Code Name Gorgeous

by M.C. Vaughan

A spy who hasn’t yet admitted she’s a spy turns her fiancé’s life upside down with the truth in this thrilling, steamy romance.

Love is always risky—but loving her could be downright hazardous.

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 Trust the woman he loves, and maybe they'll make it out of this mess alive.

From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…

Romancing Miss Stone by M.C. Vaughan

Destination Weddings and Other Disasters by M.C. Vaughan

The Friends-to-Lovers Project by Paula Ottoni

Genres: Romance, Audiobook

288 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

M.C. Vaughan is a Baltimore-based author of contemporary romance riddled with humor and local flavor. So, if you want to giggle throughout your sexy stories, welcome! You’ll root for her characters as they fall for their perfect people...and you’ll simultaneously shake your head as they stumble along the way.

She grew up in a house crowded with family, friends, books, music, and the occasional ghost. After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in English literature (and an unofficial major in student-run theatre), she worked in sports marketing, higher education, toy production, and software development.

Currently, she lives in Maryland with her husband and three delightful kids.

Reviews

[Missyreadsromantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Name Gorgeous was a fun, romance-forward international spy adventure. A quick, easy read and an overall good time!

Vivian’s boyfriend John proposes, only to find out that she’s a spy for the CIA. And as soon as he’s told, they’re forced to go on the run. An international world-saving adventure in the world of art dealing ensues.

The story was compelling, I enjoyed the settings abroad, and the pacing was just right. A perfect palate cleanser book!

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Oh God. This sweet, innocent man thought the polygraph machine was art.”

CIA operative Vivian Flint doesn’t reveal her real job—or her real name—to her fiancé until she brings him in for a polygraph test the day after they get engaged. They met while she was on a mission, actively using her alias as Jane Davis, art broker, and so, to John Seymour, Jane Davis is who she has always been.

One unexpected polygraph test and a surprise attack on a CIA office later, John is feeling like this isn’t exactly what he signed up for.

Code Name Gorgeous follows Vivian and John across North Africa and Europe on a mission tied to her work and to what they escaped from back home.

It’s an engagement-in-trouble scenario with John trying to come to terms with being in the dark for so long in the relationship, learning more about who he proposed to, and deciding whether he wants to go through with the marriage and Vivian trying to keep him safe while on the mission and working to accept that he may not want to be with the real her after all.

It’s fun with a mix of adventure and emotional depth, good for fans of Carlie Walker’s The Takedown and Code Word Romance and Ally Carter’s The Blonde Identity and The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold.

The audiobook is narrated by Meg Sylvan. Fans of Carter’s The Blonde Identity duology will be familiar with Sylvan’s narration style; she narrated those books as Emily Ellet. The audiobook is a performance, and I mean that in the best way.

I received an advance copy of the ebook and audiobook from Harlequin, Harlequin Audio, and Harlequin Shameless Romantics. All review opinions are my own.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Harlequinn and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

Jane (Vivian) and John are engaged to be married, a happily ever after just within reach. However. Jane has one more secret to share with John. She is a CIA agent posing as an art dealer. The action picks up quickly and we are soon on a worldwide adventure with Jane and john. Can their relationship survive this sudden detour?

This was such a fun read! I loved the dual POV of our main characters and the underlying mystery we are trying to solve. I really appreciated the banter, and real discussions on rediscovering each other in a new way. This was my first read by M.C. Vaughn and I'm excited to explore more of her reads. I won't share more of details of this story as I think it's best to go in blind and enjoy the ride.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

3.75/5

Globetrotting spy story with banter and action? Sign me up! But this time, with a twist as FMC Vivian Flint is the one living a double life posing as an art dealer and MMC John is the steady normie who installs art exhibits for a living.

All in all, this was a quick and mostly fun read. I loved racing all over North Africa and Europe with Vivian and John, and especially watching John forced into the spy life. I wish we had leaned more into his main personality trait of being high maintenance and rigid but I did love how much Vivian notices his quibbles and takes care of him. The chemistry was a bit lacking between them, but the focus of the story was the quest to bring down the bad guys and a lack of chemistry didn’t affect that.

Thanks so much to Harlequin for the eARC.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The worst part of this book has to be the name, just absolutely atrocious

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Name Gorgeous by M.C. Vaughan

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 1/5 🌶️

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Code Name Gorgeous is a fast-paced, thrilling, and fun read featuring a spy who hasn’t told her fiancé that she is a spy and ends up entirely upending his life. An incredibly engaging and enjoyable story that is great from beginning to end! With a thoughtfully developed plot, lots of action, and many interesting moments, Code Name Gorgeous is a fantastic read!

Vivian Flint is a spy. Her alias, Jane Davis, lives a quiet life as an art broker with an art-handler boyfriend, a dog, and an apartment in DC. Her boyfriend knows nothing about Vivian, which is a problem since they are now engaged. Vivian figures that coming clean is her best option and she hopes for the best. John Seymour is completely shocked when he discovers that everything he thought he knew about his fiancée is a lie. To make matters even worse, they’re both suddenly on the run. After an attack at her office, they’re traveling across the world together to try to solve the mystery. While John is in awe of Vivian’s skills as a spy, he firmly believes that the wedding is off. Vivian doesn’t blame John for not wanting to be with her anymore, but they will need each other for the mission.

Code Name Gorgeous is suspenseful, action packed, thrilling, romantic, and features so many amazing settings. A well written and well developed story, the dual POV of the MCs, the mystery they are trying to uncover and solve, and the banter throughout all make for such an engaging story! Additionally, their genuine connection, their meaningful conversations, and how they rediscover themselves and each other is truly so wonderful! Overall, a super fun and enjoyable read!

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a great time with this book! This is my second M.C. Vaughan book and I think I liked this one even better (the other being Destination Weddings and Other Disasters). I definitely liked the cover better!

Jane and John (not sure if this is supposed to be a reference to Jane and John Doe, assuming it was and it’s so good!) have the perfect life. John proposing is the natural next step and Jane is all too happy to accept…except for the one tiny wrinkle being that she now has to tell him the truth about her life: that her name is actually Vivian, she’s a CIA operative, and she’s been lying to him through their entire relationship.

John does not handle the news well. Unfortunately for him, as soon as he learns the truth, they’re both forced to go on the run. Being thrown into her world, he doesn’t immediately forgive her for lying to him, but he starts to understand why she had to. As time progresses and things get more and more dangerous for them, they also start rediscovering and learning new things about each other.

Vivian is a great main character. So easy to root for. And John is kind of pathetic but in a really sweet, golden retriever kind of way. He’s in so over his head but it’s really endearing watching him try. Vivian is so no nonsense/take no prisoners kind of a personality so he balances her out perfectly. She’s not used to doing these things with someone watching her back and actually caring more about her well being than their own, so it’s a nice change for her having to lean on him, even though he has zero experience with what she does.

This was fun and fast paced and I highly recommend it. Also, finding out why the book is named the way it is- it’s such a sweet reason!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Romance for this gifted ARC!

This was such a cute and short romantic comedy, I really enjoyed it. It almost felt like if Carmen Sandiego had a romance and you got to go along for the ride, but that could just be my 90's nostalgia talking.

Jane and John are just cute and fit so well together. They are opposites that truly attract in the best of ways. John is in for a shock when he finds out the truth about who Jane is and what she does for work, and he struggles with that for a lot of the book. But the way he finds a new respect for her as well, is really endearing.

The romance is a whirlwind, they have their ups and downs while they navigate the chaos of the world they've found themselves in. Jane is involved in a lot of worldwide adventure, crime, and interesting friendships that John gets to observe. I think it helps deepen his understanding of who she is.

This is a very short read, it is under 300 pages, so to be able to portray the kind of humor and connections that are in this book is a huge accomplishment. It was just a really fun time and I loved all of the characters. I would give it a 3.5 star, rounding up to 4 on here and Goodreads because of the lack of half star ratings. This comes out April 28th!

*This ARC was given by Harlequin Romance through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

[charmette.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Code Name Gorgeous, by M.C. Vaughan, is a spy thriller with romance mixed in. Vivian, aka Jane, is a CIA agent whose identity is secret, even from her boyfriend John. When he proposes unexpectedly, she must come clean about her true identity. They soon find themselves traveling around the world in the midst of a clandestine mission. It’s a fun ride!

When John finds out the truth, he wants to break off the engagement. Vivian is in the middle of a covert mission, and they are ambushed in her CIA office in D.C. As they travel through North Africa and Europe, John is quickly introduced to Vivian’s real career and they see each other in a different environment and in a different way.

I liked the dynamics of this couple and how they complemented each other, though more spicy scenes would have been welcome. The plot and their travels are a bit chaotic, but their adventures made this a quick and fun read. I love a spy thriller with romantic tension and I really enjoyed this book. Code Name Gorgeous is the perfect read for those who like Ally Carter’s spy romances.

Thank you to Afterglow/Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Megan O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! The subgenre of spy/action romances has really become one of my favorites this past year, and this book is no exception…it was fun, fast-paced, had a good mystery, and even better - the author is local to me and used so many specific references that felt so right!!!

John is so excited to propose to Jane - but little does he know that her name’s not Jane, she’s actually a spy, and now they have to go on the run to take down some international criminals instead of eloping like he thought!! The fun in this is that the couple is already established, and they have to navigate the truth of their situation and each other rather than figure out how to work together! Even when they’re not in full agreement about their relationship and each other, they know each other so well and show up to support their partner in the best way possible (real love)!!!! On top of that, we get fun spy adventures across Africa and Europe, what more could you need from a book?

Thanks so much to MC Vaughn and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me.

Vivian Flint is living double life.When her boyfriend John Seymour proposed she need to tell him the truth.John didn't expect to learn that his fiancée is a spy,and now they both on the run.Trust shattered will those two survive?From Morocco, Gibraltar, Monte Carlo and Paris John needs to make a choice,is Vivian the woman he wants to marry?

It was an action filled romance that got time flow by.I liked the idea and that a woman was the spy in this relationship.John after a while on the run he fast picked up some spy behavior and was a real help for Vivian.I enjoyed this spy plot,the only thing that give me a pause was a constant action,they had no rest and I was just exhausted for them.That being said it was ages sience I read spy book,and this one was a good choice.My first book by this author and hope to read more.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Payton Box · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so rarely find spy romances and so when I saw this one I knew I had to read it. I also love relationship on the rocks, so how this book started with John finding out Vivian is a spy and he isn’t sure if he’ll be able to stay engaged hooked me from the start. This book is action packed, it never stops, the twists and turns, while John and Vivian are on the run trying to solve an art organized crime ring was so fun.

I was hooked and really enjoyed this book more and more as I continued reading, which I can tell when I like to read at every chance I can get even if it’s only a page. I loved the how vulnerable and honest John and Vivian were with each other, and the want to work things out, but also both knowing there was a chance it wouldn’t. I loved that they tried, I think it really showcases how much they cared and loved for each other which I love in a relationship in the rocks and this one just checked all the boxes for me!

[Lauren | TransportedLFL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin for the advance reader copy. These opinions are my own.

I love romance novels with spies. And this was such fun. John asks Jane to marry him, not realizing that's her alias. Her real name is Vivian, and she needs to take him in for a polygraph and reveal the truth for them to get married. And then all sorts of adventure ensues.

I loved traveling the world with this story. It added so many destinations to my wish list. And I wouldn't mind traveling in style with the money of an international spy. I felt like the book did a great job showing John's conflicting emotions being lied to and also loving Jane/Vivian. At times it feels like a second chance romance, but it also all happens so quickly.

This novel is a quick and fun escape. I would love to read more in this world.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Code Name Gorgeous" is a fun, if completely implausible read. FMC Jane/Vivian is an undercover CIA agent who has fallen in love with MMC John, who only knows her cover story. When he proposes to her, she decides to have him read in on the truth of her double life.= and it all quickly and unexpectedly goes south. Vivian and John embark on a zany multi-country mystery solving tour that is a little spicy, a little dangerous, and a decent amount of fun. Again, reality has no seat on this ride, but that just makes this book a nice little slice of escapism littered with pop culture references. Recommend, especially if looking for something to read by a body of water.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth]

Code Name: Fun!

MC Vaughan never disappoints! Like all of Vaughan's work, Code Name Gorgeous focuses on a smart, capable, funny, kind, and remarkable heroine who the reader can admire. What I love about Vaughan's books is that the romance is rooted in real human connection between the main character and her love interest. While the circumstances the characters find themselves in may be out of the ordinary, the feelings, thoughts, and choices they make are rooted in their humanity. It's easy to root for the love story and the characters in it because Vaughan makes us care about them and what happens to them like we'd care for a friend. In Code Name Gorgeous the beautiful locations leap off the page and make you feel like you're on a world tour without ever leaving home. It's great fun and a great read. I highly recommend!

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this romance. In this, John’s life is derailed after proposing to his girlfriend Jane. Turns out her name is not even Jane, it’s Vivian, and she’s a CIA agent. They get into a wild case and must travel overseas to unravel a conspiracy. All throughout this story, John is still grappling with Vivian’s lies. Is love really enough ?
I really liked the pace of this novel, it was fast with a lot of action. Since it’s described as a spicy romance, there could’ve had more of that, if it’s being marketed that way. I liked Vivian’s and John relationship, they definitely worked well as partners in this adventure. Overall, it was a nice entertaining spy romance !

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I must confess it took me a while to get into this book because John was too much of a sap. He felt like a bit of a Mary Sue character that I couldn't buy what Vivian/Jane even saw in him. But as the action picked up, it was a whole lot of fun and I saw another side to John that I totally understood their chemistry. I loved that this was a romance with an established couple (which I rarely see in romance) as well as the gender reversal with the woman being the kick arse spy. The action was well-paced and I felt fully immersed in their mission. I couldn't predict who was the mole with all the twists and turns. After I finished I bought MC Vaughan's previous books because now I'm hooked on this author.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian is an undercover CIA agent. Her boyfriend, John, proposes and is unwilling drawn into the agency’s covert operations.

An action, adventurous, edge of your seat plot. This started with a bang and the author sustained the pace till the end.

I enjoyed it and can picture this on screen. The dual POV was on point. It was interesting and engaging. I love all the settings-from Washington to Tangiers to Gibraltar to Monte Carlo- there was no dull moment.

The banter, wit and camaraderie between the main characters were incredible. They were opposites but blended together to create an entertaining plot.

Read if you like

📖Espionage
📖Fast paced plot
📖Adventures and actions

I received an advanced copy and my review is voluntary.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

~~~~~~
* review copy received
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/code-name-go...

[meghin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC opportunity!

What a fun, fast paced read! Suspense, action, thrills, romance, and amazing setting and characters. This book has it all! The author’s writing was cohesive and easy to follow. I really enjoyed John and feel like he handles the bombshell news of his girlfriend Jane’s profession really well. I love that Jane is the adventurous one in the relationship in her role with the CIA. I feel like all the chaos helps strengthen the couple’s relationship. There was humor and heart and everything intertwined nicely. Betrayal of trust but also a HEA - overall 4 stars!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian is a C.I.A. agent and good at keeping her true identity secret. When she meets John whilst posing as one of her aliases, Jane is surprised by the strength of their feelings. When John learns she is not who he thought she was, he is understandably hurt and wary, but events force them together on a dangerous journey that makes him see her in a whole new light. It's a fast-paced, spy- orientated romantic adventure with lots of action and humour. It took me a few chapters to get into, but it was worth the effort, and it's an entertaining read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying the couple spy/ romance stories lately and this one does not disappoint. I love that Vivian is the one in the CIA and John is clueless about her occupation until he proposes, they end up on the run, and the adventures begin. The travel settings, the peek into the life of a spy, and the action as they entered the world of art thievery all created an unputdownable experience. The audiobook, narrated by Meg Sylvan, brings the perfect amount of snark, sense of urgency, and underlying dedication to their relationship to make this a delightful escape for a few hours.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Aura C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good fit for me. It’s a short, well-written read that moves quickly and keeps the pacing tight from start to finish. The spy plot adds steady momentum, with light action, travel, and intrigue woven in without getting overwhelming. The romance is straightforward and works naturally alongside the story rather than taking it over. I also appreciated the humor and the way the characters’ dynamic evolves as the stakes rise. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, fast-paced book that’s easy to finish in one sitting and leaves you feeling satisfied rather than rushed.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this was a freaking delight. My inner child, who briefly wanted to be a spy after becoming obsessed with Scarecrow and Mrs. King in middle school, was very onboard with this book and its characters. Pretty sure Ms Vaughan is going to be my forever favorite Afterglow author after this--three winners in a row!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian Flint is a daring redhead who has been living a double life as a spy for the CIA. Under the alias Jane Davis, Vivian is a nondescript brunette working as an art dealer. But her worlds are about to collide when her boyfriend proposes. Finally telling him who she really is couldn’t come at a worse time. Right when her secrets are revealed, the agency is under attack, and the pair are forced to run—putting both their relationship and lives at risk.

An undercover spy on the run with romance on the line and long-buried family secrets revealed? Sign me up! This was a really enjoyable fast-paced spy thriller with just enough romcom and twists to make the time fly by.

Meg Sylvan did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you, @MC_Vaughn and @HTPBooks_Audio, for my free advanced copy of the audiobook.

[Lovely Loveday]

Code Name Gorgeous by M.C. Vaughan follows a spy who hasn’t fully embraced her identity yet, and the fallout that begins when she turns her fiancé’s life upside down with the truth. I found it to be a thrilling, steamy romance that kept me engaged throughout. I really enjoyed the international settings, and the pacing felt just right, making it an easy and compelling read.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable adventure to go on with Jane and John! They are very much in love but when John finds out what Jane really does for a living, time will tell if he can handle it and if they will remain together. Cute spy love story, with exciting discoveries, twists and turns.

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley & publisher for this arc!

✔️dual pov
✔️🌶️ out of five spice


They annoyed me with their lack of communication, this was a chaotic mess they kept jumping from place to place, & some plot points didn't make any sense & were stupid🫣

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so fun! I love a spy rom-com, and this story does not disappoint. I’m off to read M.C. Vaughn’s backlist! Thanks to Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the ARC.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, fun, thrilling book with a fantastic romantic aspect but some impressive vibes. 5 stars. tysm for the E-ARC.