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Mill Creek Mystique #2
Hidden Identities
Can they leave their pasts behind to create a future?
Clarke Dragoon has lived under an alias to infiltrate criminal organizations, dismantle them, and bring them to justice. He has perfected a similar tactic in his own life, as it demands his undivided attention. Another benefit is that it prevents him from dwelling on what's missing in his life.
Aimee Lang's ex-husband shattered her life, and now she must use her new identity to reinvent herself. When a series of questionable events unfold, the carefully constructed lies of her new life fall apart, exposing the horrors of her past.
As Aimee's life unravels, Clarke offers his home as a temporary refuge. Sparks fly between them, blurring the line between reality and perception, and leaving them with life-altering decisions.
Will Clarke and Aimee be able to see past the deception, uncover the truth, and forge a future together?
Clarke Dragoon has lived under an alias to infiltrate criminal organizations, dismantle them, and bring them to justice. He has perfected a similar tactic in his own life, as it demands his undivided attention. Another benefit is that it prevents him from dwelling on what's missing in his life.
Aimee Lang's ex-husband shattered her life, and now she must use her new identity to reinvent herself. When a series of questionable events unfold, the carefully constructed lies of her new life fall apart, exposing the horrors of her past.
As Aimee's life unravels, Clarke offers his home as a temporary refuge. Sparks fly between them, blurring the line between reality and perception, and leaving them with life-altering decisions.
Will Clarke and Aimee be able to see past the deception, uncover the truth, and forge a future together?
- GenresRomantic Suspense
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2025
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Bailey Thomas
6 books95 followersAmazon Top Ten author Bailey Thomas writes romantic suspense, contemporary, and adventure romance, and she loves a well-earned happily-ever-after.
As an only child, her active imagination and adventurous spirit always kept her engaged. Now, she channels her creativity into romantic adventures. A sucker for heroes and heroines with big hearts, baggage, and the fight to overcome life’s challenges while earning their HEA.
She lives in the beautiful but hot Southwest. When she’s not working on her next deadline behind a computer, she’s reading, traveling, or watching sports.
Life is too short, so Bailey lives by her motto of seeking adventures that bring her joy.
She loves hearing from readers. For more details about her books, appearances, and adventures, visit her website at BaileyThomasAuthor.com.
As an only child, her active imagination and adventurous spirit always kept her engaged. Now, she channels her creativity into romantic adventures. A sucker for heroes and heroines with big hearts, baggage, and the fight to overcome life’s challenges while earning their HEA.
She lives in the beautiful but hot Southwest. When she’s not working on her next deadline behind a computer, she’s reading, traveling, or watching sports.
Life is too short, so Bailey lives by her motto of seeking adventures that bring her joy.
She loves hearing from readers. For more details about her books, appearances, and adventures, visit her website at BaileyThomasAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 12, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Champagne Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Hidden Identities" is a new book by new author Bailey Thomas to this reader. I read the description and thought this was either going to be a bit boring as a suspense but I was totally fooled. This was such an enjoyable page-turning read that had twists, mystery, romance and suspense. I truly enjoyed this by this author and believe this is the second in the series. Looking forward to reading the first.
"Hidden Identities" is a new book by new author Bailey Thomas to this reader. I read the description and thought this was either going to be a bit boring as a suspense but I was totally fooled. This was such an enjoyable page-turning read that had twists, mystery, romance and suspense. I truly enjoyed this by this author and believe this is the second in the series. Looking forward to reading the first.
December 14, 2025
Even though this is the second book in the series, it worked beautifully on its own. I listened and the experience was seamless, keeping me engaged throughout.
The story had just the right amount of suspense, with moments that kept me curious and on edge. The romance added a spicy layer that made it all even more exciting.
The narration brought everything to life, making the tension and chemistry between characters feel vivid and real. I appreciated how the story balanced intrigue and passion in a way that was entertaining from start to finish.
It was an enjoyable mix of mystery and romance, and I found myself fully absorbed without needing to read the first book.
The story had just the right amount of suspense, with moments that kept me curious and on edge. The romance added a spicy layer that made it all even more exciting.
The narration brought everything to life, making the tension and chemistry between characters feel vivid and real. I appreciated how the story balanced intrigue and passion in a way that was entertaining from start to finish.
It was an enjoyable mix of mystery and romance, and I found myself fully absorbed without needing to read the first book.
December 3, 2025
In Hidden Identities, author Bailey Thomas and narrators Grace Grant and Christian Black deliver a high-stakes romantic suspense that asks a difficult question: can you ever truly leave your past behind to create a future? As the second book in the series, this story plunges readers into a tangled web of secrets, betrayal, and revenge, proving to be a wild ride from start to finish.
The story centers on two people whose lives are built on necessary deceptions. Aimee Lang is living in a nightmare created by her rotten ex-husband; to escape him and his criminal gang, she has been forced into WITSEC, reinventing herself in the quiet town of Mill Creek. She loves her new community and is desperate to keep her identity secret to avoid being relocated again. Across from her is Clark Dragoon, a man who has spent years living under aliases to infiltrate and dismantle criminal organizations. He has perfected the art of hiding in plain sight, a tactic that keeps him safe but prevents him from dwelling on what is missing in his personal life.
The plot thickens when the attraction between Clark and Aimee becomes impossible to ignore, blurring the lines between their carefully constructed realities. However, their budding romance is threatened when Aimee’s past catches up with her. In a terrifying escalation, the carefully constructed lies of her new life fall apart, and she finds herself framed for crimes that point toward jail time. Despite the involvement of the Mill Creek Police, the FBI, and advanced security technology, the threat against Aimee proves relentless, forcing Clark to reveal his protective nature. He offers his home as a refuge, but even with his skills, keeping her safe is a formidable challenge.
Bailey Thomas does a superb job of balancing this high-octane suspense with deep character development. Aimee is an incredibly sympathetic and relatable heroine, making her plight feel visceral, while Clark is the quintessential brooding, protective hero. A highlight of the character work is the charming interaction between Clark and his widowed neighbor, which adds a layer of warmth and humanity to his tough exterior. The narrative is a "wild ride" filled with dangerous men, bad judgment, and violence, yet it is grounded by an easy-to-read writing style that keeps the pages turning.
The audiobook experience elevates the story significantly. Grace Grant and Christian Black provide excellent narration, bringing a distinct life and energy to the characters. They capture the tension of the suspense sequences and the heat of the romantic sparks that fly between the protagonists. For fans of romantic suspense who enjoy unique characters and a plot thick with mystery and plotting, Hidden Identities is a fantastic, immersive listen.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story centers on two people whose lives are built on necessary deceptions. Aimee Lang is living in a nightmare created by her rotten ex-husband; to escape him and his criminal gang, she has been forced into WITSEC, reinventing herself in the quiet town of Mill Creek. She loves her new community and is desperate to keep her identity secret to avoid being relocated again. Across from her is Clark Dragoon, a man who has spent years living under aliases to infiltrate and dismantle criminal organizations. He has perfected the art of hiding in plain sight, a tactic that keeps him safe but prevents him from dwelling on what is missing in his personal life.
The plot thickens when the attraction between Clark and Aimee becomes impossible to ignore, blurring the lines between their carefully constructed realities. However, their budding romance is threatened when Aimee’s past catches up with her. In a terrifying escalation, the carefully constructed lies of her new life fall apart, and she finds herself framed for crimes that point toward jail time. Despite the involvement of the Mill Creek Police, the FBI, and advanced security technology, the threat against Aimee proves relentless, forcing Clark to reveal his protective nature. He offers his home as a refuge, but even with his skills, keeping her safe is a formidable challenge.
Bailey Thomas does a superb job of balancing this high-octane suspense with deep character development. Aimee is an incredibly sympathetic and relatable heroine, making her plight feel visceral, while Clark is the quintessential brooding, protective hero. A highlight of the character work is the charming interaction between Clark and his widowed neighbor, which adds a layer of warmth and humanity to his tough exterior. The narrative is a "wild ride" filled with dangerous men, bad judgment, and violence, yet it is grounded by an easy-to-read writing style that keeps the pages turning.
The audiobook experience elevates the story significantly. Grace Grant and Christian Black provide excellent narration, bringing a distinct life and energy to the characters. They capture the tension of the suspense sequences and the heat of the romantic sparks that fly between the protagonists. For fans of romantic suspense who enjoy unique characters and a plot thick with mystery and plotting, Hidden Identities is a fantastic, immersive listen.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2025
Hidden Identities (Mill Creek Mystique #2) by Bailey Thomas
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️ 🌶️
Interconnected Standalone * Dual POV in 3rd person * Romantic Suspense * Contemporary * Friends to Lovers * 196 pages * 🎧7h14
I've been a reviewer for High Gravity Audiobooks for a bit now, and receive audiobooks in exchange for honest reviews. This one isn’t my typical go-to genre, as I normally gravitate toward dark romance or funny, quirky rom-coms, but the blurb on this one intrigued me. It gave off slow-burn tension vibes, and I’m glad I took a chance.
This is book 2 in the Mill Creek Mystique series, and while it can be read as a standalone, the characters are interconnected.
This story sits firmly in romantic suspense. It’s not an action-packed thriller, and it’s a bit slow at times, but even so, I found myself captivated, wearing a pensive frown as I was dragged through every emotion these characters experienced.
There are a few smaller twists throughout the plot. If you’re good at spotting those breadcrumbs, none will shock you, but they’re satisfying nonetheless. The relationships and interactions with secondary characters felt authentic and unique. Everyone has secrets, and watching the truth unravel piece by piece was incredibly engaging. I can’t imagine living life terrified and tucked away in WITSEC.
There is some smut in the story; if that’s not your thing, you can skip those scenes without missing any major plot points.
I don’t have an exact release date for the audiobooks yet, but they should be dropping soon. I had one new-to-me narrator; Christian Black, whose performance I really enjoyed. Grace Grant handled the female characters, and as always she's a pleasure to listen to. Both narrators will continue into book 3.
The written versions are all already available. And yes, I absolutely plan on listening to the audio for book 3, which is already sitting pretty in my inbox waiting to be devoured.
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️ 🌶️
Interconnected Standalone * Dual POV in 3rd person * Romantic Suspense * Contemporary * Friends to Lovers * 196 pages * 🎧7h14
I've been a reviewer for High Gravity Audiobooks for a bit now, and receive audiobooks in exchange for honest reviews. This one isn’t my typical go-to genre, as I normally gravitate toward dark romance or funny, quirky rom-coms, but the blurb on this one intrigued me. It gave off slow-burn tension vibes, and I’m glad I took a chance.
This is book 2 in the Mill Creek Mystique series, and while it can be read as a standalone, the characters are interconnected.
This story sits firmly in romantic suspense. It’s not an action-packed thriller, and it’s a bit slow at times, but even so, I found myself captivated, wearing a pensive frown as I was dragged through every emotion these characters experienced.
There are a few smaller twists throughout the plot. If you’re good at spotting those breadcrumbs, none will shock you, but they’re satisfying nonetheless. The relationships and interactions with secondary characters felt authentic and unique. Everyone has secrets, and watching the truth unravel piece by piece was incredibly engaging. I can’t imagine living life terrified and tucked away in WITSEC.
There is some smut in the story; if that’s not your thing, you can skip those scenes without missing any major plot points.
I don’t have an exact release date for the audiobooks yet, but they should be dropping soon. I had one new-to-me narrator; Christian Black, whose performance I really enjoyed. Grace Grant handled the female characters, and as always she's a pleasure to listen to. Both narrators will continue into book 3.
The written versions are all already available. And yes, I absolutely plan on listening to the audio for book 3, which is already sitting pretty in my inbox waiting to be devoured.
January 8, 2026
🎧 ALC Review: Hidden Identities
Written by Bailey Thomas
Narrated by Grace Grant & Christian Black
ALC provided by the author and High Gravity Productions
This one surprised me in the best way. A quiet, moody romantic suspense that relies less on explosions and more on tension, secrets, and two people hiding in plain sight. And on audio? It works beautifully.
Grace Grant captures Aimee’s fragility and strength with such care that you feel every flinch, every moment of courage. Christian Black brings Clarke a steady, grounded confidence that makes his calm presence feel like an anchor rather than a cliché. Together, their performances create an intimacy that pulls you in and refuses to let go.
The pacing is a slow burn and thoughtful, letting the mystery unravel piece by piece while the romance simmers in the background. It is atmospheric, emotional, and quietly intense, with just enough spice to raise the stakes.
🎧 Tropes:
🕵️ Hidden Identity
🏠 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🤍 Healing Through Love
Written by Bailey Thomas
Narrated by Grace Grant & Christian Black
ALC provided by the author and High Gravity Productions
This one surprised me in the best way. A quiet, moody romantic suspense that relies less on explosions and more on tension, secrets, and two people hiding in plain sight. And on audio? It works beautifully.
Grace Grant captures Aimee’s fragility and strength with such care that you feel every flinch, every moment of courage. Christian Black brings Clarke a steady, grounded confidence that makes his calm presence feel like an anchor rather than a cliché. Together, their performances create an intimacy that pulls you in and refuses to let go.
The pacing is a slow burn and thoughtful, letting the mystery unravel piece by piece while the romance simmers in the background. It is atmospheric, emotional, and quietly intense, with just enough spice to raise the stakes.
🎧 Tropes:
🕵️ Hidden Identity
🏠 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🤍 Healing Through Love
July 23, 2022
How do you become someone other than yourself after a few decades? Rotten ex-husband that created this ongoing hell for you to live in. And his faithful criminal gang has an agenda to ruin your life and they will find you.
Clark can't reveal who he really is and Aimee has to keep her new identity secret or WITSEC will move her to a new location and she really likes the people and Mill Creek. When you both have that attraction for each other, what do you do? Who do you trust? The past catches up with Aimee and all things point to her being a bad person and jail time.
Clark is protective of Aimee and together with the Mill Creek Police, FBI, and other agencies, they try to figure out who is targeting Aimee. With all the protection and super technology in place, it's not enough and they manage to get to Aimee.
This is book 2 in the series and there are some unique characters in the story. I love the interaction between Clark and his widowed neighbor.
Clark can't reveal who he really is and Aimee has to keep her new identity secret or WITSEC will move her to a new location and she really likes the people and Mill Creek. When you both have that attraction for each other, what do you do? Who do you trust? The past catches up with Aimee and all things point to her being a bad person and jail time.
Clark is protective of Aimee and together with the Mill Creek Police, FBI, and other agencies, they try to figure out who is targeting Aimee. With all the protection and super technology in place, it's not enough and they manage to get to Aimee.
This is book 2 in the series and there are some unique characters in the story. I love the interaction between Clark and his widowed neighbor.
November 27, 2025
Welcome back to Mill Creek. This amazing romantic suspense is about Aimee and Clark. Aimee is I hiding via WITSEC and Clark has a mysterious government job. She moves into his spare room when her apartment has fire damage. What happens between them? Listen to their story.
The duet narration by Grace Grant and Christian Black was stupendous. Grace Grant was brilliant as shy, quiet, scared but resilient Aimee. Christian Black was delightful as strong, confident, alpha Clark. They brought this fabulous audiobook to life beautifully. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to the author and High Gravity Productions for this ALC.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Story 5 stars Narration 5 stars
The duet narration by Grace Grant and Christian Black was stupendous. Grace Grant was brilliant as shy, quiet, scared but resilient Aimee. Christian Black was delightful as strong, confident, alpha Clark. They brought this fabulous audiobook to life beautifully. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to the author and High Gravity Productions for this ALC.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Story 5 stars Narration 5 stars
November 23, 2025
Clark and Amy’s story grabbed me from the start. He’s the undercover operative who’s forgotten how to live outside his aliases, and she’s a woman rebuilding after heartbreak and fear. When Amy’s past comes crashing back, Clark offers her safety—and the chemistry that unfolds is emotional, tender, and impossible to ignore.
Christian Black brings Clark’s steady, protective energy to life, while Grace Grant gives Amy the perfect blend of vulnerability and quiet strength. Together, they make this romantic suspense completely addictive.
A heartfelt, high-stakes listen and a standout in the Mill Creek series.
Christian Black brings Clark’s steady, protective energy to life, while Grace Grant gives Amy the perfect blend of vulnerability and quiet strength. Together, they make this romantic suspense completely addictive.
A heartfelt, high-stakes listen and a standout in the Mill Creek series.
April 27, 2022
Clarke is going to do his best to protect Aimee from threats, but doesn't know the extent of her situation. She's in WITSEC, but she's been located by her ex-husband's colleagues. There are so many twists in the plot, many of them things I never expected, and the story kept me on my toes. This is my first read from the author. I know for certain that it won't be the last... I loved this book so much that I've already purchased the other book in the series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
An engaging and exciting romance. One must go with the flow and not stress over realities. Enjoy the journey. It kept me turning the pages. I did skip over the intimate details. I have not read the first Mill Creek Mystique, but don't feel that it is a requirement. As always, it would make it more enjoyable to be familiar with some of the characters but not necessary. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
April 5, 2022
I was given this book to write a review. Based in a small town. The characters were not well developed and frankly a bit boring. Aimee seemed very gullible. The other characters ate from the police department and the previous book. The title makes you think its a standalone but it appears to be book 2 of a series
April 23, 2022
This is my first book by this author. I think she did a good job of combining romance with some mystery and suspense, tying all the clues together to make a good story line, giving Clarke & Amiee their HEA. Well written and edited.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
June 26, 2022
This keeps you guessing until the end. So many secrets you never know what will happen next!
A great cast of characters all tied into a sinister story. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves suspense with a little spice.
The ending gave me a sense of peace after the ups and downs of the story.
A great cast of characters all tied into a sinister story. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves suspense with a little spice.
The ending gave me a sense of peace after the ups and downs of the story.
Read
March 14, 2023wonderful suspense
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Aimee was easy to relate to and I totally sympathized with her plight. The author, Bailey Thomas, does a superb job of character development, easy to read writing style, and adds mystery and suspense to the story. Storytelling at its best!
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Aimee was easy to relate to and I totally sympathized with her plight. The author, Bailey Thomas, does a superb job of character development, easy to read writing style, and adds mystery and suspense to the story. Storytelling at its best!
November 21, 2025
Duet narration - Grace Grant & Christian Black
Book 2 Mill Creek Mystique series
Can be read as a standalone
Friends to lovers
Small town
Romantic suspense
3rd person POV (duet helps this for me)
A delightful romantic suspense that will keep you guessing. There’s twists and secrets. Overall this is a delicious and captivating story. Kept me interested throughout the entire story.
Book 2 Mill Creek Mystique series
Can be read as a standalone
Friends to lovers
Small town
Romantic suspense
3rd person POV (duet helps this for me)
A delightful romantic suspense that will keep you guessing. There’s twists and secrets. Overall this is a delicious and captivating story. Kept me interested throughout the entire story.
December 1, 2025
Just like the first book in the Mill Creek Mystique series, this story hits the ground running. I always enjoy a good hidden identities theme and I like the spin of Amiee being in witness protection. Clarke is exactly what Amiee needs with his strength and patience. There was a nice twist at the end I enjoyed and the romance was spot on. While it can be read completely as a standalone. I did enjoy seeing the characters from Trent’s Redemption make an appearance.
Now I’m off to read the next book in the series.
Now I’m off to read the next book in the series.
December 3, 2025
I really liked Hidden Identities, especially when you add in Christian Black and Grace Grant as narrators. I really enjoyed the mystery of Aimee’s situation and Clarke’s job. Aimee is a tough cookie and I don’t know if I would have been as strong as she was. If you are looking for drama, suspense, mystery and romance Hidden Identities is for you.
December 5, 2025
Well.
So they're both in witsec, but in different forms.One's a witsec officer and one is running for her life. One is on R and R because of assignment. Gone wrong.
And now he's re-evaluating his life while she's trying to actually live one.
Things happen a lot of things happen.
This is definitely an intriguing book.
So they're both in witsec, but in different forms.One's a witsec officer and one is running for her life. One is on R and R because of assignment. Gone wrong.
And now he's re-evaluating his life while she's trying to actually live one.
Things happen a lot of things happen.
This is definitely an intriguing book.
June 24, 2022
Buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a delicious Romantic Suspense.
There was suspense, betrayal, bad judgment, plotting, revenge, secrets, violence, and so much more.
There was suspense, betrayal, bad judgment, plotting, revenge, secrets, violence, and so much more.
May 7, 2022
I liked Clarke & Aimee’s book. It was an intriguing read with twists. And a new author for me. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 8, 2022
I enjoyed the premise of the story. The characters felt a little lackluster to me at times while at times I thought they were great. Overall, it's' a decent read and I'd read more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews