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Blonde Identity #1
The Blonde Identity: A Novel
MP3 CD Format "A unique, delightful, hilarious, unputdownable romance... I'm wonderstruck by The Blonde Identity !" -- Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis The New York Times bestselling YA author of the beloved Gallagher Girls series bursts onto the adult scene with a fast-paced, hilarious road trip rom-com about a woman with amnesia who discovers she's the identical twin sister of a rogue spy... and must team up with a rugged, grumpy operative to stay alive. It's the middle of the night in the middle of Paris and a woman just woke up with no memory. She only knows three things for 1. She has a splitting headache. 2. The hottest guy she has (probably) ever seen is standing over her, telling her to run . And oh yeah... 3. People keep trying to kill her. She doesn't know who. Or why. But when she sees footage of herself fighting off a dozen men there's only one obviously . . . she's a spy! Except, according to Mr. Hot Guy, she's not. She's a spy's identical twin sister. Too bad the only person who knows she's not the woman they're looking for is this very grouchy, very sexy, very secret agent who (reluctantly) agrees to help her disappear. That's easier said than done when a criminal organization wants you dead and every intelligence service in the world wants you caught. Luckily, no one is looking for a pair of lovesick newlyweds on their honeymoon. And soon they're lying their way across Europe--dodging bullets and faking kisses as they race to unravel a deadly conspiracy and clear her sister's name. But with every secret they uncover, the truth shifts, until she no longer knows who to the twin she can't remember or the mysterious man she can't let herself forget... "Spies! Amnesia! And banter that'll make you chant "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" No one writes an action rom-com quite like Ally Carter." - Rachel Hawkins, New York Times bestselling author of The Wife Upstairs
1 pages, Audio CD
First published August 8, 2023
1403 people are currently reading
58340 people want to read
About the author
Ally Carter
50 books18k followersAlly Carter writes books about sneaky people and movies about Christmas. She is the New York Times Best-selling author of the Gallagher Girls, Heist Society, and Embassy Row series for teens as well as WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOR for younger readers. Her books have been published all over the world, in over twenty languages.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,810 reviews
April 27, 2024
This was fun! It got better and more action packed towards the end and I liked the dynamic between the two main characters! I don’t think there was enough back story to the conflict (who is chasing them) or their lives for me to get invested enough, but overall was a light and silly read!
November 25, 2023
this is basically an adult gallagher girls book
Adult Gallagher Girls Book
ADULT GALLAGHER GIRLS BOOK!!!!!
Adult Gallagher Girls Book
ADULT GALLAGHER GIRLS BOOK!!!!!
April 17, 2024
God this book sucked so bad my vacuum is jealous.
Want to read
December 17, 2022I've been waiting my entire adult life for this book. I can't wait for all the GG nostalgia 😭😭
January 5, 2024
never really given much thought to how amnesia would affect a romance but uhhhh
it doesn't work? how the hell is someone supposed to fall in love if they don't even know who they are. i mean, i'm certain it happens irl. but in a fictional sense? basically here it means the relationship development came down to "wow nice titties" and "oh she's fearless that's so hot."
what a deeply emotional and grounded romance said no one ever.
it doesn't work? how the hell is someone supposed to fall in love if they don't even know who they are. i mean, i'm certain it happens irl. but in a fictional sense? basically here it means the relationship development came down to "wow nice titties" and "oh she's fearless that's so hot."
what a deeply emotional and grounded romance said no one ever.
June 16, 2023
Are you ready for heart throbbing, action packed, espionage adventure meets romance with enemies to lovers and grumpy meets the sunshine tropes! If your answer is hell yes, Blonde Identity which is actually funnier and more interesting than Bourne identity series is the best fit for your adrenaline cravings.
I didn’t read the author’s Gallagher Girls series but after reading this smart, engaging, extremely sarcastic, unputdownable book, I’m so sure to give them a try and don’t let them root with my to be read listed books that keep piling up and higher than my annual Chardonnay shopping.
The book opens up with gender reversed Bourne identity storyline: this time an injured woman wakes up in the streets of Paris, without any knowledge who she’s and what she’s doing there. A very hot and brooding guy standing in front of her, screaming to run! She has to act fast not to get caught up bunch of very threatening dudes on motorcycles giving deadly Sons of Anarchy vibes. She starts running away till she finds out she’s a running away spy that her face plastered on TV screens. Luckily her brooding. very grumpy savior but mostly charming agent Mr. Hot Guy informs her: she’s not the notorious spy targeting by intelligence agencies and dangerous Russian gang leaders. Her twin sister is the one who created this mess and unfortunately getting rid of walking around with a target on her head, she has to corporate with him in a very unpredictable and dangerous adventure that may force them act like fake honeymooners but instead of covering her traces their vacation leads them to Europe to face one of the most threatening men in the earth from cutthroat criminal organizations. She has to find a way to stay alive and on the top of that she has every intention to clear her sister’s name as well.
This is laugh out loud, fast pacing wild ride makes you feel like you’re taking a marvelous, very exciting European tour on a motorcycle, you can even feel the wind on your face, imagining yourself you’re an action hero from Black Widow or Mission Impossible. That’s how this book awaken your overactive imagination. Just feel the wind and enjoy this fast, mind blowing ride!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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I didn’t read the author’s Gallagher Girls series but after reading this smart, engaging, extremely sarcastic, unputdownable book, I’m so sure to give them a try and don’t let them root with my to be read listed books that keep piling up and higher than my annual Chardonnay shopping.
The book opens up with gender reversed Bourne identity storyline: this time an injured woman wakes up in the streets of Paris, without any knowledge who she’s and what she’s doing there. A very hot and brooding guy standing in front of her, screaming to run! She has to act fast not to get caught up bunch of very threatening dudes on motorcycles giving deadly Sons of Anarchy vibes. She starts running away till she finds out she’s a running away spy that her face plastered on TV screens. Luckily her brooding. very grumpy savior but mostly charming agent Mr. Hot Guy informs her: she’s not the notorious spy targeting by intelligence agencies and dangerous Russian gang leaders. Her twin sister is the one who created this mess and unfortunately getting rid of walking around with a target on her head, she has to corporate with him in a very unpredictable and dangerous adventure that may force them act like fake honeymooners but instead of covering her traces their vacation leads them to Europe to face one of the most threatening men in the earth from cutthroat criminal organizations. She has to find a way to stay alive and on the top of that she has every intention to clear her sister’s name as well.
This is laugh out loud, fast pacing wild ride makes you feel like you’re taking a marvelous, very exciting European tour on a motorcycle, you can even feel the wind on your face, imagining yourself you’re an action hero from Black Widow or Mission Impossible. That’s how this book awaken your overactive imagination. Just feel the wind and enjoy this fast, mind blowing ride!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
medium.com
September 1, 2023
Listen… LISTEN. This is not a FIVE STAR READ. But my Gallagher Girl loving heart was absolutely giggling over this insanely cheesy, Disney channel original movie book. So I’m giving it five stars. And the only thing that can possibly stop me is me 24 hours from now.
October 25, 2025
If I had to award books I have read, this one would take the prize for "The Most Delightful (Unexpected) Find." As someone who judge a book by its cover, I never usually bat an eye for this kind, but curiosity got the better of me after seeing a mutual reading it, and I have never been so glad to take a chance on a book.
From the premise, you might expect this book to be intricate, packed with spy details and high-stakes action, but it is none of that. Instead, it is a cozy read with romance at its heart, shifting focus away from espionage to something far more intimate. Sure, there are chase scenes and danger and all the spy novel staples, but what makes it special is how it balances the excitement with humor and swoony romance in just the right mix.
Some writers get bogged down in excessive detail, but this book keeps things light and fun while still feeling substantial enough to be satisfying. It is exactly my kind of comfort read; thrilling when it needs to be, sexy when it wants to be, and always delivering that perfect hit of romantic escapism without ever taking itself too seriously. No heavy burdens, just pure enjoyment and love.
The other most significant reason into loving this book is definitely our heroine, Zoe/Alex/not Alex/lady. She is irresistibly charming, bubbling with upbeat energy, and naturally badass even when she is the opposite of her spy sister. I love how her thoughts spiral into chaos in every situation. That frantic, hilarious internal commentary is exactly what makes reading this so entertaining. She is witty, dramatic, reactive, and completely relatable in the most over-the-top way possible.
What is more, Ally Carter brilliantly refreshes the "grumpy meets sunshine" archetype with the pairing of Zoe and Sawyer. His grumpiness is far from a superficial trait; it is a necessary shield, forged by professional caution and past betrayals. This makes his journey from paranoid agent to willing accomplice one of the most compelling parts of the novel. Because his trust is so hard-won, every moment of vulnerability feels like a victory. I particularly relished the subtle ways his affection unfolded; it was not a grand declaration, but a series of quiet, protective gestures that revealed the caring man beneath the hardened exterior.
For a first foray into Ally Carter's work, this book was the perfect introduction. Her fast-paced, engaging style had me flying through the pages, and while the dual POV was occasionally drawn out especially when with short chapters, it still made for a very enjoyable read.
From the premise, you might expect this book to be intricate, packed with spy details and high-stakes action, but it is none of that. Instead, it is a cozy read with romance at its heart, shifting focus away from espionage to something far more intimate. Sure, there are chase scenes and danger and all the spy novel staples, but what makes it special is how it balances the excitement with humor and swoony romance in just the right mix.
Some writers get bogged down in excessive detail, but this book keeps things light and fun while still feeling substantial enough to be satisfying. It is exactly my kind of comfort read; thrilling when it needs to be, sexy when it wants to be, and always delivering that perfect hit of romantic escapism without ever taking itself too seriously. No heavy burdens, just pure enjoyment and love.
The other most significant reason into loving this book is definitely our heroine, Zoe/Alex/not Alex/lady. She is irresistibly charming, bubbling with upbeat energy, and naturally badass even when she is the opposite of her spy sister. I love how her thoughts spiral into chaos in every situation. That frantic, hilarious internal commentary is exactly what makes reading this so entertaining. She is witty, dramatic, reactive, and completely relatable in the most over-the-top way possible.
What is more, Ally Carter brilliantly refreshes the "grumpy meets sunshine" archetype with the pairing of Zoe and Sawyer. His grumpiness is far from a superficial trait; it is a necessary shield, forged by professional caution and past betrayals. This makes his journey from paranoid agent to willing accomplice one of the most compelling parts of the novel. Because his trust is so hard-won, every moment of vulnerability feels like a victory. I particularly relished the subtle ways his affection unfolded; it was not a grand declaration, but a series of quiet, protective gestures that revealed the caring man beneath the hardened exterior.
For a first foray into Ally Carter's work, this book was the perfect introduction. Her fast-paced, engaging style had me flying through the pages, and while the dual POV was occasionally drawn out especially when with short chapters, it still made for a very enjoyable read.
August 18, 2025
Zoe wakes up in Paris with amnesia. She can't even remember her own name. People start trying to kill her. A very hot spy begins to "help" her.
Lo and behold, she has an identical twin sister that is also a spy. There are shenanigans. And Russians. And innuendos. And more, because this is supposedly adult. Is this the best piece of literary fiction I've ever read? No. Is it riveting? Sure.
📖 Thank you to Goodreads and Avon Books
Lo and behold, she has an identical twin sister that is also a spy. There are shenanigans. And Russians. And innuendos. And more, because this is supposedly adult. Is this the best piece of literary fiction I've ever read? No. Is it riveting? Sure.
📖 Thank you to Goodreads and Avon Books
August 20, 2023
5 out of 5 stars.
This book had me giggling, twirling my hair, chuckling and kicking my feet in the air.
If you're already familiar with the author's previous book, you'll enjoy this one, immensely. And if you love spy books with alittle bit lot of humor and swoon-worthy moments on the side I definitely recommend this book!
The only thing that I disliked in this book, though I didn't let that part affect my rating, was that Sawyer kept calling Zoe (FMC) lady. However, other than that this book was amazing with all of its cliché, cheesy and corny moments.
I also WOULD LOVE if Ally Carter decides to write a book about Alex as well!!!
***************************************
AN ADULT SPY BOOK BY THE ALLY CARTER???
My day could have not gotten any better than this!
This book had me giggling, twirling my hair, chuckling and kicking my feet in the air.
If you're already familiar with the author's previous book, you'll enjoy this one, immensely. And if you love spy books with a
The only thing that I disliked in this book, though I didn't let that part affect my rating, was that Sawyer kept calling Zoe (FMC) lady. However, other than that this book was amazing with all of its cliché, cheesy and corny moments.
I also WOULD LOVE if Ally Carter decides to write a book about Alex as well!!!
***************************************
AN ADULT SPY BOOK BY THE ALLY CARTER???
My day could have not gotten any better than this!
July 10, 2023
this is the first book I've ever rated one star and I have simply one question: how in the world can an author fumble such an incredible premise oh my god I'm actually angry lol
And here's the thing, i know that this author can write good stories. I loooooved the heist society and I know that the Gallagher girls is a beloved series so why the hell was this written like this author had AI do it??? If you look up tell don't show in the dictionary it's a picture of the blonde identity
Its crazy cause actually if you look up insta love in the dictionary you'll also see a picture of this book. Why were our two main characters acting like they couldn't live without the other after having known each other for TWO DAYS? TWO. DAYS. THE ENTIRE STORY TAKES PLACE OVER SIX DAYS, PLEASE, I AM LITERALLY BEGGING YOU TO BE SERIOUS
I am not kidding when I say I didn't care about a single character and because I didn't care about a single character I didn't give a shit about the relationship holy hell I'm sorry but jfc!!
This sequel baits at the end and I laughed out loud
And here's the thing, i know that this author can write good stories. I loooooved the heist society and I know that the Gallagher girls is a beloved series so why the hell was this written like this author had AI do it??? If you look up tell don't show in the dictionary it's a picture of the blonde identity
Its crazy cause actually if you look up insta love in the dictionary you'll also see a picture of this book. Why were our two main characters acting like they couldn't live without the other after having known each other for TWO DAYS? TWO. DAYS. THE ENTIRE STORY TAKES PLACE OVER SIX DAYS, PLEASE, I AM LITERALLY BEGGING YOU TO BE SERIOUS
I am not kidding when I say I didn't care about a single character and because I didn't care about a single character I didn't give a shit about the relationship holy hell I'm sorry but jfc!!
This sequel baits at the end and I laughed out loud
August 26, 2023
I read this but I wish I hadn't.
Let me preface this review first: to this day, Ally Carter's Heist Society series is one of my favorite YA books ever. I have reread it several times so I still stand by it. So when I saw this on the library new books shelf, I was intrigued because I didn't know she had gone into adult fiction. It looked short and the summary (well, the amnesia plot) was interesting to me.
Should've known better though!!! There's really nothing to get from this book. It's not even one of those books that you can read quickly and think "well that was nice" but you never think about again. It's just not memorable enough, except if you're me and you're angry about how mediocre it is. Or less than mediocre.
Other reviews have mentioned how this book is very juvenile and I completely agree. I'm not asking for dark themes or adult content or anything, but the writing itself is juvenile and the characters act like teenagers. You have a main character who has amnesia and seemingly reverts to a much younger version of herself? Like, did Ally Carter write this plot just so she could write younger-acting characters again?
The writing is also horrendously simple. I don't need (or want) flowery prose, but can we please have sentences that are longer than 5 words. Can we please stop starting sentences with "But she walked away." every other chapter.
Here is a sampling of what I'm talking about with the writing:
pg 116: "He was probably wrong, he told himself. It was probably nothing, he swore. There's no way Zoe was actually in danger. He lied." - btw each sentence is on A SEPARATE LINE.
pg 138: "But she didn't turn around. She didn't look back. And she didn't even think about slowing down." - girl that could be one sentence.
pg 161: "It wasn't until they'd been walking for three blocks that he realized he was still holding her hand. It wasn't until they'd been walking for four that he realized he had no intention of stopping." - pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee put me out of my misery
Most aggravatingly, the romance is nothing. It's insta-love after about 4 days together. There is nothing convincing in any of their interactions and there is NO chemistry there. This is a book couple that will find out they have nothing to talk about after the book ends, no matter what a fake epilogue says. 4 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Other things that annoyed/frustrated/made me want to throw the book (in no particular order of emotion):
- The main character says "jerkface" multiple times and she berates people for swearing! Sorry I didn't realize I was reading a book meant for 5 year olds?
- The constant talk about TROPES. Will someone please free us from the contemporary romance trend of explicitly referencing tropes in writing?
- Dual POVs except the POV switching happens WITHIN A CHAPTER often MULTIPLE TIMES during the same chapter
- The short chapters. So unsatisfying.
- The blurb from Ali Hazelwood that says "A unique, delightful, hilarious, and unputdownable romance! An adventure rom-com about grumpy/sunshine spies with amazing chemistry and a dash of amnesia... exactly what I was missing in my life." No wonder I won't read a Hazelwood book, geez. (I now also hate grumpy/sunshine spies!)
Let me preface this review first: to this day, Ally Carter's Heist Society series is one of my favorite YA books ever. I have reread it several times so I still stand by it. So when I saw this on the library new books shelf, I was intrigued because I didn't know she had gone into adult fiction. It looked short and the summary (well, the amnesia plot) was interesting to me.
Should've known better though!!! There's really nothing to get from this book. It's not even one of those books that you can read quickly and think "well that was nice" but you never think about again. It's just not memorable enough, except if you're me and you're angry about how mediocre it is. Or less than mediocre.
Other reviews have mentioned how this book is very juvenile and I completely agree. I'm not asking for dark themes or adult content or anything, but the writing itself is juvenile and the characters act like teenagers. You have a main character who has amnesia and seemingly reverts to a much younger version of herself? Like, did Ally Carter write this plot just so she could write younger-acting characters again?
The writing is also horrendously simple. I don't need (or want) flowery prose, but can we please have sentences that are longer than 5 words. Can we please stop starting sentences with "But she walked away." every other chapter.
Here is a sampling of what I'm talking about with the writing:
pg 116: "He was probably wrong, he told himself. It was probably nothing, he swore. There's no way Zoe was actually in danger. He lied." - btw each sentence is on A SEPARATE LINE.
pg 138: "But she didn't turn around. She didn't look back. And she didn't even think about slowing down." - girl that could be one sentence.
pg 161: "It wasn't until they'd been walking for three blocks that he realized he was still holding her hand. It wasn't until they'd been walking for four that he realized he had no intention of stopping." - pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee put me out of my misery
Most aggravatingly, the romance is nothing. It's insta-love after about 4 days together. There is nothing convincing in any of their interactions and there is NO chemistry there. This is a book couple that will find out they have nothing to talk about after the book ends, no matter what a fake epilogue says. 4 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Other things that annoyed/frustrated/made me want to throw the book (in no particular order of emotion):
- The main character says "jerkface" multiple times and she berates people for swearing! Sorry I didn't realize I was reading a book meant for 5 year olds?
- The constant talk about TROPES. Will someone please free us from the contemporary romance trend of explicitly referencing tropes in writing?
- Dual POVs except the POV switching happens WITHIN A CHAPTER often MULTIPLE TIMES during the same chapter
- The short chapters. So unsatisfying.
- The blurb from Ali Hazelwood that says "A unique, delightful, hilarious, and unputdownable romance! An adventure rom-com about grumpy/sunshine spies with amazing chemistry and a dash of amnesia... exactly what I was missing in my life." No wonder I won't read a Hazelwood book, geez. (I now also hate grumpy/sunshine spies!)
February 4, 2023
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions stated are my own.*
This was exactly what I needed to start off my 24 hour readathon. I was absolutely obsessed with the Gallagher Girls series when I was younger and always thought that it would make an amazing TV show, so it's only natural that I feel like this one would make an AMAZING spy-romcom movie.
There was of course a few cliche moments here and there...but I mean it's a spy novel so I'd be very disappointed if there wasn't any. I feel like those type of moments really adds a lot of character to a book, especially one that is extremely self aware like this one is. I was constantly laughing at all of the silly moments, and at the edge of my seat for all the serious ones. I was just overall invested in this story and never once found myself getting bored. The book is pretty short, so some people may feel as though the romance is rushed, however I personally had no problem with the speed/pacing of it.
There is a hint at this becoming a series where the next book could possibly follow another character we're introduced to, and I will be sooo happy if that does actually happen!
This was exactly what I needed to start off my 24 hour readathon. I was absolutely obsessed with the Gallagher Girls series when I was younger and always thought that it would make an amazing TV show, so it's only natural that I feel like this one would make an AMAZING spy-romcom movie.
There was of course a few cliche moments here and there...but I mean it's a spy novel so I'd be very disappointed if there wasn't any. I feel like those type of moments really adds a lot of character to a book, especially one that is extremely self aware like this one is. I was constantly laughing at all of the silly moments, and at the edge of my seat for all the serious ones. I was just overall invested in this story and never once found myself getting bored. The book is pretty short, so some people may feel as though the romance is rushed, however I personally had no problem with the speed/pacing of it.
There is a hint at this becoming a series where the next book could possibly follow another character we're introduced to, and I will be sooo happy if that does actually happen!
August 27, 2023
i was drunk while reading the first 25% and i firmly believe that's the way to experience it cause it's low-key unbearable sober. also don't listen to the audiobook, i cannot stress this enough. the two narrators definitely didn't discuss what type of personality they wanted to give the mmc so he's sloshing around between hardcore mf who will laugh if he gets shot and baby boy who cried when he stubbed his toe this morning (relatable) depending on who is reading the scene.
i am also convinced that this book only happened because the author read somewhere that most people will automatically write their name when asked to test out a pen and then wrote a whole book around that one fun fact - which i can respect.
plot: okay? idk. did it make much sense? i don't think so. but then what really does these days.
🌶️: couldn't say, i dissociated
MCs: 😴
ending: no!!!! you cannot convince me that man would change into that profession, i absolutely refuse to believe it. -2 stars for that alone
i am also convinced that this book only happened because the author read somewhere that most people will automatically write their name when asked to test out a pen and then wrote a whole book around that one fun fact - which i can respect.
plot: okay? idk. did it make much sense? i don't think so. but then what really does these days.
🌶️: couldn't say, i dissociated
MCs: 😴
ending: no!!!! you cannot convince me that man would change into that profession, i absolutely refuse to believe it. -2 stars for that alone
August 5, 2023
The Blonde identity starts with a bang, a young women, who has no idea who she is wakes up in the snowy street of Paris being told to run by a very hot guy.
Ally Carter definitely knows how to pull you in with just a few words, she did the same thing with Gallagher Girls and she repeated again with Blonde Identity and as a die hard fan of GG I couldn’t be more trilled.
This book has everything that you could possibly want, spies, twins, mistaken identity, amnesia, fun bantering, is like Ally read my mind and created the perfect story for me.
I couldn’t stop smiling while reading it, I truly enjoyed the relationship between the main characters, Zoe and Sawyer balanced each other out so well and I got so invested in their relationship I didn’t want the book to end.
I can’t wait to see what Ally has in store for the next book, especially because I think is going to follow Alex and I can’t wait to learn more about her.
Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
Ally Carter definitely knows how to pull you in with just a few words, she did the same thing with Gallagher Girls and she repeated again with Blonde Identity and as a die hard fan of GG I couldn’t be more trilled.
This book has everything that you could possibly want, spies, twins, mistaken identity, amnesia, fun bantering, is like Ally read my mind and created the perfect story for me.
I couldn’t stop smiling while reading it, I truly enjoyed the relationship between the main characters, Zoe and Sawyer balanced each other out so well and I got so invested in their relationship I didn’t want the book to end.
I can’t wait to see what Ally has in store for the next book, especially because I think is going to follow Alex and I can’t wait to learn more about her.
Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
August 8, 2025
thought this would be my dream book mystery, romance, hot grumpy spy man but the writing leaned a little too YA for me. like ma’am i’m not 10, why is everyone talking like they’re in a disney channel spy movie??
the setup had me hooked: amnesia? evil twin spy? running through europe while fake married?? SOLD. but somewhere between the “we’re pretending to be in love” and the “we’re dodging bullets,” i started cringing more than swooning. still fun, just… bring wine and low expectations.
the setup had me hooked: amnesia? evil twin spy? running through europe while fake married?? SOLD. but somewhere between the “we’re pretending to be in love” and the “we’re dodging bullets,” i started cringing more than swooning. still fun, just… bring wine and low expectations.
July 16, 2025
Hatte den Spaß meines Lebens bei dem Buch! Wirklich alles, absolut alles war einfach nur Fun und herz erwärmend. Man fliegt durch die Seiten und es fühlt sich an als würde man eine Action Romcom schauen. Da stellt sich mir auch die Frage, warum gibt es nicht mehr davon? 😮💨
Mein einziger Kritikpunkte liegt bei den Wort Wiederholungen. Irgendwann ist mir z.B. aufgefallen wie oft das Wort „Blödi“ genutzt wurde. 🙈
Ansonsten aber definitiv eine Empfehlung für alle die eine Action Romcom suchen, mit dem Amnesie Trope, Geheim Agenten, Forced Proximity und häufige One Bed Situationen. Für das Buch sprechen vor allem auch die humorvolle Art und Weise wie die Geschichte erzählt wird und es hat kurze Kapitel, die einfach dich die Zeit vergessen lassen werden. 🤭
Mein einziger Kritikpunkte liegt bei den Wort Wiederholungen. Irgendwann ist mir z.B. aufgefallen wie oft das Wort „Blödi“ genutzt wurde. 🙈
Ansonsten aber definitiv eine Empfehlung für alle die eine Action Romcom suchen, mit dem Amnesie Trope, Geheim Agenten, Forced Proximity und häufige One Bed Situationen. Für das Buch sprechen vor allem auch die humorvolle Art und Weise wie die Geschichte erzählt wird und es hat kurze Kapitel, die einfach dich die Zeit vergessen lassen werden. 🤭
October 25, 2024
If a guy called me “lady” that many times I wouldn’t need to be questioning whether he was a double agent to be swayed to shoot him, personally
January 15, 2025
A fun spy rom-com!
Ally Carter writes some fun/cheesy banter that just works for me! This one was a little predictable, but if you’re looking for a fluffy fun read - pick this up!
I do wish there was a bit more action, though. I listened to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed the narrators!
Ally Carter writes some fun/cheesy banter that just works for me! This one was a little predictable, but if you’re looking for a fluffy fun read - pick this up!
I do wish there was a bit more action, though. I listened to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed the narrators!
June 28, 2023
thank you netgalley for the arc !
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 2/5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚
read if you like:
♡ there is only one bed
♡ 2000s chickflicks and romcoms
♡ grumpy x sunshine
♡ amnesia
♡ dual pov
♡ spies!!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ i’m going to preface this by acknowledging that this was not my cup of tea; it’s advertised as an adult work but besides the occasional f-bomb and some very milquetoast implications of sex (which winds up being a fade to black) i’d die on the hill that it is absolutely ya. the blonde identity was very much what i’d call ‘junk food’ literature in that it’s fast-paced, chock full of action and momentum, very light-hearted if not tongue in cheek but not really top-shelf stuff. a cute throwback to early 2000s romcoms, prepare yourself for a tidal wave of nostalgia in this espionage romance between spy and self-professed curmudgeon sawyer and our amnesiac very blithe elle woods coded main character who seems to be suffering from a case of mistaken identity as they both run from myriad enemies. whilst the dynamic between the two main characters at times appealed to me, i more often than not found them to be almost wheedling in how hard carter was trying to streamline their love story in such a compact book. in the end all that we’re really left with is more victims of the virulent insta-love — aka the bane of my existence. when considered as individuals instead, both characters hold up far better under scrutiny and do yield up many redeeming characteristics. it’s just unfortunate that they then are eclipsed in this farcical romance arc. another source of disappointment lies in how the antagonists are pretty opaque re: their dispositions or really anything about them beyond their much accursed roles. we never really glean anything about them beyond their cookie cutter existences; they are nothing more than tracery work of characters rendered on butcher paper and we are exposed to only their outlines. they’ve no substance to the point that they’re essentially immaterial in both the literal and figurative sense.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ conclusion:
all in all, if you’re like me and more of a finicky reader who won’t really suffer fools (no character here appears to be very discerning) nor juvenile language - step aside from this one. be forewarned as well that there’s no real mystery and you will not only be spoon fed but have said spoon forced down your throat till the last. now, if you’re searching for a bubbly pick me up which won’t take itself very seriously? this is just up your alley!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 2/5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚
read if you like:
♡ there is only one bed
♡ 2000s chickflicks and romcoms
♡ grumpy x sunshine
♡ amnesia
♡ dual pov
♡ spies!!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ i’m going to preface this by acknowledging that this was not my cup of tea; it’s advertised as an adult work but besides the occasional f-bomb and some very milquetoast implications of sex (which winds up being a fade to black) i’d die on the hill that it is absolutely ya. the blonde identity was very much what i’d call ‘junk food’ literature in that it’s fast-paced, chock full of action and momentum, very light-hearted if not tongue in cheek but not really top-shelf stuff. a cute throwback to early 2000s romcoms, prepare yourself for a tidal wave of nostalgia in this espionage romance between spy and self-professed curmudgeon sawyer and our amnesiac very blithe elle woods coded main character who seems to be suffering from a case of mistaken identity as they both run from myriad enemies. whilst the dynamic between the two main characters at times appealed to me, i more often than not found them to be almost wheedling in how hard carter was trying to streamline their love story in such a compact book. in the end all that we’re really left with is more victims of the virulent insta-love — aka the bane of my existence. when considered as individuals instead, both characters hold up far better under scrutiny and do yield up many redeeming characteristics. it’s just unfortunate that they then are eclipsed in this farcical romance arc. another source of disappointment lies in how the antagonists are pretty opaque re: their dispositions or really anything about them beyond their much accursed roles. we never really glean anything about them beyond their cookie cutter existences; they are nothing more than tracery work of characters rendered on butcher paper and we are exposed to only their outlines. they’ve no substance to the point that they’re essentially immaterial in both the literal and figurative sense.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ conclusion:
all in all, if you’re like me and more of a finicky reader who won’t really suffer fools (no character here appears to be very discerning) nor juvenile language - step aside from this one. be forewarned as well that there’s no real mystery and you will not only be spoon fed but have said spoon forced down your throat till the last. now, if you’re searching for a bubbly pick me up which won’t take itself very seriously? this is just up your alley!
July 20, 2024
HAHAHAHA - me during this book
I felt like I was watching a fast paced spy movie with this book. Audiobook was excellent.
There’s some cursing and that brought the star rating down. We did not need the f-bombs.
But I loved the characters and the premise and the romance. It’s closed door. Some implied build up but it was ok to me.
I recommend if you’re ok with reading past some language, like closed door, and want to be thoroughly entertained.
I felt like I was watching a fast paced spy movie with this book. Audiobook was excellent.
There’s some cursing and that brought the star rating down. We did not need the f-bombs.
But I loved the characters and the premise and the romance. It’s closed door. Some implied build up but it was ok to me.
I recommend if you’re ok with reading past some language, like closed door, and want to be thoroughly entertained.
September 5, 2023
Ally Carter jumping onto the adult romcom scene?!?! Adult version of the Gallagher Girls???
This is middle school Paige’s dream come true 😭😭😭
———————————
8/31/2023
I had really high expectations for this book because of how much I loved the Gallagher Academy series when I was younger, and this didn’t fully live up to those expectations 😢
❌ My biggest issue is that it felt too “Hollywood” - like I was reading an outline or a script for a romcom movie. It just read a bit more superficial.
🆗 It started off strong and kept you yearning to find out what would happen next. But then it kind of fell off towards the middle and I got a little bored, almost to the point where I was completely losing interest.
✅ The romance was kind of cute, with some twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I wouldn’t have minded it to be a bit steamier though 😆
Overall, I think this was just okay. Not really a new favorite of mine and I may think twice about reading another one of All Carter’s “adult” books in the future because I’m not sure they’re for me.
This is middle school Paige’s dream come true 😭😭😭
———————————
8/31/2023
I had really high expectations for this book because of how much I loved the Gallagher Academy series when I was younger, and this didn’t fully live up to those expectations 😢
❌ My biggest issue is that it felt too “Hollywood” - like I was reading an outline or a script for a romcom movie. It just read a bit more superficial.
🆗 It started off strong and kept you yearning to find out what would happen next. But then it kind of fell off towards the middle and I got a little bored, almost to the point where I was completely losing interest.
✅ The romance was kind of cute, with some twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I wouldn’t have minded it to be a bit steamier though 😆
Overall, I think this was just okay. Not really a new favorite of mine and I may think twice about reading another one of All Carter’s “adult” books in the future because I’m not sure they’re for me.
August 12, 2023
It's been a while since I've been painfully obsessed with a book and this one was exactly what I was looking for.
I love love loved these two. They have chemistry and banter and playfulness and seriousness. I loved their flirting disguised as fighting, all of their shouting and all of the sweetness.
Plot wise, it starts with a bang and doesn't let go. There are pockets of slow, but it's mostly fast paced and action packed. I especially loved how they were together for nearly the entire book.
Overall, I loved this one so much, I was sneaking chapters at work and I'm already thinking about when I can read it again. Definitely one of my top 10 of the year.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I love love loved these two. They have chemistry and banter and playfulness and seriousness. I loved their flirting disguised as fighting, all of their shouting and all of the sweetness.
Plot wise, it starts with a bang and doesn't let go. There are pockets of slow, but it's mostly fast paced and action packed. I especially loved how they were together for nearly the entire book.
Overall, I loved this one so much, I was sneaking chapters at work and I'm already thinking about when I can read it again. Definitely one of my top 10 of the year.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
July 25, 2023
this was bananas but not in a fun kooky way but like “god, help me what is going on” way. i am a Gallagher girl, i loved carter growing up but this was not it. the plot structure is off, the characters are too YA, the instalove gave me whiplash and and a fade to black sex scene? IN THIS ECONOMY? absolutely not. also losing my mind at the random british inclusion at the end
January 8, 2025
3.5 ☆
⭢ age rec: 15+
── .✦ a mini review :
this was such a lighthearted mystery-romcom! like if i could describe the blonde identity in one word it would be 'silly'. i really enjoyed the dynamic between our mcs, and how the memory loss trope affected that. their banter was so funny <3 ally carter’s books are so fast-paced and i can’t wait for the sequel in august!
⭑.ᐟ unlike the majority of ally carter’s novels, this book is adult. as someone who mostly reads ya, it wasn’t that bad— some cursing and iffy jokes.
ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ
post • read
this has got to be the most silly mystery i’ve ever read! i loved the dynamic between our main characters and their romance was so cute! can’t wait for alex’s book in august.
• rtc!!
pre • read
ally carter my dear name twin please get me out of my slump i beg of you🙏🙏
⭢ age rec: 15+
── .✦ a mini review :
this was such a lighthearted mystery-romcom! like if i could describe the blonde identity in one word it would be 'silly'. i really enjoyed the dynamic between our mcs, and how the memory loss trope affected that. their banter was so funny <3 ally carter’s books are so fast-paced and i can’t wait for the sequel in august!
⭑.ᐟ unlike the majority of ally carter’s novels, this book is adult. as someone who mostly reads ya, it wasn’t that bad— some cursing and iffy jokes.
ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ
post • read
this has got to be the most silly mystery i’ve ever read! i loved the dynamic between our main characters and their romance was so cute! can’t wait for alex’s book in august.
• rtc!!
pre • read
ally carter my dear name twin please get me out of my slump i beg of you🙏🙏
January 2, 2023
What a fun adult debut from Ally Carter! A core memory was unlocked when I saw the ARC in NetGalley, and I immediately went down a Gallagher Girls rabbit hole from my pre-adolescence.
I really felt transported to the mid-aughts reading Carter's voice again and seeing how fun she is writing out spy sequences and love stories. The banter in The Blonde Identity was sizzling, and I really couldn't fully guess the entire plot ahead of time.
A few parts got a tad repetitive, but that's partially due to the challenging nature of the amnesia trope. If the protagonist gets her memory back too soon, the entire storyline can feel rushed and unearned. On the other hand, if it takes too long, readers spend large portions of the novel spinning their wheels as the same scenarios play out over and over. (I think Carter leaned a little more into the latter scenario to avoid the former one.)
All in all, I've been a real hater when it comes to 2000s trends coming back en vogue in the 2020s, but as far as Ally Carter's writing and its reappearance in my life a decade and a half later are concerned, I'll make an exception. I already can't wait for the second book in this series.
Content warning: Violence, murder
I really felt transported to the mid-aughts reading Carter's voice again and seeing how fun she is writing out spy sequences and love stories. The banter in The Blonde Identity was sizzling, and I really couldn't fully guess the entire plot ahead of time.
A few parts got a tad repetitive, but that's partially due to the challenging nature of the amnesia trope. If the protagonist gets her memory back too soon, the entire storyline can feel rushed and unearned. On the other hand, if it takes too long, readers spend large portions of the novel spinning their wheels as the same scenarios play out over and over. (I think Carter leaned a little more into the latter scenario to avoid the former one.)
All in all, I've been a real hater when it comes to 2000s trends coming back en vogue in the 2020s, but as far as Ally Carter's writing and its reappearance in my life a decade and a half later are concerned, I'll make an exception. I already can't wait for the second book in this series.
Content warning: Violence, murder
September 6, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written, romantic comedy, spy story. It is action packed and fast paced with likeable characters, wit, humor, many laugh out loud moments, engaging banter, sizzling chemistry, twists and turns, and a happily ever after ending. I listened to the audio version of this novel and the narrators, Ms. Emily Ellet and Mr. Andrew Eiden, are truly talented with captivating voices.
July 4, 2023
➸ 4 ⭐️
If I gotta pitch this book I'd say The Spy Who Dumped Me meets The Citadel or The Night Agent and I'm aware that I'm using 2 spy movies/tv series but I can't think of anything else it reminds me of lol. I'd have loved this even more if it was a little more The Citadel/The Night Agent like, and the characters had more depth hence why I'm rating it "only" 4 ⭐️
Don't get me wrong - this was fast paced and entertaining, pure escapist joy, and not every book needs to be super deep and War and Peace like, I just personally get more invested in the characters and that's what matters most to me so because of that I wish the MCs - Sawyer and Zoe - were more fleshed out and the book was longer.
The dual POV was perfect for this book especially considering it's only 300 pages and one of the MCs has no idea whats going on lol. It also helped with the tension and the romance. The story is filled with humour and banter and covert operations and fan fav tropes like - only one bed, will-they-wont-they, fake dating/(marriage?), grump/sunshine.
The other thing preventing me from rating it 5 ⭐️ is the fact that this is Adult and yet the romance is fade to black. That was very disappointing to me because the tension between the characters was building for more than 60% of the book, and it was great they had great chemistry and the tension was scorching, so to have the culmination of that happen behind closed doors (literally!) was... pure torture, thank you very much.
The epilogue hints at a sequel that I couldn't find anywhere if it was confirmed yet or not, but if AC continues with this series I'll be picking the next one up!
eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
If I gotta pitch this book I'd say The Spy Who Dumped Me meets The Citadel or The Night Agent and I'm aware that I'm using 2 spy movies/tv series but I can't think of anything else it reminds me of lol. I'd have loved this even more if it was a little more The Citadel/The Night Agent like, and the characters had more depth hence why I'm rating it "only" 4 ⭐️
Don't get me wrong - this was fast paced and entertaining, pure escapist joy, and not every book needs to be super deep and War and Peace like, I just personally get more invested in the characters and that's what matters most to me so because of that I wish the MCs - Sawyer and Zoe - were more fleshed out and the book was longer.
The dual POV was perfect for this book especially considering it's only 300 pages and one of the MCs has no idea whats going on lol. It also helped with the tension and the romance. The story is filled with humour and banter and covert operations and fan fav tropes like - only one bed, will-they-wont-they, fake dating/(marriage?), grump/sunshine.
The other thing preventing me from rating it 5 ⭐️ is the fact that this is Adult and yet the romance is fade to black. That was very disappointing to me because the tension between the characters was building for more than 60% of the book, and it was great they had great chemistry and the tension was scorching, so to have the culmination of that happen behind closed doors (literally!) was... pure torture, thank you very much.
The epilogue hints at a sequel that I couldn't find anywhere if it was confirmed yet or not, but if AC continues with this series I'll be picking the next one up!
eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
December 14, 2023
Blog | Instagram
Rating: 3 stars
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This stunning design is perfect for the story it represents. It is simple, fun, and nicely captures the spy-thriller genre of the story. What’s more, the detail of the Eiffel Tower earring is a nice touch that hints at the initial Paris setting.
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟
Despite being easy to follow, I struggled to find the simplistic writing style captivating. In particular, the details and descriptions provided seemed lacking, especially for the action scenes. I also cringed at the blatant innuendos throughout the story and eventually could not stop myself from rolling my eyes.
"Sometimes villains make the best heroes."
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟
The story opens with an intriguing burst of action that develops into a light, entertaining storyline. However, numerous cliques, tropes and coincidences give the storyline little substance and make it reminiscent of any run-of-the-mill early 2000 romantic comedy movie.
Main character(s): 🌟🌟
Zoe and Sawyer, aka the Michaelsons, were painfully one-dimensional, with actions and internal monologues that made them seem like naive teenagers. Besides this, Zoe’s self-deprecating personality and Sawyer’s macho man behaviour made it hard for me to connect with them. Honestly, the main thing I remember about these characters is the weird and constant moaning by Zoe while Sawyer was forever growling.
“nothing on this earth is sexier than a woman who told death to fuck off."
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟
While a small cast of secondary characters pop in and out of the story, none were particularly memorable. They were simply caricatures used to perform specific roles and drive the storyline.
Romance: 🌟🌟
Though the main characters had several cute moments, their instant and unexplained connection left the grumpy/sunshine romance with little depth. I also hated how Sawyer's manhandling was normalised, and Zoe acted like she had to save him. The man needed therapy, not the saving power of love!
Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Andrew Eiden and Emily Ellet were great narrators who used vocal effects and accents to enhance the story. Their voices were also fitting for the main characters, but I found this emphasised the irritating traits of both characters.
On the whole, 'The Blonde Identity' was a light and fun spy/romantic comedy. However, it lacked the compelling characters and/or themes that would have made it memorable. Those who liked this would also enjoy Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maeher, as that is another light and simple romantic comedy.
____________________________________
For those who have read this and want to discuss it, here are a few questions:
Rating: 3 stars
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This stunning design is perfect for the story it represents. It is simple, fun, and nicely captures the spy-thriller genre of the story. What’s more, the detail of the Eiffel Tower earring is a nice touch that hints at the initial Paris setting.
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟
Despite being easy to follow, I struggled to find the simplistic writing style captivating. In particular, the details and descriptions provided seemed lacking, especially for the action scenes. I also cringed at the blatant innuendos throughout the story and eventually could not stop myself from rolling my eyes.
"Sometimes villains make the best heroes."
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟
The story opens with an intriguing burst of action that develops into a light, entertaining storyline. However, numerous cliques, tropes and coincidences give the storyline little substance and make it reminiscent of any run-of-the-mill early 2000 romantic comedy movie.
Main character(s): 🌟🌟
Zoe and Sawyer, aka the Michaelsons, were painfully one-dimensional, with actions and internal monologues that made them seem like naive teenagers. Besides this, Zoe’s self-deprecating personality and Sawyer’s macho man behaviour made it hard for me to connect with them. Honestly, the main thing I remember about these characters is the weird and constant moaning by Zoe while Sawyer was forever growling.
“nothing on this earth is sexier than a woman who told death to fuck off."
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟
While a small cast of secondary characters pop in and out of the story, none were particularly memorable. They were simply caricatures used to perform specific roles and drive the storyline.
Romance: 🌟🌟
Though the main characters had several cute moments, their instant and unexplained connection left the grumpy/sunshine romance with little depth. I also hated how Sawyer's manhandling was normalised, and Zoe acted like she had to save him. The man needed therapy, not the saving power of love!
Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Andrew Eiden and Emily Ellet were great narrators who used vocal effects and accents to enhance the story. Their voices were also fitting for the main characters, but I found this emphasised the irritating traits of both characters.
On the whole, 'The Blonde Identity' was a light and fun spy/romantic comedy. However, it lacked the compelling characters and/or themes that would have made it memorable. Those who liked this would also enjoy Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maeher, as that is another light and simple romantic comedy.
____________________________________
For those who have read this and want to discuss it, here are a few questions:
November 24, 2024
Hot chick wakes up in a snowdrift in Paris, her only possessions a used tissue, a chapstick, a black plastic card . . . and a bad case of amnesia. Now everyone's yelling at her and chasing her and even shooting at her, and she doesn't even know her own name! Can she trust the incredibly hot guy who comes along just in the nick of time? Can she trust anyone?
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