This book was THEE best! I don’t have enough words to describe the awesomeness of this spy book! I fell in love with King and Alexandra grabbed and squeezed the life out of my very soul! I absolutely loved seeing our old friends! No spoilers, but it was perfect! I loved the set up and the narrators did amazing at taking me on this journey! Oooh I loved it so much!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this exhilarating book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold is the rivals to lovers story of my dreams. If you are a fan of Carter's middle grades series The Gallagher Girls and aren't afraid of a little more adult language and themes, then you will enjoy this book.
Alex and King wake up not knowing where they are, or how they got to wherever they are. Also, they can't believe they are literally handcuffed to each other of all people. This book tells the story of Alex and King across the many years since they first met, and follows them in the present as they try to figure out who is after them. They are both trained spies, but unfortunately for them the only people they can trust right now are each other.
I always enjoy Ally Carter's writing and stories, and this was no exception. I loved how she weaved together the past and the present to tell their story. I was kicking my feet at their banter, and rooting for them to get over themselves and just kiss.

What a fun, fast-paced read! I’ve been looking forward to Alex’s story ever since The Blonde Identity and this book did not disappoint. I loved the dynamic between Alex and King. Their banter and constant bickering were hilarious and sharp, exactly the kind of chemistry I’ve come to expect from Ally Carter. The way the story weaves past and present was so well done. Watching Alex and King's relationship evolve over the years gave the romance real depth, and it was especially fun seeing how this book ties into the first one. Getting Alex, King, Zoe, and Sawyer all on the page together was such a great moment for fans of the series. The plot had just enough twists to keep things engaging, and while I do wish we got a little more from King’s perspective emotionally (his shift from standoffish to in love felt a bit fast) I still really enjoyed watching their dynamic unfold. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Their performances added a lot of energy and heart, though I did have to adjust the volume a few times during the female narrator’s sections. Overall, this was a clever, entertaining, and surprisingly heartfelt story. Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I’ve been obsessed with Ally Carter spy novels since I was a young tween and they have only become better!!!! I loved this so much and would read or listen to her grocery list.

Ally Carter is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors. Her sharp wit and sarcasm are unmatched, and they really shine through in this companion novel to Blonde Identity. I was thrilled to finally get Alex’s story, and the chemistry between her and King was undeniable.

The multiple timelines were a bit tricky to follow at times, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I also loved seeing Zoe and Sawyer make significant appearances, especially since I enjoyed their story so much.

If you’re looking for a spy novel that blends comedy, romance, and action seamlessly, I highly recommend this one. It’s fast-paced, funny, and everything I’ve come to love from Ally Carter.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Audio Adult, and Ally Carter for the ALC.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperAudio for an advance listening copy of #TheBlondeWhoCameInFromTheCold. A fun read though multiple timelines and places make it hard to follow at times. 4 stars.

I have been looking forward to getting Alex's story ever since The Blonde Identity, and this book did not disappoint! I loved the dynamic between Alex and King, and I really enjoyed the way the author went back and forth between the present and the past to fill in their backstory. I thought the chemistry and banter was great, and the mystery at the center of the story kept me hooked throughout. I do wish however, that we got a little more of the backstory of King's feelings, because it did seem like he went from not liking Alex to being in love with her rather quickly, but overall, I had a really fun time reading this book!

I also really liked the audio-the narrators did an excellent job keeping the story engaging and making the reader feel part of the action.

This was much more enjoyable than I anticipated. I love how the story is woven so delicately to tie-in with The Blonde Identity. When we got Alex, King, Zoe, and Sawyer all on page together, it was so wonderful. Seeing Alex and King's relationship evolve over the decade was a real treat. The banter was top-notch and can be expected from Ally Carter by now. The audio was fantastically developed and the narrators did a great job telling Alex and King's story.

Thanks to netgalley for the ALC of this book. It was a fantastic read and kept me guessing right up to the end! I loved it and highly recommend this series!

The only issue I came across in the recording is that a few of the chapters in the second half had really long pauses between chapters. I was driving so I couldn’t note down which chapters exactly but it was about 60-75% into the book and happened at least 4 times.

Just as much fun as the first! I loved the first in the series and couldn’t wait to dive into this one and it didn’t disappoint. Despite not having the humor of mistaken identity and getting thrown into the spy game completely unprepared, this one had humorous elements, particularly in the banter between Alex and Michael. It also had plenty of action and romance, all well rounded enough that one element doesn’t overpower the others. I love this series and hope there are more!

Audio was very well done, no issues.

A Cool, Clever Spy Story with Style

The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold is a fun, fast-paced spy thriller that keeps things interesting from start to finish. The FMC is sharp, confident, and totally holds her own in a world full of double-crosses and shady motives. It’s got that classic Cold War vibe but with a fresh twist — think vintage style meets modern edge.

The plot moves quickly, with plenty of twists, and while some of the side characters felt a little underused, the main story more than makes up for it. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre, but it knows exactly what it’s doing — and does it well.

If you’re into stylish espionage with a strong female lead and some clever turns, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to Harper Audio Adult and NetGalley for the ALC.

The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold Book is a mystery spy romance hybrid and was so unexpectedly fun! I don't usually go into mystery/thriller books and expect to have a lot of fun. It does not take itself too seriously and revels in the silly at times - I was very entertained. It was swoony and full of action. Fun fun fun!

I actually picked this up as a read now on NetGalley, not realizing that it was the second book in the series. I ended up going back to read the first installment in the Spring and I had a good time. It was silly and entertaining and just a fun read. You could read the second book without the first but I don't recommend doing so, it adds to the background information for book two!

The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold is told in alternating POV's / dual timeline of past and present which I had the tiniest bit of trouble following on audio just because they frequented the same places back to back... but in dual times. I really enjoyed the past POV's though and had an easier time following while reading vs listening.

I was committed to the romance aspect more so than the mystery of the book. We experience the slow build of affection and romance throughout the past timeline while they are in forced proximity situations while on missions. Their banter was super cute and the subtle yearning...we love yearning.

The mystery aspect fell a smidge flat for me in comparison and the reveals felt a bit left field every time. BUT maybe that was the point? It definitely kept me guessing. I do really love that book one ended up tying into book two at the end though.

The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold is bingeable and a good time! The audiobook narrators were fantastic, and dual timeline confusion at times aside, it was a great audiobook!

Thank you so much to HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio for the ALC and Avon and Harper Voyager for the arc! I was so excited to be able to tandem read/listen. As always all opinions are my own. :)

I didn’t realize this was book 2 when I started, but I was still able to follow along. That said, I think it would probably be better to read the series in order. This had definite *Mr. and Mrs. Smith* vibes, which I loved. The enemies-to-lovers tension was great, and the spy angle added a fun layer of danger and excitement. There were a few slower parts in the middle, but overall, I really enjoyed the mystery and trying to figure out who was after them. This was my first book by this author, and I really liked her writing—I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work!
3 50 stars 🌟

Thank you to Harper Audio for this ALC.

This book really surprised me in all the best ways! I loved the rivals to lovers aspect of this book. I have been finding recently that romance books that have another genre mixed with them that I normally don't read are some of my favorites. They feel fresh and new and this book is no exception. Ally Carter writes fantastic banter and an FMC that is relatable, capable, talented, smart, and knows what she wants and goes for it. Alex might be one of my favorite female characters I've read this year. You can absolutely see why Michael loves her.

Also, I had not read the first book in this series but I never felt lost. If anything, it made me want to read Zoey's book.

The only reason I'm eating this book 4.5 stars and not 5 is because while Ally Carter handles to the dual POV and dual timeline really well, there were times where I missed where we were in time which took me out of the story.

Overall, I loved it and highly recommend. The narration only made it better and I definitely think the audiobook is where it is at.

I loved this book and I love this series. I flew through this audiobook. I am a little sad that this seems to be the end of the series, but I hope it isn’t and there’s more books in the series. Highly, highly recommend it. Definitely going to buy a copy of this when it comes out.

What a fun book! I loved the banter between the two characters and their constant bickering. I liked the flashbacks from present day so we could see how their relationship developed. Most of it happens before the first book in the series, but it’s easy to see how they tie together. There were a couple of surprises along the way, and that just made it even more engaging.

I listened to the audio version and had to frequently adjust the volume during the female narrators portion.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoy both of the Sterling twins and the sass they bring to the stories. This book was enemies to lovers, forced proximity, coworkers, spies, intrigue, betrayal, and misdirects. This story kept me guessing and engaged as it jumps between current day and the Alex & King’s histories.
I read the first book in the series in preparation for this book and I’m glad I did as it gives a more complete picture to the characters. I think I might like the first book a smidge more, but both are fun, quick reads!
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy and advance audiobook! I enjoyed the narration of the story - the only thing that bugged me was the pronunciation of Cartagena (but apparently that’s the American way to say it per google).

Thank you Netgalley and HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio for the free alc. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I have loved the first 2 books and hope we get more for this series. This is the perfect holiday / beach read. I enjoyed the narration.

Suggest giving it a try

4.5/5☆

I really enjoyed book 1, so was looking forward to book 2 and it did not disappoint! I liked this more than the first book and I'm wondering if there will be a book 3. This is a second-chance romcom with spy mystery/thriller drama. It was a fun read and I'll probably re-read it in the future. Also, I liked both of the narrators. Note: read book 1 before this, it's a continuation.

*Provided an ALC (advance listening copy) audiobook from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for this ALC.

This was a delightful follow up to 'The Blonde Identity' and I loved every minute of this. I listened to TBI in 1 one day in anticipation of this follow up and was immediately taken in. "The Blonde Who Came In From The Cold' is an enjoyable sequel that can stand on its own or be read right after TBI.

TBWCIFTC follows Alex and King from their journey through spy school and through their time as spies on missions. This was an action packed ride that honestly kept me guessing until the very end.

If you like enemies to lovers and forced proximity, you will enjoy this read. The audiobook is a dual narration and the narrators kill it~ the voices were perfect and kept me entertained. I loved the banter and action of this story. The characters were funny and felt real. I definitely felt like I was running around Europe in a fight for my life.