First off s/o to to netgalley for the arc!

I wanted to love this book so bad, but I could not get into it. The concept was so cute, but I lost interest at the 60% mark! If you love beauty and the beast retelling definitely add this book to your tbr! overall it was a cute read!

Lucy Parker does it again with the second book in her “Palace Insiders” series!

This charming book follows Petunia, the PA to a bumbling royal, and Matthias, the bodyguard. It’s the grumpy sunshine, fake dating, slooooow burn book of your dreams!

I love nothing more than a romance that gives us true depth of character, and this one did just that. By the end of the novel I truly felt like I knew these two. And was, of course, rooting for them.

The Codename Charming is a heartwarming book that serves lots of humour, swoon worthy romance and an entertaining plot line. If you enjoy grumpy meets sunshine, workplace romance, fake dating, and opposites attract; then this book definitely should be added to your list. It is jam-packed with enjoyable characters and warm fuzzies. Overall, I loved it

Will I ever not be a sucker for a grumpy-ish bodyguard with a huge soft spot for the sunshine-y heroine?
Absolutely not. I will eat it up every single time and this was no exception!

I feel like the term ‘romcom’ can be so overused when classifying romance novels but this book walked the line of funny and heartwarming so well. The romance between Pet and Matthias was beautifully done and there were scenes that were gripping in the best way but there were also some laugh out loud moments where I had to set the book down for a second. (Yes, I mean the parrot scene and the pay-off from it at the end.) It was balanced very well and neither genre negated the other.

I love the glimpses we get into the FMC and MMC’s pasts and the ‘why’ behind who they became. It was done well without seeming like Lucy Parker was giving the reader a roadmap; it felt very organic. Also, I loved the secondary characters and the support they provided to the plot and characters without feeling superfluous or unnecessary.

I love a slowburn but I feel like it was a bit too long; I wanted more of Pet and Matthias as an actual couple as opposed to a fake couple. Additionally, as much as I like a book with no third-act breakup, it felt like there was just something a little lacking at the end in regards to their relationship.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and the theme of finding and making your own family! I’d recommend giving it a read! ♥️

Will I ever not be a sucker for a grumpy-ish bodyguard with a huge soft spot for the sunshine-y heroine?
Absolutely not. I will eat it up every single time and this was no exception!

I feel like the term ‘romcom’ can be so overused when classifying romance novels but this book walked the line of funny and heartwarming so well. The romance between Pet and Matthias was beautifully done and there were scenes that were gripping in the best way but there were also some laugh out loud moments where I had to set the book down for a second. (Yes, I mean the parrot scene and the pay-off from it at the end.) It was balanced very well and neither genre negated the other.

I love the glimpses we get into the FMC and MMC’s pasts and the ‘why’ behind who they became. It was done well without seeming like Lucy Parker was giving the reader a roadmap; it felt very organic. Also, I loved the secondary characters and the support they provided to the plot and characters without feeling superfluous or unnecessary.

I love a slowburn but I feel like it was a bit too long; I wanted more of Pet and Matthias as an actual couple as opposed to a fake couple. Additionally, as much as I like a book with no third-act breakup, it felt like there was just something a little lacking at the end in regards to their relationship.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and the theme of finding and making your own family! I’d recommend giving it a read! ♥️

Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Parker, and Avon Books for allowing me to review in advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

Goodness this book.

When I tell you that I had high expectations for this book, I am NOT kidding. Battle Royal is one of my absolute favorite romances - I have a ridiculous amount of highlights in it that I repeatedly go back to when I need a pick me up. I've been looking forward to Pet and Matthias' book since reading that epilogue and let me just say...this book blew my expectations out of the water.

A fake dating, almost bodyguard romance, this book is GIVING all the tropey goodness I want in a romance. I think I've seen this referred to as a beauty and the beast esque story and I sort of get it but also it is it's own beautiful and wonderful separate thing. Matthias is all grumpy stoic protective giant energy and Pet is giving sparkly eccentric kick ass energy and the two of them together are electric.

When I tell you no one writes casual intimacy the way Lucy Parker does. This book is a sloooowww burn but every slight touch between these two is CHARGED. And when they finally do get together? O...M...G. I'm not kidding when I said I was staring open mouthed during that scene in the cabin...

I adored this book - I can't wait to revisit all my highlights. I loved everything, the side characters, the tragic backstories, the ornery cats and all the little glimpses we get of Sylvie and Dominic's happily ever after.

I also balled my way through that entire epilogue so take from that what you will.

Five enthusiastic stars from me.

Thank you SO much to Avon and NetGalley for letting me read and rave about an early copy of this book.

I couldn’t think of a sweeter title as “charming” is what this book is all about. The second book in a duology with Battle Royal, Codename Charming is Pet (Dominic DeVere’s sister) and Matthias’s story. The set up could not be any better: thwart the paparazzi and news media from their (inaccurate) suspicion that Pet is having an affair with her VERY married boss and Royal, Johnny Marchmont, by having Pet enter into a fake-relationship with her PPO to the Royals coworker, Matthias. Pet and Matthias must put on a showmance for the cameras in order to distract the paparazzi, and as with any good fake relationship romance story, our hero and heroine start to blur the lines between what is fake and what is real once they’re forced to interact.
This is a slowburn of all slowburns as Matthias is reluctant to allow himself to open all the way up to Pet. He is a hulking giant of a man who is the very embodiment of an intimidating protection officer—he is stoic, quiet, and immovable and described as a beast of a man, yet none of this drives off Pet. She is the beauty to his beast, petite, beautiful and effervescent and yet she is the only one who really sees Matthias. There is so much sweetness and delicately intimate moments between these two, but really only one bedroom scene. If you love forced proximity, fake dating, and Grumpy/Sunshine then you will enjoy all the tender moments between Matthias and Pet. They’re easy to love and it’s fun to see how they slowly reveal themselves to one another.

Moments that stood out in Codename Charming:
-Matthias’s nickname for Pet (swoon!)
-The entire parrot nabbing, trapped in a room fiasco—this made me laugh so hard!
-Pet cutting silhouettes and Matthias whittling wood
-Rosie’s confession

I think I could’ve done with a reread of Battle Royal because there were a few side characters I had forgotten about (Jay and Mabel). I loved seeing Sylvie and Dominic again, just as much into each other as they were in the first book, but it felt like a long time since I had read their story. The only reason I wouldn’t give this five stars is because the slowburn takes a little too long and I would’ve loved to have a few more scenes with Pet and Matthias where they are an actual (not fake) couple. Codename Charming has some truly magical moments and I know I’ll continue to pick up Lucy Parker in the future. I received this ARC from the publisher.

Heat Factor: After several interrupted moments, they do finally get to bone in the woods

Character Chemistry: They are very in tune with each other

Plot: Fake dating for PR purposes

Overall: Lucy Parker is very good at the thing she does

Here we have a grumpy one and a sunshine one who are working together and are pushed into a fake relationship in order to manage the paparazzi. Readers of Lucy Parker might say, “Um. I’ve read that one before.” And, well, you wouldn’t be wrong, but you wouldn’t be right either. Parker does have a thing—the grumpy-sunshine courtship novel—but each one offers a slight variation.

In this case, Pet and Matthias are in the public eye not for themselves, but because they both work for Johnny Marchmont, recently married to one of the British royals. I think he’s a prince consort? I don’t know how titles work. Anyways, Pet is his PA; Matthias is the lead of his security team. So they show up in the background of many a press conference. Now, British tabloids being what they are (read: gross), there are rumors that Johnny is having an affair with Pet. Simultaneously, the Internet Youths are shipping Matthias and Pet. Obviously, the best way to drown out the tabloid nonsense is to really give the Internet Youths something to scream about. Enter Codename Charming, aka Pet and Matthias do a fake relationship for the media.

As you might expect, Matthias the bodyguard is the grump here. He’s big (like, really really big) and taciturn and very very serious about security. Pet is the sunshine. She’s petite and can’t sit still and sometimes want to break the rules so that Johnny can have a little bit of fun. It might seem like they are opposites—grump and sunshine, tall and smoll, rule-maker and rule-breaker—but beneath the surface, they share similar core values and experiences. They both have protective instincts about a mile high and serious childhood trauma.

I would say there’s a good bit of angst in this romance, as one would expect in any good fake relationship story. Here the angst is mostly frontloaded; Pet and Matthias worry about proper boundaries and what it means that their relationship has a timeline (which will be determined by their bosses). Once they start locking lips their chemistry is explosive enough that they don’t really fall down the rabbit hole of “but is this fake relationship that feels real actually real.” And they don’t just have physical chemistry. They are also just really in tune with each other, which Parker shows with small moments, such as them referencing books by the same (fictional) author. Or Pet covering mean Twitter comments about Matthias’s looks with her thumb so he won’t see them.

Codename Charming is perhaps less funny that some of Parker’s previous books. This is not necessarily a negative, but is worth noting given that it’s being touted as a “delicious romantic comedy,” per the blurb. The bit where they play glitter paintball is pretty entertaining (perfect moment to show off those protective instincts, natch), but I would call this book charming rather than comedic. These two lovebirds lean serious, so there’s not much banter here.

Look, Parker may have a standard thing she does in her romances—but she is very very good at it. This romance is solid.

A note about the epilogue:

I wish I had read this book before we recorded our last podcast about epilogues because this one’s a doozy. I’m not sure that it falls into the “absolutely memorable” category, but it sure is doing a lot of things. In fact, this epilogue has three parts, each of which serves a different epilogue function.

Epilogue Part 1: One day after the final chapter. Wraps up the secondary storyline about Pet’s family history. (Family history was a big part of Battle Royal, where there were dual mysteries—the royal one and the personal one—but the family mystery here is much smaller and more contained.)

Epilogue Part 2: Several months later. A window of domestic bliss as Matthias and Pet move in together. More importantly, a shared memory is unearthed which reinforces Matthias and Pet as perfect partners—perhaps even fated to be together.

Epilogue Part 3: More months later. Wedding! Woo! Let’s have a partay!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

I enjoyed this story. Having not read the first book in the series I was confused at first by the characters, but once I understood who everyone was I enjoyed the story and how Matthias and Pet stand up for one another.

This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. This book was everything I was hoping for in this follow up to Battle Royale (one of my favorites from last year) and I have been anxiously awaiting it since the moment I finished the first book.

This book is heartfelt with depth and humor balancing. Pet and Matthias were so well written with complex backstories and internal growth/conflict that you can't help but fall for both of them too. The emotional connection that we see develop is beautiful to read and completely different than the first book. I was worried since it was another grumpy sunshine this would be a case of same book, different font, but this book takes the tropes in completely new directions and each book is wonderfully unique.

I enjoyed seeing all the side characters again as well as many new ones (the shit talking parrot being a personal favorite), and I can't wait for more books in this series.

I have been DYING for Pet and Matthias’s book since I read Battle Royal, and it did not disappoint. With a fake dating scheme between a sunshine personal assistant who fiercely protects her loved ones, and a grumpy and stoic bodyguard who is secretly the biggest teddy bear, it is bound to be a fast favorite, and is definitely one I will be rereading.

First things first, Pet and Matthias are legitimately soulmates in every sense of the word. Lucy did such a beautiful job of crafting their love story, letting it unfold from both of their perspectives. From the parallels that only the reader can see, to the way their initial assumptions about each other are continuously altered, there is no doubt by the time you finish the book that these two are DESTINED to be together.

Just like in Battle Royal, the supporting characters in this book were an absolute delight. Each and every one of them stood out and stole my heart. I loved Pet and Matthias interacting with the other characters in the story just as much as them spending time with each other, which is a testament to Lucy’s strength as an author.

It also bears mentioning that the subplot surrounding Pet’s family had me hooked (I was seated, and I was SHOOK at the outcome).

Overall, this book was wonderful in every possible way. With an amazing cast of supporting characters that create the best found family, and a story that will both tug on your heartstrings and make you swoon, it was the fake dating, opposites attract romance I have been dying for.

Quiet, super trope-y, and sweet, Lucy Parker’s newest release is sure to delight her fans. In Codename Charming, she employed a lot of themes I enjoy in a Romance novel — Beauty and the Beast, Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine, Workplace Romance (between equals), and Fake Dating. Throw in height difference and a little bit of a “fated mates” vibe and it’s hitting all my soft spots.

Life isn’t always easy … Neither is love. But they’re sure as hell worth fighting for.”

Pet and Matthias are so wonderful together all the way from Battle Royal that their attachment is truly believable despite the pretend beginning of their relationship. I love that they are both present in practically all the scenes in the book. The reader can really see the natural progression of their love story.

This book has Lucy’s signature wit and quirky characters, but perhaps it needs more of the first and less of the second. It could also use more humor and snappy banter and fewer subplots. While I like a slow burn, the pacing here could have been sped up a tad. I liked this story but it’s missing some of the verve that characterized Lucy’s earlier works.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, sweet, steamy and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.

I'm not a huge fan of the fake relationship story lines, but love the marriage of convenience trope. I'm a true contradiction. I reviewed the first book in this series, Battle Royal, and absolutely adored it. The second novel, Codename Charming by Lucy Parker, opens a few years after the events of the previous one. Petunia (Pet) De Vere has been brought on as a PA to the husband of the royal princess, Johnny Marchmont.

Matthias Vaughn, is the hard-nosed rule enforcing bodyguard to HRH. Orphaned as a young child and with no one to care for, he pours himself into his work. Noticing and secretly loving Pet, he figures she'd never give him the time of day, let alone pursue a relationship. When fate steps in and with one unfortunately timed photo, Pet and Matthias are forced to fake a love affair in order to save her reputation. Will this fake relationship transition to a picture perfect connection?

While I'm not sure I enjoyed this as much as I did Battle Royal (it's E2L, guys...come on), this is absolutely lovely. I think 'Charming' is the perfect word to describe it. It didn't knock me off my feet, per se, but it is undeniably enjoyable.

The low points for me are the back stories for both characters. I think a lot of time is spent describing very minute and inconsequential moments when we could rather be delving into Matthias time in foster care or Pet's relationship with her step-father. We are told that she has a spotty track record when it comes to relationships, but we don't see this nor do we get enough backstory to really diagnose why.

Matthias is wonderful though. He's a book boyfriend that everyone will love. Cinnamon Roll hero with pockets as deep as Hermione Grangers beaded bag.

There is no 3rd act break up nor is there really a huge conflict. So if you are looking at low stakes, this is your book.

A fun, witty retelling of beauty and the beast and while it is a sequel, it can be read as a standalone (I did--and I'll be going back to read book 1!)

The writing was much more descriptive and flowery than your typical rom-com so the style took a little bit of getting used to, but once I did, I really enjoyed it!

This book is top notch humor, so many truly laugh out loud funny scenes with the characters caught in absolutely ridiculous circumstances!

The romance is a slow burn, but the interactions are very authentic and the chemistry is adorable. I also appreciated the unexpected emotional depth throughout the romance and how the characters use that depth to grow together.

This book was so boring. The romance was cute but I didn't feel a connection to the characters at all. I think the writing style just isn't my taste.

I received an arc through netgalley.

⚠️Please be aware that this review contains spoilers⚠️

I waited two years for this book to come out and the wait was absolutely worth it. I don’t think I could have loved it anymore.

Pet and Matthias had such a soft and sweet slow burn story.

I love how Pet defends him. She is always getting so offended on his behalf if someone says anything about his appearance.

Matthias was such a cinnamon roll and would do anything for Pet.

In terms of steamy scenes this was a very slow burn.

I loved the mystery that Pet and Matthias were trying to solve about her past.

The end of this book (last chapter and the epilogue) was just so sweet. I absolutely loved that there was no 3rd act breakup and their declaration of love to each other made me swoon. The epilogue was just the cutest and I can’t get over how much I love these two.

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

CW: Rough childhood, death of loved ones, mugging.

A funny, fake dating romcom featuring a stoic bodyguard and a bubbly assistant to the Duke, Johnny. Pet (short for Petunia) has been working for Johnny, who constantly finds himself in trouble due to his clumsiness and Pet is the one who tries to fix it all. After Johnny stumbles and falls against Pet, a tabloid photo starts gossip that they are having an affair. The royal couple and their team decide that Pet and Matthias should fake date to stop the rumors.

This is a slow burn romance that starts to get a little middling. I wanted more “action.” I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine relationship and it was cute overall.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for this eARC. Codename Charming is out now.

Bubbly Petunia enjoys her job as PA for a shy but affable royal spouse. Stern bodyguard Matthias seems her opposite in every way, but she senses he has a softer side. When the paparazzi invent a story that Pet and her boss are having a fling, the palace devises a story that Pet is actually involved with Matthias. Will their staged romance turn real?

This is a strongly character-driven romance with pratfalls added for comedy. The plot feels like a series of vignettes. If you like highly emotional romance with heavy themes and physical comedy, this book is for you.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A delightful addition to the world Parker has created.

A romance full of grumpy/ sunshine and glorious fake dating was an absolute hit.

I love, love, love Lucy Parker novels. Set in England and written by an Australian, they just feel different than romance novels written by American authors. You can’t help but use descriptive words like cheeky, brilliant, and gobsmacked when faced with this well-written romance. OK, I’m over that moment of British humor, but really I did really enjoy Codename Charming. Pet was a favorite side character of mine in the previous novel and she and Matthias’s romance was set-up with the gift of a charming little teddy bear.

Once she and Matthias were fake-dating, you really got to see inside of his surly exterior. He was just a big ol’ teddy bear, just like the little one he gave her. A little dusty and mangled, but he had a heart of gold. That was truly when this novel shone, those sweet quiet moments between the two of them. However, I did love the crazy slapstick comedy that Johnny added to the mix.

I have to mention that if you’re a fan of Battle Royal as I am, you will get your fix of Sylvie and Dominic with a couple of wonderful chapters. I love seeing a glimpse into the future of past favorites, and theirs is rainbow bright. Dominic and Pet also have some great brother-sister moments that provide that family insight that one of the subplots in this novel really needed to round out Pet’s character.

Codename Charming was aptly named. This novel was charming, fun, and romantic. Surprisingly it also had a lot of depth. Pet had insecurities that were addressed in this book as did Matthias. Their support of each other through these moments also helped cement them as a couple in my eyes. It can’t all be rainbows and butterflies can it? Life happens, and you need someone strong by your side. They both got that in the other in Codename Charming. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!