What do you think?
Rate this book
Identity: Classified
Uncovering the past
May be the only way to survive
After security specialist Chloe Spencer witnesses a murder on her webcam, the killer faces the camera with a return his disc, or she’s next. Unsure what he’s after, Chloe uses an alias and runs…until she lands in Sheriff Ethan Hoyt’s jurisdiction. When the killer finds her, Chloe must stand alone or trust Ethan—with the secrets of her past, her life…and her heart.
May be the only way to survive
After security specialist Chloe Spencer witnesses a murder on her webcam, the killer faces the camera with a return his disc, or she’s next. Unsure what he’s after, Chloe uses an alias and runs…until she lands in Sheriff Ethan Hoyt’s jurisdiction. When the killer finds her, Chloe must stand alone or trust Ethan—with the secrets of her past, her life…and her heart.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2019
57 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 25, 2019
Enjoyable romantic suspense story. I especially liked the strong, brave and gutsy, computer savvy heroine Chloe, and her lovable poodle Geordie, who's trained to attack when he has to. The story starts when Chloe, a security specialist, witnesses a murder on her webcam. From then on, it's a fast-paced suspenseful story with a sweet romance and an interesting storyline. Very entertaining.
May 29, 2019
So, this doesn't happen often...in fact maybe never...but I had to stop reading and hustle over to my computer to start writing this review because I am over-the-moon-crazy about this kick-butt heroine! She's delightfully unexpected and has succeeded in discombobulating Sheriff Hoyt from their very first meet. "He'd just made a fool of himself and could only chalk it up to the sudden appearance of Dorothy carting Toto around on a motorcycle." (p 14) And little Geordie -- 15 pounds of fierce attack poodle! What a hoot! And these are just my first impressions after reading chapter one!
"Chloe hadn't been around many kids during her adult life, but she did train dogs and knew a thing or two." (p 99) Bwahahaha!!! I LOVE Chloe -- she's tough and scrappy and smart-mouthed. Poor Ethan doesn't know what to make of her. He doesn't trust her but he's not willing to leave her to her own devices and possibly get killed either. And his internal observations are hysterical! Love me some dry wit in the middle of angsty chaos!
Be still my heart -- Geordie!!! He's the true hero of this romantic suspense (sorry, Ethan, rest assured you come in at a close second!) This little canine packs as much 'tude as his mama and brought so much fun to the read!
Honestly -- Identity: Classified is sheer brilliance. In my top ten of fave Love Inspired Suspense novels ever. Really.
"Chloe hadn't been around many kids during her adult life, but she did train dogs and knew a thing or two." (p 99) Bwahahaha!!! I LOVE Chloe -- she's tough and scrappy and smart-mouthed. Poor Ethan doesn't know what to make of her. He doesn't trust her but he's not willing to leave her to her own devices and possibly get killed either. And his internal observations are hysterical! Love me some dry wit in the middle of angsty chaos!
Be still my heart -- Geordie!!! He's the true hero of this romantic suspense (sorry, Ethan, rest assured you come in at a close second!) This little canine packs as much 'tude as his mama and brought so much fun to the read!
Honestly -- Identity: Classified is sheer brilliance. In my top ten of fave Love Inspired Suspense novels ever. Really.
April 26, 2019
'He wasn't interested in finding a wife, and even if he was, he didn't want another city gal, especially one who rode a Harley, had guns and knives stashed on her person, and owned at attack poodle.'
I had never read this author, but the book cover looked great and the synopsis sounded even better, so I took a chance on a new author. My attention was captured from the very beginning and the book got better with each chapter. Chloe Spencer, former delinquent and now super security specialist witnesses a murder on her webcam when she is monitoring security for a client. The killer sticks his face in the camera and demands she give him a disc or she is next in line to be killed. So she runs after assuming an alias. Chloe is tough and ends up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she runs into Sheriff Ethan Hoyt, widower with a 6 year old daughter. But the killer has sent hired goons after her and things begin to accelerate rapidly. Chloe has to decide whether or not to stand on her own, as she always has, or trust the sheriff with her past and allow him to help her stay out of danger.
I loved this book! There is great suspense and great characters. I am quite pleased when I can be pulled into a character's persona in a book. This one was great and with a bit of dry wit, it was just right up my alley. I look forward to more from this author.
I had never read this author, but the book cover looked great and the synopsis sounded even better, so I took a chance on a new author. My attention was captured from the very beginning and the book got better with each chapter. Chloe Spencer, former delinquent and now super security specialist witnesses a murder on her webcam when she is monitoring security for a client. The killer sticks his face in the camera and demands she give him a disc or she is next in line to be killed. So she runs after assuming an alias. Chloe is tough and ends up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she runs into Sheriff Ethan Hoyt, widower with a 6 year old daughter. But the killer has sent hired goons after her and things begin to accelerate rapidly. Chloe has to decide whether or not to stand on her own, as she always has, or trust the sheriff with her past and allow him to help her stay out of danger.
I loved this book! There is great suspense and great characters. I am quite pleased when I can be pulled into a character's persona in a book. This one was great and with a bit of dry wit, it was just right up my alley. I look forward to more from this author.
February 27, 2019
This is a neat story to read. It starts out with a mystery and a bang in a way. We meet Chloe Spencer who is a mystery in itself. I love her poodle for he is unique in so many ways. Then we meet the hero who is unique in his own way Sheriff Ethan Hoyt. This story has some neat surprises in it that make this story fun. One of them is Gordie the poodle. The other is Chloe herself. Her life has a few surprises for us the readers. Ethan and his daughter are a neat part of this story. For Penny is a great part of this with the antics she provides. Its a page turner and its got some neat twists in the story. You will find yourself turning the page to see who is up to what. I found it hard to put the book down as the story started to come together. Its a great book and worth the time to read.
Read
May 11, 2023The verse at the beginning is important of what ישוע Yeshua Jesus commanded - "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
The dedication Liz Shoaf wrote about her husband and about how God is always there for them is beautiful.
The mystery started off in an intriguing way. At first it seemed like Chloe was going to do a good job evading the bad guys since she had self-defense abilities and a new identity ready. Except she didn't change her very distinctive appearance -black spiky hair, leather clothes, has a mini poodle, and rides a Harley. Also, she didn't change the license plate, riding across the country from NY where she'd witnessed the murder.
Chloe, trained by the FBI and referred to as a computer expert, yet she let store employees set up her new laptop, tablet, and phone - and in a town where she'd been found out. She was going to tweak the settings, but the devices had already been compromised. She has a cybersecurity company, but doesn't have her own server. Chloe didn't disconnect from the internet (which should be automatic). Her laptop needed to be secure and she hadn't done this very basic safety measure.
Ethan, said to be a top detective from the Chicago PD who had solved many cases, didn't have basic computer skills. Also, he never ran the NY plates from the vehicle of two murder victims. Plus, he never investigated a mountain of a mystery - some dude bought an entire mountain and Ethan hadn't really looked into that in this small town where he's sheriff.
It needed to be clear the author wasn't saying that God hadn't failed Chloe nor let her down. Chloe just incorrectly felt like that was the case.
My sister Cinnamon and I liked that Ethan and Chloe prayed and that it's a clean book. The computer and detective errors were hard to ignore as was the repetition. Some questions and mysteries were never answered or solved.
The dedication Liz Shoaf wrote about her husband and about how God is always there for them is beautiful.
The mystery started off in an intriguing way. At first it seemed like Chloe was going to do a good job evading the bad guys since she had self-defense abilities and a new identity ready. Except she didn't change her very distinctive appearance -black spiky hair, leather clothes, has a mini poodle, and rides a Harley. Also, she didn't change the license plate, riding across the country from NY where she'd witnessed the murder.
Chloe, trained by the FBI and referred to as a computer expert, yet she let store employees set up her new laptop, tablet, and phone - and in a town where she'd been found out. She was going to tweak the settings, but the devices had already been compromised. She has a cybersecurity company, but doesn't have her own server. Chloe didn't disconnect from the internet (which should be automatic). Her laptop needed to be secure and she hadn't done this very basic safety measure.
Ethan, said to be a top detective from the Chicago PD who had solved many cases, didn't have basic computer skills. Also, he never ran the NY plates from the vehicle of two murder victims. Plus, he never investigated a mountain of a mystery - some dude bought an entire mountain and Ethan hadn't really looked into that in this small town where he's sheriff.
It needed to be clear the author wasn't saying that God hadn't failed Chloe nor let her down. Chloe just incorrectly felt like that was the case.
My sister Cinnamon and I liked that Ethan and Chloe prayed and that it's a clean book. The computer and detective errors were hard to ignore as was the repetition. Some questions and mysteries were never answered or solved.
April 19, 2019
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Identity: Classified. Liz is a fairly new author for LIS but her books are awesome. I look forward to reading her next book. This story is well written, action packed, and humorous. You really need to get this book.
Security Specialist Chloe Spencer is watching one of her client's monitor when the man is killed. The killer shoves his face in front of the computer and tells her he wants "the disk" or her adopted father will be next. His messenger is coming to pick it up. Having no idea what the man is talking about, she packs up her dog and runs. Her "go bag" has a new identity and everything she should need. She lands in Jackson Hole, she should be safe here. When men arrive about the same time she does she knows she's in trouble. Can she trust the sheriff or try to go it alone?
Sheriff Ethan Hoyt is a widower and the father of a young daughter. He knows from the moment he sees Chloe that this woman is going to be trouble. After speaking to the intriguing woman his gut is tied up in knots. As she drives off on her Harley another car from New York drives by. Two cars from New York seems kind of strange to Ethan. It soon becomes evident that someone is after Chloe. How can he keep her safe when she is full of secrets she won't share?
A journey of terror as Chloe and Ethan end up searching through her past. Were her parents really missionaries or was that a front for illegal activities? God has a plan for them, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Give Him a chance.
Security Specialist Chloe Spencer is watching one of her client's monitor when the man is killed. The killer shoves his face in front of the computer and tells her he wants "the disk" or her adopted father will be next. His messenger is coming to pick it up. Having no idea what the man is talking about, she packs up her dog and runs. Her "go bag" has a new identity and everything she should need. She lands in Jackson Hole, she should be safe here. When men arrive about the same time she does she knows she's in trouble. Can she trust the sheriff or try to go it alone?
Sheriff Ethan Hoyt is a widower and the father of a young daughter. He knows from the moment he sees Chloe that this woman is going to be trouble. After speaking to the intriguing woman his gut is tied up in knots. As she drives off on her Harley another car from New York drives by. Two cars from New York seems kind of strange to Ethan. It soon becomes evident that someone is after Chloe. How can he keep her safe when she is full of secrets she won't share?
A journey of terror as Chloe and Ethan end up searching through her past. Were her parents really missionaries or was that a front for illegal activities? God has a plan for them, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Give Him a chance.
October 9, 2022
Holy COW, was this badly contrived, badly written, and badly done, all the way around.
Shoaf obviously wants to write a chrischun version of Lisbeth Salander. She doesn't even come CLOSE. The uber-smart, super hacker, twenty-something Chloe is inept and ridiculous from moment one. She leaves fingerprints everywhere, is followed ACROSS THE ENTIRE COUNTRY (NYC to Wyoming!) and doesn't notice, has an 'attack poodle'... it'd be laughable if it wasn't so cringe-worthy.
Chloe hacked a bank as a teen, was 'rescued' from juvie by the FBI, and worked undercover as part of her 'sentence' (author being mindful of underaged work regulations). She's now barely twenty and working for a security company SHE purportedly owns (!!), when some dude hires her to investigate more closely one of her clients. Then the CEO is offed on camera and the killer already has a dude en route to her place to 'get the disk' (that - of course - she doesn't know about).
She has knives up her sleeves, and can throw them and hit target while mid-turn and running... but as a SECURITY person, she has *NONE* on her apartment, whatsoever. She's got bug-out bags for both her and Fido, but nothing inconspicuous - she rides a loud motorcycle and has spiky black hair and puts a spiked collar on Fluffy. (!?!?) Rule #1 is *ALWAYS* be inconspicuous, hello.
The author has her carrying a dang BERSA, of all things. Talk about the turd of all guns (and I know - in my ignorance, it's the first one I purchased. Dumbest. Move. Ever.). Nobody you take seriously carries a BERSA. (((sigh.)))
She shows up in town and the first things she does is lets her dog crap on the public land along the city road. ((!!!)) So much for keeping it low-profile. Then she's putting on fake Southern accents one minute and not bothering with it the next... no WONDER she immediately attracts the attention of the local sheriff! She's a clown show and a hot mess, and not at ALL inspiring.
As for him, Ethan *says* he's sheriff, but he dresses plain clothes, doesn't ever show a badge to her, and she just LETS HIM HAVE her gun, taking his word for who he says he is. Since when...???? That is THE STUPIDEST thing I've read in a very, VERY long time.
And he moved from Chicago where he was a top detective (making $$$$ for it) to Nowhere, Wyoming with his city-wife who wasn't ever going to fit in... why? Because the author says so? He wouldn't be used to the slow pace, and if his wife has died since his move, grief/bitterness would more likely drive him BACK to where he had lots of bigger cases, so logically NONE of this makes any sense.
There's no suspense, either, just action, all the way. Badly written action that feels choppy and too-fast, jammed up and kinked. It's pitiful.
And the writing...!
Him: Did you see or hear anything?
Her: We've been shot at together. That makes us friends now.
Him: Fine, we're friends. Did you see or hear anything?
What. The. Heck?!?! She's supposed to be basically FBI, uber security, tough-as-heck... and we have kitty eyes and "WE'ZZZ FRENNNZZZ!!!" in the middle of a dangerous situation? Who's EDITING this!!!?!?!?!!!
He takes a look (pg 55) at two murdered dudes, and relates that back to his wife's terminal disease for a lovely walk down memory lane. THERE IS *NO* connection between homicide and sickness, for the love of Pete...!! This is shoddy writing trying to insert backstory in a REALLY painfully awkward way.
And everything is 'saucy grin' this and 'wide smile' that and 'saucy grin' this and 'wide smile' that and 'saucy grin' this... until I was SO. SICK. of the saucy grin, I wanted Liz to use ANY. OTHER. WORD. IN. THE. ENGLISH LANGUAGE to describe a facial expression....!!!!!!!!
I can't stand anymore. And all of this before page 70!
Absolutely not. This one feeds the burn barrel.
Shoaf obviously wants to write a chrischun version of Lisbeth Salander. She doesn't even come CLOSE. The uber-smart, super hacker, twenty-something Chloe is inept and ridiculous from moment one. She leaves fingerprints everywhere, is followed ACROSS THE ENTIRE COUNTRY (NYC to Wyoming!) and doesn't notice, has an 'attack poodle'... it'd be laughable if it wasn't so cringe-worthy.
Chloe hacked a bank as a teen, was 'rescued' from juvie by the FBI, and worked undercover as part of her 'sentence' (author being mindful of underaged work regulations). She's now barely twenty and working for a security company SHE purportedly owns (!!), when some dude hires her to investigate more closely one of her clients. Then the CEO is offed on camera and the killer already has a dude en route to her place to 'get the disk' (that - of course - she doesn't know about).
She has knives up her sleeves, and can throw them and hit target while mid-turn and running... but as a SECURITY person, she has *NONE* on her apartment, whatsoever. She's got bug-out bags for both her and Fido, but nothing inconspicuous - she rides a loud motorcycle and has spiky black hair and puts a spiked collar on Fluffy. (!?!?) Rule #1 is *ALWAYS* be inconspicuous, hello.
The author has her carrying a dang BERSA, of all things. Talk about the turd of all guns (and I know - in my ignorance, it's the first one I purchased. Dumbest. Move. Ever.). Nobody you take seriously carries a BERSA. (((sigh.)))
She shows up in town and the first things she does is lets her dog crap on the public land along the city road. ((!!!)) So much for keeping it low-profile. Then she's putting on fake Southern accents one minute and not bothering with it the next... no WONDER she immediately attracts the attention of the local sheriff! She's a clown show and a hot mess, and not at ALL inspiring.
As for him, Ethan *says* he's sheriff, but he dresses plain clothes, doesn't ever show a badge to her, and she just LETS HIM HAVE her gun, taking his word for who he says he is. Since when...???? That is THE STUPIDEST thing I've read in a very, VERY long time.
And he moved from Chicago where he was a top detective (making $$$$ for it) to Nowhere, Wyoming with his city-wife who wasn't ever going to fit in... why? Because the author says so? He wouldn't be used to the slow pace, and if his wife has died since his move, grief/bitterness would more likely drive him BACK to where he had lots of bigger cases, so logically NONE of this makes any sense.
There's no suspense, either, just action, all the way. Badly written action that feels choppy and too-fast, jammed up and kinked. It's pitiful.
And the writing...!
Him: Did you see or hear anything?
Her: We've been shot at together. That makes us friends now.
Him: Fine, we're friends. Did you see or hear anything?
What. The. Heck?!?! She's supposed to be basically FBI, uber security, tough-as-heck... and we have kitty eyes and "WE'ZZZ FRENNNZZZ!!!" in the middle of a dangerous situation? Who's EDITING this!!!?!?!?!!!
He takes a look (pg 55) at two murdered dudes, and relates that back to his wife's terminal disease for a lovely walk down memory lane. THERE IS *NO* connection between homicide and sickness, for the love of Pete...!! This is shoddy writing trying to insert backstory in a REALLY painfully awkward way.
And everything is 'saucy grin' this and 'wide smile' that and 'saucy grin' this and 'wide smile' that and 'saucy grin' this... until I was SO. SICK. of the saucy grin, I wanted Liz to use ANY. OTHER. WORD. IN. THE. ENGLISH LANGUAGE to describe a facial expression....!!!!!!!!
I can't stand anymore. And all of this before page 70!
Absolutely not. This one feeds the burn barrel.
January 26, 2024
I had a difficult time finishing this one. I didn't like the trope and I couldn't connect to the characters at all. I also found that is was extremely frustrating that the characters were professionals in their careers (sheriff and computer genius), but made the most idiotic mistakes. I am by no means a computer expert but even I know not to make the mistakes that she was making. It felt like the "mistakes" the characters made were the only thing that propelled the action to take place in the book. I did however quite enjoy the secondary characters of Uncle Henry and Ned. They were the most interesting and humorous characters.
June 16, 2019
I really enjoyed Chloe and Ethan's story in Identity:Classified. It was a definite page-turner from the very first page all the way to the end. Liz Shoaf's second book is just like that of her first one Betrayed Birthright, it's a page-turner that you will definitely enjoy reading and you will definitely remember the characters and fall in love with them. I also loved how much Chloe and Ethan got along with one another and how they were so much alike yet different but they could definitely know when something was up with the other one.
June 11, 2019
Not bad.
I didn't particularly connect with the characters, but it wasn't a bad story.
I'm glad it was quick though because if it'd been longer it would have been one of those I'd put down and not pick up a again for months if ever.
It wasn't terrible, but it didn't have me on the edge of my seat holding my breath wanting to know what was going to happen next either.
Recommended? sure why not
buy/borrow? borrow
I didn't particularly connect with the characters, but it wasn't a bad story.
I'm glad it was quick though because if it'd been longer it would have been one of those I'd put down and not pick up a again for months if ever.
It wasn't terrible, but it didn't have me on the edge of my seat holding my breath wanting to know what was going to happen next either.
Recommended? sure why not
buy/borrow? borrow
May 6, 2019
With interesting “opposites attract” characters, murders and twists around every corner, a lovable dog, and snippets of humor that made me laugh out loud, Identity: Classified made for a fun edge of the seat read.
Sometimes the technology aspects were a little hard for me to follow but other than that I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m looking forward to reading more of Liz’s work!
Sometimes the technology aspects were a little hard for me to follow but other than that I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m looking forward to reading more of Liz’s work!
dnf
March 4, 2021I’m going to be honest, I couldn’t be bothered to care about the characters. Everything is happening too fast and you don’t get a chance to have a moment to get to know the characters enough to come to care about them enough to care what’s going to happen next.
June 1, 2022
Identity Classified
Fabulous suspense and love story. I enjoy the faith based Christian stories. This story kept me guessing. The girls comradery up front was very touching. I will continue to read more of f these books.
Fabulous suspense and love story. I enjoy the faith based Christian stories. This story kept me guessing. The girls comradery up front was very touching. I will continue to read more of f these books.
August 10, 2024
This book has it all, betrayal, redemption, and best of love.
What do you get when you mix high tech, computers, missionaries, CIA, FBI, rugged mountain men and a small town sheriff. You get it all, danger, murder, heartbreak, love beyond measure, none stop action, an attack poodle, and a wedding.
What do you get when you mix high tech, computers, missionaries, CIA, FBI, rugged mountain men and a small town sheriff. You get it all, danger, murder, heartbreak, love beyond measure, none stop action, an attack poodle, and a wedding.
January 12, 2020
Can't wait to read Ned's story
April 9, 2020
One of those books you don't want to put down. I really liked the characters.
June 14, 2020
I really enjoyed the book but felt like the story came to an abrupt end. But would recommend to others.
October 23, 2024
DNF. Boring & cheesy
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews