Member Reviews
I have only read one other book by Nora Roberts, but it was one of her first books and I did not really enjoy it. I decided to give this one a try to see if my opinion changed. Overall, it was…okay.
Morgan is targeted by a serial killer, but he surprises her roommate at home and kills her instead, but not before destroying Morgan financially. She moves in with her mother and grandmother in another state and tries to rebuild her life. Meanwhile, the serial killer is obsessed with the one who got away and becomes more and more reckless as he tries to right the wrong made when he didn’t complete his kill.
First of all, this book was way too long. The setup took forever, and it wasn’t very interesting. The story finally got moving once Morgan moved to Vermont. The characters were all pretty wooden. I’m not sure if this is typical writing by the author, but the conversations seemed stilted and I never felt like I really got to know any characters deeply because they were all pretty shallow. Morgan just didn’t seem to express very much emotion for the amount of upheavel she experienced.
I also did not buy the romance between her and Miles. It seemed like an instant physical attraction but I didn’t see the emotions involved in the relationship. I also thought that Miles came off as kind of a possessive, controlling jerk. The book dragged on way too long, with the FBI having too many near misses as they closed in on Gavin. It was a relief to finish. Maybe Nora Roberts’ writing is just not for me. I’ll have to try another and see.
I’ve been reading books by Nora Roberts for many years and she never fails to entertain.
The story about identify theft really brings to light how much damage this theft can cause – financially and emotionally. We read about it in newspapers but never with this detail. It’s gotten to where it’s difficult to trust anyone anymore.
This story was so heartbreaking with the initial damage of the theft and then the taunting from Gavin that Morgan lives through. She lost so much but gained something special when she moved to live with her mother and grandmother and found a new life and work. Their closeness and support is something I think everyone would want from their loved ones. Her boss and co-workers are exceptional characters and add so much to the story. Meeting Miles is special but Morgan is very hesitant to trust too quickly.
Between updates from the FBI and reading from Gavin’s POV at times, it really heightens the drama and suspense. This was a page-turner not knowing what would happen and when,, developing relationships and more. The details of the landscape, buildings, and inventive cocktails all lend to make this a story that I felt a part of and could easily visualize.
Ms. Roberts has another hit on her hands, which isn’t a surprise. She does excellent research for each of her stories and by the end of the story, I was one tense mess!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this new work. As always, I can’t wait for her next book!
This was my first Nora Roberts book. How can that be!? She’s a Maryland author! Anyway I’ve been wanting to try her books because she has a ton and people seem to love them.
The story focuses on Morgan Albright, a single woman trying to gain some traction in this world. She’s feeling like things are looking up when she meets this a guy…who seems great. The guy is Gavin Rozwell but he goes by many names and personalities…he has to if he’s going to be a successful con-man and serial killer.
This guy is a real piece of work. The way he talks about women even his own mother made me so mad! He shamelessly manipulated his own mother. Oh and give this guy a bad grade…you’re finished. I mean there are no limits to the degree of a$$holeness this guy puts into the universe. His ruthlessness knows no bounds.
The concept is cool. However, for me it was overly descriptive and I had a hard time staying interested during Morgan’s part until closer to the end. On the flip side, I was really interested in Gavin until about the midway point at which point I lost interest in his crazy-self too. It seemed a bit choppy at times. I think it was a little long too.
Overall the book was decent. I just don’t think it was for me. I’m going to try another book (Shelter In Place) before I decide whether or not this author is for me.
A wonderful, new thriller about one man's evil, and one woman's journey to reclaim her life.
What I loved the most was the three generation household. They worked well together, supported one another, loved and comforted each other, and had fun with each other. “Her ladies” really came through for Morgan and I loved seeing her reconnect with her family. I loved how they gave her the grace to rebuild her life. I liked all the characters in this story. The villain was truly an unhinged evil; Miles was full of kindness,, respect, and support; Morgan was hard-working, dedicated, and full of life that having this horrible thing happen to her you just knew she was going to come out of it stronger. I loved Morgan and Miles together; their relationship was perfect for the story. A truly wonderful read.
My first Nora Roberts book and Identity isn't strong enough for me to say I am a fan but I would read another one of her books. Here's why. There were a few character viewpoints sprinkled in with Morgan's. 90% of the time I had no idea who was speaking if the characters were in dialogue with each other. The majority of the characters had the same tone and personality. Very matter of fact. Very dry. We don't see that same dryness with 3 other characters but I won't spoil that here. The other plot point that rubbed me the wrong way was the romance going from 0 to 100 in the span of 12 hours. I enjoyed reading the relationship between Audrey, Olivia, and Morgan. I have a few drink-spiartions. Thanks NetGalley for the arc.
Imagine being targeted and having your identity stolen by a serial killer, but escaping, only to find out that he is still planning on coming after you! This was a good thriller with some romance mixed in!
Identity is exactly what I want and expect from a Nora Roberts romantic suspense. I picked this up on a rainy Saturday and suddenly the afternoon had passed by while I was caught up in the story. I went in without knowing anything about it and would recommend you do the same.
However if you want a bit about the plot - this book is about Morgan. Morgan is living in Maryland in a house she bought for herself. She works two jobs - an office manager in the day and bartender at night. Her roommate is her best friend Nina and they are working together on the house and yard.
Morgan meets Luke at work - he’s an IT guy who is on a job in the area for a few months. They start making conversation and he invites her out for pizza. The next week she invites him to her house for dinner. Shortly after, there’s a break in at her house one day and Nina is killed. And Morgan isn’t able to get in touch with Luke. And then some FBI agents show up to tell her that Luke isn’t who she thought…and that’s just the beginning of Morgan’s story.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
I love Nora Roberts. Her books are always first on my library hold list or I buy the kindle edition when they come out and I'm ready for a new book. Identity does not disappoint, it's everything you want in a Nora Roberts - A good mystery, a sweet romance element and a tidy ending. I read this one during a cross-country flight and the time flew by, exactly what I want in a book.
4.5 stars - This felt like a return to the kind of stand alone suspense that I love from La Nora! My only critique was a little bit of padding or slowness in the middle, but I think if you don't binge this book you won't feel it as much. This had the family dynamics, the community vibes, and the competency porn that I love, plus the resort atmosphere reminded me of the Bridal Quartet in a wonderful way. All around, this is what I want from our annual NR stand alone 🎉
Wow...this book kept me on the edge of my seat. It was thrilling and romantic and ticked all of the right boxes. Nora Roberts is the queen of suspense and romance and does it again with this one. Morgan is a compelling character that faces a horrendous crime with grit and determination. Her mom and grandmother are some of my favorite characters ever. The Jameson family. that she goes to work for is interesting and fun and I would love to have more from them in the future. The premise of this novel is terrifying. I could not put it down.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for free advanced copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I liked the story, however, it isn't one of her best. I can't see myself going back and rereading this one like so many of her other books. Morgan takes a huge hit financially and emotionally when her identity is stolen and her best friend is killed. She starts over at the home of her mom and grandmother. She is adaptable and quickly finds her "place".
Miles's family owns the resort where Morgan works at. He hardly seems like he has a social life outside of family and at least one close friend. The relationship moves from boss to personal with very little build up and I didn't really feel there was that much of a connection between the two.
If you like thrillers this is a great read! I absolutely became suspicious of every man that came into the bar where Morgan ended up working. Morgan Albright was a woman with a plan. She saved and worked two jobs to be able to afford the house of her dreams. She ended up getting a roommate Nina to help with some of the costs. She was working on remodeling some of the house and she knew she wanted even more updates to the house. Nina worked at a garden center so she was the one that did the planting of the flowers and she too had her ideas of a spectacular garden. Morgan and Nina became fast friends not just roommates.
Luke walks into the bar that Morgan is working at and strikes up a conversation. He was friendly and gained the trust of Morgan to the extent of them going on a date. Nina and her boyfriend even liked him. Luke had a huge problem though he fixated on young women that had a unisex name so he could steal their identity. He was slick on how he accomplished this feat. And, talk about ruining your financial life. He had broke into Morgan’s apartment when Nina had startled him and he killed her. She was one of many.
Morgan had to end up selling her house and giving up her dreams and moving back in with her Grandma and Mom. Luke was really Gavin Roswell and he wasn’t going to give up finding Morgan because she was the only one that had got away!
I received this ARC from Netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a ride!
Oh, my heart went out to Morgan! She was charmed by the wrong man and her entire life was upended as a result. I was thoroughly captivated by this intense, intriguing story. I loved that she was able to find support with her mother and grandmother, and I especially appreciated the gentle, slow romance she had with Miles.
This book is a real eye-opener about how little personal privacy we have in the internet age. The author did a fantastic job of showing just how precarious a person's identity is and how easy it would be for a nefarious person to completely ruin someone's life.
Still, the road leads to a solid, satisfying HEA for Morgan and Miles, and I loved the way Nina was included in the final scenes. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves romantic suspense. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
It’s kind of surprising. This is the first Nora Roberts book I’ve read. I went in to this not knowing much and I was kind of blown away.
A suspense, thriller type storyline with a little bit of romance thrown in. Great character growth and development throughout the story. A plot that kept me turning the page. It was hard to put this one down.
Overall, a fabulous book and I’m glad I picked it up. I’d definitely recommend this to others and will probably try some more of Nora Roberts’ books.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this story. Strong women take center stage. Morgan is a planner. She has a life plan and she's doing what she needs to do to accomplish it. What she did expect was to meet a nice guy at the bar where she worked - only he wasn't a nice guy. He's a serial killer and a major thief.
As she heads to Vermont to be with her mother and grandmother, she gets back on her feet and excels at her work - again. She gets strong, in mind, will, and body. She loves her job and the family that owns and runs the resort where she works. She finds happiness. But the killer is still out to get her because she's the one who got away.
Written with the great Nora Roberts style and skill, this gripping story will have you cheering for Morgan from start to finish.
Identity by Nora Roberts is an intriguing story. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I was quickly drawn into Morgan Albright’s story. I felt bad for her. She let herself relax and enjoy an evening with a date. Morgan quickly came to regret it. I liked Morgan’s mother and grandmother. Three generations of Albright woman living in one home. Morgan’s mother and grandmother were strong, supportive women. There is plenty of drama to keep readers intrigued. I like that the author included chapters from the killer’s point of view. It gave the reader insights into his sick mind. I liked the Jameson family and their establishment. They take care of their employees which inspires employee loyalty. The romance was a slow burn which suited this story. Morgan is not the type to rush into romance, especially after being hurt by Gavin. Miles and Morgan are perfect for each other. Of course, they cannot have their happily ever after until Gavin is caught. Gavin is intent on getting the woman who got away. The author combined intrigue, drama, suspense, and romance into one engaging story. I can tell the author did her research. I am amazed how much personal information on an individual a nefarious person can amass and then the havoc they can create out of a person’s life. I did feel the story was a touch long (448 pages) plus there was repetition of key details along with a substantial amount of foul language (it was not needed). The ending will leave the reader smiling. Identity is a captivating tale with charming criminal, a murdered roommate, a purloined identity, coming home, the perfect position, a killer clue, and a shocking showdown.
I just love a story that has such a strong woman in it. Morgan is such a hard worker. She is great with people and people love her. When a man comes into her bar she thinks he is such a nice guy and Morgan goes out with him a couple of times. One day she comes home from her day job to find her roommate dead. When the FBI shows up at her door to tell her that the man, she thought was so charming, is a psychopath who murders women after stealing their life savings. She finds that her bank account has been drained, her house has another mortgage and several credit cards have been opened in her name. She is the one that got away. When she goes home to her mom and gram, she gets a fantastic job and life is going well. The problem is that the psycho hasn't given up on Morgan. When Morgan started her new job, she became part of their family, and the owners will not let anything happen to her. Especially Miles. Love kind of snuck up on Morgan and Miles and they are wondering if they will be able to have a life together. I especially love how Morgan dealt with the psycho.
My guilty pleasure is Nora Roberts, and in true Nora Roberts style: Identity is perfection. Our heroine is damaged but on the mend. She's onthe run from a serial killer who will stop at nothing to find her and kill "the one who got away." However, she doesn't need a savior because she is going to make it on her own. Then steps in handsome loner (who happens to be rich, handy, and well-connected). There's suspense, romance, family drama and healing. Classic Nora. Recommended!
Once again, the fabulous Nora Roberts gives us a thoroughly captivating book, with some current issues woven into this romantic suspense. Identity theft is the theme of this book, but the spin is that with the identity theft, comes the financial ruination of victim, who is ultimately murdered...except this time...the murder didn't happen to the right person.
After her financial security is stolen, and her best friend and roommate is murdered, Morgan Albright moves from Maryland back to her grandmother's home in Vermont. She is devastated. She feels she has failed. Now three generations are living on the family homestead. The FBI have interviewed her since she is the only woman who has not been murdered after the financial ruin. They want to find him and need Morgan to help them. After all that, Morgan must begin again.
The rest of the book is the chase for her would be murderer, the acceptance of the unconditional love her mother and grandmother have for her, the romance that begins slowly and becomes deep, and the discovery that Morgan is someone who won't give up no matter what.
The ending was a bit predictable but all in all, another fabulous book in the Nora Roberts standalone stories.
I was gifted an ARC copy of this book prior to publication. The review is my own.
When Morgan meets Luke at her bartending job, she seems an opportunity for a short fling. Little did she know he was a con-artist who steals women’s identity. When her roommate ends up dead and all of her savings are depleted, she heads back home to her mom and grandma to get back on her feet. She meets Miles and also faces the fear that “Luke” may be after her still.
I like the storyline of this but I had a hard time getting into it. There were parts that I felt the writing was too wordy and I’d end up skimming a lot of it. If it would have been shorter, I think I would have enjoyed it more. But I did love Morgan’s supportive, loving, strong grandmother. She was probably my favorite character.