Spent Identity (Annalisse Series #2) by Marlene M. Bell

Sep 06, 2020 Althea | themoonwholistens ☾ rated it liked it

Shelves: age-adult, genre-mystery-thriller, from-audiobook-empire

“When my mind wanders, it is always to you.”

Spent Identity is surely exactly everything that it is marketed as: romantic and suspenseful.

I should mention that I haven’t read the first book in this series but this book can stand on it’s own in my opinion. If you are interested in reading Spent Identity and are wondering if the first book needs to be read before getting into this one: I completely understood everything that was happening, you’ll be fine.

— overall thoughts: 3.5 —

First of all, ( ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Jan 07, 2020 Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-to-review, 2020-netgalley, 2020, 2020-author-alphabet-challenge

I'm not sure where to start with my review other than to hold on to your seat because it is going to be a fast and furious ride!

This is the second book in the series and while it could be read on its own, it might be best to pick up the first book to get a feel for the characters and the background. The book provides plenty of details to lay a foundation for what occurred in case you choose not to read Stolen Obsession, so it isn't an absolute must.

The story picks up with Annalisse and Alec and I'm not sure where to start with my review other than to hold on to your seat because it is going to be a fast and furious ride!

This is the second book in the series and while it could be read on its own, it might be best to pick up the first book to get a feel for the characters and the background. The book provides plenty of details to lay a foundation for what occurred in case you choose not to read Stolen Obsession, so it isn't an absolute must.

The story picks up with Annalisse and Alec and their relationship. Let's just say things are a little rocky, not because they don't care for each other, but that life is getting in the way and someone might need to make some changes to his work life. I can't imagine what it is like to be part of the elite class and the security measures that need to be in place to keep people safe. But sometimes it isn't the unknown that causes a problem, it can be someone in your own family as Annalisse discovers.

Annalisse and Alec's characters are still developing. I'm not sure if I could be friends with Annalisse because she has a tendency to let things slip out that shouldn't be said out loud, at least not to those that are in the room. She even admits to having a big mouth, so at least that is progress. Plus, bad luck seems to follow her and I'm not sure I want to be around her in case it rubbed off on me! Alec was left to fill some big shoes but it is getting away from his passion as a veterinarian. Unfortunately, it has blinded him to reality and he is close to losing what he holds most dear to him.

Now for the wild ride - Annalisse's Aunt Kate goes missing, there is a car wreck, Kate's son is selling the farm from under Kate, there is a kidnapping, someone unexpected appears from nowhere, and so much more. And all of this happens within a week. It is non-stop action and kept me turning the page until well past my bedtime. I think that if all of this was happening to me I would need a vacation away from everyone to decompress.

The mystery kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat. There were so many possibilities for who was involved and why that I never guessed correctly until all was revealed. Some of it was very surprising, but some I guessed earlier in the book but not fully. Not everything is wrapped up in a nice bow at the end, there is still a cliffhanger or two and hopefully, those will be addressed in the next book.

This series is not one to miss and I can't wait until the next book comes out to see what happens next for Annalisse and Alec.

We give this 4 paws up. ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Jan 18, 2020 Dianne rated it liked it

Shelves: author-review, blog-tour-review, murder-mystery, own, x2020-1

The book opens with Annalisse heading to the farm she saw as home and the aunt who raised her for comfort, regrouping and advice. What she finds is a dead body, a family member threatening to sell the beloved farm just as her aunt goes missing. Unresolved romantic issues from the previous book, I assume will flare and Annalisse will find herself in the middle of a tsunami of trouble, deceit and danger-THEN the plot thickens!

SPENT IDENTITY by Marlene M. Bell is a murder mystery with tentacles rea ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 06, 2020 Sophia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: review-requests, romantic-suspense

I had a cover love moment- pretty flowers yet ominous feeling- that led me to reading the blurb which led me to deciding I had to read this one. New to me author and series just added to the excitement.

Spent Identity is the second in the Annalisse series of romantic suspenses. I did all right reading it out of order, but that said, I think I would have gotten more out of it reading in order so that's what I recommend.

The book opens with a short prologue of a man finding a body. Ironically, he wa I had a cover love moment- pretty flowers yet ominous feeling- that led me to reading the blurb which led me to deciding I had to read this one. New to me author and series just added to the excitement.

Spent Identity is the second in the Annalisse series of romantic suspenses. I did all right reading it out of order, but that said, I think I would have gotten more out of it reading in order so that's what I recommend.

The book opens with a short prologue of a man finding a body. Ironically, he was reading a murder mystery and is a huge fan of the genre.

Next, Annalisse has left NYC to visit her Aunt Kate and the family farm where she hopes to spend some time with Kate who never fails to give her good counsel and make her feel better. It has been months since Annalisse was with Alec and she suspects her relationship is over as he dives back into his jet setting world and his workaholic habits.
But, instead of a relaxing and stress-free visit with Aunt Kate, she learns that Kate's son is selling the farm out from under her and there is a dead body in the barn. Kate knows something about it, but before they get much further, Kate disappears. Alec swoops back in to help and naturally, his presence complicates just as much as helps Kate since it was her disappearing relationship with Alec that sent her running to the farm.

Spent Identity took me utterly by surprise. I was not expecting all the adrenaline moments, the rapid pace, or the feeling that I was constantly discovering more and more mysteries and character complexities. It was the ominous roses on the cover. Ha! I blame them for being blown about like that. I had a good time with that part and, to some extent, the characters. There were a few development issues that made it hard to know certain characters and their motives better.

Though well-developed, it was a struggle for me to appreciate both Annalisse and Alec. She got on my nerves a few times with the way she cuts loose with her mouth not giving a thought to others and I got startled a few times with choices and actions since I understood her to be an antiquities expert. Alec really needed to get over the unneeded jealousy of another man especially when he prioritized his life differently for the last few months. There were other quibbling little things, but, at the same time, the flaws made them real, too.

Honestly, I had no idea who was behind things in the end or even what all was significant and not. I did like seeing Alec back in the picture- not that I read the first book so I could only understand to a certain extent- because I liked seeing them working together. At first, I didn't think they worked as a couple, but I let myself be persuaded. Mostly, I enjoyed the wild ride of a mystery this was.

So, that was a great surprise and I invite other mystery romance lovers to give it a shot. Don't follow my lead, though. Instead, get the series from the beginning.

My thanks to Lola's Blog Tours for providing a copy of the book to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 20, 2019 Tangled in Text rated it really liked it

I read the first book in the series, but it is not necessary. Spent Identity can be read as a stand alone. It had enough little snapshots into the previous book that you are not left feeling like you are missing a piece of the puzzle.

I loved Spent Identity because there was never a slow moment. The story had a great energy and was action-packed. There was so much going on that I never had the chance to guess at the culprit. I stayed glued to the edge of my seat the entire book! There was never ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Feb 06, 2020 InD'tale Magazine rated it really liked it

Shelves: rating-4-star, genre-mystery, steam-2, 2020-february

It will keep the reader turning the page to the very end.

Read full review in the 2020 February issue of InD'tale Magazine. ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Jan 09, 2020 Kristine Hall rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery, series, suspense, action, love, amateur-sleuth, contemporary, grief, relationships, romance

4.5 STARS. What hits readers from the very first lines of SPENT IDENTITY is the smell. Reading SPENT IDENTITY is as much an olfactory experience as anything else. Whether an aroma emanates from food or folk or flora or fauna, readers can count on experiencing scents right along with the characters in the book. I have a particularly sensitive sense of smell, so I read and wrinkled my nose at the descriptions of death, decay, and body odors (of both the dead and the living, who may “smell like old 4.5 STARS. What hits readers from the very first lines of SPENT IDENTITY is the smell. Reading SPENT IDENTITY is as much an olfactory experience as anything else. Whether an aroma emanates from food or folk or flora or fauna, readers can count on experiencing scents right along with the characters in the book. I have a particularly sensitive sense of smell, so I read and wrinkled my nose at the descriptions of death, decay, and body odors (of both the dead and the living, who may “smell like old corn chips and onions.” Ha! Spot on!) Smells can be such a powerful trigger, and author Marlene Bell incorporates them perfectly into the story as a mechanism to give readers extra information and make the scenes realistic.

Bell sneaks in small details that careful readers will notice (like the worn copy of Annalisse’s favorite book that she always carries). Many are red herrings, but some are real clues to completing the many puzzles readers will discover in SPENT IDENTITY. There are several layers of mystery and at times, the threads of information seem disconnected, wispily floating in the air like spider’s silk. Wonderfully, the threads all find each other and connect so that motivations are exposed, and questions are mostly answered – quite a feat considering the main characters’ propensity for self-sabotage, finding danger, and getting injured.

There are five key players in SPENT IDENTITY, and while Bell fleshes-out some more completely than others, none are ever fully revealed to readers. That’s a little frustrating, resulting in my feeling less sympathetic or even ambivalent about the characters. I want to care more, but I just don’t know enough about what makes any of them tick. Additionally, some of the characters’ actions and reactions puzzle me and/or feel false, particularly in terms of their lack of professionalism or acting illogically given all the surrounding factors and prior experiences that they bring to the table. Happily, the action-packed, rapid pace of the story combined with my desire to see how it all would turn out kept me fully engrossed in the story so much that I shirked work duties and read it in two sittings.

SPENT IDENTITY can stand alone even though it’s the second book in the Annalisse Series, but the author brings a lot of broad details from the first book into the second book. I read (with my ears) book one, STOLEN OBSESSION, and so I knew the references in full and enjoyed the reminders of the chaos and calamities that these characters have already endured. Having this prior knowledge enriches the reading experience, and I recommend that readers start with book one. Honestly, some of the full background information that can only be gleaned by reading the first book seems vital to fully understanding SPENT IDENTITY, particularly when it comes to relationships between characters. Without that insight, I can see how some readers starting with book two might not have patience for Annalisse’s or Alec’s (or even Chase’s) behavior. Plus, everyone needs to know Generosa Zavos! Read book one.

The ending of SPENT IDENTITY is fully satisfying and allows readers to breathe after holding their collective breath through the dizzying pace of this roller coaster ride of a book. Bell leaves readers gratified -- and intrigued with a bit of a cliffhanger and a well-placed page at the story’s conclusion announcing book three, CALICO RAVEN. Hooray! I am in!

Thank you to the author and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing me a print copy in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and other special features on Hall Ways Blog. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 12, 2020 Jenn Z at That's What She's Reading rated it it was amazing

(photo credit to Kristine Hall @hall_ways)

When the previous book in this series, Stolen Obsession, toured with Lone Star in 2018, I did not have the opportunity to read it. Garnering so much fanfare from the team definitely got my attention, so I was super excited to get a chance to read this book for this tour. Although the author does a great job of incorporating previous events into this story so that new readers won't feel lost, I do want to return to the first book simply to understand more

(photo credit to Kristine Hall @hall_ways)

When the previous book in this series, Stolen Obsession, toured with Lone Star in 2018, I did not have the opportunity to read it. Garnering so much fanfare from the team definitely got my attention, so I was super excited to get a chance to read this book for this tour. Although the author does a great job of incorporating previous events into this story so that new readers won't feel lost, I do want to return to the first book simply to understand more of the nuance that is certainly difficult to capture when you start from the middle. While I enjoyed the story, I'm quite sure I would have felt more connected to the characters and their romance had I obviously began with the first book.

From the very beginning, a disarming tone is set up that suggests not everything is what it seems. Something is dead, but no one is quite sure what. When the body is found, questions surface about identity and whether the actual ID card discovered can be trusted. And then suddenly, Kate vanishes. So many crimes are going on, but are they all connected or just coincidences? Escalating crimes follow, bringing more danger to the mysteries. Walking through the perspectives of Annalisse and Alex allows the truth to unfold right along with the reader, so every twist and turn is shocking for everyone and incredibly difficult to pin down until the final reveal.

While at times unsettling, I enjoyed just how much action and adventure Annalisse finds herself in considering her everyday career as an antiquities appraiser. While I personally haven't determined how I feel about Annalisse, her character is a testament to how lifelike she has been written. She could be charming, annoying, resilient, fragile, or fickle. She has strong emotional responses and reactions, yet I found myself either wanting her to trust her instincts more or acknowledge the possibility that if a clue looks like a clue it more than likely is a clue.

The tension is fantastically built as the characters move to new locations to find out more information; however, the pacing tended to slow down once they arrived and casual conversation ensued or romantic trysts were attempted. I found myself baffled at times by the lack of urgency when the violence and upheaval was taking a dramatic uptick. But in the end, it seemed to speak once again to how authentic the writing reflects our own reactions at any given moment.

"The scent of honeysuckle from pots on the porch quickly replaced her concern for something dead nearby."

Echoing the reflections of fellow reviewers, the author's descriptive writing is phenomenal at setting the entire scene, especially when it comes to the olfactory sense. Whether it's the body decomposing in the barn, Kate's signature lavender sachets, rank body odor, or the fresh scent of warm pastry, every aroma emanates off the page, leaving you scrunching your nose or taking a deep breath! The imagery is beautiful or nightmarish, but remarkably well done.

Overall, this was a fast paced, engaging, and easy read that will resonate with readers who enjoy their mysteries with a little more edginess. I look forward to the next book, Calico Raven, to discover what Annalisse will find herself thrust into next!

Many thanks to the author and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing me with a free copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful review. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 15, 2020 Lorilei Gonzales rated it really liked it

My first thoughts on the cover of Spent Identity by Marlene M. Bell were how beautiful and eerie it was at the same time. There’s something classy about the red roses in the vase and the envelope with the calligraphy ‘A’ on it, but the wilt to the roses and the shattered and crooked title stamped on top of them clues the reader to the sinister story within.

As much as I liked the irony of the farmhand reading a crime novel while stumbling across a crime scene, I thought that the tone of the prolo My first thoughts on the cover of Spent Identity by Marlene M. Bell were how beautiful and eerie it was at the same time. There’s something classy about the red roses in the vase and the envelope with the calligraphy ‘A’ on it, but the wilt to the roses and the shattered and crooked title stamped on top of them clues the reader to the sinister story within.

As much as I liked the irony of the farmhand reading a crime novel while stumbling across a crime scene, I thought that the tone of the prologue didn’t quite match the rest of the book. I’m having trouble explaining this – I have typed and deleted my thoughts three times now – but here goes. Ethan is from New Zealand and he is the first character we meet. Although the narration is from a third person perspective, the tone has an across the pond feel, probably because Ethan’s thoughts are on the page as well. I probably didn’t explain that very well but it obviously stuck with me and I wanted to address it.

In the first chapter, the tone changes with the introduction of our protagonist, the lovely Annalisse. It isn’t until she interacts with the opposite sex that you realize how her beauty outshines her pretty name. I liked the contrast of her being this take charge, independent woman who still needs reassurances and shared confidences with her closest relative, Aunt Kate. Kate is also the picture of strength, even at her advanced age and ailment. She amused me most when she moons of Annalisse’s boyfriend, Alec, one minute and then pragmatically dismisses the thought of him the next.

From the moment that Ethan, Annalisse, and Kate try to identify a dead man in the barn, confusion set in on me and I couldn’t shake it for most of the book. There were so many male characters mentioned or in motion (two dead and at least six others interacting with Annalisse), that I felt like I couldn’t keep everyone straight. The name found on the dead man was significant to Kate, but the deceased was not that person. Alec was easy enough to keep straight, but between his security detail/friends that show up to try to solve the mystery, I got a little lost. And it made me a little squirmy that even Alec’s friends seemed to kinda have the hots for Annalisse too.

But character confusion aside, I was truly riveted with the twists and turns. I had two or three theories in my brain and not one of them were even close to the ending. But even more fantastic than the big reveal at the end, I appreciated Bell’s use of exposition throughout to prepare us for what a bad ass Annalisse is. I had not read Stolen Obsession, so I would have been confused with Annalisse’s cool head in the midst of crisis and experience with weapons had there not been snippets of details from book one of the series. I also really enjoyed the thought process that the “team” let the reader in on so that we could try to solve the mystery alongside them. And don’t get me started on the messages from the unknown person/killer. The creativity and the danger behind each “gift” sent a tingle down my spine.

Since I plan on going back to read the first book, I recommend you do the same if you have not already read it. I think that seeing how Annalisse and Alec first meet and the trials that they go through together will make you more invested in seeing them through a difficult time in their relationship. I’m looking forward to book three. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 06, 2020 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, crime-drama, reviewed

Few books have frustrated, flustered or forced me to the edge of my seat as much as Spent Identity by Marlene M. Bell. I was happy to discover Bell's first book in the Annalisse Series, Stolen Obsession, almost two years ago. Aside from the gorgeous cover art, I quickly fell in love with the cocktail of historical artifacts (my secret love) and murder mystery romance. Stolen Obsession had excellent pacing, characters, and the banter between Annalisse and Alec was the stuff of Old Hollywood films Few books have frustrated, flustered or forced me to the edge of my seat as much as Spent Identity by Marlene M. Bell. I was happy to discover Bell's first book in the Annalisse Series, Stolen Obsession, almost two years ago. Aside from the gorgeous cover art, I quickly fell in love with the cocktail of historical artifacts (my secret love) and murder mystery romance. Stolen Obsession had excellent pacing, characters, and the banter between Annalisse and Alec was the stuff of Old Hollywood films. I was excited to see where their adventures would carry us next.

In a refreshing twist, Spent Identity shifts settings from the high rises of New York, to Aunt Kate's peaceful sheep farm. Annalisse is taking a break from her lonely lifestyle of luxury and going back to her roots. She craves the peace that comes from her aunt's farm and Kate's advice on what to do about her dwindling relationship with Alec. After all, Aunt Kate always knows what to say, and there's also the pleasant distraction of New Zealand farmhand Ethan. But Kate has troubles of her own, between her son selling the farm against her will and the dead body Ethan discovers in the barn. Thus begins a whirlwind race to solve several interweaving mysteries, filled with unexpected twists and turns. With no way to discern friend from foe, Annalisse is determined to save her aunt, their home, and her relationship with Alec.

Happily Ever After doesn't exist in real life, not without work and communication. Both of these relationship pillars are sorely lacking between Annalisse and Alec Zavros on the outset of Spent Identity. When we last saw our title characters, they had given into weeks of sexual tension and dove headfirst into their steamy relationship. Fast-forward nine months later and Annalisse faces the reality of dating a former playboy/billionaire workaholic. Alec's initial attempts to suddenly compensate for his absences were frustrating to read, not helped by Annalisse so easily giving in. Will he truly change his tune? Or is he giving her what she wants for now?

A highlight and delight, in contrast, came from my new favorite character, wannabe sleuth, Ethan. Ethan adds both a needed sense of flirty fun and an added layer of mystery. I also couldn't help but see actor/musician Brett Mackenzie every time Ethan came onto the scene. Still, as fun as Ethan was, I felt his side of the love triangle was unnecessary. I didn't enjoy Alec's irrational jealousy of him, especially since Annalisse never seemed to take Ethan seriously as a potential suitor. Part of me hoped to see Ethan become Annalisse's comedic sidekick as she unveiled the mystery. Instead, Ethan constantly gets left behind in favor of more angst from our star couple.

An exploration of what happens after happily ever after, Spent Identity carries our heroine on a personal journey that will radically impact her future. Marlene M. Bell has once again delivered an inspired suspenseful romance and a worthy sequel to Stolen Obsession.

**I was provided with a copy of Spent Identity by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.** ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 07, 2020 Meghan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: librarian-contributions, library

This book was received as an ARC from Marlene M. Bell in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

We are in the search of good thrillers and I fell in love with this book right from the start. Spent Identity tells the story Annalisse Drury and her arrival at her family estate unknowing that there are secrets kept in the dark until now. Since Annalisse's arrival, a dead body was found, her aunt she reconnects with disappears and there is ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 08, 2020 Mike rated it really liked it

Spent Identity is filled with enough twists and turns to make Lombard Street envious!

Marlene M. Bell certainly knows how to spin a tale - and spin it she does. The book starts off a little on the slow side, but as the mystery deepened I found myself turning the pages rather quickly. I had a very hard time keeping my eyes in place - they always wanted to skip ahead a few paragraphs to see what happened.

This story is book two of the Annalisse Series. I did not read the first book, and that took aw ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 15, 2020 Lynn Poppe rated it really liked it

I came for the mystery and stayed for the secrets revealed.
But what really kept me turning the pages in Spent Identity was what happened to Kate? And who is the dead guy in the barn? Ms. Bell skillfully keeps us guessing throughout most of the novel. There are kidnappings, multiple plot twists, various potential baddies, and a few more spoiler-y wild goose chases sprinkled throughout.
The novel moves at a mostly quick pace, with Annalisse driving the search for her aunt.
On the character front, I I came for the mystery and stayed for the secrets revealed.
But what really kept me turning the pages in Spent Identity was what happened to Kate? And who is the dead guy in the barn? Ms. Bell skillfully keeps us guessing throughout most of the novel. There are kidnappings, multiple plot twists, various potential baddies, and a few more spoiler-y wild goose chases sprinkled throughout.
The novel moves at a mostly quick pace, with Annalisse driving the search for her aunt.
On the character front, I don’t know if I would want to hang out with this cast of characters on a personal level. Disaster does seem to follow Annalisse and the other characters (and I’m accident-prone enough!). Annalisse describes herself as “Dangerous to longevity”. I do appreciate that she is determined to find her aunt and is willing to fight back when needed. Alec is an interesting character. He has realized that he’s taken on too much work (as a result of actions in the first novel) and that he needs to make some changes to keep their relationship alive. I appreciate the growth shown in his character to the betterment of their relationship.
I loved the addition of P.I. Bill Drake to the characters in this novel. He steps in to help find Kate. While doing so, he injects some much-needed humor into the story. I’d be interested in reading other stories with his low-key Florida vibe.
I’m not sure if it was intentional by Ms. Bell or not, but I did struggle with the love square of the main male characters all showing interest in Annalisse. I had the impression that, in addition to her boyfriend Alec, both Ethan (the Kiwi farm hand) and Bill (the P.I.) were attracted to Annalisse. Alec’s jealousy, deservedly or not, is not the actions of an adult and is a character flaw I am not interested in. And to top it off, Annalisse seemed oblivious to both Ethan and Bill. I would have preferred that Ethan and Bill focus on solving the crime instead of Annalisse.
This novel also serves a somewhat cautionary tale of don’t mess with the crime scene! Annalisse, Kate, and Ethan all try to play amateur sleuth with the dead body in the barn. And I imagine any detective who came across the disturbed scene would be cringing. I think we should take this as a warning and NOT disturb crime scenes when we come across them!
Spent Identity is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Ms. Bell covers enough of the first novel to fill in any plot gaps for a new reader while not recapping so much as to fatigue a seasoned reader.
Overall, the fast pace kept my attention and the mystery kept me intrigued. Check out Spent Identity for a great mystery read. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 12, 2020 Ruthie Jones rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-book, lone-star-book-blog-tours

Spent Identity by Marlene M. Bell is quite the mystery, filled with an abundance of clues but few answers and even fewer leads as to who did what to whom. The reveal is slow and steady in this one but well worth the wait. Marlene knows how to keep the reader intrigued and turning the pages. If you think you are good at puzzling out mysteries early on, brace yourself because with Spent Identity, you have met your match.

When Annalisse Drury heads to the Walker Ranch to see her Aunt Kate, she has n Spent Identity by Marlene M. Bell is quite the mystery, filled with an abundance of clues but few answers and even fewer leads as to who did what to whom. The reveal is slow and steady in this one but well worth the wait. Marlene knows how to keep the reader intrigued and turning the pages. If you think you are good at puzzling out mysteries early on, brace yourself because with Spent Identity, you have met your match.

When Annalisse Drury heads to the Walker Ranch to see her Aunt Kate, she has no idea her world is about to be upended...again. Spent Identity follows Stolen Obsession (2018), but it can still be enjoyed as a standalone, even with the many references to events in book one. Both are thrilling adventures, so you will certainly want to read them both.

Annalisse's relationship with the handsome, wealthy Alec Zavos appears to be all but over, and she needs her Aunt Kate's pragmatism and sage advice. When Annalisse arrives at Walker Farm, she falls headlong into a murder mystery, followed almost immediately by Kate's disappearance. Foul play is definitely afoot. This mystery has so many twists, turns, and surprises that determining the identity of the culprit (or culprits) early on is virtually impossible. Suspects are coming out of the woodwork in droves. Who killed the mysterious dead guy in Aunt Kate's barn? Is the ranch hand and amateur sleuth, Ethan, a good guy or a bad guy? Why aren't Kate's adult children concerned about her disappearance? Can Annalisse and Alec salvage their relationship amidst yet another dangerous adventure?

But the big question on everyone's mind is where is Aunt Kate?

Marlene M. Bell spins quite the web of misadventures, strange phone calls, suspicious packages, compromised crime scenes, and more than one kidnapping. What makes this mystery so entertaining is the light dusting of romance between Alec and Annalisse and the comedic undertones that expand as the story progresses. Mix in several interesting characters (and I really do mean interesting) and a baffling mystery that will keep you guessing, and you're good to go. Spent Identity has all the necessary elements for an engaging afternoon (or evening) of unraveling a perplexing mystery and finding out just what happened to Aunt Kate. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 16, 2020 Christena rated it it was amazing

4.5 Stars

“All she’s missing is the space suit. That Seattle rain washed away what sense she had left.” Annalisse laughed.

Marlene M. Bell wove a fast-paced mystery story in the second Annalisse Series book. In Spent Identity the story begins with a dead man and then escalates to a missing person. It is a fast nonstop, a who-done-it thrill-ride story that has some romance, lots of family problems, and evils that I never saw coming.

Is the story far-fetched in an Alice in Wonderland kinda way? Defin ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 28, 2020 Jypsy rated it really liked it

Thank you Prism and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Spent Identity
Annalisse Series #2
By: Marlene M. Bell

*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟

How do you like your mysteries? Like boiling water or making a three tiered cake from scratch? As the crow flies or in a zigzag pattern all the way? In Spent Identity, author Marlene M. Bell is driving at top speed down the zigzag mountain road while throwing homemade cake out the window! Are you with me he ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 15, 2020 Linda rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-suspense-thriller, 2020

Spent Identity is the second book in the Annalisse series. It’s a stand alone although I would have preferred to have read book one first. I loved the setting in the Catskills in upper New York. The author does a great job of describing the big farm/ranch. I was hooked immediately when a decomposing body is found in the barn, and then Annalisse’s Aunt Kate goes missing. I struggled a bit with character confusion which I think would be remedied by reading book one first. The writing and twists an ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Aug 06, 2020 Shelly rated it really liked it

After the excitement that Annalisse and Alec faced in Stolen Obsession, I was curious where the new adventure would take them. The scenery is slightly less exotic; but nonetheless, the action makes up for staying stateside. Once Auntie Kate is missing, Annalisse faces another wild ride of chasing down leads and warding off people who put her in danger.

I was taken back a bit when Alec proposes so soon into the book and she refuses. I felt like it was a cold, odd rejection. She was heading to vis ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 02, 2019 Jo Dervan rated it liked it

Annalisse was a 30 year old woman working at a NYC art gallery where she met the owner’s wealthy veterinarian son, Alec. They dated seriously and while on vacation with his family on a yacht in Europe, his Dad was killed.

So Alec was forced to take over the running of his father’s sports car company. This left little time for a relationship and Annalisse decided to break off from Alec. So she drove up for a weekend to the farm where her Aunt Kate had raised her after the girl’s parents died tragi ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 02, 2020 Christine Jordan rated it really liked it

I received this book for an honest review. This is the second book in this series featuring Annalisse. This is a fantastic follow up to the first book - Stolen Obssession. It picks up a few months after the conclusion of the previous book. This book was another page turner as you go through what happened to Aunt Kate and what secrets are left to be told. Annalisse and Alec continue to work through their relationship in the world they live in with Alec's father now gone and Alec and the helm of t ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 09, 2019 Lesa rated it really liked it

The story and writing aren't bad and I mostly enjoyed reading this one. My one complaint: the author needs to learn how to reference events from previous books in way that is engaging to the reader. Every time a prior event was referenced in this book -- and there were a LOT of them -- I felt like I was at my boyfriend's work holiday party, where I don't know anyone that everyone is talking about. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 04, 2020 Truly Trendy PR added it

Spent Identity is the second book in the Annalisse Series by Marlene M. Bell. A romantic suspense that pulls you in from the beginning with of unexpected twists and turns. The characters are well-written and have creative backstories. Spent Identity is the kind of story that grabs your attention with mystery and intrigue that will leave you wanting more. **I received a complimentary copy from RABT Book Tours and the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.**

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 26, 2019 Annarella rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, romance, thriller, ngchallenge2019

A gripping and entertaining read. I liked the solid mystery that kept me guessing, the well thought cast of characters and the setting.
Even if it's the second in a series I had no issues with the characters or the plot.
I will surely read other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 20, 2019 Jackie rated it really liked it

Shelves: giveaways

I won this in a goodreads giveaway. It’s a decent book. I wish I’d read the first one first but this second one is very good. Thank you for the autograph!

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 10, 2020 BooksCoffee rated it it was amazing

This winning second installment in the Annalisse Series from Bell trails Annalisse Drury, 30-year-old antiquities expert who arrives at her childhood home and gets entangled into a murder investigation while her aunt goes missing.

Trying to get away from the miseries of her dwindling relationship with the business tycoon Alec Zavos, Annalisse Drury arrives at the family ranch to see Aunt Kate. After the body of a stranger turns up strangled to death in the barn, the police presence forces the wo ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 11, 2020 Roxann rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, goodreads-giveaway

From the cover: To find her missing aunt, she has to unearth the secrets of the past. But lies and deceit run through the very heart of their town… What started out as a promising relationship with adventurer and tycoon Alec Zavos has fizzled into an uncertain future for antiquities expert Annalisse Drury. Returning to Walker Farm in Upstate New York to see her Aunt Kate should have been a welcome homecoming and distraction. Instead, she finds the childhood home she expected to inherit is for sa ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 25, 2020 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction, mystery, romance, crime, suspense, intrigue

Annalisse Drury needs the fresh air and open places that her brownstone in Manhattan cannot provide. Luckily, she has the perfect outlet, the family farm she grew up on in Goshen. As a small child her parents died, so she came to live with her beloved Aunt Kate. Unfortunately, when she lived with them, Kate’s now dead husband and two obnoxious children reminded her constantly that she would never be a part of their family, no matter how much Kate cared and loved her.

When she arrives at the farm Annalisse Drury needs the fresh air and open places that her brownstone in Manhattan cannot provide. Luckily, she has the perfect outlet, the family farm she grew up on in Goshen. As a small child her parents died, so she came to live with her beloved Aunt Kate. Unfortunately, when she lived with them, Kate’s now dead husband and two obnoxious children reminded her constantly that she would never be a part of their family, no matter how much Kate cared and loved her.

When she arrives at the farm for the weekend, Annalisse realizes that something is bothering Kate. Annalisse finds a letter from Kate’s son stating he is selling the family farm out from under his mother. Heartbroken and furious, Annalisse vows to stop him. Unfortunately, when a dead body is found in the barn by the hired hand, they all must leave the farm per the sheriff until the investigation is complete. They head over to Annalisse’s boyfriend’s estate, which is fairly close to the farm. Kate disappears right after she and Annalisse arrive. Annalisse and Alec, her boyfriend, are soon on the hunt to find her missing aunt. Luckily, Alec is wealthy. He calls in a private investigator to assist in the search. Annalisse and Alec soon realize they are also in danger. Will they live to find Kate? Who is behind the killing and kidnapping? Are the two crimes related?

This fast-paced mystery combined with the slow burn of romance features a solid plot and interesting characters. Revenge is served up with a side of tension, twists and turns making readers fear for the outcome, all the while trying to figure out what would happen next. Ms. Bell serves up a surprising and satisfying ending that mystery lovers will adore.

Spent Identity is the second book in this series, but the first one I’ve read. In the first few chapters, the author summarizes the background needed to make sense of the relationships between the main characters. It works well as a stand-alone novel, I was not confused or lost. I recommend Spent Identity to everyone that loves mysteries, thrillers and a bit of romance.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Reedsy Discovery (https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/spe...) in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 15, 2020 Florence rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"Spent identity" is the second book of a series. I wished I read the first book, still it is not a necessity, there are many flashbacks, but I would recommend it. It was the first time in years that I got hooked by a thriller. I used to read so many books of that genre that I got bored, and could anticipate the story before reading. In Spent Identity, my guessing didn't work, and I got hooked by the plot. One of the reasons is that the characters are not perfect. I mean, they are perfect for the ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 23, 2020 L.S. rated it really liked it

Having listened to the first book (Stolen Obsession) in the series only recently, I was well and truly caught up in Annalisse's world. Book number two (Spent Identity) moved on effortlessly and paid homage to past events from the first book without regurgitating everything.

As before, this is jam-packed with details, subplots blend in well, and the story moves along at a great pace. It's one of those stories in which you have no chance of solving the puzzle yourself, as the culprit comes literal ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Apr 05, 2020 Kim Bakos rated it really liked it

Shelves: giveaways

I'll start by saying I didn't read the first book in this series. I think that is important because there is nothing more frustrating than picking up a book from a series and feeling lost because you are missing the info from the previous storylines. Although there were some references to the prior story that I didn't understand, it didn't detract from this story at all.
The romance between Alec and Annaliese is very sweet. He is certainly a romantic at heart. I love that their relationship isn' ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review