The Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells

On By TracyIn Historical Fiction, historical-romance, Standalone Title, Tracy's Reviews, Women's FictionLeave a comment

The Lost Perfumes of ParisThe Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 8, 2026

Élodie Limeaux is a determined and talented young perfumer striving to establish herself in her family’s fragrance business despite facing constant resistance from her father, Fabrice. Inspired by the legacy of her late mother, Aurore, a celebrated perfumer, Élodie gradually develops confidence in her abilities and learns to trust her own instincts. Marcelo Caspari begins as an assigned collaborator but proves to be a knowledgeable and passionate partner whose appreciation for perfume matches Élodie’s own. Their relationship develops alongside the story, while supporting characters, particularly Élodie’s father, create many of the challenges that drive her personal growth.

Set primarily in Paris and Grasse during the 1950s, the novel follows Élodie as she enters a prestigious competition to create a fragrance that captures the essence of Paris. Hoping to honor her mother’s legacy and secure a future for the family perfume house, she agrees to work with Marcelo under the sponsorship of the Caspari family. As they research perfume history, explore the city for inspiration, and develop their scent, Élodie must also contend with family conflicts, professional discrimination, corporate obstacles, and the secrets contained within her mother’s journals. The competition serves as the central storyline while the search for personal independence and professional recognition unfolds alongside it.

I found this to be an engaging and well written historical fiction novel that blends perfume artistry, romance, and women’s empowerment in a compelling way. The vivid descriptions of fragrances, fashion, and mid-century Paris created a rich atmosphere, while Élodie’s journey from self-doubt to self-assurance made her easy to root for. I especially enjoyed the partnership between Élodie and Marcelo, whose shared creativity added depth to both the romance and the story’s central challenge. Overall, this is a beautifully written novel that offers an interesting look into the perfume industry while delivering a heartfelt and satisfying character-driven story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed by S. B. West

On By TracyIn Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Rom Com, Romantasy, Standalone Title, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Morfran, Dark Lord ReformedMorfran, Dark Lord Reformed by S.B. West

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 8, 2026

After twenty years as the Dark Lord of Ruthven, Morfran the Beheader, decided he had had enough and left. For the last ten months, he has been lying low as Bernard, a goat farmer and jam maker. He has sworn that he has put his Dark Lord ways behind him, but his past, namely his ex-wife, Ravana are not willing to let him walk away. She sends her soldiers to find him and bring him back; he thankfully anticipated trouble and set booby traps in his yard, giving him time to grab his goats and escape. But as his luck would have it, his plan to make his way to the coast and disappear is thwarted when he is captured by forest rebels and taken prisoner.

To save the life of his goat Benjamin aka Beni and her two kids, he confesses to being a former General in the Dark Lord’s army and agrees to help the rebels fight the Dark Lord (him) and to eventually overthrow the Dark Lord (him). But Morfran has other plans, namely, to not help them, but take his goats and disappear. He has a plan, yet the more time he spends with the rebels, the guiltier he feels about his previous actions, and decides that he will help them win back the towns that the Dark Lord (him) captured and then he will slip away. Partly because of guilt, but mostly because they are holding his goats hostage. Yet when the end draws near, will Morfran flee or will he be reformed?

This was not your average fantasy read, it was silly, bordering on absurd, but if you don’t take it too seriously, it was a fun read that reminded me of India Holton’s The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, which is sort of a Monty Python fantasy story. I don’t usually care for over the top ridiculousness, but I have read quite a few darker stories recently and this was the perfect dose of nonsense that I needed to cleanse my reading palette. Morfran is hilarious and the secondary characters are wonderful, throw in a couple of goats, a hexed assassin, a lost prince, an evil ex-wife with a foot fetish, a flying squid, a bit of magic and you have a laugh out loud (plus a lot of head shaking) romp that is sure to make you smile and hope that Morfran can actually reform and maybe find his own HEA.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *