Codename Charming: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Description

FollowingBattle 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 royals giant, intimidating bodyguard, Matthias. Pet and Matthias are polar oppositesshes spontaneous and enthusiastic, hes rigid and stoicbut she can sense theres 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 hes 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...

Reviews

"Parker returns with an endearing and equally humorous follow-up to Battle Royal with a serious but gentle bodyguard, an adorably sunny assistant, and a cast of secondary characters who deserve books of their own." Library Journal Lucy Parker writes deliciously fun enemies-to-lovers perfection! Tessa Bailey, New York Times bestselling author Only an author as deft and gifted as Parker could seamlessly mix these things into one tale and have them come out as perfectly calibrated, delectably sweet, and emotionally layered as a masterful wedding cake." Entertainment Weekly on Battle Royal "Lucy Parkers books are marvels of wit and warmth and empathy, and Battle Royal is no exception. Its as delicious as the cakes baked by Sylvie and Dominic, from first page to last. I swooned, laughed, wept, and loved the story wholeheartedly, and I cant wait to reread it ASAP." Olivia Dade, national bestselling author ofShip Wrecked "Parker is a writer who knows her audience, and she keeps raising the bar when it comes to warm romances and charming tropes. Opposites attracting over delicious cakes and the fearsome thrill of competition are a heady combination as Sylvie and Dominic's chemistry snaps, crackles, and pops off every page. The slow burn of the romance is tantalizing and well paced, though there is plenty of setting and detail to take in while readers await the inevitable happily-ever-after. An utterly delicious romance that's meant to be devoured." Kirkus Reviews(starred review) on Battle Royal "Parkers winsomely witty and whimsically inventive contemporary romance is truly scrumptious. From the zippy dialogue and humorous banter exchanged between the books perfectly matched protagonists to the delectable descriptions of sweet treats that would not be out of place in Willy Wonkas factory, this deliciously sexy love story whips up everything romance readers crave." Booklist(starred review) on Battle Royal "Delightful, funny, romantic, and surprisingly emotional, Battle Royal is Lucy Parker at her best. A wonderful must read romance that I could not put down." Kristen Callihan, New York Times bestselling author "Lucy Parker's Battle Royal won my heart with its effortless effervescence and deep notes of aching poignancy. I adored this tale of rival bakers who forge an unexpected connection while vying for a royal commission." Ruby Lang, author of Playing House As magical as its heroines confectionary creations, Battle Royal is absolutely enchanting. Lucy Parker is the Michelangelo of grumpy + sunshine. I gobbled this book up! Rosie Danan, author of The Intimacy Experiment "There are so many things to love about this book! Its wit and warmth; the deft way Parker weaves in aGreat British Bake Off-like competition; the scintillating royal secrets. But my favorite by farwas watching the icy hero melt into a puddle at his sunshine heroine's feet. Battle Royal is the perfect reading-slump buster, and once again proves why Lucy Parker is the Queen of the Grump." Therese Beharrie, author of One Last Chance "Battle Royal is Lucy Parker at her best! This book is the coziness of your favorite baking competition show with the snipe and spark of a great enemies to lovers romance. Try and have a snack handy while you're reading this one ... you will get hungry from all the delicious descriptions while Dominic and Sylvie bake, banter, and fall in love." Jen DeLuca, author of Well Played "Brimming with pop culture references and quick wit irresistible banter and even more irresistible chemistry The result has all the fun of a fluffy rom-com, with the emotional catharsis of a more dramatic romance. Publishers Weekly "With a perfect trifecta of endearing characters, superb use of the enemies-to-lovers trope, and a chemistry-laden slow burn, this excellent start to Parkers newest series is one readers will rush to dive into." Library Journal(starred review)

Author Bio

Lucy Parker is a former BBC documentary maker. She moved into business as a coach to executives on strategic communications. Today she is well-known as a top corporate advisor. In government, she led the UK Prime Minister's Taskforce on Talent and Enterprise.