"The Blonde Identity" by Ally Carter takes readers on a thrilling and humorous ride through the streets of Paris and beyond. As the beloved author of the Gallagher Girls series, Carter successfully transitions to the adult genre with this fast-paced, action-packed rom-com.

The story kicks off with a bang when the protagonist wakes up in Paris with no memory, a splitting headache, and the enigmatic presence of a hot stranger urging her to flee from unknown assailants. From there, the plot races forward, blending elements of espionage, romance, and comedy seamlessly.

What sets this book apart is its clever twist on the spy genre. Instead of the typical spy-hero, readers are introduced to a heroine who discovers she's the identical twin sister of a rogue spy. This premise adds a unique layer to the story, filled with unexpected developments and witty banter.

One of the book's strongest aspects is its characters. The female lead, with her amnesia, is both vulnerable and resilient, making her instantly relatable. Her interactions with the rugged, grumpy operative are laced with chemistry and humor, keeping the readers engaged throughout their journey.

Ally Carter's writing style is crisp and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of action sequences and romantic moments. The witty dialogue and clever one-liners add to the enjoyment, and the unfolding conspiracy keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

While "The Blonde Identity" is a delightful read, it does have a few minor flaws. Some readers may find certain plot twists predictable, and the book occasionally relies on familiar tropes of the rom-com genre. However, these minor issues don't significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

In conclusion, "The Blonde Identity" is a fantastic addition to the world of romantic comedy with a dash of espionage. Ally Carter's knack for creating engaging characters and her ability to infuse humor into an action-packed plot shine in this novel. It's a book that keeps you entertained from start to finish, and the chemistry between the characters is undeniable. While it may not break entirely new ground in the genre, it offers an enjoyable and engaging reading experience. Overall, "The Blonde Identity" deserves a solid 4-star rating for its humor, romance, and adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Really enjoyed this highly entertaining journey from beginning to end. This is an action packed, dangerous and heart racing adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, emotionally thrilling twists and exciting turns.

I absolutely love and adore Ms. Carter’ books. She writes them almost like a movie, and you can see each scene unfolding before you. This was the perfect spy romance, as it had everything I wanted and more. The plot is interesting, the characters are compelling, and the writing style is wonderful.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager.

This book is everything!! It will definitely be a top contender for my favorite book of 2023. This book has THE BEST banter and dialogue. The Blonde Identity is an over the top spy satire that takes place in France. It is so easy to visually picture how these action scenes would occur. Think Fast and Furious level stunts with James Bond level fight scenes and romance with the wit and humor of a satire like Scary Movie.

I think everyone should read this book. I was able to listen to the audio of this after pub date, and both male and female narrators (for dual POV reading) execute their parts flawlessly! I cannot wait to re-read this now that I have my hands on a physical copy as well.

I had soooo been looking forward to reading this, since it sounded like the Gallagher Girls series, just adult. And it was that, but not in the way I'd hoped. The writing style is very, very similar -- but where I think it works in the GG series (it's YA, it's more light-hearted & teen-movie adjacent), those qualities don't really work for adult characters and an adult story, in my opinion. While I like that style & character-work in GG, it didn't feel right to me for this sort of plot and characters.

Maybe I didn't end up liking this because of my pre-conceived expectations of it. I think if you're looking for a hit of campy nostalgia, you might enjoy this. Not for me, but I think it would def work for other people.

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.

well, this took me embarrassingly long to finish. i'll blame that on my exams and my current mental state but also on the fact that this bored me to the bonesss. neither of the main characters interested me and the plot just fell flat. which is really saying smth since i would do ANYTHING for an ally carter plot. i do understand why this would appeal to some people tho. i really reallyyy wanted to like this one but ig this genre is just not my cup of tea. even if it's ally carter who's writing it.
i'm still grateful she wrote this tho. i really missed her writing.

the premise of this story was so unique and interesting, it was so fun !

i did think that the writing was bit juvenile for my taste, considering that it was an adult romance. but i really loved the plot and absolutely adored the main character. the romance was also really cute!!

I...
Loved this book...
So much.

Was it perfect? No. Was it perfect for me? YES.

Possible spoilers, read on with caution.

This was such a fun book for me to read, as a fan of The Gallagher Girls series when I was younger. This was exactly like that but made for adults.

I loved the back and forth between Him and Her, and watching their relationship grow and change. And the twists! I did not see them coming. Although that was because I was literally not even trying to guess what was happening. I was just along for the ride. It had me giggling and kicking my feet, and also a little stressed at times.

I liked the ending and the way they seemed settled, and how it for sure opened it up for more books in the future, which I absolutely cannot wait for.

I didn't like the way He kept calling Her "Lady" It just was giving me the ick a little.

Also, did you see the dedication in the front of the book? I'm not crying, YOU ARE.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

I was a huge fan of the Gallagher girls, so naturally was very excited to read this one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, as it felt like I had been transported back in time to binge reading GG books as a kid. That being said, I felt like the plot could have been better developed

Instagram to be posted and linked shortly!

I ADORED this book! I loved the characters and felt genuinely invested in the story and how their characters developed throughout. I found myself smiling like an idiot at various parts while reading and loved it. There was a bit of breaking the fourth wall which I also loved!

It’s 4 stars not 5 only because at a few certain points I felt like it was dragging a bit and I found myself skimming

I first thought this was going to be a murder mystery, but it was so much more. It was romance, action, adventure, and mystery all wrapped up in a fun twisty plot. Ally Carter didn't disappoint with this one and I hope there is more to this story with more action packed adventures.

Thank you for the advanced copy

The Blonde Identity is cute, fast, snappy and entertaining. A beautiful blonde woman wakes up on the streets of Paris with no memory of how she got there or why she is being chased by armed men. Working with Jake Sawyer, an undercover spy, our mystery heroine (Zoe) zips from Paris across Europe and learns she is being mistaken for her identical twin sister Alex, a rogue spy wanted by several different agencies. The action is well-paced, the banter is flirty, and the chemistry is electric. Ally Carter has written an adorably frothy, romantic comedy.

If you like books featuring…
Spy thriller romance
Witty repertoire
European travel & hijinks

Great for fans of…
Oceans 8
Killing Eve
To Have and to Heist by Sarah Desai

Ally Carter was a ghost from the past for me! In previous years I had read her Embassy Row series and was obsessed with it. I'm 50% through this book and OBSESSED with the characters. I love the setup of the story, where it takes place, what you discover about the characters, and the mystery and intrigue behind all the in between!!!!

I want to start off by saying that I would follow Ally Carter to the ends of the earth. I would read anything she writes, because everything she does is that good. The Blonde Identity is no exception. When I heard she was writing an adult fiction romance/spy thriller, I was immediately excited. And then I had the amazing opportunity to get an Advanced Reader copy, and I was over the moon. I read The Blonde Identity so quickly, because it sucked me in and kept me engaged through the whole book. It is a delightful mix of romantic comedy and action/spy novel. It doesn't miss a single beat. I ate up the romance - Sawyer and Zoe’s chemistry is electric - and I was on the edge of my seat during the action scenes. Ally Carter is phenomenal at keeping you guessing - each chapter I started I would think “okay, just one more chapter,” and then I'd get to the end of that chapter and I’d start the next. The balance between the romance and the action was perfect, neither took up too much of the book. Finally, even though this isn't a Gallagher Girls book, there is a tiny nod to her young adult spy novels that made me smile.
Ally Carter is an incredible novelist, and I couldn't be more happy to give The Blonde Identity 5 stars. It's one of my favorite books I've read this year. I will be a Gallagher Girl for life, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

This was definitely a cute adventure with lots of laugh out loud moments. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter and the twists and turns. I'm also looking forward to maybe a sequel based on how it ended? I think it could be really fun!

Title: The Blonde Identity

Author: Ally Carter


Ch: 65 plus epilogue


Pg:304


Series: N/A


Genre: Contemporary Rom Com


Rating: 5 stars


Publisher:


What’s a Gallagher girl fan to do know that she’s grown up. Read Ally Carter’s newest book The Blonde Identity about spies and while it’s not a Gallagher grown up. It does contain Ally’s charm and banter.


I do have to stress that while it is still very much Ally’s writing style it’s not a teen book it’s adult with language but not that much and it does fit the character that uses it. There is a steamy scene that is off the page, but it’s rather fade to black than close door.


The Blonde Identity kept me trying to reasons to kept listening to the audiobook to find out what happened. Because the action and the banter between Zoe and Sawyer kept me wanting too more. And what’s not to love about a spy chase across Europe.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This book wasn't for me, but I know lots of people who would love this book! I can see it circulating very well in our adult romance collection. So, even if it wasn't for me, we will purchase a copy for our collection.

Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the ebook.

Not finishing at 37%. I just am not captured by this book. I find the chemistry between the two characters in realistic. A girl who doesn’t remember anything about herself but is being incredibly forward and flirtatious with a complete stranger. It feels so odd. They’ve spent this entire time running and nothing has really happened and I know no more at almost 40% than I did at the very beginning.