When indie perfumer Dahlia Dubois steps in to lead the iconic, international perfume house her grandmother founded, she soon discovers that nothing is as it seems-including the intriguing man she met in Cannes, France.

Soon, tensions rise in Monaco, where Dahlia juggles a search for her missing mother, a corporate takeover, and a volatile, passionate relationship with Alain, a legendary Formula 1 race car driver-all just days before the glamorous Monaco Grand Prix race. As long-held family secrets emerge and threaten her future, Dahlia must find the courage to face the dangerous truth.

Essence is part of the Love, California series of linked, stand-alone novels that can be ready in any order. Set in Southern California with international travel, this fun, heartfelt series features a group of best friends determined to live the lives of their dreams while navigating the turbulences of dating and family life.

Tasteful Women's Fiction. Also available in audiobook. Visit JanMoran.com.

THE LOVE, CALIFORNIA SERIES

FLAWLESS (Verena and Lance in Beverly Hills and Paris)

BEAUTY MARK (Scarlett and Johnny in Beverly Hills and Spain)

RUNWAY (Fianna and Niall in Malibu and Ireland)

ESSENCE (Dahlia and Alain in Paris and Monaco)

STYLE (Penelope and Stefan in New York and Copenhagen)

SPARKLE (Elena and Jake in LA and Sydney)