Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Ally Carter for the gifted eARC of The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold! All opinions are my own.

I think it’s safe to say: I’m in love with this book.

This entire book is a call-back to a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it line of foreshadowing we got in the first book. I mean, I never could’ve predicted how much I’d adore this couple, and how they fell in love. I mean it’s clear to me that in a world of fictional storytellers, one woman holds all the intel on how to pull off a flawless romantic spy novel… And that’s Ally Carter.

I won’t spoil a thing (the synopsis is intentionally cagey for good reason), but just know this: the chemistry is off the charts, the danger is real, and the forced proximity trope is flawlessly executed. The way the story bounces between flashbacks and present day lets you really understand these characters—their history, their heartbreak, and why they’re so perfect for each other.

If you liked book one, you're going to devour book two.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
My review was posted to Goodreads on 7/31/25.
Amazon review will be posted on 8/05/2025.
My Instagram will be posted on 8/16/2025.

Okay, I loved every minute of this book y'all. The first one didn't really make a impression on me, but this one's premise and story telling was just chef's kiss.

I loved the characters of Alex and Michael so much. The enemies to lovers aspect was so well done, too. And don't get me started on the pining. The PINING! Michael was always so down bad and I loved it. They also had some tooth-rotting fluffy moments that made me swoon while I was reading.

Now, was this the best mystery book? Probably not. But, I had such a good time that I don't even care. The plot twist was predictable and so was the whole mystery aspect. But the exposition at the end really made the story so much better and tied everything in a neat little bow.

And that epilogue? So. Cute.

3.75⭐

LIKED:
- There is something just so fun about this duology. There’s the over-the-top spy antics, the inflated stakes, the frankly silly comedy. It’s just really entertaining.
- I really like the dynamics between the leads. I understand why they’re so drawn to each other and they’re chemistry works quite well.
- I like Alex, especially in juxtaposition to her sister’s depiction in the first book (who I generally also enjoyed).
- King is also a fun lead and I appreciated getting his POV. I found a lot of his motivations to be more intriguing and interesting than Alex at points, however.
- This cover is even better than the first one and I love that one. But the reflection? In the glasses?! SO good.
- The title is fun. It’s very 007, golden-age spy movie.

LAMENTED:
- This book is around 100 pages longer than the first one and, unfortunately, it drags whereas the first one did not. The dual timelines really cut into the momentum, and in what feels to be a really backwards way. We get wayyyy more time with the past versions of the characters and so little time with them in the present. Some of the chapters in the present are incredibly short and it’s honestly frustrating.
- While I like both of the characters, their core wounds were repeated ad nauseum. Alex talks about her sister having been sick or them being so different or something along those lines in nearly every chapter. It did not need to be told to us that much. And we hear about what happened to King’s family a lot.
- I found King’s character arc to be…disappointing? I’m not saying he didn’t need to go through a major change from where he started, but where he started and where he ended feel too disjointed for me.
- The pseudonym culmination needed wayyyy more build for it to be justified in its payoff imo.
- The epilogue was not for me. Check my CW for why if you want the spoiler.

LONGED FOR:
- Less drastic cuts between timelines
- A bit more brevity (less repetition of known character and story aspects, etc.)
- More build to the climax in regards to character work for a more impactful payoff

Will I read the next one? : Oh for sure. I’ve liked both of these and really enjoyed Most Wonderful Crime…

I liked the story concept and enjoyed the characters. I loved the tension of “will they/won’t they” throughout the book. But unfortunately, the multiple timelines could be very confusing. Since the timelines didn’t alternate each chapter I would forget which time the characters were in and this distracted me.

This book was just as much fun as the first one!!! The adventure, the tension, the twists, and the obvious chemistry! The timelines felt a little too much but I loved learning how the main characters got to where they were in their relationship and careers. It was also fun to see how it fit into the timeline of the first book! I appreciated that it was even more close door than book 1 but nothing explicit was on the pages but kisses.

Ally Carter continues to be one of the few authors who can pull me into genres I don’t typically reach for. I’m not a regular spy novel or romantic suspense reader, but her writing always hooks me. The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold delivers on everything I’ve come to expect from her: solid pacing, engaging characters, and romance that stays at the core of the story.

Alex Sterling and Michael Kingsley joined the CIA on the same day ten years ago. He’s a third generation legacy who can blend into any crowd; she stands out no matter where she goes. They’ve been drawn to each other from the start, but five years ago, King left the agency and since then, their relationship has run hot, cold, and eventually froze over. That is, until they wake up handcuffed to each other in a dark room with no idea who wants them dead. Forced to work together despite a messy past, they have to figure out how to survive and who’s behind their kidnapping.

While the spy plot is well-crafted, it’s the character work that really makes this book shine. Alex is smart, independent, and driven, shaped by a childhood where she was often overlooked in favor of her chronically ill sister. King, meanwhile, is the classic exasperated hero. From Alex’s POV, he comes off cold and incredibly rude, but once we get into his head, it becomes clear that he's completely obsessed with her. Watching them navigate their complicated dynamic was a highlight.

I haven’t read The Blonde Identity, the first in this series, mainly because I was burned out on fake dating at the time. Luckily, The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold works perfectly well as a standalone. The dual POV and timeline structure fill in everything you need to know, and the plot only overlaps with book one briefly at the end. Feel free to pick this one up even if you haven't read the first book.

If you're in the mood for a fast-paced, emotionally satisfying read with a strong romantic arc, this one is well worth picking up. 5 stars.

This is a spy romance with dual POV and timelines. This book is the sequel to the Blonde Identity, following Zoe’s twin sister, Alex.

We get past and present timelines, from Alex meeting Knight to present day. I’m not a huge fan of timelines that jump back and forth, especially from multiple perspectives. It was necessary for context but it definitely took me out of the story.

Otherwise I enjoyed the enemies to lovers, slow burn tropes. Would recommend if you want to read a spy rom-com.

Absolutely Loved!! Ally Carter has truly cracked the code for spies that kiss, and I will eat it up every time. I think I liked book one a little more (but only because my brain sucks at following multiple timelines) but the angst and banter between these two. GIVE. ME. MORE.
I also did 100% cry when she listens to the voicemails,. talk about an "it was always you" trope.

This was a one day read for me, so what else is there really to say?

The sequel to The Blonde Identity, this time we get Alex's story, her CIA operative days and her romance with Michael Kingston. Absolutely loved this book even more than the first one. The only issue I have (and it's small), was the way the timelines jumped all over. But you do get Alex's POV and King's and it's the greatest chemistry since Zoe and Sawyer. The author sort of teases another (maybe, hopefully) at the end.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon for this digital e-arc.*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

Ally Carter has such a knack for delivering fun, fast-paced spy rom-coms, and The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold is no exception. It’s a mix of action, banter, and just enough romance to keep you grinning, all wrapped up in that over-the-top, self-aware humor that makes this series so addictive.

Alex is a spy who’s every bit as sharp as she is charming, and I loved how she completely owned her wit and competence. King, on the other hand, is her total opposite- broody, serious, and infuriatingly protective- but their dynamic is electric. The dual POV and dual timelines worked really well here, showing how their relationship evolved (and imploded) over the years, while the present-day storyline throws them into life-or-death situations where they’re literally handcuffed together. It’s ridiculous, but in the most entertaining way possible.

There’s a good balance between the romance and the action, with plenty of undercover missions, snarky dialogue, and moments that will make fans of the “touch-her-and-die” trope swoon. That said, the constant push-pull between Alex and King dragged a little at times, and their teasing sometimes bordered on overly sharp, but once they started breaking down those walls, it felt worth the wait.

If you liked the first book in the series, this one definitely delivers that same fun energy. It’s clever, fast-paced, and just the right amount of romantic chaos. I really hope Ally Carter keeps writing in this genre, she’s nailed the spy-romance vibe.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ally Carter does it again! Banter, Closed door, spy Rom Com? Yes please!

The Blonde who Came in from the Cold follows the story of Alex and Kind, two seasoned spies. It goes throughout current day and their backstory of their connection and friendship. This is the second book in the series following the Blonde Identity. I think this book could be a standalone, though reading the first one does help with world building and understanding of the characters ( I read the first book back in February so i felt great starting this book!)

Dual perspective and dual timeline! I love have Dual POVs between Alex and King, sometimes between the timelines, and perspective I felt like I was getting pushed around a bit and it got a little confusing to keep track. Though, the chapters are short so it makes for a fast pace read!

Overall 4 stars! Such a fun read. Thank you kindly to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC. As a teenager who grew up loving the Gallagher Girl series, this book scratched the “kick ass spy” book itch I didn’t know I still had. I was hooked right from the epigraph (iykyk). This was such a fun read with a lot of fun twists and turns. I loved the banter between Alex and King, how electric their chemistry has always been and seeing how much of a simp King is for her.

Ally Carter's newest adult novel has everything that readers have come to love about her work: suspense, humor, and delightful romance. The Blonde Identity made me quite interested in Alex's story and this book knocked it out of the park. The different timelines, incredible chemistry, and connection to Zoe and Sawyer's experience made this such a great read. The kids and teens who read her young adult work have grown up and this story is the perfect companion. I've picked up every one of Ally Carter's books since I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You and I will continue to do so for as long as she keeps writing.

Thank you Avon/Harper Voyager and Harper Audio for the early copies (digital and audio) of this one!

I grabbed this one at the recommendation of a friend who has read this author prior - and I’m so glad I did!

This book was fast paced and fun from start to finish. I really enjoyed the dual timelines, it kept me so engaged in the story and not wanting to out it down. I loved how the past timelines were relevant to the current timeline as well. The characters and this story were so funny. I had a great time with this one.

NARRATION: this was a spectacular audiobook. I love these 2 narrators, thought I’ve never heard them together on the same book. They both nailed it, and embodied the characters so well. This was a wonderful performance and their narrations complimented each others, along with the writing style of the book.

I would definitely check out more from this author!

Anyone looking for a fun, quick read should check this one out. Think a romcom but SPIES. It’s silly, but it works!

More spy antics from this sequel to The Blonde Identity. This follows Zoe’s twin Alex during two timelines - the present and the events from the beginning of her spy training leading up to the present. It has a little mystery, a lot of spy action, is fast paced and has a second chance slow burn romance. Although I think it could be read as a standalone, the first book adds to some of the side characters. It was a quick, entertaining read.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

If you are looking for a spy romcom reminiscent of the movie Miss Congeniality, then this book is for you!

The second in The Blonde Identity series, The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold is a fun time. For fans of forced proximity, second-chances, you'll relish in the pages of these tropes. I'll absolutely continue this series after its cliffhanger, as I'll want to revisit its characters.

Rating 3.5

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon

MICHAEL KINGSLEY THE MAN THAT YOU ARE.

I thought I loved Sawyer in The Blonde Identity, but Ally Carter really got me with this man who has been DOWN BAD crying at the gym for Alex since day one! And if you love Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes, you are going to LOVE this book!

TBI delivered so many delicious micro-tropes, but this one gives so many, too!
-One Bed (multiple times)
-Fake married (multiple times)
-"Who did this to you?"
-He washes her hair!
-Chicken fingers as a love language (adding for fun)

This book is structured so differently from TBI - which is a fairly straight forward spy book. TBWCIFTC has multiple timelines, but I promise it's not confusing. All the time jumps fit perfectly into the present narrative. And the flashbacks make you appreciate where King and Alex are more. They also made me fall more in love with King. I will once again say THE MAN THAT YOU ARE!

I also loved getting to "see" Zoe and Sawyer again.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
Ally Carter and her spy books never misses!! She's also one of the only people that will get me to read a second chance romance.
I grew up on Gallagher Girls so I knew when she made a new adult spy series, I would also eat it up. Ally's books were what definitely made me want to be a spy when I was younger!

The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold follows a dual timeline between Alex Sterling and Michael Kingsley. Two spies that have done countless of missions together, but they also hate each others' guts... or do they?
The dual timeline was my favorite in establishing their prior history with the situation they face currently. The opening scene was actually iconic for this book. And Kingsley can easily make a girl swoon with how he takes care of Alex!! I had a great time reading this book, I devoured over half of it in just one sitting.


Thank you Avon for the ARC!!

Thank you to the publisher for the free eARC and ALC!

Rating: 5/5 stars

The sequel to THE BLONDE IDENTITY follows the enemies to lovers second chance story of a pair of spies who can face anything…except their own feelings.

I binged my way through this series in only a handful of sittings and I have no regrets. I am absolutely obsessed with these books, and I think this one might have even been better than book one for me. The pining, the yearning, the way Michael is SO down bad for his woman???? Yes, please, give me more. I am so picky when it comes to second chance books but this one is everything I love about the trope and I completely devoured it.

I’m sure these are great “eyeball” reads as well, but I loved the audio, which is engaging with fantastic narration. I felt so immersed in this world and these characters, and I am honestly upset I have no more to read. I really hope this series continues, and in general I am so on board for whatever Ally Carter writes next!

CW: Mild violence, including gun violence; injury; discussions of mental illness/grief

3.5⭐️
I didn’t like this as much as the first book in the series but it still had some good moments. Enemies to lovers and secret spies—always a good time. I’m usually not the biggest fan of past/present dual timelines and this unfortunatly fell into that category. All the time jumps made the story convoluted and hard to follow. I enjoyed these characters though and that we eventually got some more background on her relationship with her sister.