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

Thank you Netgalley, Nora Roberts and St. Martins Press for letting me read “Identity” in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a Nora Roberts fan since I was a young adult, she is one of the first authors I was ever hooked on and I usually gobble up her books! Identity, however, just didn't hit the mark for me. The relationship with Morgan and her mother/grandmother confused me - they seemed so close but also distant? The characters fell a bit flat and it moved at a slow pace. Identity just wasn't as engaging as many of Ms. Roberts' past novels, but I look forward to future releases!

This is one harrowing story! I truly believe this author is magical when it comes to putting a story together.

What did I like? I’ve never met a Nora Robert’s book I didn’t like. This was fantastic, yet sorrowful and a troubling story. The amount of detail in this book just sucks you in to the last page! Five huge stars! I loved it!

Would I recommend or buy? I have shelves for this author cause she has written so many! They are all amazing and this one just becomes another to add to it! If you love her books you will love this one!

Nothing beats a good Nora Roberts book, and Identity didn't disappoint. The characters and story were great, but there were things and important scenes that just seemed rushed. Lots of build up and suspense, and the final bang, wasn't the big boom you were expecting. Even so, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves Nora's books.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to read this because I thought the premise was very intriguing. I wasn't a fan of the pace of the book or the writing style. Thank you, NetGalley.

It's really distracting to be reading a book and finding yourself caught up in the technical details of if the identity fraud stuff is portrayed accurately. The story was engaging but it felt like there were some research gaps there based on experiences I know of. But it works to get Morgan to restart her life and build something new after the horrible death of her roommate, Nina.
I feel like Morgan could have used Abigail from the Witness to help her though - really protect further identity fraud. The story takes place over a couple years and the pace holds steadily as we go back and forth between Morgan and her tormentor's POV. The romance is tidily done as a secondary part of the story. Nora fans won't be disappointed.

A classic romance/thriller with a predictable end, but I still couldn't put it down.

Morgan finally put down roots after moving around so much as a child due to a military father and that continued habit after her parents divorce. Identity theif and a serial killer comes into her life, but she escapes him and it throws him off.

The book switches between Morgan's new life and the activities of the serial killer. The writing about his portion wasn't written so strong that put me off reading and I was greatful.

I liked Morgan's strong character and budding romance with Miles. I think the bartending part was interesting and brought you in to that lifestyle along with some fun special cocktails. It was also fun that her mom and grandma were referred to as "her ladies." That made them seem more youthful and fun.

The characters really made this book and helped set it apart from thrillers with a similar plotline. I want a lavender drink after reading this book!

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Thank you, Net Galley, for the advanced copy in exchange for a review!

Nora Roberts writing is incredible, and this one isn’t any different. Her stories are always so easy to get into and hard to put down. I loved the character development in this one, and loved all of the depth. The multi-generational aspect of this story was one of my favorite parts of the story. She has the perfect balance of suspense and feel good!

4/5 stars

A spine-tingling slow burn romantic suspense with a twisted serial killer who targets a specific type of woman, steals her identity for financial gain, then kills her.

This book features Morgan Albright, a former army brat who wants established roots. She owns her own home near Baltimore and works two jobs to accomplish her goals. She is a talented bartender with the goal of owning her own bar. She has a roommate/best friend, Nina, who helps her make the mortgage payments. Morgan’s life is upended when she meets someone she thought might be a potential love interest and instead ends up being a serial killer who kills Nina, steals Morgan’s identity, her car and wipes out her life savings. To add to the heartbreak of losing Nina, the FBI informs Morgan that Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time as she was not his type – Morgan is, and the killer is not finished with her.

Feeling defeated and financially ruined, Morgan leave Maryland for Vermont and moves in with her grandmother and mother, whom she refers to as her ladies. She starts rebuilding her life by getting a job as a bartender/manager at a resort owned by the Jameson family. Over time she develops a romantic relationship with Miles Jameson that is grounded and realistic. This book features a superb cast of supporting characters, each with their own brand of strength for Morgan to draw from as she retakes control of her life.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins Press, and Nora Roberts for the advance read copy of this book.

I forgot how comforting Nora Robert’s writing is! I loved this. I was absolutely hooked from the beginning. A serial killer stealing identities? Sign me up. Gavin was diabolical and his whole storyline kept me on my toes. It truly seemed like he would keep on winning and getting away. And poor Morgan. I really loved her….her strength, tenacity and will to keep going in the face of such trauma and adversity was admirable. She remained true to who she was throughout the whole ordeal. This whole story takes place over a two year period of time and I truly felt immersed in this world. I loved the Jameson family and Miles 😮‍💨. Hello, growly, broody, protect my woman at all costs alpha hero. I just loved how matter of fact he was. This whole book just felt like being welcomed into someone’s family and taking a peak at their world for a while. I totally got lost in this and loved it.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.