The blonde who came in from the cold A novel

Bestseller Carter combines suspense, sizzle, and snark in this delightful standalone sequel to The Blonde Identity. CIA operative Alexandra Sterling (twin sister of Zoe, the heroine of the first book) has spent a decade reinventing herself for undercover missions, along the way falling in and out of love with fellow spy Michael "King" Kingsley. Alex is on the verge of tendering her resignation when she wakes up handcuffed to King in an unknown location. The estranged lovers work together to get free and then team up to discover who abducted them and why. While dodging death at every turn, King and Alex realize the spark between them never dimmed. But will they stay alive long enough to enjoy it? Carter skillfully fleshes out Alex and King's tumultuous relationship with flashbacks to their past missions and romantic liaisons. The tone stays light and fun even as plentiful action--including red herrings, double crosses, and gun fights--keeps the pages turning. With snappy dialogue, slow-burning romantic tension, and some exciting twists, this makes for an entertaining diversion. (Aug.)

Spies Alex and Michael have hated each other since they both joined the CIA a decade ago. Despite their antagonism, they worked well together, and the Agency often paired them on missions. Then Michael retired, leaving Alex and the CIA. Alex stayed in the game for another four years before going off the grid so successfully that it was as if she never existed, until a few minutes ago when she woke up in a rundown shack in the middle of a desert, bruised, battered, and handcuffed to Michael. Neither can remember how they got there. In fact, they can't remember the last 48 hours. They'll have to team up once again to stay alive, find out who's after them and why they're being hunted, and eliminate the threat. Working side by side once more may bring them together--or finally demolish any chance of a relationship. VERDICT Carter's follow-up to The Blonde Identity is a thrilling and amusing romance featuring finely drawn characters and a twisty, page-turning story. Readers will be on the edge of their seats, unable to put this book down until they discover what happens to Alex and Michael, in spydom and in love.--Heather Miller Cover