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Perfume Therapy

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Chloe Beech is all set for a two-week holiday in Thailand with her sister Mia. Sure, she’s leaving behind an office that doesn’t seem to be able to run without her, and Mia has invited a bunch of her narcissistic friends along to join them, but a holiday is a holiday, right?

Wrong. Pickpocketed on her first night and separated from everyone, Chloe soon finds herself stranded in the back streets of Bangkok. Fortunately, her saviour arrives in the form of charismatic perfumer Daniel Richards, whose Scottish accent and amiable nature immediately put her at ease.

With Daniel’s help, Chloe is soon back on the metaphorical horse. But with several more unfortunate events befalling her over the following days, she is forced to rely on Daniel again and again to help bail her out.

Throw in a jealous absentee boyfriend, a wild neighbour with the propensity to meddle, and a strangely aggressive staff member at Daniel’s perfumery, and Chloe finds herself on the trip of a lifetime. It’s not quite the one she was expecting, but it might just be the shake-up she needs.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2017

112 people are currently reading
162 people want to read

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Kirsty McManus

26 books190 followers

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5 stars
48 (36%)
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45 (34%)
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30 (23%)
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4 (3%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
1,623 reviews7 followers
September 4, 2017
Chloe is persuaded by her little sister Mia to go on holiday to Thailand with her, mainly to help pay for the rooms, but when other friends arrive Chloe gets abandoned by her somewhat selfish sister. Trying to find her way back to the hotel Chloe has her bag cut and all the contents stolen, including phone, money and passport, how is she going to get out of these back streets of Bangkok and she is miles away from the hotel!

Daniel runs a perfumery business, selling perfume but also making up scents for different clients and shipping all over the world. Life is very busy and so he ends up working late......and he has nothing to go home for...........when a distraught Chloe appears in his shop and so of course he has to lend her money and give her his card so that she can get in touch again.

As Mia disappears to continue with her holiday Chloe stays in Bangkok waiting for her new passport to arrive, but who is that strange man that always seems to appear wherever she is and why is her boyfriend, in the forces in the middle east, being so weird on Skype - there are lots of things in Chloe's life that need sorting out and maybe now is the time to do it!

A lovely story, particularly good as I love Thailand, great characters and a bit of intrigue thrown into the mix makes a book that I didn't want put down
Profile Image for Diane Michaels.
Author 28 books56 followers
August 7, 2017
Pack your bags and join sisters Chloe and Mia for a two-week trip to Thailand. Just don’t expect to share their ride to the airport: Mia’s luggage has claimed all available space in the too-small car she hired. And don’t count on Mia and her friends to spend time with you. They know where the great parties are, but they’ll leave you and Chloe behind. But don’t worry. Kirsty McManus is a wonderful tour guide. Her writing brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of Bangkok.

Chloe needs this vacation more than she realizes. Despite being a victim of a crime, ending up on her own each time her sister abandons her, and dealing with a slew of other annoyances, Chloe finds happiness—and a handsome Scottish perfumer—in Thailand. McManus introduces us to many unique characters. I especially liked Chloe’s friend Rosie. For readers who love a sweet romance sprinkled with humor, I highly recommend Perfume Therapy.
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
August 22, 2017
This is the first book I read that Kirsty McManus has written. I did not have any expectations but I was overwelmed by the amazing use of words. The story could have had a better flow. The characters in the story is Chloe that travels to Thailand for a holiday with her very annoying sister Mia. The sister is very self-centered and she just annoys me because she does not think about her sister situation or feelings. Chloe gets pickpocketed in Thailand. Chloe has a fiancée that also annoys me but when she meets the perfumer Daniel sparks come out.
The story is a sweet romance and a enjoyable read. The locations in Thailand are very well described so is the food. This made the story feel realistic. The story line has a bit of drama and lots of fun. Chloe develops from a doormat to a stronger woman.
I can only recommend this book.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lan Chan.
Author 22 books198 followers
August 26, 2017
I don't usually read this genre but Perfume Therapy had a cute premise so I thought I'd give it a try. Overall it was a fun story. Despite being a bit of a doormat, Chloe is a likeable character. I would have liked to see her struggle a little more because it seemed like any time she got into trouble, somebody swooped in to save the day. The supporting cast was the standout feature for me and the antagonists did their job in making the reader despise them.

If you're looking for something light to read on a beach holiday or on the plane for an exotic overseas trip, you should definitely give this one a shot.
Profile Image for Varshini.
80 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2020
It's a classic damsel in distress book. Chloe's life sucks in every way it can. She has an alcoholic mother, a non- existent father, a self - centered young sister. Her boss is over-demanding, her boyfriend is controlling. She has every reason to just give up everything she knows in Australia and settle in Bangkok with Daniel as her beau. I wish Daniel didn't have that ability. In my opinion, he didn't need to have it. The story was so beautiful without it. It does add an interesting twist to it. But it doesn't add to his character. I think the title would lose some of its meaning without that ability. It was a fun, light-hearted read. I enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
August 13, 2017
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
Profile Image for Angala Fox.
662 reviews15 followers
September 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This was an awesome romance full of suspense and thrills. Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Krista Walsh.
763 reviews
January 22, 2021
Great read. Some wild adventures with romance. Funny
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
August 3, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read from Kristy McManus and I would not hesitate to read another from this author. This book was an easy read that was somewhat predictable at times. The writing was great and flowed effortlessly, along with great character development.

The book follows Chloe Beech as she embarks on a two week trip to Thailand with her little sister, Mia. Kirsty’s writing enthralled me from the start and I couldn't wait to read what’s going to happen next. I felt for Chloe and all of her misadventures. I mean, can’t the woman get a break! I did find her somewhat too trusting at times and I wanted to shake her and tell her no.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. It’s a sweet book about finding your true self and not being afraid to let go and be the real you. The people you surround yourself with plays an important role in your life and you never know when you will meet that one (or one’s) that will truly matter to you.
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,457 reviews18 followers
August 7, 2017
Perfume and Memories
Chloe Beech allows people to walk all over her; her sister, her boyfriend, her boss but a series of misadventures, a new friend and getting to know a hot perfumer on a two week holiday in Thailand changes her life. An enjoyable story set in Bangkok.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Profile Image for Dewi.
27 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2017
Perfume Therapy is a chick-lit story that was recommended to me by a friend. Genre-wise it's not something I usually read, so I can't compare it with some of the popular chick-lit titles out there.

The story follows the series of unfortunate events following Chloe's trip to Thailand. However as an old parable would say, fortune or bad luck, who knows?

The story is a smooth read and I finished it in less than a handful of sitting. I've never been to Thailand before, but I can imagine the alleys, crowd and noise as I follow Chloe in her (mis)adventures. Since I live in Brisbane, and there is mention of it in the book, I can also happily recognise the places - which is rare in other books I usually read.
The plot is easy to follow and predict in general, though it does have an unexpected twist that I won't spoil. I really like the perfume shop side of the story, despite the slight disbelief on how Chloe seemed to learn it all too easily - but hey, we knew she's smart from day 1.
Romance-side, I'm definitely rooting for Chloe's choice, and I'm happy for the pace it developed in.

I definitely can relate to the protagonist, her frustrations, her hesitance and her restraint being surrounded by these 'colourful characters'. My favourite character would be Rosie, whom I think is well developed and has this aura of mystery of her. By the end of the book I feel I still can't figure her out, and there is something that worries me about her and that I would like to know more of. With Daniel, I also would love to read more stories of him and his work and skill ;).

Overall, the book is a pleasant read for a relaxing weekend. Would recommend to read while travelling too! Who knows, might get you to dare something you don't normally do.
Profile Image for Jena Henry.
Author 4 books338 followers
April 8, 2018
I’m the big sister in my family, so I can relate to Chloe Beech, our loveable, sincere and caring heroine. Chloe has been watching out for her younger sister Mia for most of Mia’s life, because of their alcoholic mother. Chloe is also the dependable, go-the-extra-mile employee at work. You know, the over-achieving person that the boss always takes for granted. After several years without a vacation, Chloe decides to accompany her sister to Thailand for two weeks, to celebrate Mia’s 21st birthday. Get ready to go on an adventure with Chloe in exotic locations- you are in for a treat!

“I feel strange ... like I’ve done something I shouldn’t. I’m sick of being sensible and normal.”

Even on holiday, Mia continues to be a handful. Add in an unfortunate theft and other problems and suddenly Chloe must confront how she has been living her life.

Author McManus paints the scenes of Thailand in beautiful fashion. We can smell the food, hear the crowds, see the marketplaces, feel the heat and enjoy the tropics and beaches. We can sense Chloe’s interest and growing affection for this paradise. And, as time goes on, Chloe also finds someone who piques her interest and heart even more.

Chloe must confront her head and her heart. Her head tells her to be responsible. Then it tells her to be open to new experiences. Her heart wants her to stay with her old boyfriend, then her heart shows her another man.

Chloe meets Daniel in Bangkok. Daniel is a perfume artist who creates bespoke scents. Will his perfume therapy work for Chloe?

“Daniel is the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful man I have ever met. I am supposed to be here in this exact space in time right now.”

I had the best time reading this book. It is a blend of memorable characters, splendid settings, an exciting plot and very readable. This story blends like one of Daniel’s heavenly perfumes.

“I may be in a foreign country, but Daniel is my home.”
Profile Image for Sophie-Leigh Robbins.
Author 19 books313 followers
August 8, 2017
Chloe and Mia head to Thailand, but for Chloe the vacation is off to a bad start when she gets pickpocketed. Luckily for her, the handsome perfumer Daniel wants to help her.

I really enjoyed this book! The setting is spot on. The food, the crowds, the heat, the traffic, the streets… It’s like you’re in Thailand yourself.

The characters are very well-rounded and believable, the pacing is good and the story reads smoothly. In short: Perfume Therapy is a very pleasant read.
Profile Image for Bellereader.
733 reviews52 followers
August 20, 2017
Chloe and Daniel will have you booking your trip to Bangkok and falling head over heels for their sweet love story. Chloe is the type of person everyone can count. A veritable doormat - everyone from her boss, to her sister, and even her boyfriend run roughshod over her. This trip to Thailand, while not the destination she would have picked for her first vacation in 2 years, is where her sister Mia wants to go… so once again Chloe capitulates and off they head. Once there the brat Mia is just as selfish and spoiled as always and basically abandons her at every turn. Her boyfriend is pushy and over possessive when she gets in touch with him. And her boss doesn't seem to know that her being on vacation means she isn't working so stop calling and emailing her stuff to do. Then, as if this trip wasn't already a barrel of laughs, she is pickpocketed and all her money, passport, and phone is stolen. Alone and scared she happens upon a perfumery and meets Daniel and he offers to help her. This stranger is quite possibly the only person in her life she can rely on and that's just sad. After his valiant rescue she meets up with Mia only for her to abandon her again this time without money, phone, or ID. Nice sis… real nice. Again Daniel comes to the rescue and offers his spare apartment and comfort of his shop. With a crappy sister, a jealous boyfriend, and a co-dependant boss - some aromatherapy might be just what the doctor ordered!
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Penny  Mooney.
189 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2017
This book is an awesome story of a woman finding herself on a trip to Thailand. Chloe goes a trip toThailand for Mia’s 21st birthday. She meets Daniel, a perfumer, in a stressful situation. The story really takes off from here.
The story is chocked full of suspense, betrayal, secrets, demons from the past, new friendships, sabotage, broken promises, choices, chemistry, romance, and love, Will Chloe figure out her life? What will she decide to do? Will Daniel tell Chloe how he feels about her? Can they make their attractions work? Grab a chair and your book settle down to be taken on Chloe’s life changing trip.
This is my first book that Kristy McManus wrote but it won’t be my last. She takes everyday problems and weaves them into her plot. Her characters are lifelike and she shows us the struggles of modern day living, the problems we often face, and how their can be a good life for us if we just let go of some of our old habits. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
673 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2018
Story of a lady that tries to be nice and not cause problems, when she really needs to stand up for herself. There were some things I liked about the book, like how she learns to do some standing up where it is needed. Also the different local, the perfume business and some on how they mix it. Now some spoilers which I hate to do and will try to do the least amount possible. I didn’t like how our main character was told something (yep not going to mention what, see previous statement.) and couldn’t keep it to herself. Personally that just stuck with me and ruined some of it. She could have worked her away around not telling and yet it didn’t take much to get her too. Also felt some things were built up and then bam solved. Wasn’t a bad read, yet would say only a good read, not great. Glad read it but wouldn’t read it again. I did receive an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dee Archer.
664 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2017
Chloe is a women who has spent her whole life taking care of others. She allows people in her life to manipulate, control and impose on her own desires. She is a doormat, a servant to other's needs and because she doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, she buries all her emotions and puts on a smile. People use her, abuse her, especially those close to her. Her mother, sister, boyfriend, girlfriend, boss and coworkers. There are many women who can identify with Chloe. This book is a lovely story how one woman finally has enough, becomes assertive, caring and protective of herself before others. The events of her transformation kept me intrigued and cheering for her. I saw some of myself in her and rejoiced at her success. Excellent! Fascinating! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Five stars.
3,736 reviews43 followers
August 23, 2017
Not quite a full five stars but close enough. I wasn't sure about this book in the beginning because Chloe, the poor heroine, had such a rotten string of mishaps and I did not care for her selfish sister. But after a few chapters the story grew on me, especially when Daniel, the perfumer, became more and more central to the story. Chloe's slowly building romance with Daniel and Thailand won me over! And it certainly did not hurt that the hero was Scottish as I adore all things Scottish! The lack of explicit love scenes did not detract from the romance and the secondary characters, some to hate, but many more that were endearing, made Chloe's Thai odyssey all the richer. In the end, Ms. McManus's book was well worth the time spent and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa Basnight.
683 reviews19 followers
August 24, 2017
Chloe and Mia go to Thailand for Mia's birthday and Chloe ends ups being robbed, knocked out and left stranded during her vacation with her sister. Her sister is self-centered and her mother is an alcoholic that did not really raise her children so Chloe had to take over to raise her sister. Chloe's boyfriend is controlling and is having someone spy on her activities. She meets a perfumer, Daniel, while she was having her vacation by herself since her sister took off without her after her passport and credit cards were stolen. He saves her in more ways than one. Chloe has been walked on for along time and she finally realizes that she needs to take of herself and do what makes her happy instead of worrying about everyone else. The trip becomes an enlightening experience for her. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,286 reviews46 followers
August 17, 2017
Gosh I felt like I was on that trip to Thailand with Chloe and her sister. Everything was described beautifully, the food, the scenery and the people. This book was completely different from what I expected. It was so much fun to read. Well written with great characters and a fun storyline. Chloe has always been the nurturing one who took care of everyone else. She also let everyone take advantage of her, her sister, her boy friend, her friends, her co-workers, etc. This trip changed her life as it opened up her eyes to a whole new world of fun, relationships and adventure. I received an advance copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
4,145 reviews25 followers
August 18, 2017
3,5
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It ‘s a sweet nice story
Chloé and Mia go on holidays to Bangkok. In Bangkok, Chloé get lost and she can’t find her sister. Then she’s robbed and alone in the town. Worst holidays ever : not for her because it’s seems to be a bad habit for her. She find refuge in a shop. The owner is Daniel, a perfume creator and he helps her.
I like that Chloé evolves to someone who takes care of her and that she realizes that her entourage uses to manipulated her.I like her relationship with Daniel
But sometimes,it drags along and I didn’t understood some character’s behaviour (for example : Aaron in the end of the story).
248 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2017
This book was the first I’ve read by Kirsty McManus and it was a decently enjoyable story. The characters were kooky and likable, the secondary characters were varied, and the bit of intrigue kept the story more engaging. I found the information about the perfuming process very interesting. I’ve never been to Thailand so the descriptions about the locales and people were helpful in understanding and drawing a mental picture of the area. The writing felt a little disjointed and didn’t flow as smoothly as I like to read, but overall the book was a good read.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vikkie.
520 reviews35 followers
April 17, 2019
Firstly, I need to thank @kirstymcauthor for the very kind and generous gift of this book. It has been an amazing read, I feel like I got to escape to Thailand. Kirsty is an excellent tour guide and in days I’ve been to Australia, Japan and Thailand (something I will be telling my students when we go back to school). This book like all the others I’ve read was filled with likeable characters- although Chloe’s younger sister Mia did irritate me a little. This book is extremely well written and extremely enjoyable. I actually laughed out loud at different times. I feel a little disappointed that I only have three books by @kirstymcauthor left to read.
103 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2017
Perfume Therapy was the first book I read by Kirsty McManus and I was very impressed. I really liked the main character Chloe. I rooted for her to enjoy her stay in Thailand although it did not start out very well. I was really annoyed with her sister Mia for being so self-centered and not at all concerned about her sister's happiness and well-being. I did not like Chloe's fiance at all but I did like the interactions between her and Daniel, the perfumer. I would enjoy reading more of Kirsty's books.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Maureen.
406 reviews
August 19, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book This is the first book I have read by this author and will be looking to see more from her. . This book was a cute light romance. I enjoyed getting to know the characters.
It was a quick and easy read. The characters were fun, and there wasn't too many of them . It was interesting reading a bit about the making of perfume , but it didn't overshadow the story.
The location of the story in Thailand gave the book a lovely exotic feel and some of the challenges of being a tourist . It is a great relaxing read.
Profile Image for Cherie Melbourne.
1,368 reviews15 followers
January 5, 2020
Perfume Therapy

I loved the way Kirsty put this story together and I both did and didn't feel sorry for Chloe, she was sort of her own worst enemy. I thought Daniel was pretty special. I had trouble putting this one down and I'm glad I don't have to work today. I'm working towards reading everything Kirsty McManus has written besides reading really well written stories, I get to support an Aussie.
Profile Image for Miranda.
440 reviews40 followers
August 23, 2017
This was a cute, easy read. I kept wondering how much crap Chloe had to go through on her vacation! My goodness I would of called it quits long before she even thought about it! I'm glad her vacation turned out the way it did. Between all the selfish people she had in her life she deserved it!
Profile Image for Leigh.
191 reviews
March 29, 2019
This is the second book I have read by this author and I have to say I am hooked. This book was not only hilarious but the characters were so believable. The story itself was also really cute. I would recommend this book and this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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