Blackjack's Reviews > Codename Charming

One of my most anticipated books by one of my favorite romance authors was sweet but ultimately did not live up to expectations. I was struggling to pinpoint why this book didn't work for me when it has for many readers I align with most of the time. I think some of my disappointment can be attributed to high expectations given that Parker has written some of my favorite romances. It's also been a while too since she has published a new book, and so the anticipation was running high for me. But when I compare this new one to her previous books, I can honestly say that it is not one I can see myself returning to. I also found myself setting it down for long periods, and so the story clearly lacked urgency for me. I landed on the word "sweet" to describe it since it is at heart a romance with a great deal of kindness between the two main characters and also one without much conflict, or at least internal conflict.

Pet and Matthias are drawn to each other the moment they meet and have an undeniable physical attraction. We are told repeatedly (too much so!) that Matthias is quite unattractive, even to the point of scaring people, but Pet sees innate traits that resonate with her. Matthias is a protector with a strong value system based on justice and fairness for how the world should function. Pet too has a strong moral code that defines how she lives her life, and she and Matthias recognize this commonality in each other. This sense of simpatico is perhaps an unusual basis for a romance but it does work here in this book and has a clear logic to it. As they get to know each other in their workplace at the Palace, they discover that they share a similar childhood history of supreme loneliness and neglect. Parker's trademark "grumpy/sunshine" trope is here to an extent, but it didn't really serve much purpose since Pet and Matthias are aligned from the beginning with a sense of their belonging.

External events provide the substance of their long drawn out romance. They serve the Palace wholeheartedly - she as an assistant to a highly placed member of the royal family and he as a senior bodyguard. When farcical events require them to fake date, they have a legitimate reason to explore their attraction. The fake dating trope felt a little stale here and serves really as the reason they can entertain their infatuation but also the reason for conflict between them. I didn't feel that this book offers anything new in this type of popular plot. I also am not keen on the royals as a background to the story, but that is my own personal issue and may not bother other readers. We are meant to accept that the royals are special, and commoners like Pet and Matthias should be honored to serve. Okay, then. External conflict is resolved largely because the Palace sanctions the romance, and who are Pet and Matthias to doubt that resolve.

The book has some charming and funny moments involving the main characters trying their best to maintain order in a sometimes dysfunctional work environment. Otherwise for me, the book was fine but unmemorable.