📖 Max, a chef, is down on her luck, lacking confidence and trust in herself after her restaurant goes under during the pandemic. Now working for a catering company, she never expects the CIA to show up and ask for her help. A cool $5 million is tempting, as Max owes a lot of people she loves money for their help with her business. The downside? She would have to be the decoy for a prime minister who is the target of an assassin. Assured it will feel like an Italian vacation, Max agrees. When she meets her handler, she questions everything again - because he was the one who got away: Flynn, a summer romance from years ago. Forced to work together in close quarters, the two thwart assassins, fake a relationship, and try to keep out of trouble. Can Max escape this mission with both her life, and heart in one piece?

💭 This was the ultimate escape! Fun, fast paced, hilarious mishaps, some suspense and mystery, and the *chef's kiss* (pun intended) tension between Flynn and Max is perfection. The side characters were quirky and so loveable. Who doesn't love an overbearing hotel owner, or a ranch dressing obsessed roommate? I loved Max's character - so relatable! It was fun to see her confidence grow through something so far out of her comfort zone (chef turned spy??). Sometimes you just need to try something that's absolutely out of left field! I loved Flynn's support of her future and, you know, life 😆. They made quite a team in more ways than one! If you're looking for an absolute adventure, a fish out of water romcom (think Miss Congeniality!), with a second chance romance - add this to your TBR!

I like the setting on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, and the plot that involves two women who could be identical twins. Drama follows when Max is asked to impersonate her double, Sofia, a prime minister of a small European country who is on a trip to Italy.

The romantic interest makes the story more interesting, as Max's CIA handler on the trip, Flynn, is a former lover. There is suspense when the two have to flee and hide from would be assassins who want to take out the prime minister Sofia. The book lost me, though, when Max morphs into another personality, suddenly becoming a daredevil involved in drama on the scene. I wish she had remained in her original character, someone who needs Flynn's help to dodge killers while she impersonates Sofia.

I did enjoy the first part of the book, however.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a link to this. Unfortunately, I didn't get very far in before I lost interest. I just felt like I've read a version of this before ("failure" millennial gets put in a crazy situation with her ex) and I wasn't in the mood for a sort of silly spy romcom. Not for me, but I'm sure a lot of other readers will enjoy this for a beach read.

This was a fun second chance romance. In her wildest dreams Max wouldn’t have expected to become a CIA asset and working in Italy as a double for the vacationing Prime Minister of Summerland. Turns out Flynn, Max’s former flame and current CIA handler, is the surprising reason her life has come to this. Comedic moments, dangerous situations, and an over the top plot combine with a beautiful setting for an entertaining story. My first Carlie Walker book and I look forward to seeing what she writes next.

I need Code Word Romance made into a movie and put on Netflix like yesterday.

When I read The Take Down by Carlie Walker, I knew I found a new favorite author. Code Word Romance cemented this. Walker creates action-packed, suspenseful mysteries with the feel of a romantic comedy. The romances, while not front and center, are emotional and sexy. The side characters and settings are spectacular and add depth to the storytelling.

Margaux "Max" Adams and Flynn Forrester have my whole heart. The yearning, the tension, the emotions. So, so good. I rooted for them the entire time. The assassination plotline was a bit ridiculous but in a good way - simultaneously hilarious and dangerous at the same time. It was also exhilarating and cinematic, keeping me on the edge of my seat, second-guessing all the characters, and rapidly turning the pages. The writing is fantastic and everything a romantic comedy should be. I had so much fun reading this. I can't wait for all of you to read it, too.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is an over the top rom-com involving assassins, doppelgangers, the CIA and rogue vespas. It's a fun page turner that I devoured in a day. Put the reality aside and enjoy the wild ride. Also enjoy the side of romance with an over the top good looking handler, that just happens to be the the heroine's teen love years before.

This perfect read is just what you need to get you through those remaining cold days of winter! love carlie and her writing

This book felt like watching a movie! Oh how I loved it. I requested because I loved the premise, and not going to lie, because the hero gives me Glen Powell vibes in the cover. It’s my first book by the author but it won’t be the last. The romance was perfect, the plot was extremely engaging and the side characters (Calvin) stole my heart.

The plot! I expected romance and some humor and a little banter but the side of mystery was so exciting

CODE WORD ROMANCE by Carlie Walker is a fun adventure with a side dish of second chance romance!!

Max is struggling, working front-of-house in a catering business after her restaurant closes its doors. When a mysterious CIA agent shows up with an offer of a "simple job" with a quick payout of 5 million dollars, who is Max to say no?? Only it turns out the "simple job" is anything but simple and her CIA handler is none other than her first (only?) love!

Suspend a little belief with this one and you'll love it. The setting of summer in Italy was the perfect escape for a little winter storm weekend read. Max was brave, and as we got to understand her guilt and her wanting to take care of those who took care of her, you want her to succeed even while begging her to stop putting herself into trouble for this Prime Minister! And enter Flynn - I think he more than made up for what happened in their past. The one thing maybe missing from this one? More development on Calvin, he was the gift that kept on giving though!

Thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for an ARC of this one in exchange for an honest review. Code Word Romance comes out March 18th, make sure to grab a copy!!

I had so much fun reading this novel. The characters felt so real and I fell in love with them. I immediately connected with Max and how intelligent she is and the way she perceives others. The banter and chemistry between Max and Flynn made me smile and even laugh out loud.

I enjoyed the constant sense of danger and need to be vigilant that Max and Flynn experienced. The mystery is also really good. I did allow myself to suspend my belief that Max could do some of the "official" things she did, but only because the writing is so good. Each night, I couldn't wait to dive back into this book. Thank you to NetGalley for my digital early copy.

3.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed the author’s last publication so I thought I would give this one a shot as well. I like her concept of the story as it was definitely a different plot than what we normally see.

The author certainly gave us plenty of twists in this book and I felt the romance portion was secondary to the action and suspense.

Personally, I was looking for more in between the two main characters. I felt that their connection was good, but the story lacked that intrinsic connection and passion, focusing more on the suspense/espionage factors. The secondary characters were a big part of this story adding depth and dimensional factors.

Code Word Romance is an enjoyable story that keeps you guessing. It is entertaining and completely standalone in terms of the plot. I wanted more depth to the romance. Otherwise, this is a fun, fast-paced, and exciting story that pumps your heart.

Who doesn’t want an all expenses paid trip to Italy, staying in 5-star resorts, seeing the Mediterranean and historical sights with a handsome man? The catch: that handsome man is the one that got away and assigned to be your CIA handler while you double for a foreign dignitary on her annual vacation to help thwart an assassination attempt on her life. Still interested? ✈️

This is a second chance romance about a wildly unrealistic (in a light and fun way) ex-chef turned CIA asset and her first love turned CIA handler. I enjoyed the easy and clear, well-paced prose that was sweet and funny.
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🥰Romantic comedy
☕️Travel & adventure
🇮🇹Second-chance romance
🍝Body guard x protectee
📍Italy
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Thank you Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for this complimentary ARC - all thoughts are my own! 📚
Publishers release date 3/18/2025

I don't read a lot of adventure romance books, but this was such a fun one! It's a lighthearted, over the top fun read. While the action was fun, I didn't feel a really strong connection with the characters. They could have been a lot stronger to match the storyline.

This was a fun adventure romance. I wasn't the biggest fan of the Carlie Walker's first book but I really enjoyed the writing style. I love this kind of romance book so I was excited to give Code Word Romance a go. I was not dissapointed. I really liked both our main characters and the story overall was fun. This was just the quick pallet cleasing book I was looking for. I'll definitely reccomend this to romance fans and will be keeping an eye on the author's future projects.

Rated 4 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.

Carlie Walker is back with another fun, action-y rom-com! THE TAKEDOWN was one of my favorite Christmas books in 2023, and my five-star review held up on my re-read this year. I couldn't wait to get my hands on her next release!

If you read THE STAND-IN by Lily Chu, the concept of CODE WORD ROMANCE is similar. A totally normal girl has been approached to act as a body double for someone famous. The twist here, though, is that Max's handler is her hot ex, Flynn. This book is hot, steamy, hilarious, and action-packed. Flynn is the most protective bodyguard, despite Max routinely disobeying him.

I loved that Max wasn't content to just be a bystander when things went wrong. She, perhaps inadvisably, did what she could for the leader of the made-up country she was standing in for. It made for a great read!

This sophomore novel has cemented my love for Carlie Walker. I'll certainly be following her closely in the future!

Code Word Romance follows the life of Max, an average girl facing overwhelming financial troubles and working odd jobs to make ends meet. When she discovers her uncanny resemblance to Sofia Christensen, Europe’s youngest female prime minister, her life takes a dramatic turn. The CIA approaches her with an enticing offer: a staggering $5 million to pose as the prime minister during her annual vacation in Italy, where Sofia is under threat from assassins. As Max navigates the luxurious yet perilous world of espionage, she must also confront her past when she discovers her CIA handler is none other than her ex, Flynn. Tension mounts as the pair grapples with their unresolved feelings while dodging threats and trying to maintain the façade of political power. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Italy, this contemporary romance is packed with action, humor, and a slow-burn romance that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Code Word Romance is a delightful blend of modern contemporary romance and thrilling espionage. It tackles relatable issues such as financial struggles, second chances and sexual tension in close proximity, while immersing readers in a glamorous vacation setting in Italy. With its witty humor, fun plot, and entertaining characters, this book offers an escape that perfectly balances romance and adventure. Ideal for readers seeking a fun, lighthearted story with a touch of suspense and heart, it promises to keep you flipping pages while dreaming of sunny Italian shores. This book is set to be published March 18, 2025. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an ARC of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing a DRC of this title.

Code Word Romance was definitely a light, fun book with a touch of adventure and romance. Some of the humor may be an acquired taste, but I think fans of Carlie Walker’s first adult book, The Takedown, or other recent spy/heist romances (like Ally Carter/Sara Desai/Eliza Jane Brazier) will enjoy this one too. Perfect for an afternoon by the pool or beach!

It was a cute romance with lots of action and lots of humor, it was an okay read for me. Things were a little convenient, and some scenes were very unrealistic, but if you are looking for a comedy with nonstop action and a second-chance romance, this story is for you.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the eARC.

Code Word Romance is a high-concept rom-com with all the makings of a thrilling escape: mistaken identity, sizzling chemistry, and the stunning Amalfi Coast. The premise—Max, an ordinary woman, doubling as a prime minister on the run from assassins—is fresh and fun, with plenty of opportunity for intrigue and romance.
Max is a relatable heroine, and her fish-out-of-water moments as a fake prime minister bring plenty of humor. Flynn, the brooding yet swoon-worthy CIA handler, adds sparks to the story, especially with the tension of their shared past. Their dynamic has its moments of charm, but their rekindled romance often feels rushed, with the deeper emotions taking a backseat to the action-packed plot.
The Italian setting is lushly described, and the glamorous backdrop elevates the story. However, the blend of romantic comedy and thriller doesn’t always hit the right balance. The assassin subplot feels underdeveloped, and some of the twists are a bit too convenient.
Code Word Romance is an enjoyable read if you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, escapist rom-com. While it doesn’t fully deliver on its thrilling premise, the chemistry, humor, and stunning scenery make it worth a visit. Perfect for fans of adventurous romance with a touch of danger.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!