This one goes out to all the hopeless romantics out there: We’ve partnered up with Random House Publishing to bring all the feels from the pages of their recently launched romance books to your skin through a curated collection of scents. Go ahead, you know you want to check it out here.
You’re still here? Good. Because this particular post will have a plot twist. This time, as we’re diving deeper into the world of “The Rule Book” by Sarah Adams, instead of matching the captivating characters, Derek and Nora, to existing perfumes, we’re on a unique mission – to find their olfactory essence through the raw ingredients of perfumery!
PLOT SUMMARY
Nora Mackenzie, a quirky and ambitious agent, tackles chauvinism while climbing the corporate ladder. Her first client? Her charming ex, Derek Pender, is a star NFL player with a grudge. He makes her jump through hoops to prove herself, but their forced proximity reignites old feelings. A wild night in Vegas leads to a drunken marriage, forcing them to decide: Fake it for her career, or embrace the rekindled spark that’s hot enough to melt whole ice rinks? Intrigued? Of course, you are.
Now let’s unlock the olfactory essence of these unforgettable characters through the magic of perfumery!
Nora Mackenzie, the heroine
Nora Mackenzie, the aspiring agent with sunshine in her pocket, embodies the essence of almond note. Like the delicate, luxurious scent, Nora exudes sophistication and charming sweetness. But beneath the surface, there’s a hint of bitterness, a reminder of past struggles and unwavering determination. She’s not all sugar and spice; her nutty personality adds a touch of whimsy and unpredictability. While she might appear soft and easily swayed, Nora possesses an amazingly delicate strength, just like the subtle yet enduring aroma of almond. Unlike the overpowering sweetness of vanilla that wants to take center stage at all times, Nora isn’t afraid to take the backseat. She’s irresistibly unique, a captivating blend of strength, sweetness, and a hint of hidden complexity.
Derek Pender, the hero
Derek Pender is the embodiment of saffron – a spice as precious as his talent, with a personality that’s both spicy, sweet, and enigmatic, at least in the beginning. Just a touch of Derek goes a long way, adding a vibrant intensity to any situation. Beneath his playboy exterior lies a hint of bittersweet complexity, a man with a past that tortures him and leaves him with a myriad of self-doubts. He’s got an earthy strength that’s undeniable, yet surprisingly soft when you least expect it. Not unlike the honeyed hay scent of saffron, Derek is both charming and subtly seductive. He’s got a really, really spicy mind (chapter 34, anyone) and the sweetest personality. He gets better and better as the plot thickens, a quality that we always admire and love in a saffron-laced fragrance.
Derek Pender is a rare find, a true gold among men, with a captivating aura that lingers long after he’s left the room.
So, can these two seemingly disparate notes – the delicate sweetness of almond and the fiery complexity of saffron – find harmony in a fragrance? Just like Nora and Derek’s love story, the answer is a resounding…We’re not fans of spoilers, so we advise you to pick up the book here and find out yourself.
