If you love spy romances that keep you smiling, swooning, and flipping pages late into the night, Ally Carter’s The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold (book two in the Blonde Identity series) is a must-read. With sharp banter, familiar romance tropes in all the best ways, and a CIA backdrop that’s more about the chemistry than the covert ops, this book is pure entertainment.
Book Summary (Spolier Free)
Ten years ago, they both joined the CIA.
Six years ago, he walked away from the game.
Five years ago, they fell in love.
One year ago, she disappeared without a trace.
And now? They’ve just woken up bloody, bruised, and handcuffed together in the dark.
They don’t know where they are. They don’t know who’s after them. And they definitely don’t know how they’re going to get out alive.
But after a decade of covers, chemistry, secrets, and lies, these two rival spies are about to face their most dangerous mission yet: surviving the night (and each other).
My Review
Rating: ⭐ 4 stars
This book was just fun. The romance between the two leads is the real star here, and Ally Carter leans into beloved tropes in a way that feels organic and playful rather than forced!
If you like:
- Forced proximity
- Fake marriage
- Enemies to lovers
- One bed
- Book-loving heroine
The Blonde Who Came In From The Cold is for you!
The spy plot is entertaining and even threw me a twist I didn’t see coming. But make no mistake this isn’t Mission Impossible. It’s a romcom in a spy trench coat, with the focus firmly on the relationship.
My only real critique? The timeline jumps. The first half of the book alternates between past and present in a steady rhythm, but by the end, the time jumps come faster and feel a bit chaotic. I occasionally had to double-check where we were in the story. The short chapters help keep the pace brisk, but they also make those jumps more noticeable.
Still, the charm, banter, and swoony romance far outweigh the structural hiccups. If you loved book one, you’ll definitely want to pick this up!
Read-Alike Recommendations
If you loved The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold, here are five books to add to your TBR:
- The Romancing The Spy Series by Meg Easton
A whole series of closed-door romantic comedies full of chemistry and witty banter. In a world where the family business is the spy business, prepare to laugh, swoon, and fall head over heels in love. - Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
A whip-smart romcom with banter, romance, and professional rivals forced to work together—minus the espionage, but with all the chemistry. - Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
An action-adventure romance with treasure hunts, danger, and an estranged couple rekindling their connection on a high-stakes trip. - Mr. and Mrs. Smith by Cathy East Dubowski
Yes, it’s also a book! If you love spies, romance, and explosive tension, it’s a perfect popcorn read. - The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Fake relationship, banter, and a central romance that makes you grin! It’s not espionage, but it’s got the same feel-good energy. - The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead
A sharp, witty romance where the chemistry between the leads is as captivating as the plot.
If you want a romantic comedy with danger, disguises, and a hero who is so down bad for the heroine, Ally Carter delivers again. Perfect for fans of romcoms with a side of espionage and a whole lot of banter!