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The Scent of Jasmine
Four years ago Jessica Taylor thought she was ready to leave small town living behind and headed West. Now she's back in Cedar Creek, a little older, a lot wiser, and ready to live the quiet life for a while.
It's been eight months since her fiancée walked out and shattered Grace Donnelly's dreams of a happily ever after. Her friends tell her it's time to put herself out there, but the breakup with Emma was still just too raw for Grace to wash her hands and move on.
After a meeting a chance meeting at her brother's bakery, Jessica finds herself unable to get Grace off of her mind. She's sure she feels an attraction from Grace as well, but will Jessica be able to convince Grace to stop living in the past and take a chance on a future together with her...
16,900 words
It's been eight months since her fiancée walked out and shattered Grace Donnelly's dreams of a happily ever after. Her friends tell her it's time to put herself out there, but the breakup with Emma was still just too raw for Grace to wash her hands and move on.
After a meeting a chance meeting at her brother's bakery, Jessica finds herself unable to get Grace off of her mind. She's sure she feels an attraction from Grace as well, but will Jessica be able to convince Grace to stop living in the past and take a chance on a future together with her...
16,900 words
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2014
7 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Lila Bruce
16 books62 followersLila Bruce makes her home in the mountains of North Georgia, where the air is sweet and the summers are hot. Growing up in a military family, she traveled extensively as a child, living everywhere from Maine to Mississippi, Germany to Georgia, and a few parts in between. Lila loves to read and write contemporary lesbian romances, and is a sucker for a happy ending. When not writing, she spends her days adding to her ever-growing pack of basset hounds, consuming unhealthy amounts of coffee, and dreaming of the day she's able to leave her evil day job behind.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 10, 2020
Very sweet and very short romance with a few hilarious moments. The main characters were adorkable. Grace and Jess used to go to the same school, years later they meet and it's instant attraction. Pretty straight forward plot with a lot of fluff.
May 6, 2018
Short, sweet and surprisingly sexy. I really wish this was longer. It reminded me a lot of Love Bites which just like this little gem is packed with funny moments. Though this is in need of an editor, it's a great book to read when you're in need of something to make you smile.
May 19, 2017
I give this 3.5 stars rounding it up to 4. It's a bit of candy, a few hours of fun reading. Quite some typos that need fixing though.
April 14, 2021
3.4 star ratings
Short so it feels you got dumped into the sexual part but asides this, it was an enjoyable, sweet read.
Loved Rachel's precociousness
Short so it feels you got dumped into the sexual part but asides this, it was an enjoyable, sweet read.
Loved Rachel's precociousness
April 18, 2016
A sweet snack of a romance. In this short read, Grace and Jessica already intrigued me to know more. But, this is great on its own as a fluffy, humorous vignette into Southern ladies falling in love. And, it made my stomach growl.
October 26, 2014
Great read.
November 2, 2014
FourStars
This is a quick, fun read full of sweetness (both of the love and the bakery variety).
Characters are always my favorite part of any story, and I loved the two main characters, Jessica and Grace. They're both strong, independent professional women, yet they're remarkably down-to-earth and relatable. They each have their vulnerabilities which round them out as people.
Personally, I would have liked to see this as a longer story. It seems like there's a lot underneath these two women that I would have loved to discover. There wasn't quite enough spark or tension to really grab my interest, but with a longer story, I think there would have been.
I give it 4 stars.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
FourStars
This book was a quick, easy and very sweet read. The characters had their own personalities that meshed together with a strong sexual tension throughout the majority of the book. I was worried for a while because it’s set up like it could be a full-length novel, but I was completely satisfied by the ending of it.
The two characters run their own lives and are very successful women. They each have their careers but aren’t afraid of how a relationship will affect that. It was very nice to read and see that; I don’t think it’s done enough. Both women in this story carry their own.
It’s very well-written. There are a few words missing here and there, which is distracting but not to the point where I wanted to put the book down. Overall, this is a fantastic read for a rainy day.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~AJ
This is a quick, fun read full of sweetness (both of the love and the bakery variety).
Characters are always my favorite part of any story, and I loved the two main characters, Jessica and Grace. They're both strong, independent professional women, yet they're remarkably down-to-earth and relatable. They each have their vulnerabilities which round them out as people.
Personally, I would have liked to see this as a longer story. It seems like there's a lot underneath these two women that I would have loved to discover. There wasn't quite enough spark or tension to really grab my interest, but with a longer story, I think there would have been.
I give it 4 stars.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
FourStars
This book was a quick, easy and very sweet read. The characters had their own personalities that meshed together with a strong sexual tension throughout the majority of the book. I was worried for a while because it’s set up like it could be a full-length novel, but I was completely satisfied by the ending of it.
The two characters run their own lives and are very successful women. They each have their careers but aren’t afraid of how a relationship will affect that. It was very nice to read and see that; I don’t think it’s done enough. Both women in this story carry their own.
It’s very well-written. There are a few words missing here and there, which is distracting but not to the point where I wanted to put the book down. Overall, this is a fantastic read for a rainy day.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~AJ
January 1, 2019
I read this a couple of months ago before I went on Goodreads. It was a good book. Well-written, interesting characters, and had good pace. I enjoyed it. I don't want to give anything away about the story.
December 26, 2019
I liked the story and think it could definitely be expanded on. The main characters are interesting and have great chemistry.
January 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this Novella. it's fun, sweet, full of love and even features cake (yummy all round)
The down to earth narrative style of the story really appealed to me. The books two main characters are confident, strong women each with their own insecurities and vulnerabilities which draw you into the book and want learn more about them. Although some people have written that they would have enjoyed a longer story, I felt the book was just right, it gave enough of the characters backgrounds to allow you to fill in details about them for yourself, which adds to the personalisation of the book and enjoy it more.
Would cheerfully recommend this to a friend as a happy go to book for a rainy sunday feel good cheer up. Good fun.
The down to earth narrative style of the story really appealed to me. The books two main characters are confident, strong women each with their own insecurities and vulnerabilities which draw you into the book and want learn more about them. Although some people have written that they would have enjoyed a longer story, I felt the book was just right, it gave enough of the characters backgrounds to allow you to fill in details about them for yourself, which adds to the personalisation of the book and enjoy it more.
Would cheerfully recommend this to a friend as a happy go to book for a rainy sunday feel good cheer up. Good fun.
December 23, 2014
I really like this author, she writes wonderful little stories like this one. The only negative thing about this book is, it's definitey too short. I'd love to read more and here more from the main characters.
September 26, 2019
Confirmed bottom
January 8, 2020
I loved this story. I know it's short, but sometimes that's enough. The fast building relationship and attraction from the beginning..wow! Absolutely amazing!
February 29, 2020
The best short I have heard in a while. Narration on audiobook felt rushed but the story has humor, heat, and draws you in. Highly recommend.
July 17, 2024
3 stars. This was a nice little read. Nothing amazing but I liked all of the characters. Jessica and Grace had good chemistry but I found that I wasn't all that engaged with the plot.
June 10, 2016
I'm vaguely surprised. This is my second story by Lila Bruce that I've read. The first one, Falling Slowly, I found to be cute and fun. This one . . .well. I kinda hated all the side characters. Heck, I even didn't particularly like the niece, and she's only 8 or something like that.
Not exactly sure what the difference is between the two stories would be. I mean, in both the two who 'hook up' play hard to get - to a certain extent. In Falling Slowly, the two women have two bad meetings, then a good third one. This time, the two have several rather good meetings, but Grace kept trying to avoid Jessica. Because of how good the meetings were.
Hmms. Maybe that's it. One story went from "I can't stand being in the same room with you because you are a rude bitch" to "that was a wrong impression of you that I developed, you are actually quite nice." While this one went from "my god you are so gorgeous . . NOOO I can't find you gorgeous! *flee*" to "I still find you gorgeous, I guess I can't fight my feelings any more."
That might give a wrong impression, the trying to fight feelings part. All four women started the story as lesbians and remained so by the end. Which is a plus. I'm so bloody tired of "oops, guess I was wrong all this time, I'm actually a lesbian" stories. So, as I said, that's a plus in both stories.
I mentioned I didn't like the side characters but I didn't mention the main. That's another difference between the two stories. I came to feel like I knew the two women in Falling Slowly. Here, I feel like I basically know nothing. Two women. One had a woman walk out on her shortly before marriage. And has a business doing decorations and stuff. Other just moved back to the small town. And apparently has a business. And has millions. That's basically all I know about both.
Not exactly sure what the difference is between the two stories would be. I mean, in both the two who 'hook up' play hard to get - to a certain extent. In Falling Slowly, the two women have two bad meetings, then a good third one. This time, the two have several rather good meetings, but Grace kept trying to avoid Jessica. Because of how good the meetings were.
Hmms. Maybe that's it. One story went from "I can't stand being in the same room with you because you are a rude bitch" to "that was a wrong impression of you that I developed, you are actually quite nice." While this one went from "my god you are so gorgeous . . NOOO I can't find you gorgeous! *flee*" to "I still find you gorgeous, I guess I can't fight my feelings any more."
That might give a wrong impression, the trying to fight feelings part. All four women started the story as lesbians and remained so by the end. Which is a plus. I'm so bloody tired of "oops, guess I was wrong all this time, I'm actually a lesbian" stories. So, as I said, that's a plus in both stories.
I mentioned I didn't like the side characters but I didn't mention the main. That's another difference between the two stories. I came to feel like I knew the two women in Falling Slowly. Here, I feel like I basically know nothing. Two women. One had a woman walk out on her shortly before marriage. And has a business doing decorations and stuff. Other just moved back to the small town. And apparently has a business. And has millions. That's basically all I know about both.
March 27, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
This book is a definite slow burn. I loved the build up between the characters throughout the story. The side characters kept trying to push them together, but they weren’t ready. They don’t have their first date until almost 80% into the book. I enjoyed the fact that Grace and Jess were cautious about starting a relationship. There could easily be a sequel to the book. But if there’s not one, it’s still an enjoyable story. It’s more of a “happy for now” type of ending than a solid “happily ever after”. My only issue with the book was getting bumped out of the story more than I would have liked for errors. Words missing, wrong word used. There’s always going to be some of that in a book, but this one was more than I would have liked.
My favorite scene in the book was the opening scene. The first line had me laughing so hard. Grace’s friend Kendra was a total character and would love to see more with her!
Four stars!
This book is a definite slow burn. I loved the build up between the characters throughout the story. The side characters kept trying to push them together, but they weren’t ready. They don’t have their first date until almost 80% into the book. I enjoyed the fact that Grace and Jess were cautious about starting a relationship. There could easily be a sequel to the book. But if there’s not one, it’s still an enjoyable story. It’s more of a “happy for now” type of ending than a solid “happily ever after”. My only issue with the book was getting bumped out of the story more than I would have liked for errors. Words missing, wrong word used. There’s always going to be some of that in a book, but this one was more than I would have liked.
My favorite scene in the book was the opening scene. The first line had me laughing so hard. Grace’s friend Kendra was a total character and would love to see more with her!
August 21, 2016
This is a quick, fun read full of sweetness (both of the love and the bakery variety).
Characters are always my favorite part of any story, and I loved the two main characters, Jessica and Grace. They’re both strong, independent professional women, yet they’re remarkably down-to-earth and relatable. They each have their vulnerabilities which round them out as people.
Personally, I would have liked to see this as a longer story. It seems like there’s a lot underneath these two women that I would have loved to discover. There wasn’t quite enough spark or tension to really grab my interest, but with a longer story, I think there would have been.
Characters are always my favorite part of any story, and I loved the two main characters, Jessica and Grace. They’re both strong, independent professional women, yet they’re remarkably down-to-earth and relatable. They each have their vulnerabilities which round them out as people.
Personally, I would have liked to see this as a longer story. It seems like there’s a lot underneath these two women that I would have loved to discover. There wasn’t quite enough spark or tension to really grab my interest, but with a longer story, I think there would have been.
July 12, 2015
Sweet and Charming
This is the tale of an Interior Decorator Grace, and a Hot Sauce Mogul, Jessica. Both of the women have no desire to meet anyone after their last relationships. Jessica has just moved back to her home town after the death of her mother. Needing the place to be re-done, she hires Grace. Maybe with the instant attraction they have met someone anyway.
This is a sweet and fast read. It was quite enjoyable with a good plot line before the inevitable sex scene. It is a perfect book to take to the beach or for a lazy afternoon on the patio. Enjoy it, I know I did!
This is the tale of an Interior Decorator Grace, and a Hot Sauce Mogul, Jessica. Both of the women have no desire to meet anyone after their last relationships. Jessica has just moved back to her home town after the death of her mother. Needing the place to be re-done, she hires Grace. Maybe with the instant attraction they have met someone anyway.
This is a sweet and fast read. It was quite enjoyable with a good plot line before the inevitable sex scene. It is a perfect book to take to the beach or for a lazy afternoon on the patio. Enjoy it, I know I did!
May 6, 2018
Loved it but wish for more
Great read and funny but hoping for a sequel I'd love to see the struggle to keep their agreement in tact till July. And maybe have Emma come back and realize what she let go and lost to Jessica
Great read and funny but hoping for a sequel I'd love to see the struggle to keep their agreement in tact till July. And maybe have Emma come back and realize what she let go and lost to Jessica
December 22, 2018
Homecoming Leads To Tomorrow
Jessica returns home after inheriting her Grandmothers home. Grace is still recovering from being dumped by her finance via text. Could they find a reason to be more than friends? Recommend this book and author.
Jessica returns home after inheriting her Grandmothers home. Grace is still recovering from being dumped by her finance via text. Could they find a reason to be more than friends? Recommend this book and author.
May 18, 2021
Short and sweet
This is kind of an étude, a riff on love going right. The story plays out well and though it might seem on the brief side, it's not rushed and it's deeply satisfying. Like the best...you know.
This is kind of an étude, a riff on love going right. The story plays out well and though it might seem on the brief side, it's not rushed and it's deeply satisfying. Like the best...you know.
February 19, 2015
Loved this storyline! Only wish that it was much longer because I really got invested quickly into all of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews