A lot of Goodreads readers liked this a lot more than I did

3.5 stars

All Jasmin “Jess” Bianchi has ever wanted to do was make perfumes, like her father. The brain-child behind the massively popular Spoiled Brat, she has achieved great commercial success, but is everyone assumes that what she intended as an ironic comment on the industry is all she’s capable of. When she inherits a small perfume shop in Provence, in the same year she had to bury her father and the little artisanal perfume company she had started was bought up by the powerful Rosiers, it’s like a dream come true. Then she discovers that the Rosiers considers her little shop their rightful property, and the man she’ll have to fight to keep it, is the man she almost lost her heart to, many months ago.

The Rosier family have a saying. “Be careful what you wish for, Damien will get it for you.” While his cousins can be creative and nurturing, Damien Rosier is expected to be the calculating, ruthless and efficient one. He makes sure that the Rosier empire is strong, powerful and wealthy enough that his cousin Matt can grow roses and jasmine and his cousin Tristan can create new perfumes in his labs. Feeling deeply responsible not just for his large family, but the people and businesses in their little corner of Provence, Damien also makes sure that as many as possible are employed, preventing them from having to move from the area. He’s very good at what he does, he just wishes everyone around him didn’t think he was completely cold-hearted.

When Damien met Jess at an industry party many months ago, it was clear she didn’t know who he was, and they shared a night of unforgettable passion. But the morning after, he woke up alone, and the next time he saw her, she looked stricken as she was told he had bought the company she was part-owner of. Now he finds her in the perfume shop where the Rosier brand started, discovering that his meddling great-aunt Colette has given it away. His grandfather wants Damien, the ruthless one, to make sure the shop is returned to the Rosiers. Damien wants an answer to why Jess just disappeared after their night of passion.

Not one of Florand’s best, this. Full review here.