Identity Crisis

by Eliza Daly

When Olivia Doyle’s father dies under suspicious circumstances, rather than inheriting a family fortune, she inherits a new identity. She learns they were placed in the Federal Witness Security Program when she was five years old. Her father was involved in an art forgery ring and testified against the mob. Brought up not to trust anyone, Olivia has a difficult time relying on U.S. Marshal Ethan Ryder to protect her, and to keep her secret. She fears her father may have continued his life of crime through her art gallery. She has little choice but to depend on Ethan when she realizes someone is now after her. Olivia’s search for the truth leads her and Ethan across country to a family and past she doesn’t remember.

At the age of ten, Ethan witnessed a brutal murder. He vowed when he grew up, he’d protect people in danger. Protecting Olivia is difficult when she won’t trust him. He soon realizes his desire to protect her goes beyond doing his job, but if his judgment becomes clouded by emotions, her safety could be jeopardized.

Can Ethan and Olivia learn to trust each other when they uncover secrets that will change their lives forever?

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense

182 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2013

About the author

My first attempt at creative writing was in fourth grade. My friends and I were huge Charlie’s Angels fans and I would sit in my bedroom at night writing scripts for us to act out at recess the following day. I was Kelly Garrett. Fast forward to the present, I’m still writing stories about beautiful women who always get their men. The journey from fourth grade script writer to published author wasn’t an easy one, but it was always an adventure and the final destination was well worth it.

When I’m not traveling for my job as an event planner, or tracing my ancestry roots through Ireland, I’m at home working on my next novel, bouncing ideas off my husband, and my cats Quigley and Frankie.

I also write women's fiction under the name Eliza Watson.

Please check out my Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/ElizaDalyAuthor.

Reviews

[Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I have mixed emotions about this book. I liked the concept and the premise and I did like Olivia and Ethan but.... I felt their connection didn't quite fit into love at first site so it felt to rushed and hard to believe the bond that quickly.

However, the story was not just a romance novel it also had suspense, mystery, intrigue, loyalty, family and love. I was surprised with who the villain was in the end and also I was happy with the ending in all avenues. I feel the story felt complete and not left open ended.

Olivia may have been lost with who she was when her world got taken away from her but in the end she got so much more than she could have ever imagined.

I did like the story but I don't know what would have made me more content with Ethan and Olivia. It saddened me because I really liked them but it felt like their relationship was like the Daytona 500 and left me spinning with whoa! that was fast but what can I say my brother just got married after dating for two weeks so maybe it was more life like than I give it credit for. ;)

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[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Olivia Doyle’s father dies under suspicious circumstances, rather than inheriting a family fortune, she inherits a new identity. The realization was shocking that she discovered her family was in the Federal Witness Security Program. At five years of age, she was protected. I was immediately caught up. I really do enjoy suspense books like this. I think I would classify it as suspense with heat. Well ok a lot of steamy heat and that is always a plus. Olivia finds out that her father was involved in an art forgery ring and testified against the mob. In other words the book is filled with a great cast of characters and a story with a lot of meat on the bone!

Now enter U.S. Marshal Ethan Ryder, sent to protect her and to keep her secret. I guess I don't need to say anymore on the Ethan topic. Can Ethan and Olivia learn to trust each other when they uncover secrets that will change their lives forever? Lot's of twists and turns in this one and a definite go run and read it NOW! ReadingRenee.com

Available at: Crimson Romance ebooks | Amazon | B&N | iTunes

[Jillian (NetGalley Addict) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was part of a blog tour, I received a copy for my honest review

Olivias father has just died at the funeral their priest gives her an envelope that changes her entire life. She finds out that they were really in the witness protection program, her farther sold art forgeries and now somebody is after her. Ethan is the new agent assigned to her case after the original case agent died protecting another witness. The two of them are fighting the attraction towards each other, they have to learn to trust one another or both of them could end up killed. Olivia is a paranoid, smart and at times sassy heroine, her life gets turned upside down and yet she keeps it together. Ethan had a messed up childhood, he doesn't let people beyond his aunt get close to him. The two of them together have great chemistry, the conversations they had ranged from amusing to deep and heartfelt. The mystery in this book is what had me hooked, the author did a wonderful job of letting out little tidbits of information without making you feel like the book was to long or drawn out. It kept me guessing and wondering what is going to happen next, I loved the little shocker at the end. This was a great book with wonderful character and creative writing with a flair. If you like romance, mystery or suspense novels then you should definitely pick up Identity Crisis for your next read.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very hard for me to think of anything that I would rather read than a good love story. Identity Crisis by Eliza Daly is no exception. This story grabbed my attention from the first few pages and held it to the very end. The main female character is Olivia Doyle. She has just lost her father and shortly after learns that they both were part of the US Marshall's Witness Protection Program. Everything that she grew up believing about herself and family turns out to be fabricated. And what's worse is that Olivia is not 100% sure that her father was innocent in all of his actions. Ethan Ryder is the marshal who is now responsible for keeping Olivia safe. A break-in and attempted robbery is cause for Ethan to reveal himself and take a more hands on approach. With Olivia and Ethan spending so much time around each other, it’s only natural that feelings develop. Olivia is conflicted because she can’t tell if his feelings are genuine or just a part of his job. Ethan, like many men, is reluctant to open up and reveal his true feelings.

Identity Crisis is a well written love story. The characters were well developed and the plot was believable. I would recommend this title to anyone who can appreciate a good romance

[Maggie Thom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this romance. It grabbed me from the first chapter, where Olivia is burying her father and then she reads a letter he has left her. She discovers he'd been a criminal and they had entered the witness protection program when she was little. Not only is she angry at him but she fears he might have used her Art Gallery as a front for selling his art forgeries. Determined to prove that isn't true and to find the family she never knew she had, she calls the agent from the Witness Protection Program.

Ethan, the agent who has taken over their case, is determined to keep Olivia safe, when her dad's and then her place is burglarized. He suggests they go and find her family but she can't tell them who she is, yet. Ethan and Olivia are attracted to each other but Ethan is trying not to cross that fine line in the sand between protecting and serving.

This is an interesting read that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: IDENTITY CRISIS is a contemporary romance storyline with a little suspense, a little mystery and a little romance. Our heroine Olivia will discover that her entire life has been based on a lie when a personal letter, written from her dead father, reveals that they have been in the Federal Witness Program for close to twenty four years. And to complicate matters, her father was involved in one of the biggest and most expensive art forgery scams involving the mob and millions of dollars in fraudulent paintings. Olivia has been schooled in the arts and now owns a very prestigious art gallery.

As an agent with the US Marshall’s office, Ethan Ryder has already lost a fellow agent and one witness in the protective custody program. Blaming himself for the losses, Ethan endeavors to keep Olivia Doyle safe but begins to wonder if Olivia’s own art gallery is somehow connected to her father’s past. Hoping to keep Olivia safe, Ethan agrees to help her return her father’s ashes to the place of his birth but along the way he will lose his heart and his sense of duty when he has Olivia investigated as a possible connection to a recent series of art forgery and sales.

Identity Crisis is a fascinating storyline of one woman’s discovery that her entire life has been built around a government lie to protect her father and herself from the mob. Throughout the story, Olivia’s early memories are triggered by the sites and sounds of the family she never knew existed prior to a few days before. But a string of suspected burglaries, break-ins and hostage takings, all leading back to Olivia and her father’s past, has Ethan circling around Olivia fearing for her life. When Olivia finally meets the family she never knew she had, a surprising twist in her father’s past will have Olivia wondering if she ever knew her father and if her mother’s death is to be blamed on someone close.

IDENTITY CRISIS is a well-written storyline that brings two people together that would never have met under ordinary circumstances. Ethan Ryder will compromise his position as a US Federal Marshall when he uncovers Olivia’s secrets as well as opening up about his own troubled past. This story is about two souls lost in a sea of pain who begin the long road to recovery when the people they once trusted most, are not whom they were once believed to be.

If you like a storyline with a mystery as well as a little romance, Identity Crisis is for you. There is a little foreplay, but no sex; a little romance but nothing over the top; a little suspense and a big twist in the background information revealed near the end.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon the death of her father, Olivia is given a letter explaining she and her father were placed in in the Federal Witness Security Program when she was five years old. Her father had been involved in art forgery and testified against the mob. As her life begins to unravel and her life is threatened, she finds herself once again needing the protection of the WSP. U.S. Marshal Ethan Ryder witnessed his mother's murder at an early age. Since then he vowed he would protect people in danger. Tough, smart and attractive, he knew Olivia needed his protection but his growing attraction to her and her inability to trust could jeopardize her safety. Determined to find out the truth about her father, Ethan and Olivia travel across the country to a family she didn't know existed.

Romance - Check. Suspense - Check. Intrigue - Check. Great characters - Double Check! Oh yeah...this one has it all. If Identity Crisis was a movie, my bucket of popcorn would be empty and I would not have noticed. This page-turner hooked me from the very beginning. Daly delivers two solid characters in Olivia and Ethan. The romantic scenes are well done and tastefully written without the added smut in so many books these days. The add element of art was a nice touch. At times, I felt the art itself was a character. Even though there are plenty of twists and turns, the progression of the story flows smoothly never feeling rushed or jumpy. If you see the ending coming then you did a better job than I did. My jaw hit the floor in shock when finally the who-did-it is revealed.

If your interests lay in a good solid story, look no further than Eliza Daly's Identity Crisis.

I received this book from JeepDiva in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.

Stars - 4 Flames - 2

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Identity Crisis is a story full of mystery, suspense and a little bit of romance all thrown into one. Olivia’s father has just passed away and left his only daughter a letter that has her second-guessing everything she ever knew about him as well as herself.

Learning that her father’s actions left him with no choice but to put his family into Witness Protection program when Olivia was five, everything she ever knew about her life comes into question. Could she believe anything her father ever told her or had it all been a lie? And now that she is need of an agent to protect her from harm, she doesn’t know if she can trust the one man assigned to protect her.

Back in the town she was born in, Ethan and Olivia must pretend they are a couple to keep her newly found family safe. But is either of them pretending? The chemistry is clear between the two of them, but Ethan must choose between protecting his witness or getting involved personally. Will he choose his growing feelings for Olivia even though getting involved personally may put her in more danger?

Identity Crisis was a great read. I enjoyed the mystery part of it and especially all of the twists and turns that it took. Both characters had great back-stories but I found myself more intrigued with Ethan’s and the reason why he became an agent more so than Olivia’s past. As a White Collar fan, I really enjoyed the art fraud aspect of it. I did find myself confused during parts of the story, but nothing that took away from the overall story.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn't care for this book. I had a hard time connecting to the characters, and the plot was a bit confusing and dull, in my opinion. There were a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming, but to me, it didn't redeem the book.

[Gillian (Tattooed Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

See this review and more at www.tattooedbookreview.com.

Not just a romance, this book has action and intrigue, centering around the world of underground art forgeries and mob connections. The story’s twists and turns kept me glued to the pages. Though it has a very different plot line, with it’s sexual tension, art forgeries, and exciting game of cat and mouse I was reminded of The Thomas Crowne Affair.

I enjoyed Ethan and Olivia’s romance. Along with sizzling sexual tension, they share the emotional scars that come with the early, tragic loss of family. There is a connection, an understanding: I was rooting for them the entire time. Not just their romance, but the chance at trust, healing, redemption, and a future involving love and family.

The romantic elements, and a plot providing plenty of action and mystery (I was completely surprised when the mystery was finally solved!) make this a very good read.

"She wrapped her arms around his neck, tunneling her fingers through his wet hair. The thoughts of ever being away from Ethan again increased the urgency of their kiss. She longed for their bodies and lips to remain fused forever, except she had something she needed to tell him."

*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Shae Bogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in the “Murder She Wrote,” “Matlock,” and “Charlie’s Angels” generation. I love a great mystery and romance combination. Eliza Daly created perfection in this book. I fell in love with all the characters and was pulled into the scenes in the book. Daly kept me intrigued and created just the right amount of suspense and romance to keep me reading all day. As Olivia states in the book about Monet is his artwork, Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son, creates such an image that you can “feel the sunshine against the woman’s skin” and “the warm breeze catching her dress,” so does Eliza Daly create the images and emotions for her readers.

Growing up our parents are our heroes. How would you feel after learning that everything you had been told and raised to believe was not true? After Olivia’s father’s death, she learns that things were not a simple as she believed. She has to learn some hard truths and in the loneliness she finds there are some people she can depend on to love her in spite of her new truths.

This is a must add to your libraries.

[Jill Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories that deliver juicy inside details of a world I don't know much about. The reader gets a peak behind the scenes of art galleries and forgery rings.

The main character's life is mirrored by the mystery of the paintings. Her father faked her life in the same way that someone faked the paintings. But how much was fake? Was it all a lie or was some of it true? And is there anything left to salvage?

So on the one hand, you have a great romance - a girl in danger and the gorgeous agent who saves her, solid writing and a great voice, but it's so much more than that - you have this wonderful mystery that has twists that I didn't see coming. I thought I knew where everything was headed, but I was wrong - I love that. The stakes keep getting higher even up to the end, and this to me, is the hallmark of great storytelling!

I highly recommend this novel. Make sure to give yourself time to get through it in one sitting, because you won't be able to put it down.

[Celtic Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romantic suspense by Eliza Daly! The characters are genuine and the setting in Wisconsin sounds like a place I would love to escape to. The references to the world of art and art history are quite fascinating. I am looking forward to this author's next book!

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaging your whole life to be a lie not knowing your true identity or where your from. Some of us would trade our families for new ones however Eliza Daly makes you appreciate those you've grown up with and love.

Reality of not having anyone around when you lose the one role model who has been the most important person in your world and have no one else to trust or lean on.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. Just the right amount of suspense, family, mystery and romance. Loved Ethan and Olivia.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspicious death? Art forgery? Witness Protection Program? Mob? Hot US Marshall? Mistrustful heroine? How could I possibly go wrong with this story? I grabbed up the opportunity to read it and I was not disappointed.

The story begins when Olivia's father dies and leaves her a letter revealing that the last 24 years of her life have been a lie of sorts. Her father was an art forger who cut a deal with the Feds to send a mob boss away. They had a different identity and a family that they left behind. The Witsec program kept them safe all these years, but now that her dad is dead someone is now after her for something they believe she has and she is forced to accept the presence of US Marshall Ethan Ryder in her life.

Olivia was taught by her father to be circumspect and to trust no one. She has her art gallery and her paintings which are her life especially now that her father is gone. Olivia doesn't believe her father was still involved in art crime, but doesn't want Ethan digging around anyway just because a whiff of scandal will harm her precious art gallery's reputation. Olivia tries to play a cat and mouse game not only with the unknown person hounding her for her dad's secrets, but also with Ethan. She wants to trust Ethan- oh she wants to.

Ethan has his own personal issues with a criminal father from his past so he's not one to open up to others and his job makes him cynical of others. He gave up on any hope of a personal life because of the nature of his job that pulls him all over the place and keeps what he does shrouded in secrecy. He just lost a mentor and a witness and he knows his job is hanging by a thread. It tore him up to lose his witness and he loves his job so he plans to be by the book perfect when it comes to Olivia's protection and hunting down those who are after her and why. No room to pursue the attraction he feels for Livvy, right?

The plot on this one was equal parts intrigue and romance. I enjoyed following the winding trail that led to the surprising truth and I loved watching the main characters open up and learn to trust each other. I did have a quibble over Olivia's penchant for stupid actions that put herself in unnecessary danger though I sort of got it. Her mistrust of everyone forced her to sneak around. I also got annoyed with the two of them blowing hot/cold with each other. I just wanted to shout at them to just cross the line already instead of darting across and retreating. Ethan's work ethics- which I do understand- got in his way and Olivia's trust issues got in hers. I loved how everyone seemed to have their little secrets and there was no telling how each person's secrets put the puzzle of the past together until the end.

Exciting story with pent up tension from the danger and the romance. Romantic suspense lovers should definitely give this one a try.

[Lisa Filipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might I start by saying...."WHOA....Didn't see THAT coming?"

IDENTITY CRISIS is Eliza Daly's first Romance Suspense, and I hope NOT her last! The plot is intriguing, engaging and a little heartbreaking.

For Olivia to have just found out that her whole life for the last twenty-four years has all been a lie...well that is just plain ole' scary. Then to find out that you have an extended family who doesn't know you are alive...well, let's just say that my heart broke for her.

As for Ethan...Um...HELLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Sexy!! Yeah...ya need to read the description of this hunky US Marshall...you will be sayin the same thing!! Ethan is my favorite kind of hero, a slightly tortured hero with a HUGE heart and a sad childhood. I loved his protective nature with not just Olivia, but with his Aunt, Uncle and Josh. Let's just say, he can guard my body....Anytime!!

I enjoyed the slow build-up between Olivia and Ethan....a little slow simmer sexy banter is the best kind! I love when the sexual tension is so thick, you could cut it with a knife. I was able to fall in love with Ethan right along with Olivia.

Eliza's writing flowed naturally, never felt rushed, and the suspense was woven around the romance perfectly! Just enough to keep you turning page after page, after page!! I really would love to see Eliza Daly write another Romance Suspense. With her talent, I truly think she could give the other RS Authors a run for their money!!

[Algel Crestfall · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read a book of this genre. I don't know but the first pages of the story, inside the gallery, reminded me of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. This book let the reader have a peak inside the art galleries, and it never failed to describe what's in it.

I sympathize Olivia, upon the death of her father. It would be really hard to accept two hard things when they come together, especially in her case. She wouldn't know who to trust, even her own dead father. Even the paintings, which she admired so much lied to her.

And then there goes this agent, who tries to gain her trust so he would be able to protect her in every way he can. I love the romantic twists in the story. It is well-written and things get more and more exciting as you read every chapter, without you realizing you're almost finished reading.

I recommend this book especially to the readers out there who just loves romantic surprises and mystery.

[Stacy Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review for Identity Crisis by Eliza Daly


In Identity Crisis the main character, Olivia, has her world turned upside down after her father dies. The secrets that he had kept from her for her whole life shock her and put her in danger. In steps Ethan Ryder who is sworn to protect her. They travel from San Francisco to a small town in Wisconsin trying to keep Olivia safe.
This was a fun read that went really quick. The mystery was interesting and the ending was a bit of a surprise. The relationship forming between Ethan and Olivia was sweet and sometimes frustrating but not too intense. It took awhile for these two to really trust each other. The story was intriguing as it involved the art world, lost family members and the mob.
As I read the story, I felt sorry for Olivia for all the surprises she received and smiled when she and Ethan connected. This is definitely a book to read for those of you who like a light mystery and romance. I give it a 4 out of 5.

[WiLoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, suspense, and romance. This was a quick read. I barely noticed the pages flying by as I read on to find out what would happen next. When Olivia's father dies, she finds out that they were in witness protection and now she could be in danger. Then Ethan, a U.S. Marshall, shows up to protect her. They both have trouble trusting, but want to trust one another. She has a family she never knew about. He has his own family issues. Secrets, tension, and plenty of heat, though the steam factor is low.

[Lisa Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Identity crisis

This story was a great one as it had travel, romance, relationships and family. I loved the concept that Livvy just wanted to know who she really was-- in search of her roots as her Dad had placed them into WITSEC, when she was just 5yo. I am looking for more books by this author!

[Laura Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome story with a great hook! I don't want to give anything away so I'm not going to say much other than if you like Witness Protection and art forgery intermixed with a hot romance, you'll love this book!

[Stephanie Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars... Review to come.

[Eugenia Gwynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just o.k. The storyline was somewhat confusing and Olivia was annoying. Romance was just so-so.

[Maria C · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
Enjoyed the storyline very much but the main characters lacked chemistry. Didn't care for the writing style either.

[Marni Tagami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh...forgettable.

[Lynn Mcgilvray-saltzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

Great plot and theme. Good character development. The reader gets personally involved in the characters and their experiences. I was a bit slow in grasping just who each Grandparent was. Lazy reading on my part i'm sure but I'd beef up their development a bit to add both depth and clarity. Good tempo.

Overall, an enjoyable read. Thanks. I enjoyed it. A great escape.