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Gallagher Girls #2
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Rare Book
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2007
1163 people are currently reading
24326 people want to read
About the author
Ally Carter
48 books18.3k 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 4,024 reviews
May 26, 2017
Who would have thought a sequel could be better than the first book??? Okay, not SUBSTAINTAILLY better, but noticeably better.
I finished this book in less than 2 hours and im just grateful these books are short otherwise I would be encouraged to do other things ((laundry)) than read this book
That’s how bad they can get – im not even exaggerating
But book #2 was better and I think going in with 0.00 expectations made me //enjoy// it more than I thought it would
Yes, there’s still more TALK of being a bada*s spy who is fluent in 17 languages than ACTUALLY being a bada*s spy. Its more of a rom-com ft. some spy related ish so keep that in mind
But hey, I was actually ENGAGED in this book, even if it was for 55 seconds but that’s a step up from the first book which was a complete and utter tragedy
Still lots of tropes like the beautifully, quirky, and hilarious MC that thinks shes so plain and boring ((which spoiler, she is)) and yet she somehow dazzles all the boys ??? oh and hot boys too
Theres still the cringe that is the humour. Like its not the worst I’ve seen but its pretty close. Its just v much trying too hard
Also I really have to resist gagging after the girls refer to their teacher, on multiple occasions as ‘sexy’ bc no plz no
But the ending was actually slightly thrilling even tho it was VERY predictable but definitely an improvement
Im praying the next books also improve so I can stick around just a bit longer
2 stars!!
I finished this book in less than 2 hours and im just grateful these books are short otherwise I would be encouraged to do other things ((laundry)) than read this book
That’s how bad they can get – im not even exaggerating
But book #2 was better and I think going in with 0.00 expectations made me //enjoy// it more than I thought it would
Yes, there’s still more TALK of being a bada*s spy who is fluent in 17 languages than ACTUALLY being a bada*s spy. Its more of a rom-com ft. some spy related ish so keep that in mind
But hey, I was actually ENGAGED in this book, even if it was for 55 seconds but that’s a step up from the first book which was a complete and utter tragedy
Still lots of tropes like the beautifully, quirky, and hilarious MC that thinks shes so plain and boring ((which spoiler, she is)) and yet she somehow dazzles all the boys ??? oh and hot boys too
Theres still the cringe that is the humour. Like its not the worst I’ve seen but its pretty close. Its just v much trying too hard
Also I really have to resist gagging after the girls refer to their teacher, on multiple occasions as ‘sexy’ bc no plz no
But the ending was actually slightly thrilling even tho it was VERY predictable but definitely an improvement
Im praying the next books also improve so I can stick around just a bit longer
2 stars!!
March 14, 2012
*Review posted on Mundie Moms on August 20, 2011*
I love discovering a series that has a number of books out already. But the problem? Well, I seem to be devouring them in one sitting. I tried to slow down my reading of Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy, but I couldn’t seem to stop turning pages. For starters, I wanted to know what Cammie’s mother was hiding and what was that new construction in the school all about?
Then in a countersurveillance exercise with the always fun-to-read Mr. Solomon, I smiled when a new character was introduced as he walked into an elevator with Cammie during that very exercise (page 71-72):
And in that second, I forgot all about Josh. I’m not going to spoil this for you, Mundie Moms; I will say this – get the series. Get all of them. Trust me when I say, you will love the way Zach (that’s the boy in the quote) says the word, “Spy.” His snarky attitude and ability to best Cammie made for the best kind of reading. The kind where there’s a smile plastered on your face. Just for the record, page 235 contained one of my favorite last lines ever.
If you haven’t picked this series up yet, please do. As for me, I’m moving on to the third book, Don’t Judge a Girl By Her Cover and yes, I’m still grinning.
I love discovering a series that has a number of books out already. But the problem? Well, I seem to be devouring them in one sitting. I tried to slow down my reading of Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy, but I couldn’t seem to stop turning pages. For starters, I wanted to know what Cammie’s mother was hiding and what was that new construction in the school all about?
Then in a countersurveillance exercise with the always fun-to-read Mr. Solomon, I smiled when a new character was introduced as he walked into an elevator with Cammie during that very exercise (page 71-72):
The elevator seemed to move slower and slower as the clock in my head ticked louder and louder, and I thought about how Mr. Solomon might make us walk back to Roseville if no one achieved our mission objectives.
“You in a hurry or something?” the boy asked.
“Actually, I’m supposed to meet my teacher at the ruby slipper exhibit. I’ve only got twenty minutes, and if I’m late, he’ll kill me.” (Not a lie, but maybe an exaggeration—I hoped.)
“How do you know?”
“Because he said, ‘Meet me at the ruby slipper exhibit.’”
“No.” The boy was smiling, shaking his head. “How do you know you only have twenty minutes? You’re not wearing a watch.”
“My friend just told me.” The lie was smooth and easy, and I was a little bit proud of it, happy that I didn’t have to think about how in forty-five seconds, this boy had noticed something that Josh hadn’t seen in four months.
“You fidget a lot,” he said.
Make that two things Josh hadn’t even seen.
“I’m sorry,” I said, but I wasn’t. “I have low blood sugar.” Lie number three. “I need to eat something.” Which wasn’t really a lie, since…well…I was hungry.
And then the stranger boy totally knocked me for a loop, because he handed me a bag of M&Ms. “Here. I ate most of them already.”
And in that second, I forgot all about Josh. I’m not going to spoil this for you, Mundie Moms; I will say this – get the series. Get all of them. Trust me when I say, you will love the way Zach (that’s the boy in the quote) says the word, “Spy.” His snarky attitude and ability to best Cammie made for the best kind of reading. The kind where there’s a smile plastered on your face. Just for the record, page 235 contained one of my favorite last lines ever.
If you haven’t picked this series up yet, please do. As for me, I’m moving on to the third book, Don’t Judge a Girl By Her Cover and yes, I’m still grinning.
July 27, 2015
REREAD: July 26, 2015
It will never be the same. I'm bumping up the rating to 4 stars.
Initial read: January 21, 2015
Rating: 3.8 stars
One thing you should know about me is, I have a short attention span. I can't never get anything done without chirping a couple of nonsensical chores between my reading.
I was pleasantly surprised to find myself finishing Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy in one day. Its genuinely short, but still my effort deserved to be applauded.
Verdict: I'm not in love with this series yet, but so far its promising.
It will never be the same. I'm bumping up the rating to 4 stars.
Initial read: January 21, 2015
Rating: 3.8 stars
One thing you should know about me is, I have a short attention span. I can't never get anything done without chirping a couple of nonsensical chores between my reading.
I was pleasantly surprised to find myself finishing Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy in one day. Its genuinely short, but still my effort deserved to be applauded.
Verdict: I'm not in love with this series yet, but so far its promising.
January 16, 2013
Before I start, I have to start by saying something extremely vital to my review: JOSH WHO?
Agter reading this book, I am infinitesimaly glad that Cammie isn't with Josh. First of all, I've never ever related to him. I didn't like him as a character. I've always found him to be just a distraction to Cammie. I'm glad I didn't need to hear much from him here.
Anyways, this book was great, even better than the first one. I found myself passing the pages faster, because I wanted to discover all the secrets that were being kept. Cammie, as usual, has to deal with being a spy in training as well as just being a teenage girl. Reading her inner turmoil made me realize that although she speaks fourteen different languages and can probably kill you with nothing but a stapler, she is just a teenage girl.
It was fun seeing all the different new characters presented, as well as new situations where the "spy" aspect of the story could be developed.
I love more and more the idea of a school for spies, I'd just love to be part of it.
Agter reading this book, I am infinitesimaly glad that Cammie isn't with Josh. First of all, I've never ever related to him. I didn't like him as a character. I've always found him to be just a distraction to Cammie. I'm glad I didn't need to hear much from him here.
Anyways, this book was great, even better than the first one. I found myself passing the pages faster, because I wanted to discover all the secrets that were being kept. Cammie, as usual, has to deal with being a spy in training as well as just being a teenage girl. Reading her inner turmoil made me realize that although she speaks fourteen different languages and can probably kill you with nothing but a stapler, she is just a teenage girl.
It was fun seeing all the different new characters presented, as well as new situations where the "spy" aspect of the story could be developed.
I love more and more the idea of a school for spies, I'd just love to be part of it.
April 18, 2024
the plot thickens and we meet ZACH (*the* singular love of my life at the ripe age of 13). the dance, the BRA SCENE iykyk, the stakes, ugh literally why was i sitting in my math class reading this when i could’ve been a spy 🫤
December 9, 2015
re-read on 1/18/15
You can also read this review and others on my blog.
Reading this brought back all of the memories of why I love this series so much. Why despite having read this for the first time five years ago, I still push it up to the top of my favorite books list all the time.
This book is my comfort food, and without fail, it always make me smile and swoon and laugh and a tad sad at times.
Cammie is one of my favorite girls ever, perhaps because of her endearing awkwardness, something I relate to quite well, and her honestly entertaining commentary and thoughts. She's natural, despite her impressive skills as a spy-in-training, and a normal teenage girl suffering from the lingering effects of The Subject (to prevent spoilers).
She has her own loyal crew of her friends: the charmer Bex, genius Liz, and versed in real-world Macey (who is one of my favorites surprisingly. Plus introduce us to Preston soon please.)
Friendships are a strong part of Ally Carter's books and I love that about her books. From Bex with her kick-butt attitude and fierce loyalty, to Liz with her sweet and optimistic outlook that never fails to make me smile, to Macey and her much-needed boy translations and her grounded cool, they're the best friends a girl could ask for.
I started to protest, to hang back and buy a few more seonds, but Macey grasped my shoulders and spun me around to see Bex. And Liz. Both of them were smiling.
And we can never forget the romance aka the first meeting between Cammie andmy true love Zach, the kind of boy that makes you lose your cool and looks good doing it. I'm infinitely biased in saying this, but despite his smirky-ness I ABSOLUTELY love this guy. (But then again, I may have been slightly irritated and frustrated by him at first when I read it before.) He's charming, handsome, and for Cammie, the girl who is still figuring out the mystery of boys, confusing. He's not without his moments though, and I loved seeing the different faces he seems to have.
"You're the Gallagher Girl. You figure it out."
One of the shining points in this series for me is the touch of serious, heartfelt moments that dot the pages of the books. While they can be a bit fluffy at times, and charming and more cutesy than you'd expect from a spy book, the moments when a character drops their guard(which rarely happens when you're a spy-in-training), and you see them.
Or maybe crying is like everything else we do—it's best if you don't get caught.
If you've never read this series, I highly recommend it, for the wonderful experience that is sure to follow and you'll be wishing you were a Gallagher Girl along with the rest of us. :)
You can also read this review and others on my blog.
Reading this brought back all of the memories of why I love this series so much. Why despite having read this for the first time five years ago, I still push it up to the top of my favorite books list all the time.
This book is my comfort food, and without fail, it always make me smile and swoon and laugh and a tad sad at times.
Cammie is one of my favorite girls ever, perhaps because of her endearing awkwardness, something I relate to quite well, and her honestly entertaining commentary and thoughts. She's natural, despite her impressive skills as a spy-in-training, and a normal teenage girl suffering from the lingering effects of The Subject (to prevent spoilers).
She has her own loyal crew of her friends: the charmer Bex, genius Liz, and versed in real-world Macey (who is one of my favorites surprisingly. Plus introduce us to Preston soon please.)
Friendships are a strong part of Ally Carter's books and I love that about her books. From Bex with her kick-butt attitude and fierce loyalty, to Liz with her sweet and optimistic outlook that never fails to make me smile, to Macey and her much-needed boy translations and her grounded cool, they're the best friends a girl could ask for.
I started to protest, to hang back and buy a few more seonds, but Macey grasped my shoulders and spun me around to see Bex. And Liz. Both of them were smiling.
And we can never forget the romance aka the first meeting between Cammie and
"You're the Gallagher Girl. You figure it out."
One of the shining points in this series for me is the touch of serious, heartfelt moments that dot the pages of the books. While they can be a bit fluffy at times, and charming and more cutesy than you'd expect from a spy book, the moments when a character drops their guard(which rarely happens when you're a spy-in-training), and you see them.
Or maybe crying is like everything else we do—it's best if you don't get caught.
If you've never read this series, I highly recommend it, for the wonderful experience that is sure to follow and you'll be wishing you were a Gallagher Girl along with the rest of us. :)
April 30, 2008
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy is the second book in Ally Carter's Gallagher Girl series. It is just as cute and well-written as the first book.
It's a new semester at Cammie's spy school. But getting through the next part of her Covert Operations class isn't her only challenge; the school is also keeping a secret from its students, a secret called Blackthorne. Soon, it's up to Cammie and her genius friends to save the school.
In my opinion, some parts of this story are predictable, but the storyline is cute, so I read it anyway. In fact, this is one of the few series that I collect. I was disappointed that the sequel to I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You wasn't longer, because I really enjoyed reading about a spy-in-training's love life. The good news is, Gallagher Girls is not going to be limited to a two-book series.
This is a quick and light read. I recommend this book for fans of action and romance novels.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
It's a new semester at Cammie's spy school. But getting through the next part of her Covert Operations class isn't her only challenge; the school is also keeping a secret from its students, a secret called Blackthorne. Soon, it's up to Cammie and her genius friends to save the school.
In my opinion, some parts of this story are predictable, but the storyline is cute, so I read it anyway. In fact, this is one of the few series that I collect. I was disappointed that the sequel to I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You wasn't longer, because I really enjoyed reading about a spy-in-training's love life. The good news is, Gallagher Girls is not going to be limited to a two-book series.
This is a quick and light read. I recommend this book for fans of action and romance novels.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
October 1, 2024
continuing my nostalgia journey and once again in my old age now wondering when we’ll get books about cammie’s mom, the og bad bitch spy
February 4, 2008
I read Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy's prequel—I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You—last July at my mother's recommendation. I enjoyed, but didn’t love, the book, and it clearly made very little impression on me. I honestly couldn’t remember a majority of what took place in I’d Tell You, including most of the characters. This forgetfulness is either the fault of an aged brain (entirely possible) or a not-so-thrilling storyline (also possible).
Maybe it’s because of my amnesia or since reading I’ve overdosed on young adult novels, but I much prefer the sequel. The hijinks of high school sophomore Cammie Morgan and her best friends at an all-girl spy school are delightfully fun. And I also enjoyed the romance (or was it just a cover) between Cammie and another teen spy, Zach.
This is not to say the book is perfect. For someone trained to be a spy from birth, for someone who supposedly developed spy gear at age seven, and for someone who speaks fourteen languages fluently (Carter repeats this fact about a thousand times in the book), Cammie sure does some stupid things. Can she really be angsting at the same time she’s scoping out how many bald males in a crowd are wearing watches?
The book is entirely fantastic—and some descriptions of the CIA-sponsored school and gadgets are just too much to handle—but one aspect of the book was just too unreal to believe.
SPOILER ALERT: Fifteen male students from an all-boy boarding school move into the all-girl boarding school. Talk about a recipe for disaster. What could be worse—hormonally speaking—than throwing together teenagers who have been deprived of the opposite sex most of their lives? Yet, the book makes no mention of the complications inherent in the situation—surely to maintain its G-rated tone—but I was reminded of my uncle who invited a male foreign exchange student to live with him and his five daughters. Was he really surprised when one ended up pregnant?
Overall, the book is entertaining and contains nothing offensive for a 12-year-old girl or a 58-year-old grandmother.
Maybe it’s because of my amnesia or since reading I’ve overdosed on young adult novels, but I much prefer the sequel. The hijinks of high school sophomore Cammie Morgan and her best friends at an all-girl spy school are delightfully fun. And I also enjoyed the romance (or was it just a cover) between Cammie and another teen spy, Zach.
This is not to say the book is perfect. For someone trained to be a spy from birth, for someone who supposedly developed spy gear at age seven, and for someone who speaks fourteen languages fluently (Carter repeats this fact about a thousand times in the book), Cammie sure does some stupid things. Can she really be angsting at the same time she’s scoping out how many bald males in a crowd are wearing watches?
The book is entirely fantastic—and some descriptions of the CIA-sponsored school and gadgets are just too much to handle—but one aspect of the book was just too unreal to believe.
SPOILER ALERT: Fifteen male students from an all-boy boarding school move into the all-girl boarding school. Talk about a recipe for disaster. What could be worse—hormonally speaking—than throwing together teenagers who have been deprived of the opposite sex most of their lives? Yet, the book makes no mention of the complications inherent in the situation—surely to maintain its G-rated tone—but I was reminded of my uncle who invited a male foreign exchange student to live with him and his five daughters. Was he really surprised when one ended up pregnant?
Overall, the book is entertaining and contains nothing offensive for a 12-year-old girl or a 58-year-old grandmother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2018
Tbh, the reason the rating is “so low” is that boy Zach.
I hate those kind of boys (I know he is a fictional one here but still) who force themselves on girls. I just can’t stand them and I won’t be sorry for that.
I loved the girlpower but sadly I found the plot a little weak.
You should maybe consider that I’m a bit “too old” for this series, in general, but it was a cute, easy and fast-paced read! I’ll definitely continue to read about the girls!
I hate those kind of boys (I know he is a fictional one here but still) who force themselves on girls. I just can’t stand them and I won’t be sorry for that.
I loved the girlpower but sadly I found the plot a little weak.
You should maybe consider that I’m a bit “too old” for this series, in general, but it was a cute, easy and fast-paced read! I’ll definitely continue to read about the girls!
January 28, 2022
i TORE through this book it’s actually too good the first book was excellent but this is phenomenal. zach you know i didn’t remember you but i did once i started reading. i was ready to jump through the book and whoop dr. steve’s ass but he was acting i guess but hmph
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2016
Hmmm. Much better than the first, but some parts felt lacking. I would have to reread the action scenes to try to understand what was going on, but still felt lost at some points. No cussing like the first book (there was a 'freaking', though), but there was still a romance--just with a different guy. A kiss and an almost kiss, but not really any sexual hints. Many mentions of hotness and hotties. There is an accident with a strapless bra falling, that I found a bit humorous did to the fact I always picture that happening. It felt pretty short compared to the first one as well.
Overall, I will be trying the third book out, but at this point, am not sure about the rest of the series.
Overall, I will be trying the third book out, but at this point, am not sure about the rest of the series.
August 6, 2018
book #6 completed for booktubeathon 2018!
the epilogue. THE. EPILOGUE. boooiiii let me tell you i am loving this series so far. the characters are great. the spy school setting is great. I JUST...YES MORE PLS THX.
the epilogue. THE. EPILOGUE. boooiiii let me tell you i am loving this series so far. the characters are great. the spy school setting is great. I JUST...YES MORE PLS THX.
April 3, 2020
i'm still so emotionally invested in josh :(
February 6, 2018
pls read these books they're SO much fun!
January 20, 2026
═══════ ∘◦ ✧ ◦∘ ═══════
This review contains a few random statistics, my personal thoughts, and a content review! ♡
═══════ ∘◦ ✧ ◦∘ ═══════
• Book- Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy • Author- Ally Carter • Pages- Kindle, 240 • Genre(s)- YA spy fiction, contemporary romance • Published- 2007 • Recommended time to read - September
⇢─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───⇠
→ Setting - 5/5 → Characters- 5/5 → Writing - 5/5 → Cover - 3/5 → Vibes- 5/5 → Plot- 4/5 → Romance/Ship - 4/5 → Overall- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
⇢─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───⇠
Recommended to fans of-
✔︎ Spies
✔︎ Academy setting
✔︎ Romance subplot
✔︎ Strong female friendships
♫ Now Playing - Salute by Little Mix ♫
═════════════════
╰┈➤ My thoughts (spoiler free)
♫ ”Ladies all across the world, listen up we’re looking for recruits, if you’re with me lemme see your hands, stand up and salute.” ♫
This was so good! I was short and super easy to binge read. I love the writing, because though it’s not what one would call beautiful, it’s so witty and funny! There were literally so many things that made me laugh! 😂
I think this one was better than the first book, though it’s been like four or five months since I read it so some of the details are slipping my mind. I really like Zack (or was it Zach? 🧐) though! For some reason I accidentally called him Luke in one of my updates 😭?? Idk what was going on in my head, but clearly not much 😔
The spy stuff is literally so much fun to read about 🤩🤩 If you ever watched and liked the Spy Kids movies, you’d probably love these books!
Oh also for some reason it says I only have 21 highlights but I know for sure I had more. Hopefully they like, load soon lol.
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Characters
♫ ”Get your killer heels, sneakers, pumps, or lace up your boots! Representin’ all the women, salute, salute!” ♫
Cammie - I love her! Her inner monologue is literally so funny and her constant comparison to her spy side and her girl side is genuinely so relatable. I mean, not that I’m a spy going to a special spy school (I wish 👀) but like you get the point.
Bex - True girl’s girl right here! 🙌🏻 She’s literally the best. I always forget she’s British though so in my head she doesn’t have an accent 😭
Liz - She’s so sweet 🙂↕️ and she kinda reminds me of Sloane from The Naturals!
Macey - Absolute divaaaa 😍😍 Like seriously can I please be her friend 🙏🏻
Zack (or Zach??) - MY MANNN I LOVED HIMMM! Much better than Josh in my opinion 😌 AHHH HE WAS JUST SO AMAZING!! I was a bit suspicious of him for a bit there but then he reminded me how great he was 🤩
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Spoilers below!
♫ ”Sisters we are everywhere, warrior your country needs you! If you’re ready, ladies, better keep steady, ready, aim, shoot.” ♫
Oh my gosh I ship Zack/Zach and Cammie literally so much 🤭🤭 THAT KISS AT THE END AHHHH??? Ugh it was so perfect!! 👌
The climax too?? Literally amazing. I was just as shocked as everyone else that it was a test! A little disappointed lwk but also proud of my Gallagher Girls and Blackthorne Boys for doing so well 💪🏻
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Content review
➸ Age Rating - 12/13+
➸ Language - Bloody used twice.
➸ Romance/Sexual - One kiss (not descriptive at all) and an almost kiss. Boys are described as being “hot” or “sexy” a couple times, as well as a teacher being called hot. Mentions of push up bras, and a strapless bra that (unfortunately for Cammie) falls out of her strapless dress. Probably a couple other slightly inappropriate jokes that I don’t remember.
➸ Violence - Hand to hand combat, once a teacher stumbled into a room with blood on his face and then passes out.
➸ Religious/Spiritual - None.
➸ Magic - None.
➸ LGBTQ - None.
➸ Alcohol/Drugs - None.
• Book- Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy • Author- Ally Carter • Pages- Kindle, 240 • Genre(s)- YA spy fiction, contemporary romance • Published- 2007 • Recommended time to read - September
⇢─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───⇠
→ Setting - 5/5 → Characters- 5/5 → Writing - 5/5 → Cover - 3/5 → Vibes- 5/5 → Plot- 4/5 → Romance/Ship - 4/5 → Overall- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
⇢─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───⇠
Recommended to fans of-
✔︎ Spies
✔︎ Academy setting
✔︎ Romance subplot
✔︎ Strong female friendships
♫ Now Playing - Salute by Little Mix ♫
═════════════════
╰┈➤ My thoughts (spoiler free)
♫ ”Ladies all across the world, listen up we’re looking for recruits, if you’re with me lemme see your hands, stand up and salute.” ♫
This was so good! I was short and super easy to binge read. I love the writing, because though it’s not what one would call beautiful, it’s so witty and funny! There were literally so many things that made me laugh! 😂
I think this one was better than the first book, though it’s been like four or five months since I read it so some of the details are slipping my mind. I really like Zack (or was it Zach? 🧐) though! For some reason I accidentally called him Luke in one of my updates 😭?? Idk what was going on in my head, but clearly not much 😔
The spy stuff is literally so much fun to read about 🤩🤩 If you ever watched and liked the Spy Kids movies, you’d probably love these books!
Oh also for some reason it says I only have 21 highlights but I know for sure I had more. Hopefully they like, load soon lol.
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Characters
♫ ”Get your killer heels, sneakers, pumps, or lace up your boots! Representin’ all the women, salute, salute!” ♫
Cammie - I love her! Her inner monologue is literally so funny and her constant comparison to her spy side and her girl side is genuinely so relatable. I mean, not that I’m a spy going to a special spy school (I wish 👀) but like you get the point.
Bex - True girl’s girl right here! 🙌🏻 She’s literally the best. I always forget she’s British though so in my head she doesn’t have an accent 😭
Liz - She’s so sweet 🙂↕️ and she kinda reminds me of Sloane from The Naturals!
Macey - Absolute divaaaa 😍😍 Like seriously can I please be her friend 🙏🏻
Zack (or Zach??) - MY MANNN I LOVED HIMMM! Much better than Josh in my opinion 😌 AHHH HE WAS JUST SO AMAZING!! I was a bit suspicious of him for a bit there but then he reminded me how great he was 🤩
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Spoilers below!
♫ ”Sisters we are everywhere, warrior your country needs you! If you’re ready, ladies, better keep steady, ready, aim, shoot.” ♫
Oh my gosh I ship Zack/Zach and Cammie literally so much 🤭🤭 THAT KISS AT THE END AHHHH??? Ugh it was so perfect!! 👌
The climax too?? Literally amazing. I was just as shocked as everyone else that it was a test! A little disappointed lwk but also proud of my Gallagher Girls and Blackthorne Boys for doing so well 💪🏻
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Content review
➸ Age Rating - 12/13+
➸ Language - Bloody used twice.
➸ Romance/Sexual - One kiss (not descriptive at all) and an almost kiss. Boys are described as being “hot” or “sexy” a couple times, as well as a teacher being called hot. Mentions of push up bras, and a strapless bra that (unfortunately for Cammie) falls out of her strapless dress. Probably a couple other slightly inappropriate jokes that I don’t remember.
➸ Violence - Hand to hand combat, once a teacher stumbled into a room with blood on his face and then passes out.
➸ Religious/Spiritual - None.
➸ Magic - None.
➸ LGBTQ - None.
➸ Alcohol/Drugs - None.
February 29, 2016
asdfghjkl; these books are so fun! I can't stop grinning and while this didn't get any tears out of me, I enjoyed it a lot! especially the parts where a certain boy was involved (✿◠‿◠) I'm in such a reading groove with this series that I don't have that much time to update here while continuously laughing and turning the pages as soon as possible, but I'm already [almost] halfway done with book 3 and it's really good, too!
December 12, 2008
I thought this was really good, regardless of the slim plot. I liked the characters a lot, especially the new ones, and I wish the third book was coming out tomorrow instead of in June. Sigh. But I laughed almost the whole time, especially about some of the situations and things Cammie finds herself in. I hope Zach's in the next book a lot, because I feel like Carter raised a lot of questions about him but then didn't answer any of them (well, except if he liked Cammie or not).
November 30, 2007
This book wasn't as good as it's predecessor, "I'd Tell You I Love You, but then I'd Have to Kill You". Cam went from being a cool spy girl who happened to be interested in a boy, to a confused teenage girl, who happened to be a spy. Most of the book was her trying to deal with Zach, another spy, and then not taking the route I wanted her to, which involved a good beating on Zach's part. My goodness, that guy was annoying! Kinda a non-exsistent plot. Basically just said,"we figured out that you girls, although can speak 32 foriegn languages fluenently, really don't know how to interact with boys." No duh. We knew that from book 1. There better be a 3rd book, with revolations about her deceased father and his buddy Mr. Solomon, or heads will roll.
April 30, 2022
They're getting better. XDD Zach was a mix of Fitz and Keefe but I didn't really like him a ton. XD
April 28, 2009
Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy is the sequel to I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter, the witty and adventurous "Cameron Ann Morgan" herself.
This novel took alot from the first book and placed an even harder and challenging mission in this story.
Cammie and her three friends, along with the 96 more girls at the academy, find theirselves in an even tougher and awkward situation than when Cammie first met Josh; and this time, this situation refers to all Gallaghers: Boys. Fifteen boys from, dare I say it, another Institution come to the Gallagher Academy so that when the time came, both girls and boys would be able to learn how to tell when someone is lying, how the other genders acts and how to trust them and how to know who and when to trust. To me, the key word I got out of this novel is: Trust, (and awkwardness, but that's another story).
When Cammie has to learn to trust these boys, she finds this one boy quite interesting, (and pretty cute). She learns that there are "others" like her where they've lost a parent during a mission, too. Cam tries so hard for the remainder of the semester to figure out who Zach Goode is. She finds that Zach has many legends, but will she find which one is the true Zach?
With all the things that have occured since the boys arrived, Cammie and her friends are the main observors and find something suspcious ever since the East Wing has been "Off-Limits" and BLACK CODES begin to sound when the last time one went off was about a century ago. So Cam and her friends start another mission of their own and investigates. From making a fool of herself on a CoveOps pop quiz to wearing a strapless red dress while dancing with Zach while having a bra malfunction, Cammie has learned that not everything might be a "pop quiz" or a "class". Sometimes you may come across something totally real and you are gonna have to pull all your knowledge that you've learned and just do it.
I liked this one because there was a sense of more intense emotions between Cammie, Zach and then from seeing Josh again with DeeDee.
Carter puts alot of action and more Spyvocabulary and more spy-related things that it makes you feel like you are the spy searching for the uncovered Alumni List. Adrenalin becomes not only Cammie Morgan's word, but it becomes your word.
This spy-packed mission shows you all the hints and secrets that you would wish that there was just an inch more everytime.
This novel took alot from the first book and placed an even harder and challenging mission in this story.
Cammie and her three friends, along with the 96 more girls at the academy, find theirselves in an even tougher and awkward situation than when Cammie first met Josh; and this time, this situation refers to all Gallaghers: Boys. Fifteen boys from, dare I say it, another Institution come to the Gallagher Academy so that when the time came, both girls and boys would be able to learn how to tell when someone is lying, how the other genders acts and how to trust them and how to know who and when to trust. To me, the key word I got out of this novel is: Trust, (and awkwardness, but that's another story).
When Cammie has to learn to trust these boys, she finds this one boy quite interesting, (and pretty cute). She learns that there are "others" like her where they've lost a parent during a mission, too. Cam tries so hard for the remainder of the semester to figure out who Zach Goode is. She finds that Zach has many legends, but will she find which one is the true Zach?
With all the things that have occured since the boys arrived, Cammie and her friends are the main observors and find something suspcious ever since the East Wing has been "Off-Limits" and BLACK CODES begin to sound when the last time one went off was about a century ago. So Cam and her friends start another mission of their own and investigates. From making a fool of herself on a CoveOps pop quiz to wearing a strapless red dress while dancing with Zach while having a bra malfunction, Cammie has learned that not everything might be a "pop quiz" or a "class". Sometimes you may come across something totally real and you are gonna have to pull all your knowledge that you've learned and just do it.
I liked this one because there was a sense of more intense emotions between Cammie, Zach and then from seeing Josh again with DeeDee.
Carter puts alot of action and more Spyvocabulary and more spy-related things that it makes you feel like you are the spy searching for the uncovered Alumni List. Adrenalin becomes not only Cammie Morgan's word, but it becomes your word.
This spy-packed mission shows you all the hints and secrets that you would wish that there was just an inch more everytime.
February 11, 2012
Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy was my favourite Gallagher Girls book so far. I was constantly wanting to sit down and just read the book! Which is what I did after school on Friday :P
Cammie, her friends and all the girls at Gallagher Academy get the shock of their lives when boys (yes, BOYS!) come and live at the school for a semester.
Enter super spy, super hot, super mysterious Zach. Cammie's new crush.
Cammie is confused about her feelings for Zach. When they go into the town, Roseville, Virginia, Cammie runs into her ex-boyfriend, her first kiss, her first crush, her first boyfriend, Josh and his best and longest friend, DeeDee.
Then, Zach comes to the rescue and grabs Cammies hand, yes, GRABS HER HAND!
After a code black, Cammie is even MORE suspicious of Zach.. But it's not him she should be suspicious of.
When Cammie has to pull through for her school and herself she strives for the top.
At the end, Cammie and Zach have 'a moment'!!
I cannot wait until Monday so my friend can give me the next book !
I enjoyed this book more than the first because this book was easier to keep up with. It was an easy read. I finished the last half of the book in a few hours.
Thanks Ally Carter.. And my friend Georgie for giving me a lend of the books!!! Love them so far <3
Cammie, her friends and all the girls at Gallagher Academy get the shock of their lives when boys (yes, BOYS!) come and live at the school for a semester.
Enter super spy, super hot, super mysterious Zach. Cammie's new crush.
Cammie is confused about her feelings for Zach. When they go into the town, Roseville, Virginia, Cammie runs into her ex-boyfriend, her first kiss, her first crush, her first boyfriend, Josh and his best and longest friend, DeeDee.
Then, Zach comes to the rescue and grabs Cammies hand, yes, GRABS HER HAND!
After a code black, Cammie is even MORE suspicious of Zach.. But it's not him she should be suspicious of.
When Cammie has to pull through for her school and herself she strives for the top.
At the end, Cammie and Zach have 'a moment'!!
I cannot wait until Monday so my friend can give me the next book !
I enjoyed this book more than the first because this book was easier to keep up with. It was an easy read. I finished the last half of the book in a few hours.
Thanks Ally Carter.. And my friend Georgie for giving me a lend of the books!!! Love them so far <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2015
actual rating: 4.5 stars
fUCKING ZACHARY GOODE
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME ERI
THAT FUCKING SMOOTH MOTHERFUCKER I HATE HIM
fUCKING ZACHARY GOODE
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME ERI
THAT FUCKING SMOOTH MOTHERFUCKER I HATE HIM
April 19, 2015
These books are seriously so much fun. Sure they might be kind of predictable, but the characters are amazing and the storyline is fantastic. This is the epitome of a feel good series. I can’t wait to read them all.
June 10, 2018
HI, ZACH.
The fact that there are boys - and they're better than the Gallagher Girls - will never cease to amuse me. This book is hilarious. Predictable, but hilarious. It's that perfect moment in the series where school and interpersonal dynamics are still their biggest concerns. Actually, the ending might be a retread, and Abby hasn't shown up yet (which is weird; in my memory she takes up more space), so it's not too perfect. But it's charming.
And the new epilogue is pretty fabulous.
The fact that there are boys - and they're better than the Gallagher Girls - will never cease to amuse me. This book is hilarious. Predictable, but hilarious. It's that perfect moment in the series where school and interpersonal dynamics are still their biggest concerns. Actually, the ending might be a retread, and Abby hasn't shown up yet (which is weird; in my memory she takes up more space), so it's not too perfect. But it's charming.
And the new epilogue is pretty fabulous.
February 7, 2023
4.25 stars
But that last big scene was gold, and Cammie's friends are amazing; therefore this book still gets a good rating.
But that last big scene was gold, and Cammie's friends are amazing; therefore this book still gets a good rating.
May 6, 2018
You can also find my review here: https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....
I have had this book forever, but decided to finally pick it up because I recently read Heist Society by Ally Carter, and I've also been on a bit of the spy books kick lately. It's been a very long time since I read the first novel in the series, but that was okay because this can definitely be red and standalone. Ally Carter's books are at the top of my list for young adults spy novels. Etiquette and Espionage does not even come close to being as good as her books.
The pacing is fast and this is light, fun read. Perfect material if you're into reading slump. The plot was good, but a lot of the book was filler and character development material. I ripped through this book in one sitting. It was a fun read and I wonder I have never read the rest of the series before.
The characters are all really awesome. I love reading from Cammie's point of view because she is funny and her thoughts are amusing. I love all of her friends too, I can see myself following these characters for a whole series. Ally Carter is a great author and I'm kind of sad it took me this long to revisit her work. I was afraid that this would be more middle grade then young adult fiction, but it's not. It doesn't feel juvenile, just like a normal young adult novel. I'm planning on continuing the series and reading some other books by Ally Carter.
I have had this book forever, but decided to finally pick it up because I recently read Heist Society by Ally Carter, and I've also been on a bit of the spy books kick lately. It's been a very long time since I read the first novel in the series, but that was okay because this can definitely be red and standalone. Ally Carter's books are at the top of my list for young adults spy novels. Etiquette and Espionage does not even come close to being as good as her books.
The pacing is fast and this is light, fun read. Perfect material if you're into reading slump. The plot was good, but a lot of the book was filler and character development material. I ripped through this book in one sitting. It was a fun read and I wonder I have never read the rest of the series before.
The characters are all really awesome. I love reading from Cammie's point of view because she is funny and her thoughts are amusing. I love all of her friends too, I can see myself following these characters for a whole series. Ally Carter is a great author and I'm kind of sad it took me this long to revisit her work. I was afraid that this would be more middle grade then young adult fiction, but it's not. It doesn't feel juvenile, just like a normal young adult novel. I'm planning on continuing the series and reading some other books by Ally Carter.
February 29, 2016
The second installment of The Gallagher Girls is much better than the predecessor. There was much more spying, secrets, twists, and intrigue in this book. My disappointment from the first book has been mollified.
First of, the girls: Cammie, Bex, Liz, and Macey are all great. I wish the books were a little longer, so we'd get to explore their relationships and personalities more, but I'm just happy there are so many great girls working together.
The boys: Meh. Zach was okay, I guess, but I'm not too impressed. Especially since he wasn't too nice. But he wasn't as bad as he could have been either.
Also, I'm a little surprised that these girls aren't taught how to interact with civilians better, especially boys.
I really liked the plot in this one though, it was much more complex and full of intrigue, and unlike the last one I couldn't figure it out. It was also much better tied together. Also, why am I getting the feeling that Cammie's Dad might be alive???? I want to spoil myself so badly!
Definitely looking forward to the next one.
First of, the girls: Cammie, Bex, Liz, and Macey are all great. I wish the books were a little longer, so we'd get to explore their relationships and personalities more, but I'm just happy there are so many great girls working together.
The boys: Meh. Zach was okay, I guess, but I'm not too impressed. Especially since he wasn't too nice. But he wasn't as bad as he could have been either.
Also, I'm a little surprised that these girls aren't taught how to interact with civilians better, especially boys.
I really liked the plot in this one though, it was much more complex and full of intrigue, and unlike the last one I couldn't figure it out. It was also much better tied together. Also, why am I getting the feeling that Cammie's Dad might be alive???? I want to spoil myself so badly!
Definitely looking forward to the next one.
April 4, 2016
I love spy stuff. And she makes me want to become a Gallagher Girl so bad. I will always love Zach with all my heart he is top spy man ever!❤️ I love how she ends her books! Always at the end of the school year. Where the possibilities are endless. Liz and Bec are the best characters as well as best friends for Cammie. Oh and Macey too they are a mix of a kind such different personalitys yet they work together so well! I wish her books were longer! I finished this one fast. It's been awhile that I haven't read a book that's had at least 450 pages in it and this one was half of that, but still wonderful (which is amazing). I just wished we could of learned more about Bex, Liz, and Macey's life and thoughts in this one but she does that in the future books so I'm ok:)
I definitely recommend this series! So good!
I definitely recommend this series! So good!
June 28, 2016
I thought my heart was going to break, but then it starts healing because of the humor in this book.
"I thought you liked your interludes secret and mysterious. Your boyfriends private."
"We weren't having an interlude. And you are not my boyfriend."
"Yeah. I noticed."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're the Gallagher Girl. You figure it out."
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