Identity by Nora Roberts is a standalone romantic suspense that pulled me in from the thriller aspect to the small town in Vermont where our protagonist’s family live. Romance, danger, and delightful characters await you in this unputdownable tale.

Identity
by Nora Roberts
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:

A new thriller about one man’s ice-cold malice, and one woman’s fight to reclaim her life.

Former Army brat Morgan Albright has finally planted roots 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. But after she and Nina host their first dinner party—attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who’d been chatting her up at the bar—her 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 Morgan who let the monster in. “Luke” is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.

What the FBI tells Morgan is beyond chilling. Nina wasn’t his type. Morgan is. Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Morgan’s nightmare is just beginning. Soon she has no choice but to flee to her mother’s home in Vermont. While she struggles to build something new, she meets another man, Miles Jameson. He isn’t flashy or flirtatious, and his family business has deep roots in town. But Gavin is still out there hunting new victims, and he hasn’t forgotten the one who got away.

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I stumbled on Identity when an offer to review it appeared in my inbox. The synopsis made me curious. I am glad that I downloaded the book. I loved the suspenseful story but the small town, secondary character and resort hooked me. I want to spend a long week there and would love to spend more time with these characters.

Identity is a standalone romantic thriller with plenty of sizzle, making it the perfect beach read. We meet Morgan, a young woman with a plan. She owns her own home that she shares with her best friend. She works a full-time job at a construction company and works part-time as a bartender. Besides renovating her home, she dreams of opening her own bar. When an out of towner steps up to the bar, Morgan doesn’t know it, but he is going to change her world forever.

Suspense and a realistic storyline involving identity theft and murder hooked me. Roberts even provided chapters from the perpetrator’s point of view. She then balanced out the tale with small-town life, the resort and a slow-burning romance that felt genuine. Cocktail talk will have you making requests the next time you go out, or perhaps trying some recipes at home.

Identity is perfect for fans of crime thrillers who enjoy a side of romance and small-town vibe.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• COYER 2023 Upside Down
• COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/identity-by-nora-roberts.html

Quest of the Blue Murder by Tim Hernandez is a riveting entry into the realm of fantasy literature and the first installment of the captivating Cerulean War series. The narrative takes us on an enchanting journey into the mythical land of Mendacious, a realm in the throes of a magical decline. The various societies of this world coexist, their lives deeply intertwined with the ebb and flow of their dwindling mystical powers.

The key to their magic lies in the heart of the mountainous terrain, where miners toil and interact intimately with the magical elements. Yet, something is unsettlingly off-kilter, calling for unity among the people rather than isolation. Their collective efforts become vital to the salvation of their magical world. The plot artfully weaves together multiple perspectives and characters, all poised to confront an ominous, impending threat.

Hernandez’s writing style is magnetically engaging, drawing readers into a world teetering on the brink of war. His vivid and detailed descriptions paint a rich tapestry of dynamic action scenes that pulse with life. The abundant details foster an immersive reading experience, making it possible to viscerally sense the settings as though we’re standing right there amid the action.

From the outset, the narrative is brisk and filled with revelations about our protagonist. While the primary focus remains on the magical and combative elements of the story, Hernandez skillfully highlights the ramifications of such power on familial relationships. This nuanced subplot imbues the fantasy realm with a sense of realism, reflecting the intricate dynamics of our own world.

I thoroughly enjoyed this riveting narrative and found the worldbuilding extensive providing the reader with in-depth details. While such meticulous description enhances the action scenes, it can also give readers a moment to pause in quieter moments. The book is rich with action, providing a satisfying read for those who revel in the energetic narrative.

Quest of the Blue Murder is a compelling coming-of-age novel that seamlessly blends fantasy with palpable reality. It leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. I highly recommend this novel to those seeking a finely crafted, engrossing epic fantasy read.

Pages: 340 | ASIN : B0BW17N2JP

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/15/the-quest-of-the-blue-murder/

Leading From The Feminine: A Guide to Accessing Your Deeper Feminine Wisdom Needed to Heal Our Global Disconnection is an insightful self-help book that delves into the profound influence of the external world on our subconscious mind. It underscores women’s need to reconnect with their innate selves, underlining the potential for invoking collective transformation.

The author, Laurie Benson, endeavors to awaken the dormant inner consciousness within every woman, a step that propels them towards reclaiming authority over their own lives. This awakening of feminine consciousness instills a sense of empowerment and fosters an internal power.

Benson guides the reader on a path toward self-actualization, emphasizing the joy and freedom that lies within each individual. She illuminates how to release negativity, such as anxiety and fear, that often inhibits personal growth. As the reader navigates this journey of self-discovery, they are encouraged to confront the origins of their fears and understand the fetters that bind them. The reader can achieve a greater sense of grounding and internal contentment through meditative exercises.

Benson beckons her female readers to comprehend their psyche, assess their place within society, and understand why certain insecurities may obstruct their growth. As readers adjust their focus toward their subconscious, they encounter a spectrum of perspectives that cleanse their vision. This renewed sense of self-awareness enhances everyday interactions and empowers them to harness the power of the divine feminine.

This enlightening self-help book Leading From The Feminine captivates the reader with its unique exploration of feminine wisdom and its potential to shape future success. The book advocates for the power of presence, urging readers to dispel negativity and seize leadership within their own lives. Drawing from the practical wisdom shared in this book, readers will surely gain newfound confidence and supercharge their success, thereby profoundly impacting the world.

Pages: 77 | ASIN : B0B5FM6TDV

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/15/leading-from-the-feminine/

There is no Shrimp…and Other Lies My Mother Told Me is a collection of creative stories and alternative truths that you were told as a child by your Mother. What inspired you to share these with the world?

I’m a criminal justice professor and one of the classes that I teach is juvenile justice. Among the topics we discuss in that class are drug delinquency and gangs. While talking about those topics, I ask students to discuss their experiences with D.A.R.E. or other drug prevention programs they experienced in their youth as well as positive influences in their lives—for example, parents, teachers, peers, etc. I also share my own personal experiences related to those topics. One example I like to give is how my mom and Pee-Wee Herman were two positive influences in my life and the major factors in keeping me drug free to this day. Every now and then, I’d find myself sharing stories from my childhood, often times involving mom and dad, in relation to the topic of juvenile justice. So one day I thought to myself: “Wouldn’t it be fun to share these stories with the world?” That was the impetus for creating There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me. FYI: The Pee-Wee Herman anti-drug story is featured in the book.

What was the creative process like working with illustrator Yamawe?

I live in the U.S. Yamawe lives in the Philippines. Needless to say, our creative collaboration is very much a long-distance relationship, but one that’s very much a success. In brief, I write the scripts, she does the artwork, we go through rounds of revisions, and then I make the final edits and send the pages off to the printers.

Getting to this point and publishing There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me, as well as Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher, was a four-year endeavor. We both have “real” jobs, so it was a challenge juggling full-time jobs and our other commitments in addition to this side project/hobby of ours. I knew early on that I wanted to release these stories about mom as a graphic novel as opposed to just words on pages… although there’s certainly nothing wrong with the latter option, it wasn’t the approach I wanted to take. I consider myself a fairly decent artist—not great, but decent—however, I’m very much old school; a pen and paper are still my tools of choice. Yamawe, who’s well-versed in both traditional and digital media, is an amazing artist and illustrates in a style that I felt was the perfect fit for my stories. I’m just glad that Yamawe decided to come along with me on this creative journey, because I couldn’t have done it without her. She has been such a joy to work with!

What is one of your favorite stories your mom told you, and what one do you wish was actually true?

If you’ve read There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me, you definitely know how much of a creative thinker and truth stretcher my mom is. Of all the lies or “alternative truths” my mom told me when I was a kid, my favorite one would have to be the one that the title of the book is based on: That there was no shrimp in my food. When I was younger, I hated shrimp. Not necessarily because they tasted bad, but because they looked like little aliens, like the ones in the Alien movies starring Sigourney Weaver. Those movies terrified me as a kid, and thus, shrimp did as well. Mom, wanting me to eat shrimp, because it was “good for me,” would always sneak tiny bits of shrimp into my food but tell me that there wasn’t any shrimp in the food. Long story short, I love shrimp now, and I have mom to thank for that.

One of the lies that mom told me that I wish was actually true is that if you keep jumping off a bed with a cape on your shoulders that you’ll eventually be able to fly like Superman. To this day, I still wish I could fly.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I am currently working on the second volume of Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga and a sequel to There is No Shrimp, tentatively titled Dad vs. The World. The first book continues Kenny’s arcade exploits as he continues to liberate plushies trapped in those claw machines. But this time around, his twin sisters, Jinny and Sammy, are tagging along with him on his UFO-catching adventures! The latter book will focus on more of my childhood stories. However, the main character of the book, as you can probably guess from the title, will be my dad… although my mom and her penchant for stretching and manipulating the truth will make cameo appearances in some of the stories. I am delighted to be partnering with Yamawe again for this “second season” of my autobiographical manga. We hope to release the next two books in the Life Lessons series within the next year or two, so stay tuned!

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/15/i-still-wish-i-could-fly/

In the heart of Rosewood, West Virginia, young Beth faces unthinkable loss. At four-years-old, she lost her father to the Civil War, and she and her mother struggled. But the sudden death of her mother leaves Beth heartbroken. Amidst her struggle to save the farm, she finds solace in Jacob, a handsome stranger. As Beth discovers two abandoned children, her world is shaken. As she fights to protect them, Jacob grapples with his past and vows to never love again. With danger and suspicion mounting, can Beth and Jacob learn to trust in each other, or will they remain forever apart? Discover the power of faith in “Loving Beth.”

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/15/loving-beth-book-trailer/

Odox: A Medieval Epic Fantasy follows a military officer with the power of telekinesis who is betrayed by his general and must find a way to save the kingdom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I wanted to write something that was different than just your normal Fantasy book with a powerful magician. The idea of being betrayed is also seen in fantasy, and I love to see when the underdog triumphs.

Odex is betrayed and left for dead but refuses to give up hope or let down the kingdom. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

Hope. Odox needed to fight for something bigger than himself. He soon realizes that he needs help from others even if that help comes from a very small bird.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

You can not judge a book by its cover. For instance, Lanx was so insecure about his abilities that he never even tried to work through his issues. Once it was revealed to him who he was everything changed.  For Odox, it was needing to rely on others. He could not do everything himself but he thought he could until it was too late.

Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?

I have already planned out the three other books in the series. The only hint I will give about the next book is the title. A Cracked World.

Author Links: GoodReads | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/15/i-wanted-to-write-something-different/