Identity is Nora Robert's springtime release for 2023, and it is everything you want in a Nora Roberts novel. There is suspense and romance. It has a strong family bond, both found and genetic. It even stars an adorable and goofy dog. I finished reading it on a dark and rainy Sunday afternoon, and it was the perfect read for such a day. 

As usual, Identity starts with a strong-willed, independent woman who suffers a terrible loss and must uproot her life. Morgan is the type of heroine we expect from Ms. Roberts. She has a good head on her shoulders and prides herself on her independence. But she is not too proud to learn to accept help when needed and to recognize that asking for help does not denote weakness. Morgan has serious goals and detailed plans to get there, which include an endearing use of spreadsheets and lists.

We all know that none of Ms. Roberts' heroines end their story without finding love. Morgan's love interest in Identity is everything you want for her. Serious, steady with a strong family bond and deep roots, and as goal-oriented as she is, Miles is her equal. They fit together with the precision of a puzzle piece, and their scenes together flow like magic. 

In every novel, I find I am much more interested in the heroine's profession than I would ever consider. The same is true in Identity. This time, Morgan is a professional bartender. Ms. Roberts makes it seem so damn cool. She doesn't hide that it is difficult, tiring work. And yet, Morgan's ability to read people is impressive. At the same time, the pride she takes in her work and the smoothness with which she handles flirty or rude clients make me envious. I even find myself thinking that I should try bartending. Ms. Roberts does this to me with every one of her novels. It is a testament to her writing prowess when Ms. Roberts can get someone like me, an avowed introvert and burgeoning misanthrope, to contemplate a career in the service industry!

I enjoyed the slow build of tension in Identity. Whether the suspense is from the slowly-building relationship between Morgan and Miles or from watching Gavin plot his next moves in his quest for revenge on the one that got away, Ms. Roberts takes her time creating an undercurrent of unease that keeps your interest. It is something Ms. Roberts does in all of her novels, and I never tire of it.

Once again, Ms. Roberts proves to be the queen of the romantic thriller. Identity hit all the right notes for me. The dog Howl made me smile and laugh. Miles and his family made me envious of their tight connection and mutual respect they have for each other. And I fell in love with Morgan, her mom, and her grandmother. Morgan's story kept my interest, and I read with bated breath to find out how it would end. Ms. Roberts never disappoints me, and neither did Identity.