Hidden Identities

Mill Creek Mystique #2

by Bailey Thomas

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?

Genres: Romantic Suspense

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2025

About the author

Amazon 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.

Reviews

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kat Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kathleen J Upham]

wonderful 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!

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[D.L. Croisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Illustrious Illusions · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.