135 of 139 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book by an extremely talented author!, December 26, 1999
I don't see anything posted as to what this book is about, so here is the info from the back cover: Navy SEAL Mitchell Shaw woke one morning with no clue as to who he was. And the items hidden in his possession were no help--an address, along with a .22 caliber side arm. The address led him to the Lazy 8 Ranch--and its beautiful manager, Becca Keyes, who made him believe he might have a future, even if he wasn't sure about his past.
The gun was another story altogether....
Since I first discovered her work, it has been my pleasure to read every book that Suzanne Brockmann has written. I have many favorites by this wonderful writer, but I have to say that I have particularly enjoyed Identity: Unknown. As an extremely jaded romance reader who has been reading love stories 35 years and romance since its inception in the early 70s, in my opinion, this book totally fulfills the highest purpose of romance, to make the reader feel, and feel intensely. The emotional and passionate impact of this story is tremendous! I believe there are multiple reasons for this achievement.
First, characterization. Since romance, more than any other form of fiction, is utterly character driven, the most essential requirement for excellence is wonderful characters. Ms. Brockmann has totally succeeded at this goal in Identity: Unknown. These characters are not just sympathetic, they leap from the page.
Second, conflict and motivation. This book is brimming with believably motivated and very gripping external, internal, and most important of all, relationship conflict between the lovers. It is essential in a romance that the lovers be together constantly, be absolutely "made for each other," and yet something compelling and believable keep them apart, elements which are there "in spades" in this book.
An additional vital component of excellent fiction, including romance, is great plotting. It is very evident in this book in Ms. Brockmann's fascinating use of a continuing Navy SEAL theme. When Mitch, the hero, receives an injury while on undercover assignment that leads to temporary amnesia, this fascinating plotting device works beautifully with a well-motivated internal conflict centering around the honor and integrity of the hero. This in turn seamlessly leads to the exciting external and internal complications which race the story along and keep the reader rapidly turning pages.
Along with all of the above vital components of good popular fiction, in a romance, there is the additional requirement of a love relationship of such an intensity that the reader is moved to tears, quivers and sighs. In this, Ms. Brockmann thrillingly exceeds our expectations. The tenderness, poignancy, trust, compassion, caring--and blazing sensuality--between Mitch and Becca are astounding.
Mitch is one of my all-time favorite heroes, and, which is all-important for me as a reader, the heroine is worthy of him in her ability to love, her bravery, initiative, independence, and ethics.
Do yourself a favor and read this book, one of the best the romance genre has to offer! And after you do, pass it on to all your friends and relations who have ever scoffed at romance.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping and satisfying, July 24, 2005
Other reviewers have explained the plot pretty well, so I'll skip the details and just say that Suz's plotting is as detailed, consistent and believable as always.
Derailed from his mission by amnesia, Mitch's worst fears are that he is a criminal and might hurt Becca. (Yes, you would think that he might get a clue about his own character from observing what he is most afraid of!) Becca is strong and honest, a great match for Mitch, yet in all their combined toughness they are both very sensitive and vulnerable characters.
With all the physical and emotional pain that Mitch suffers, the book could be rather dark, but his determination and motivation keep pushing toward the light. And we are treated to some wonderful Keystone Cops moments from SEALs Lucky, Bobby and Wes, as they try to find Mitch and figure out what has gone wrong.
I've read all 11 of Suzanne Brockmann's Team 10 books at least three times each, and this remains one of my three all-time favorites.
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