It’s not often you run across a book that is so unique that it just makes it almost impossible to stop reading.
The story is almost a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with such wonderful imagination and colorful descriptions. It will be on your mind for a long time after you close the cover. Read my full review below.
Codename Charming by Lucy Parker
Publisher: Avon (August 15, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-0063040106
Synopsis:
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…
Codename Charming by Lucy Parker Review
From page one, I knew this was going to be an impactful book. The author has developed a story loaded with descriptive prose that catches you off guard in a surprising way. I had to slow down a few times to grasp everything that she is loading into the story but once I got familiar with the writing tempo, it was great!
The author certainly has a way with words. She delivers quirky conversations that are a tad flowery and wordy but delightful in a dry, witty way.
This story is part two in a series and while there were a few instances I had to figure out what they were alluding to, most of the book was easy to follow. Regardless, this story can easily stand on its own with the unique and endearing royal court characters that are forever trying to stay out of the eye of the paps (paparazzi), the rags, and social media.
Codename Charming is a fun, wacky, romantic twist of a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Parker delivers an entertaining and witty story that will surely have you laughing out loud and leave you with a smile on your face.
4 STARS!
Disclaimer: 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.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.