The story follows Luisa, a top chef whose meticulously crafted world of Michelin stars crumbles after a crushing disappointment in Munich. Haunted by professional doubts and a strained relationship with her mother. Her leap of faith lands her not just in a new city but directly opposite her past: her first love, Aurelio, now her business partner in her cousin's restaurant. This immediate friction ignites the core conflicts of the story, as two distinct culinary philosophies—Luisa's refined gourmet against Aurelio's bold, rustic Catalan—collide with explosive results, both in the kitchen and, inevitably, in their rekindling romance.
Just as Luisa begins to find her footing, mysterious events threaten to dismantle her career and reputation. Wassermann expertly crafts Luisa's journey of self-discovery, painting a vibrant portrait of a woman determined to prove herself and define success on her own terms. The book itself is a feast for the senses. Descriptions of sizzling garlic, simmering sauces, and the vibrant colors of fresh produce leap off the page, making Barcelona's culinary scene an almost tangible character. Beyond the food, Barcelona pulses with life, serving as a dynamic backdrop that perfectly complements the passion and intensity of the narrative. The second-chance romance between Luisa and Aurelio is fraught with delicious tension, navigating ambition, mistrust, and the undeniable pull of a shared past.
Perfect for fans of second-chance romance, foodie fiction, and women's fiction with strong, relatable heroines, The Scent of Laurel is a heartwarming and passionate read.

The short version: grab your emotional passport for this Barcelona-set closed-door romance with a focus on emotional intimacy and personal growth (4.5 stars)

The rest:
I was rooting for Luisa throughout the entire book and her self-talk and realistic challenges in life on her 30s were very, very relatable.

I love reading books translated from other languages that not only transport me to a different place in the world but give me a different perspective on things like career, relationships, and feelings. This closed-door romance with a focus on emotional intimacy and personal growth and it really worked well. Aurelio the mmc was memorable because of his enduring love for 'the one that got away' but also because he was a very realistic-behaving dude who gets frustrated.

An inspiring read for anyone traveling to Barcelona or dreaming of visiting one day. While many travelers fall in love with Barcelona at first sight and consider it the perfect holiday destination, most books about the city tend to be full of drama and don’t quite capture the “holiday read” vibe like Scent of Laurel does. What truly stood out to me were the vivid descriptions of Barcelona’s lively streets, bustling markets, and mouthwatering food - you could almost feel like you’re right there.

The main character is a chef who moves from Germany to Barcelona and takes over a local restaurant. The detailed descriptions of Catalan cuisine are both inspiring and educational. At the end of the book, there's a full glossary of local dishes with names and explanations, which felt like taking a mini food tour -it was incredibly informative.

So, if you're a foodie who loves Barcelona and great food, this is a charming read that will take you on a virtual holiday.

This book has an irresistible storyline, filled
with tastes, second chance romance, and crime. It's a bittersweet tale about using your time wisely with good people. I enjoyed reading it very much.

The synopsis of this book sounded so good---I love books where food and cooking is a "character" and I enjoy romances, so I expected to appreciate it immensely.

I did not. This being said, it appears the author has lived multi-nationally all her life and this title was published in Germany in 2024---I am going to blame some of my disappointment on a poor translation to English.

I found all the characters to be very immature and annoying and the writing cliched., This kind of tempestuous behavior might be expected in teens and twenty-some-year olds, but in adults who are nearly forty years old? I find it impossible to believe that being "European" is an excuse for this kind of erratic behavior. I saw no "personal growth". Luisa and Aurelio were the same people at the end of the book as they were at the beginning, imho: irritating.

I did enjoy reading about the Michelin star process and about Luisa's food---I'd love to be invited to experience that ratafia sorbet for dessert!

I might try another Wassermann title, but if these caricatures of characters and the wooden translation remain the same, I probably wouldn't read past the first chapter.

Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

This book was absolutely breathtaking! The writing was beautifully crafted, drawing me into a story rich with emotion and depth. The characters felt so real, and their journey was both powerful and unforgettable. Every page kept me captivated—I didn’t want it to end. A truly stunning read!

From the very first page, The Scent of Laurel pulled me in and never let go! ✨ The writing is so smooth and engaging, making it effortless to get lost in Luisa’s journey. The vivid descriptions of food, Barcelona, and the people around her created such a cozy atmosphere. 🏙️🍷

The relationships were beautifully developed—not just the romance but also the side characters, who all added depth to the story. There was warmth, tension, and even a bit of mystery, with twists that made it impossible to put down! 🔥

Between the setting, the emotions, and the small stories woven throughout, this book felt like stepping into a world I didn’t want to leave. A truly satisfying and captivating read! 💛📖