I read my first Nora Roberts novel when I was 13 or 14 and haven't stopped since.

I read Identity over the course of a weekend and enjoyed it while still yawning over the heavy repetition and fawning dialogue. I kept turning the pages and did like it but I also kept feeling like it was missing something. The romance between Morgan and Miles wasn't one I was able to realistically see (acquaintances with benefits to near synchronized falling in love?), and I found the ending too precisely tied up. Do none of Ms. Roberts's characters require therapy after the serious trauma(s) they go through?

Identity is prime Roberts - romantic suspense with keep-reading-me pacing. Fans should delight in this one.



Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the DRC.

I started reading Nora Robert's when I was 16 in the 80s. She is who got me started with the Suspense and Psychological Thriller genre.
This is the first one of her that I've read in years and I was not disappointed!
This gem has romance, suspense and an engaging story line of a woman who has her identity stolen.
Her roommate is murdered and the story continues with her moving, starting over and the whirlwind romance that comes her way.
I could not put it down and had to give it five stars for the unique character development and gripping story line.

Morgan was an Army brat and thankful now to have her own house, two jobs, and a garden she loves with flowers. Nina, her roommate, was her best friend and they enjoyed their time together. Luke started coming into the bar where Morgan worked nights and before long, she invited him to dinner at her house along with Nina and Nina’s boyfriend Sam. Shortly after, Luke broke into her house, killed Nina, and eventually stole her identity along with all her money. After selling her house for a loss, she moved to be with her grandmother and mother in Vermont. I loved this book. Three generations of Jamison’s owned the resort, and Morgan got the job as manager of the bar. I loved her ability to know the customers and could picture the dance like way she moved as she mixed drinks. I really liked the times Morgan and Miles, one of the sons, spent together and how their love bloomed. Living with Morgan’s grandmother and mother, Morgan learned a lot about her mom and their early life together. The setting added so much to the story; the flowers, water falls, beautiful houses, and luxurious resort. Lots of action as the killer plotted his way back to Morgan to kill her, lots of love between families and great romance between Miles and Morgan.

Nora Roberts, Identity is a well rounded read. It hits on romance, suspense and thrill. I closely connected with the main character Morgan. She’s a strong female lead, which I will always give praise to. Morgan experiences a traumatic event, she divides and conquers. This story provided me with a fictional example of two types of healing paths. One, heal and become stronger or, let the past damage the future. Morgan’s choice to battle her inner trauma by connecting with family, friends and a romantic partner, was inspiring.
I enjoyed Miles’ character and romantic connection with Morgan. Miles’ family dynamic is warm and inviting. Although, the likelihood of the average reader being able to relate to Morgan and Miles’ relationship, is an unlikely occurrence. It was still heartfelt and fun to read.
Nora did well with this story. It kept me interested and engaged!

3.5 stars rounded up.

I've been a Nora Roberts fan for years and years and years. I've read everything she's written (as Roberts) and I can honestly say that her Romantic Thrillers are my LEAST favorites. But, even as least favorites, they are fantastic. Roberts has a wonderful way of writing. She builds her characters and settings so well, that you feel like you just slip seamlessly into the story.

I'm not sure if my issue is with her romantic thrillers or with the genre as a whole, but I struggled with the pacing, the discord and the ending. In order to build a good romance (in my opinion), you need time and all those little details that not only make people feel more real, but make up relationships in general. For instance, in Identity, Miles talks about loving watching Morgan's hands when she works. Things and moments like that are what make romances feel personal to me. However, they also slow the pace down, as they should. No one wants a rushed romance.

Thrillers, on the other hand, should be surprising and fast paced. I want enough insight to keep me engaged and guessing, but part of the fun is knowing I don't have the whole picture yet. I almost feel like Roberts over explains her antagonist. Yes, I want to dig into their brain and understand what makes them tick, but if I know everything about them, their actions become predictable. Also, one of the best parts of a thriller is not knowing how it will end. Sure most end in favor of the MC, but there's always a chance it won't, and even if it does, you never know what it will cost them. With Roberts, you always know you'll get a HEA, and that the MC will suffer in the beginning but be stronger and smarter and overcome in the end.

So if I don't usually enjoy romantic thrillers, why did I read Identity? Partly because I hoped that it would be different, but mostly because no matter what my issues are with the pace or the lackluster climax, I know that Roberts is going to tell an amazing story. A story I will come back to and read again and again. She always does.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. My opinions are given freely.

I have appreciated the ability to read an arc of Nora Roberts’ book, Identity, in exchange for an honest review. That was actually very easy to do, as I was captivated by the story from start to finish. I had a hunch that something was up with Luke as soon as Morgan noticed him at the bar. I was right about the hunch, and spent the rest of the book hoping that he would get what he deserved in the end. I enjoyed watching Morgan grow and turn a horrible situation around while becoming a much stronger and wiser woman in the process. Well done, Nora.

I have received a free copy of this book and my opinion is strictly mine.
This has got to be the best Nora Robert's book I've read. She had a great amount of thrill and smarts balanced through the story.
Morgan Albright is living her best life, she works 2 jobs that she loves, owns her own home that she's fixing g up and has a dependable car. Along comes Mr. Charming and all is lost. He steals her identity and everything she has and leaves her roommate and nest friend murdered in her home.
Morgan goes home to.her Mom and grandmother where she stats to heal and rebuild her life. Not so for the hacker, he has lost his MOJO because Morgan is the only woman that he didn't get to kill after taking all they had.
I couldn't put this book down, it was so captivating

Thank you for the opportunity to read 'Identity'!

I will preface this by saying that I am a massive Nora Roberts fan. While 'Identity' has flashes of some of the hallmarks (beautiful scenery, humor, budding friendships, and obviously, the romance) of my favorite Nora Roberts novels, I found that this book is a little choppy and unsustained. I also recognize that this is an ARC, but the characterizations of both Luke/Gavin and Morgan both feel unfinished and caricature-like.

There is a section towards the start of the book (when 'Luke' breaks into the house and Nina confronts him) that doesn't track logically. Luke notices that Nina is sick and says that Morgan told him Nina was sick which surprises Nina since she claims Morgan didn't know. However, there was a sequence like 10 pages earlier where Morgan fully recognized Nina is sick and talks about making her soup.

There also was an unnecessary plot with a Mr. Castle and some like mafia style goons that resolved way too quickly and way too friendly. It didn't add anything to the story and Morgan didn't even seen perturbed or even like she was dwelling on that new development. I also found the sub-plot with Morgan's mom to be unfinished. There was a lot of small references to a damaged relationship in need of repair, but there really wasn't a broader explanation of why or how it actually impacted each of them until like 60% of the way through the book. It seemed unnecessary and didn't add to the story or track with either of the characters.

Frankly, someone who survived being targeted, having their home broken into, best friend murdered and been a victim of identify theft would have a degree of terror and distrust and PTSD, but Morgan didn't really seem to be emotionally scarred. She did have a panic attack, but it happened pretty far into the story and up until that point she had been incredibly calm and sensible.

All that being said, there were still plenty of moments that made me smile or laugh or react to the story appropriately. The love story and the hotel work was far more compelling to me than the psychopathic, misogynistic murderous identity thief, The 'that face' love scene was fantastic. I also really loved the proposal - 'The Raven' reference made me cackle. I also really appreciated that there wasn't a third act break-up, it was a welcome change from so many romance-based novels.

Nora Robert's latest thriller Identity is a typical story for the author. A sweet romance threatened by an evil force that looms in the background, ready to steal the once-in-a-lifetime happiness that readers, of a romantic nature, dream of and wish for loved ones.

Morgan Nash Albright is a hard-worker, building a life for herself as an inventive and creative bartender, quick to concoct a mouth-watering, pleasing cocktail that satisfies its recipient. Each drink is a distinct bouquet, specialized for its customer's mood. So how does an intelligent, perceptive, and independent woman fall prey to a vicious serial killer like Gavin Rozwell, calling himself Luke Hudson when he introduces himself to Morgan?

Roberts shows that anyone can be a target, even one who is intelligent and perceptive. Roberts also shows that the victim should not take the blame for being taken advantage by a chameleon, who can flip one's personality and have the skillset to empty bank accounts, open charge cards in someone else's name, take out loans using someone else's identity. Roberts never reveals how Gavin Rozwell is able to steal the identity of his victims, but the author articulates detailed and graphic images of his travels, plotting, and killings.

Morgan unknowingly escapes Rozwell, becoming the victim who got away. A significant portion of the book is spent on Rozwell plotting to make his move to kill her. To the reader's satisfaction, he does not succeed on his mission.

Miles Jameson, the hero in the novel, is a quiet type, concealing a generous and mindful character. Roberts develops the love match between Miles and Morgan slowly and steadily. His support for Morgan is unwavering, and the support of his family and hers is storybook ideal. Roberts brings the FBI into the story as the good guys, coming to help Morgan, which contradicts the role of the present-day FBI with the public. This might actually be the hardest part of the story to go along with and accept.

Roberts keeps the story moving as she builds the love match while also keeping readers aware of the evil force brewing outside of the lovers reach. There is a superficiality about the characters, allowing readers to take liberties in filling in what Roberts does not tell them. It's a long read but the story will keep the reader engaged.

This is my first Nora Roberts novel but of course I’ve had some preconceived expectations just based on how long she has been writing and the popularity of her books.

Morgan is settling in life, she is renovating her house one step at a time, has a steady bartending job and a group of friends she adores. She meets Luke Hudson at the bar one night and they go on a couple dates. All of her security is stripped away when her best friend Nina is killed in their home in what looks like a break in. When the FBI shows up at her doorstep claiming ‘Luke’ is a conman, killing women and stealing their identities, she is shocked to learn most of her savings have been depleted. The only difference in this crime is that he left Morgan alive.

It was a slow start and overall dragged for me, the writing was choppy and lazy. Most of the time you weren’t sure who’s talking, confusing and switching between different POVs. It read like an HGTV decorating show for the first half, the second half was so much dialogue. I also thought the stolen identity plot was not very realistic and it bothered me.

2.5 rounding to 3 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an early copy of the ebook for review.

Haven’t read anything from this author before but I was intrigued by the description of the storyline. I ended up really loving the story. I liked smooth the sorry went, and how it really set the tone. While I was reading I thought it dragged on, but no it’s just because I couldn’t read fast enough!

I read this on my kindle, I did get confused sometimes about who’s talking when it was a one on one conversation. There were some times when i wasn’t sure who was reacting or who was talking. But I figured it out and it was great. I have already recommended this book to a few of my co-workers. I'm going to TBR some other Nora Roberts books now! Thank you for this ARC.

Nora Roberts never disappoints! This book as everything from suspsence, romance and everything in between. This story starts off with Morgan starting her own life and trying to settle down some roots after moving around all her life as an Army brat. Things turn for the worse when she meets Luke who turns her life upside down!
The next phase of the book shows Morgan trying to get her life back in order and deal with the outcome of Luke's existence in her life and how she falls in love even after everything that has happened.

Nora Roberts has a way to bring the characters to life and have them evolve throughout the story that is just timeless. She make them relatable and makes you want to keep turning the pages.

Make sure you pick up this book as soon as it hits the shelves, you will NOT be disappointed. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I love the characters in this book. Morgan gets her identity stolen from a romantic interest that has more of a deadly interest in her. She ends up back with her mom and grandmother where she has to find her identity again. A good read.

This was a fantastic read! The love story was such a great build, and I really enjoyed the family dynamics. At points early on, I got lost as to who was who but their voices got stronger as I read on. The devastation of what the villain did was excellently explored, as was his breakdown near the end. Morgan was a fantastic character, and I loved the way her relationship built with Miles. But I loved more the moments she was sad, because she was still strong but needed time to grieve.

Identity is a typical Nora Roberts book....a great way to spend my reading time, with characters that are interesting and a plot that is easy to fall into.

Morgan is trying to escape a serial killer who has stolen her identity, murdered her best friend, ruined her credit, stolen her money and has forced her to move in with her mother and grandmother.

Slowly rising from the depths of despair because of this she finds a new relationship with her family, learns to trust again in a budding relationship with Miles, and starts the career she has dreamed about in a fresh start in Vermont.

The plot moves quickly and gives a satisfying ending.

You won't be disappointed in this book by Ms. Roberts.

Identity is a classic Nora Roberts romance/suspense story that will keep you thoroughly engaged. The focus of the story is on Morgan Albright who is a young woman who is working hard to achieve the American dream. She longs for stability and roots after spending her childhood moving from place to place. Morgan works two jobs and is saving her money to renovate her home and hopefully open her own bar one day. All of this is put at risk when her identity is stolen during a home robbery that ends tragically. After losing almost everything, Morgan moves to Vermont to live with her mother and grandmother whom she refers to as "the ladies". In Vermont, Morgan starts to move on as she finds family that supports her, a new job and possibly a new romance. The only hitch is that that the monster who stole her identity is obsessed with the "one who got away" and is taunting Morgan as he bides his time until he can finish what he started. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

It's been a long while since I've read a Nora Roberts novel and I can say this one did not disappoint! It is filled with highs, lows, and take your breath away moments. The storyline, about stolen identities is curret, yet fresh in it's telling. The novel reveals the thoughts and processes not only the victim goes through, but also the perpetrator. It's telling how one gets stronger and the other spirals into weakness. My only concern would be the lack of emotion in some of the characters, and yet, that makes them exactly who they should be. It's good read.

What a story.
I could so relate to Morgan in so many ways, moving around a lot when younger, having a goal and being fixated on it. When she becomes a victim of identity theft, I could relate. Been there... Fortunately my roommate was not murdered.
Finally at rock bottom and having to start again by moving home. Fortunately for her, she had a fantastic support system.
Miles is grumpy and unsociable, but has a large tight family. He can't help but notice the new bar manager, but he has a rule about mixing it up with employees.
When the FBI shows up to warn Morgan about her friends killer, it's all hands on deck at both work and town.
Working together brings Miles and Morgan closer.
Watching the killer slowly unravel was fascinating.
The romance with suspense was riviting. I couldn't put this book down.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy.

Absolutely gripping, I loved this book. Morgan grows so much during the books and becomes such a strong character not just because she has to but also because of the other characters in the book. Miles is the perfect blend of broody and sweet he is perfect for her. I truly enjoyed the storyline and all the twists and turns in it as well as the humor, and the drama it is definitely worth the read.

Nora had done it again! This book is amazing! It's the kind that sticks with you long after you finish reading it.
Our heroine is living a normal life. She has modest plans for her future and is working hard to accomplish them. Then one day a guy walks into the bar where she works and everything changes.
Soon her best friend is dead, and her own identity has been stolen. She loses her home, her job, her car, and her credit rating is gone.
But the FBI sees this as the first break in their case to find a guy they have been chasing for years.
Our heroine moves back home with her mother and grandmother. Her life changes again, but our villain has given up on the one that got away.
A great big thankyou to #netgalley and #St.Martin'sPress and #macmillan publishers!