The Blonde Identity Series, Book 2
From the publisher:
A Second-Chance Adventure Rom-Com about Rival Spies, Thrilling Secrets, and a Mission of Survival
An action-packed, second-chance rom-com about two rival spies who must join forces in order to stay alive, from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.Ten years ago, they joined the CIA.
Six years ago, he left the game.
Five years ago, they fell in love.
One year ago, she ran out into the cold with absolutely no intention of ever coming back.
And two minutes ago, they woke up, bloody and bruised and handcuffed together in the dark.
They don’t know where they are. They don’t know how they got there. And they have absolutely no idea who is after them or what this nameless, faceless villain wants.
The only thing that’s clear is that, after ten years of covers and chemistry, secrets and lies, these two rival spies have been sucked into their greatest mission yet, and now they’re going to have to team up to stay alive. (If they don’t kill each other first.)
“Carter’s follow-up to The Blonde Identity is a thrilling and amusing romance featuring finely drawn characters and a twisty, page-turning story. Readers will be on the edge of their seats, unable to put this book down until they discover what happens to Alex and Michael, in spydom and in love.” — Library Journal
“Bestseller Carter combines suspense, sizzle, and snark in this delightful standalone sequel to The Blonde Identity. . . With snappy dialogue, slow-burning romantic tension, and some exciting twists, this makes for an entertaining diversion.” — Publishers Weekly
I loved The Blonde Identity, so I was eager for the sequel—but unfortunately, it just didn’t recapture the magic. The biggest issue was the fragmented storytelling: short chapters of 3–5 pages that constantly jump between the present day and events from one to ten years previously. The frequent shifts in time and location made the plot hard to follow, and with so much of the book focused on backstory, the tension and stakes didn’t kick in until the final pages.
That said, the premise is instantly gripping: two rival spies—Alex Sterling and Michael “King” Kingsley III—wake up bloodied, bruised, and handcuffed together in the dark, with no memory of how they got there. Unlike the first book’s memory-loss device, this setup forces a long-overdue confrontation between characters who’ve been avoiding each other for a year, creating fresh emotional stakes.
Alex Sterling is a standout lead, written with depth and vulnerability beneath her sharp exterior. Her relationship with her sister Zoe and her guilt over past choices add emotional weight, making her journey from guarded to open-hearted feel earned. King, too, is more than a brooding archetype. His photographic memory is both a gift and a burden, and Carter thoughtfully explores how someone who remembers everything grapples with forgiveness. His purchase of a Scottish castle—and the reasons behind it—adds surprising emotional nuance.
The supporting cast, especially Zoe and the enigmatic Merritt, enriches the world without distracting from the central romance. Each character feels purposeful and real. The banter between Alex and King is sharp but never forced, advancing both plot and emotional tension. A late twist involving a double agent delivers genuine shock, with clues cleverly planted throughout. The reveal feels earned and consistent with the characters’ motivations.
Still, some plot elements stretch believability—especially the handcuff scenario, which requires a generous suspension of disbelief. Fortunately, the romantic arc holds up thanks to the characters’ well-established history. Their five-year separation introduces real obstacles that can’t be resolved with a simple heart-to-heart. Both have evolved, making their reunion feel like a new relationship built on old foundations.
The physical chemistry is palpable but never overshadows emotional growth. Intimate scenes serve the story, revealing new layers to their dynamic. While the book struggles with pacing and underdeveloped villains, it ultimately delivers smart, funny romantic suspense with characters worth investing in. Carter has built a series with real potential, and this installment—despite its flaws—feels complete and satisfying.
9/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE BLONDE WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD by Ally Carter. Avon. (August 5, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063386976. 336p.
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