Codename Charming

By Lucy Parker

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Palace Insiders #2

Publisher: Avon

Source: Received a finalized copy in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 4.75 Stars

Amazon Indiebound

Description:

Following Battle Royal, beloved author Lucy Parker pens another delicious romantic comedy about a fake relationship between a grumpy royal bodyguard and the charming, sunny assistant who melts his cold, hard exterior.

Petunia De Vere enjoys being the personal assistant to lovable, bumbling Johnny Marchmont. But the job has its share of challenges, including the royal’s giant, intimidating bodyguard, Matthias. Pet and Matthias are polar opposites—she’s spontaneous and enthusiastic, he’s rigid and stoic—but she can sense there’s something softer underneath that tough exterior…

For Matthias Vaughn, protecting others is the name of the game. But keeping his royal charge out of trouble is more difficult than he imagined because everywhere Johnny goes, calamity ensues, and his petite, bubbly assistant is often caught in the fray. Matthias hates the idea of Pet getting hurt and he’s determined to keep everyone safe, even if it means clashing with his adorable new coworker.

When a clumsy moment leads to a questionable tabloid photo, the press begins to speculate that Pet is romantically involved with Johnny. To put an end to the rumors, the royal PR team asks Pet and Matthias to stage a fake relationship and the two reluctantly agree. But as they spend more time together outside of work, they begin to wonder what real emotions this pretend connection might uncover. Especially when a passionate kiss leaves both of their heads spinning… 

Review:

I’ve been having a tough month and my reading has definitely be suffering. That said, Codename Charming was a delightful escape from reality and exactly what I needed at this time. Pet and Matthais are… chef’s kiss. This book is a fake relationship but one that I really enjoyed. Tabloid gossip about Pet and her boss leads to fake dating between Pet and Matthais to try to put an end to the rumors. And leads to really hot make out scenes and adorably sweet moments between the couple. Matthais is so broody and yet sweet and I just wanted to give him and hug… and become best friends with Pet. The other cast of characters from Rosie and Johnny to Pet’s brother and sister-in-law are just as fun to read about and really add to the story. In addition to fake dating, we’re presented with Pet’s family mystery and Matthais is there to support her to the messy emotions. Pet, in turn, supports Matthais as he reconnects with his family after a lose. In addition to the sweet and sexy moments, we get flat out hysterical ones with a parrot! Codename Charming is definitely the book I needed!

Published by SomewhereLostInBooks

I’m Melisa! I’m an avid reader. I love romance novels and decided, hey, why not write about what I love and hate about the genre. And my favorite books. And when I get to meet authors. And all round why romance novels are awesome. Expect a lot of fan-girling, laughter, and some tears. View all posts by SomewhereLostInBooks