A review by natashaleighton_
The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.5

Ally Carter’s adult debut was a hilariously fast paced, spy filled Rom-com that reads like the love child of Argylle, Atomic Blonde and The Bourne Identity— if you love your Rom-Coms heart-poundingly swift and full of danger, then you’re sure to be as utterly addicted as I was! 

With a plot that plays up to all the conventions of a classic spy caper (think mistaken identities, amnesia and plenty of gun toting bad guys.) Carter allows the delightfully witty banter and swoon-worthy chemistry of protagonists,Sawyer and Zoe (and their adorable Grumpy/Sunshine dynamics) to take centre stage.

I loved Zoe, our sunshiny, amnesiac MC —whose (rogue spy) identical twin,Alex has her fending off operatives from every government intelligence agency-in the most chaotic and entertainingly endearing way possible. 

Like a Blonde Jessica Day (from New Girl) she stumbles into one dangerous situation after the next without a care in the world— something that would usually annoy me. But thanks to her unrelenting selflessness and optimistically quirky outlook on life, I couldn’t help but root for her every step of the way. Starting from the moment we first meet her: laying on a snowy Parisian street, intending to take a nap.

Sawyer, the Nick Miller to Zoe’s Jess was also an enjoyable character to get to know. As the second POV character in this Dual POV Rom-com, I loved getting to explore his perspective on the increasingly dire situations they have got themselves tangled up in. As Zoe’s only lifeline to her sister (whom he worked beside before she ran off with a very important flash drive), Sawyer knows that he can’t let her out of his sight. For selfish reasons of course (he needs to find that drive asap) but also for less tangible reasons too. 

His attraction and slow realisation to his developing feelings for Zoe, (and his initial reluctance) was quite interesting to explore and, along with some rather stellar comedic timing—made for quite a lighthearted juxtaposition to the more life threatening events around them. This is definitely a story that would be marvellous on the big screen, I’m already mentally compiling my dream cast (so please whoever’s in charge of such decisions, can you please adapt this immediately.) 

Overall, a fun and fabulously addictive read that adventure seeking Rom-Com lovers should definitely consider checking out.  

Also a massive thank you for Chloe over at Pan MacMillan for the finished copy. 
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