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Concealed Identity

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DEEP-COVER ASSIGNMENT

After Holt McKnight's criminal informant disappears, the DEA agent must go undercover to get close to the missing man's sister, who may know more than she's letting on. But when Blair Sullivan's attacked, it's up to him to protect her—without blowing his cover. Blair isn't sure she can trust her new neighbor, Holt. After all, the last charming and handsome man she fell for was her late husband, and he turned out to be the brother of a ruthless drug lord. Yet when it's clear the target on her back is somehow linked to her past, she has no choice but to accept Holt's protection. Even if getting close is the last thing her scarred heart can handle.

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published January 3, 2017

53 people are currently reading
190 people want to read

About the author

Jessica R. Patch

116 books1,124 followers
Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

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5 stars
103 (59%)
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57 (32%)
3 stars
12 (6%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,917 reviews1,435 followers
March 26, 2017
A very good romantic thriller with some truly desperate bad guys. I liked both Blair and Holt, and the mystery itself was pretty unpredictable...drugs and cartels aren't a pleasant read, but it definitely had me on the edge of my seat.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book516 followers
February 6, 2017
Concealed Identity has everything I want in a romantic suspense! Great characters, fantastic chemistry, little bits of humor, high-stakes action & suspense, and … of course KISSES. #smoochysmooch

Holt. Be still my heart. Holt hereby and forevermore claims a spot in my book boyfriend collection. And not just because he reminds me of Henry Cavill with his “dark scruff that did little to hide the deep dimple in his squared chin”. I mean, also, Blair did say he was “built like a superhero made of steel” … But if anyone is still coherent after reading that description, I will also add that Holt earned his way into my book boyfriend collection as soon as he laughed. And flirted a little. And was in general tenderly protective. SWOON.

The action and suspense elements to Concealed Identity are top-notch. We start out right in the middle of an intense action scene and it stays high-stakes pretty much throughout the book. Blair is not a wilting Southern belle, either. She’s made of some steel herself and, even though she’s shaken, the threats just make her more determined. I mean… hello … if even just ONE of the things that happened to Blair happened to me? You wouldn’t be seeing me for quite a long time because I would dig myself a bunker and hide my head in the sand like an ostrich. I’m not even kidding. And this hold-your-breath-don’t-blink moment near the end? Well… I can’t tell you about that yet, can I? No spoilers after all...

Bottom Line: From the hunky hero to the feisty heroine to the heart-pounding suspense, Concealed Identity shines. The subtle touches of humor (including the store names in the small town of Hope) will give you additional reasons to smile, though with Holt hanging around and grinning you won’t need much encouragement. The underlying message of restoration – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – adds even more dimension to an already fantastic story. This is one of my fave reads already this year, and I’m looking forward to Beckett’s story too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
3,952 reviews1,764 followers
February 28, 2017
Mercy -- I can't believe I have missed out on this author's first two Love Inspired Suspense books but you can bet I'll be playing catch up right quick! Her delivery is so smooth you leave off reading and start living right from the very start. It was jarring to have to snap out of my fictional world in order to deal with mundane real-life stuff. It didn't take long for me to dive back into this absorbing suspense though.

The connection between Holt and Blair sizzles and I have the charred fingertips to prove it! And the suspense is so...suspensey. :-) Relentless danger, layers of intrigue and both Holt and Blair keeping secrets that have the potential to be more lethal than anything the bad guys can deliver all conspire to make Concealed Identity a rabid pager-turner.
Profile Image for Just Commonly.
755 reviews108 followers
January 5, 2017
"Choosing was better than doing nothing." (208)

So choose Concealed Identity by Jessica R. Patch. Yep! With a car chase, topped with gunshots and people not who they seem, this is one suspenseful ride packed into a story that you won't forget easily. Our hero, Holt is one yummy character, always to the rescue, but our main protagonist, Blair is not someone to take lightly either. Having been lied to in the past, and blinded by sweet words and outer appearances, Blair now makes a point to be cautious and stay under the radar. She needs to protect herself and her family, but will trouble find her? I'd tell you, Blair is one tough cookie and her interactions with Holt makes for some interesting dynamics. As they begin to fall for each other, will each of their secrets halt all their sizzle before it flair?

Not only with romance and suspense, Concealed Identity cannot conceal how well it shines with themes of trust and hope. You will not be disappointed. I sure wasn't!


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews274 followers
November 1, 2016

DEA agent Holt McKnight's informant has disappeared and he thinks the missing man's sister might be of help. Blair Sullivan has no idea that her brother was working with the DEA. Holt must keep it that way. Then Blair is attacked. And the attacks keep coming. Something is going on, more than either suspect.

Jessica Patch knows her way around suspense. Expertly. Her books begin with the reader falling headlong into the action and that action just doesn't let up until the ending of the book. Mesmerizing. That's a very good adjective for Patch's books. She creates characters that seemingly leap off the page like they know the reader. I love that. Each character is life like to me. And her spiritual message is profound. When I read a good Christian fiction book, I want to find a meaning in the message and I do with Jessica Patch's books. A meaning that causes you to think about it even after you close the cover on the book.

Now I wish I had another Jessica Patch book to read!

*I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
582 reviews
November 21, 2016
Mexican drug cartels out for revenge, dead bodies, a poisonous snake in her bed, and masked men shooting at her are only a few of the things Blair Sullivan must deal with in this story. The biggest challenge of all, is falling for Holt Renard—aka Holt McKnight, undercover DEA agent—when her heart doesn’t trust too easy!

Yep, this one is full of heart pounding, keep-you-on-your-toes, thrill-a-minute suspense that will also keep you up late at night to finish “just one more chapter”, which ends up being way past your bedtime! There seems to be no way to outrun drug cartels looking for missing drugs, and Holt must keep his identity buried to protect Blair & her sister Gigi at all costs. He also knows she needs an assurance of safety and wants to win her trust, something to which she hasn’t had for a long time. They both have barely there faith and what I love about this story, the more they realize they need God in dangerous situations, the more their hearts soften towards Him again. The attraction between these two is a slow burn, and I really enjoy reading about all the ways Holt shows Blair she can trust him. All in all the kind of suspense story I love, a message of hope, faith & trust and romantic tension throughout.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. A favorable review wasn’t required and all opinions expressed here are strictly my own.*
Profile Image for Jodie Bailey.
Author 113 books192 followers
February 14, 2017
Y'all, I can't even. Jessica Patch has done it again. I THOUGHT I knew what was coming... I didn't. She's the queen of strong, romantic book boyfriend heroes and Holt is one to fall for. Loved his story with Blair, loved the twists and turns and the building danger. Couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,297 reviews43 followers
February 4, 2017
What. A. Ride.

What an exciting story! Jessica R. Patch captures her readers on page one and doesn't release them until the end of the last page. Concealed Identity is a thrilling, heart-stopping, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat, story that is sure to please Love Inspired Suspense fans. Jessica R. Patch has a real knack for dropping her readers right into the thick of things and I could barely put the book down when I read it. I kept trying to guess who could be the mastermind behind the attacks on Blair. Honestly, this is one of the absolute best Love Inspired Suspense books I've read so far. If you enjoy romantic suspense as much, or even half as much, as I do Concealed Identity is a definite must read for you.

(I received copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Jennifer.
345 reviews17 followers
February 24, 2017
Super good! Tons of action! Your heart will get a workout with all the mystery, double cross, and love.
Profile Image for Melissa.
395 reviews11 followers
January 1, 2017
Concealed Identity by Jessica Patch is a must read!! The reader is drawn into the action from page one. Drug cartels, cars being run off the road, stalkers, undercover agents, and hidden pasts are just a few of the things you'll find in this story. Readers were introduced to Holt McKnight in previous books in the series and I really enjoyed getting to know him in this novel and as always Ms. Patch has created a very strong female lead in Blair. This book is action packed with well developed characters which are two qualities I have come to expect from Jessica Patch.

I love romantic suspense and I love to play sleuth and try to figure out what is going on as I read. I can honestly say I never saw that ending coming. I am talking jaw-dropping surprise!! Be sure to check out Concealed Identity to see what I am talking about.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jill Kemerer.
Author 118 books625 followers
Read
January 4, 2017
Fans of Storage Wars will love this suspenseful romance! Blair wants no one to know about her past, but someone seems to think she's involved with the drug cartel her deceased husband ran. She'll do anything to protect her sister, Gigi, even if it means relying on the new guy in town. Holt has secrets, too, and he hates misleading Blair, but his job requires it. With tender romantic moments, a cute small-town and fast-paced action, Concealed Identity, is a book that will keep you glued to the page!

*I received an advance reader copy with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Susan Tuttle.
Author 15 books189 followers
January 3, 2017
Patch does it again! With her strong leads that match each other so well, the twists you never see coming, and those little bits of humor that perfectly balance the suspense, she's an author whose books I cannot wait to read. Concealed Identity gives us another story filled with everything you've come to expect from a Patch book. Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,650 reviews
February 26, 2017
Really great mystery!! Loved the characters and the way the plot was woven. Had great twists and turns to boot. Can't wait for the next story.
1,554 reviews12 followers
January 27, 2017
Hope and Trust

Holt a DEA agent was undercover in a small town not far from Memphis. His CI was missing and so was a fellow DEA agent. Blair had been married to Mateo and thought this was her happily ever after until he was gun down by a rival drug cartel. Holt had lost all hope or faith in God when the woman he planned to marry died from cancer. He had prayed and prayed and she still died. He had turned his back on God and closed his heart to love until he met Blair. Blair had lost all trust in men but she still had trust in God. No matter what goes on we can always trust in God. This story has rival drug cartels, people who you thought you knew but didn't know at all. Attempted murder, dead rats and so much more.
Profile Image for Kim.
465 reviews
September 1, 2017
Ok, better than 3 stars, but not quite 4. Action kept the story moving, and it was a bit better than most of these Harlequin "Love Inspired Suspense" books. With these books, you know you should get a swift, easy read of light, clean entertainment. Sometimes they are pretty light on getting across a message of Christian faith. This one did a bit better with the bulk of the message coming at the end, which was smart because the reader is very invested in the story by then. I usually can't give more than three stars in this genre (they are not great literary works but good entertainment, right?) and this really can't get bumped up a full star, but I just might try another by this author...so that's saying something.
211 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2021
This is the third Love Inspired Suspense novel I've read by Jessica Patch. I think this was the third in a series (I read the first one, "Deadly Reunion"; I also read "Dangerous Obsession."

This book is action packed, typical for Patch's novels (and all other Love Inspired Suspense stories). I also love her characters in the stories I've read.

If you want a good adventure, you'll enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Lisa.
180 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2018
Jessica R. Patch is an author with a fresh voice. Inspirational romantic suspense with engaging characters and, well, suspense. Wasn't sure who the bad guy was until I turned the page. Great book.
1,833 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2018
Exciting

Jessica R. Patch hit it right on the nose.Thrilling,exciting,hits all the high points.Fast moving holds you from the very beginning to the end.
Profile Image for Necee.
359 reviews
June 30, 2018
Amazing new author for me. Loved this book!
Profile Image for Mark.
2,511 reviews52 followers
June 23, 2019
Awesome read. I have read a few books by this author, and really enjoyed them. This one was a definite 5-star book
138 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2023
Enjoyable book that kept my interest from start to finished. Only reason it doesn't have 5 points is that I reserve that rating for books I can't put down.
180 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2017
Intriguing. Rather fast paced. Surprise ending. Another Love Inspired Suspense novels. Enjoyable Christian inspired novel.
1,078 reviews
March 3, 2017
This book is recommended for anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense novel. Warning: do not start it unless you have enough time to finish. You will not be able to put it down!
Profile Image for Sarah Vanscoyoc.
344 reviews
January 3, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica R. Patch and I was so excited to start it! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about her books that I just couldn’t resist snatching it up, and I can happily say that I was not disappointed! It was full of suspense that kept me guessing, hoping I was right and debating who the mastermind was, and romancing that left me smiling along with the characters.
I really enjoyed Ms. Patch’s writing style and how it sounds so down to earth. She uses phrases and slang that I hear almost every day, being from the “South,” and I loved how real the familiar words made the story feel. She truly brought to life the little town of Hope, Tennessee and all of its curious characters. I’m really hoping she decides to continue with more stories set in the quirky little town, I have so many questions about a few of the more prominent cast members I met and I’d very much like to hear their stories!
Speaking of, I have to say that I so enjoyed Holt and Blair’s story and getting to know them! Blair is cautious about everyone, but particularly men. She’s made mistakes in the past and is afraid of repeating them, or worse. She has trust issues and doesn’t care to rely on anyone. I loved seeing Holt, with his mysteries and secrets, break through her defenses, despite better judgment trying to prevail. Holt is everything Blair doesn’t want, so she thinks, but turns out to be exactly what she needed. I’m not usually a fan of books where one of the characters starts out lying, but Ms. Patch handled it quite well in this case, and I could almost feel Holt’s indecision and uncertainty. He so wanted to tell the truth, but felt bound by honor to follow the rules of his work. I also loved how the author chose to describe Holt’s journey back to faith, and his dreams being resurrected from the place he had buried them. The pictures her words created were spot on to explain his emotions and many questions.
My only negative comment is that I found the ending a bit rushed and mildly confusing as I tried to keep everything straight and understand what was going on. Though my confusion probably almost perfectly matched Blair and Holt’s, The epilogue was perfect, though! Definitely worth a reread or two.

My thanks to the author for my advanced copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jess Holden .
562 reviews10 followers
February 10, 2017
I wanted to read Holt's story from the first time I met him while he was undercover in a sports bar. Reading about him in his cousin Bryn's story next still didn't leave me satisfied till I got his story in Concealed Identity.



Holt is great at his job. He is charismatic and wonderful at what he does. Getting Blair to open up to him was more complicated than he thought it would be. Holt was more personally invested in this case than he ever thought possible.



I loved the suspense in this story. I also loved how Jessica's charater's always rely on GOD to lead them or find a way back to him.



Loved it wonderful read. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Lizzi.
41 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2016
Cars being run off the road, hidden drugs, and a handsome hero. What could make a book more exciting? Not much!
Jessica Patch knows how to reel you in and keep you hanging.
Holt McKnight, a superhero if there ever was one, is an undercover DEA agent trying to find out what happened to his co-worker and confidential informant.
Blair Sullivan is the type of woman who always goes after what she wants. She fiercely protects the ones she loves, even if that means losing her life in the process. These two are perfect for each other. All Holt wants to do is live his life moving from one assignment to the other. No relationships. No ties. It's safer that way. Blair isn't shopping in the romance department either. But, despite both staying away from relationships, one starts budding between them.
Before Holt knows it, he wants to confess to Blair that he's in the DEA. As these two try to fight off the members of a ruthless drug cartel, they realize there's more to life than trying to keep their hearts safe from anymore hurt. And in the end, love wins.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
November 21, 2016
Concealed Identity
By Jessica R. Patch

Wow, What a story by Jessica Patch. Concealed Identity is filled with action on top of action, mystery, trust, love, and faith . I really enjoyed this story, it is one of those stories that has you on the edge of your seat and trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Hold on tight for you are in for a ride, and don't forget to breathe . I love Blair and Holt’s story. Blair has a brother missing and don't know who she can trust. Holt is with the DEA and trying to find her brother. Mexican drug Cartel is even in this story. There is some attraction between Blair and Holt ,but they don’t know who they can trust. Can she trust Holt ?This story has so many twist and turns be careful who you trust and give information to.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All options are my own.
30 reviews
November 30, 2016
Holt is an undercover DEA agent with a missing informant. Blair is trying to make a fresh start but her past is quickly and dangerously catching up with her. Holt is trying to find out the truth and protect people in the path of danger. Blair is trying to keep her family and herself alive while keeping a secret. What happens when their worlds collide?

Author Jessica R Patch’s Love Inspired Suspense novel, Concealed Identity, is brilliant. It is the perfect mix of action, suspense and romance. It is a who-done-it that will have you guessing until the very end. I kept guessing different people until the very end. And, boy was I surprised! The author weaves a wonderful story of faith, hope and forgiveness.

I received this complimentary book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Melissa.
347 reviews14 followers
January 3, 2017
One thing I enjoy about LI Suspense is that it is a quick read. However, just because it is quick does not mean that I don't care about the content! Jessica Patch has once again written a romantic suspense book with the perfect combination of romance and suspense. I was kept guessing until the final pages who the actual "bad guys" were and where everyone fit in. The ending provided a grand surprise to the suspense part of the book! Now the romance....Holt is my favorite hero yet and the wrap-up of this story was perfect. I had to go back and re-read it several times because it was so right for these two characters, very swoony (if that's a word).

If this were all, I would still recommend this book, but Jessica Patch is also true to the "Inspired" part of love inspired and weaves the lesson of hope in Him right into the heart of this story.
136 reviews
November 17, 2016
Wow... I cannot tell you how good this hook is!!! This story picks up with Holt and Blair. Blair is emotionally scarred from her choice as a young woman who fell in love with the wrong man and Holt is a deeply complex man who has shut himself off from his faith and his emotions as he lost the love of his life many years ago. Folks...that is just the tip of the iceberg! This story has so many twists and turns and moments of laughter as well as fear that I can't get in to because I don't want to give any spoilers! Whether you are a fan of this amazing author or a first time reader, you don't want to miss out on this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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