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Identity
When a simple DNA test triggers an alert for a kidnapping that happened nearly thirty years ago, Detective Brax Monson is sent to investigate. He questions the accuracy of the DNA testing until he meets the victim and pieces start to fall together.
Oak never dreamed that he could have been kidnapped from his real family at the age of two. Every memory he has is of a loving mother and father who raised him. But being an attorney, he knows that DNA doesn't lie.
Working together, Oak and Brax must weave their way through the evidence, trying to piece together why Oak was taken. Neither man planned on needing the other, but as they weed through years of lies and deceit, they find that through the darkness, they are each other's light as they pursue the truth.
Oak never dreamed that he could have been kidnapped from his real family at the age of two. Every memory he has is of a loving mother and father who raised him. But being an attorney, he knows that DNA doesn't lie.
Working together, Oak and Brax must weave their way through the evidence, trying to piece together why Oak was taken. Neither man planned on needing the other, but as they weed through years of lies and deceit, they find that through the darkness, they are each other's light as they pursue the truth.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2022
58 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Leya
100 books309 followersE.M. Leya lives surrounded by the beautiful mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah with her amazing daughter and loving pets. She is passionate about the world we live in and current events, deeming herself a "news junkie". She believes that we are all here to create something beautiful, whether it's through our talents or our actions. She enjoys writing stories that take us deep into real world problems while showing that love can happen for anyone, regardless of how dark their past might be.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 12, 2022
DNF at 80% after skimming quite a bit. This was an absolute and utter bore. It had so much potential. So much!!! Unfortunately everything about this book was dull and uninteresting. The romance was so so so mind numbing, the mystery and the case were dealt in a bland, childish and stiff manner and I didn’t feel a single emotion . It was supposed to be an angsty and emotional story due to a pretty sensitive matter but I didn’t feel a thing and there wasn’t a single intense or intriguing moment in the book. The characters were two dimensional and …that’s it, I have nothing to say about them. Oh, yeah, their sex scenes were awkward and tedious to read, I skipped most of them. The writing was ok-ish but full of unimportant details and it tended to repeat phrases and ideas over and over again. And the execution of the plot was just bad and done in a totally simplistic way- amateurish I think is the word.
August 17, 2022
It is not my habit to leave negative reviews, but this book has not sent me any emotion other than a deadly boredom. A story that could have been full of strong emotions but which was not developed at all. The emotional part is absolutely not dealt with, the two main characters are empty, without any depth, the dialogues bordering on the unbelievable. I don't want to get into the plot but one thing I want to say, if after 27 years I discovered that I was kidnapped and raised by who I believed were my parents and instead they were my kidnappers, I would certainly have wanted a confrontation, my emotions would have been very strong; in this book it does not happen, the emotional part is totally missing, a subject as dramatic as the one treated in this book deserved to be more in-depth, instead everything flows slowly and without any emotion. I'm sorry, I love this author, I read everything she wrote and I loved her deeply but honestly this time I struggled to finish it.
August 17, 2022
I read this book from cover to cover in 2 nights. Would've done one night but this old body can't do that anymore.
A highly charged, emotional ride, and worth every single moment.
Recommended read!
A highly charged, emotional ride, and worth every single moment.
Recommended read!
November 14, 2022
This book was just fantastic, beginning to end. The MC's who fall in love, they just do fall in love, slowly (I loved how they really followed the ethical line there). There were no miscommunications that didn't quite make sense, no secrets, no questioning if they wanted someone else. It was just two mature adults getting to know each other and spending time learning the little parts. However, their romance and HEA was almost a side story to the main story, the aftermath of Oak finding out he had been kidnapped as a toddler.
Oak was not abused, he was loved and cared for. He grew up knowing that, and having the best that his "parents" could provide him. He went to school, became an attorney, still talked to his "parents" quite often after they moved further away in their later years. However, in the end, he had been kidnapped by these people. Taken from a family that had loved him, true parents that searched for him for decades, siblings that missed him.
While Oak and Brax dug deep to find out what really happened and why, Oak was able to connect with his real family, learn to love them quickly, and figure out how to deal with the fallout of such a devastating event on everyone.
He handled it as an adult, but what was so fantastic, was how the author took the reader through Oak's emotions, and how they changed as each new piece was unveiled. Initially he was torn between loving his "parents" and being angry at them for kidnapping him. He continued to transition those feelings throughout the story until the final moments. Just incredibly well written.
I know this was stand-alone, and I would love to see more of this author's works that are similar...but I immediately went and looked to see what else E.M. Leya had to offer a reader...quite a lot! How do you pick? I definitely will want more, but where do I start? I'm taking suggestions. 🙂
Without hesitation this one is worth every single piece. 5 pieces of eye candy
March 14, 2025
How Refreshing to Read a Unique and Heartbreaking Story Line
I read and loved this author’s Ghostly Series so when I stumbled on this book I was immediately taken by the unique story line. It’s refreshing to read a book with a different theme and this book was compelling, I couldn’t put it down.
Whoever would have thought that a simple present of a DNA test could set in motion a set of heartbreaking situations but at the same time bring together two people who are destined to spend the rest of their lives together.
The day Brax a detective with Salt Lake City PD receives an alert that a DNA test is linked to a kidnapping nearly 30 years ago he is reluctant to take the case until he walks into Attorney Oakland Wallace’s office and is convinced. Not only is Oak the spitting image of his real father but he takes Brax’s breath away.
So begins a heartbreaking journey to the truth and just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does!
Brax has never been more grateful to hand a case over to the FBI. With him off the case he can now start a relationship with Oak and with everything going on in Oak’s life and the press hounding his every move he needs Brax more than ever.
My only criticism would be the ending. I am a sucker for a heartwarming epilogue but there wasn’t one. I can understand the authors point of view, I mean it was all there. We all know what the outcome will be for Oak’s parents, we know he has already made good connections with his real family and there is no doubt Oak and Brax are forever, they were buying a house together, so it was all tied up, but I do love a good epilogue.
I strongly recommend you read this compelling story.
I read and loved this author’s Ghostly Series so when I stumbled on this book I was immediately taken by the unique story line. It’s refreshing to read a book with a different theme and this book was compelling, I couldn’t put it down.
Whoever would have thought that a simple present of a DNA test could set in motion a set of heartbreaking situations but at the same time bring together two people who are destined to spend the rest of their lives together.
The day Brax a detective with Salt Lake City PD receives an alert that a DNA test is linked to a kidnapping nearly 30 years ago he is reluctant to take the case until he walks into Attorney Oakland Wallace’s office and is convinced. Not only is Oak the spitting image of his real father but he takes Brax’s breath away.
So begins a heartbreaking journey to the truth and just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does!
Brax has never been more grateful to hand a case over to the FBI. With him off the case he can now start a relationship with Oak and with everything going on in Oak’s life and the press hounding his every move he needs Brax more than ever.
My only criticism would be the ending. I am a sucker for a heartwarming epilogue but there wasn’t one. I can understand the authors point of view, I mean it was all there. We all know what the outcome will be for Oak’s parents, we know he has already made good connections with his real family and there is no doubt Oak and Brax are forever, they were buying a house together, so it was all tied up, but I do love a good epilogue.
I strongly recommend you read this compelling story.
August 24, 2022
When I saw that Ms Leya had released a new book, I knew I had to read it. Her books always immediately go to my favorites shelf, the one I still haven't made.😜 I love her Save the Kids series and upon reading the blurb for this one, I knew it was going to be great too.
Here we get the story of Oakland, a lawyer, who, after sending in a sample of his DNA for fun, gets a visit from Braxton, detective, with the news that he's been alerted as a kidnapped child 27 years ago. At first Oak thinks this has to be a mistake but after sending in a second sample he gets confirmation that he indeed is the missing person.
Oak and Brax feel an immediate attraction but can't act upon it as long as Brax is on his case. They agree to keep everything on the down low until Brax is off the case and all is handed over to the FBI.
The story really centers around how hard it is to be confronted with being kidnapped and not having any idea. Oak really overmelmed and doesn't know how to handle everything. He never had any idea and now suddenly he has a whole new family and he has to come to terms with the fact that was kidnapped without knowing why. Both MC's are strong characters and you can feel how much they mean to each other right from the start.
I loved everything about this book and can't wait to see what Ms Leya comes up with next.
Here we get the story of Oakland, a lawyer, who, after sending in a sample of his DNA for fun, gets a visit from Braxton, detective, with the news that he's been alerted as a kidnapped child 27 years ago. At first Oak thinks this has to be a mistake but after sending in a second sample he gets confirmation that he indeed is the missing person.
Oak and Brax feel an immediate attraction but can't act upon it as long as Brax is on his case. They agree to keep everything on the down low until Brax is off the case and all is handed over to the FBI.
The story really centers around how hard it is to be confronted with being kidnapped and not having any idea. Oak really overmelmed and doesn't know how to handle everything. He never had any idea and now suddenly he has a whole new family and he has to come to terms with the fact that was kidnapped without knowing why. Both MC's are strong characters and you can feel how much they mean to each other right from the start.
I loved everything about this book and can't wait to see what Ms Leya comes up with next.
August 29, 2022
3.5 stars for a great premise.
Oak took a DNA test on a whim - and the results flagged him as a child kidnapped 27 years ago. Brax is the detective assigned to the case. Upon seeing Oak, Brax knows two things: 1) Oak is undoubtedly the kidnapped child and 2) he wants Oak desperately.
The two story lines (Oak discovering the truth of his family and their relationship) develop at the same time although both men keeps things professional enough while Brax is actively working the case.
My biggest complaint with the book was
Oak took a DNA test on a whim - and the results flagged him as a child kidnapped 27 years ago. Brax is the detective assigned to the case. Upon seeing Oak, Brax knows two things: 1) Oak is undoubtedly the kidnapped child and 2) he wants Oak desperately.
The two story lines (Oak discovering the truth of his family and their relationship) develop at the same time although both men keeps things professional enough while Brax is actively working the case.
My biggest complaint with the book was
September 4, 2022
Read this based on a rec from a facebook group I'm in. This book has the bones to be a really good story. The kidnapping storyline, in particular, was riveting and made me want to read more. That said, this book was a little too insta-love for my tastes. Because both characters are immediately attracted to one another and just click, very little character development and relationship building actually happens. As a result, it was hard for me to really root and care for these characters. Leya is a strong writer; with a little more development, she could be an author I would seek out more.
September 28, 2022
Attorney Oakland Wallace is stunned when Detective Brax Monson tells him results of a DNA test he took were reported to the police because it shows he was kidnapped when he was two years old. The book follows the investigation into what happened. I found the story to be unique and interesting. The characters were likeable. I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters. The only think I did not like about the book was that the author referred to his biological parents as his "real" parents.
November 8, 2022
I have to admit I was fascinated by Identity from just reading the blurb. Once I started the book I was completely intrigued. Imagine waking up one day and finding out your whole life you'd been living a lie. Ms Leya does a stellar job of describing the powerful emotions that both Oak Wallace and Brax Monson experience as they travel together through Oak's ordeal. Brax becomes Oak's support system, cheerleader and a shoulder to cry on while giving him a soft place to fall. Their feelings for one another grow stronger day by day.
January 21, 2024
A new to me author I tried - and let's phrase it in favor of the book - I finished it. That counts for the two stars.
There plot idea was a good one - the execution was missing.
The idea to find out that the parents who raised you lovingly are not your parents but your kidnappers should be something emotional, heartbreaking, unbelievable. Well, I was missing these emotions in this book - sure, some were mentioned, but it is a lot of telling, a lot of repeating in this book, which doesn't transfer to real emotion. Won't try more of this author.
There plot idea was a good one - the execution was missing.
The idea to find out that the parents who raised you lovingly are not your parents but your kidnappers should be something emotional, heartbreaking, unbelievable. Well, I was missing these emotions in this book - sure, some were mentioned, but it is a lot of telling, a lot of repeating in this book, which doesn't transfer to real emotion. Won't try more of this author.
August 17, 2022
This was a new author read for me. The blurb sounded great but the actual book was a struggle for me. I didn’t connect with the main characters and the “mystery” was disappointing. My main problem was with the editing and flow of the story. Phrases were repeated, days were out of order and even the main character’s name was mixed up with someone else’s. I did read the whole book to give it a chance.
September 19, 2022
Awesome storyline!
A very compelling story. I read it in one sitting, could not put it down. A brilliantly crafted and original storyline. Brad and Oakland were meant for each other. The circumstances that brought them together were devastating to Oak. Together , along with the FBI , they pieced together what happened. Loved the HEA ending.
A very compelling story. I read it in one sitting, could not put it down. A brilliantly crafted and original storyline. Brad and Oakland were meant for each other. The circumstances that brought them together were devastating to Oak. Together , along with the FBI , they pieced together what happened. Loved the HEA ending.
October 21, 2022
Frankly, it was a bit boring. Many things just kept getting repeated from different characters like how tough Oak's situation is and how bad it was etc etc Also, the lack of chemistry between Oak and Brad didn't help. I just jumped to the end to read last 3 chapters and finished the story. Not feeling bad at all for doing it.
August 16, 2022
Wow this is an amazing story between Brax a Police detective and Oakland a Criminal Law Lawyer.
Brax and Oak are in for a mystery that you wouldn't believe and the twists and turns, heartbreak and sorrow. I loved this story and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Brax and Oak are in for a mystery that you wouldn't believe and the twists and turns, heartbreak and sorrow. I loved this story and I highly recommend it to everyone.
September 6, 2022
This was a unique storyline and introduced 2 gorgeous characters. You can't help but like them. No angst between the couples themselves but the storyline is disturbing. The sex scenes could have been longer, deeper and more intense which prevented me giving 5 stars.
July 28, 2024
the best
This book kept me on edge. It took a lot of time to find a book that kept me wanting to keep reading. This book had me reading when I was at work, and it had me crying. You will love this book as much as I did. I'm sorry it ended. I want more
This book kept me on edge. It took a lot of time to find a book that kept me wanting to keep reading. This book had me reading when I was at work, and it had me crying. You will love this book as much as I did. I'm sorry it ended. I want more
September 14, 2024
Excellent Read!
This excellently written books covers a short, but extremely intense period in the characters lives. The author deals with the issues of kidnapping and identity in a nuanced and realistic manner. Get a copy!
This excellently written books covers a short, but extremely intense period in the characters lives. The author deals with the issues of kidnapping and identity in a nuanced and realistic manner. Get a copy!
October 7, 2022
❤️❤️❤️
December 30, 2022
I wanted to like this one more than I did. Very boring. No emotion given the circumstances.
July 19, 2023
Quick read. Great story premise. With minor exceptions there were multiple phrases used over and over. 3.5 stars overall.
November 30, 2024
Really good
A new author for and this was a really unexpected treat. Great story, wonderful characters and kept me page turning till the end.
A new author for and this was a really unexpected treat. Great story, wonderful characters and kept me page turning till the end.
October 20, 2025
I loved it very much. Excellent story and characters.
October 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this and thought what a great original storyline with so many people doing dna tests nowadays to find out all sort of things. To find out that your life isn’t what you thought it was and turned upside down is what happens. It held me captivated turning the pages to see what was going to happen and there were a few unexpected twists along the way. It’s nice reading a book where things actually happen and are mysterious instead of A meets B equals HEA.
September 2, 2023
This is the first of Ms Leya's books that I've read, but I'll definitely be looking at getting more.
Oak and Brax fit together so well in a story that's well plotted and very believable.
I only found one small glitch that the proofreader/editor missed: "Oak climbed out of the car and went around to take Oak's hand as Steph and Travis joined them."
Oak and Brax fit together so well in a story that's well plotted and very believable.
I only found one small glitch that the proofreader/editor missed: "Oak climbed out of the car and went around to take Oak's hand as Steph and Travis joined them."
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews