Codename Charming

A Novel

A New York Times Books Review Best Romances of 2023 pick

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…

Easy enjoyment

Overall a good listen. Sometimes it was hard to understand the MMC’s parts and I wasn’t at the edge of my seat or anything, but still enjoyed it.

cute with more depth than expected

cute story and good sequel, but the sound mixing was really not good. when she did the male voice, it was so low and deep it was hard to hear

l got used to the reader

In the beginning I wasn't sure I could listen, the narrator got on my nerves, especially her whispered voice of Dominic. I got used to the narrator after taking a a break and I'm a fan of Lucy Parker and I the end became hooked and enjoyed listening.

Just a lovely, stress-free listen

I have really enjoyed Lucy Parker’s previous books and went into this one with high expectations that were ultimately met. I actually really liked the narrator’s work here, too, but will agree with previous commenters that the main male character’s ‘voice’ took me out of the story.

Greatly enjoyed

I adore Lucy Parker stories and was so glad to finally have Pet & Matthias’s book.