Midnight Blue by Kiki Astor

The cover of romance novel "The Size of the Boat" by author Kiki Astor, featuring a man's torso and a yacht.

A novel of perfume, power, and inheritance.When perfume becomes poison, and desire becomes deadly…A gothic dark old money romantic suspense novel set in Morocco by Kiki Astor.

Julia Cavendish possesses the world’s most perfect nose—a supernatural gift that can deconstruct any scent to its molecular truth. But this blessing is also her curse, threatening to drive her toward the same madness that destroyed her legendary perfumer grandmother. One devastating review changes everything. When Julia’s brutal honesty about Gabriel de La Tour’s latest fragrance costs her everything, she’s drawn into a deadly game centuries in the making. Gabriel—heir to a perfume empire, haunted by his mysterious blindness to scent—desperately needs Julia’s supernatural nose to find the Blue Oud, a mythical resin promising unimaginable power. But in the shadow-soaked markets of Marrakech and treacherous Atlas Mountains, Julia discovers some fragrances don’t just seduce—they consume. Ancient forces are stirring. Corporate assassins are closing in. And the intoxicating connection between Julia and Gabriel may be the very trap designed to destroy them both.

Why You’ll Be Utterly Addicted:

• Dark Academia Perfection

• Enemies-to-Lovers Fated Mates

• Unique Sensory Magic

• Morally Complex Characters

• Atmospheric Suspense

A masterpiece of dark romantic suspense that questions what price you’d pay for power—and love. Perfect for fans of Patrick Süskind, Tana French, Ruth Ware, and anyone who believes the most dangerous addictions begin with a single, perfect scent.

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-“A delicious dive into the world of scent and legacy.”
-MB

-“What a read! What an intoxicating ride! (…) Midnight Blue has enticed me to explore the notes of the perfumes I wear.”
-ShellSeaker

-“It has a base note of the Da Vinci Code (there’s a ‘get me to a library!’ moment) reimagined with Mr. Darcy and Amelie and Cleopatra (!!!!) which unfolds with my favorite episode from ‘Are you Afraid of the Dark?’ with a strong note of Adaptation.”
-Janel

-“With this one I fell headfirst into a world of scented mystery(…) Kiki Astor has woven an enchated story set in an exotic environment, one that will draw you in immediately and have you entranced for hours on end.”
-Jennifer S

-“Five stars is not enough. This book had me at Chapter one, and I was still wanting even more at the conclusion. Well written, intellectually emotional, and hits every one of the senses.”
-BH