A review by overflowingshelf
The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

CW: Violence; gun violence; murder; death of a parent (off-page)

When I heard Ally Carter was writing an adult romance, I was ECSTATIC. I was obsessed with the Gallagher Girls series as a teen as I felt like I grew up with Cammie and the gang, so I was so excited to dive into a new spy novel as I knew this would be a rip-roaring good time with plenty of action, humor, and romance – and that’s precisely what Ally Carter delivered with The Blonde Identity. 

If you cannot guess from the title, this is a play on The Bourne Identity storyline. An injured woman wakes up in the middle of the streets of Paris with no idea who she is or what she’s doing there. Luckily, an extremely hot spy guy is there telling her to run as motorcycles come gunning for her as soon as she wakes up. Turns out, she’s the identical twin sister of a wanted spy that nearly every governmental organization and the Russian mob are looking for, so she has a massive target on her back. She has to team up with the sexy, brooding, hot spy guy to disappear safely. Together, they’re lying their way across Europe, dodging bullets and faking kisses along the way as they race to unravel a deadly conspiracy and clear her sister’s name.

It’s been a while since I stayed up until 3 a.m. multiple nights in a row to finish a book (that takes me back to my high school reading days), but this book had me doing that. I seriously couldn’t put it down because you’re immediately swept up in a high-stakes, action-packed ride as soon as you start reading it.

This was the perfect spy romance, as it had everything I wanted and more. With amnesia, mistaken identity, a road trip across Europe, and plenty of fun and flirty banter, there is a ton to love with the romance. I adored how the relationship between Zoe and Sawyer developed. It didn’t feel rushed, even though they only knew each other for a short time (being on the run and having to flee multiple people trying to kill you would bring anyone close together quickly). Their chemistry was immediately apparent, and I loved how their covert ops allowed them to flirt. The twists Carter weaves into the plot pulled on my heartstrings at times as it directly affected Zoe and Sawyer’s relationship, but she makes it all work in the end. 

Fair warning, though – this book is closed-door. I don’t mind closed-door romances, but this was one where I was hoping it wouldn’t be closed-door. The sexual chemistry between Sawyer and Zoe was so good, and the lead-up to the behind-the-door scene was so sexy that I ended up disappointed that we didn’t see the culmination of all the build-up play out on the page. 

Zoe and Sawyer felt like classic Ally Carter characters to me. Both have a razor-sharp wit, a bit of a sarcastic streak, and some unexpected skills. Thanks to Zoe’s amnesia, we’re taken along on the ride with her as she has no idea who she is. Considering the fact that multiple people are trying to kill her and she has no idea who she is, Zoe handles the whole situation surprisingly well. I like the vulnerability we saw with her as she grapples with not knowing who she is. She is incredibly resilient and clever, and I love her journey in this book as she manages to hold her own in the end. She does come off a little younger than she is based on how she’s portrayed and some of the things she says, but I honestly didn’t mind that much.

Sawyer is more of an enigma as the Hot Guy Spy. I loved how exasperated he was with the situation with Zoe, but he also would do anything to protect her. He’s definitely a badass spy – I mean, he strangles someone with a negligee! – but his morals may be a bit dubious. Getting his POV was fantastic, as it helped round out the story.  Seeing him grapple with wanting more than the spy life after meeting Zoe was enjoyable. Also, this man tries to act like he has no feelings and tries to deny them to himself, but he so clearly does. He shows he cares in little ways, and I loved it. Exposing all parts of himself is not easy – he is a spy, after all –  but I loved peeling back all the layers and seeing the real Sawyer without a cover. 

This book made me incredibly nostalgic as it felt like a classic Ally Carter/Gallagher Girls story. The writing is the perfect blend of humor, action, and romance. It’s slightly elevated from Gallagher Girl days, but it felt instantly familiar as soon as I started reading this. I had a massive grin on my face while reading this, as the book was so fun. The writing had me laughing out loud, and I may have audibly gasped a few times as the twists and turns in the plot were so delicious and unexpected. Plus, I was feeling all the emotions with the romance.

I seriously loved The Blonde Identity and had such a good time reading it! I couldn’t put it down as I was invested in the story starting on page 1, and it didn’t let up until the end. I hope we get a sequel, as the ending perfectly left the door open for one, and I would love to get Alex’s story. Plus, Ally Carter is the master at writing smart, action-packed, swoon-worthy spy romances that just hit the spot for me. I definitely think some of my enjoyment of this book was due to the nostalgic value of revisiting a favorite author with an adult story. Still, this book was so fun that those who haven’t read Carter’s Gallagher Girls series will also enjoy it!  

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