Books › The discretionist
The discretionist
339 pages
A neon-drenched, high-stakes chase through Las Vegas where survival depends on breaking the rules of detachment and learning to trust.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like a breathless sprint through the neon-lit underbelly of Las Vegas, balancing the sharp edge of a thriller with the tender pulse of an unexpected romance. The narrative moves at a propulsive clip as a carefully detached life shatters into a desperate fight for survival. Amidst the gritty suspense and the constant threat of a relentless pursuit, the story carves out quiet, intimate spaces—like learning to waltz in the dark—that anchor the high-stakes action. It is a story of emotional awakening, where apathy is traded for vulnerability. This will delight readers who crave romantic suspense that pairs the adrenaline of a deadly chase with the slow-burn warmth of two lost souls finding their footing together.
- Mood
- neon-lit
- desperate
- suspenseful
- intimate
- Tone
- tense
- earnest
- urgent
- protective
- Pace
- propulsive
- Themes
- emotional awakening · finding connection in chaos · the cost of apathy · survival and escape
- The writing
- Gritty yet romantic, balancing the harsh realities of a neon-lit underworld with tender moments of human connection.
- The arc
- Moves from detached, cold isolation to desperate survival and vulnerable, intimate connection.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love high-stakes romantic suspense where emotionally guarded protagonists find love while on the run.
Content notes
- sexual assault
- abuse of young women
- violence
About the book
"Limousine driver Micah Donovan prides himself on his discretion. Regardless of what transpires in the back of his car every night, he keeps his eyes on the road and his heart so far away that he can no longer reach it. But something's different tonight in Las Vegas. The driver's wealthy client, Austin Savlodar, is the malicious son of an imprisoned gangster. During their journey through the neon streets, Micah overhears Savlodar forcing himself upon a woman in the back of the car. Reminding himself that it's none of his business, Micah delivers them to their destination. Savlodar phones again a few hours later, requesting another young beauty be delivered to his door. She introduces herself as Katelyn. This time, Micah is unable to turn a deaf ear, and he rescues Katelyn just before Savlodar can hurt her. Together they flee into the night, with Savlodar's enforcer pursuing them. Micah's carefully crafted life, so far free of impediment and incident, breaks apart in his hands. He has only Katelyn to keep him standing--a woman he hardly knows yet is unable to resist. The two of them have little choice but to run to stay alive. They devise a variety of plans to take their lives back, only to have each one fail and send them again into retreat. All the while, Katelyn gradually teaches Micah to waltz. Dancing becomes their talisman, keeping them together when everything disintegrates around them..."--
Description from Open Library.
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