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Hidden Identities

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A betrayed CIA operative and a covert guardian join forces to outwit a global traitor before his next move turns deadly—all while navigating an unexpected spark between them.

Jia Wu is one of the CIA’s most skilled undercover operatives—sharp, adaptable, and able to disappear into any environment. But when a covert mission in Thailand goes sideways and her partner is taken captive, Jia barely escapes with her life. The bigger problem? Her location was leaked, and there’s only one Someone inside the agency betrayed her. With her trust in the CIA shaken, Jia turns to the one man outside the agency who might be able to help.

Erik is a guardian whose job is to protect intelligence assets from threats too dangerous or too compromised for official channels, so when Jia calls on him for backup, he doesn’t hesitate. The plan is They’ll travel to Singapore, infiltrate the world of a criminal mastermind, and rescue the captured agent. But as the line between professional and personal becomes increasingly blurred, Erik and Jia’s path forward becomes anything but simple. The clock is ticking as they confront a terrifying truth—the traitor they’re chasing may be closer than they think.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2026

38 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Traci Hunter Abramson

66 books1,966 followers
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson


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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
97 reviews5 followers
January 17, 2026
Nothing quite makes me happy dance more than a Traci Hunter Abramson book! This one was a true five star read, with page turning suspense, budding romantic tension, high stakes, and surprise tropes.

Erik’s dead on paper, but still very much alive, working as a “ghost” to protect U.S. operatives in Asia. The job is high stakes, occasionally lonely, and often dangerous, but his life was better than the alternative. When an operative named Jia desperately reaches out for his assistance after a botched operation, he’s happy to help. But Jia’s steady composure, fearless determination, and unyielding competence in the face of adversity has got Erik loathing the moment when he goes back to his life as an invisible ghost. Can he protect Jia, Shaun, and the world at large, while also protecting his heart?

I absolutely loved Jia! You just don’t see enough female characters like Jia in books. She’s steady and reliable, even keeled and competent- but she also desperate to adopt a puppy and mildly opinionated about furniture. I wish I could meet her in real life- I’d take her out to lunch then hire her as my bodyguard. Erik is also so loveable! I loved the celiac representation, especially how it played into the plot. His background and reasons for joining the guardian program were a bit less fleshed out then other guardians, but you still get enough of his background to applaud Erik’s commitment to protect his family from harm and serve his country.

The suspense was also fast-paced and mind blowing! I loved getting three different perspectives in the book. I also enjoyed one of the side characters a lot (I won’t name him to avoid spoilers) because he was resilient despite his inexperience. The ending was fantastic and featured a few surprise tropes and surprise appearances from beloved characters from Traci’s other books. Whether this is your first Traci book or your fortieth, I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Mara.
1,485 reviews114 followers
February 6, 2026
Another sleep-stealing romantic suspense from Traci Hunter Abramson. Hidden Identities drops readers straight into danger, opening with a betrayal that raises the stakes and keeps the tension high all the way through. Readers are pulled into a world where trust is fragile and danger is constant.

CIA operative Jia Wu is a fantastic heroine; she's skilled, intelligent, and resourceful, but also shaken when a mission goes wrong, her partner is captured, and she realizes someone inside the CIA sold her out. Watching her come to terms with that betrayal and decide who she can still trust adds emotional depth to the story. When she turns to Erik, a guardian/"ghost" who operates outside official channels, to help her get to Singapore, the story really takes off.

I loved the partnership between Jia and Erik! Their relationship develops naturally from working together to not only take down the criminals but also find her missing partner. Jia and Erik respect each other professionally, but the simmering attraction beneath the surface definitely sneaks through. I appreciate that the romantic thread doesn't overshadow the plot and I loved the international settings of Thailand and Singapore. The cameos of some of the Saint Squad were the icing on the cake. Although this is part of a series, it works as a standalone.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own.
131 reviews
February 6, 2026
Cue the excitement. Another one of THA’s books that hits the ground running and we’re off from there. I love the intersection of the Saint Squad and Ghost(s). This book has new places and characters. Since I’ve never been to that area of the world I enjoyed knowing more about the places and culture.
The book is a fast paced mystery/thriller. I wish books like this became tv series. So much cleaner and more interesting than much of what’s on now. I certainly hope THA keeps writing! She is a great author.
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,434 reviews13 followers
February 11, 2026

The Brief: Erik is a guardian and lives entirely as a ‘ghost.’ Jia is knee deep in CIA drama trying to stop an unleashing of horrendous proportions.

The Debrief: Any story by @traciabramson is the mission I accept, without any further details needed. Throw in some Saint Squad and a bit of past characters and I’m in my happy romantic suspense space. Jia gave me Mulan vibes and had her own soundtrack playing every time she was on the page. She was totally my kind of girl. And I loved how Erik just slid into chaos like he’s ordering In N Out and knows the secret menu. No big. They were like a fantastic duo. It was awesome.

And yes I’ve been a fan of this author forever. She could write a book about covert weed pulling and I’d love it. But she really knows how to grab the reader and take them on a fast paced journey with characters that are resilient and totally likable. Enjoyed the pacing. Supportive characters. A guy who cooks. A mystery to unravel. My obsession with the CIA and Navy Seals continues. A big win for me.

The Rhyme: Jia desperately needs help and reaches out to a ‘ghost’ from her past. Can they beat the clock and take a chance on a relationship that might not last?

Complimentary copy. My own thoughts. Read everything she writes.
Profile Image for Traci .
204 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2026
“Jia crossed the hotel room, passing the queen-sized bed and reaching the table in the corner…She sat and faced the man she’d met only once before who wouldn’t even tell her his real name.

But he was here, and he was her best chance.”

Hidden Identities by Traci Hunter Abramson continues the epic battle of good vs evil in yet another epic suspense novel.

CIA agent Jia Wu is in major trouble after one of her assignments goes horribly wrong. A fellow CIA agent is now missing, a horrible threat to the world is about to be unleashed, and Jia now has a target on her head. She has no idea who she can trust. Enter: Erik, a Guardian she has worked with before, and how is now her only chance to keep her alive, while he stays dead.

Wow, this book is incredible. I honestly don’t know how the author manages to keep me on my toes with every book, but she has done it again. I love the multiple points of view that gives a complete picture of how the story is unfolding, but still keeps me guessing until the very end. The plot twists and surprises kept the pages turning late, late, and later into the night. Getting cameos from the Saint Squad is a fantastic bonus!

Hidden Identities is a book you will not want to start if you have chores to do – so clear your schedule and get ready to dive into a wonderful world of intrigue, adventure, and a splash of romance that warms the heart.

CW: sweet kisses only, no swearing
396 reviews20 followers
February 2, 2026
Every time I read a Guardians book, I wonder if there are really people like them out in the world. But I also hope I’m never in a dangerous enough position to know! Traci’s books are always impossible to stop reading, and this one was no expecting! This Guardians book takes us to Asia where Jia and Erik have to stop a deadly virus and figure out what happened to Jia’s colleague. It’s such a good story with the perfect amount of suspense mixed with some romance! I loved that we got so see a few familiar characters from the Saint Squad books, too!
Profile Image for Tiffany (Work Kids N Books).
303 reviews6 followers
February 13, 2026
If you are looking for a fast-paced, suspense with a dash of romance- this is the read for you!

Traci is the master of completely enveloping the reader in her world within moments and creating characters that are hard to forget.

I loved the camaraderie between this diverse cast of characters! With a wide range of background, skills, and locations, this story weaves together seamlessly.

Also, the puppy. IYKYK.

Read this book if you like:
🔬 Multi POV
🔬 Real Names
🔬 Riding Motorcycles
🔬 Making Food
🔬 Traveling
🔬 Keeping Track
🔬 Moving In
🔬 Taking Walks
🔬 Working Outside

Content: suspense, mild peril, romance- kisses only.

Thank you to Traci Hunter Abramson and Covenant Communications for the gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,565 reviews177 followers
February 5, 2026
Wow! Another fast-paced romantic thriller from Traci Hunter Abramson! I know when I pick up one of her books, I won’t be able to put it down & Hidden Identities was no exception. From Thailand to Singapore, this story kept me jumping as Jia Wu & Erik (aka Rick) race to stay one step ahead of a ruthless group of criminals determined to unleash a deadly virus. Betrayal, a swoony fake relationship, close proximity, nonstop action, & hidden identities had me turning pages late into the night.

Jia Wu’s a CIA operative who uncovers a dangerous plot in a lab in Thailand. With little support from her superiors, she & her partner attempt a risky break-in to steal the virus spec, but everything goes wrong. Jia barely escapes with the intel, her partner Shaun is left behind, & a leak from inside the CIA puts her life in immediate danger. With nowhere else to turn, she reaches out to the one person she knows can help.

Erik is a “Ghost,” part of an elite guardian organization that protects intelligence agents when their missions go off the books. Officially dead but very much alive, Erik once helped Jia escape North Korea—and now he must get her to safety, uncover the traitors inside the CIA, & get the virus information to the right people before time runs out.

I loved this story. Along with the humor, romance, & high-octane action, I especially appreciated the Celiac disease representation. Erik/Rick’s struggle to find gluten-free food (and reliance on protein bars) felt so relatable as someone newly diagnosed. I only wish I had his gluten detector!

Jia & Erik’s relationship was a highlight. Erik can’t even share his real name because of his secretive role, & I loved watching him wrestle with that as they grow closer. Their instant attraction made the fake relationship & close-proximity moments absolutely sizzle. Bonus points for Spencer the puppy, whose adorable presence added even more charm.

This ripped-from-the-headlines thriller grabbed me from page one & never let go. Though it’s part of the Guardian series, it works perfectly as a standalone. Highly recommend!

I received an advanced copy from the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
643 reviews25 followers
February 8, 2026
HIDDEN IDENTITIES
(Guardian Series Book 8)
by: @traciabramson

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~A betrayed CIA operative and a covert guardian join forces to outwit a global traitor before his next move turns deadly—all while navigating an unexpected spark between them...

-My friends, HIDDEN IDENTITIES, is such a fantastic, thrilling high stakes, swoony romantic suspense story! It is precisely and wonderfully blended with thrilling suspense, awesome humor, and just the right amount of romance that kept the pages flying for me, while I was also on the edge of my seat, fully engaged. I thoroughly the sparks of chemistry that were earned and proven through a series of events of mistrust, danger, and surviving nearly impossible situations together, side by side. Plus, add in the forced proximity, and my heart was swooning! Watching a dear romance forged under such great mounds of pressure, thoroughly high stakes, and persistent suspense was thrilling! Also, getting a glimpse at dear familiar characters from the Saint Squad books was a delight! If you are a fan of any of these things, you should definitely add this awesome story to your tbrs! It is worth the great reading adventure. 👌📚💯

“Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.”

•Content: Betrayal, suspense, Celiac disease representation, global pandemic threat, espionage, a race against the clock, hidden identities, kisses only!

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#hiddenidentities

“Someone like me?”
“Not someone like you. Just you.”

#guardianseries

“Who are you?
I’m the person who helps when everyone thinks all hope is lost.”

#tracieabramson

“You know, wearing a path on the floor isn’t going to make them give you information faster.”

#allaboutthebestreads
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,476 reviews236 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 27, 2026
Brilliantly done!!

CIA operative Jia barely escapes a blown mission in Thailand, only to realize someone inside the agency sold her out. With her trust shattered, she teams up with Erik, a covert guardian who handles threats the CIA can’t touch. Together they head to Singapore to take down a criminal organization and rescue Jia's captured partner. As the hunt tightens and sparks fly, they discover the traitor might be much closer than expected.

What you'll love:
CIA operative + Guardian
dual pov
forced proximity
high stakes
fake relationship
suspense and mystery
slow-burn romance

Another high stakes, swoony romantic suspense from one of my all-time favorite authors! This book had me hooked from the very first chapter and did. not. let. go. The perfect blend of suspense, humor, and romance kept the pages flying.

I’ve loved every Guardian book, so I was beyond excited to finally get Erik’s story...and it did not disappoint. Erik and Jia are absolute magic together. Their chemistry crackles, but it’s earned through mistrust, danger, and surviving impossible situations side by side. No spoilers, but let’s just say the forced proximity delivers in the absolute best way...

The glimpses of Saint Squad characters made me ridiculously happy...like, for reals!!!! This is the eighth Guardian book, and while you should absolutely read them all, this one works beautifully as a standalone.

If you love romance forged under pressure, packed with high stakes and nonstop suspense, then this book is for you, my friends! Don't miss this one!!!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review is not required.
1,343 reviews59 followers
February 16, 2026
“Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.”
Hidden Identities is another absolute binge worthy romantic suspense novel that I literally could not put down! With a CIA operative who was betrayed by someone on the inside racing to save a captured colleague while thwarting a major biological weapon, the stakes are high but there’s always room for unexpected romance.
I love Traci’s Guardian series and was thrilled that Erik got his own book and a chance for happy ever after. Living as a “Ghost”, Erik’s job is to covertly assist operatives throughout the world when they find themselves in trouble needing an assist. I love how he jumped in for Jia when she needed a rescue and that he just rolled with it when the crisis turned out to be more than he ever would have bargained for.
Jia was an awesome heroine. I loved the way she followed her intuition and persevered. The romance between her and Erik developed in such a natural way as they are thrown together in a race to save lives.
Read this for:
*Clean, romantic suspense
*Set in Singapore
*Celiac representation
*Fake dating/marriage
*Close proximity
*Multiple POVs
*Page turner
I truly could not put this down and read it in one sitting. It’s fast-paced, intriguing, romantic, and full of everything I love in a Traci Hunter Abramson novel. I highly recommend picking this one up!
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,479 reviews54 followers
February 8, 2026
Say Goodbye to Sleep: Another High-Stakes Winner!

Not a fan of sleep? Grab Traci Hunter Abramson's latest, Hidden Identities. I've devoured tons of her books and tell myself not to start reading them at bedtime. I ignore my own rule every time. Once I dive in, I can't quit. It's an all-nighter for me.

The Guardian Series stays true to form with every book. They pack solid characters, non- stop action, high risks, and slow-burn romance. Hidden Identities follows suit with everything you hope is in a Guardian's novel.

Sparked by a shared history and a midnight betrayal, Erik "Ghost" and CIA operative Jia Wu must team up to stop a global virus. Their high-stakes mission is packed with life-threatening clashes and surprising highlights—including the Saint Squad’s timely arrival, a darling mini labradoodle recruit, and an ending far more intense than expected.

While Hidden Identities works perfectly as a standalone, reading the full series enriches the overall journey. Traci Hunter Abramson has delivered another winner that consistently meets her high standard of excellence, and we, the readers, are the lucky ones.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,982 reviews71 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 28, 2026
There is not many things as good as knowing you have a new Traci Hunter Abramson novel to read and a long flight to read it on! This book definitely made my latest flight so much better. I loved it so much.

I love the Guardian books so much. The Guardian in this one is Erik. He's known as "Ghost" because he's had to leave his former life behind, making his family think he is dead for their own protection. And now he's able to help others in their hour of need. That's how he meets Jia.

Jia is an undercover operative. She gets sent into a bad situation with no backup. And it quickly becomes obvious that someone knows exactly who she is and exactly where she is. When she determines that she has no one to trust, she calls on Ghost for backup. And that's when they both have to pretend to be something they aren't.

I loved this book so much! It's got one of my absolute favorite tropes. As well as mystery, danger, espionage, and thrilling rescues. I could not put this one down!
Profile Image for Wendy.
596 reviews
February 15, 2026
While this book could be read as a standalone, it is part of the Guardian Series and you do get the best reading experience by reading the full series. There are also crossover characters from the Saint Squad in this book - which was fun to see.

I love how Traci Hunter Abramson's life experience with the CIA allows her to create compelling stories that keep your attention until the last page. I also love how she is able to masterfully tell the story through multiple points of views that helps to build the suspension and keep the story flowing. She is one author that if she writes it, I will read it.

I enjoyed the relationship between Erik and Jia and how they were able to work together to bring out the best outcome. I also liked how they were both protective of each other, but trusted the others experience and instinct.

Quotes:
"You have a good laugh."

"I'm the person who helps when everyone thinks all hope is lost."
Profile Image for Becky.
115 reviews
February 8, 2026
Another amazing book by Traci!!!!
I was so excited when she announced this book - knowing it would be Erik’s.
It was fun, fast paced and an awesome thriller. And of course - seeing all the side characters- from her other books- so much fun. I love how they all work together to solve the puzzle and beat the bad guys.

Erik and Jai have met before, and now work a bit more closely together. Their relationship grows and changes throughout the book. As they try to figure out how to outsmart the bad guy and capture everyone working with him, the develop feelings for each other- but don’t let that cloud their judgement on what job they need to do.
Profile Image for MK.
479 reviews12 followers
February 9, 2026
Hidden identities was a fun addition to the Guardian series. CIA operative Jia has important information to pass on to superiors, but when she is betrayed by someone in her network, she isn’t sure who to trust. Eric is a covert guardian who steps into help Jia find safety, as well as stop dangerous criminals.

I loved this suspense forced proximity. It’s fun figuring out a mystery, as well as enjoying a romance. I also enjoyed being able to learn more about Singapore and a bit of their culture. This was such a fun blend of suspense, humor and romance. Suspenseful enough to keep me turning pages, without stressing me out too much. Another great novel for Traci Hunter Abramson fans.
116 reviews
February 9, 2026
Mystery, action, and a love story. A traitor with a deadly virus, a partner taken captive, a guardian and a CIA operative undercover as a married couple. You won't want to miss Hidden Identities by Traci Hunter Abramson the 8th book in the guardian series. After getting little peices of Erik through the guardian series, I was excited to read his story. Jia is the perfect match for him. I loved that the story is written with three different perspectives. This story is the perfect blend of action, suspense, and love story. Your attention will be held captive the entire read.

Favorite Line: And for the record, wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,286 reviews105 followers
February 13, 2026
This series of Abramson’s is a favorite. I love how she writes the characters and the intense high drama moments.

Jia is one of my favorite female leads yet. She’s smart, tough, and extremely resourceful. Erik was well done too. I loved the change in POV, as there is a character who is in bad situation

The action and drama is non stop. The mix of romance was a needed reprieve from the high stakes situations. I enjoyed the chemistry between Jia and Erik. It added a lot to the story.

Once I got to a certain part, I knew I had to finish no matter how late in the day it was.

I received an eARC from the publisher. All views are my own.
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,153 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 31, 2026
This book had me turning pages as fast as I could read.This book is a part of the Guadian series. A Ghost and a CIA operative come together to try and stop a threat against several countries. I loved Jia's strong personality and another story about Erik. This book has plenty of suspense and romance.
Profile Image for Tamera Westhoff.
1,114 reviews7 followers
February 11, 2026
Sweet Romantic Suspense

And it’s fabulous! I’m always sad that it isn’t longer, but I have hope that this means there will be more Guardian/Saints books in the series! Erik is a ghost and saves Jia and they end up working together (kind of a fake marriage). So much suspense, it’s hard to stop reading! I loved how things turned out though!
31 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
Another great book in the Guardian Series!

Abramson has written another great romance suspense book. There is the perfect amount of action, suspense, and a touch of romance. I loved the glimpse of characters from other Guardian Books and The Saint Squad series.
Profile Image for Heather Graham.
676 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2026
Actual rating 3.5, rounded up. I enjoyed this action packed spy novel. I especially appreciated there wasn't any graphic gore, graphic sex, and no profanity. I recommend it to readers who are always searching for a clean spy novel but don't want something "cozy".
Profile Image for Caroline Lee.
241 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2026
Entertaining ride! Well done! I recommend reading the Saint Squad and Guardians books in order. You'll understand and appreciate the story more. ;)
311 reviews
February 8, 2026
Heart stopping and heart starting

Great mix of espionage, fighting, guns, car chasing, needles and love tossed in. On the edge of your seat action.
Profile Image for Leslie.
208 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2026
Love all her books especially including the saint squad and ghosts. Wish this one had a little less abrupt ending
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