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

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication 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.

[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.*

[LM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Name Gorgeous by M.C. Vaughan is an action-packed, high-energy spy thriller with a suspenseful, romantic twist. I swear—it’s got everything.

As far as innocent John knows, his girlfriend Jane is an art broker, and John hangs art installations. They’re basically a match made in heaven. They get along wonderfully, the chemistry between them is phenomenal, and they even share a dog. Jane is John’s ideal woman—so much so that he proposes after only a year of dating. He knows she’s the one.

But Jane—well, Vivian—has another job. She’s in the CIA. Yes, that CIA.

Here’s the problem: John doesn’t lie. Ever. And he doesn’t like liars. Meanwhile, Jane—Vivian—has been lying to him for an entire year. As far as John is concerned, the wedding is definitely off. There’s no way he’s marrying someone who suddenly feels like a complete stranger.

Unfortunately, their relationship problems may have to take a back seat… because now someone is shooting at them.

I loved the pace of this novel—it never slows down. And John… what can I say? He’s absolutely, adorably perfect. How can you not love John?

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fast-paced action with a strong romantic thread. You’ll come for the espionage, but you’ll stay for the romance.

Thank you to M.C. Vaughan, Harlequin Romance, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[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.

[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.

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there anyone on the planet that didn't grow up thinking how cool it would be to be a spy? Well, John gets his chance when he finds out his fiancee has been lying to him about her job. Every relationship has it's low moments, nothing a little jaunt through Europe, safe houses, dye jobs and goons can't fix.

[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.

[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.

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

Fast paced spy thriller and romance. Fun stuff. I did get lost a bit, but figured it out. Review to come