First published 2026
Élodie Limeaux works as a lab assistant at her own family's perfume company. Her mother Aurore was France's most celebrated perfumer before World War II, but her father refuses to let Élodie follow that path. The House of Limeaux needs money, and Swiss banker Monsieur Caspari wants to invest in a winner of the Essence of Paris contest. Caspari agrees to back Élodie, but only if she partners with his son Marcelo. Élodie assumes Marcelo is just another rich man playing with perfume, though she admits he has charm. When they start working together, she discovers his passion for fragrance matches her own obsession. Together they face family betrayals and corporate sabotage as Élodie searches for the perfect scent that will save her family business and launch her career. Along the way, she might find love with the partner she never wanted.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adult, adult-fiction, contemporary-romance
Vibes: atmospheric, character-driven, emotionally-resonant, engaging, romantic
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, family-secrets, forced-proximity, slow-burn
Setting: Paris, France, Switzerland
Period: World War II era, Pre-World War II
368 pages · Paperback · William Morrow Paperbacks