Book Review: Discretion by Karina Halle

I almost did not finish “Discretion” and would have filed it under DNF among the ARCs that I have received. But, when I got the audiobook, I just fell in love with John Lane’s take on the sexy French accent of Olivier Dumont. This was my first listen for John Lane, and he did not disappoint.

Discretion (The Dumonts)

Told in two POVs, Sadie Reynolds was voiced by Summer Morton. I loved her work on “The Boy I Grew Up With” and “Logan Kade” (both books by Tijan). Once again, she exceeded my expectations. Talking as Olivier, Summer was able to project a very credible French accent.

If you’re wondering why I keep on talking about the French accent, it’s because I’m a Francophile. “Discretion” being set in Nice and in Paris was my main reason why I was so looking forward reading this book.

So, why did I almost DNF it? It’s because story development was a little too slow for me. Don’t get me wrong, the romance between Olivier and Sadie was very steamy. That’s actually the saving grace of the first part of the book.

But, in the Prologue, something sinister was hinted and it was slow in coming. I have been spoiled with all the police procedurals on TV. From the NCIS franchise to Law and Order, I am so used to trying to figure out whodunit in the first 10 minutes.

“Discretion” is not a police procedural; it’s far from it. It’s barely a whodunit. It is a romance with something ominous in the background. And though it is openly talked about, there was no real development until you reach the third quarter. That’s what I meant by it being slow.

Still, as a romance (more romantica actually), “Discretion” is on point. Olivier and Sadie went through a trial by fire to earn their happily ever after.

I would have given the book 5 stars if I am just looking at the romance portion, but I’m not. Because of the slow development of the whodunit subplot, I am taking away one star, hence 4 stars.

“Discretion” is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content and some violence.