Code Name Gorgeous by M.C. Vaughan: Review

I have to admit, I secretly love it when the guy is the star of the show in a story. This guy… he is a perfect character for this book.

This upcoming release is a spy thriller and romance combined. For a fast-paced story, this is a great one to check out! Read my thoughts below.

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Code Name Gorgeous by M.C. Vaughan
Publisher: ‎ Afterglow Books by Harlequin
Publication date: ‎ April 28, 2026
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1335001474

OVERVIEW:
Vivian Flint knows danger. Intrigue and combat are all in a day’s work for a spy. Her alias, however, lives a quiet life. Jane Davis is an art broker with a gorgeous art-handler boyfriend, a dog and an apartment in DC. Said boyfriend knows exactly nothing about Vivian, which is a problem—since he just proposed. Now Viv is coming clean and hoping for the best…

John Seymour just had the rug pulled out from under him. Not only is everything he knew about his fiancée a lie, but suddenly they’re both on the run. After an attack at her office (which might involve a criminal ex and bioweapons?!) they’re scrambling through air ducts and fighting off goons. Who is this woman jetting them around Morocco, Gibraltar, Monte Carlo and Paris? She may be sexy and strong, but the wedding is definitely off.

Vivian can’t blame John, but for the moment, they need each other. His mission, should he choose to accept it: Trust the woman he loves, and maybe they’ll make it out of this mess alive.

Code Name Gorgeous by M.C. Vaughan Review

I love spy thrillers, and when we get one that is combined with a romance, it definitely calls my name.

The author delivers a solid, fast-paced story with a unique and fun plot, as long as you can learn to live with someone who has been lying to you for a year. Figuring out how the author is going to salvage that nightmare is part of the journey.

With the main characters gallivanting across parts of Africa and other Mediterranean countries, it was easy to get a bit lost in the secondary characters. Continually moving, there are some places where it is hard to keep track, but as the story develops and the plot thickens, it becomes a more addictive story.

I really enjoyed John’s character. He was the star of the show for me. He was a perfectly developed lead and balance to Jane/Vivian, whom I had a tough time liking in spots.

Overall, Code Name Gorgeous is a fast-paced, action-packed spy thriller with the right levels of romance to balance it out. Fun stuff, and while I did get lost a bit in the beginning, the last half of the book and the ending made up for it.

4 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Affiliate links included. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest, and your opinions may differ.