Ally Carter is an auto-buy author for me. The second book in an interconnected standalone series follows two rival CIA spies who have an enemies-to-lovers history, but who haven’t spoken in years. They find themselves being hunted down by a common enemy & are forced to work together to survive. This stirs up issues & feelings from the past. Can they work together to bring about a new outcome & survive?

I cannot recommend this book enough! Really just Ally Carter herself! I was pulled in immediately with her writing & she has the best banter that just makes me laugh out loud. A great book to pull you out of a slump & take you on a spy adventure.

Thank you to netgalley & the author for an arc. All reviews are my own

I really liked the Blonde Identity. This one was so hard to follow with the two timelines (three timelines?) going on. The jumps were hard because it all felt like one fluid story; the character arcs weren’t clearly defined so I couldn’t find growth from ten years ago to five years ago to now. I really like Ally Carter overall (The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year was amazing) but this book just didn’t land well for me. It felt all over place. Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy!

I went into this one without reading the first book, and honestly? It totally worked as a standalone. The plot fills you in where it needs to, and from page one, it’s all systems go.

This is such a fun, fast-paced spy story—with just the right mix of action, twists, and humor to keep me flipping pages. I had a great time with it from start to finish.

What really sold it for me was the dynamic between Alex and King. They’re both incredibly likeable on their own, but together? Gold. Their banter, their teamwork, the slow-burn chemistry—it all felt effortless and believable without ever tipping into cheesy or overdone territory.

There are some great twists (a few legit surprised me), and I liked how the story balanced its high-stakes moments with lighter, witty ones. It had a bit of that classic spy-movie energy, but with heart.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC—I had a blast with this one!

These characters were great. I wasn't quite sure going into this book about Alex as I did reread the first book and she just seemed so cold. You find out why throughout this book. I loved both MC and loved that our favorites from the first came back too for a bit. The story was well written and I am so glad that I gave it a chance. Ally does an amazing spy novel and I will continue to gobble them all up.

I grew up devouring Carter’s pre-teen spy books, so I was thrilled to see her bring that same charm, wit, and suspense into the adult space. The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold is a perfect continuation of the series—blending romantic tension, espionage antics, and a heroine you can’t help but root for.

The spy premise was such a blast, striking the right balance between danger and humor. I loved seeing familiar elements of Carter’s signature style—clever dialogue, unexpected twists, and female leads who are just the right mix of capable and vulnerable.

If you were a Gallagher Girls fan, this feels like the natural grown-up evolution of that world. I can’t wait to see what Carter does next in this series!

**Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC. All opinions are my own.**

Alright I will start by saying this, I have loved Ally Carter since the year 2006. I will devour any book this woman writes. When I read The Blonde Identity, I was so happy to have a grown up version of the Gallagher Girls books. Now, reading this second book, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed reading it. I loved getting to see Alex’s life. I mean this whole heartedly. But this book was kind of a mess. I think all the constant time jumping did a disservice because while narratively it was incredibly important to set up things, it caused me to feel discrepancies between them. Or see similar things repeated over and over. If you like The Blonde Identity, read this. But it may be a little messy

What a fun novel! I had no clue that I needed a spy + romance novel in my life. Ally's novels are full of suspense, cozy mystery, and closed door swoony romance.

The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold chronicles Alex (the spy twin sister from the first novel) and King. They meet during spy training and are pure adversaries. I won't give more than that! It's enemies to lovers, perfect banter, slooooow burn, and so much fun.

I do feel like you could read this as a stand alone! It's beneficial to read her first in the series (The Blonde Identity), but it isn't necessary.

The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold drops August 5, 2025.

Overall, I enjoyed this one! It was a bit easier to follow than the first book and helped clarify some of the events from that one. The multiple timelines were interesting, though a bit tricky to track at times, especially when they overlapped in the same setting. That said, I loved the banter, and the story wrapped up nicely.

Rating: 3.5⭐️

The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold was a great follow up to The Blonde Identity. I’m very curious if we will see a third installment??? A novella?????

The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold is a dual-timeline, dual-POV story following two emotionally unavailable CIA-trained spies throughout their careers. The tension is instant between the two characters, but their relationship truly grows and changes mission to mission. Ally Carter’s humor really hits a new peak in Cold Blonde, but balances it well with the overall seriousness of the Two Spies Getting Kidnapped vibes. Alex gives us a more realistic sarcastic ass compared to Zoe’s almost overly exuberant ray of sunshine attitude.

I would argue Cold Blonde has less spy action than Blonde Identity, ironically, but really spends its time developing the relationship between the two main characters. I really think Ally Carter has hit her stride in the adult genre and Cold Blonde marks an improvement on both of her previous adult novels. As always, I’m ready for whatever she graces us with next.

I’d personally recommend reading Blonde Identity first before diving into this novel. The spice level is low, implied/closed door content.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ally Carter’s team for approving my ARC for review!

Thank you netgalley for the arc!!

What happens in Scotland doesn't always stay in Scotland....

Alex and Michael are spies who meet the first day of spy school and immediately the banter and tension got me hooked!!

This was a super fun, fast-paced, spy novel that is told in dual pov and dual timeline. Michael is down bad for Alex!!

The dual timeline was a little confusing for me, but I really enjoyed the flashbacks.

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Second chance
Spies
Dual timeline

Genuinely charming! I found this one to be much improved versus the previous installment in the series. I thought the main characters, Alex and Kingsley, were much more likable and realistic. I think the back and forth of the timelines worked great in revealing their backgrounds and their various missions little by little. Once I reached the 30% point it was almost impossible to put down. I think this can be a great entry into Ally Carter's works, but also serves as a great treat for people who've been with her since the Gallagher Girls (like myself). The plot twist at the end was genuinely surprising to me, which I liked. I do appreciate how this ties into the end of the Blonde Identity, though I don't think you would be lost if you hadn't read that one. I still don't like Zoe's character and find her reactions and dialogue to be completely frustrating and unrealistic. However, I think the way she was used in this story was clever. I think that Ally's romances have definitely improved with each new book, and I'm excited to see what she does next. This is a fun and compelling summer read perfect for your next vacation.

As a former Gallagher Girl turned adult romance reader, I’m so so so happy Ally Carter has been writing more adult spy romances! I love them all and this one is no exception. The story follows Alex and King — and their yearning that spans 10 years of tension, banter, and covert operations. It’s fast paced with timeline and pov hopping that adds to the mystery of their romantic journey and the present situation they find themselves in. I was really impressed with how the story unfolded and did not anticipate the plot twists! Highly recommend to former Gallagher Girls and (light spice/steam) romance readers who also want a little mystery and adventure.

This one was such a fun ride! Ally Carter blends spy-thriller chaos with second-chance romance in the most entertaining way. From the very first page, you’re thrown into the action as King and Alex—rival spies with a complicated romantic past—wake up bloody, bruised, and handcuffed together. Honestly, I was hooked.

Alex is giving major “Legally Blonde but make her lethal” energy, and I loved how witty and sharp she was. King brings that classic broody, protective vibe, and the banter between them kept me grinning. Their dynamic is tense, layered, and full of spark.

Told in dual POV and split timelines, this book jumps between their earlier spy years and their present-day mission gone wrong. The chemistry, the reluctant teamwork, the fake-couple missions—it all works so well! It’s self-aware, a little over-the-top in the best way, and perfectly balanced between heart-pounding moments and laugh-out-loud snark.

Even though I haven’t read the first book in this series, I didn’t feel lost at all. The story stands strong on its own, and now I definitely want to go back and read the first one. If you love high-stakes romance, witty dialogue, and characters who are a little messy but lovable, this is a must-read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own!

I still cannot believe I got to read this Arcand I am so grateful! Ive been so excited for this since the cliffhanger of The Blonde Identity and this did not disappoint! Cannot wait to share this on pub day!

This book was amazing. 5 stars. I think part of what makes this book (series) so good is that it’s different. It has a perfect blend of humor, mystery, romance, and descriptive places and characters. At first, I wasn’t sure about the back and forth between past and present, but she wrote it well. I loved the characters, the storyline, the plot twist. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone.

the blonde who came in from the cold arc review! 💙!!!
INSTANT 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
reading this early was a dream come true- my middle school heart is exploding. i fell in LOVE with ally carter’s books as a teenager and now as an adult, i can happily say nothing’s changed. beyond my love for her books, this series is truly a work of art. i have loved every second of it and i am PRAYING FOR A BOOK 3. without giving anything away, if you love spies, suspense, romance and rivals- this has everything you need. her plot and storyline are addicting & i honestly will never stop raving about it.
reading book 1 and then having book 2 to continue painting the big picture of these two sisters was everything. i loved the dual timeline & how each place coincided with a part of their mission- it kept me HOOKED.
you’ll probably be hearing from me again about this but until then, if you haven’t yet, read book 1 and PLEASE go preorder this one- it’s so worth it 🤩

what a fun read ! I took off half of a star because I feel like there’s some plot holes/world building holes that don’t really make sense but because I had a good time while reading this book, I’m still rating it highly

I also am annoyed that a lot of time has passed since the first book of the series came out so I didn’t really feel excited when the characters from the last book we mentioned because I forgot they existed

Anyways, I did really like this book. It’s like if those borderline chick flick spy romcoms were made in novel format and I really enjoyed my time here.

I really like the balance of angst versus humor. The main character is Alexandra Sterling. And the guys name is Michael Kingsley the third. They are both very good spies.

Can’t wait to see what this author writes next !

I’ve been waiting for the moment to get Alex’s story since finishing the first book. I had so much fun with this one! Always a fan of enemies to lovers. The tension. The banter. Add in some spy action. All adds up to another wonderful book from Ally.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.

Michael and Alex are enemies to lovers who were never really enemies but crushes who were scared to admit their feelings for each other. They’re like magnets constantly pushing and pulling each other as their lives are a dance around each other until they realize they were the only two ever on the dance floor.

From the moment they met at a hotel bar their chemistry was linger just below the surface. This is a closed door romance, but as you jump back and forth from their past missions to their current dilemma you can see two emotionally unavailable characters open up, just for each other.

Ally Carter writes spy stories. I would never guess how accurate the “spy” element is, as I’m sure all future spies show up to training with a “Future Spy” hoodie. However, what I can say confidently is that it is a great story. Whether you grew up reading the Gallagher Girls, enjoyed the first book in this story, or are picking this book up with no knowledge of the Ally Carter universe, it’s a great read.

There is a lot of character and world building that introduces different villains, with the final boss being a fun and exciting twist. Rarely can I say I enjoy a sequel more than the original book in a series, but I would recommend this book to everyone. It has enemies to lovers, traveling around the world, pining, angst, and a rollercoaster of will they or won’t they.

I enjoyed this! Ally Carter shines when she is writing spies doing spy things and this was much more in evidence in this book than in its predecessor The Blonde Identity (because Alex is actually a spy, instead of just thrown into them). I also liked Alex and King's history and it made the romance feel more real. They make such great partners in the field and in their case, that translates very well to romantic partnership! The past and present timelines built both the plot and their relationship very well, with the right clues and write emotional beats dropped at the right moments.

I also enjoyed the role Zoe played in this book, both as someone Alex thought about constantly (and how that affected Alex herself - a nice counterpoint to the role Alex played to Zoe in The Blonde Identity) and when she actually appeared herself! And now I want a whole book that is just the twins getting up to spy shenanigans.