Thank you to Nora Roberts, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I actually quite enjoyed this novel. Roberts's titles have been hit or miss for me the last several years, but this was more or less a hit. She still spends way too much time describing interior and exterior design, and of course her heroine, Morgan, has to share in her love of gardening and home renovation, but at least Morgan wasn't obsessed with exercise and healthy eating.

Morgan was likeable and relatable. Her mother and grandmother were a hoot, and I liked the Jamesons, though they were rather unbelievably kind, generous, selfless, and reasonable. Miles was an okay hero, though I didn't feel much chemistry between him and Morgan. Their relationship wasn't well developed at all, it seemed like they talked a bit and next thing you know they're shagging the daylights out of each other. The story tried to explain he was standoffish because he was her boss and whatnot, which is good, don't get me wrong, but that's not an instant fix for an undeveloped romance. Roberts was just too busy adding flowers to cocktails to work on development, I guess.

The villain was one-dimensional, mustache-twirling evil, but Roberts did a good job making things worse and worse for him and building tension throughout the book. It really sucks that the climax, then, was so anticlimactic. Very quick and predictable, I felt no danger whatsoever. Felt like Roberts thought, "Okay, let's get this asshole out of the way so I can write the wedding." I will say, though, that what the villain was doing, the whole identity-stealing, hack-into-every-aspect-of-your-life thing---that was terrifying. There had to be a better way to utilize that in the climax, hacking into the security systems or something.

Overall, it was a typical Roberts novel, though her more annoying writing habits were leashed. The MC was great, the romance lukewarm, the villain defeated with a shrug. The stand out was Howl---what a silly puppy. I love it when pets are given personality.

This was a very interesting story. It was engaging from the first page. Morgan's character was well developed and it was easy to like her. The first part of the book was heartbreaking and I wondered hoe we would move on from that but it was smoothly done and then we were introduced to Miles and his family. I would have liked to see a little bit more of character development with the Miles character and a little more in terms of the development of their relationship. Overall a very good read.

Identity by Nora Roberts is a romantic thriller with a wonderful main character and a vicious psychopath. The story brings us Morgan Albright, an intelligent, young woman who is working hard toward her future. She is strong and kind, a person anyone would want as a friend. And that is when everything hits the fan.

Morgan was victimized by a man who wanted her money and the thrill of the kill. Morgan’s story is so tied up with the evil of this man and the way he lived his life, that she needs to leave and find a way out. She does but he continues to track her, haunt her, taunt her. Morgan’s new life contains some pretty great people and she is able to start again… for now, but he is still on the loose.

Nora Roberts newest book is a humdinger of a thriller that kept me right on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the journey and the characters. Identity by Nora Roberts is a great read!

I love Nora Roberts.. I’ll say that from the very beginning. Her writing style is detailed and thought provoking. Her characters are well rounded and have so much character and depth to them. You always want to read more, and know more about them.

When Morgan’s life takes a turn for the worse after her identity is stolen, by someone she thought was interested in her, and the death of her friend… she has to go back to a place that did not give her roots as a child. She had everything she wanted.. and lost it. But she proves her strength and determination. When Miles the FBI agent in charge of her case realizes that’s the thief is a serial killer who steal his victims money and ruins their credit before killing them.

He killed the wrong woman this time, and he doesn’t like it that Morgan got away. As he becomes more obsessed with her, he becomes sloppy. And as Miles works her car, he also finds himself falling for her. As she rebuilds her life and her family ties she didn’t feel when she was younger strengthen.. the killer’s obsession.. well.. you’ll have to read it to find out what happens.

This author never disappoints. Not once have a read a book of hers and been disappointed with any of it. There’s depth, suspense, and so much happening in this book. Loved everything about it.

I enjoy Nora Robert's' writing but this was not one of her best. The premise is there, the characters were enjoyable and the idea of a serial killer who also steals identities is truly frightening. Overall though, the book felt fairly disjointed and the conclusion was not satisfying.

I love Nora Roberts and this book doesn’t disappoint. I loved it. The characters are great and relatable. The story line is different and full of suspense. I like that the author included an aspect of family. Hopefully she will include Nell and Liam’ story in the next book. I also enjoy following Morgan’s mother and grandmother’s story. Hopefully Nora will find a HEA life for Morgan’s mom. This story has stuck with me for a while. I have recommended to many others. Really good book!,

Morgan is strong, which is what I love about Nora Roberts’ FMCs. I have to start off by saying this. She was a military brat who started to put down roots, then she lost her bestie to a serial killer - but he was actually targeting Morgan.

Now, think about it, while we would all love to say that we could be strong after, she grieved for a while, but then we get the rest of this fabulous story. Me, as much true crime as I read, nope, I couldn’t do it. This is a strong FMC in a strong story.

Nora Roberts has long been one of my favorite authors, i love how she has changed and grown over time and that really shines through in Identity. This one is a little different as you do know who the bad guy is, but that gives you a different perspective, one I really enjoyed as he ends up completely derailing.

Morgan is already a strong woman when her life gets completely upended, however she just gets more strong and builds her life back up. I'll be honest, I'm not sure I could have. The Vermont setting is beautiful. Morgan's mom and grandmother and just as strong as she is. I also loved that she was immediately taken in by Miles' family as one of their own. Love good, strong, family connections.

IDENTITY - Nora Roberts

Wow! - 5 stars

Plot - 5 stars - After Morgan and Nina host their first dinner party—attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who'd been chatting her up at the bar—Morgan's carefully built world is shattered. The back door glass is broken, cash and jewelry are missing, her car is gone, and Nina lies dead on the floor. Soon, a horrific truth emerges: It was she who let the monster in.

Writing - 5 stars - Roberts caught my attention from the very first page. She is able to build the suspense to a breaking point while also creating characters that you can definitely feel a kinship toward and want to root for.

Characters - 5 stars - This was a big part of the enjoyment for me.
Morgan is a great main character. She is strong yet vulnerable. She is a great friend, with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. I like the way Roberts writes about her, with quick sentences which imply quick thinking and help with the forward movement of the story. I love Miles as the male MC. He is an excellent support, somewhat alpha but not over-the-top. He definitely complements her style, and I was rooting for their success as a couple. Secondary characters of mother Audrey, grandmother Olivia, friend/boss Nell, and the other Jameson family members all added warmth, some humor, and extra interest.

Title - 5 stars - At first it doesn't seem as though this title makes sense until you understand what Luke has done to Morgan, but then it becomes the main focus.

Cover - 5 stars - Beautiful cover that draws the eye, especially the waterfall where Miles "fell."

Overall - 5 stars - This was terrific! I love the differences between Morgan's strength and her panic when she realizes that Luke has taken control. But Morgan is sensible and tough, and she knows when to accept help and how to help herself. She has a wonderful support group of her mother, grandmother, and Miles. I loved Miles as a main character. He's brusque yet tender, just the right amount of alpha without being obnoxious. They make an excellent well-balanced couple. The story was exciting throughout, with few down times. Just when you got comfortable seeing Morgan grow and blossom, you'd be brought right back into Luke's world, seeing the situation from his point of view. There was plenty of action, lots of warmth and love, and some all-around down-home truths. Roberts at her best!

FINAL DECISION: This book has a captivating and suspenseful narrative that immerses readers in the resilient journey of Morgan as she faces dangers and pursues her dreams. While the identity theft plot had some minor flaws, Roberts' storytelling prowess shines through well-developed characters, gripping drama, and surprising twists, leaving readers craving more.

THE STORY: Former Army brat Morgan Albright has found stability in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore. With the help of her roommate Nina and her job as a bartender, Morgan is making ends meet. However, their lives take a horrifying turn when Luke, a charming IT guy Morgan met at the bar, attends their dinner party. The house is robbed, Nina is murdered, and Morgan's car is stolen. Morgan soon learns that Luke is actually a con artist named Gavin, who targets women, steals their assets and identities, and ultimately kills them. Devastated, Morgan is forced to flee to her mother's home in Vermont. She meets Miles, a genuine and unassuming man, who provides some solace as she tries to rebuild her life. Meanwhile, Gavin continues his hunt for new victims, and Morgan lives in constant fear that she is the victim Gavin is hunting.

OPINION: This book had me completely immersed in its captivating and suspenseful narrative. From the very beginning, the story drew me in, introducing me to the resilient and determined heroine, Morgan, and the dangers that surrounded her. While the pacing might not be as fast-paced as some romantic suspense novels, Roberts masterfully built suspense throughout, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

I couldn't help but cheer for Morgan, with her upbeat attitude and relentless pursuit of her dreams. Her interactions within the generational household she found herself in showcased the strong bonds and love between the women, providing heartfelt and entertaining dialogue.

The romance aspect of the story was equally compelling. Miles, the captivating hero, won me over with his actions and the chemistry he shared with Morgan. Their relationship added depth to the narrative, bringing moments of warmth and tenderness amidst the looming danger. There were moments between Morgan and Miles that just made me sigh and love these two together -- along with a very amusing dog named Howl at stole the show at times.

Roberts expertly wove the cat-and-mouse suspense plot between Morgan and the chilling villain, Gavin. I found myself turning the pages rapidly, eager to unravel the outcome of their intense and dangerous game. The blend of family, romance, and murder created a multi-dimensional story that kept me fully engaged.

However, there was one minor flaw that I couldn't overlook. The identity theft portion of the story had some plot holes and inconsistencies, which occasionally made me second-guess the credibility of the plot. These moments pulled me out of the story, preventing it from being a five-star read.

Nevertheless, IDENTITY showcased Nora Roberts' storytelling prowess, with well-developed characters, gripping drama, and surprising twists. Despite the minor flaw, the book remained unputdownable, leaving me craving more.

WORTH MENTIONING: There is a nice secondary romance here.

CONNECTED BOOKS: IDENTITY is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Nora Roberts, known for her captivating storytelling, delivers once again with "Identity," a thrilling novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Combining elements of suspense, mystery, romance, and personal transformation, Roberts weaves a tale that is both gripping and emotionally resonant.

The story centers around Morgan Albright, a resilient woman who has finally found stability in her life after years of moving around. However, her world is shattered when a charming IT guy named Luke, who she had met at the bar, turns out to be a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin. Morgan becomes a victim of Gavin's twisted game, leading to tragedy and forcing her to flee to her mother's home in Vermont.

Roberts skillfully builds tension throughout the narrative, keeping readers guessing about Gavin's next move and whether Morgan will be able to reclaim her life. The pacing is excellent, with a perfect balance between intense action sequences and quieter, introspective moments. The author's ability to create multifaceted characters adds depth to the story, making the readers genuinely care about Morgan and her journey.

One of the strengths of "Identity" lies in its exploration of identity itself. Morgan's struggle to rebuild her life and rediscover her sense of self after the trauma she endures is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. Roberts delves into the psychological impact of the events on Morgan, highlighting her resilience and determination to overcome the challenges thrown her way.

In addition to the gripping suspense and character development, Roberts brings a touch of romance to the narrative. Enter Miles Jameson, a grounded and supportive man who enters Morgan's life just as she begins to rebuild. Their connection adds warmth to the story, offering moments of hope and tenderness amidst the darkness.

As a longtime fan of Nora Roberts, I found "Identity" to be a satisfying read that showcases the author's storytelling prowess. The plot twists kept me engaged, and the well-crafted characters made me emotionally invested in their journey. While the book follows a familiar pattern of Roberts' work, it still manages to feel fresh and captivating.

If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with strong female protagonists, intricate plotlines, and a touch of romance, "Identity" is a book that should be on your reading list. Nora Roberts proves once again why she is a master of her craft, delivering a compelling story that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.

Prior to this, I had never read a Nora Roberts book and honestly, wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I know many people speak very highly of her books, so I was excited to give it a shot… but honestly, it was just not for me. Perhaps some of her other works might be better if I decide to give her another shot in the future, but I just failed to get into this story at all. Interesting premise behind the story, it just failed to grab me.

** Complimentary copy received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Identity
Author Nora Roberts
(This review is from an uncorrected ARC from NetGalley)
This is a suspenseful story told only by the author who knows how to relate both thrilling danger and enthusiastic romance.
Morgan Albright settled in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore. Her friend and roommate Nina helps her make the mortgage payments, as does Morgan's job as a bartender She and Nina host their first dinner party—attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy, who'd been chatting her up at the bar but her world is shattered as Nina is murdered ,cash and jewelry and her car is gone.
Luke" is a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his goal: murder.
The FBI got involved in the case, Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Morgan is “Luke’s” type, and her nightmare is just beginning.
Morgan fled to her mother’s and grandmother’s home in Vermont. Morgan finds a new job, starts to rebuild her life meets a new man, Miles who works at the resort where Morgan is a bartender.
“Luke” becomes sloppy as he obsesses over Morgan.
Nora Roberts knows how to build suspense and pulls the reader into the narrative and the lives of Morgan and those around her..

Nora Roberts offers up another thriller that is very timely in its subject matter. Great character development interaction.

4.5
Apparently I'm on a thriller kick, because those are the books that are grabbing and holding my attention right now.
Enter this ARC.... I devoured it. It was a really easy read.
Not incredibly complicated, but enough suspense to keep you interested.
I have loved NR previous romantic suspense books and this one was no different. She has her own special style that I haven't found anywhere else (not that l've enjoyed anyway).
Thank you @netgalley and @norarobertsauthor for allowing me to read this book!

It has been quite a while since I read a Nora Roberts book, but Identity was an amazing thriller that kept me turning the pages until the very end. Some of this author's book haven't been my cup of tea, but I have to say this book was able to pull me in from the very beginning and it did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, I am leaving my review voluntarily and the opinion express here are all my own.

Morgan Albright is finally starting to get her life together. Growing up, she had been an Army brat. Never staying in one place very long. As an adult, she finally made a home for herself in Baltimore. Life isn’t easy, but things are starting to come together for her. Then, tragedy strikes and her whole world is turned upside down.

After losing everything she worked so hard for, she heads to her mother’s home in Vermont. Morgan starts to rebuild her life when she meetings Miles Jameson. They grow closer and closer with each passing day. However, Morgan can never be too comfortable knowing a killer is coming after her.

Morgan is a strong, determined heroine. She takes charge even when she’s secretly scared to death. Miles is the perfect hero for her. Their chemistry is off the charts. The supporting characters are well developed and fit perfectly into Morgan’s life. I adored the relationship between Morgan, her mother and her grandmother. Three generations of Nash women holding their own.

This book keeps you on your toes from page one. The intensity and action is ongoing. I never felt as if there was a dull moment with this one. It’s a cross between thriller and romantic suspense, but I’d say it was more suspense than romance. It reminded me quite a bit of the TV show Criminal Minds.

It’s been a long time since I read a Nora Roberts’ book. I won’t be waiting this long again.






FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

It's been quite some time since I've read Nora Roberts, but I know now I REALLY need to get back to her again. The story is full of suspense, funny moments, witty banter, intense interactions, and just a bit of steamy moments. I loved the premise of the story, how the suspense ebbed and flowed, how organic the relationship between Miles and Morgan progressed and how the strength of family took center stage. The climax of the story was perfectly executed.

3.5 stars
I’ve read a number of Nora Roberts’ annual romantic suspense releases. I hope she always chooses January LaVoy to narrate them as it’s such a winning combo!! The thing about these books is that they can be a bit sweeping in scope so we start out with an hour or two of quick background that sets the stage for everything going on. And then the plot device kicks in and things focus in from there. After she finds herself in the sights of a serial killer, Morgan leaves the life she created in Maryland to forge a new life with her mother and grandmother in Vermont. While there, she sets down roots and starts a more permanent life. The details of the book all come together but I did find myself wondering why she hadn’t just set up home with her family earlier. It works for the plot, the book would not have come together in the same way otherwise, but I kept feeling like something just didn’t quite work for me with the character development.
* Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance reader copy for review.

There’s a reason this author is so well-known. She writes books that pull readers in and keep them hooked. There’s not much spare prose in this book—each word matters and contributes to the end product. In this book, Morgan loses everything because of her ‘relationship’ with Luke. It’s really only a couple of dates, but it’s enough to give him the entree to her computer, which contains her banking info and all of her personal info. Her roommate happens to be home while Luke is collecting his information from Morgan’s computer, and loses her life as a result. He wants to kill Morgan, but settles for her roommate instead, which he sees as a failure. Readers know he will return to finish the job; we just don’t know when. Roberts’ draws out the tension and gives us snapshots of Morgan’s life as she rebuilds herself from the inside out. We are also given snapshots of ‘Luke’s’ life (his names change frequently) as he too, tries to rebuild his life.

Wow! This was a thrilling ride from start to finish. Morgan reestablishes her relationships with both her mother and grandmother, and it’s a beautiful journey! She rebuilds her career, and finds the peace and contentment that was missing before. She learns what really matters to her, and she lets go of the things that don’t. The ending is fitting and beautiful! This is an incredible read!!