relationship very well. 
Their romance was a whirlwind. A little too fast in its development for my taste. It was a bit of a case of insta-lovey. But that’s ok, it didn’t bother that much. 

What did bother me was the off-balance flow of the story. It was dragging in part where there was no need for it, and sped up in places that had me wondering what the heck was happening. 
It wasn’t as seamless as it could’ve been. 
The plot was smart but I’m not sure it was perfectly executed. 

That being said, I appreciate the intrigue and the mystery. It left me with lots of questions, I’ll be looking forward to the answers in the next book. 

The romance was lovely, sweet and hot. I will continue to read from this author as she’s clearly very gifted. I’m hoping the second book in the series will meet my expectations.

First off, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book early.

I am disappointed. I mean, I should've known better, but this book fell prey to every. single. cliche. possible. Surprisingly, the main girl was the LEAST annoying, but Olivier was a wasteful, wealth-flaunting punk, and the villains were so stereotypical it wasn't even funny. The plot was predictable, and I got very intense 50 Shades of Grey vibes, which isn't a good thing.

The blurb of this story really intrigued me so I was excited to read Discretion. This was a romance mixed with suspense, mystery, secrets, and an interesting family dynamic. The Dumonts are a fascinating family that's for sure. Oliver and Sadie were likable main characters. They had their strengths and flaws so seeing how that would go with everything else that was going on was intriguing. There were parts of the plot that I really wanted to know what will happened. As this being a series, I can’t wait to find out the answers. I did like the writing style and some of the characters-of course there would be villains. I am interested in the next book of the series because of the push-and-pull between Seraphine and Blaise.

I’m always so excited to read a Karina Halle book. Her characters, settings, worlds all feel so alive and vibrant. Discretion had parts of this... I loved the setting, I loved the dialogues and culture. You felt the culture she was setting. The opulence and wealth. (A part of me wants her to dabble back into paranormal bc she is so great at world building and setting stages for the story she wants to tell). 
Where I lost it was the connection between Sadie and Olivier. I never really understood why he was so into her... from the very beginning. It was hard to connect with them and find their romance believable. 
I loved the family drama and how this sets up nicely for a series. It reads like a romantic soap opera with some suspense and suspended belief. I think Karina did so well at building this world and this family that the main characters relationship just felt week in comparison. I will def continue with the series and I will always read this author! 

** ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **

Karina Halle has done it again!!! Another amazing book that I couldn’t get enough of.. exotic locations.. a dreamy Olivier who made my heart explode. I fell in love with Olivier and his sister Seraphine, the Dumonts. 
Karina Halle has a way of writing that sucks you in and holds you captive until you finish. Takes you to the amazing locations that you have only dreamed of, yet making you feel like you were really there. She’s outstanding! 
Sadie and Olivier were addictive. I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait for more of the Dumonts!!

First off, let me say that if I had started reading Discretion earlier in the day, I’d have finished it in one sitting. It’s an easy read that kept me interested the whole time. I was never bored, and I went from start to 85% in just a few quick hours. Anything that can keep my attention span that long is a winner in my book.

Next, I wish I was Sadie! And, I wish Olivier was real. Because hot dang that man is perfect. Sweet, charming, sexy, successful, French…I’m totally in love with him in every way.

Olivier and Sadie come from two different worlds. She’s a broke college student backpacking through Europe, and he’s a billionaire playboy that belongs to one of France’s most influential families. I don’t typically care for the heroine in “opposite side of the tracks” love stories, but I really loved Sadie. Smart, independent, not a victim of her circumstances, but totally gracious despite the whirlwind adventure she found herself wrapped up in.

The suspense aspect of the story was kind of predictable. I called most of the twists early on, and I feel like the “big secret” that got Olivier into his mess in the first place was kind of lackluster. Though I was intrigued to see how these characters would handle these circumstances, I didn’t really experience any element of surprise that I’m sure the suspense factor was hoping to create.

The love story is the winner of this book for me. Though the story (and the romance) moved quickly, I really loved the dynamic between the two characters.

If you need me, I’ll be on my way to France to pick up a handsome hotelier!!