What’s It About: Alexandra Sterling always wanted to be a spy. It was her dream, and she’s living it. She is taking down bad guys and going deep undercover. Then she wakes up without a recent memory, handcuffed to Michael Kingsman. King, the only man who’s ever raised her interest, but who may have just betrayed. Can they find out what happened to them before they kill each other, or maybe fall in love?

Good: I genuinely like Ally Carter’s writing. The story is fun and fast-paced. Alex and King’s relationship is slowly revealed, adding to the flirtatious banter that makes the book so enjoyable. The characters come to life and walk off the page. Alex is smart and sassy, while King is brooding and swoony. I found myself rooting for them while at the same time wanting them to stay apart to keep the story going. It’s a high-octane slow burn, and it left me wanting to read more in this world.

Bad: The only negative I had was because I listened to the audiobook, and it was difficult to keep the timeline straight. The book’s non-linear storytelling made the plot move quickly, but listening to it made me confused.

Bottom Line: The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold was a fun, fast-paced romantic adventure that left me wanting more.

Audiobook ARC generously provided by HarperAudio in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much NetGalley!
Publication: August 5

I remember reading Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls Series as a young girl and loving them. I love action & spy movies. I love romance novels. And I love how Ally Carter has combined them. 🥰
I LOVED The Blonde Identity, so I was thrilled to receive this Audio ARC of the sequel The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold ❄️
THIS book was such a fun ride! It was fast paced and exciting. I loved the multiple timelines / flashbacks. I loved the mystery and piecing together both the spy plot and Alex & King’s love story.
I loved how much King loves Alex💕how head over heels & down bad for her he is.
This book is Dual POV. Both narrators killed this 🙌
FMC Alex Sterling - narrator: Emily Ellet
MMC King, aka Michael Kingsley - narrator: Andrew Eiden (also known as Teddy Hamilton)

Other wonderful things in this book:
Swoon worthy romance
Past & present timelines
“Who did this to you?” ✅
Taking care of her when she’s hurt ✅
- specifically: washing her hair 🥰
Closed door romance 🚪
“You came for me.” “Always.” vibes ✅
“It’s always been you. Only you.” vibes✅
Double agents 🕵🏻‍♀️ & mystery to keep you on your toes

✨
Some of my favourite quotes 🥰 Beware for spoilers(?) without context.
“He felt like home”
“Let me worry about you. In fact, why don’t I take charge of all the worrying for the time being.”
“I’m with you. I’m wherever you are.”
“They’ll come for me.” … “Let them try.”
“You’re safe with me. You will always be safe with me… Let me keep you safe.”

I liked this second book in the Blonde Identity series. Ally Carter did a good job of reminding you about aspects of the previous book without making it obvious. I appreciate when an author does that. This book was a good, solid espionage thriller. The overall story was good and had an interesting plot.

However, there were two things that bothered me about the book. The first was the jumping around in the various timelines. It was hard to remember and figure out where we were in the story and what the relationships were between the characters personally and professionally with the CIA. I had to remember if Alex and King were together or not, which bad guy they were going after, and whether they were in the CIA or not. The other thing that I had a problem with was related to the audiobook, which I listened to. While I liked Emily Ellet's narration, I had a problem with Andrew Eiden's voicing of the female characters, particularly Alex. A couple times I got lost in who was speaking during a conversation because his male and female characters sounded too similar.

But overall, I liked the book and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Harper Audio for one of the best books I’ve read this year. Alex catches the eye of a cute guy at a bar the night before she is off to Spy School. Before things can go to far, cute guy, Michael, tells her to get on the bus and not to go to spy school. Alex has always want to be the best. She often is the best. But Alex has a chip on her shoulder, she is a twin and because of her, Zoe has had multiple surgeries and Alex thinks it’s all her fault. Alex turns out to be a great spy. Michael is a great spy too and his father and grandfather were both legendary in the CIA. The story follows them and their adventures around the world saving the world from bad men. The story is told from the view of Alex and Michael. The narrators are great. Seriously, read this book. Carter, the author, has a couple of series out there, hopefully this is the start of another! Thank me later

Oh how I love this series! Light, fun, good banter, spy missions, a backstory. I’m was all in and now really want a third book, too! A+++

This was such a fun audiobook! Both narrators were amazing and I felt like they personified the characters so well. They did different voices and captured the tension and swoony moments equally well. I really enjoyed listening to this story. The book overall was fast-paced, hilarious, and so sweet. I absolutely loved the experience of listening to it.

Literally such a fun time— This is Book 2, BUT you can totally read this as a standalone. Book 1 is about her sister, so I def feel like it would add some enjoyment overall, but it def doesn’t disrupt story if you don’t read it at all… ALTHOUGH LOL, after finishing Book 2 (And loving it) I feel the need to!!
*So I feel like you should, but you def don’t have to…
IT’S YOUR LIFE BB.

King is so down bad, I LOVE IT. The way this man is so obsessed w/ her— MMPH 😋 I wouldn’t say this is a spicy read, but it does have a dash of spice!! I’m just so hooked by all the yearning & the tropes were literally troping— WHO DID THIS TO YOU?!
This is also read in a nonlinear timeline. So we hop back and forth from past to present, such wonderfully done though.
This gave very Mr. & Mrs. Smith before the marriage… And if they worked for the same agency.

“Are you asking if I wanna see your room?
No, I’m asking you want to see stars.”
I loved their banter & chemistry— Like this was just such a fun read, pls take a chance on it.

“That’s my girl.” — LITERALLY HAD ME SCREAMING.
Whewww, yaaaaaassssss King 👑

“Her kiss felt like a promise, her sigh sounded like a prayer.” Pls, just read this for King 😔
Alex (FMC) was so much fun too. Her attitude was so much fun—

“Why does this have to be about me?
‘Cause trouble usually is.” 🤣

“It’s easier to 🪦 a man w/ a shoelace than flip a pancake” Like she was so unserious lmfao, but such a fun time fr.

Overall, I was hesitant about reading this (not my usual read) But I loved the cover & spies?! Yeah, the world fr knew I needed this. Andrew Eiden & Emily Ellet did SUCH AN AMAZING JOB narrating this!!
*I literally always say this, but they nailed it fr.

🎧📖: Narrators ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Andrew Eiden/Emily Ellet

💕Dual POV
🕰️Past/present timelines
💕Enemies to lovers
🔎Spies

Storyline 3.75 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the premise of this book. The banter was funny. I could easily picture this as a light mystery rom-com movie.

Pro: I didn't predict the twist.
Con: I struggled with the timelines at first.

*Thank you Netgalley and HarperAudio for the ALC.

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.

Even though the pacing and timelines took me out of the story at times, the audio narration was fantastic. The voice actors are some favorites and they portrayed the characters’ personalities really well! Quite honestly, the audio kept me engaged. And the narrators brought the characters' chemistry to life!

Ally Carter does it again, keeping me on the edge of my seat, all while listening to a book that makes me feel like I am in a movie. Narrators did such a great job with this story.
The plot? chefs kiss.
The dual pov? chefs kiss kiss.
Various timelines? CHEFS KISS KISS KISS.
The adventure and enemies to lovers? CHEFS KISS KISS KISS KISS.
Michael Kingsley yearns, and he was yearning so hard for Alex Sterling.

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.

I also got this as an eARC afterwards, so I switched between the two a bit. Highly recommend either way to read!

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 Harper Audio for this digital audio e-arc.*

A perfect follow-up to The Blonde Identity! This sequel fills in the gaps from the first book by diving into the story from the other twin sister’s perspective. It sheds light on why the sisters aren’t as close as you might expect, adding emotional depth to the fast-paced, spy-filled plot. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed flawlessly—fun, flirty, and just the right amount of tension.

I even re-listened to The Blonde Identity before starting this one, and I’m glad I did. I usually shy away from romance with much spice, but Ally Carter writes such charming, likable characters that I was fully invested from start to finish.

Narrators Andrew Eiden and Emily Ellet are pitch-perfect, bringing both the action and the chemistry to life.

Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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!

This book was fun and full of espionage, suspense, humor and love. Unfortunately I didn’t feel any chemistry between the characters and I really couldn’t stand Alex’s attitude. I think I may have enjoyed physically reading this one more. Andrew Eiden is one of my faves and I loved him as King. Since I didn’t enjoy Alex’s POV it was hard for me to like the female narrator but overall she did a good job.

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.

Audio was fantastic with its duel narration. Hamilton's being utilized a lot so it was hard to separate all the other books I've recently listened with is narration.

Rating 3.5

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon

The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold is exactly what I needed — light, fast-paced, and full of laughs. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s the point. The plot moves quickly, the humor lands often, and the characters are just quirky enough to keep things interesting. Perfect for when you just want to relax with a fun, easy read that doesn’t require too much brainpower. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a little escape!

The spy-thriller-meets-romantic-comedy vibe works really well here. It’s a perfect pick for when you want something escapist, fast-paced, and full of laughs — with just a little swoon on the side.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book is expected to be published August 5th 2025. Overall, I rate the book a 4.25 out of 5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7253381137
Check out this review on Fable
https://fable.co/review/8755da1a-58e0-4b93-9746-8291f857fd97/share

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.

I have been a big fan of Ally Carter since I was a kid. I loved the Gallagher Girls growing up, so when I saw this new book on Netgalley I had to request it. Ally Carter did not disappoint. This was such a fun book to listen to. I'm usually not a big fan of non-linear timelines, but it worked so well in this book. The jumping back and forth added so much and kept my interest.