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Missing Ivy #1
Missing Ivy
For three years, Nathan Reign has been trapped in the same moment—the one that took everything from him.
While the world moved on, he didn’t.
He built his life around one purpose: finding the truth.
Then Ella steps into his world.
She’s light where he’s dark. Warm where he’s guarded.
And somehow, she makes him feel something he refuses to allow.
But Nathan isn’t a man you fall for without consequences.
Because the deeper Ella gets, the more she realizes… he’s not just searching for answers.
He’s consumed by them.
And when the truth finally surfaces, it won’t just change his life—it will force him to choose between the past that owns him… and the one person who could finally set him free.
A gripping romantic suspense novel about love, loss, and the moments that change everything
While the world moved on, he didn’t.
He built his life around one purpose: finding the truth.
Then Ella steps into his world.
She’s light where he’s dark. Warm where he’s guarded.
And somehow, she makes him feel something he refuses to allow.
But Nathan isn’t a man you fall for without consequences.
Because the deeper Ella gets, the more she realizes… he’s not just searching for answers.
He’s consumed by them.
And when the truth finally surfaces, it won’t just change his life—it will force him to choose between the past that owns him… and the one person who could finally set him free.
A gripping romantic suspense novel about love, loss, and the moments that change everything
- GenresRomance
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
Nick Bateman
1 book17 followersNick Bateman is an actor, storyteller, and author of the romantic suspense novel Missing Ivy alongside his wife, Maria Bateman. Drawn to emotionally charged stories that blend love, grief, mystery, and human connection, Nick spent over two years developing the world and characters of Missing Ivy, a cinematic suspense romance set in Seattle.
Known for his work on screen and his strong social media presence, Nick brings a deeply visual and emotional style of storytelling to his writing. Missing Ivy marks the beginning of an interconnected novel universe exploring romance, trauma, suspense, and redemption.
Known for his work on screen and his strong social media presence, Nick brings a deeply visual and emotional style of storytelling to his writing. Missing Ivy marks the beginning of an interconnected novel universe exploring romance, trauma, suspense, and redemption.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 19, 2026
As someone who reads a LOT of books, Missing Ivy is definitely in my top 10 of the year! From the beginning, you’re immersed into a world of dimensional characters, romantic tension (big fan of), and a mystery that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. Nick and Maria do such a fantastic job of making the reader feel like they’re living in the pages with these characters. You know a book is good when you can really feel the emotions that the characters are experiencing! I loved the complexity of Ella and Nathan’s relationship, and how it evolved throughout the story. You’ll laugh, cry, and even get frustrated at times for these characters, but in the end you won’t regret reading Missing Ivy!!
June 19, 2026
I enjoyed the book so much!!!
It got delivered in the evening and I finished it at 2:44 AM because I just couldn't stop reading!
I loved ALL the characters. I can't even decide who's my favorite and I felt SO many emotions throughout the book! There were so many lines and deeper meanings that are still stuck with me, and I love that.
When a story stays with you even after you've finished reading, you know it was REALLY good.
The story touched me in so many different ways
and while reading it, I actually felt something in my chest and stomach. I laughed, shed some tears and felt completely immersed in the story.
The book really captivated me!
Also you could feel how much heart and passion went into the story and the book overall.
Besides that I just LOVED the way Maria and Nick wrote it!!! They created something so amazing, so special, so great and so beautiful, I honestly have no words for that.
They were made to be authors!
I can't wait for the next book to come out!!!
It got delivered in the evening and I finished it at 2:44 AM because I just couldn't stop reading!
I loved ALL the characters. I can't even decide who's my favorite and I felt SO many emotions throughout the book! There were so many lines and deeper meanings that are still stuck with me, and I love that.
When a story stays with you even after you've finished reading, you know it was REALLY good.
The story touched me in so many different ways
and while reading it, I actually felt something in my chest and stomach. I laughed, shed some tears and felt completely immersed in the story.
The book really captivated me!
Also you could feel how much heart and passion went into the story and the book overall.
Besides that I just LOVED the way Maria and Nick wrote it!!! They created something so amazing, so special, so great and so beautiful, I honestly have no words for that.
They were made to be authors!
I can't wait for the next book to come out!!!
June 17, 2026
A Beautiful, Heart-Wrenching Story That Had Me Crying and Thinking About It Long After I Finished
Missing Ivy is an emotional and engaging novel that kept me invested from beginning to end. Nick and Maria does an excellent job creating characters that feel realistic and relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles, emotions, and personal growth throughout the story.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the balance between suspense and emotion. The story unfolds at a steady pace, revealing just enough to keep readers curious without feeling rushed. I appreciated how the author explored themes of love, trust, resilience, and healing in a way that felt genuine rather than forced.
The writing style is immersive and easy to follow, drawing me into the story from the very first pages. What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters and the situations they faced. There were several moments that hit me hard emotionally, and I found myself tearing up more than once. Few books can make me cry, but this one definitely did. The emotions felt raw and authentic, which made the story even more powerful and memorable.
While some parts of the story were predictable, the strong character development and emotional impact more than made up for it. The relationships felt genuine, and I was fully invested in the characters and their journeys.
Overall, Missing Ivy is a heartfelt and compelling read that blends emotion, suspense, and meaningful character growth. It made me laugh, made me cry, and left a lasting impression long after I finished the final chapter. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy emotionally driven stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Can’t wait for Bishop’s story.
Keep on reading!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Missing Ivy is an emotional and engaging novel that kept me invested from beginning to end. Nick and Maria does an excellent job creating characters that feel realistic and relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles, emotions, and personal growth throughout the story.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the balance between suspense and emotion. The story unfolds at a steady pace, revealing just enough to keep readers curious without feeling rushed. I appreciated how the author explored themes of love, trust, resilience, and healing in a way that felt genuine rather than forced.
The writing style is immersive and easy to follow, drawing me into the story from the very first pages. What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters and the situations they faced. There were several moments that hit me hard emotionally, and I found myself tearing up more than once. Few books can make me cry, but this one definitely did. The emotions felt raw and authentic, which made the story even more powerful and memorable.
While some parts of the story were predictable, the strong character development and emotional impact more than made up for it. The relationships felt genuine, and I was fully invested in the characters and their journeys.
Overall, Missing Ivy is a heartfelt and compelling read that blends emotion, suspense, and meaningful character growth. It made me laugh, made me cry, and left a lasting impression long after I finished the final chapter. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy emotionally driven stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Can’t wait for Bishop’s story.
Keep on reading!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 20, 2026
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read and I love to read. You feel EVERY different emotion these characters are feeling. I laughed. I cried. Sadness. Happiness. Frustration. Humor. Anxiety. Anticipation. Smiles. Thrill. Goosebumps. Excitement. You get so hooked and pulled into this story that you feel like you’re a part of it. Your heart becomes these people. Thank you Nick and Maria. I’ll be reading your next book as soon as it comes out. Missing Ivy goes into my list of favorite books and I’ll definitely read it again!!!
June 16, 2026
If you are looking for a book that will lock you in and have you cancelling plans just to finish it, this is it! I haven't enjoyed a book this much since the Housemaid & Verity! Missing Ivy is a gripping, page-turning thriller that captivates you from the very first chapter. What really impressed me was the characters are wonderfully complex (SO realistic) ,and while the book tackles heavy themes of grief and loss, it amazingly managed to remain lighthearted, whimsical, and fun throughout. Plus, that plot twist was not obvious at all, totally caught me off guard. Highly recommend. What an impressive debute for Nick and Maria. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series. Clear your schedule before you open this one!
June 16, 2026
Missing Ivy is one of the best books I have read! It is a great mix of suspense, mystery and romance and each page will have you hooked and captivated to find out more about Nathan and Ella. Maria and Nick's writing style gives so much depth to the characters, that you are able to feel their emotions which creates a real connectiveness. It is a book you will not want to stop reading and when you are done it will leave you wanting more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I Loved this book! I laughed out loud, I cried, and I got goosebumps… All of the feelings! I enjoyed the characters and loved watching their journeys evolve. Can’t wait for the next story in this series 😍
June 16, 2026
One of my favourite reads of the year! So many emotions, incredible characters, and an amazing story from start to finish. Obsessed!
June 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I picked this up because I love romantic suspense, but what surprised me most was how emotional the story was.
Nathan isn't your typical romance hero. He's carrying so much pain. I could feel the weight of what he's been through, and honestly, there were moments where my heart broke for him. What I loved was that Ella didn't magically fix him. Instead, her warmth, optimism, and lightness slowly chipped away at the walls he'd built around himself, and watching that unfold felt very real.
There were also moments that made me laugh out loud one of my favs was the "Hakuna My Tatas" moment. It was such a fun break from some of the heavier moments and made the characters feel like real people.
The mystery surrounding Nathan kept me hooked the entire time. Every time I thought I had figured something out, something would send me in a different direction. I found myself reading "just one more chapter" over and over until suddenly it was way past my bedtime.
What really stood out to me was the balance. The romance, suspense, humor, and emotional moments all worked together without one overpowering the others.
If you enjoy stories that make you feel something while also keeping you guessing, I would absolutely recommend Missing Ivy. It gave me the butterflies, made me laugh, and had me tearing up more than once.
I picked this up because I love romantic suspense, but what surprised me most was how emotional the story was.
Nathan isn't your typical romance hero. He's carrying so much pain. I could feel the weight of what he's been through, and honestly, there were moments where my heart broke for him. What I loved was that Ella didn't magically fix him. Instead, her warmth, optimism, and lightness slowly chipped away at the walls he'd built around himself, and watching that unfold felt very real.
There were also moments that made me laugh out loud one of my favs was the "Hakuna My Tatas" moment. It was such a fun break from some of the heavier moments and made the characters feel like real people.
The mystery surrounding Nathan kept me hooked the entire time. Every time I thought I had figured something out, something would send me in a different direction. I found myself reading "just one more chapter" over and over until suddenly it was way past my bedtime.
What really stood out to me was the balance. The romance, suspense, humor, and emotional moments all worked together without one overpowering the others.
If you enjoy stories that make you feel something while also keeping you guessing, I would absolutely recommend Missing Ivy. It gave me the butterflies, made me laugh, and had me tearing up more than once.
June 18, 2026
A Romance Novel That Even Non-Romance Readers Will Appreciate
I don’t normally read romance novels. As a guy, it’s not usually a genre I gravitate toward, but Missing Ivy completely surprised me.
What stood out most was the relationship between Nathan and Ella. Nathan is a genuinely good person carrying the weight of significant trauma, while Ella represents hope, compassion, and the ability to see the good in people even when they struggle to see it in themselves. Their dynamic feels like a true yin and yang, in a way that feels authentic, not forced.
The pacing is excellent. The story never drags, and the suspense elements keep the pages turning while the emotional depth keeps you invested in the characters. As a man, I found myself relating to Nathan’s internal battles and many of the difficult decisions he had to make throughout the story. His character felt real, flawed, and human.
Whether you’re a regular romance reader or someone like me who rarely picks up books in this genre, Missing Ivy is well worth your time. It’s an engaging, emotional, and suspenseful read that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last chapter.
Highly recommended!
I don’t normally read romance novels. As a guy, it’s not usually a genre I gravitate toward, but Missing Ivy completely surprised me.
What stood out most was the relationship between Nathan and Ella. Nathan is a genuinely good person carrying the weight of significant trauma, while Ella represents hope, compassion, and the ability to see the good in people even when they struggle to see it in themselves. Their dynamic feels like a true yin and yang, in a way that feels authentic, not forced.
The pacing is excellent. The story never drags, and the suspense elements keep the pages turning while the emotional depth keeps you invested in the characters. As a man, I found myself relating to Nathan’s internal battles and many of the difficult decisions he had to make throughout the story. His character felt real, flawed, and human.
Whether you’re a regular romance reader or someone like me who rarely picks up books in this genre, Missing Ivy is well worth your time. It’s an engaging, emotional, and suspenseful read that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last chapter.
Highly recommended!
June 26, 2026
I loved the dynamic between Nathan and Ella. Ella is just such an easy character to like, and Nathan had me wanting to know what he was hiding right from the beginning. I also really appreciated that the romance wasn't rushed. It actually took time to build, which made all of their little moments together feel so much more meaningful. The elevator scenes were some of my favorites.
The mystery kept me guessing too. I had a few theories while I was reading, and I was wrong every single time. Looking back, all the clues were there, but I just didn't put them together.
There were also so many little things that made the story feel cozy despite the heavier mystery, like the bakery, the side characters, and the bits of humor that caught me off guard. I actually laughed out loud a few times.
The last few chapters completely got me. I won't spoil anything, but I definitely had tears in my eyes by the end.
The mystery kept me guessing too. I had a few theories while I was reading, and I was wrong every single time. Looking back, all the clues were there, but I just didn't put them together.
There were also so many little things that made the story feel cozy despite the heavier mystery, like the bakery, the side characters, and the bits of humor that caught me off guard. I actually laughed out loud a few times.
The last few chapters completely got me. I won't spoil anything, but I definitely had tears in my eyes by the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are books that entertain you and then there are books that quietly pull you into their world until you realize you’re completely invested in the people living inside it. Missing Ivy did exactly that.
What stood out most to me wasn’t just the mystery but the emotional depth woven throughout the story. Love, grief, hope, guilt, resilience and impossible choices all felt incredibly real. Every chapter revealed another layer and made it impossible not to keep turning the pages.
The characters were flawed, believable and constantly evolving in ways that left me wanting more. Even the quieter moments carried weight and every relationship felt authentic.
It’s clear how much thought and care went into creating this story. The best books don’t just make you wonder what happens next, they make you deeply care about the people at the heart of it. Missing Ivy absolutely accomplished that!
What stood out most to me wasn’t just the mystery but the emotional depth woven throughout the story. Love, grief, hope, guilt, resilience and impossible choices all felt incredibly real. Every chapter revealed another layer and made it impossible not to keep turning the pages.
The characters were flawed, believable and constantly evolving in ways that left me wanting more. Even the quieter moments carried weight and every relationship felt authentic.
It’s clear how much thought and care went into creating this story. The best books don’t just make you wonder what happens next, they make you deeply care about the people at the heart of it. Missing Ivy absolutely accomplished that!
June 19, 2026
I just got this book yesterday and I wasn’t expecting to finish it one day!!! I was up till midnight reading, I just couldn’t put it down. I COMPLETELY fell in love with the characters and truly just couldn’t put it down because I needed to know how the book finished. Even I cared about the side characters which never happens, side characters are usually fillers and let me tell you, these characters (especially Ashton) are so much apart of the story and I just can’t WAIY for book 2!!!!!!!!!
For a debut novel, I’m actually impressed how well the story telling was executed and each chapter finishes with a page turner. This book is filled with so much heart, depth, suspense, good banter and emotion. Well done 👏🏼
For a debut novel, I’m actually impressed how well the story telling was executed and each chapter finishes with a page turner. This book is filled with so much heart, depth, suspense, good banter and emotion. Well done 👏🏼
June 26, 2026
I just finished Missing Ivy and absolutely loved it! The characters felt so real and relatable that I found myself genuinely connected to them and invested in their journey.
Maria and Nick did such a great job balancing the mystery and romance elements—it was honestly difficult to put down because I always wanted to know what was going to happen next.
One of my favourite parts was seeing the softer, more vulnerable side of the male lead, while the female lead was strong, independent, and determined without losing her authenticity. Their dynamic felt realistic and refreshing.
Congratulations on an incredible first book. I can’t wait to see where you take these characters next, and I’ll definitely be eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!
Maria and Nick did such a great job balancing the mystery and romance elements—it was honestly difficult to put down because I always wanted to know what was going to happen next.
One of my favourite parts was seeing the softer, more vulnerable side of the male lead, while the female lead was strong, independent, and determined without losing her authenticity. Their dynamic felt realistic and refreshing.
Congratulations on an incredible first book. I can’t wait to see where you take these characters next, and I’ll definitely be eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!
June 27, 2026
I am an avid reader and I absolutely loved this book! From the very beginning, the characters were so interesting and REAL! A great book keeps you up at night and gets you rushing home from work...both happened to me. I was always on the edge of my seat, with the constant sense that something important was about to happen. I felt so many different emotions reading Missing Ivy...excited, happy, sad, scared, frustrated and pure joy! There were so many moments of anticipation and fast moving scenes that raised the suspense. Anyone looking for a fast-paced, gripping Summer read, sitting in your backyard, the beach, or by your pool, Missing Ivy is for you.
June 27, 2026
I read this book in only 4 hours. I loved it. It took me away in a whirlwild of emotions. I literally devoured it. Happiness, fear, passion, anger, hope, everything intertwinds and upsets you. Until the last chapter you are captives. It really caught my attention. I recommand everyone to read it. This book transports you into a whirlwind of emotions . Look forward to reading the next story.
From a french reader
From a french reader
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn’t put it down and I loved the development of the characters and the story. The progression felt natural but I was always waiting for the next page to see what was going to happen ! Nathan is moody but a self aware king and we love that, Ella is fun and adds so much whimsy to the story with her light personality. Can’t wait for the next book!!
Xo
Xo
June 18, 2026
If you are exhausted with reading the same thing over and over again you are in for a treat. This book is so different and uniquely designed to keep you reading. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Each page, and chapter had me laughing, crying, worried, torn apart and healed. This book is worth the read and I am so excited for book 2!!!!
June 19, 2026
What a rollercoaster! just shocked how much I loved this, I had to go back an check to see if this was a debut novel and wow it is... first I'm laughing and then crying, haven't done that in a while, I want this made into a movie now, just wow definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved the first book in the Missing Ivy series! I can't wait for the next one! I love the characters and the way the story unfolded! I didn't expect a the plot twist in the middle!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a great book. Heartfelt, and, most importantly, satisfying in a way that lingers after the final page. Looking forward to the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews