Book Review: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You (Gallagher Girls 1)

Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her? 

Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.

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I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This review also appears on Goodreads.

This is one of those books that sat on my TBR far longer than the time it took me to actually read the book (well in this case, the whole five books in the series). I seriously can't believe that it took me this long to read and start the series and even longer time to write a review.

I've always loved watching, reading and hearing stories about spies and secret agents. Growing up, I had this fantasy of becoming a spy with all these cool gadgets and saving-the-world gig. I guess one of the many things that made me love the book is because I got a chance to live that fantasy. (Hey I may be a young adult but I still have these wild, crazy ideas in my head.)

Cammie Morgan is a spy. As a student of Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, she is expected to train to act and think in dangerous situations for it may mean life or death. I love how Ally Carter made Cammie such a witty, likable character. The way she narrates the story in her carefree, flawless way felt natural and is very engaging. Cammie may be a spy but she's still a teenage girl who would get a crush on a cute, nice guy. It was adorably funny how Cammie "figured things out" when it comes to boys - she's a very good spy, yes, but when it comes to boys she's just clueless. I love Cammie's sometimes naivete. She's very down to earth and she gives great value to the people around her. She's fierce and strong when the situation calls for it but she can be vulnerable and emotional when it comes to her family.

I also adore the side characters who were all very well-rounded with just the right amount of wit and personality to spice things up. I never found myself bored while reading the book and I was just totally pulled in. I admit I found the book quite short for my taste but I don't think that made it less likable.

I love how the story kept a constant pace - not too slow or too fast. All throughout the book, I was kept on edge and the excitement just builds up from beginning to end.

Honestly? The only thing I didn't like about the book is Josh. As much as it pains me to say this, I didn't fell in love with Josh the way Cammie did and the whole time Cammie was pining over Josh, I was like "Uhm, really? You like him?" I'm not sure but Josh just din't have this charisma and charm that could pull you in. Sure, he seemed nice and cute but I didn't feel the genuineness in him.

Overall, I adored this book. A lot. I highly recommend this to all spy-loving, adventurous-loving bookworms out there.

P.S. I just love the book title!

Keep the books coming -