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She's Going to Pay
In a tense, twisting novel of domestic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy, a woman returns to her sleepy Missouri hometown and discovers her family’s grisly secrets . . .
Leaving Canton, Missouri, behind was no hardship for Jesse Hudson. When she was a teenager, her stepmother and stepsister abruptly disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Their bodies were never found, but Jesse’s father, Mac, became a murder suspect. When he too vanished, Jesse waited months for him to return. Finally, she left, bouncing from one bartending job to another for years.
Now Jesse is back, hoping to quickly sell her father’s old bar before moving on for good. But coming home to Canton’s quiet, cobblestone streets doesn’t go quite as expected. There are memories resurfacing, and ties that haven’t broken. Then her father’s lawyer makes a startling admission: before he disappeared, Mac had discovered that Jesse’s stepmother, Victoria, was living under an assumed name. “Victoria Hudson” never even existed. Who was she really?
Delving deeper, Jesse grows convinced that her father’s assumed death is tied to Victoria’s real identity. And looking to the past is yielding more than secrets. Someone has been waiting for this homecoming, for a chance to unleash revenge for sins real and imagined. And they’ll make sure that Jesse never leaves town again . . .
Leaving Canton, Missouri, behind was no hardship for Jesse Hudson. When she was a teenager, her stepmother and stepsister abruptly disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Their bodies were never found, but Jesse’s father, Mac, became a murder suspect. When he too vanished, Jesse waited months for him to return. Finally, she left, bouncing from one bartending job to another for years.
Now Jesse is back, hoping to quickly sell her father’s old bar before moving on for good. But coming home to Canton’s quiet, cobblestone streets doesn’t go quite as expected. There are memories resurfacing, and ties that haven’t broken. Then her father’s lawyer makes a startling admission: before he disappeared, Mac had discovered that Jesse’s stepmother, Victoria, was living under an assumed name. “Victoria Hudson” never even existed. Who was she really?
Delving deeper, Jesse grows convinced that her father’s assumed death is tied to Victoria’s real identity. And looking to the past is yielding more than secrets. Someone has been waiting for this homecoming, for a chance to unleash revenge for sins real and imagined. And they’ll make sure that Jesse never leaves town again . . .
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2025
76 people are currently reading
18065 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Ivy
142 books5,188 followersI'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
--From authors website--
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
--From authors website--
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
October 20, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining romantic suspense novel. It is fast paced with a likable female protagonist, murder, mystery, twists and turns and an unexpected conclusion. Many thanks to Kensington Books, from whom I won a paperback copy of this fantastic novel as a member of their Between the Chapters book club. This is my honest opinion.
October 16, 2025
To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. I have read several Alexandra Ivy Romantic-Suspense books and enjoyed them all. This one was just not worthy of her talent. When I picked this book, I expected another Romantic-Suspense: It's not. This is a mystery and a rather boring one at that. I do understand how someone can get stuck after a tragic event but letting that tragic event control your life - that isn't my favorite trope. I nailed the baddie. The only thing that kept me reading was to see if I was right. I was.
When her stepmother and stepsister disappeared, Jesse Hudson's dad was accused of their murder. But with no bodies and no evidence he was released only to disappear himself. Nine years later Jesse is back in small town Canton, Missouri to close out that chapter in her life and move finally move on.
The bar with the upstairs living quarters is the only home Jesse has ever had. The memories are tough to handle, especially those after her dad remarried and Victoria changed everything, regulating Jesse to the shadows of her own life. The arguments were brutal and finally Victoria and Tegan left only they didn't get far before their car crashed and they vanished.
Now Jesse is back, but there is someone who isn't happy about that. All Jesse wants to do is sell the bar, but the longer she stays the more questions she has about who Victoria and Tegan really were and what really happened to them. Picking away at this question is opening Jesse up for more than she ever expected.
2 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
When her stepmother and stepsister disappeared, Jesse Hudson's dad was accused of their murder. But with no bodies and no evidence he was released only to disappear himself. Nine years later Jesse is back in small town Canton, Missouri to close out that chapter in her life and move finally move on.
The bar with the upstairs living quarters is the only home Jesse has ever had. The memories are tough to handle, especially those after her dad remarried and Victoria changed everything, regulating Jesse to the shadows of her own life. The arguments were brutal and finally Victoria and Tegan left only they didn't get far before their car crashed and they vanished.
Now Jesse is back, but there is someone who isn't happy about that. All Jesse wants to do is sell the bar, but the longer she stays the more questions she has about who Victoria and Tegan really were and what really happened to them. Picking away at this question is opening Jesse up for more than she ever expected.
2 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
October 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book, it’s filled with suspense. It has you constantly suspecting every character of being malicious.
Jesse grew up in Canton, Missouri. Her dad Mac owed the local bar The Tap Room. One night Jesse’s dad and stepmom, Victoria, had a huge fight, her stepmom left and took her own daughter with her. Later Victoria’s car is found, but both Victoria and stepsister are nowhere to be found. Mac was arrested under the suspicion of murdering his wife and stepdaughter. However, with no bodies or proof the case was thrown out. Jesse went home to wait for her dad to come home from the courthouse. When he never returned home, she became very worried. Years later, Jesse returned back to Canton to put her affairs in order and face her past. She can’t help but search for answers she never got. What happened to her stepmom and stepsister? Where is her Dad?
How far would you go to find out the truth?
Happy Reading!
Crystal E.
@booked_in_mississippi
Jesse grew up in Canton, Missouri. Her dad Mac owed the local bar The Tap Room. One night Jesse’s dad and stepmom, Victoria, had a huge fight, her stepmom left and took her own daughter with her. Later Victoria’s car is found, but both Victoria and stepsister are nowhere to be found. Mac was arrested under the suspicion of murdering his wife and stepdaughter. However, with no bodies or proof the case was thrown out. Jesse went home to wait for her dad to come home from the courthouse. When he never returned home, she became very worried. Years later, Jesse returned back to Canton to put her affairs in order and face her past. She can’t help but search for answers she never got. What happened to her stepmom and stepsister? Where is her Dad?
How far would you go to find out the truth?
Happy Reading!
Crystal E.
@booked_in_mississippi
December 9, 2025
i fear that this was incredibly boring. we spend SO MUCH TIME doing mundane nothingness. this is not thrilling and not romantic. i only finished because i had slight curiosity. i also fear that our main character is an idiot the entire time, and her whole personality is being not like other girls.
**thank you to Kensington for the ARC copy**
**thank you to Kensington for the ARC copy**
October 27, 2025
Thank you to Kensington for the ARC!
3.5 stars
What to expect:
➳ Thriller
➳ Missing persons
➳ Fake identities
➳ Big twists
Description
She's Going to Pay follows Jesse, who has been drifting from place to place ever since her stepmother and stepsister, and later her father, went missing when she was a teenager. 11 years after their disappearance, Jesse returns home to sell her father's house and bar but quickly falls back into the mystery of what happened to her father and begins to ask herself, who was her stepmother?
Honestly this was a pretty good read. It was very engaging and I never found myself getting bored. Jesse had a great POV - she was grounded in reality, but knew when to question when something wasn't adding up. It was very refreshing to have a character simultaneously question themselves while still sticking to their guns.
The actual mystery was also very engaging! I honestly had no clue what the real story was until the very end. The author did a great job about sewing distrust for multiple different characters and I had no idea who was telling the truth. The atmosphere was a little spooky and a little eerie - and that's hard to pull off!
The only real negative, and the reason it is 3.5-stars and not 4, is because I found the twist to be a bit inelegant. With a lot of these whodunnit-type mysteries, the ending can feel a little rushed or the explanation a little too convenient. While a villain monologue might be great for exposition-purposes, it can feel corny and implausible.
Despite that, this was a pretty interesting read and I would recommend it for anyone looking for an engaging thriller!
3.5 stars
What to expect:
➳ Thriller
➳ Missing persons
➳ Fake identities
➳ Big twists
Description
She's Going to Pay follows Jesse, who has been drifting from place to place ever since her stepmother and stepsister, and later her father, went missing when she was a teenager. 11 years after their disappearance, Jesse returns home to sell her father's house and bar but quickly falls back into the mystery of what happened to her father and begins to ask herself, who was her stepmother?
Honestly this was a pretty good read. It was very engaging and I never found myself getting bored. Jesse had a great POV - she was grounded in reality, but knew when to question when something wasn't adding up. It was very refreshing to have a character simultaneously question themselves while still sticking to their guns.
The actual mystery was also very engaging! I honestly had no clue what the real story was until the very end. The author did a great job about sewing distrust for multiple different characters and I had no idea who was telling the truth. The atmosphere was a little spooky and a little eerie - and that's hard to pull off!
The only real negative, and the reason it is 3.5-stars and not 4, is because I found the twist to be a bit inelegant. With a lot of these whodunnit-type mysteries, the ending can feel a little rushed or the explanation a little too convenient. While a villain monologue might be great for exposition-purposes, it can feel corny and implausible.
Despite that, this was a pretty interesting read and I would recommend it for anyone looking for an engaging thriller!
October 22, 2025
This was an okay thriller, nothing truly memorable or outstanding. I was honestly a bit bored at times.
Thank you to Hambright PR for the e-ARC copy.
Thank you to Hambright PR for the e-ARC copy.
May 26, 2025
Nine years ago, Jesse Hudson left Canton, Missouri after her father disappeared. Her dad owned and ran a bar called the Tap Room. He married Victoria who had a daughter, Teagan, who was a couple of years younger than Jesse. A couple of years later, Victoria and Teagan disappear and Jesse’s dad Mac is arrested for their murder. When the charges are finally dropped and he is let out of prison, he never makes it home. Now Jesse is back to declare her father dead and to sell the bar. The bar needs a little work so she hires an old friend to do the work. Jesse also is trying to figure out what happened the night Victoria left and then when her dad didn’t come home. Strange things are happening and someone is trying to scare her out of town. When the pieces start falling in place, Jesse is knocked out and put in a boathouse and she’s about to learn everything.
I honestly almost stopped reading this book. I’m not a fan of stories that have only one point of view. But I had to find out what happened. So I kept reading. I was shocked at the villain. Didn’t care for the ending. There is no happily ever after. No steam. Secrets and Mystery.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
I honestly almost stopped reading this book. I’m not a fan of stories that have only one point of view. But I had to find out what happened. So I kept reading. I was shocked at the villain. Didn’t care for the ending. There is no happily ever after. No steam. Secrets and Mystery.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
December 7, 2025
Holy twists and turns Batman! I was hooked, this thriller had me guessing until the very end, too.
Jesse Hudson has not had an easy time. Losing her mom early in her childhood, she was raised by a devoted father in the small town of Canton, Missouri. She was happy, content, and thought she knew what her future held. After her stepmother mysteriously vanishes, and her father is held on murder charges, does she realize everything is going to change. When her father goes missing the night the charges are dismissed, it takes her 9 years to come back home and sort through the wreckage of her old life and find out what happened.
I ate this book up. Single day read, I could not put it down. I wanted to know… no. I HAD to know what was going to happen. There were so many twists and turns, I was dizzy by the end! It wrapped up beautifully and all the breadcrumbs Alexandra Ivy dropped were RIGHT THERE. She fooled my overactive ADHD brain and had me guessing. I loved it! Definitely pick this one up if you need a high adrenaline thriller with a fantastic ending!
Huge thank you to Hambright PR and Alexandra Ivy for the opportunity to read this twisty thriller. All opinions are my own.
#HPRShesGoingtoPay
#AlexandraIvy
#HambrightPR
Jesse Hudson has not had an easy time. Losing her mom early in her childhood, she was raised by a devoted father in the small town of Canton, Missouri. She was happy, content, and thought she knew what her future held. After her stepmother mysteriously vanishes, and her father is held on murder charges, does she realize everything is going to change. When her father goes missing the night the charges are dismissed, it takes her 9 years to come back home and sort through the wreckage of her old life and find out what happened.
I ate this book up. Single day read, I could not put it down. I wanted to know… no. I HAD to know what was going to happen. There were so many twists and turns, I was dizzy by the end! It wrapped up beautifully and all the breadcrumbs Alexandra Ivy dropped were RIGHT THERE. She fooled my overactive ADHD brain and had me guessing. I loved it! Definitely pick this one up if you need a high adrenaline thriller with a fantastic ending!
Huge thank you to Hambright PR and Alexandra Ivy for the opportunity to read this twisty thriller. All opinions are my own.
#HPRShesGoingtoPay
#AlexandraIvy
#HambrightPR
February 14, 2026
This suspenseful ride follows Jesse as she returns to her hometown years after her father was accused (and cleared) of murdering his wife and stepdaughter… only to disappear himself. With no bodies, no answers, and a whole town full of whispers, Jesse is left to untangle a mystery that never truly went away.
I loved how the story kept me second-guessing everything. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another layer peeled back. The pacing steadily builds, and the tension lingers in that quiet, uneasy way that makes you suspicious of every conversation.
Jesse’s emotional journey added depth to the twists, this book wasn’t just about solving a crime, but about confronting the past, grief, and the complicated truths about family and trust.
While I did guess a couple elements before the final reveal, the overall unraveling was satisfying and kept me hooked until the end.
![Profile Image for Samantha✨ [reads everythinggggg].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1753198950i%2F154238456._UY200_CR67%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 15, 2026
I received She’s Going To Pay by Alexandra Ivy as an ARC giveaway from Kensington Publishing. Thrillers are my thing, so of course I was overly excited to dive into this one!
From the very beginning, I kept waiting for something big to happen — and even halfway through, I was still anticipating that moment. That’s kind of where I found myself for most of the book. However, while I was waiting, I really enjoyed the backstory and getting to know Jesse, as well as everything leading up to what turned out to be a crazy twist!
The whole time, I felt like I was right there with Jesse, trying to piece together what actually happened. There wasn’t just one mystery — there were quite a few, and as the story went on, they just kept stacking up!
I did figure out some of it before the big reveal, but it was still such a twisty and satisfying “ta-da!” moment when everything came together. And since I didn’t guess all of it, I was still totally surprised. And that really big twist at the end?! WOW!
Overall, I thought this was a good thriller — very suspenseful, full of surprises, and it seriously kept me guessing. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by this author!
From the very beginning, I kept waiting for something big to happen — and even halfway through, I was still anticipating that moment. That’s kind of where I found myself for most of the book. However, while I was waiting, I really enjoyed the backstory and getting to know Jesse, as well as everything leading up to what turned out to be a crazy twist!
The whole time, I felt like I was right there with Jesse, trying to piece together what actually happened. There wasn’t just one mystery — there were quite a few, and as the story went on, they just kept stacking up!
I did figure out some of it before the big reveal, but it was still such a twisty and satisfying “ta-da!” moment when everything came together. And since I didn’t guess all of it, I was still totally surprised. And that really big twist at the end?! WOW!
Overall, I thought this was a good thriller — very suspenseful, full of surprises, and it seriously kept me guessing. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by this author!
August 29, 2025
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Kensington Books for choosing me.
This is the first time I have read a book by Alexandra Ivy and won't be my last. Her writing style is amazing. The story she wove was interesting from beginning to end.
Jesse is a strong female character. She's determined and focused. My heart broke for her, but I also cheered her on. I didn't unravel all of it on my own, but I did suspect and connect one part of the puzzle. The eerie feeling kept coming back repeatedly, and I just knew. I was not expecting the twist towards the end, but it absolutely makes sense.
I had a great time trying to figure out the mystery and am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Alexandra Ivy.
This is the first time I have read a book by Alexandra Ivy and won't be my last. Her writing style is amazing. The story she wove was interesting from beginning to end.
Jesse is a strong female character. She's determined and focused. My heart broke for her, but I also cheered her on. I didn't unravel all of it on my own, but I did suspect and connect one part of the puzzle. The eerie feeling kept coming back repeatedly, and I just knew. I was not expecting the twist towards the end, but it absolutely makes sense.
I had a great time trying to figure out the mystery and am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Alexandra Ivy.
October 30, 2025
Author Alexander Ivy takes readers on a winding journey, in which we, along with Jesse, attempt to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance. As she does this, it’s like peeling an onion. So many other things come to the surface—many raise further questions that she must become a detective herself and start digging for answers. Then, once you think you have all the missing pieces, there’s more.
Jesse learns a great deal about herself and trust when she returns home to her town.
I enjoyed She’s Going to Pay for all the twists and surprises. Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Author Alexandra IVY for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jesse learns a great deal about herself and trust when she returns home to her town.
I enjoyed She’s Going to Pay for all the twists and surprises. Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Author Alexandra IVY for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2025
This bring you on journey with Jesse after running for 10 years, she returns home to declare her dad dead after disappearing after winning his court hearing. Only things start falling into her lap to discover what really happened the night her step mom and step sister disappeared and her father was accused of murdering them. Not only that but it feels like her father is haunting her.
This book had several twists that will keep you engaged up until the end . It'll keep you guessing and thinking everyone is a suspect.
This book had several twists that will keep you engaged up until the end . It'll keep you guessing and thinking everyone is a suspect.
September 16, 2025
Release: Oct 28, 2025
Author: Alexandra Ivy
Publisher: Kensington
Rating: 3.5 ★
In this gripping domestic suspense story, Jesse Hudson returns to her small hometown of Canton, Missouri, after years away. She left behind a painful past—her stepmother and stepsister mysteriously vanished when she was a teen, and her father, suspected of their murders, disappeared soon after. Now, Jesse's back just to sell her father’s old bar and move on, but things don’t go as planned.
Old memories surface, and Jesse starts digging into what really happened all those years ago. When her father’s lawyer reveals that her stepmother was living under a fake name, Jesse realizes there was a lot more going on than she ever knew. As she searches for the truth, it becomes clear someone in town doesn’t want the past uncovered—and they’ll stop at nothing to keep Jesse from leaving again.
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter! The mystery is layered, fast-paced, and full of questions that kept spinning in my mind: Did Jesse’s stepmother and stepsister really vanish—or fake their deaths? Was Jesse’s dad guilty, or did he uncover something so dangerous that he had to disappear too? And most importantly, who in this town is hiding the truth?
Jesse returns to her hometown after nearly a decade, intending to declare her father legally dead and sell the family bar. But the quiet town of Canton isn’t so quiet anymore. Strange things start happening, secrets from the past creep back up, and Jesse quickly finds herself caught in a web of lies, betrayals, and danger. I loved the eerie small-town atmosphere and the slow unspooling of the mystery. There were definitely a few twists I didn’t see coming.
While Jesse isn’t the most street-smart character—some of her decisions had me shaking my head—she was determined and believable, and I found myself rooting for her to uncover the truth. The single POV worked well in keeping the tension high, though I did wish we got deeper insight into some of the other characters. The ending wasn’t your typical wrapped-up-with-a-bow conclusion, but it suited the story’s tone.
If you’re into domestic thrillers with buried secrets, missing people, and plenty of suspense, this one’s worth picking up. Alexandra Ivy kept me guessing until the end—and now I’m definitely checking out more of her books!
Favorite quote:
"Even if there was such a thing as a half-price sale at the local Ming outlet shop, she would have to work ten lifetimes to make up such a sum. Always supposing that it wasn't one of a kind."
Author: Alexandra Ivy
Publisher: Kensington
Rating: 3.5 ★
In this gripping domestic suspense story, Jesse Hudson returns to her small hometown of Canton, Missouri, after years away. She left behind a painful past—her stepmother and stepsister mysteriously vanished when she was a teen, and her father, suspected of their murders, disappeared soon after. Now, Jesse's back just to sell her father’s old bar and move on, but things don’t go as planned.
Old memories surface, and Jesse starts digging into what really happened all those years ago. When her father’s lawyer reveals that her stepmother was living under a fake name, Jesse realizes there was a lot more going on than she ever knew. As she searches for the truth, it becomes clear someone in town doesn’t want the past uncovered—and they’ll stop at nothing to keep Jesse from leaving again.
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter! The mystery is layered, fast-paced, and full of questions that kept spinning in my mind: Did Jesse’s stepmother and stepsister really vanish—or fake their deaths? Was Jesse’s dad guilty, or did he uncover something so dangerous that he had to disappear too? And most importantly, who in this town is hiding the truth?
Jesse returns to her hometown after nearly a decade, intending to declare her father legally dead and sell the family bar. But the quiet town of Canton isn’t so quiet anymore. Strange things start happening, secrets from the past creep back up, and Jesse quickly finds herself caught in a web of lies, betrayals, and danger. I loved the eerie small-town atmosphere and the slow unspooling of the mystery. There were definitely a few twists I didn’t see coming.
While Jesse isn’t the most street-smart character—some of her decisions had me shaking my head—she was determined and believable, and I found myself rooting for her to uncover the truth. The single POV worked well in keeping the tension high, though I did wish we got deeper insight into some of the other characters. The ending wasn’t your typical wrapped-up-with-a-bow conclusion, but it suited the story’s tone.
If you’re into domestic thrillers with buried secrets, missing people, and plenty of suspense, this one’s worth picking up. Alexandra Ivy kept me guessing until the end—and now I’m definitely checking out more of her books!
Favorite quote:
"Even if there was such a thing as a half-price sale at the local Ming outlet shop, she would have to work ten lifetimes to make up such a sum. Always supposing that it wasn't one of a kind."
Read
October 22, 2025I have officially succumbed to the season of the spooks and have entered my thriller girly era, so when I was presented with the opportunity to read a new, thrilling romantic suspense, I immediately snatched it up. She’s Going to Pay is my very first novel by Alexandra Ivy and it won’t be my last.
She’s Going to Pay is the perfect starter for girlies just dipping their toes into the thriller/suspense genre. Although fairly predictable, it kept me engaged the entire time, and I looked forward to the ending when I learned whether or not my hunches were correct. Alexandra Ivy did a great job creating just enough mystery and motive around each character that they all became suspects, packing enough intrigue into the story to drive the plot forward at a good pace. And, while we all know I’m a romance babe at heart, I was actually happy that the romance was not the main driving force. GASP! I KNOW! I was more invested in the mystery, the disappearances, the threats, than I was in the romance, which was a nice change of pace. She’s Going to Pay was an entertaining read, for sure!
*Thank you to @hambright_pr for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own!
She’s Going to Pay is the perfect starter for girlies just dipping their toes into the thriller/suspense genre. Although fairly predictable, it kept me engaged the entire time, and I looked forward to the ending when I learned whether or not my hunches were correct. Alexandra Ivy did a great job creating just enough mystery and motive around each character that they all became suspects, packing enough intrigue into the story to drive the plot forward at a good pace. And, while we all know I’m a romance babe at heart, I was actually happy that the romance was not the main driving force. GASP! I KNOW! I was more invested in the mystery, the disappearances, the threats, than I was in the romance, which was a nice change of pace. She’s Going to Pay was an entertaining read, for sure!
*Thank you to @hambright_pr for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own!
November 2, 2025
Date : 1st November 2025
Book : She’s Going To Pay
Author : Alexandra Ivy
Genre : Thriller / Mystery
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the story of Jesse, who had gone through a pretty rough tragedy many years ago where her dad was taken into custody after being accused of murdering her stepmother and step sister. But he then was released after a murder trial due to no evidence of the missing bodies…except he never came home. Yup, he just disappeared.
Years later, after Jesse had left Canton, Missouri, she finds herself coming back home to help sell her father’s bar so she can move to Chicago. But the longer she stays there, she’s digging into things and noticing that she doesn’t really know much of this stepmother of hers and finds out someone is not too happy with her being back home.
It’s definitely an engaging and fast paced read with suspense but I’m not sure I am satisfied with the ending as I felt it was pretty much rushed. However I would still recommend it to those who loves a good mystery.
#shesgoingtopay #alexandraivy #thriller #mystery #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookstagram #books #bookreviews #bookrec #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #arcread #arcreviewer #booksofinstagram
Book : She’s Going To Pay
Author : Alexandra Ivy
Genre : Thriller / Mystery
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the story of Jesse, who had gone through a pretty rough tragedy many years ago where her dad was taken into custody after being accused of murdering her stepmother and step sister. But he then was released after a murder trial due to no evidence of the missing bodies…except he never came home. Yup, he just disappeared.
Years later, after Jesse had left Canton, Missouri, she finds herself coming back home to help sell her father’s bar so she can move to Chicago. But the longer she stays there, she’s digging into things and noticing that she doesn’t really know much of this stepmother of hers and finds out someone is not too happy with her being back home.
It’s definitely an engaging and fast paced read with suspense but I’m not sure I am satisfied with the ending as I felt it was pretty much rushed. However I would still recommend it to those who loves a good mystery.
#shesgoingtopay #alexandraivy #thriller #mystery #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookstagram #books #bookreviews #bookrec #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #arcread #arcreviewer #booksofinstagram
December 4, 2025
Jesse Hudson left her hometown of Canton, Missouri, nine years ago. There is unfinished business in Canton. Now living in Chicago, she has been slowly building a life with Parker Moreau for the past six months. Parker encouraged Jesse to confront these unresolved issues in Canton, as doing so could provide them with the funds they need to realize their dreams. However, sometimes the reasons for leaving and the reasons for returning are so intertwined that it's hard to unravel the tangled web. Jesse understands that the only way to move forward and find peace of mind is to finally address the lingering questions from her past.
I was drawn to Jesse from the very first pages set in her hometown in 2016. As the story fast-forwarded to 2025, I became even more invested in hoping her future would be filled with dreams coming true.
There is nothing more exhilarating for a reader who enjoys thrillers for their suspense, spine-tingling moments, and a tangled web that becomes more intricate with every chapter. Then there are the chapters where the web felt so tight that I wasn't sure what the author had in mind. Was this a storyline that would end in a cliffhanger and be left to the reader's decision? Or was this a storyline with a web that would be unraveled and an epilogue chapter? I found myself thinking, "Author, help! I'm running out of pages here." Just when I thought I knew what was coming next, I was proven wrong. Alexandra Ivy, you delivered an exquisite twist!
So, fellow readers, if you love thrillers, this book is a must-read! Just add it to your holiday wish list and prepare for an unforgettable ride.
I selected this title from the December selections for the 2025 BTC Reading Challenge. I'm eager to read more of the author's books.
I was drawn to Jesse from the very first pages set in her hometown in 2016. As the story fast-forwarded to 2025, I became even more invested in hoping her future would be filled with dreams coming true.
There is nothing more exhilarating for a reader who enjoys thrillers for their suspense, spine-tingling moments, and a tangled web that becomes more intricate with every chapter. Then there are the chapters where the web felt so tight that I wasn't sure what the author had in mind. Was this a storyline that would end in a cliffhanger and be left to the reader's decision? Or was this a storyline with a web that would be unraveled and an epilogue chapter? I found myself thinking, "Author, help! I'm running out of pages here." Just when I thought I knew what was coming next, I was proven wrong. Alexandra Ivy, you delivered an exquisite twist!
So, fellow readers, if you love thrillers, this book is a must-read! Just add it to your holiday wish list and prepare for an unforgettable ride.
I selected this title from the December selections for the 2025 BTC Reading Challenge. I'm eager to read more of the author's books.
October 29, 2025
SHE’S GOING TO PAY by @alexandra.ivy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jesse has returned to her hometown nine years after her father disappeared. He had just been found innocent of harming his wife & stepdaughter, and almost as soon as court was adjourned… he had slipped into thin air. Now Jesse has returned to declare him deceased to sell the family business, but at the same time can’t help but try to solve the two cases.
fullllll of tension & suspense, this book had me on the edge of my seat trying to solve the mystery! add in a touch of romantic suspense & it was the perfect mystery! definitely add this one to your shelf especially if you love small town mysteries, missing persons, and a bit of tension.
thanks to @kensingtonbooks + @hambright_pr for my gifted copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jesse has returned to her hometown nine years after her father disappeared. He had just been found innocent of harming his wife & stepdaughter, and almost as soon as court was adjourned… he had slipped into thin air. Now Jesse has returned to declare him deceased to sell the family business, but at the same time can’t help but try to solve the two cases.
fullllll of tension & suspense, this book had me on the edge of my seat trying to solve the mystery! add in a touch of romantic suspense & it was the perfect mystery! definitely add this one to your shelf especially if you love small town mysteries, missing persons, and a bit of tension.
thanks to @kensingtonbooks + @hambright_pr for my gifted copy!
November 15, 2025
This is one of those books that you sit down to read a few chapters and before you know it a few hours have gone by. Jesse had returned to her home town years after her father disappeared to wrap up his estate…but things are not cut and dry and his lawyer shares a shocking secret. Oh and did I mention her father was not her only family member to go mysteriously missing…
The author definitely kept me guessing as secrets and lies and memories were revealed. We get a great sense of tension as Jesse tries to find answers. While I figured out part of what happened, there was a twist I never saw coming!!
✨ What To Expect:
⁉️ Thriller / Suspense
🔍 Family Secrets
🏡 Returning to Hometown
🕵️ Disappearance/Mystery
🪞 Hidden Identity
⚖️ Suspicion & Lies
⏳ Past Comes Back
⏰ Dual Timelines
The author definitely kept me guessing as secrets and lies and memories were revealed. We get a great sense of tension as Jesse tries to find answers. While I figured out part of what happened, there was a twist I never saw coming!!
✨ What To Expect:
⁉️ Thriller / Suspense
🔍 Family Secrets
🏡 Returning to Hometown
🕵️ Disappearance/Mystery
🪞 Hidden Identity
⚖️ Suspicion & Lies
⏳ Past Comes Back
⏰ Dual Timelines
October 28, 2025
4.5 She’s Going To Pay Stars 🌟
She’s going to pay is a standalone thriller suspense set in a small town called Canton. Jesse and her father run the local bar 🥃, when her father is arrested after his second wife and stepdaughter disappear. Her dad disappears months later and Jesse leaves town as well, all in the hopes that he’s still alive and out there enjoying life.
Fast forward nine years later and Jesse is once again back in Canton, looking at fixing up her dad’s bar which he left her, to sell the bar. But once she gets home, she realises that she wants closure and she soon starts investigating exactly what happened to her stepmother and stepsister and then her father. The answers will blow your mind🙌
I enjoyed this story but definitely wish the ending was slightly different🤷♀️ I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review.
She’s going to pay is a standalone thriller suspense set in a small town called Canton. Jesse and her father run the local bar 🥃, when her father is arrested after his second wife and stepdaughter disappear. Her dad disappears months later and Jesse leaves town as well, all in the hopes that he’s still alive and out there enjoying life.
Fast forward nine years later and Jesse is once again back in Canton, looking at fixing up her dad’s bar which he left her, to sell the bar. But once she gets home, she realises that she wants closure and she soon starts investigating exactly what happened to her stepmother and stepsister and then her father. The answers will blow your mind🙌
I enjoyed this story but definitely wish the ending was slightly different🤷♀️ I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review.
October 28, 2025
Jesse has gone back to her hometown to sell her Fathers bar. The trip is very emotional for her. Her Father was accused of murdering his wife and her daughter, but in the end was released. The day he was released he disappeared and now years later she has to face the fact he is probably dead. The book is full of suspense with a surprise twist at the end of the book. I didn’t understand some of the decisions the main character made but I will enjoyed the book. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
January 30, 2026
I won this novel through the Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this story. It had it's mystery and suspense as Jesse tries to find out what really happened to her father and stepmother and stepsister. Even though there were the over the top and a bit farfetched moments this was a fun read and I was with Jesse on her journey to find out what happened while she was back in her small hometown and how it all impacted her. I will definitely read another of Ivy's books.
January 26, 2026
ok so first off NOT A ROMANCE like I expected from my experience with Ms. Ivy which annoyed me because I needed some romance today but whatever... other than that it was a very twisty turny mystery and the unsolved cases went right to the very end and I honestly did not see the final reveal coming. just wish I'd gotten my expected romance (seriously Noah needed some Love!) I'll be reading these classifications a bit closer from now on now that I know she's get tricky in her writing
November 16, 2025
Lots of twists and turns on this one. Just when I thought I guessed it, then thought I was wrong, then turned out I was more right than I knew.
November 17, 2025
Whoever suggested this to me was spot on! One of the very few books where I’ve actually been surprised. It’s rare I don’t solve it before the end of the book, but this one I didn’t.
December 25, 2025
I usually can guess the ending of thrillers, but this I had no idea was coming. And once I thought I understood, even more was dropped on me!!
December 4, 2025
This book was a dud. I didn’t find it suspenseful and definitely not a thriller. I didn’t care for the main character and there was so much clutter in the plot. The ending was eh. I honestly wish I had DNF it, but I’m participating in a challenge and needed to read and review it. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator wasn’t that great either, but she didn’t have good material provided to her either.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2025
Who doesn't love mystery ? Well Jesse for one as not only did her stepmother Victoria and step sister Tegan disappear but a short time later so did Mac her dad ! Now some year's later she's back to finally sell her old home and buy a new one with the man she loves . Trouble is as Jesse starts sorting through her dad's belongings odd things happen and it all looks as if he wasn't really married to Victoria ! The more Jesse digs into the past the more she begins to think that Victoria was hiding something but what and just where is Mac ?
This kept me guessing and yes I had an idea but truly there are some fabulous twists and revelations at the end. Quite a slow pace if I'm going to be blunt but it enabled the reader to follow along with what Jesse was going through. There's a red herring to try to confuse the issue but I most definitely did not work it all out as more than one character had motivations that were very surprising. Maybe not one for those who like a strong romantic story but nevertheless I found this to be an entertaining read.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy
This kept me guessing and yes I had an idea but truly there are some fabulous twists and revelations at the end. Quite a slow pace if I'm going to be blunt but it enabled the reader to follow along with what Jesse was going through. There's a red herring to try to confuse the issue but I most definitely did not work it all out as more than one character had motivations that were very surprising. Maybe not one for those who like a strong romantic story but nevertheless I found this to be an entertaining read.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy
November 7, 2025
Thank you to Hambright PR and Alexandra Ivy for the ARC!
Jesse returns home after years away, hoping to settle her father’s estate, sell his bar and finally put the past behind her. But while she is hoping for a quick and painless visit, things don’t go quite as planned.
Twisty and filled with secrets, “She’s Going to Pay” is exactly what I look for in a thriller! The sense of foreboding, something around the corner or not knowing what is going to happen next, had me fully invested. I loved the small town setting, and Jesse trying to make peace with the past while leaving it behind her. Add in the family secrets, several twists and you’ve got a very entertaining thriller!
“She’s Going to Pay” is out now. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Jesse returns home after years away, hoping to settle her father’s estate, sell his bar and finally put the past behind her. But while she is hoping for a quick and painless visit, things don’t go quite as planned.
Twisty and filled with secrets, “She’s Going to Pay” is exactly what I look for in a thriller! The sense of foreboding, something around the corner or not knowing what is going to happen next, had me fully invested. I loved the small town setting, and Jesse trying to make peace with the past while leaving it behind her. Add in the family secrets, several twists and you’ve got a very entertaining thriller!
“She’s Going to Pay” is out now. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
October 7, 2025
I won a copy of She’s Going To Pay by Alexandra Ivy from a Goodreads Giveaway and I wasted no time cracking open the book and diving right in. I’m glad I did. I was immediately drawn into this twisty, unpredictable mystery. We have lots of danger and a sprinkle of romance.
The characters, well, some were easy to get to know and others were a total shock to me. We have lies, secrets, betrayals. And…just when you think you know someone….SURPRISE! Think again.
I love an author who can surprise me, and Alexandra Ivy did that with a book that keeps on giving until the very end. At times, I thought….this is the end. But, wait. There’s more. At times, I thought I knew what was coming next, but Alexandra Ivy doesn’t make it that easy. I do love a book that keeps on giving and I was left with a smile on my face when all was said and done.
I can’t believe that She’s Going To Pay by Alexandra Ivy is my first book of hers. but it won’t be my last. She is a prolific author and while I was checking her out further, I see that has many scrumptious books that are my target reading.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
The characters, well, some were easy to get to know and others were a total shock to me. We have lies, secrets, betrayals. And…just when you think you know someone….SURPRISE! Think again.
I love an author who can surprise me, and Alexandra Ivy did that with a book that keeps on giving until the very end. At times, I thought….this is the end. But, wait. There’s more. At times, I thought I knew what was coming next, but Alexandra Ivy doesn’t make it that easy. I do love a book that keeps on giving and I was left with a smile on my face when all was said and done.
I can’t believe that She’s Going To Pay by Alexandra Ivy is my first book of hers. but it won’t be my last. She is a prolific author and while I was checking her out further, I see that has many scrumptious books that are my target reading.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
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