Highly entertaining and so hard to put down. Action-packed and emotionally thrilling journey filled with dangerous and engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and unexpected turns. Intriguing mystery that left me breathless on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Roberts skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, mystery, and romance, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is expertly handled, with tension building steadily as secrets are revealed and danger looms closer. The author's ability to balance the romantic and suspenseful aspects of the story is commendable, making "Identity" a satisfying read for fans of both genres.

However, some readers might find the plot twists and resolutions predictable, especially if they are familiar with Roberts' previous works. While the story offers enough suspense and surprises to keep readers engaged, it does follow a somewhat formulaic structure that is common in the romantic suspense genre.

In terms of writing style, Roberts' prose is engaging and accessible. Her ability to create believable dialogue and authentic interactions between characters is a testament to her storytelling prowess. The romance aspect of the novel is delicately handled, adding an emotional layer to the story without overpowering the suspenseful elements.

Overall, "Identity" is an entertaining and satisfying romantic suspense novel that showcases Nora Roberts' talent for crafting engaging stories filled with intrigue and passion. With well-developed characters, an engaging plot, and a compelling blend of romance and suspense, this book is sure to captivate fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating Roberts' next work.

I have always been a Nora Roberts fan, and her latest book is no exception. While her books tend to follow a somewhat predictable pattern, this one still made me feel all the emotions! Nora Roberts writes characters that you care about. You mourn with them, laugh with them, and fall in love with them. I loved seeing the main character Morgan rebuild her life, become closer to her family, and meet Miles. This one will stay with me for awhile!

Can Nora Roberts write a bad book? I think not. But this one...this one really stepped it up a level for me. The premise is very intriguiging, the bad guy extremely creepy, and the heroine was just so resilient that you root for her from page one. This is my current favorite Nora Roberts stand alone.

The premise of this one is intriguing: identity theft. Morgan Albright is living her best life. She works two jobs, is currently renovating an old house, and she has a roomate she adores. Morgan makes plans. She then carries them out meticulously. She also has hopes of opening her own bar. Enter Luke, a charming man who comes into the bar where Morgan works and strikes up a conversation. Morgan and her roommate Nina host a dinner party and invite Luke. Everything in Morgan's world is never the same after that dinner party. Luke steals her identity and murders her roommate. Soon, Morgan learns that Nina wasn't the target.

Morgan tries to pick up the pieces and start again, but eventually she needs help. She moves home to Vermont with her Mom Audrey and Gram Olivia. They are amazing characters! I would love to read their backstories. She gets a job at the lodge in town at the bar and meets the Jameson family. Soon, she is rebulding her life and putting down roots. Meeting Miles Jameson starts something new for Morgan too.

"Luke" who is really Gavin Rozwell, has never forgotten Morgan. In fact, things have gone repeatedly wrong for Gavin since Morgan - and he blames her. She is going to pay for what she has done to him. Nora Roberts intertwines his story with Morgan's, and the reader gets to see his decline throughout the entire story. His obsession with Morgan is disturbing to watch. He is incredibly creepy and frightening. He is a true villain.

Reading a Nora Roberts story is always like sitting down with an old friend - I always say this. But this one just really got me from page one. She brings Vermont alive in this story, and I not only loved the families, but Morgan and Miles are a stand-out Nora Roberts couple for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book - I really appreciate it! Nora is an auto-buy author for me, so receiving this copy was a true treat, and I am grateful. This is a perfect summer read with your favorite beveridge. Pick it up - it is out now!

I've been a fan of Nora Roberts since I was in my late teens and started plucking her paperbacks from my Mom's bookshelf, so of course any book of hers is automatically added to my own bookshelf.

Like always, Roberts has crafted a relatable, appealing, gently flawed main character who faces what felt like an unsurmountable challenge. The theft of her identity (and personal credit) is such a violation, and through such more violent means than one would expect was heartbreaking.

(Although, I confess, a niggle of annoyance when another credit card was opened in her name - why wasn't her account locked down with the credit agencies? This has been around for a few years now...I digress...reminding myself this is a story...)

Her supporting characters are equally likable, and the setting is well developed.

I haven't read an older book in a while, but something about the writing struck me while reading this in that it felt like a lot of her fantasies - the rhythm of the sentences. I don't remember it in previous mysteries. I think at this point you could hand me a Nora Roberts book with no cover, and I would recognize her writing, by the details, the rhythm, the sentence structure.

It was a comfortable escapist read.

There's a reason Roberts is a writing rock star. She's consistently good at writing gripping and entertaining stories. Identity was definitely one.

Morgan has goals. She's structured her life and works too hard to ensure these goals come true. Until a charming stranger turns out to be a horrific nightmare. After Luke/Gavin ruins her completely, stealing her money, tanking her credit and worse of all killing her roommate and great friend, Morgan is forced to sell her house and move to her grandmother's house.

Moving seems the ultimate defeat but turns out to be a wonderful chance to establish a new and wonderful relationship with the two strong, interesting women - her mother and grandmother.

As Morgan works through the horror that's been her life for over a year now, works through a lot of childhood baggage and reestablishes herself, she meets Miles. One of the family of owners of the resort she now works at. Miles is amazing. He's so good for Morgan. The whole family is. She's soon one of the extended family of resort employees. And eventually the actual family.

Of course, the final show down is tense, intense and frightening.

I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

A chilling thriller that will have you at the edge of your seat.

Identity started by introducing us to Morgan, her life, and her dreams. In usual Nora Roberts fashion, the initial events unfolded quickly without feeling rushed. And even though most of what happened was pretty mundane, there was this underlying hidden urgency to it that made me feel anxious. When Morgan started over in Vermont, most of the story just covered everyday life, but again, the reader is left in no doubt that it is building up to something.

Morgan’s efforts to rebuild her life were juxtaposed with the villain’s point of view. His story was compelling and the distressing consequences of the identify theft were done exceptionally well.

I liked Morgan and Miles and their growing relationship, along with both of their families. All these characters were an important part of the whole tapestry and filled out Morgan’s life with lots of little details.

My only gripe is that the “voices” of the characters all sound too similar. They have the same vernacular and tone in their thoughts and spoken words. Despite this, the characters are well-defined and their individuality came through in other ways.

I can highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrilling suspense and romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a wonderful book by Ms Roberts! As Morgan grew seem became this vibrant light that glowed right through the pages. She was impossible not to love! Once she was settled at A (to avoid a spoiler), she just bloomed. The passion she had for her job made me, the most introverted introvert you'll ever find, think how wonderful a bartending job could be. I loved Morgan and loved that, though painfully acquired, she was able to fall into a life that suited her. I will never understand how Ms Roberts continues to write new magic at the level that she does, but I'm not here to understand, just to enjoy!!

Morgan is in her twenties and at that age where the world hasn’t yet beaten her down. She has hope for the future and her next adventure. She works hard to achieve her dreams working two jobs to make that happen. She owns her own home and with Nina as a roommate the mortgage is taken care of. One dinner party and her world shatters.

That is usually how it happens, a single event and we see the world in a different light. For Morgan it’s not just the missing cash and jewelry. It’s not the fact that her car is missing. It’s all of that on top of Nina being murdered and finding out the murderer has stolen Morgan’s identity. She has lost her best friend and her own sense of self.

Lost and confused she returns to Vermont and her family but she struggles to rebuild her life. Add in the fact that the killer is still out there and seething because Morgan was his intended victim and you have a gal on the verge of a breakdown.

However, out of every dark cloud comes a ray of light. Miles is that for Morgan. He’s the FBI agent that is quiet and grumpy. He is the perfect compliment to Morgan’s hopefulness that he helps her reclaim. They were simply wonderful together.

I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Do not let my review or star rating deter you from reading this book. I can see how this story could be the perfect summer read for other readers.

*possible spoilers throughout *
I love devouring a Nora Roberts on a Friday night that turns into Saturday morning. This was not a book I devoured. I read it over five courses. (end meal analogy) It was enjoyable, but put-down-able. The NR formula - which can be a comfort at times - felt tired. I tend to get pulled out of the narrative when things work out perfectly for the characters. Yes, the Big Bad Thing happened and she lost everything. And many people have someone they could go to to help them restart. But few have relations who would just love to have them move in long-term, in a town with a wonderful job opportunity that meets all your employment criteria and you get after an easy job interview with an amazing salary and moral employers who treat you like family day one.

[On a personal note, I found the financial ruin story line to be extra stressful. But when she moved and got a new job and started depositing her paychecks in the bank, I about lost my mind. Her identity was stolen. All her money taken. I would've found another way to stash my money. And when he used her cards/accounts to send her things, I felt vindicated and annoyed. (hide spoiler)]

One of the many criteria I use for rating a book is if I can see myself rereading it. I enjoyed it to the point I'm not sorry I read it. But I probably won't be picking it up again. As always, do not let another person's opinion stop you from reading what could be your new favorite.

(I refuse to summarize the plot in reviews. If you're reading this, you probably have access to the synopsis.)

Reading a new Nora Roberts book is like getting to fly first class instead of coach! She never disappoints and “Identity” is no exception. I’m not going to talk plot details in this review because I don’t want to risk any spoilers. Suffice to say that Morgan’s experiences in this book had me literally chewing my nails (a habit I gave up years ago. Nora, you owe me a manicure!!). The characters are everything you’ve come to expect from a Nora Roberts book and the plotting is intricate and kept me on the edge of my seat. Romantic suspense at its very best! READ THIS BOOK NOW!!
Thank you to St Martins Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it!

I really enjoyed this book, though I kind of wish they had told you in the synopsis who the villian would be. I thought that would have been a great twist. I really enjoyed the story and and relationship dynamics between the female main character and her mother and grandmother. I loved those three together. I also thought the romance was well.

It has been a couple years since I read a Nora Roberts novel and I forgot how cheesy these could be! And this isn’t a negative… just a fact.

Identity is a romantic suspense featuring Former army brat Morgan Albright. She’s a workaholic with two jobs— dreaming of the day when she’s able to open her own bar. But then one day she meets the wrong man and her entire world is shattered.

This is an easy read. I enjoyed Morgan, her ladies, and the beautiful Vermont setting. The supporting characters were likable and I liked the themes of family and deep roots.

Unfortunately, the writing felt a little stilted and this book was too long at 437 pages. It wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t one I was excited to pick up either! Just fine! Three stars! 

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of Identity.

Identity by Nora Roberts

Published: May 23, 2023
St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 439
Genre: Romantic Suspense
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Shelter in Place, Year One, Come Sundown, and many more. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb.

“She’d get through because she had to.”

Morgan has always wanted stability. Roots. A place of her own. So she made a plan, and worked hard to achieve what she wanted. When a handsome stranger enters her bar, she never expected him to change her life.

This was such a full-bodied story. It was a story within a story. Beautifully told, with a complete build from start to finish.

The characters were all so well done. Morgan was such a bold leading lady. Miles was the perfect leading man. I loved Morgan’s ladies and the rest of the family. The community that came together was terrific.

This was scary because it could happen. The methods behind the madness were realistic enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. This was my first Nora Roberts novel, and it’s easy to see why she is a fan favorite.

The scenery was described beautifully, and I loved how places were brought in like characters. The undertones were solid, and the plot moved quickly. This was a long but fantastic read.

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning! Wonderful storyline, with amazing characters! Keep me in the edge of my seat the whole time reading! Loved it! Highly highly recommend

I am a big fan of Nora Robert's and this did not disappoint. The mystery, angst, romance, and suspense is everything I hoped for. This is a great quick read perfect for a summer trip.

Identity by Nora Roberts

Morgan Albright owned an old house she loves near Baltimore. She has a roommate that helps Morgan pay the mortgage. She has a bartending job she loves at a local bar. Morgan has plans for the house and her future. One night at the bar there is a new customer. Friendly, but not obnoxious or overdone. He stays for only two drinks then leaves. After several times dropping in at the bar, he asks her out. Morgan is careful to meet him at a restaurant for their first date and all goes well. He attends a small event at her house with friends.
Until he breaks into the house, kills the roommate and basically steals everything in Morgan’s life. Multiple loans in her name. New credit cards in her name. He cleared out all her bank accounts and took any jewelry and cash he was able to find in the house. There’s even a loan shark looking for a payback. He took everything from Morgan except her life. It’s what he intended, but the roommate got in the way. Morgan cuts ties, sells the house, and moves home to live with her mother to start fresh.
But he doesn’t forget she’s the only one that lived. And she’s going to have to pay.

I loved this story it pulled me in from the start and had me turning pages until the end. I think this was my favorite Nora Roberts book it felt so real and possible. That is what made this story great because you can visually see this happening to someone. This scary as well. Anyways this is a solid five star read for me. I can't wait to see what Mrs. Roberts writes next. I highly recommend this book it will make your skin crawl to the realistic vibe flowing through the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a free copy of Identity for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I have been reading Nora Roberts for as long as I can remember. I enjoyed Identity as much as I did all her other books I have read.

Morgan is like so many of us. With a house, a job she enjoys and is good at, friends and dreams! Until it all gets taken away. The scary thing is, what happened to Morgan in the book, is happening to so many in real life!

As the story proceeded, I found that it was a great balance between suspense of where and when the criminal would strike, and watching Morgan slowly put her life back together. I loved watching her reconnect with her family and rebuild that relationship. Also watching her regain her confidence in herself, both in her professional life but also in her personal life, with Miles.

And thankfully, there was an epilogue. When I read a book that is a standalone, I need the closure!

A new Nora Roberts....YES, PLEASE!!! I love all of her books and eat them right up, but the standalone's are SUCH a quick read, but SO GOOD....this one did not disappoint! It's a thriller, a love story, and a comeback story all in one. What keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book is that you can (hopefully not ever) picture yourself right in the main character Morgan's shoe. This...could...happen...to...anyone! What I also enjoyed is that the supporting characters and their stories were all wrapped up in a pretty bow by the end of the book. No one was left out and the story was complete!!! You will FOR SURE want to put this on your Summer Reading List!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Although I'm am very familiar with the Nore Roberts name, Identity was my first actual reading of a Nora Roberts book.

Although it was well written and had a fun story, it was a bit slow for my liking. The first 5 chapters drew me in, and then it was very hard to keep going