Review: Discretion

It is a happy, happy day in my world when Karina Halle has a new book out. Discretion is her latest and, unlike the majority of her books, has been traditionally published. I wasn't exactly thinking about how the book might be different than her self-published titles but I realized after devouring finishing it that it was true Halle, through and through and I am so thankful the publisher didn't mess with her signature steamy angst that I've come to love.

Here's the synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle comes a delicious saga of wealth, luxury, and scandal—and the wicked secrets of success behind an envied family dynasty.
The Riviera means indulgence—if you’ve got money. For Sadie Reynolds, a down-on-her-luck student, the Riviera means dingy hostels and back streets. When a wrong turn puts her in jeopardy, the last thing she expects is to be saved by the most handsome stranger she’s ever locked eyes with. When she later wakes up in a luxury suite with a Mediterranean view, she’s in the tender care of her rescuer: Olivier Dumont, France’s most eligible bachelor, billionaire hotelier, and heir to the Dumont fashion fortune.
Olivier also owns his reputation for scandal. But Sadie is unlike any woman he’s ever met. Her humble persona and wild innocence promise real passion. He’s promising Sadie something too: anything she wants. From Bordeaux to Cannes to Paris, Sadie’s past in America is swept away and replaced with a fantasy too good to be true.
Pulled into Olivier’s orbit of wealth, glamour, and excess, Sadie discovers that the Dumont dynasty comes with a legacy of wicked secrets. And Olivier’s secrets may be the most damning of all…

On the one hand, I am PUMPED that Discretion has kicked off a new series from Halle. I loved it and want more. Lots more. I was not ready to say goodbye to this family and all of the secrets that are still hidden. On the other hand...now I have to wait to find out what happens next! And there are so many secrets that still needs to be unravelled. Luckily, we only have to wait until November for the second book, Disarm. It will feature Olivier's adopted sister and their cousin.

So, obviously, if I'm that psyched about a sequel, I clearly adored this book. Halle delivered her usual angsty romance in a BIG way and I was completely committed to Olivier and Sadie's relationship. I liked that, while they were immediately attracted to one another, they took it slow and really found respect for one another before jumping into bed together. Both Olivier and Sadie were, in a way, running from something - Olivier from a deal he signed with his uncle a decade prior (and I have THOUGHTS on that deal but can't spoil it) and Sadie from a recently broken heart and her reality back in Seattle - and they were so wary of the feelings they were having for each other. And those feelings? Hoo boy, they were smokin' hot. 

Even though there are a lot of "rich boy, poor girl" stories out there, Halle's take on the trope felt original. Olivier's wealth is so outrageous that it almost didn't seem real. It was sort of like a fairy tale. He also, thankfully, wasn't the kind of guy who felt the need to show off his money in ridiculous ways. He was as secure as a thirty year old guy can be as he's facing down a ticking time bomb of a deal with an evil family member. He also recognized that Sadie was fiercely independent and spoiled her in a way that respected her as a person and made her feel comfortable. She fought it a bit and never once took advantage of his wealth either. But, hey, who would want to turn down elegant dresses or luxurious hotel rooms, complete with room service?

And those evil family members? Oh my word, I don't trust them at all. They's so terrible and vindictive and Halle writes them so well. I can actually say that I hate them - that's how powerful Halle's characters are.

There's so much more that could be said about Discretion but I fear I'll get even closer to rambling territory if I go on much further. Basically all you need to know is that I loved Karina Halle's new book and think that she's hit on a series that will be just as addictive to other readers as it was for me. 

*A copy of this novel was provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR and by the Canadian distributor, Thomas Allen & Son, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*