A woman who lives by her senses. A man who lives by logic. Sometimes the chemistry is just right.
Brooke Nesbitt has a genius for fragrances. She infuses her artisan soap with beautiful scents, and follows her nose through life, relying on her intuition to tell her what’s true. The last thing she’s going to do is fall for a hard-headed lawyer, even if he smells like a sultry tropical night.
Theo Chambers has built his legal career on evidence and facts. He doesn’t care about truth. He cares about what he can prove in court. He’s not going to fall for an airhead client, especially one who smells like sunlight and possibilities.
When a rival accuses Brooke of making toxic soap, she needs Theo’s help to clear her name. Theo wants to win this case as quickly as possible, because Brooke is scrambling his senses with her delicious fragrances, making it hard to think of anything but desire.
As the legal case heats up, so does their relationship. Logically, Brooke and Theo are all wrong for each other. So why do their hearts tell them it’s right?
The Scent of Happiness is the first book in the Seven Senses series by Jordan Bloom. All the books are stand-alone reads, each with its own hero and heroine. Set in a Midwestern town, the books feature solid friendships, compelling heroes, and delightful love stories guaranteed to set your heart aglow.
"Fragrance was her palette, soap was her medium, and the result was art."
The Scent of Happiness is the love story of Brooke and Theo. They used to be friends as children then drifted into different lanes as they got older. Former prom queen Brooke was part of the popular crowd while Theo was a loner— one who was bullied and tormented.
Now, years later, they meet again. Theo has grown up, and well, into a lawyer on the track to partner. His goals are simple: make partner, pay school debt, get his own place. Brooke, however, has less of a plan. She dropped out of college and now works in a library. But her main passion is making soap, which she sells out of her parents' store and in craft fairs.
They reunite when a rival in the soap business sues Brooke for giving her a rash. Through the case, they both learn more about one another and how wrong their preconceived notions from high school were. But is the relationship worth his career? Just how long can they keep their relationship a secret?
Never have I wanted to make soap more than I do now. Brooke's passion and reading the way Bloom described the process of making soap made me want to experience that kind of joy. I want to mix a memory and wash myself with it. Okay, that sounds a little weird, but Brooke would understand. Diagnosed with ADHD, she has always struggled with not letting her mind wander or from staying at the task at hand. Bloom did well in showing how Brooke copes with the diagnosis.
Theo, Theo, Theo. I love Theo. He was not the jerk that I would often expect in these types of opposites attract scenarios. Theo is goal-orientated and realistic, but he doesn't put down Brooke or her passion. He tells her upfront how a lawyer would solve her case, but he never speaks negatively about Brooke's art. And I love him for that.
This is my introduction to Bloom's work, and I can't wait for future works, especially Emma's story that was previewed at the end.
If you're in the mood for an opposites attract/secret relationship romance with just a touch of lust at first scent, then give this a try!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you to Booksprout and Jordan Bloom for providing me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
First book I have ever read by Jordan Bloom, I love how her last name fits so well with the theme of this book. :) Wonderful story, opposites attract with kinda a twist on enemies/friends-to-lovers. I love how they are both so different and yet they are so perfect for each other. The descriptions in this book (of the scents) but we def need a scratch and sniff sticker also. lol looking forward to reading more books by this author, The Sound of Harmony sounds like another great book and she told us that Brooke and Theo are also going to be in there also. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brooke Nesbitt works in a library while making soaps for fun on the side. However, when fellow soap maker Dixie has an alleged allergic reaction to one of Brooke’s soaps, she launches a legal battle with Brooke and intends to sue her. Brooke’s mum tried to intervene and hires local legal expert Theo Chambers. Brooke and Theo used to go to school together, so they know each other well, even though they haven’t seen each other in years. Brooke believes it’s an open and shut case, her soaps are no way responsible for Dixie’s reaction. Theo doesn’t care who is to blame so long as he wins. All is well, until Theo breaks the ultimate rule of developing feelings for Brooke. The storyline is a great one, but for some reason I didn’t find myself wanting to pick the book up, I struggled to read more than a chapter at once. It definitely wasn’t an easy read for me, maybe I didn’t connect with the characters, I’m not sure but I did find it boring. The last five chapters however, I loved. I felt more connected to the characters in the last five chapters, perhaps because you got more of an insight into what the characters actually wanted. I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As I always choose books which have interesting summaries and then, somehow, along the way, they end up being nothing like the summary itself, I felt a little bit guarded about this book. The summary is fantastic and I'm pleased to say the book is equally good, even better.
The Scent of Happiness has two people who, for all intents and purposes, are and have been completely different since they met as children. However, it's interesting to point out that those differences, instead of changing to the other's needs, they evolve and complement a rather unique pairing. Brooke and Theo are not fully happy with their lives: Theo is a lawyer but unlike many other romance novel lawyers, he most definitely doesn't have his shit together, he's still paying off his student loans, has a minor position in a firm and has his same college roomate. But he's determined and wants to change his own view of himself, one that he has since he was in high school and it wasn't what he wanted it to be. Brooke, on the other hand, was prom queen and had popularity in waves in high school yet we find out that it wasn't exactly what it seemed, she battled with a learning disability that was still a major part of her life and that made her struggle to be who she wanted to be. So she settled to work at a library when in reality, all she wanted to do was soap.
At the risk of spoiling you too much (and I don't want to, I want you to read this book and be surprised), let me tell you that the very first moment these two individuals became an item, it was as if was always meant to be. The fact that the connection didn't feel forced and the rest of the characters surrounding them were perfeclty added to the mix, it made this book highly entertaining. The plus for this is how Brooke takes you on a trip to discover the beauty of soap making. I am not a person who makes arts and crafts but I love them and I wish I had the ability she has. You discover a whole new world just by smelling and that is amazing.
This is a great book and a big recommendation I make to start the year.
A prom queen and a high school geek’s encounter as adults…
When the former prom queen and the once high school geek cross paths as adults, their worlds intertwine in the most unexpected and thrilling ways. Brooke and Theo have been complete opposites since childhood. Brooke is guided by her heart, allowing her intuition to lead, whereas Theo is ruled by his mind, with each decision carefully strategized. What unfolds when two individuals, who are as different as two sides of a coin and were once high school classmates, encounter each other again as adults in a challenging situation?
This captivating narrative unfolds the journey of Brooke and Theo as they discover their individuality and reconcile their disparities. Despite being polar opposites, they find mutual understanding and comfort in one another, even at the risk of their careers. The author masterfully portrays the characters through a dual narrative, infusing humor and a poetic flair. The meticulous depiction of the soap-making process is exquisitely crafted. The conclusion is thoughtfully composed, granting each character their due resolution. Observing the characters' development is delightful, culminating in an ending that illustrates how they are two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly together to form a complete picture.
I am glad to have had the opportunity to read a review copy of this wonderful book via Booksprout and to provide my feedback.
The Scent of Happiness, the first book in the Seven Senses series by Jordan Bloom, is a well-written book full of creativity and character.
Brooke Nesbitt is a former prom queen whose life is far removed from her high school glory days as a member of the popular clique. She works in a library and makes time to develop fragrant artisanal soaps. Brooke's success with making and selling her soaps has garnered her a jealous enemy, who files a lawsuit claiming Brooke's soap injured her.
Theo Chambers is the studious, straight-A student who made good. He is a lawyer who believes in evidence and provable facts and looks for the win, no matter the innocence of the client. The lawsuit brings these opposites together.
I didn't find it easy to like Theo, as he acted superior to Brooke even though he was attracted to her. Brooke is attracted to Theo but relies on her intuition to tell her what's true.
"Our senses tell us things. Our emotions tell us things. Intuition is important."
As smart as he is, Theo has a lot to learn about life and relationships. Bloom does a neat job of redeeming Theo and giving Brooke and him a HEA.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brooke makes soaps in her spare time and works in a library while renting an apartment above her parents garage. Theo is an apprentice lawyer trying to pay off student loans while gaining enough ground to become a partner within the firm he works for. A fellow soap maker has a reaction to Brookes soap and sues her for damages which leads her parents hiring Theo to represent her case. While these two opposites find their paths crossing on numerous issues, sexual tension gears it mischievous head to make things even more complex. I enjoyed reading this book by Bloom and whizzed through it with no problems. The characters are complex but alike in so many ways it's fun to watch them clash and then come together. Bloom did great research into the soap making industry and created imagery to the point where I could almost smell the soaps for myself. This was a great start to the Seven Senses series and my second read by this talented author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brooke Nesbitt is an artist when she works with fragrances. She knows exactly what to blend and utilize in her unique soaps to almost give them a power of their own. But a jealous competitor sues her, alleging she made a toxic soap that irritated her skin. So Brooke, a librarian in addition to her side business of working with fragrances, needs legal help.
Theo Chambers is an attorney who relies on evidence and hard facts that he can present in a way to win his case. But his new client, whom he knew in high school, has such a compelling scent, like sunlight and possibilities. They are polar opposites, yet he is drawn to her. Theo wants to win this case as quickly as possible and be done with her. She is absolutely not his type… but their scents blend and bring them closer. Will they give in and take a chance on each other?
I enjoyed this romance story with all of the characters. The main characters were Brooke Nesbitt and Theo Chambers.
Brooke Nesbitt has a good nose to smell her beautiful artisan soaps. She has been making artisan soaps for a while and sell them. But when a woman accuses her of making some soap that gave her a rash. That women being illegal changes against her she must find help.
Theo Chambers has built a career around the law. He is a lawyer. When a family friend asks for some legal help he decides to help out.
This was a fun story to read. It had action, drama and suspense within. It had a few laughs throughout to.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Brooke is in need of a lawyer when her parents get a high school classmate, the smartest boy in her class Theo. Theo is asked to take Brooke's case, their high school prom queen B, popular, beautiful and artistic, he never thought she be working at the library or making soap. Theo is all lawyer, believes in evidence and facts to back it up, things need to be in order and a system followed, there must be a win while Brooke is all spontaneous, unorganized and compassionate. Their differences complement each other and make for a fun read full of sweet moments, fun times and compromises. Brooke has a jealous rival making her life more complicated and Brooke must make Theo understand her world so he can defend her innocence. This is a cute story to read
This book was a huge surprise because i got it free. And most of the free ebooks are either really bad or either good but not great. This one was 6 stars for me to be honest.
From page one I was hooked. I wanted to read a light, feel good book this is why I chose this book. And I enjoyed all of it. It also inspired me.
The main character has ADHD just like me and it felt good reading about her experiences, it made me feel seen. Also as I mentioned inspired me.
There were moments i will think about on a daily basis, because i had a great fun reading about them.
Absolutely recommend this book, and will read the next one too!
I wanted to mention that the descriptions throughout the book are very beautifully written. I am usually cringing during spicy scenes but not in this books.
What a fun debut! Brooke and Theo are an unlikely pair, but their chemistry leaps off the page as they fall in love while Theo helps Brooke fight an unfair lawsuit. The Scent of Happiness also features one of my favorite inclusions in a romance: characters who are very, very good at what they do. Reading about Brooke's soap making is wildly entertaining (and even educational in the most interesting way). The fragrances described in the soap-centric chapters were delectable, and I'll be forever disappointed that I can't smell them for myself. If you crave competency, banter, and a happily ever after, this is the book for you.
*I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*
The Scent of Happiness was a surprisingly delightful read to end my year with. I really like how Jordan Bloom managed to intertwine a romantic story while also balancing out well researched details about soap making that truly pulls you in to the process. I swear I could smell every single soap that was made in this book. You have a quirky, feisty heroine and a straight laced, by the book hero who are thrown together to stop a “Karen” from ruining Brooke’s side business/passion of making artisanal soaps. The characters were fun and very relatable. You can’t help but root for them to find their HEA. She also did a good job of bringing light to some of the struggles an adult with ADHD might deal with in a day to day setting and how this differs from the preconceived notions of how this disorder presents itself. Overall this was fun and enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
This was my first book by Jordan and I enjoyed it. It was a delightful read, you’re swept into the story and you want to know what happens next with Theo and Brooke, but also with Dixie. I loved how Jordan described all those different smells of soap, I really wish I could smell them as well. Theo and Brooke are complete opposites but they work out great. I can’t wait to read Emma’s story, it’s a fun place to be when reading these books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a cute romance book which made me laugh throughout the whole book. Brooke Nesbitt loves making her own soaps and experimenting with different fragrances. Brooke and Theo Chambers went to school together. Brooke needs a lawyer due to an incident in her business. Brooke's mother and father hire Theo as her lawyer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brooke & Theo: Book 1 of The Seven Senses: Standalone. Opposites attract/ grumpy-sunshine/ legal RomCom: Loved Brooke and Theo’s story. I was hooked into this story right away, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Jordan Bloom’s writing style had me fully immersed in the story. This is the first book in this series, and I can’t wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great story with two people that seemed like complete opposites but find harmony together. After a few speed bumps. I loved how everything was connected to scent because the FMC makes unique scented soap. It was well written and I felt wrapped up in their world.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an arc.
Brooke and Theo couldn't be more different. Brooke hires Theo as her attorney when she has legal problems brought on by a rival in her industry, They rub each other the wrong way but behind that is chemistry. Will two complete opposites make a perfect match?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brooke makes soap, and after a run in with a rival she needs help from a lawyer. Theo knows he needs to keep his distance from his client, but some times life doesn't go as planned. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brooke and Theo's story is a cute, that was a pleasant surprise that was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Brooke make soap, who is having trouble with a rival. Theo is the lawyer helping her navigate through the hoops.
Good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fun and entertaining Romance book that grabs your attention from the start and holds it to the end. The storyline is intriguing with characters that have depth to their personalities and steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A heartwarming love story. Brooke and Theo can’t Be more different. She is spontaneous, a bit messy and doing everything by heart and following her sensible nose. Theo is always rand always use his head. Can they work together in saving Brooke from a law suit without falling for each other?
sweet, heartwarming, and meaningful. It deals with teen bullying (flashbacks), ADHD, and the connection of scent to our other senses and memory. good story I will read more by the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brooke Nesbitt works with fragrances and Theo Chambers has built his legal career on evidence and facts, a couple that are so wrong for each other but belong together. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. This is a new Author to me.
Opposites attract story with an enemies to lovers trope. Brooke and Leo were a cute and relatable couple, with a writing style that portray them in a good manner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great book! I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it and I would definitely recommend it. I'm excited to read more by this author.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jordan Bloom has become one of my fav author. I love reading her work. Her writing style is easy to catch and story in this one is light and enjoyable. Do give it a read if you are into this genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
When soap maker Brooke’s rival sues her to try to put her out of she hires Theo to defend her, but she didn’t expect to fall for him. It was interesting to read about the soap making business. There are plenty of crazy, funny, and romantic moments.