⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
Third Person POV | Dual Narrative
Dual Timeline
Book 2 in Series: Can be read as a standalone. Don’t have to have read Book 1 (The Blonde Identity) in order to follow along.
FMC: Alex Sterling MMC: Michael Kingsley (“King”)
Setting: All over the world
Genres: Caper, Crime, Mystery, Suspense, Action & Adventure, Romance
Content Warnings: Violence, Blood, Death, Amnesia, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Espionage, Gun Violence

This caper heist adventure follows Alex and Michael in the present day while flashing back to their earlier missions, both together and apart, since first meeting 10 years ago before starting “Spy School.” The way the dual timelines and dual narratives are written is super impactful and provides a more in-depth plot as they confront their pasts together and navigate current challenges and secrets.

I loved reading the clever schemes and intense obstacles they faced, both physically and mentally. The level of mystery, suspense, and action is so well done, keeping the pace sharp and stakes high.
Also, the settings change so much since this is a caper but each new location was vividly written and described in effective, immersive detail that it didn’t get overwhelming or lost. Reading the characters’ adventure through so various environments added more complexity and excitement to the story.

The loathing and dislike Alex and Michael share with each other brings a mix of humor and tension that kept me wanting to see more of their sensual chemistry and banter. I appreciated the moments of vulnerability and humility which made their romance feel more relatable and genuine. Even though their romance was a sub-genre it still added an emotional weight to plot.
With that said, I personally would’ve loved a bit more open door romance, and Ally Carter writes in a way that suggests she could definitely deliver some great steamy, sexy scenes. Other readers will appreciate that the romance and “spice” isn’t the main genre here and doesn’t overpower the caper heist theme.

The perfectly balanced humor, adventure, mystery, and romance made this such an entertaining, gripping read! I absolutely love caper heists with romance!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing an ARC of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved the sarcasm and the banter throughout the book! Sometimes this can be something an author uses too heavily and as a reader I am over it a quarter through the book. This was light and fun and had me giggling as I read. I like the steady growth in the relationship between Alex and King and the innocence it holds until the end of the book. This is definitely more for young adults or high school readers which I think books are harder to come by for that age range. I was also really impressed with the flow of the story line, it was fun, it was a little mysterious, and it was catching. I also really enjoyed the way the author was able to jump from past to present without causing confusion or weird jumps that you had to go back and make sure you were reading in the right tense for the time frame. This was really well written and I enjoyed reading it from start to finish!

The Blonde Who Came in From The Cold - ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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PUB DATE: August 5th
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FEATURES:
-Romantic Suspense/Romantic Comedy
-Dual POV & Multiple Timelines
-Two Spies Fall in Love
-They can only trust each other
-It has always been you
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LOVED:
-Clever Humor and Banter
-Spy Missions & Mystery
-Lots of flashbacks that build a love story years in the making
-Loads of Twists
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Disliked:
-Very minor dislike: I don't love a cliffhanger at the end of an Epilogue
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The way Carter pulled off a well-developed, years-in-the-making love story while also weaving in some of the funniest lines and spy missions filled with tension and mystery… is frankly a marvel.
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This combo is something that shouldn't work and yet, with Carter's magic, it works so well.
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This journey offered laughs, twists, heartbreak, and heart-melting moments. I could not put it down!
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Definitely recommend reading book 1 first, though, or there will be spoilers.

5 stars!

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was such a fun read. I normally don't read spy novels but I am so glad I requested this book. The chemistry between the 2 main characters was off the charts and the banter/humor really made the story better. I did find the 2 timelines a bit confusing at first but then everything really clicked into place towards the end. I did not read the first book in the series and I think this could be read as a standalone but I'm probably going to go back and read the first! Overall, I would highly recommend!

In The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold, we meet Alex and King who are both spies. They worked together until King ended his career as a spy but Alex went into a deep cover. They fell in love over the course of their work together but Alex left and never returned to King. Years later they wake up handcuffed together with no recollection of how they got there but know they are in trouble. They both have to work together to stay alive.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this one even more than the first! The jumping timelines was a little bit confusing at first but once I got used to it, I really enjoyed it. I loved the world building as well the relationship building.

Love love love!! I loved the authors books when I was a kid and now they are more mature and still lovable!! I binged the first book to be able to review this one and wow! No spoilers but the author does a fantastic job at the character development and moving the plot! So good would recommended! I will post on Amazon when it comes out and is available!

So I will preface this by saying that I didn't read the book that this is in the same universe as (The Blonde Identity), so my review is coming from that perspective. Other reviewers said it could be read as a standalone, though, and the marketing didn't indicate it needed to be read as a sequel, so I didn't read The Blonde Identity first.

That being said, I found this book pretty confusing. The alternating timelines were interesting, but I think it would have been easier to follow if the book didn't also alternate POVs. It did also seem at times that the author had a difficult time staying in the POV of the character she was ostensibly writing the POV of — she would describe the inner feelings of a character that the POV character wouldn't have necessarily known, without saying something like "Kingsley guessed that (insert speculation on Alex's feelings here)".

I also found it odd that a certain character was described as frail and ill the entire book, and then at the climax of the book said character is able to come in and help save the day in a very physical way that would have been difficult for a character with the implied disability they had. I know that spy books aren't always the most realistic, but it felt less like speculative fiction-style unrealistic writing and more like lack of research-style unrealistic writing.

I did enjoy the characters, and I didn't see the twists coming at the end. I think all of the twists could have been explained a bit more, but maybe that's partially because I haven't read The Blonde Identity.

Well that was a rollercoaster of a ride. This was such a fun read, I did get confused at times with the multiple flashbacks, but it was so good! The only good thing that comes with reading out of order especially with an arc is I can go read the other book and not have to leave the word yet.
I loved Alex and have a feeling I'm going to love Zoe when I read her book! One thing I will say is that the mmc's nickname took me out sometimes, I mean, King really?! I wished they just stuck with Kingsley, but I feel like that's the only criticism I have for this book. Ally Carter is so good at writing fun, quick reads. Thank you Avon or Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this arc.

🔒 Love, Laughter, and Spycraft: A Romantic Thrill Ride! 🌟

1. Second-Chance Romance in the Fast Lane: Where Spies and Sparks Collide 🕵️‍♀️
*The Blonde Who Came In from the Coldby Ally Carter is a masterful blend of romance and espionage that keeps the pages turning and the adrenaline pumping. With its thrilling plot and sizzling chemistry, this novel delivers everything a fan of spy rom-coms could desire.

2. Meet the Dynamic Duo: Sparks Fly with Every Page 💥
Alex and King are a captivating pair whose journey from rivals to lovers is both electrifying and emotional. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and their shared history adds layers of depth to their whirlwind story. The underlying tension leaps off the page, pulling readers into their high-stakes world.

3. A High-Octane Adventure: From Past Missions to Present Perils 🎢
Switching seamlessly between past and present, Carter weaves a tale rich with suspense and intrigue. Each chapter peels back the layers of Alex and King’s complicated past while propelling their current predicament forward. The story’s pace is relentless, ensuring readers remain gripped by every twist and turn.

4. Enemies to Lovers: A Romance That Sizzles 🔥
At the heart of this story is a romance that blends sultry tension with genuine connection. The progression from enmity to affection is handled with finesse, crafting a relationship that feels both authentic and exhilarating.

5. A Roller Coaster of Emotion and Action: A Perfect Summer Read 🌞
Ally Carter’s adept storytelling skillfully balances humor, romance, and action, making this book a standout in its genre. The suspenseful narrative and likable leads create a dynamic tale that’s impossible to put down.

Final Thoughts 📚
*The Blonde Who Came In from the Coldis an enthralling romp through the world of spies and second chances. With its deft combination of wit, romance, and adventure, it’s a story that fans of the genre will cherish. Carter’s latest offering is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling escape brimming with heart and humor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you love a good spy tale wrapped in romance with a sprinkle of chaos, this book will capture your heart and have you yearning for more. 💘🔍

Enemies to lovers with spies. Say no more!

Ally Carter opens this book with a quote from Logan Echolls. I mean what could be better than that! 😍
I absolutely adored this book! Alex and King have stolen my heart. From their first meeting I knew I was going to love them forever. Ally Carter always delivers on love and laughter. And oh man, does this book deliver. I was laughing from page one. It gave me all the feels and I know I will read it over and over.
Alex and King had such amazing depth as characters. They played so well off each other and their banter was top tier.
The book goes back and forth between past and present and the transitions were so smooth. It was really well done and kept my attention.
It gave me everything I could ever want in a romantic comedy spy book.
Ally Carter is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what she has in store next!

Thank you Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC.

AAHHH!!! Now that I have that said, this was amazing! I could NOT put it down. Enemies to lovers, spy drama, past to present comparisons… I loved it. EVERY. SINGLE. MINUTE. Ally Carter will forever be a must read. Do yourself a favor and read Blonde Identify and this perfect sequel!

Ally Carter writing a romance involving spies is a guaranteed love for me, and it's really just a matter of what I love most. This is the sequel to Blonde Identity (and you definitely want to read that first), and it was a great complementary piece to those adventures. What I did love most about this was the banter, particularly as it veered more into the romance lane. I also loved how the story built through the past and present, and it kept me guessing as to what would happen and who was good (and who was not). It was just a fun read all around. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the look at this August 2025 release!

Every Ally Carter book is better than the last! I think I enjoyed this one so much because of the tension, both for the reader and between the main characters. Jumping between places, missions, and phases of their careers helped build great tension for the reader. As I finished each chapter, I was torn between wanting the next to explain something about their past or move them forward in the present because both were exciting! The tension between the main characters gave me flashbacks to Zach and Cammie from the Gallagher Girls series, which is one of my favorite series of all time. If you enjoy romantic suspense, this is a must on your TBR!

UGHHHH i literally cannot recommend this enough if you're looking for a fun time with great banter and silly moments and bingeable writing. i had a great time with the first book, but i def liked this one better!! my only complaint is that is did occasionally feel like we were kinda jumping around, but honestly it's so easy to overlook that because again, it's just such a good fun unserious time.

thank you to netgalley & avon and harper voyager for the arc! all opinions are my own <3

ALLY CARTER NEVER MISSES.

The chemistry, the tension, the storyline, the banter, the humor. Love love looooove. Everything I want to happily holler about would be spoilers, so just know that if you like Ally's writing and are curious to read about the other Sterling sister then you will also enjoy this book.

The only thing was how jarring some of the chapters began. Sometimes I feel like I missed something with how it immediately jumped in and it would take me a minute or two to mentally catch up.

BUTTTTT... King. Be still my heart, King. Two such flawed people in such a hard situation but absolutely love how it turned out.

I thought the first book was amazing; this one was even better! I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time and wishing I could read it again for the first time!

I really enjoyed The Blonde Identity—it was fun, romantic, and super entertaining. But The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold didn’t grab me in quite the same way. The flashbacks, while meant to add depth, kept pulling me out of the story and made it harder to stay engaged. That said, I’m sure this one will still hit the mark for readers who love spy games with a touch of romance. Just didn’t fully work for me this time.

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @avonbooks for an early copy of The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold by Ally Carter. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: August 5th, 2025

Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221345606-the-blonde-who-came-in-from-the-cold?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Q3IBtgWZ43&rank=1

🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑

The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold is the sequel to The Blonde Identity and tells about Zoe’s sister Alex, a spy, and her romance with King, her fellow spy. Told in dual POVs and timelines, both Alex and King were assigned together in different missions throughout the years.

To be honest, I had high expectations for this sequel given how much I loved the first book, sad to say I was a bit disappointed. This time around, there were lots of high-stakes missions assigned to Alex and King, and while I enjoyed their banter and chemistry and how much they tease each other, it was quite difficult to distinguish their dual POVs’ tones. Additionally, while I found their missions exciting and thrilling, I found the switch between timelines past and present too quick and often that it was difficult to keep track of.

TBWCIFTC is still a fun read though! If you enjoy spy novels that are light with a tad bit of romance, then this one is worth picking up!

As a fan of Ally Carter this was another hit in my book. I love Ally's unique blend of mystery, adventure, and romance. If you enjoyed Most Wonderful Crime of the Year or The Blonde Identity you are sure to enjoy this one.

The story follows Alex and King and is an adversaries to lovers story. It does a great job of going between present time and what happened in the past. It's full of fake relationships moments, taking care of each other moments, and even those moments where you can't stand the person that you love.

I love the cliffhanger and can't wait to see what is next for these crazy twins.

The Blonde Who Came In From The Cold, is the follow-up to The Blonde Identity, and it follows the other twin Alex who is a spy who when off the grid a year ago and then woke up tied up to King another spy, and the love interest. It's a dual pov, and I love how this ties into Zoe's and Sawyer's story. I am a huge Gallagher Girl fan, so this was right up my alley.

I'm pretty critical when it comes to twins because I am one, and a lot of people don't get it right, but it was done right here. Zoe and Alex have similarities and differences, but they aren't one person, they are two, and that is what I like about them, and how this was written. Sawyer and King are also very different, and that is great. This was such a wonderful follow-up, and the interactions between all the characters, including Alex and King were perfect. I loved the mystery that came together at the end and the ending! I really hope there is another book because this series is that good.

Thanks to Avon for the ARC.