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The Agency #3
You Will Suffer
Every small town has a secret...and this one is worth killing for. The rolling fields outside Curry, Oklahoma, are a beautiful spot to ramble on an early spring day...and a lonely place to die. Among the prairie grass and wildflowers, a killer kneels beside a curled-up figure, plunging a syringe beneath skin to deliver the fatal dose. And as the victim's last breath mingles with the air, it sends a warning out to the world: this is just the beginning. Rejecting her judge father's prestigious connections, Ellie Guthrie opened her own law firm in Curry. But something strange is going on. Ellie's tires are slashed. Dead rats are dumped on her patio. Her neighbour, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, insists on watching out for her. And then bodies begin turning up - supposed overdoses that Nate suspects are something much more sinister. There's a killer in town, toying with her, drawing both Ellie and Nate into a web of murder and vengeance. To find answers, she'll have to unearth this small community's dark and twisted past...before it's her turn to die. Look for more page-turning suspense from Alexandra Ivy with Pretend You're Safe and What Are You Afraid Of?, out now.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2019
213 people are currently reading
2398 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Ivy
141 books5,178 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 146 reviews
January 10, 2019
You Will Suffer was a solid 4 stars. A mystery/thriller book, this centers around main character Ellie Guthrie. Ellie is a young, attractive and smart lawyer living in the small town of Curry, Oklahoma. Curry is like any small town, until people start dropping dead and strange things start happening to Ellie-dead rats left outside her law firm, having her tires slashed outside her rural home and the feeling of being followed around. This small town has a big secret and people are dying because of it.
You Will Suffer was an enjoyable and fast paced book. The characters are well-developed and I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Ellie and Nate (a former FBI agent). I would highly recommend this to fans that enjoy mystery, thrillers and romance books. Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
You Will Suffer was an enjoyable and fast paced book. The characters are well-developed and I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Ellie and Nate (a former FBI agent). I would highly recommend this to fans that enjoy mystery, thrillers and romance books. Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2019
I can always count on Ms. Ivy to deliver me some good, old romantic suspense.
Ellie Guthrie has moved back to Curry, Oklahoma the place she was born to open up her own law company. She is content but everyone is glad that she is there. Ellie is prickly which I like in my heroines but we didn’t get off to a good start, but she did grow on me.
Nate Marcel retired from the FBI he was too tired of living life dangerously and wanted a different pace and he got that in Curry. But his former skills are going to be put to use soon enough. I liked Nate a lot and he balanced out my slight dislike for Ellie at the beginning.
The writing is good, and the pace matched the tone of the book and there was some angst and suspense. I had an inkling of who it could be, and I was right to some extent. I can only recommend this book as it is a good and solid read.
Ellie Guthrie has moved back to Curry, Oklahoma the place she was born to open up her own law company. She is content but everyone is glad that she is there. Ellie is prickly which I like in my heroines but we didn’t get off to a good start, but she did grow on me.
Nate Marcel retired from the FBI he was too tired of living life dangerously and wanted a different pace and he got that in Curry. But his former skills are going to be put to use soon enough. I liked Nate a lot and he balanced out my slight dislike for Ellie at the beginning.
The writing is good, and the pace matched the tone of the book and there was some angst and suspense. I had an inkling of who it could be, and I was right to some extent. I can only recommend this book as it is a good and solid read.
January 30, 2019
So good! Review to come. I am addicted to the way Alexander Ivy writes suspense romance. It’s just that good!
Re -Edit!
Ahh! Alexandra Ivy has done it again, another brilliant story. This was amazing, I couldn't pick who did it and the whys. it was so suspenseful and the romance was perfect. The pace of the story was exactly what I love. I cant not wait for another book in the series. This can defiantly be read as a standalone and I can not wait for this book to be on my book shelf.
Re -Edit!
Ahh! Alexandra Ivy has done it again, another brilliant story. This was amazing, I couldn't pick who did it and the whys. it was so suspenseful and the romance was perfect. The pace of the story was exactly what I love. I cant not wait for another book in the series. This can defiantly be read as a standalone and I can not wait for this book to be on my book shelf.
January 14, 2019
Thrilling, suspenseful, engaging murder mystery romance!
Alexandra Ivy has an amazing talent for spinning a wonderful tale that has the reader on the edge of their seat right until the very end of the story.
This story had all the things I like about a suspense/murder mystery.
The story was interesting, engaging and flowed smoothly.
The characters were smart, strong, charismatic and had amazing chemistry.
This story was brilliantly written and executed!
Great read!
"I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review."
Alexandra Ivy has an amazing talent for spinning a wonderful tale that has the reader on the edge of their seat right until the very end of the story.
This story had all the things I like about a suspense/murder mystery.
The story was interesting, engaging and flowed smoothly.
The characters were smart, strong, charismatic and had amazing chemistry.
This story was brilliantly written and executed!
Great read!
"I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review."
January 8, 2019
I will start by saying that this book is a stand-alone novel that is primarily a suspense driven story. There is a romance taking place between Ellie who has returned to her home town and Nate who is a retired FBI agent but if I’m honest it doesn’t seem to be what’s driving the book. I do realise that many of this authors fans expect hot romance from her stories but for me it was all about the mystery and just why everything was happening.
This was unusual in that I couldn’t really detect any red herrings and in fact was kept guessing as to just why so much was going on almost until the very end. I did suspect someone quite early on and my suspicions were correct but honestly the big reveal at the end was a huge and particularly shocking surprise.
So my final thought is the central couple were ok but all the crazy happenings totally dominated the story so if it’s a strong believable romance you crave then please be advised that you might feel let down but the horrific action definitely makes up for it.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This was unusual in that I couldn’t really detect any red herrings and in fact was kept guessing as to just why so much was going on almost until the very end. I did suspect someone quite early on and my suspicions were correct but honestly the big reveal at the end was a huge and particularly shocking surprise.
So my final thought is the central couple were ok but all the crazy happenings totally dominated the story so if it’s a strong believable romance you crave then please be advised that you might feel let down but the horrific action definitely makes up for it.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
December 2, 2018
With a firecracker like Ellie and a hot neighbor like Nate there are bound to be fireworks and there are but not just in the way you're thinking. There is someone killing in their town and they make it their personal mission to figure who.
This is a good book and a good read for the weekend.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a good book and a good read for the weekend.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Intriguing plot with a red-hot romance. Throw in several dysfunctional families and town elders who are above the law and you have a scenario ripe for revenge and a dang good romantic-suspense book!
Ellie Guthrie has never felt like she fit in her parents world, so she left the high society of Oklahoma City, her judge father's cushy job at a top law firm, and her mother's prospective beaus and opened a law practice in small, rural Curry, OK. She is happy, but after a year there she has yet to unpack in her new home.
Nate Marcel was quite the renegade FBI Agent. He has mad skills and killer instincts and felt he was bullet proof, until he wasn't. In the hospital he realizes that this was not how he wanted his life to be, so he packs his truck and ends up in Curry, OK where he buys a small ranch and finds peace making furniture.
When Ellie moves in down the road, Nate is smitten at first glance. Ellie is too, but is not about to give anyone control of her life after she just got it from her parents, so she basically ignores him for a year. She is focused on her building her practice. When all her tires are slashed, Nate is there to help and insists she file a police report even though the sheriff is totally incompetent. Nate is going to investigate anyway. This is just the beginning of some serious problems for some of the good people of Curry. As the vandalism continues, bodies start turning up, supposed drug overdoses in a remote field outside of town. Nate and Ellie are convinced there is something more going on and that the deaths are somehow connected. As they dig deeper they discover connections dating back 30 years and that someone has a taste for vengeance.
Intriguing plot with a red-hot romance. Throw in several dysfunctional families and town elders who are above the law and you have a scenario ripe for revenge and a dang good romantic-suspense book!
Ellie Guthrie has never felt like she fit in her parents world, so she left the high society of Oklahoma City, her judge father's cushy job at a top law firm, and her mother's prospective beaus and opened a law practice in small, rural Curry, OK. She is happy, but after a year there she has yet to unpack in her new home.
Nate Marcel was quite the renegade FBI Agent. He has mad skills and killer instincts and felt he was bullet proof, until he wasn't. In the hospital he realizes that this was not how he wanted his life to be, so he packs his truck and ends up in Curry, OK where he buys a small ranch and finds peace making furniture.
When Ellie moves in down the road, Nate is smitten at first glance. Ellie is too, but is not about to give anyone control of her life after she just got it from her parents, so she basically ignores him for a year. She is focused on her building her practice. When all her tires are slashed, Nate is there to help and insists she file a police report even though the sheriff is totally incompetent. Nate is going to investigate anyway. This is just the beginning of some serious problems for some of the good people of Curry. As the vandalism continues, bodies start turning up, supposed drug overdoses in a remote field outside of town. Nate and Ellie are convinced there is something more going on and that the deaths are somehow connected. As they dig deeper they discover connections dating back 30 years and that someone has a taste for vengeance.
August 17, 2020
You Will Suffer by Alexandra Ivy is the 3rd in The Agency series.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Okay...I have NO idea why this is considered a Series. The first two books at least talked about characters from the other book. This one had no links to characters from the first two books at all.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
29-year old Ellie Guthrie is a lawyer in the small town of Curry, Oklahoma. Although she could easily have held a better job in Oklahoma City, she had to get away from her over-bearing parents. Her father, Judge Guthrie is not happy that Ellie is not "obeying" him. Her mother is too busy with her social calendar to really care.
34-year old Nate Marcel is a retired FBI agent, and Ellie's neighbour. He is determined to get closer to Ellie, who seems to dislike him.
When people start dying of suspicious circumstances, both Ellie and Nate find themselves involved. The sheriff isn't doing anything about the deaths, so Ellie and Nate are investigating. There are some uncomfortable truths about to surface.
My Opinions:
Each of these books could be read as stand-alone novels, and again, I have no idea why they are considered a "series".
Although they are more "romantic suspense", the writing and plots are good enough that I can ignore the romance angle. There are plenty of suspects, and although I had an idea of the perpetrator early on, there were a number of twists that I did not see coming. The pace was fast, and it was a quick read.
Better than I expected.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 3, 2019
Small town life -- alcoholics, druggies, vandals, stalkers and -- killer?
After Ellie Guthrie graduated from law school, she relocated to her birthplace in Curry, Oklahoma, to set up a practice there. She's only recently moved and, in fact has still not even fully unpacked, when the trouble begins. She and her neighbor, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, are taken aback by all the recent deaths and begin their own investigation, along with a steamy romance.
Make no mistake, this is a mystery that is almost completely overshadowed by the love story. If I'd known that the sappy romance was such a huge part of the novel, I'd never have requested this title. The revenge plot is fairly thin and there's a lot of bloodshed over something that was revealed so late and thus everything that happened seemed like overkill. I've not read any other books by this author, but will probably avoid now that I see that the synopsis was a bit misleading. I read this in a couple of hours. I didn't care for any of the characters and never really got fully invested in the story line as it required me to buy into the fact that the people who lived in Curry were all pretty much dumb hicks and only Ellie and Nate were smart enough to figure it all out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for the e-book ARC to read and review.
After Ellie Guthrie graduated from law school, she relocated to her birthplace in Curry, Oklahoma, to set up a practice there. She's only recently moved and, in fact has still not even fully unpacked, when the trouble begins. She and her neighbor, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, are taken aback by all the recent deaths and begin their own investigation, along with a steamy romance.
Make no mistake, this is a mystery that is almost completely overshadowed by the love story. If I'd known that the sappy romance was such a huge part of the novel, I'd never have requested this title. The revenge plot is fairly thin and there's a lot of bloodshed over something that was revealed so late and thus everything that happened seemed like overkill. I've not read any other books by this author, but will probably avoid now that I see that the synopsis was a bit misleading. I read this in a couple of hours. I didn't care for any of the characters and never really got fully invested in the story line as it required me to buy into the fact that the people who lived in Curry were all pretty much dumb hicks and only Ellie and Nate were smart enough to figure it all out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for the e-book ARC to read and review.
January 5, 2019
This is the third book in the series. Each book is stand alone. This was probably my least favorite so far but still a good romantic suspense read.
Ellie and Nate are both new to town. Ellie much more guarded than Nate. But Nate is persistent and when odd circumstances through them together, Nate decides to go for it and let Ellie know what he wants. Their romance takes back seat to the murders that are happening in and around their small town. Together, they are trying to sort out what is going on. It means digging up a past that neither of them is going to be happy about.
Good writing and plot development. I had my guesses about what was going on but was totally wrong in the end. I like that kind of surprise! Nate and Ellie were ok together. I didn't get a ton of chemistry between the two other than a physical attraction. But folded into the suspense of the story, it worked.
I always look forward to more from this author.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Ellie and Nate are both new to town. Ellie much more guarded than Nate. But Nate is persistent and when odd circumstances through them together, Nate decides to go for it and let Ellie know what he wants. Their romance takes back seat to the murders that are happening in and around their small town. Together, they are trying to sort out what is going on. It means digging up a past that neither of them is going to be happy about.
Good writing and plot development. I had my guesses about what was going on but was totally wrong in the end. I like that kind of surprise! Nate and Ellie were ok together. I didn't get a ton of chemistry between the two other than a physical attraction. But folded into the suspense of the story, it worked.
I always look forward to more from this author.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
A secret is an endless hesitation until it is spilt and carried out to the one you call trustworthy. Or it is a fiend that makes a person wild and leads to sins denied of forgiveness. Probably for the cause to save the self from disrepute.
You carry a secret, protect and preserve it, so how far would you go to keep it to yourself?
Blood would reverberate on the streets. The city would hover in fear. The nights won't bring repose in sleep but gradual distress. A thought may clamour the ears what if I am the next target of the perpetrator?
Ellie is playing a role of a prosecutor, and Nate, a former FBI agent. Their professions and the vandalism in Curry build a comradeship that will transform into romantic suspense.
One is trying to save another after unleashing the past of Curry and Oklahoma, a dread surpassing by every moment.
The past unfolds, muttering secrets and truthful confessions make living unscrupulous. One has to die to save another, for the cause that one deserves not to die, and one should halt further killings.
A great story. The ingredients of mystery were stilled for a long while, which breaks transparently. I longed to read this kind of book, magnificent in its way to deprive me of expressing its phenomenality.
Though some parts of the book shape exaggeration, but readable in its accord.
You carry a secret, protect and preserve it, so how far would you go to keep it to yourself?
Blood would reverberate on the streets. The city would hover in fear. The nights won't bring repose in sleep but gradual distress. A thought may clamour the ears what if I am the next target of the perpetrator?
Ellie is playing a role of a prosecutor, and Nate, a former FBI agent. Their professions and the vandalism in Curry build a comradeship that will transform into romantic suspense.
One is trying to save another after unleashing the past of Curry and Oklahoma, a dread surpassing by every moment.
The past unfolds, muttering secrets and truthful confessions make living unscrupulous. One has to die to save another, for the cause that one deserves not to die, and one should halt further killings.
A great story. The ingredients of mystery were stilled for a long while, which breaks transparently. I longed to read this kind of book, magnificent in its way to deprive me of expressing its phenomenality.
Though some parts of the book shape exaggeration, but readable in its accord.
February 22, 2025
i am ellie gutherie, she is me. 5/5 so good the romance, the murder scheme, the writing. loved it so bad!
March 31, 2023
1.5 Stars
I would raise my rating .5 stars if the two main characters would have stayed platonic. I thought the romantic relationship between Ellie and Nate detracted from the story. I felt no connection or chemistry, and though this can be read as a standalone, I wondered if I had missed previous books with them in it b/c I just didn't get it.
The mystery itself was interesting, a true whodunnit in a small town. However, near the end, when all is coming to light, it does get a bit ridiculous and preposterous.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I would raise my rating .5 stars if the two main characters would have stayed platonic. I thought the romantic relationship between Ellie and Nate detracted from the story. I felt no connection or chemistry, and though this can be read as a standalone, I wondered if I had missed previous books with them in it b/c I just didn't get it.
The mystery itself was interesting, a true whodunnit in a small town. However, near the end, when all is coming to light, it does get a bit ridiculous and preposterous.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
November 28, 2018
Nate is very cautious of his woman, “you’re so tiny,” he whispered. “I’m afraid I might accidentally crush you.” Nate doesn't really like to ask “I’ll be back to take you to lunch.” Nare sometimes has to step up and take one for the team, "Nate grimaced. Ellie had many fine qualities, but her coffee tasted like black tar. “No, I’ll make it,” he said in firm tones." I liked this book, I fell in love with Nate.
January 20, 2019
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
You will suffer is the third volume in The Agency series by Alexandra Ivy. You can find the reviews for the first volumes here: Pretend You’re Safe (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) and What Are You Afraid Of? (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).
Problem is I can’t find the link between this volume and the previous ones, in part because we don’t see any previous characters and in part because the hero doesn’t talk about them either. But that’s not really important after all and it allows not to be forced to read the other two of we don’t know them.
You Will Suffer features Nate Marcel and Ellie Guthrie. Nate if a former FBI agent who definitively landed in Curry, a little American town in Oklahoma, because he needed tranquility and rest. Ellie is a lawyer who wished to settle in her birth town to open her office, to her parents’ great displeasure as they wanted her to have a big career in a big city.
Very quickly, Ellie feels watched, bodies pile up and she receives strange “gifts”. She confides in the sheriff who doesn’t want to intervene, which brings the hero to take charge to discover what’s happening.
As usual, the romantic suspense side is so well done we want to turn the pages quicker to know all the ins and outs of this story. We have big twists until the end especially with the exhumation of secrets well buried. No doubt about it Alexandra Ivy is really excellent in this field.
The romance side is also well done. Ellie and Nate have been attracted to each other from the start but as much as the hero goes on flirting with her, Ellie preferred to avoid him when she realized Nate wanted a long-term relationship instead of a little affair. Yes, you’ve read that right, here it’s the hero who wants more. LOL. At the beginning of the story, we have a heroine quite cold who turns down the hero, which may not really appeal. I have to say, it wasn’t my favorite part but fortunately it doesn’t last too long. The heroine has a big trust issue and trouble with relation with others because of her family and that’s what the hero fights against till the end. In any case we believe in the evolution of the feelings and in the HEA.
I really liked the heroes even if I wanted to shake Nate when he crosses swords with the sheriff against Ellie’s advices. And Ellie, once she shows herself to be more likeable, is an excellent character too.
Normally there won’t be any other book in this series but I said that after the second, so perhaps we’ll have a surprise? LOL. You Will Suffer is an excellent romantic suspense I recommend.
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
You will suffer is the third volume in The Agency series by Alexandra Ivy. You can find the reviews for the first volumes here: Pretend You’re Safe (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) and What Are You Afraid Of? (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).
Problem is I can’t find the link between this volume and the previous ones, in part because we don’t see any previous characters and in part because the hero doesn’t talk about them either. But that’s not really important after all and it allows not to be forced to read the other two of we don’t know them.
You Will Suffer features Nate Marcel and Ellie Guthrie. Nate if a former FBI agent who definitively landed in Curry, a little American town in Oklahoma, because he needed tranquility and rest. Ellie is a lawyer who wished to settle in her birth town to open her office, to her parents’ great displeasure as they wanted her to have a big career in a big city.
Very quickly, Ellie feels watched, bodies pile up and she receives strange “gifts”. She confides in the sheriff who doesn’t want to intervene, which brings the hero to take charge to discover what’s happening.
As usual, the romantic suspense side is so well done we want to turn the pages quicker to know all the ins and outs of this story. We have big twists until the end especially with the exhumation of secrets well buried. No doubt about it Alexandra Ivy is really excellent in this field.
The romance side is also well done. Ellie and Nate have been attracted to each other from the start but as much as the hero goes on flirting with her, Ellie preferred to avoid him when she realized Nate wanted a long-term relationship instead of a little affair. Yes, you’ve read that right, here it’s the hero who wants more. LOL. At the beginning of the story, we have a heroine quite cold who turns down the hero, which may not really appeal. I have to say, it wasn’t my favorite part but fortunately it doesn’t last too long. The heroine has a big trust issue and trouble with relation with others because of her family and that’s what the hero fights against till the end. In any case we believe in the evolution of the feelings and in the HEA.
I really liked the heroes even if I wanted to shake Nate when he crosses swords with the sheriff against Ellie’s advices. And Ellie, once she shows herself to be more likeable, is an excellent character too.
Normally there won’t be any other book in this series but I said that after the second, so perhaps we’ll have a surprise? LOL. You Will Suffer is an excellent romantic suspense I recommend.
November 18, 2023
Warning for series spoilers.
3 ***. Chick lit mystery with a heavy side of romance. The main character is a young female attorney in Oklahoma. The love interest burned out in federal law enforcement and spends his time ranching. It's too dark for Hallmark, but if it was a movie, oxygen would eat it up.
As far as this series goes, IDK why it's called a series because there's not really a significant connection anywhere. Think stand alones with similar flavor. This book was more interesting than the first two. In book 1, the main character is being hunted. Book 2 was largely forgettable but entertaining.
Book 3 (this one) features a secret past spilling out into the present. It opens with the retired sheriff losing his son to a supposed overdose. The old man thinks it was murder, but the new sheriff is a lazy moron, so he asks for help from the retired FBI agent/ rancher/ love interest. Then another person dies. The local defense attorney and the fbi guy are hooking up, and she's representing him to keep the idiot sheriff from trying to pin the murders on him. Her house gets torched. Eventually they realize there is a tie between the attorneys father and a rehab facility that closed years ago.
It turns out that back in the day, the attorney's father (now an important judge) was helping run a prostitution ring by recruiting women with young kids and sending them to a rehab facility where they were pimped out and threatened with the permanent loss of their kids. One woman fought back and ended up in prison for a crime she didn't commit. The prostitution ring ditched the enterprise and torched the facility.
The killings are being committed by the now grown daughter of the survivor. Overall, it's a decent book. I got my money's worth.
3 ***. Chick lit mystery with a heavy side of romance. The main character is a young female attorney in Oklahoma. The love interest burned out in federal law enforcement and spends his time ranching. It's too dark for Hallmark, but if it was a movie, oxygen would eat it up.
As far as this series goes, IDK why it's called a series because there's not really a significant connection anywhere. Think stand alones with similar flavor. This book was more interesting than the first two. In book 1, the main character is being hunted. Book 2 was largely forgettable but entertaining.
Book 3 (this one) features a secret past spilling out into the present. It opens with the retired sheriff losing his son to a supposed overdose. The old man thinks it was murder, but the new sheriff is a lazy moron, so he asks for help from the retired FBI agent/ rancher/ love interest. Then another person dies. The local defense attorney and the fbi guy are hooking up, and she's representing him to keep the idiot sheriff from trying to pin the murders on him. Her house gets torched. Eventually they realize there is a tie between the attorneys father and a rehab facility that closed years ago.
It turns out that back in the day, the attorney's father (now an important judge) was helping run a prostitution ring by recruiting women with young kids and sending them to a rehab facility where they were pimped out and threatened with the permanent loss of their kids. One woman fought back and ended up in prison for a crime she didn't commit. The prostitution ring ditched the enterprise and torched the facility.
The killings are being committed by the now grown daughter of the survivor. Overall, it's a decent book. I got my money's worth.
December 22, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy of You Will Suffer, a stand alone romantic suspense novel set in the small town of Curry, Oklahoma.
When strange things happen to lawyer Ellie Guthrie she tries to shrug it off but her neighbour, ex FBI agent Nate Marcel insists that she take it seriously. This is the least of her worries when a spate of unexpected deaths hits the town leaving her and Nate to delve into the town’s past in search of answers.
I thoroughly enjoyed You Will Suffer which is a fast paced, exciting read with several twists and turns. I must admit that I didn’t realise it was romantic suspense when I picked it up but, quivering passions aside, it held my attention throughout. It is not a particularly profound novel but it is well plotted and, in sharp contrast to the romantic mush, it has a high body count and a fair amount of violence when the unknown killer gives a first person account of their actions. I think the phrase “contains adult themes” ideally suits the novel.
The characters are fairly stereotypical, feisty successful lawyer and action man hunk so there’s not much to be said about them. It doesn’t actually matter as this is a plot driven novel so they are developed as much as they need to be to move the plot forward.
You Will Suffer is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When strange things happen to lawyer Ellie Guthrie she tries to shrug it off but her neighbour, ex FBI agent Nate Marcel insists that she take it seriously. This is the least of her worries when a spate of unexpected deaths hits the town leaving her and Nate to delve into the town’s past in search of answers.
I thoroughly enjoyed You Will Suffer which is a fast paced, exciting read with several twists and turns. I must admit that I didn’t realise it was romantic suspense when I picked it up but, quivering passions aside, it held my attention throughout. It is not a particularly profound novel but it is well plotted and, in sharp contrast to the romantic mush, it has a high body count and a fair amount of violence when the unknown killer gives a first person account of their actions. I think the phrase “contains adult themes” ideally suits the novel.
The characters are fairly stereotypical, feisty successful lawyer and action man hunk so there’s not much to be said about them. It doesn’t actually matter as this is a plot driven novel so they are developed as much as they need to be to move the plot forward.
You Will Suffer is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 31, 2019
This chilling romantic suspense keeps readers guessing throughout with lots of suspenseful events, surprising twists and disturbing secrets. Ellie and Nate are strong, captivating characters that easily draw the readers into their story and their romance is one that adds to the suspense of the story. Ellie and Nate certainly have that magnetic attraction and sizzling chemistry going on but Ellie fights it to the very end which adds lots of relationship ups and downs to the story. Their characters also complement each other really making the story center around them as the events unfold which makes it easy for readers to become engrossed.
The story takes a place at suspense building pace that ensures that readers don’t want to put the book down until every last detail has been uncovered. With Nate and Ellie discovers pieces to the puzzle in true crime solving fashion which has readers trying to work out the ‘who, what where and why’ answers right along with the characters. The author gives vivid details and builds the suspense so thoroughly that readers can’t help but be shocked and surprised when the true culprit is revealed.
The story takes a place at suspense building pace that ensures that readers don’t want to put the book down until every last detail has been uncovered. With Nate and Ellie discovers pieces to the puzzle in true crime solving fashion which has readers trying to work out the ‘who, what where and why’ answers right along with the characters. The author gives vivid details and builds the suspense so thoroughly that readers can’t help but be shocked and surprised when the true culprit is revealed.
April 9, 2021
Nate Marcel is former FBI. He retired at an early age after being critically injured on the job. He moved to Curry, Oklahoma to start a small ranch. Ellie Guthrie moved to Curry to start her own law practice. Her father had worked for the DA's office in Curry and they moved when she was a young child. Now strange things are happening to Ellie and a body turns up in a field of an apparent overdose. Nate suspects foul play and it will take everything Nate and Ellie know to uncover the truth before Ellie becomes a victim herself.
Alexandra Ivy is a new author to me and I will definitely read more of her books. If you like Romantic Suspense I recommend this book.
Alexandra Ivy is a new author to me and I will definitely read more of her books. If you like Romantic Suspense I recommend this book.
May 8, 2023
I bought this book on a whim, and she didn't disappoint!
First off, I love a good twopher. You're getting crime/mystery with the perfect mix of steamy romance that makes you want to kick around.
Ellie is a gurlboss. Nate's perfect for Ellie. They're just the perfect pair and it showed when it came down to solving this string of murders.
I had an idea of who it could be (it was who I thought it was) once because there weren't direct indicators of who it could've been, so it's good fun having to sus out the killer!
First off, I love a good twopher. You're getting crime/mystery with the perfect mix of steamy romance that makes you want to kick around.
Ellie is a gurlboss. Nate's perfect for Ellie. They're just the perfect pair and it showed when it came down to solving this string of murders.
I had an idea of who it could be (it was who I thought it was) once because there weren't direct indicators of who it could've been, so it's good fun having to sus out the killer!
January 15, 2019
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of You Will Suffer by Alexandra Ivy that I read and reviewed.
I did not get into this book like I would have liked. For me it started off a bit slow and it was a bit jumpy and just did not get into the characters either. I figured out who one of the bad people where from the start and for me that takes all the fun out of the book.
I can only give this book a three out of five rating.
I did not get into this book like I would have liked. For me it started off a bit slow and it was a bit jumpy and just did not get into the characters either. I figured out who one of the bad people where from the start and for me that takes all the fun out of the book.
I can only give this book a three out of five rating.
August 29, 2021
4.5 Stars
January 29, 2019
This book was straight out amazing! I loved it! A total mindbender that keeps you guessing until the end.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
February 20, 2019
ARC REVIEW
The Agency #3, Each book in this series is a stand alone. More suspense than romance but both equally balanced throughout the story. A story of a small town lawyer, Ellie Guthrie, and former FBI agent, Nate Marcel, working together to unravel the dirty secrets of their town Curry, Oklahoma. Ellie went against her parents wishes and settled in the small town she spent part of her childhood in; Nate after leaving the FBI got in his truck and just started to drive he ended up in Curry started ranching and woodwork. Nate was already living in Curry when Ellie moved back to her old home; Ellie was attracted to Nate from the get go but something about him told her he was an all or nothing kind of guy, and not wanting to settle down with anything other than work she tried her best to ignore her sexy neighbor. That is until weird stuff started to happen.
It started with a weird feeling and then slashed tires and escalated to dead animals outside her work. She wasn't the only target another woman in town, Mandy, was the victim of what seemed like normal vandalizm. But the first dead body shows up a supposed drug overdose and then Mandy ends up the same way not even a full day later. Ellie and Nate both know something else is happening but the local sheriff is lazy and easily accepts that it's a drug overdose. Things start to go sideways when the dead body of a known dealer is found in a building that Nate just bought. Now the narrow minded sheriff thinks Nate is behind it all. Good thing Nate has a good lawyer. Despite it all it doesn't slow Ellie down trying to figure out what's happening and why she's being targeted along with her father and other prominent figures in town.
Overall, it was a really good read. I loved the ending it was a nice twist. The suspense kept me guessing the whole way the pacing was good it had a nice flow one event to another with enough down time for Nate and Ellie to fallin love. I liked Nate and Ellie together. I love it when the guy is already halfway in love with the woman and she just needs to be shown how much and that it's okay to fall in love back. For Ellie the attraction and the feelings are there she just never had a good example of a happy couple and Nate is fully prepared to show her what one looks like and his entire family embraces her into their fold.
The Agency #3, Each book in this series is a stand alone. More suspense than romance but both equally balanced throughout the story. A story of a small town lawyer, Ellie Guthrie, and former FBI agent, Nate Marcel, working together to unravel the dirty secrets of their town Curry, Oklahoma. Ellie went against her parents wishes and settled in the small town she spent part of her childhood in; Nate after leaving the FBI got in his truck and just started to drive he ended up in Curry started ranching and woodwork. Nate was already living in Curry when Ellie moved back to her old home; Ellie was attracted to Nate from the get go but something about him told her he was an all or nothing kind of guy, and not wanting to settle down with anything other than work she tried her best to ignore her sexy neighbor. That is until weird stuff started to happen.
It started with a weird feeling and then slashed tires and escalated to dead animals outside her work. She wasn't the only target another woman in town, Mandy, was the victim of what seemed like normal vandalizm. But the first dead body shows up a supposed drug overdose and then Mandy ends up the same way not even a full day later. Ellie and Nate both know something else is happening but the local sheriff is lazy and easily accepts that it's a drug overdose. Things start to go sideways when the dead body of a known dealer is found in a building that Nate just bought. Now the narrow minded sheriff thinks Nate is behind it all. Good thing Nate has a good lawyer. Despite it all it doesn't slow Ellie down trying to figure out what's happening and why she's being targeted along with her father and other prominent figures in town.
Overall, it was a really good read. I loved the ending it was a nice twist. The suspense kept me guessing the whole way the pacing was good it had a nice flow one event to another with enough down time for Nate and Ellie to fallin love. I liked Nate and Ellie together. I love it when the guy is already halfway in love with the woman and she just needs to be shown how much and that it's okay to fall in love back. For Ellie the attraction and the feelings are there she just never had a good example of a happy couple and Nate is fully prepared to show her what one looks like and his entire family embraces her into their fold.
February 2, 2019
You Will Suffer by Alexandra Ivy is book Three in The Agency. This is the story of Ellie Guthrie and Nate Marcel. I haven't yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book.
Ellie is opening up her own Law Firm and working to make roots but something else is going on in this town. Nate is a retired FBI agent who steps forward to help protect Ellie and work to find out what is going on. Although Ellie and Nate are working towards their growing feelings, this book is surrounded by suspense and mystery. Really enjoyed this book and Ms. Ivy's writing.
Ellie is opening up her own Law Firm and working to make roots but something else is going on in this town. Nate is a retired FBI agent who steps forward to help protect Ellie and work to find out what is going on. Although Ellie and Nate are working towards their growing feelings, this book is surrounded by suspense and mystery. Really enjoyed this book and Ms. Ivy's writing.
January 3, 2020
Ellie Guthrie returned to Curry, Oklahoma and established a career as a defense attorney. Smart and sexy Ellie is attracted to Nate Marcel who is a former FBI agent. While she fights the attraction early on Nate determined early on that Ellie is the woman for him. As for the mystery, the plot was not what I thought it would be.. I would consider this a good book.
I received this book courtesy of Net Galley and the opinion is my own
I received this book courtesy of Net Galley and the opinion is my own
April 4, 2020
Huh,
Never should have read the extended epilogue. For some reason Ellie's name changed to Jaci???? Could not get pass that glaring error.
Otherwise good story that left me guessing as to who the culprit was.
Just do yourself a favor and don't read the extended epilogue.
Never should have read the extended epilogue. For some reason Ellie's name changed to Jaci???? Could not get pass that glaring error.
Otherwise good story that left me guessing as to who the culprit was.
Just do yourself a favor and don't read the extended epilogue.
July 27, 2019
Awesome Read!
Whew that was a wild ride. Lots of suspense, small town good old boys and a crazy killer out for revenge.i did not see that end coming at all.
Whew that was a wild ride. Lots of suspense, small town good old boys and a crazy killer out for revenge.i did not see that end coming at all.
January 27, 2019
4 stars—
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 29, 2019
Every small town has a secret...and this one is worth killing for. The rolling fields outside Curry, Oklahoma, are a beautiful spot to ramble on an early spring day...and a lonely place to die. Among the prairie grass and wildflowers, a killer kneels beside a curled-up figure, plunging a syringe beneath skin to deliver the fatal dose. And as the victim's last breath mingles with the air, it sends a warning out to the world: this is just the beginning. Rejecting her judge father's prestigious connections, Ellie Guthrie opened her own law firm in Curry. But something strange is going on. Ellie's tires are slashed. Dead rats are dumped on her patio. Her neighbour, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, insists on watching out for her. And then bodies begin turning up - supposed overdoses that Nate suspects are something much more sinister. There's a killer in town, toying with her, drawing both Ellie and Nate into a web of murder and vengeance. To find answers, she'll have to unearth this small community's dark and twisted past...before it's her turn to die. Look for more page-turning suspense from Alexandra Ivy with Pretend You're Safe and What Are You Afraid Of?, out now.
•••••••••
REVIEW: YOU WILL SUFFER is the third instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult THE AGENCY romantic, suspense series. This is retired FBI Agent Nate Marcel, and attorney Ellie Guthrie’s story line. YOU WILL SUFFER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Ellie and Nate) as well as first person (murderer) YOU WILL SUFFER follows the search for a killer(s). With a recent spate of murders and disappearances in the small town of Curry Oklahoma, local attorney Ellie, and her neighbour retired FBI agent Nate Marcel begin an investigation of their own only to find themselves in the line of fire. In the hopes of trying to connect the pieces of the growing puzzle, Ellie and Nate will soon learn about the mysterious past of Curry Oklahoma, and a group of well-connected and prominent people whose secrets are about to be revealed. What ensues is the building relationship between Nate and Ellie, and the fall-out as our couple’s investigation begins to reveal a dark and dangerous past.
YOU WILL SUFFER is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; power, fear, and control; mystery and suspense. A killer is on the loose in Curry Oklahoma, a killer who is determined to destroy those who destroyed their life. More suspense thriller than romance, YOU WILL SUFFER focuses on the clues-both the past and the present-and the victims whose ties to one another reveal a dark, sordid and dangerous history, a history that seeks revenge for sins of the father, and sins of the past. The cleverly written premise is intriguing and intense; the colorful supporting characters are numerous ; the romance is secondary to the overall premise
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 29, 2019
Every small town has a secret...and this one is worth killing for. The rolling fields outside Curry, Oklahoma, are a beautiful spot to ramble on an early spring day...and a lonely place to die. Among the prairie grass and wildflowers, a killer kneels beside a curled-up figure, plunging a syringe beneath skin to deliver the fatal dose. And as the victim's last breath mingles with the air, it sends a warning out to the world: this is just the beginning. Rejecting her judge father's prestigious connections, Ellie Guthrie opened her own law firm in Curry. But something strange is going on. Ellie's tires are slashed. Dead rats are dumped on her patio. Her neighbour, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, insists on watching out for her. And then bodies begin turning up - supposed overdoses that Nate suspects are something much more sinister. There's a killer in town, toying with her, drawing both Ellie and Nate into a web of murder and vengeance. To find answers, she'll have to unearth this small community's dark and twisted past...before it's her turn to die. Look for more page-turning suspense from Alexandra Ivy with Pretend You're Safe and What Are You Afraid Of?, out now.
•••••••••
REVIEW: YOU WILL SUFFER is the third instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult THE AGENCY romantic, suspense series. This is retired FBI Agent Nate Marcel, and attorney Ellie Guthrie’s story line. YOU WILL SUFFER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Ellie and Nate) as well as first person (murderer) YOU WILL SUFFER follows the search for a killer(s). With a recent spate of murders and disappearances in the small town of Curry Oklahoma, local attorney Ellie, and her neighbour retired FBI agent Nate Marcel begin an investigation of their own only to find themselves in the line of fire. In the hopes of trying to connect the pieces of the growing puzzle, Ellie and Nate will soon learn about the mysterious past of Curry Oklahoma, and a group of well-connected and prominent people whose secrets are about to be revealed. What ensues is the building relationship between Nate and Ellie, and the fall-out as our couple’s investigation begins to reveal a dark and dangerous past.
YOU WILL SUFFER is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; power, fear, and control; mystery and suspense. A killer is on the loose in Curry Oklahoma, a killer who is determined to destroy those who destroyed their life. More suspense thriller than romance, YOU WILL SUFFER focuses on the clues-both the past and the present-and the victims whose ties to one another reveal a dark, sordid and dangerous history, a history that seeks revenge for sins of the father, and sins of the past. The cleverly written premise is intriguing and intense; the colorful supporting characters are numerous ; the romance is secondary to the overall premise
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 8, 2019
Ellie Guthrie was a defense attorney who opened her own law firm in Curry. In this small town she was an intimidating force of nature to those people who enjoyed a slower pace of life. Ellie was a single female focused on her career leaving no room for a long term relationship, yet that doesn’t stop Nate from pursuing her. Ellie was a by the book type of character who was careful and cautious.
Nate Marcel was a former FBI agent, yet he still reacted with the skills of a FBI agent. He just couldn’t resist investigating the crimes in this small town. As an agent his life was in constant danger. He thrived on the thrill. He lived alone on his ranch in Curry immediately setting his sights on Ellie. When a persistent retired FBI agent pushes his way into Ellie’s life she’s thankful for his need to protect and serve. Standing on her porch begging to be noticed he demanded attention.
Overall: It’s not grabbing my attention like I had hoped. The premise led me to believe this was going to be a dangerous and thrilling book. There was some criminal activity, yet certain characters downplayed the murders creating a less than thrilling feeling.
Story: Ellie’s life was in danger, yet the threats were anything but life threatening. Someone was sending her a message. Nate a former FBI agent worked with Ellie to find the person threatening her life. This was a character driven story with many minor character introductions. It was easy to follow along. This had an excellent concept and premise. However, the execution wasn’t what I envisioned. There were Clever plot twists. Unfortunately, the killer was quite easy to figure out using Process of elimination. Having Nate an FBI agent was too convenient in my opinion. His love interest in Ellie was also convenient considering he was at the right place at the right time to offer his protection.
This was the third book in this series, so I’m not sure there is a backstory that I’m missing. The story mixes a little business with pleasure, however I prefer a story to focus more on the business. I found this book to be a bit wordy in areas that didn’t warrant the extra details.
Nate Marcel was a former FBI agent, yet he still reacted with the skills of a FBI agent. He just couldn’t resist investigating the crimes in this small town. As an agent his life was in constant danger. He thrived on the thrill. He lived alone on his ranch in Curry immediately setting his sights on Ellie. When a persistent retired FBI agent pushes his way into Ellie’s life she’s thankful for his need to protect and serve. Standing on her porch begging to be noticed he demanded attention.
Overall: It’s not grabbing my attention like I had hoped. The premise led me to believe this was going to be a dangerous and thrilling book. There was some criminal activity, yet certain characters downplayed the murders creating a less than thrilling feeling.
Story: Ellie’s life was in danger, yet the threats were anything but life threatening. Someone was sending her a message. Nate a former FBI agent worked with Ellie to find the person threatening her life. This was a character driven story with many minor character introductions. It was easy to follow along. This had an excellent concept and premise. However, the execution wasn’t what I envisioned. There were Clever plot twists. Unfortunately, the killer was quite easy to figure out using Process of elimination. Having Nate an FBI agent was too convenient in my opinion. His love interest in Ellie was also convenient considering he was at the right place at the right time to offer his protection.
This was the third book in this series, so I’m not sure there is a backstory that I’m missing. The story mixes a little business with pleasure, however I prefer a story to focus more on the business. I found this book to be a bit wordy in areas that didn’t warrant the extra details.
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