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Beach Read #3

Scent of Love

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Sometimes opposites attract in the most delicious ways...

All Gabe Falcon wants is to make his trendy restaurant a success. Until he meets his new neighbor, that is. The sweet and sexy perfumer challenges and entices him in equal measure from the start. Too bad the only thing she seems to want from him is his absence.

Lily Marlowe doesn't have time for the annoyingly hot alpha next door, especially when the spicy aromas of Gabe's dishes overpower her fragrances and run off her customers. If she wants her beloved business to be the hit of the upcoming Winter Fest, she'll need to convince Gabe to move his food truck to another park. The fact that he's the only man to ever make her regret all the barriers she's built around her heart? Irrelevant. This is business.

But Gabe isn't about to give up on Lily without a fight, and when he makes her an offer she can't refuse, she quickly finds her ordered life thrown into a sensual tailspin. Torn between business and desire, can Lily learn to trust her senses--and Gabe? Or will their happily ever after be snuffed out before it can even begin?

BEACH READ SERIES – Each book is a standalone.
Grill Me, Baby - Book 1
Blame it on Romeo - Book 2 (previously Paging Dr. Hot)
Scent for Love - Book 3

ebook

Published June 18, 2019

383 people are currently reading
314 people want to read

About the author

Sophia Knightly

29 books494 followers
New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, Sophia Knightly cooks up hot romance and delicious humor in her sexy contemporary romances that pair hot, alpha heroes with strong, smart women and throw them on a challenging emotional journey. Traditionally published by St. Martin's Press, Kensington, and Samhain Publishing, her popular Tropical Heat Series and Heartthrob Series have consistently been on multiple best selling lists.

Sophia loves writing books that end with a sigh and a smile. In addition to traveling, foodie adventures, and the arts in all forms, one of her favorite pastimes is simply watching people--especially those in love!

She is also a beauty blogger on YouTube at www.youtube/sophiaknightly

Write to her at: sophiaknightly@gmail.com
Follow her on Twitter @SophiaKnightly
"Like" her Facebook author page at: www.facebook.com/sophiaknightly
Visit her website at: http://www.sophiaknightly.net
Sign up for her New Release & Giveaways Newsletter at:
http://sophiaknightly.net/newsletter-...


Book Trailers:

WILD FOR YOU Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/XtVlFBdaHvs
SOLD ON YOU Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/X20NbJElrvM
GRILL ME, BABY Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/6Y07iUPt3rg

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5 stars
135 (50%)
4 stars
73 (27%)
3 stars
37 (13%)
2 stars
12 (4%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Ursula.
603 reviews187 followers
March 8, 2020
Unfortunately, this story of the Mexican restaurant owner who opens up his place next to the heroine's Parfumerie was disappointing.
All I can remember is some pretty flowery- and somewhat silly- prose. An example I noted:
Gabe’s body inundated with heat as he went rigid with robust desire.
Robust desire? Well, I guess we wouldn't want sick or impotent or fragile desire.
Also, is the use of "inundated' messed up here?
Should it be:
"heat INUNDATED Gabe's body
or
"Gabe's body WAS INUNDATED with....?"

Whatever, there was plenty of this throughout the book, so I am thinking the author was on her Thesaurus throughout.
1,353 reviews38 followers
June 19, 2019
"Habanero kisses”

If you find the book description of SCENT FOR LOVE as irresistible as I did, don't hesitate to pick it up! Sophia Knightly delivers on her promises. Lily and Gabe are slightly older than the typical romance protagonists, at respectively 35 and 36, both are very engaging characters; they're people I'd like to know. They're successful, they behave like rational adults even when things don't go their way, and the romance progresses accordingly. Even if their first encounter is not ideal, there's no silliness involved, no childish bickering. Nothing is rushed, and the writing and the story flow smoothly. There are bumps along the road, but the level of angst was minimal; it's pleasant, and so very nice! They actually date, people! How novel is that! (Although it shouldn't be, but it's a rather rare occurrence in contemporary romance).

The story is set in Florida, and I got a real feel for the place and the people. Gabe is Mexican American, and I loved his family, especially his grandmother. He is just the sort of hero I'd like to see more often in contemporary romances: he's a good guy, secure in his masculinity without being arrogant or aggressive, but he doesn't take any BS either. Lily is just as wonderfully normal; she's a bit prickly and a tad insecure, but none of the infuriating back and forth and hand-wringing that usually ensue. I loved Lily's friendship with Belinda, who is also her employee. I loved the diversity and the Latin flavour of SCENT FOR LOVE, the sprinkling of Spanish words, the food, the perfume, the fashionable side of Florida, and the Latin dances. And check out the little bonus link! One funny thing though, and I think Sophia Knightly might be amused, is that throughout the book I pictured the glamorous author as Lily! The series is called Beach Read for a good reason: SCENT FOR LOVE is a perfect beach read! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,315 reviews112 followers
June 28, 2019
First, I want to thank Sophia Knightly for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Sophia Knightly does something very few authors do in Scent for Love. She puts in a music playlist and links It to YouTube. This way you can see and hear the music that the author was thinking about when she wrote this book. Myself personally love when authors think outside of the box.

So many fascinating aspects to this book that I have not seen any other author write about. For example, Lilly owning Fleur Perfumery. The incredible life that Aunt Simone leads yet she still sends postcards from wherever she goes. Never had I read a book about a Mexican Food Truck run by Gabe who is sex on a stick-so that was interesting. One thing about Sophia she is definitely knows how to write creatively!

I laughed when Lilly’s friend called Gabe Mr. Habanero!!

One reason I liked Lilly’s character is that I could relate to it. At 35 she had never fallen in love. She wondered if she was incapable of it. Falling in love meant letting go and trusting-two things she was not good at. I could totally understand that and agreed with her on that.

The one incredibly sad relationship in Scent for Love is the relationship with Lilly and her father. My heart went out to her for the way she was treated.

Sophia would like to thank her daughters Gigi and Jaqui, whose beautiful hearts and enthusiastic support make her proud.

She also wants to thank her husband Paul, who fills her creative well with endless love.
5,704 reviews39 followers
June 29, 2019
very good and sweet.l i liked it
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
April 16, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/16/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Carrie.
17 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2021
I just didn't love this book. I did like the writing style and the storyline, I just did not connect with Lily and that tempered my enjoyment of this book. I did not like that she ran so hot and cold, she seemed too wishy-washy for me. I did enjoy the secondary characters and will be giving Pilar's story a try.
Profile Image for POL.
1,016 reviews7 followers
January 2, 2021
Hmm...

This book started out strong for me. Sadly, around half way through reading it, it started to fizzle and I no longer longed to find out how it was going to end.
Profile Image for Patty .
1,364 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2019
Lily runs her aunts perfume shop. She has a nose for smells and is very successful. She had a rough up bringing and doesn’t trust easily. Her aunt is off on a honeymoon around the world and has left Lily in charge. Things could not be any better. Sales are up and Lily has started to build up a clientele. But all that comes to a screeching halt the day the hot Latin man opens a restaurant next door.

Gabe used to be a rascal. Until he dated the wrong girl. Now to make up for his past he is opening a restaurant for his parents. He has worked hard to get to this point, starting with food trucks. He is excited about this new adventure and the hot little blonde next door just makes it all better.

When Lily and Gabe meet it is a collision of trouble. But Gabe finds Lily irresistible. Can he convince her that he is perfect for her?

I absolutely loved this book. It was a sweet light-hearted rom-com. It is fun and has entertaining characters. Gabe is a sexy hot man, who tries his best to be the best for everyone. He wants whats best for Lily and even though there are is tons of problems getting in the way, he still tries to do right by her. Lily is a wonderful, smart and sweet person. Her father was not a nice man and his treatment of her affects her ability to trust people. When Lily and Gabe meet they don’t realize that their path is one that is meant to be.

Overall this book is a wonderful read. It is a smooth moving story with wonderful characters. The characters are fun and festive. The story is sweet and endearing. A Hallmark Movie worthy book. This book is sure to make you feel good and smile the whole time you are reading it. I just love a good romance that gives you butterflies, yet it will still make you laugh. If you are looking for a feisty fun read, then this book is perfect for you. Check it out. You will be glad you did.
Profile Image for Anna.
429 reviews6 followers
June 17, 2019
Gabe and Lily were so good! I loved reading their love story! So full of life and love, fire and passion, angst and turmoil. I loved how opposite they were from one another but complemented each other so perfectly.

Lily came from an abusive home. With her mother and aunt raising her she had a good life, but the fear of her childhood still haunts her. And seeing and talking to the sexy as sin Gabe Falcon almost makes her stutter again!
Getting off on the wrong foot with Gabe just goes from bad to worse as one mishap after another happens. But there is no excusing that chemistry, and for a perfumer it's all about the chemistry!

Gabe is blown away by Lily. At first thinking she's snooty but learning otherwise has him drawn to her. Learning that she adores his abuela just makes her that much more endearing to him. But if she can't learn to trust him where can they go?? And he will do everything in his power to earn her trust.

With one misunderstanding Lily can lose what may be the love of her life. Can she come to terms and fully trust Gabe as a man if his word or will her fears get the best of her?
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,129 reviews30 followers
April 10, 2021
Scent of Love is the 3rd book in the Beach Read series. It's a Rom-Com with a sweet, small town trope. This book is a short story and my rating is 3.5 stars.

Gabe Falcon already owns his own fleet of food trucks and now he is in the process of opening a trendy Mexican restaurant on the uppity, rich side of Naples, Florida. But a beautiful, stuck up business neighbor keeps him busy with her complaints.

Lily Marlowe has a nose for perfume and that's why she creates custom scents for the elite in Naples. When the smells of mouth-watering dishes start to overpower the fragrances in her shop and the customers start complaining then she must take her issues up with the hot to trot Gabe.

When Gabe proposes she be his dancing partner Lily knew she was in trouble. The more time she spends with Gabe and gets to know him, the harder it is for Lily to keep him at a distance. Lily knows she desires Gabe and she wants her business to continue to be a success but her problem with trusting men just might make them be over before they can get good and started...
Profile Image for Cait M.
1,382 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2021
3 and a half stars.
Shop-next-door neighbours Gabe and Lily have the worst first impressions of each other. Every time they meet something goes wrong, usually to Lily.

Gabe is owner of a trendy new Mexican restaurant and is the eldest son in a boisterous and loving family and Lily is the manager of her Aunt's perfumery. She's alone while her Aunt is travelling and her mother lives far away. She had a difficult childhood with her Dad which has caused some trust issues especially with men.

Lily is constantly on the back foot. She's a bit of a complainer and is quick-tempered when confronting issues with Gabe. He on the other hand is like an angel. He barely gets upset and is more understanding and helpful than almost anyone on the planet.

I enjoyed the story. The first few chapters were pretty heavy on exposition, but it wasn't a chore to read. The Falcon family members were interesting and Gabe's Abuela is a classic.

This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Profile Image for Jimnlori.
1,013 reviews47 followers
June 25, 2019
I loved this latest book by Sophia Knightly! Scent for Love is a perfect romantic comedy to read while on the beach or any other vacation spot you happen to be.
When Gabe opens a Mexican restaurant next to Lily's perfume shop almost immediately tempers begin to fly, comedic incidents are rampant and an attraction for each other that neither of them planned on, but the thing that causes the biggest issue in their relationship is Lily's past and how she struggles with trust. Gabe is more than willing to take on that challenge because when he looks at Lily, he sees her as his forever.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Sophia Knightly in the future!

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
June 21, 2019
This is a great book; this is the third book in the Beach Read series written by Sophia Knightly. Once I started reading this book I did not want to put it down until I was finished. Gabe Falcon wants to open up a trendy restaurant on the posh side of Naples, Florida what he isn’t expecting is to have a feisty neighbor who challenges him every day. Lily Marlowe runs the perfume store next door to Gabe’s restaurant and she doesn’t want his spicy aromas from his food to mess up the aromas of her custom fragrances she makes. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,271 reviews53 followers
June 24, 2019
4.5 Stars
I loved this book so much. The characters were so engaging. I just loved Gabe and Lily though they had a rocky beginning. Lily's back story broke my heart, but to see succeed as she has done made me proud. Which also makes it all the more special with what she has with Gabe. Gabe and Lily had the chemistry and their banter is one of my favorite things about the book. This book brought on the laughs for sure, but it also packed the feels. This book had my heart happy sighing and then with the epilogue the perfect touch. This book one that's hard to put down because all I wanted to do was gobble it right up.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,169 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2019
5+ stars. This is actually one of the best romance stories that I have read so far this year. I love that the characters are in their 30s. I just love Gabe, he is such a man, mature and secure in what he wants, knows what he doesn't want and already knows the importance of communication. Lily is a little skittish and has some baggage to clear out but Gabe is patient with her and man enough to put his foot down too when its necessary, he is serious and upfront. Their story has it's laugh-out-loud moments, steamy moments, emotional and heartwarming moments. Love this authors writing style, couldn't put it down. I received a copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
Profile Image for Larissa.
682 reviews8 followers
January 4, 2025
Gabe is ready to open a restaurant that is successful for his family, and Lily is gonna make bank and inherit the perfume store from her aunt. That is, when the noise dies, the smells are taken care of, and the most important: when the dance show is won. Then the epilogue. But before all that, you will roll your eyes on both of these characters, that you'll definitely not want a happy ever after. It took far too long to experience an ounce of growth, and definitely a whole month for these two characters to get to know each other and, from the look of things, have a baby!

If you like shotgun stories like this, go for it. This "month" felt more like 2-3wks. But anyway, off to my next read.
Profile Image for Cathy.
248 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2019
Hot couple.

I absolutely loved Gabe and the whole Falcon family. Lily was funny at her store with her friend Belinda. I must admit that her constant battles with Gabe were a little excessive. Lily’s childhood was heartbreaking and it helped her become a strong woman.
The chemistry was very hot. I loved the nickname for Gabe. I really enjoyed this book. His grandmother’s relationship with Lily was very touching. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Bev Sten.
277 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2019
Gabe is opening a restaurant next to Lily's perfumery. The two crash from the beginning when the delicious smells from his place drift into hers. Mexican food and perfume aren't a very good match but Gabe thinks they will be. Lily has her doubts. She's afraid to trust any male, but Gabe isn't any male.
Ms Knightly always catches your heart with her love stories. It gets you from the beginning and doesn't let go. Gabe and Lily story isn't any different. A great weekend beach read.
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
October 20, 2019
Scent for Love
A sweet and very spicy book. Loved it from beginning to the very end. All characters are relatable and a heck of a believable storyline.
Lily is a independent woman who works in her aunt's perfume shop with her friends. Everything is all fine and dandy til the hottest looking guy starts moving into town and sets up shop next door to her. The events that follow are funny if not hilarious in some places.
41 reviews
April 22, 2020
Sparks Fly on the Dance Floor

Lily and Gabe are such a delightful couple to read about. They start as enemies. Their businesses are located next door to each other and the scents of perfume and Mexican food just don't mix. They become partners in a dance competition and the sparks fly. I love using my imagination to see them on the dance floor. Buy this book. It's a love story you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,024 reviews173 followers
June 14, 2019
Knightly has a colorful imagination that reels me in every time. Scent For Love mixes an eccentric perfumer and her culinary, loving temptation. Gabe and Lily are an overpowering combination. She pushes, he pulls. She runs, he follows. He tempts, she frustrates. Falling in love becomes a flavorful experience that will leave readers begging for more. A sexy, saucy, simmering, sweetheart.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
July 24, 2019
Book three in the Beach Read series by an Author I have not read before, a well written story and I will be looking for more in this series. Gabe Falcon and Lily Marlowe do not start out under the best circumstances, but they love will find a way. I enjoyed reading. I received an Arc copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Isis Ray-sisco.
755 reviews
October 5, 2019
I liked Scent of Love. I give it a 3.5. I have not read this author before but I would read another book buy her. I liked the characters and the plot. It moved along at a stead enough pace. There were parts I loved and parts I didn't but over all it was a good read. I think others would enjoy it too.
Profile Image for Amber Hash.
246 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2020
Great and quick read!

I absolutely loved this book! I can’t wait to read more from this author! This was my first read by this author and it was great! So many great moments in this book, I finished it within a few days(it would’ve been just one day, but life/work got in the way).
167 reviews
April 30, 2020
A Real Page Turner

I LOVED this read! I couldn't put it down. I could smell Lily's perfumes and the Mexican food from Gabe's restaurant. I could hear the dance music. I literally held my breath as I read through the dance competition. I felt like I was a part of this very real story. I can't wait to read Piliar's story. I had to order the next book immediately.
Profile Image for Thomas Zegray.
Author 9 books12 followers
January 3, 2021
Well written chick book. I'm hoping to expand my genres and I'm reading other authors writing styles to hopefully improve my writing. The author tells a great story about a hard to please woman and the proverbial perfectly well mannered Latin male. I actually enjoyed her characters and storyline. I recommend this to everyone, not just romance junkies.
Profile Image for Nayantara.
97 reviews52 followers
February 7, 2021
This story was so cheesy. All the conflict is resolved within 5 minutes of it becoming a conflict. The writing is sloppy and omg the sexist stereotypes and some slightly racist ones too. Geez.

This was free on the kindle store which is why I added it to my list but safe to say I will not be reading anymore by this author.
349 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2021
I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. It started off interesting but got boring as it went. Lily was hot and cold which was frustrating. I expected more from her father’s plot but nothing happened which was anti-climatic. I liked Gabe’s family and the other side characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan Saltos.
369 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2021
It was okay. I was bored in places. Too much about dance and how much they lust after each other than them actually spending time together and about an actual relationship between them. It was well written and I liked the characters.
178 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2021
Fun

I enjoyed , no really enjoyed reading "Scent of Love". The thing I did not enjoy was the explicit sex scenes. They were NOT necessary and I skipped over them. The sweetness between Gabe and Lily was so evident we did NOT need the X rated scenes to convince us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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