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monicasnextchapter 's review for:
The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold
by Ally Carter
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
Third Person POV | Dual Narrative
Dual Timeline
Book 2 in Series: Can be read as a standalone. Don’t have to have read Book 1 (The Blonde Identity) in order to follow along.
FMC: Alex Sterling MMC: Michael Kingsley (“King”)
Setting: All over the world
Genres: Caper, Crime, Mystery, Suspense, Action & Adventure, Romance
Content Warnings: Violence, Blood, Death, Amnesia, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Espionage, Gun Violence
This caper heist adventure follows Alex and Michael in the present day while flashing back to their earlier missions, both together and apart, since first meeting 10 years ago before starting “Spy School.” The way the dual timelines and dual narratives are written is super impactful and provides a more in-depth plot as they confront their pasts together and navigate current challenges and secrets.
I loved reading the clever schemes and intense obstacles they faced, both physically and mentally. The level of mystery, suspense, and action is so well done, keeping the pace sharp and stakes high.
Also, the settings change so much since this is a caper but each new location was vividly written and described in effective, immersive detail that it didn’t get overwhelming or lost. Reading the characters’ adventure through so various environments added more complexity and excitement to the story.
The loathing and dislike Alex and Michael share with each other brings a mix of humor and tension that kept me wanting to see more of their sensual chemistry and banter. I appreciated the moments of vulnerability and humility which made their romance feel more relatable and genuine. Even though their romance was a sub-genre it still added an emotional weight to plot.
With that said, I personally would’ve loved a bit more open door romance, and Ally Carter writes in a way that suggests she could definitely deliver some great steamy, sexy scenes. Other readers will appreciate that the romance and “spice” isn’t the main genre here and doesn’t overpower the caper heist theme.
The perfectly balanced humor, adventure, mystery, and romance made this such an entertaining, gripping read!
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing an ARC of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Third Person POV | Dual Narrative
Dual Timeline
Book 2 in Series: Can be read as a standalone. Don’t have to have read Book 1 (The Blonde Identity) in order to follow along.
FMC: Alex Sterling MMC: Michael Kingsley (“King”)
Setting: All over the world
Genres: Caper, Crime, Mystery, Suspense, Action & Adventure, Romance
Content Warnings: Violence, Blood, Death, Amnesia, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Espionage, Gun Violence
This caper heist adventure follows Alex and Michael in the present day while flashing back to their earlier missions, both together and apart, since first meeting 10 years ago before starting “Spy School.” The way the dual timelines and dual narratives are written is super impactful and provides a more in-depth plot as they confront their pasts together and navigate current challenges and secrets.
I loved reading the clever schemes and intense obstacles they faced, both physically and mentally. The level of mystery, suspense, and action is so well done, keeping the pace sharp and stakes high.
Also, the settings change so much since this is a caper but each new location was vividly written and described in effective, immersive detail that it didn’t get overwhelming or lost. Reading the characters’ adventure through so various environments added more complexity and excitement to the story.
The loathing and dislike Alex and Michael share with each other brings a mix of humor and tension that kept me wanting to see more of their sensual chemistry and banter. I appreciated the moments of vulnerability and humility which made their romance feel more relatable and genuine. Even though their romance was a sub-genre it still added an emotional weight to plot.
With that said, I personally would’ve loved a bit more open door romance, and Ally Carter writes in a way that suggests she could definitely deliver some great steamy, sexy scenes. Other readers will appreciate that the romance and “spice” isn’t the main genre here and doesn’t overpower the caper heist theme.
The perfectly balanced humor, adventure, mystery, and romance made this such an entertaining, gripping read!
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing an ARC of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Medical content, Kidnapping