Code word romance

This thrill-filled contemporary from Walker (The Takedown) finds chef Max in dire financial straits after her restaurant goes under, forcing her to work for a barely livable hourly wage with a second-rate catering company. It also just so happens that she could pass for the twin sister of Sofia Christiansen, prime minister of the fictional European country of Summerland, where Max's grandmother was from. So when it becomes clear that someone is trying to assassinate Sofia, the CIA recruits Max to serve as her body double on a trip to Italy--for a $5 million payday. The surprises keep coming: when she gets to Italy, Max finds that her handler is her ex-boyfriend and first love, Flynn. Soon, Max and Flynn are dodging bullets, getting into motorcycle chases, and evading assassins at every turn--all while falling in love again. Readers will feel transported to Italy as they, like Max and Flynn, try to piece together who is behind the assassination attempts. The tightly plotted mystery is leavened by moments of laugh-out-loud humor and endearing supporting characters, especially the scene-stealing Giorgio, a bumbling but jolly hotelier. Walker's sophomore novel is sure to please existing fans and win her plenty of new ones. (Mar.)

Margaux "Max" Adams has hit rock bottom. Her prized restaurant has folded, and she is left owing a lot of money. Her life takes a monumental turn when she receives a visit from the CIA. Turns out that Max looks exactly like Prime Minister Sofia Christiansen of Summerland, and they need Max to go to Rome as a body double until a threat to the PM can be neutralized. Arriving in Rome, Max discovers that her handler is the one man she's always loved. Fighting secret assassins and impersonating a head of state are nothing compared to fighting the feelings that continue to grow as the two former lovers hide behind their disguises and indulge in their true desires. Who is trying to assassinate the prime minister, and how can a washed-up chef from Maine foil this international plot? Nothing is as it appears to be in this fast-paced action/mystery romance from Walker (The Takedown). VERDICT A sharply written novel with surprise comedic twists. Readers will enjoy this tale of two ex-lovers who are reunited by espionage and who ultimately find true love as they race through the beautiful streets of Italy, trying to stay alive.--Judy Garner