Review: Identity Unknown (Northern Border Patrol #5) by Terri Reed

Print Length: 224 pages

Publisher: Love Inspired (October 4, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: MISSING MEMORIES 

When a John Doe washes up on the shores of Calico Bay, no one knows who he is—including him. But one thing's instantly clear to deputy sheriff Audrey Martin: the man's marked for murder. And she's the only one who can protect him from the assassins who lurk at every turn. The arrival of a team of men claiming he's Canadian Border Services officer Nathanial Longhorn only further complicates the matter. As his memories slowly start drifting back, Nathanial's determined to work with Audrey to uncover who wants him dead and why. But he's tangled in something that threatens to submerge them both. And unless Audrey can help him figure out what, this Christmas might be their last.

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My Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Let me begin by saying that although this is book #5 in a series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. I have not read anything else from this series, and at no point did I feel like I missed anything by not reading any of the prior novels. 

I also want to point out (as I know this may not be everyone's cup of tea), but the character do pray together a few times, and there are some references to God laced within the story. 

That being said. This story felt so unrealistic for me that it was hard to get invested in any part of it. Having an main character with amnesia was an interesting twist that I enjoyed - and the writing was OK, but overall it just didn't gel. I don't want to give too much away, but the "strength" and "skill" of the characters I sometimes called into question. 

The romance between these two was also lacking - and that is what really killed it for me. It had to potential to be amazing - two people both hurt in the past and obviously attracted to each other expanding upon that attraction. Instead they consistently butt heads, never really figure out how to "work together" and then all of the sudden at the main event - they kiss and the hero  proclaims his love for her? That probably works for many readers, but I prefer to actually watch it build up and I didn't get that feeling. 

Overall, I do believe that this book may still appeal to some people, and I would give this author another chance. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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 Identity Unknown is available from Amazon.com