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The Dumonts #1
Deluxe Dreams
Ein legendäres Modeimperium, eine Familie, umgeben von dunklen Geheimnissen, und eine Liebe, so tief und echt …
Ihre Rucksacktour führt Sadie an die Riviera, doch sie erlebt Nizza nicht von der Sonnenseite. Als sie überfallen wird, eilt ihr ein attraktiver Fremder zu Hilfe. Ihr Retter ist Olivier Dumont, der begehrteste Junggeselle Frankreichs und Erbe des Modeimperiums. Olivier zieht sie in seinen Bann – und in eine Welt voller Glamour, Luxus und Leidenschaft. Er erfüllt ihr all ihre Träume und erobert ihr Herz. Schon bald jedoch muss Sadie erkennen, wie zerbrechlich ihr Glück ist. Denn hinter der glitzernden Fassade der Dumont-Dynastie lauern Abgründe und Gefahren, die ihre und Oliviers Liebe für immer zerstören könnten …
Ihre Rucksacktour führt Sadie an die Riviera, doch sie erlebt Nizza nicht von der Sonnenseite. Als sie überfallen wird, eilt ihr ein attraktiver Fremder zu Hilfe. Ihr Retter ist Olivier Dumont, der begehrteste Junggeselle Frankreichs und Erbe des Modeimperiums. Olivier zieht sie in seinen Bann – und in eine Welt voller Glamour, Luxus und Leidenschaft. Er erfüllt ihr all ihre Träume und erobert ihr Herz. Schon bald jedoch muss Sadie erkennen, wie zerbrechlich ihr Glück ist. Denn hinter der glitzernden Fassade der Dumont-Dynastie lauern Abgründe und Gefahren, die ihre und Oliviers Liebe für immer zerstören könnten …
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First published August 6, 2019
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About the author
Karina Halle
123 books19.7k followersKarina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Grave Matter, Blood Orange, & The Royals Next Door, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 705 reviews
December 11, 2019
3.5 rounded up four, dancing stars on olalaaaaa French Riviera, hot, sexy, mysterious, deep family matters, dirty schemes, power games stars!
I have to confess, I love KH books! I admitted thousand times after reading her EIT series, she won my heart so when I start to read any of her books, it’s difficult task for me to keep my objectivity! But luckily these days I’m a little picky and looking for some meaningful, deep, life changing romance stories. My picky and critical approach helped me to judge impartially.
And surprise, surprise!!! At first 100 pages, I was about to give only 2 stars to this book. There was nothing wrong with the character. Our hero, Oliver seems like a dreamy book boyfriend! He is suffering from a burden, keeping a big secret from his family, he’s rich, Alpha, kind, protective, making unbelievable and quite impressive gestures.
And Sadie, our heroine, sweet but a little insecure (which is normal because her last boyfriend cheated on her and now she’s flirting with a man who has a bad reputation as womanizer) but she is also risk-taker, adventurous, responsible (taking care of her mother who is suffering from bipolar), smart, easy going person. But the part they fell for each other was too fast and a little bit dramatic and unrealistic for me! I found some parts with full of cliches!
I still had questions why Oliver fell for her so hard since the first time he saw her. He was faking relationships for 10 years and he finally found a real, genuine, beautiful woman but still in one week, they started a sensational, steamy relationship so welllll, it was a little over-exaggerated, reminded me of telenovelas, soft Harlequin romance books!
But after their fast-falling, we start to learn more about Oliver, his family dynamics, his irritated cousins and evil uncle’s leverage on him. So with the thriller, action parts, family secrets, the book turned into a page turner.
Most of the dynamics and relationship formula between hero and heroine also reminded me of the KH`s previous book “My life in Shambles”, rich and famous hero, sweet, ordinary, young girl, chasing her dreams, recently broken up from her boyfriend, family issues, father’s passing away, telling his son that he is proud of him! But this book is more triggering, surprising and full of action.
I liked the last parts and actions of both Sadie and Oliver who stand for each other. Sadie was threatened several times by Oliver’s malicious cousin Pascal but she was brave, smart, tough and ready to fight for her love. I also loved Oliver’s behavior to protect her, his honesty about his past, his nobility to learn from his mistakes and do whatever it takes to be with his love of his life.
For a long time I had hard time to love a book’s hero and heroine at the same time! But KH did good job to make me love them.
So second half book made me change my opinions and raise my points. There were still unanswered questions. So we need to wait for the other “Dumonts book”( I don’t know the pilot but I think it will be about Oliver’s brother, I also like sister Seraphine so much. I think she also deserved her own book, too) to get answers we need! I hope it doesn’t take too long!
I have to confess, I love KH books! I admitted thousand times after reading her EIT series, she won my heart so when I start to read any of her books, it’s difficult task for me to keep my objectivity! But luckily these days I’m a little picky and looking for some meaningful, deep, life changing romance stories. My picky and critical approach helped me to judge impartially.
And surprise, surprise!!! At first 100 pages, I was about to give only 2 stars to this book. There was nothing wrong with the character. Our hero, Oliver seems like a dreamy book boyfriend! He is suffering from a burden, keeping a big secret from his family, he’s rich, Alpha, kind, protective, making unbelievable and quite impressive gestures.
And Sadie, our heroine, sweet but a little insecure (which is normal because her last boyfriend cheated on her and now she’s flirting with a man who has a bad reputation as womanizer) but she is also risk-taker, adventurous, responsible (taking care of her mother who is suffering from bipolar), smart, easy going person. But the part they fell for each other was too fast and a little bit dramatic and unrealistic for me! I found some parts with full of cliches!
I still had questions why Oliver fell for her so hard since the first time he saw her. He was faking relationships for 10 years and he finally found a real, genuine, beautiful woman but still in one week, they started a sensational, steamy relationship so welllll, it was a little over-exaggerated, reminded me of telenovelas, soft Harlequin romance books!
But after their fast-falling, we start to learn more about Oliver, his family dynamics, his irritated cousins and evil uncle’s leverage on him. So with the thriller, action parts, family secrets, the book turned into a page turner.
Most of the dynamics and relationship formula between hero and heroine also reminded me of the KH`s previous book “My life in Shambles”, rich and famous hero, sweet, ordinary, young girl, chasing her dreams, recently broken up from her boyfriend, family issues, father’s passing away, telling his son that he is proud of him! But this book is more triggering, surprising and full of action.
I liked the last parts and actions of both Sadie and Oliver who stand for each other. Sadie was threatened several times by Oliver’s malicious cousin Pascal but she was brave, smart, tough and ready to fight for her love. I also loved Oliver’s behavior to protect her, his honesty about his past, his nobility to learn from his mistakes and do whatever it takes to be with his love of his life.
For a long time I had hard time to love a book’s hero and heroine at the same time! But KH did good job to make me love them.
So second half book made me change my opinions and raise my points. There were still unanswered questions. So we need to wait for the other “Dumonts book”( I don’t know the pilot but I think it will be about Oliver’s brother, I also like sister Seraphine so much. I think she also deserved her own book, too) to get answers we need! I hope it doesn’t take too long!
June 30, 2019
4 stars
Discretion is the first book in Karina Halle’s new The Dumonts series and color me intrigued. This had all the elements of a great romantic suspense. It was scandalous, sexy, romantic, and had Karina’s insanely talented writing.
When Sadie finds herself alone backpacking through Europe, the last thing she expects is to be mugged. And even more surprising is the man that saves her. Oliver Dumont. Oliver and Sadie couldn’t be more different. Oliver is rich, french, and from an influential family. Sadie is a broke college student from Seattle who just went through a breakup. They shouldn’t work. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
What starts out as Oliver helping Sadie get back on her feet (quite literally) turns into Oliver and Sadie having loads of hot sex to Oliver and Sadie having true and real feelings for one another.
If only love could be so simple. But Oliver’s family isn’t simple. There are people in his family he loves and truly cares about, and there are others. Those that are deceitful, manipulative, and have something big they’re holding over his head. Something he wants no one to know about.
The only thing I didn’t necessarily love about this one was the original reason Oliver had been blackmailed… I felt it a little weak, like that’s something that wouldn’t have been taken quite so seriously with his family if he had just came clean all those years ago. But I also understood his pride and how he wanted his father to see him in a certain light so I got it to an extent I was just expecting something bigger.
This is one of those books that hooked me from the start. I loved the dynamic of Sadie and Oliver’s relationship and enjoyed this book a lot. If you’re looking for a romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, pick this one up. I can’t wait to read more of these books. So many of the secondary characters piqued my interest and I can’t wait to read more about them and Sadie and Oliver as well!
Discretion is the first book in Karina Halle’s new The Dumonts series and color me intrigued. This had all the elements of a great romantic suspense. It was scandalous, sexy, romantic, and had Karina’s insanely talented writing.
When Sadie finds herself alone backpacking through Europe, the last thing she expects is to be mugged. And even more surprising is the man that saves her. Oliver Dumont. Oliver and Sadie couldn’t be more different. Oliver is rich, french, and from an influential family. Sadie is a broke college student from Seattle who just went through a breakup. They shouldn’t work. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
What starts out as Oliver helping Sadie get back on her feet (quite literally) turns into Oliver and Sadie having loads of hot sex to Oliver and Sadie having true and real feelings for one another.
“Oh, mon lapin,” he whispers, kissing me softly, “you are the only thing that’s good and pure and real in my whole life.”
If only love could be so simple. But Oliver’s family isn’t simple. There are people in his family he loves and truly cares about, and there are others. Those that are deceitful, manipulative, and have something big they’re holding over his head. Something he wants no one to know about.
The only thing I didn’t necessarily love about this one was the original reason Oliver had been blackmailed… I felt it a little weak, like that’s something that wouldn’t have been taken quite so seriously with his family if he had just came clean all those years ago. But I also understood his pride and how he wanted his father to see him in a certain light so I got it to an extent I was just expecting something bigger.
This is one of those books that hooked me from the start. I loved the dynamic of Sadie and Oliver’s relationship and enjoyed this book a lot. If you’re looking for a romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, pick this one up. I can’t wait to read more of these books. So many of the secondary characters piqued my interest and I can’t wait to read more about them and Sadie and Oliver as well!
January 10, 2022
I love this story. Simply, It is a story of a rich man saving and poor college girl then falling in love with her. Then, The poor college girl saves the rich man and falls in love. There is a lot of drama and greatness in the book, but you will have to read it to find out all that happens. I won a kindle edition of this book from a goodreads giveaway, but this review is 100% my opinion.
August 6, 2019
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I fell in love in Paris. Olivier was living the typical playboy lifestyle. The heir apparent to a fashion house that rivals Chanel, he's a leading hotelier who happens to have a lot of secrets. Secrets that prevent him from fulfilling his dreams. Secrets that hold him back from true happiness. But something about Sadie has him willing to take a chance, risking it all for the potential for more. Sadie is a college student backpacking through Europe. On the night she's leaving to catch a train to Spain, she's about to be mugged (or worse) when a gorgeous stranger saves her. He even steps it up a notch by taking her to the hospital and then putting her up in a hotel. She's moving up since all she's known for months is the hostel life. But who is this guy? Hot or not, what does he want from her?
For me, this story was all about Olivier. Sadie was just a supporting character and I wasn't all that interested in anything to do with her unless it directly related to something about him. Sorry, not sorry. It's just that Olivier was larger than life and yet ever so humble. He was family-oriented, warm, generous, loving, and extremely hot. From the first moment between him and Sadie, he stole the show. My heart went out to him when it became apparent that he was struggling with something from his past. Although I personally think his secret was lame AF, I don't know what it is to be in the spotlight or have to live up to not only my loved ones expectations, but to have what I do effect a brand's reputation. While I think the secret should have been something more fatalistic, other than that bit of a let down, everything else about this story fed my soul.
As the first book of a new series, I can honestly say I'm sold on continuing with it. I love the idea of the good Dumonts versus the bad ones. I'm a greedy girl for wanting the next book to be Olivier's as well and I'm hoping to have this wish fulfilled. The author did a fantastic job of bringing the romance of France to life and making me fall in love with this hero and I want more!
Check out the full review HERE
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Read it for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
I fell in love in Paris. Olivier was living the typical playboy lifestyle. The heir apparent to a fashion house that rivals Chanel, he's a leading hotelier who happens to have a lot of secrets. Secrets that prevent him from fulfilling his dreams. Secrets that hold him back from true happiness. But something about Sadie has him willing to take a chance, risking it all for the potential for more. Sadie is a college student backpacking through Europe. On the night she's leaving to catch a train to Spain, she's about to be mugged (or worse) when a gorgeous stranger saves her. He even steps it up a notch by taking her to the hospital and then putting her up in a hotel. She's moving up since all she's known for months is the hostel life. But who is this guy? Hot or not, what does he want from her?
For me, this story was all about Olivier. Sadie was just a supporting character and I wasn't all that interested in anything to do with her unless it directly related to something about him. Sorry, not sorry. It's just that Olivier was larger than life and yet ever so humble. He was family-oriented, warm, generous, loving, and extremely hot. From the first moment between him and Sadie, he stole the show. My heart went out to him when it became apparent that he was struggling with something from his past. Although I personally think his secret was lame AF, I don't know what it is to be in the spotlight or have to live up to not only my loved ones expectations, but to have what I do effect a brand's reputation. While I think the secret should have been something more fatalistic, other than that bit of a let down, everything else about this story fed my soul.
As the first book of a new series, I can honestly say I'm sold on continuing with it. I love the idea of the good Dumonts versus the bad ones. I'm a greedy girl for wanting the next book to be Olivier's as well and I'm hoping to have this wish fulfilled. The author did a fantastic job of bringing the romance of France to life and making me fall in love with this hero and I want more!
Check out the full review HERE
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October 14, 2019
2 stars.
This one simply wasn't for me!!!
I am a big fan of Karina Halle's work (have read 18 books to date) but I struggled with this one quite a bit and I also found it fairly unsatisfying in general.
It was more than a case of not really "feeling" the connection between Olivier and Sadie- other than maybe their sexual chemistry that is. They were just such an unlikely couple in my opinion.
Also, I want to point out..... this story was beyond incredulous!!!!
And I am not joking here!!!......
I simply couldn't wrap my head around most of it- especially the ending. It felt really disjointed and didn't make any sense to me.....
Why would Olivier essentially turn a blind eye and run away from his problems with his family??
Maybe the next book in this series will have all the answers????
I can only hope so....very telling was the author's acknowledgements - where she states "this book was the hardest I've ever had to write."
She talks about being sick and also suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder):
I couldn’t conjure up the will to care about anything, let alone my characters or the book. The spark was gone. There was no joy to be found. And it wasn’t this book . . . it was everything. It didn’t matter if I wrote something else or nothing at all; I just couldn’t conjure up the mental energy or the will to do it. Every time I tried, a brick wall came down in my mind, and I had no strength to fight my way over it. I stopped caring, and I needed so deeply to care. Yet, somehow, I kept going. Kept trying to climb over that wall or dig under it or pick my way through it. It must have worked, because, eventually, the book got finished.......
I would definitely like to read the next one, mainly to see if Karina can manage to pull it all together (this wild and crazy storyline)- especially now that I found out that it is about Seraphine (Olivier's sister).
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This one simply wasn't for me!!!
I am a big fan of Karina Halle's work (have read 18 books to date) but I struggled with this one quite a bit and I also found it fairly unsatisfying in general.
It was more than a case of not really "feeling" the connection between Olivier and Sadie- other than maybe their sexual chemistry that is. They were just such an unlikely couple in my opinion.
Also, I want to point out..... this story was beyond incredulous!!!!
And I am not joking here!!!......
I simply couldn't wrap my head around most of it- especially the ending. It felt really disjointed and didn't make any sense to me.....
Why would Olivier essentially turn a blind eye and run away from his problems with his family??
Maybe the next book in this series will have all the answers????
I can only hope so....very telling was the author's acknowledgements - where she states "this book was the hardest I've ever had to write."
She talks about being sick and also suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder):
I couldn’t conjure up the will to care about anything, let alone my characters or the book. The spark was gone. There was no joy to be found. And it wasn’t this book . . . it was everything. It didn’t matter if I wrote something else or nothing at all; I just couldn’t conjure up the mental energy or the will to do it. Every time I tried, a brick wall came down in my mind, and I had no strength to fight my way over it. I stopped caring, and I needed so deeply to care. Yet, somehow, I kept going. Kept trying to climb over that wall or dig under it or pick my way through it. It must have worked, because, eventually, the book got finished.......
I would definitely like to read the next one, mainly to see if Karina can manage to pull it all together (this wild and crazy storyline)- especially now that I found out that it is about Seraphine (Olivier's sister).
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2019
I'm a HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of Karina Halle so it'll come as no surprise that I couldn't wait to read this book. Unfortunately, it just did not work for me. I'm pretty devestated to admit it but I just didn't enjoy it. I never felt the magic between Olivier and Sadie. Of course I felt the sexual chemistry but I never bought into the rushed insta-love, I never got what made Sadie THE ONE for Olivier. I also found the drama so completely Over The Top. It was all just too crazy to be believed. It simply didn't feel like Karina Halle to me and I felt both disconnected and indifferent the entire time. I'm heartbroken over it honestly as I'm ALWAYS swept away in her stories, captivated by the fierce romance and the captivating storylines. I just didn't feel any of that with Discretion. Im so unaccustomed to NOT enjoying this author's books that I'm planning to reread it soon in the hopes that maybe my perspective will change, maybe it was me rather than the book. Karina Halle is a personal favorite author of mine so it breaks my heart to not have enjoyed this book.
August 9, 2019
I will always love anything Karina Halle writes!!! Love and adore her writing and this read didn't disappoint. Not my favorite from her, but I throughly enjoyed this one. Who wouldn't love falling in love in Paris!!! Oliver and Sadie take us on a ride of finding happiness. Definitely grab this if you are looking for a sweet, easy, and enjoyable read!!!
August 1, 2019
Ten years ago Olivier Dumont made a mistake that changed the course of his family’s dynamic. Still living with the guilt and the reminder from time to time, Olivier knows that the time is going to come soon when he’s going to have to answer to his indiscretion. But for now, life goes on and he’s more than okay with it. When he meets a woman that was in need of rescuing, life as Olivier knows it is about to change.
Sadie Reynolds has spent the past few weeks backpacking across Europe on her own. Thanks to the actions of her now ex boyfriend and what was supposed to be a couple's trip, Sadie now has to enjoy the scenery on her own and reevaluate her plans. But when she encounters a sexy Frenchman who became her savior, those plans went out the window and she entered the glamorous world of the Dumont Family but little does she know, she’s in for one hell of a ride.
I can’t express this enough and say how much I loved the backdrop of this story. It was romantic, visually stunning, and you really felt as if you were there in person. Karina Halle did an amazing job with making you feel as though you were a part of the scenery and I really loved that. But as much as I adored that, I did have a major issue with the secret once I knew what it was. The drama was unnecessary for that kind of secret and Olivier was too weak IMO. I wanted him to take charge and be the leader I know he could’ve been but that never happened.
Aside from that, I enjoyed the suspense part of the story and I'm eager to see what’s going to happen with the other family members because there's a LOT of drama going on! If you’re looking for a sexy new drama filled series, then you should give this one a try.
May 30, 2020
4 stars
So… it’s been a minute since I’ve read a Karina Halle novel. Not gonna lie, I kind of quit her after the North Ridge series. Not because anything was wrong, but the woman writes so fast I can’t keep up!! And I lost my reading mojo on top of that. And I’m not reading as much indie romance as I used to. But when I went to a signing of hers recently, I was reminded of all the books by her that I love, and found myself wanting to pick her up again. And now I have a back log to catch up on!
Discretion is about young and broke tourist Sadie, who on her way to the train station in Nice gets attacked in the street. Sadie is rescued by Olivier, a Dumont, one of the wealthiest families in France. From there, it’s an instant spark and Sadie and Olivier are inexplicably ddrawn to each other. But Olivier’s past threatens the two of them, maybe even their lives.
There’s a reason Halle is one of my favorite authors: she’s a damn good writer. I know even if I don’t always super love a story by her, the writing will suck me in. And that’s what happened with this book, I’m not really one for the Cinderella trope but from page 1, I couldn’t put this book down. I’m definitely intrigued by this first book and want to read more. And I for sure need to play catch up/reread all my Halle favorites.
So… it’s been a minute since I’ve read a Karina Halle novel. Not gonna lie, I kind of quit her after the North Ridge series. Not because anything was wrong, but the woman writes so fast I can’t keep up!! And I lost my reading mojo on top of that. And I’m not reading as much indie romance as I used to. But when I went to a signing of hers recently, I was reminded of all the books by her that I love, and found myself wanting to pick her up again. And now I have a back log to catch up on!
Discretion is about young and broke tourist Sadie, who on her way to the train station in Nice gets attacked in the street. Sadie is rescued by Olivier, a Dumont, one of the wealthiest families in France. From there, it’s an instant spark and Sadie and Olivier are inexplicably ddrawn to each other. But Olivier’s past threatens the two of them, maybe even their lives.
There’s a reason Halle is one of my favorite authors: she’s a damn good writer. I know even if I don’t always super love a story by her, the writing will suck me in. And that’s what happened with this book, I’m not really one for the Cinderella trope but from page 1, I couldn’t put this book down. I’m definitely intrigued by this first book and want to read more. And I for sure need to play catch up/reread all my Halle favorites.
February 8, 2020
Very good Romance with a bit of drama and suspense!
I liked the thorough background and build up of the characters and storyline as well as the romance between the two main characters. This starts out with a foreward ten years prior where the main character Olivier Dumont, a young rich playboy does something terrible that his uncle finds out about but Olivier doesn’t want the rest of his family, especially his father to know. He seems afraid of his uncle like he is some sort of Mob boss or fearsome guy, so he agrees to sign some sort of contract for his uncles silence.
Forward ten years and Olivier rescues a girl, Sadie, from a mugging. Sadie is backpacking through Europe on her own after being finding out her ex was cheating on her. She is nearly broke and has hurt her ankle. Olivier takes her to the hospital and since she missed her train, he puts her up at one of the hotels he runs for his family’s business.
The budding romance between Olivier and Sadie is set against the background of France and Olivier’s family issues as the time to make a decision on the contract he signed ten years ago is nearly over. His uncle is pressuring him and he is feeling guilty. The book was very good, but some of the problems in the book seemed blown out of proportion in my opinion. It seemed like the uncle’s blackmail on Olivier was sort of weak and if I were the guy I would have just told my father and family.
The uncle was also saying it would destroy the company reputation, but in this day and age that also seems pretty weak. Though I won’t give away any spoilers, but think everyone knows that in this day and age, unless the company is fraudulent or stealing from its investors then not much from one family members personal life can destroy the reputation of a multinational company.
Other than that, I think the book was good. It seems like it is set up for a possible sequel and I would read another because both the writing and the storytelling are good and inventive.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I liked the thorough background and build up of the characters and storyline as well as the romance between the two main characters. This starts out with a foreward ten years prior where the main character Olivier Dumont, a young rich playboy does something terrible that his uncle finds out about but Olivier doesn’t want the rest of his family, especially his father to know. He seems afraid of his uncle like he is some sort of Mob boss or fearsome guy, so he agrees to sign some sort of contract for his uncles silence.
Forward ten years and Olivier rescues a girl, Sadie, from a mugging. Sadie is backpacking through Europe on her own after being finding out her ex was cheating on her. She is nearly broke and has hurt her ankle. Olivier takes her to the hospital and since she missed her train, he puts her up at one of the hotels he runs for his family’s business.
The budding romance between Olivier and Sadie is set against the background of France and Olivier’s family issues as the time to make a decision on the contract he signed ten years ago is nearly over. His uncle is pressuring him and he is feeling guilty. The book was very good, but some of the problems in the book seemed blown out of proportion in my opinion. It seemed like the uncle’s blackmail on Olivier was sort of weak and if I were the guy I would have just told my father and family.
The uncle was also saying it would destroy the company reputation, but in this day and age that also seems pretty weak. Though I won’t give away any spoilers, but think everyone knows that in this day and age, unless the company is fraudulent or stealing from its investors then not much from one family members personal life can destroy the reputation of a multinational company.
Other than that, I think the book was good. It seems like it is set up for a possible sequel and I would read another because both the writing and the storytelling are good and inventive.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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August 14, 2019
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
When it comes to romance novels, Karina Halle is definitely one of my go-to authors and she once again didn’t disappoint me.
Discretion is a great romantic suspense novel and I devoured the novel in about two sittings. Sadie and Olivier were amazing main characters and I grew fond of both of them very quickly. The only reason I’m not giving this five out of five stars is that I think the suspense part of the novel was lacking a bit. Most of the things that happened were very predictable and didn’t shock me at all which is why the novel just didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat as much as I’d hoped it would.
Nevertheless, Discretion was a great book and I can’t wait to read the sequel which comes out later this year!
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When it comes to romance novels, Karina Halle is definitely one of my go-to authors and she once again didn’t disappoint me.
Discretion is a great romantic suspense novel and I devoured the novel in about two sittings. Sadie and Olivier were amazing main characters and I grew fond of both of them very quickly. The only reason I’m not giving this five out of five stars is that I think the suspense part of the novel was lacking a bit. Most of the things that happened were very predictable and didn’t shock me at all which is why the novel just didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat as much as I’d hoped it would.
Nevertheless, Discretion was a great book and I can’t wait to read the sequel which comes out later this year!
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August 25, 2019
4 ⭐'s
Almost nothing's better than a poor girl having a rich man come to her rescue and that's exactly what Olivier does for Sadie when she almost gets mugged.
After a bad situation, Sadie's decided to finish off her European vacation even going as far as staying in hostels to get by. When she almost gets mugged, she sprains her ankle and Olivier offers to set her up at his hotel so she can heal.
It doesn't take long before they take things to the next level and while that was all fine and dandy, there's a whole back story that's anything but.
Olivier's Uncle and family are pretty heartless and Olivier is just bidding his time before a deal he accepted with his Uncle comes to fruition.
His cousins, one in particular, starts causing all kinds of trouble. Sadie was pretty strong but she can only go so far. Their relationship is definitely tested but I loved how they made it through.
I enjoyed getting to know Olivier's sister, Seraphine, and brother, Renaud. Serpahine's book is up next with a certain someone we get to know a little. (Disarm coming out November 19th) However, we don't get to know his brother that much. Hopefully, that will change with the next book.
Overall this is a great story and wonderful start to a series.
Almost nothing's better than a poor girl having a rich man come to her rescue and that's exactly what Olivier does for Sadie when she almost gets mugged.
After a bad situation, Sadie's decided to finish off her European vacation even going as far as staying in hostels to get by. When she almost gets mugged, she sprains her ankle and Olivier offers to set her up at his hotel so she can heal.
It doesn't take long before they take things to the next level and while that was all fine and dandy, there's a whole back story that's anything but.
Olivier's Uncle and family are pretty heartless and Olivier is just bidding his time before a deal he accepted with his Uncle comes to fruition.
His cousins, one in particular, starts causing all kinds of trouble. Sadie was pretty strong but she can only go so far. Their relationship is definitely tested but I loved how they made it through.
I enjoyed getting to know Olivier's sister, Seraphine, and brother, Renaud. Serpahine's book is up next with a certain someone we get to know a little. (Disarm coming out November 19th) However, we don't get to know his brother that much. Hopefully, that will change with the next book.
Overall this is a great story and wonderful start to a series.
August 6, 2019
3.5 'Mon lapin' Stars!
ARC provided by the publisher via via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Karina Halle, as many of you already know, is one of my favorite authors, especially when it comes to a deliciously sexy contemporary romance. Now, she comes with a new series which happens to focus a bit more on the suspense inside of a very wealthy and very famous French family. The theme surely intrigued me and I dived right in!
So, Discretion is the first installment in Karina’s The Dumonts series and it’s the love story between Olivier Dumont and Sadie Reynolds. These two meet when Oliver saves Sadie from a pretty dangerous situation and their lust for each other is instant after that. They start a very intense affair that happens to be explosive, in secret and with lots of secrets mixed in it. These two people are from very different worlds. Will Olivier and Sadie’s relationship survive it all? Find out reading Discretion!
I want to consume this man, and I want him to consume me.
I want to feel this part of him before we say goodbye and the fairy tale ends and my old life begins again. I want Olivier before it’s too late.
One thing I am always happy about when it comes to Karina’s books is that they are oh-so-freaking-sexy! I mean, Olivier and Sadie connect almost instantly and their chemistry is smoking hawt. I enjoyed reading how France’s most eligible bachelor falls in love with a poor American college student who is backpacking through Europe. These two fall in love pretty quickly (maybe too quickly for my taste..) but not everything is hearts and flowers. One side of Olivier’s family is decided to make him pay for his past and that is when drama appears. If that interests you, I am sure you will enjoy this novel quite a lot!
I love her, and that has changed my whole world at a time when my whole world has just changed.
It makes me realize the lengths I will go to protect us, to keep her safe.
Therefore, my rating for Discretion is 3.5 STARS because I found it to be a good introduction to Karina’s new series that I am sure will be full of scandal, suspense and sexiness! Yes, I do have to say this is not my favorite novel from hers (it took me a while to connect with the couple and the whole storyline) but her writing is always amazing, the chemistry between the couple was mind-blowing and I am definitely curious to read the next book after all that teasing about the next couple!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided by the publisher via via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Karina Halle, as many of you already know, is one of my favorite authors, especially when it comes to a deliciously sexy contemporary romance. Now, she comes with a new series which happens to focus a bit more on the suspense inside of a very wealthy and very famous French family. The theme surely intrigued me and I dived right in!
So, Discretion is the first installment in Karina’s The Dumonts series and it’s the love story between Olivier Dumont and Sadie Reynolds. These two meet when Oliver saves Sadie from a pretty dangerous situation and their lust for each other is instant after that. They start a very intense affair that happens to be explosive, in secret and with lots of secrets mixed in it. These two people are from very different worlds. Will Olivier and Sadie’s relationship survive it all? Find out reading Discretion!
I want to consume this man, and I want him to consume me.
I want to feel this part of him before we say goodbye and the fairy tale ends and my old life begins again. I want Olivier before it’s too late.
One thing I am always happy about when it comes to Karina’s books is that they are oh-so-freaking-sexy! I mean, Olivier and Sadie connect almost instantly and their chemistry is smoking hawt. I enjoyed reading how France’s most eligible bachelor falls in love with a poor American college student who is backpacking through Europe. These two fall in love pretty quickly (maybe too quickly for my taste..) but not everything is hearts and flowers. One side of Olivier’s family is decided to make him pay for his past and that is when drama appears. If that interests you, I am sure you will enjoy this novel quite a lot!
I love her, and that has changed my whole world at a time when my whole world has just changed.
It makes me realize the lengths I will go to protect us, to keep her safe.
Therefore, my rating for Discretion is 3.5 STARS because I found it to be a good introduction to Karina’s new series that I am sure will be full of scandal, suspense and sexiness! Yes, I do have to say this is not my favorite novel from hers (it took me a while to connect with the couple and the whole storyline) but her writing is always amazing, the chemistry between the couple was mind-blowing and I am definitely curious to read the next book after all that teasing about the next couple!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
August 28, 2019
I usually like miss Halle' books. Some of her books are hit with me some of them not. Discretion is not. Its been a while since i read miss Halle's book. To be honest i am anticipating Discretion.
The story, i think its about love letter to French. But the plot lack of originality. I think the plot is very very similar to FSOG. Including the stalker part. And thats where i lost interest. I can not feel the connectiob between Oliver and Sadie. In my opinion they only have insta lust. The plots do not help with the character development.
I am sad that Discretion is my less like of Miss Hale's work so far.
2 stars
The story, i think its about love letter to French. But the plot lack of originality. I think the plot is very very similar to FSOG. Including the stalker part. And thats where i lost interest. I can not feel the connectiob between Oliver and Sadie. In my opinion they only have insta lust. The plots do not help with the character development.
I am sad that Discretion is my less like of Miss Hale's work so far.
2 stars
June 22, 2019
Thanks to author for providing this copy through Netgalley.
I have mixed feelings regarding this book. The heroine was painted like strong but sometimes I felt like she was too nervous, too downplaying herself ( when a man gives you a compliment, don't downplay yourself, girl!), too bad organized to be strong character for me... I think it's me...
Hero was amazing person: thoughtful, caring, faithful, alpha male, protective, hot! But I don't get why he let his bad side of family blackmail him for more than 10 years!!! It wasn't a twist for me, I kind of expected how they played him...
Cannot wait for more books from this series! Loved hot french language, beautiful sights of French Riviera!
Safe read: no OP scenes, faithful to each other from first day.
I have mixed feelings regarding this book. The heroine was painted like strong but sometimes I felt like she was too nervous, too downplaying herself ( when a man gives you a compliment, don't downplay yourself, girl!), too bad organized to be strong character for me... I think it's me...
Hero was amazing person: thoughtful, caring, faithful, alpha male, protective, hot! But I don't get why he let his bad side of family blackmail him for more than 10 years!!! It wasn't a twist for me, I kind of expected how they played him...
Cannot wait for more books from this series! Loved hot french language, beautiful sights of French Riviera!
Safe read: no OP scenes, faithful to each other from first day.
September 19, 2019
This book was not for me. It took me a week to get through, the story was predictable, boring and the chemistry between the two main characters was okay-ish at best. I officially knew this was going to be a two star read when the I-love-you’s popped out after them only being together for a few weeks, on top of the chick being “not like other girls” and “so different”.
November 15, 2019
Review to follow ♥.
August 6, 2019
The South of France.
Sadie is traveling through Europe. She's about to leave for Barcelona, but on the way to the train station she almost gets her purse stolen by a creepy guy - and maybe something even worse would've happened. But she's saved by a mysterious, sexy stranger.
Olivier takes Sadie to the hospital and then home with him to his luxury hotel. Yup. His hotel. He's one of the Dumont siblings/cousins. THE Dumonts.
He's pretty happy with his bachelor lifestyle and his hotel business ... But ten years ago he made a stupid mistake and his creepy uncle is about to call in the debt ... that's why it's not a good idea to fall for this sweet American girl ...
═════════════════
Well. I liked that! I really did.
I loved the whole french, sunny, billionaire-y atmosphere.
Olivier is adorable. The typical poor rich boy. One with a past that will come calling soon.
And Sadie. She wanted out of her life for a while and Europe was amazing, until she found out that her idiot boyfriend cheated on her. But then she met Olivier and life is looking really good again. But she can't stay. She has to go back home. Her mom needs her.
Plus the whole Dumont family and their money and secrets are really scaring her ... But of course we all know that love has other plans... But Olivier and Sadie have to fight for their happily ever after...
I really adored reading this. It was sweet and funny and exciting and heartbreaking.
I didn't really love-love the whole bad guy thing. No, it was more that I didn't understand the why of it. Why were the bad guys bad? The uncle. Why??? He's not a poor guy ... why is he so creepy and power hungry? There's really no obvious need for all that in my opinion - but there had to be a bad guy for the story-line. It wasn't really logical, but it was ok for the story.
And why was it sooo horrible what a 20 year old boy did 10 years ago? Makes no sense.
I also wish Karina would've asked a non-american french person to go over all her french sentences, but pff - who cares.
Great romance - can't wait to read the book about Olivier's sister next!
♡
♡
September 2, 2019
Can we pause and give a collective sigh for this gorgeous freaking cover. I have no idea who this guy is, but he is stunning! Not even gonna lie, I totally clicked on this one for him. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Karina Halle! But YUM!
Here’s what I loved:
The opening scene is so flipping compelling.
This audiobook is so so good. Olivier‘s French accent is sexy AF. Like, I’d listen to this narrator over and over again hawt!
I love angst and romantic suspense. This one had my heart in my throat trying to figure out how the storyline would play out due to the situation Olivier finds himself in. I have no idea why, but I was so stressed out by it. Lolol
The couple are sexy and the steam level is completely appropriate, but I felt their chemistry was lacking a bit. Inst is my jam, but there was just something that didn’t quite click.
However, this works overall. I’m looking forward to more!
Here’s what I loved:
The opening scene is so flipping compelling.
This audiobook is so so good. Olivier‘s French accent is sexy AF. Like, I’d listen to this narrator over and over again hawt!
I love angst and romantic suspense. This one had my heart in my throat trying to figure out how the storyline would play out due to the situation Olivier finds himself in. I have no idea why, but I was so stressed out by it. Lolol
The couple are sexy and the steam level is completely appropriate, but I felt their chemistry was lacking a bit. Inst is my jam, but there was just something that didn’t quite click.
However, this works overall. I’m looking forward to more!
June 22, 2020
I enjoyed the first half of the book and didn't mind the insta-love but the second half was a sugar fest and that's so not my thing. There was no chemistry and first 'I love you' came waaay too soon in my opinion. I didn't like how the book ended because it felt like Olivier just ran away from his family problems but maybe the second book in the series will look into the family business and its problem and intrigues deeper. I am not sure if I want to find out.
Underwhelming.
Underwhelming.
August 6, 2019
4 STARS
I'm always super excited when Karina has a new series for us!. This centers around Olivier Dumont, who runs the hotel side of the Dumont empire and Sadie is a poor student from US .When Olivier comes into her life unexpectedly, he offers to change it for the time she remains in Europe.
I really enjoy it, and I liked the characters a lot!There is a great banter and chemistry between them!
The plot was intrigued and there was suspense too!
“Oh, mon lapin,” he whispers, kissing me softly, “you are the only thing that’s good and pure and real in my whole life.”
I'm excited for the next book in the series!
I'm always super excited when Karina has a new series for us!. This centers around Olivier Dumont, who runs the hotel side of the Dumont empire and Sadie is a poor student from US .When Olivier comes into her life unexpectedly, he offers to change it for the time she remains in Europe.
I really enjoy it, and I liked the characters a lot!There is a great banter and chemistry between them!
The plot was intrigued and there was suspense too!
“Oh, mon lapin,” he whispers, kissing me softly, “you are the only thing that’s good and pure and real in my whole life.”
I'm excited for the next book in the series!
November 24, 2021
Oliviers Onkel und Cousin scheinen ihn zu hassen, sie manipulieren und erpressen ihn und geben sich alle Mühe, um ihm das Leben zur Hölle zu machen. Als Olivier dann Sadie kennenlernt, will er sein Interesse an der sympathischen Amerikanerin geheimhalten, denn sonst würden sie versuchen, die Beziehung zu zerstören, bevor sie anfängt. Sadie sollte eigentlich auch weiterreisen und Nizza verlassen, aber schon bald mag sie sich kaum noch von ihrer Urlaubsbekanntschaft trennen.
Bei Liebesroman-Reihen, in denen in jedem Buch ein anderes Paar dran ist, bin ich es eher gewöhnt, das jedes Buch auch einen kleinen Abschluss hat und hatte daher vielleicht einfach etwas anderes von der Handlung erwartet. Mir bleib hier einfach viel zu viel offen, sowohl in bei Sadie und Olivier als auch beim großen Ganzen. Alles ist ziemlich dramatisch, das meiste hat aber nichts mit der aktuellen Liebesgeschichte zu tun, auch wenn sie kurze Störfaktoren darstellen, die letztendlich weder wirklich wichtig sind noch aufgelöst werden. Dadurch, dass so viel auf die nächsten Bücher geschoben wurde, kam mir auch alles so irrelevant vor, weil Olivier und Sadie sich ja auch nicht von dem Drama haben behindern lassen.
Die Liebesgeschichte konnte mich aber auch einfach nicht packen. Sadie findet Olivier faszinierend, weil er so selbstbewusst und spontan ist, er mag an ihr ihre Ehrlichkeit und dass sie nicht auf sein Geld aus ist. Sie finden sich gut und haben Spaß miteinander, es gibt teure Kleider und Hotels, eine Menge Sex und ein paar Intrigen hier und da. Ihre Beziehung und ihre Gefühle sind eigentlich ziemlich oberflächlich und haben kaum genug Zeit, sich richtig zu entfalten, weil es stattdessen ja Spannung gibt ... die aber eigentlich nur von der Liebesgeschichte ablenkt.
Fazit
Ich hätte bei "Deluxe Dreams" noch etwas mehr erwartet, die Liebesgeschichte fand ich leider ziemlich oberflächlich und die Handlung konnte mich auch kaum überzeugen, weil so vieles letztendlich doch irrelevant schien und nur ablenkte.
Bei Liebesroman-Reihen, in denen in jedem Buch ein anderes Paar dran ist, bin ich es eher gewöhnt, das jedes Buch auch einen kleinen Abschluss hat und hatte daher vielleicht einfach etwas anderes von der Handlung erwartet. Mir bleib hier einfach viel zu viel offen, sowohl in bei Sadie und Olivier als auch beim großen Ganzen. Alles ist ziemlich dramatisch, das meiste hat aber nichts mit der aktuellen Liebesgeschichte zu tun, auch wenn sie kurze Störfaktoren darstellen, die letztendlich weder wirklich wichtig sind noch aufgelöst werden. Dadurch, dass so viel auf die nächsten Bücher geschoben wurde, kam mir auch alles so irrelevant vor, weil Olivier und Sadie sich ja auch nicht von dem Drama haben behindern lassen.
Die Liebesgeschichte konnte mich aber auch einfach nicht packen. Sadie findet Olivier faszinierend, weil er so selbstbewusst und spontan ist, er mag an ihr ihre Ehrlichkeit und dass sie nicht auf sein Geld aus ist. Sie finden sich gut und haben Spaß miteinander, es gibt teure Kleider und Hotels, eine Menge Sex und ein paar Intrigen hier und da. Ihre Beziehung und ihre Gefühle sind eigentlich ziemlich oberflächlich und haben kaum genug Zeit, sich richtig zu entfalten, weil es stattdessen ja Spannung gibt ... die aber eigentlich nur von der Liebesgeschichte ablenkt.
Fazit
Ich hätte bei "Deluxe Dreams" noch etwas mehr erwartet, die Liebesgeschichte fand ich leider ziemlich oberflächlich und die Handlung konnte mich auch kaum überzeugen, weil so vieles letztendlich doch irrelevant schien und nur ablenkte.
September 10, 2019
I've listened to the audio and I never thought I'd say this but... the french accent was annoying and hard to understand at 1.8 speed. :x
June 30, 2019
The South of France.
Sadie is traveling through Europe. She's about to leave for Barcelona, but on the way to the train station she almost gets her purse stolen by a creepy guy - and maybe something even worse would've happened. But she's saved by a mysterious, sexy stranger.
Olivier takes Sadie to the hospital and then home with him to his luxury hotel. Yup. His hotel. He's one of the Dumont siblings/cousins. THE Dumonts.
He's pretty happy with his bachelor lifestyle and his hotel business ... But ten years ago he made a stupid mistake and his creepy uncle is about to call in the debt ... that's why it's not a good idea to fall for this sweet American girl ...
═════════════════
Well. I liked that! I really did.
I loved the whole french, sunny, billionaire-y atmosphere.
Olivier is adorable. The typical poor rich boy. One with a past that will come calling soon.
And Sadie. She wanted out of her life for a while and Europe was amazing, until she found out that her idiot boyfriend cheated on her. But then she met Olivier and life is looking really good again. But she can't stay. She has to go back home. Her mom needs her.
Plus the whole Dumont family and their money and secrets are really scaring her ... But of course we all know that love has other plans... But Olivier and Sadie have to fight for their happily ever after...
I really adored reading this. It was sweet and funny and exciting and heartbreaking.
I didn't really love-love the whole bad guy thing. No, it was more that I didn't understand the why of it. Why were the bad guys bad? The uncle. Why??? He's not a poor guy ... why is he so creepy and power hungry? There's really no obvious need for all that in my opinion - but there had to be a bad guy for the story-line. It wasn't really logical, but it was ok for the story.
And why was it sooo horrible what a 20 year old boy did 10 years ago? Makes no sense.
I also wish Karina would've asked a non-american french person to go over all her french sentences, but pff - who cares.
Great romance - can't wait to read the book about Olivier's sister next!
♡
♡
August 17, 2019
I've never read a Karina Halle book before and I usually don't go for soft romances. I also know from reviews that for some this book fell short. But, all in all, I actually really loved Discretion, in that type of way where you can see the hiccups made by the author but forgive them and go on. I also know I might be prejudiced as the first part of this book takes place on the French Riviera at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc which I've stayed at and have wonderful memories of. So all of that section was very vivid and life like for me and I immensely enjoyed reading it as the backdrop for these two getting to know each other.
It starts with Sadie - an American college student backpacking her way through Europe about to leave Cannes to catch a train to her next destination. But she never makes it to the train station after being followed, attacked and mugged, only for a car to come to a halt and somebody to come to her rescue. And that somebody would be Olivier Dumont - 30 years old, hot as sin, billionaire hotelier and part of the Dumont family and heir to the Dumont family fashion house:
"You buy a Chanel to show the world you’ve made it. You buy a Dumont to show yourself you’ve made it."
Olivier immediately takes it upon himself to help out the poor college student, first by taking her to the hospital to get her fixed up and then giving her accommodations in his hotel. His is a world of models, social climbers and people who are attracted to him because of what his name is. But with Sadie, who he instantly feels an affection for, there is no recognition, no gold digging and when she does google him and find out who she's dealing with, there is absolutely no change in her. He is simply Olivier - the gorgeous guy who rescued her and spends the first few days with her while she recovers from her injuries. For Olivier this is like catnip and the first time he's felt liked just for himself and his attraction to her runs deep also.
"I don’t think I’ve ever met any girl so stubborn before, though that’s probably part of the reason why I’m so taken with Sadie. As callous as it sounds, I’m used to snapping my fingers and having a lineup of women at the ready, so the fact that now she knows who I am and still needs extra convincing to stay makes her an even more enticing challenge"
Yes, it's true, they fall fast but I would say it was insta-lust before love for each other in the south of France but that didn't really bother me either - it's hard not to down there when you meet someone who you connect with so I was able to swallow that.
The rest of the book takes place back in Paris with his highly dysfunctional family - half good and half absolutely horrible. In the prologue, Olivier has been caught 10 years prior by his uncle in a compromising position and signed something that is now back to haunt him with a deadline counting down quickly. This is held over his head the entire story, even with his relationship with Sadie. Was it a strong enough threat for Olivier to have given up so much in his lifetime? For me, I would say no, I was expecting more. For Olivier, coming from only good and being an honorable guy I suppose the author felt that the shame of it being made public was enough to hold him in check. That still didn't totally wash for me.
Either way, from the moment they get to Paris the story moves from a mere love story to a little more suspense, who's zooming who and betrayal, blackmail, power dynamics and action. Sadie and Olivier are still very much the center point but the other facets are a good 50% of the rest of the storyline after their initial 'honeymoon' period.
BUT for all the little pieces that didn't quite live up or fit into place , I'm still gonna be a total mush and four**** star this because I absolutely fell in love with Olivier and would quote him to the high heavens if this wasn't already too long as it is!!!
P.S. - the pieces left untied I hazard to guess come to fruition in book 2 - Seraphine's (Olivier's sister) book....
It starts with Sadie - an American college student backpacking her way through Europe about to leave Cannes to catch a train to her next destination. But she never makes it to the train station after being followed, attacked and mugged, only for a car to come to a halt and somebody to come to her rescue. And that somebody would be Olivier Dumont - 30 years old, hot as sin, billionaire hotelier and part of the Dumont family and heir to the Dumont family fashion house:
"You buy a Chanel to show the world you’ve made it. You buy a Dumont to show yourself you’ve made it."
Olivier immediately takes it upon himself to help out the poor college student, first by taking her to the hospital to get her fixed up and then giving her accommodations in his hotel. His is a world of models, social climbers and people who are attracted to him because of what his name is. But with Sadie, who he instantly feels an affection for, there is no recognition, no gold digging and when she does google him and find out who she's dealing with, there is absolutely no change in her. He is simply Olivier - the gorgeous guy who rescued her and spends the first few days with her while she recovers from her injuries. For Olivier this is like catnip and the first time he's felt liked just for himself and his attraction to her runs deep also.
"I don’t think I’ve ever met any girl so stubborn before, though that’s probably part of the reason why I’m so taken with Sadie. As callous as it sounds, I’m used to snapping my fingers and having a lineup of women at the ready, so the fact that now she knows who I am and still needs extra convincing to stay makes her an even more enticing challenge"
Yes, it's true, they fall fast but I would say it was insta-lust before love for each other in the south of France but that didn't really bother me either - it's hard not to down there when you meet someone who you connect with so I was able to swallow that.
The rest of the book takes place back in Paris with his highly dysfunctional family - half good and half absolutely horrible. In the prologue, Olivier has been caught 10 years prior by his uncle in a compromising position and signed something that is now back to haunt him with a deadline counting down quickly. This is held over his head the entire story, even with his relationship with Sadie. Was it a strong enough threat for Olivier to have given up so much in his lifetime? For me, I would say no, I was expecting more. For Olivier, coming from only good and being an honorable guy I suppose the author felt that the shame of it being made public was enough to hold him in check. That still didn't totally wash for me.
Either way, from the moment they get to Paris the story moves from a mere love story to a little more suspense, who's zooming who and betrayal, blackmail, power dynamics and action. Sadie and Olivier are still very much the center point but the other facets are a good 50% of the rest of the storyline after their initial 'honeymoon' period.
BUT for all the little pieces that didn't quite live up or fit into place , I'm still gonna be a total mush and four**** star this because I absolutely fell in love with Olivier and would quote him to the high heavens if this wasn't already too long as it is!!!
P.S. - the pieces left untied I hazard to guess come to fruition in book 2 - Seraphine's (Olivier's sister) book....
July 28, 2019
I've been meaning to try a Karina Halle book for some time now and I enjoy her writing style. I will definitely be trying more of her books. In Discretion, the characters were good, the story kept me engaged and I love the poor girl/rich guy trope.
The only reason I liked, but not loved this story was because the blackmail against the hero just felt weak, and it made the hero come off really weak. That's a struggle for me since I like my big strong heroes.
Now, the things we learned towards the end? That made sense to fear the consequences. While this is a standalone, there is more to come in the series and that overall plot did not get satisfied in this book and will continue on to Seraphine's book.
The only reason I liked, but not loved this story was because the blackmail against the hero just felt weak, and it made the hero come off really weak. That's a struggle for me since I like my big strong heroes.
Now, the things we learned towards the end? That made sense to fear the consequences. While this is a standalone, there is more to come in the series and that overall plot did not get satisfied in this book and will continue on to Seraphine's book.
July 2, 2019
So freaking good!! This was a very early draft, I’ll post my rating when I get that final draft in my hands but it gave me some crazy good S&N car chasing vibes.
August 22, 2019
This was a quick, exciting, and thrilling 'mafia'-esque romance read.
I loved the individual characters of Sadie and Olivier and their chemistry was dynamic. It may have been quick and on par with an insta-love but I was all about it in this instance.
This novel would be good as a standalone but also was a good introductory novel for the series. It left me wanting to know more about the stories of the other characters in the Dumont family but also left me wanting to know the future of the Dumont empire. I have questions and I will need to read the future books for the answers.
This would be the perfect book to read on a vacation or during the summer as it gives you all of the vacation vibes of being on holiday in a faraway place.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
I loved the individual characters of Sadie and Olivier and their chemistry was dynamic. It may have been quick and on par with an insta-love but I was all about it in this instance.
This novel would be good as a standalone but also was a good introductory novel for the series. It left me wanting to know more about the stories of the other characters in the Dumont family but also left me wanting to know the future of the Dumont empire. I have questions and I will need to read the future books for the answers.
This would be the perfect book to read on a vacation or during the summer as it gives you all of the vacation vibes of being on holiday in a faraway place.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
July 20, 2021
Inhalt: „Deluxe Dreams“ ist der Auftaktband der neuen Reihe von Karina Halle. Der erste Band der „Deluxe“-Reihe ist am 20.04.2021 bei MIRA Taschenbuch erschienen.
Sadie nimmt sich eine Auszeit von ihrem Studium, um eine Rucksacktour durch Europa zu machen. Eigentlich war sie mit ihrem Freund unterwegs, aber er hat sie während der Reise sitzenlassen. In Nizza werden die Albträume einer alleinreisenden Touristin war und sie wird überfallen. Zum Glück wird sie von Olivier Dumont gerettet. Sie ahnt nicht, dass er einer der begehrtesten Junggesellen in ganz Frankreich ist und später einmal das berühmte Modeimperium vererbt bekommen wird. Für sie ist er nur ein hilfsbereiter und charmanter Mann, der ihr Herz höher schlagen lässt. Sie ahnt nicht, was sich im Hintergrund der Firma und Familie anbahnt..
Meinung: Dieses Cover ist einfach nur wunderschön! Ich habe mich sofort darin verliebt. Es hat etwas Edles und passt von der Ausstrahlung her perfekt zu einem Modeimperium. Die Nadel und der Faden greifen auch nochmal ein bisschen das Thema Modeherstellung auf und fügen sich sehr gut in das trotz allem dezente Cover ein. Übersetzt wurde die Geschichte von Ulrike Laszlo. Der Schreibstil war in Ordnung. Die Geschichte wird sowohl aus der Ich-Perspektive von Sadie als auch Olivier erzählt. Ich mochte die beiden Sichtweisen ganz gerne. Man taucht direkt ohne Probleme in die Geschichte ein. Das eine arme Studentin auf einen reichen Erben trifft ist nichts neues, aber das Setting macht diese Geschichte besonders. Das war meine erste Liebesgeschichte, die in Nizza gespielt hat. Das Setting hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Die Charaktere waren auch gut. Nur die Handlung bekommt von mir Minuspunkte beziehungsweise die nicht vorhandene Handlung. Am Anfang und am Ende ist die Handlung eigentlich ganz gut. Es fängt interessant an und wird am Ende nochmal spannend. Im mittleren Teil lag mir der Fokus dann doch zu sehr auf dem körperlichen. Mir persönlich hat der Sex nicht gefallen. Es war mir zu viel und detailliert. Die Chemie zwischen den beiden war zwar ganz gut, aber gefühlt nur, wenn es um das körperliche ging. Persönlich konnte ich das nicht so viel zwischen den beiden fühlen. Natürlich ist er fasziniert davon, dass sie ihn nicht kennt und nicht von seinem Ruhm profitieren möchte, aber darauf, finde ich zumindest, kann man keine gute Beziehung aufbauen. In dieser Hinsicht fehlte mir die Tiefe bei dieser Geschichte. Anfangs rätselt man mit, was genau in der Vergangenheit zwischen Olivier und seiner Familie wohl vorgefallen ist, aber so ganz kann ich ehrlich gesagt nicht verstehen, warum er das Ganze auch noch 10 Jahre später so an sich ran lässt und da mitmacht. Ich hätte es besser gefunden, wenn er dazu gestanden hätte. Die Spannung am Ende der Geschichte hat mir gefallen. Es werden auch noch nicht alle Rätsel gelöst, so dass man für mehr Infos mindestens den zweiten Band mit der Geschichte von Oliviers Adoptivschwester und seines Cousins lesen muss. Die Schwester war mir in diesem Band schon sympathisch. Bei den Cousins bin ich insgesamt skeptisch und bin gespannt, was sie alles wissen und wie weit sie zu dem Ganzen beigetragen haben.
Fazit: Wer es gerne etwas explizierter und ausführlicher bei den Sexszenen mag, wird an diesem Buch viel Spaß haben. Mir war es etwas zu viel. Der spannendere Teil am Ende hat es nochmal raus gerissen. Ich bin gespannt, wie es weitergehen wird und werde dem zweiten Band nochmal eine Chance geben. „Deluxe Love“ ist am 22.06.2021 ebenfalls bei MIRA Taschenbuch erschienen.
Sadie nimmt sich eine Auszeit von ihrem Studium, um eine Rucksacktour durch Europa zu machen. Eigentlich war sie mit ihrem Freund unterwegs, aber er hat sie während der Reise sitzenlassen. In Nizza werden die Albträume einer alleinreisenden Touristin war und sie wird überfallen. Zum Glück wird sie von Olivier Dumont gerettet. Sie ahnt nicht, dass er einer der begehrtesten Junggesellen in ganz Frankreich ist und später einmal das berühmte Modeimperium vererbt bekommen wird. Für sie ist er nur ein hilfsbereiter und charmanter Mann, der ihr Herz höher schlagen lässt. Sie ahnt nicht, was sich im Hintergrund der Firma und Familie anbahnt..
Meinung: Dieses Cover ist einfach nur wunderschön! Ich habe mich sofort darin verliebt. Es hat etwas Edles und passt von der Ausstrahlung her perfekt zu einem Modeimperium. Die Nadel und der Faden greifen auch nochmal ein bisschen das Thema Modeherstellung auf und fügen sich sehr gut in das trotz allem dezente Cover ein. Übersetzt wurde die Geschichte von Ulrike Laszlo. Der Schreibstil war in Ordnung. Die Geschichte wird sowohl aus der Ich-Perspektive von Sadie als auch Olivier erzählt. Ich mochte die beiden Sichtweisen ganz gerne. Man taucht direkt ohne Probleme in die Geschichte ein. Das eine arme Studentin auf einen reichen Erben trifft ist nichts neues, aber das Setting macht diese Geschichte besonders. Das war meine erste Liebesgeschichte, die in Nizza gespielt hat. Das Setting hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Die Charaktere waren auch gut. Nur die Handlung bekommt von mir Minuspunkte beziehungsweise die nicht vorhandene Handlung. Am Anfang und am Ende ist die Handlung eigentlich ganz gut. Es fängt interessant an und wird am Ende nochmal spannend. Im mittleren Teil lag mir der Fokus dann doch zu sehr auf dem körperlichen. Mir persönlich hat der Sex nicht gefallen. Es war mir zu viel und detailliert. Die Chemie zwischen den beiden war zwar ganz gut, aber gefühlt nur, wenn es um das körperliche ging. Persönlich konnte ich das nicht so viel zwischen den beiden fühlen. Natürlich ist er fasziniert davon, dass sie ihn nicht kennt und nicht von seinem Ruhm profitieren möchte, aber darauf, finde ich zumindest, kann man keine gute Beziehung aufbauen. In dieser Hinsicht fehlte mir die Tiefe bei dieser Geschichte. Anfangs rätselt man mit, was genau in der Vergangenheit zwischen Olivier und seiner Familie wohl vorgefallen ist, aber so ganz kann ich ehrlich gesagt nicht verstehen, warum er das Ganze auch noch 10 Jahre später so an sich ran lässt und da mitmacht. Ich hätte es besser gefunden, wenn er dazu gestanden hätte. Die Spannung am Ende der Geschichte hat mir gefallen. Es werden auch noch nicht alle Rätsel gelöst, so dass man für mehr Infos mindestens den zweiten Band mit der Geschichte von Oliviers Adoptivschwester und seines Cousins lesen muss. Die Schwester war mir in diesem Band schon sympathisch. Bei den Cousins bin ich insgesamt skeptisch und bin gespannt, was sie alles wissen und wie weit sie zu dem Ganzen beigetragen haben.
Fazit: Wer es gerne etwas explizierter und ausführlicher bei den Sexszenen mag, wird an diesem Buch viel Spaß haben. Mir war es etwas zu viel. Der spannendere Teil am Ende hat es nochmal raus gerissen. Ich bin gespannt, wie es weitergehen wird und werde dem zweiten Band nochmal eine Chance geben. „Deluxe Love“ ist am 22.06.2021 ebenfalls bei MIRA Taschenbuch erschienen.
August 22, 2019
One can never go wrong with a a Karina Halle book.
I really enjoyed Discretion. I mean, what's not there to enjoy it? A whirlwind romance that is sweet, steamy and oh so dreamy!
When someone utters the word France, I get giddy with excitement.When I read that Oliver and Sadie's story was going to be set in the beautiful Côte d'Azur and the most romantic place on earth Paris, I knew this book had romance written all over it!
I really enjoyed this book. The secondary characters also really piqued my interest so I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
Grab this book and let Oliver sweep you off your feet!
For an excerpt, Click Link below:
https://sentrancedjem.wordpress.com/2...
I really enjoyed Discretion. I mean, what's not there to enjoy it? A whirlwind romance that is sweet, steamy and oh so dreamy!
When someone utters the word France, I get giddy with excitement.When I read that Oliver and Sadie's story was going to be set in the beautiful Côte d'Azur and the most romantic place on earth Paris, I knew this book had romance written all over it!
I really enjoyed this book. The secondary characters also really piqued my interest so I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
Grab this book and let Oliver sweep you off your feet!
For an excerpt, Click Link below:
https://sentrancedjem.wordpress.com/2...
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