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The Agency #4
The Intended Victim
ONCE, SHE GOT AWAY
The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. There’s a cruel slash across her throat, deep enough to sever the carotid artery, and a small crescent carved into her right breast. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her.
BUT THIS TIME
Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger.
IT’S A DEAD END . . .
Someone is targeting women who look just like Remi. With or without a badge, Ash intends to unmask the Butcher. But the killer isn’t playing games any longer. He’s moving in, ready to finish what he started, and prove there’s nothing more terrifying than a killer’s obsession . . .
The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. There’s a cruel slash across her throat, deep enough to sever the carotid artery, and a small crescent carved into her right breast. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her.
BUT THIS TIME
Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger.
IT’S A DEAD END . . .
Someone is targeting women who look just like Remi. With or without a badge, Ash intends to unmask the Butcher. But the killer isn’t playing games any longer. He’s moving in, ready to finish what he started, and prove there’s nothing more terrifying than a killer’s obsession . . .
378 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 31, 2019
109 people are currently reading
3740 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Ivy
141 books5,180 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 166 reviews
March 7, 2020
Suspense, Romance And Mystery!
The Chicago Butcher has never been caught but the grisly murders stopped five years ago. Suddenly, the murders have started again but the killer has changed his M.O.. The recent victims are now look-alikes for Remi who was the only one to survive five years ago but unfortunately Remi has lost all memories of that fateful night where the butcher also murdered her father (a homicide detective on the case) although his body was never found. Why are murders beginning again? Why is Remi being targeted? Will she regain her memories in time to save other women or herself? Many of these questions will be answered by the time you reach the shocking conclusion of The Intended Victim!
The storyline was very good with a great beginning and a terrific shocker at the end of the book. There were many characters of fun and interest but maybe too many? I enjoyed the story athough for me there were too many situations that were not tied up enough There were four brothers intertwined in the story but one was only mentioned once and never brought up again, also their father was completely ignored throughout the story as well so I felt those two characters probably could have been written out. There was another character who is very important to the story and the book never followed up with what happened to this person and for me this was very disappointing since I had been invested in this character. I know I am in he minority but this book was just too disjointed for me. I really wanted to like this book but the majority of characters were just too shallow to get a realistic feel from them although I really liked the characters of Jax (current detective on the case), and the handyman.
Please, remember these are my opinions only, and many many readers felt differently than I and they gave high ratings about this book!
I want to thank the publisher "Kensington Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this story!
I do recommend this book and forming your own opinions since it was a very good storyline! I have given a rating of 2 1/2 Unfortunate ⭐⭐🌠 Stars!!
The Chicago Butcher has never been caught but the grisly murders stopped five years ago. Suddenly, the murders have started again but the killer has changed his M.O.. The recent victims are now look-alikes for Remi who was the only one to survive five years ago but unfortunately Remi has lost all memories of that fateful night where the butcher also murdered her father (a homicide detective on the case) although his body was never found. Why are murders beginning again? Why is Remi being targeted? Will she regain her memories in time to save other women or herself? Many of these questions will be answered by the time you reach the shocking conclusion of The Intended Victim!
The storyline was very good with a great beginning and a terrific shocker at the end of the book. There were many characters of fun and interest but maybe too many? I enjoyed the story athough for me there were too many situations that were not tied up enough There were four brothers intertwined in the story but one was only mentioned once and never brought up again, also their father was completely ignored throughout the story as well so I felt those two characters probably could have been written out. There was another character who is very important to the story and the book never followed up with what happened to this person and for me this was very disappointing since I had been invested in this character. I know I am in he minority but this book was just too disjointed for me. I really wanted to like this book but the majority of characters were just too shallow to get a realistic feel from them although I really liked the characters of Jax (current detective on the case), and the handyman.
Please, remember these are my opinions only, and many many readers felt differently than I and they gave high ratings about this book!
I want to thank the publisher "Kensington Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this story!
I do recommend this book and forming your own opinions since it was a very good storyline! I have given a rating of 2 1/2 Unfortunate ⭐⭐🌠 Stars!!
November 14, 2019
The Intended Victim, a mystery/thriller book, was a solid 4 stars.
The book centers around main character Remi-a woman who managed to escape a serial killer dubbed The Butcher 5 years earlier. Remi is desperately trying to get her life back on track after the horrific ordeal five years earlier that ended with her detective father dead and a destroyed relationship with Ash (her father’s former partner). When a woman who looks eerily like Remi is found murdered in present day, it seems like The Butcher is back and Remi is his intended target.
The Intended Victim was a very entertaining book, it is filled with mystery and romance that many readers will enjoy. I not only enjoyed the well-developed characters in the book but also the twist at the end! Recommended to fans of mystery and romance books. Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book centers around main character Remi-a woman who managed to escape a serial killer dubbed The Butcher 5 years earlier. Remi is desperately trying to get her life back on track after the horrific ordeal five years earlier that ended with her detective father dead and a destroyed relationship with Ash (her father’s former partner). When a woman who looks eerily like Remi is found murdered in present day, it seems like The Butcher is back and Remi is his intended target.
The Intended Victim was a very entertaining book, it is filled with mystery and romance that many readers will enjoy. I not only enjoyed the well-developed characters in the book but also the twist at the end! Recommended to fans of mystery and romance books. Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2019
First, I absolutely love the cover. Secondly when I pick up a romantic suspense book by Ms. Ivy, I always know that I am going to get something good. A great plot, great characters although the author does tend to go with second chance romances a lot but hey why fix it when it ain’t broke?
5 years ago, Remi Walsh was nearly the next victim of the Chicago serial killer The Butcher, but her father sacrificed himself to save her. The guilt weighed her down and, in the end, she ended up pushing everyone away. The Butcher was never caught and 5 years later he/she is back to finish what he/she started.
Ash Marcel lost his fiancée to the Butcher, but he has loved her all this time. But new victims keep on turning up that look extremely like Remi. The countdown is on and it is for the police and Ash to find out who it is. Ms. Ivy knows how to write suspense and I enjoy her books a lot. I can’t give it the full 5 stars though because I called it and well, I found that to be disappointing to say the least.
I would love for Jax Marcel to get a book, just saying.
5 years ago, Remi Walsh was nearly the next victim of the Chicago serial killer The Butcher, but her father sacrificed himself to save her. The guilt weighed her down and, in the end, she ended up pushing everyone away. The Butcher was never caught and 5 years later he/she is back to finish what he/she started.
Ash Marcel lost his fiancée to the Butcher, but he has loved her all this time. But new victims keep on turning up that look extremely like Remi. The countdown is on and it is for the police and Ash to find out who it is. Ms. Ivy knows how to write suspense and I enjoy her books a lot. I can’t give it the full 5 stars though because I called it and well, I found that to be disappointing to say the least.
I would love for Jax Marcel to get a book, just saying.
January 1, 2020
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
This second chance romance is wrapped in the pursuit of a serial killer. The romance is wonderful and the mystery/suspense keeps the plot moving, even though I spotted the baddie early on.
When Ash's brother, Jax, shows up in his office, he knows that something is terribly wrong. Ash refuses to believe what Jax tells him: his ex-fiancée is dead. When he views the body, it turns out he's right, the body doesn't belong to Remi. But, the body looks exactly like Remi and it bears the Butcher's signature.
Five years ago Remi was attacked and her father, Chicago Police Detective Gage Wash, was murdered by the serial killer, the Butcher. Remi doesn't remember what happened and she closed herself away from Ash. She moved on and is now teaching underprivileged at risk kids. When Ash shows up and tells her she is in danger, she knows there is no protection for her heart.
This second chance romance is wrapped in the pursuit of a serial killer. The romance is wonderful and the mystery/suspense keeps the plot moving, even though I spotted the baddie early on.
When Ash's brother, Jax, shows up in his office, he knows that something is terribly wrong. Ash refuses to believe what Jax tells him: his ex-fiancée is dead. When he views the body, it turns out he's right, the body doesn't belong to Remi. But, the body looks exactly like Remi and it bears the Butcher's signature.
Five years ago Remi was attacked and her father, Chicago Police Detective Gage Wash, was murdered by the serial killer, the Butcher. Remi doesn't remember what happened and she closed herself away from Ash. She moved on and is now teaching underprivileged at risk kids. When Ash shows up and tells her she is in danger, she knows there is no protection for her heart.
April 20, 2020
The Chicago Butcher
Five years ago the serial killer dubbed the “Chicago Butcher” terrorized the city until the murders abruptly stopped.
Now it appears the butcher is back but he has changed his M.O. All the victims appear to resemble Remi Walsh, the victim who got away!
The Characters
Ash, a former police detective remembers the murders all to well. They cost him everything including the girl. He’s determined to keep her safe and stop the killer. If he is lucky he just might win back the girl.
Remi Walsh lost her father at the hands of the Butcher and is determined to protect the man she loves.
Ash’s brother Chicago PD Detective Jax Marcel is working the Chicago Butcher case and trying to keep his brother in check.
The Romance
We get a second chance romance as Ash and Remi are reunited. He is there to protect her and hopes to solve the case. The romance was sweet, and as often happens tragedy tore them apart. The two felt genuine and I was rooting for them.
The Case
Ivy spun a well crafted mystery with plenty of twists and clues to keep both the characters and this listener guessing. The use of flashbacks and reemerging memories felt realistic as did the clues. The author threw in a couple of red herrings and possible suspects.
The Narration
Jim Frangione narrates and quickly became the voice of these characters. His interpretation of Ash reminded me of a private dick in a black and white film. His female voices were well crafted and his tone and pacing enhanced the tale.
Recommendation
If you enjoy mysteries with a side dish of romance, The Intended Victim was a clever listen. I enjoyed it and hope to go back and listen to the previous Agency audiobooks. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Five years ago the serial killer dubbed the “Chicago Butcher” terrorized the city until the murders abruptly stopped.
Now it appears the butcher is back but he has changed his M.O. All the victims appear to resemble Remi Walsh, the victim who got away!
The Characters
Ash, a former police detective remembers the murders all to well. They cost him everything including the girl. He’s determined to keep her safe and stop the killer. If he is lucky he just might win back the girl.
Remi Walsh lost her father at the hands of the Butcher and is determined to protect the man she loves.
Ash’s brother Chicago PD Detective Jax Marcel is working the Chicago Butcher case and trying to keep his brother in check.
The Romance
We get a second chance romance as Ash and Remi are reunited. He is there to protect her and hopes to solve the case. The romance was sweet, and as often happens tragedy tore them apart. The two felt genuine and I was rooting for them.
The Case
Ivy spun a well crafted mystery with plenty of twists and clues to keep both the characters and this listener guessing. The use of flashbacks and reemerging memories felt realistic as did the clues. The author threw in a couple of red herrings and possible suspects.
The Narration
Jim Frangione narrates and quickly became the voice of these characters. His interpretation of Ash reminded me of a private dick in a black and white film. His female voices were well crafted and his tone and pacing enhanced the tale.
Recommendation
If you enjoy mysteries with a side dish of romance, The Intended Victim was a clever listen. I enjoyed it and hope to go back and listen to the previous Agency audiobooks. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
November 3, 2021
The Intended Victim is a romantic thriller that is more thriller than romance. Five years after Remi Walsh survived The Butcher, the murders have started again and are accelerating at an alarming rate. Even worse, these victims have an eerie resemblance to Remi. Ash Marcel was one of the detectives on the hunt for this serial killer five years ago. He left the police department after the death of his partner and the attack on Remi, who was his fiancé at the time. With the resurgence of The Butcher and all the victims looking like Remi, Ash will put all his skills and connections to the test to protect the woman he still loves. This story has a well-developed plot with lots of twists and turns, plus an ending you will not see coming.
-Cherie G.
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
Click here to find the ebook at Prince William Public Libraries.
-Cherie G.
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
Click here to find the ebook at Prince William Public Libraries.
January 5, 2020
Fantastic, I was blowen away wuth this creepy thriler, the author has such a way to draw you into her stories. I loved that this is a second chance romance, and i was here for it. The Butcher is back! who could it be, why are they doing this... Read it to find out.
November 2, 2019
I’ve not read the rest of the books that preceded ‘The Intended Victim’ by Alexandra Ivy, but this is easy enough to get into as a standalone. The premise is undoubtedly quite an intriguing one: a serial murderer—a.k.a. The Butcher—who’s apparently back after five years and is now strangely obsessed with altering his victims’ faces to resemble Remi Walsh before killing them.
The suspense plot itself is sort of unique, with a twist that I sort of saw coming but was left skeptical in the end. It did lack a bit of forward momentum even as the process of getting to know more about the strange spate of murders was ongoing, getting even disconcerting at times with different POVs belonging to secondary characters popping up from time to time.
There’s a second chance romance in here as well, but this was probably the weakest part of the story for me. Ash/Remi’s history was sort of glossed over; we weren’t told much, only that Remi had pushed Ash away after tragedy touched their lives and that he was only back because she seemed to be in the sights of the same killer again.
I was obviously hoping for harder soul-searching on Remi’s part, but most of it dealt with her determination to try to just look at the future and not the past—and that she only looked at Ash with regret. In this way, Ash/Remi’s second chance romance didn’t quite feel like a justified or a convincing one at all: a pairing brought back together incidentally and not because both wanted it enough to look for each other. Five years on, all we really had of Remi was her weak excuse of wanting to ‘protect’ others by pushing them away and internalising her own mental mess that she’d never bothered to sort out. Through it all, I never quite got the idea that she wanted them as much as Ash pursued her, merely caving to Ash’s insistent pressure and going along with it.
The uptick in the narrative happened at the last quarter, after which, it got engrossing, though everything was wrapped up quite neatly—too neatly perhaps—in the last chapter. Would I recommend this? Maybe. It’s a decent read if you like the usual red-herrings and the clues that come with solving a murder mystery, though romance-wise, it’s not quite a satisfying one.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
The suspense plot itself is sort of unique, with a twist that I sort of saw coming but was left skeptical in the end. It did lack a bit of forward momentum even as the process of getting to know more about the strange spate of murders was ongoing, getting even disconcerting at times with different POVs belonging to secondary characters popping up from time to time.
There’s a second chance romance in here as well, but this was probably the weakest part of the story for me. Ash/Remi’s history was sort of glossed over; we weren’t told much, only that Remi had pushed Ash away after tragedy touched their lives and that he was only back because she seemed to be in the sights of the same killer again.
I was obviously hoping for harder soul-searching on Remi’s part, but most of it dealt with her determination to try to just look at the future and not the past—and that she only looked at Ash with regret. In this way, Ash/Remi’s second chance romance didn’t quite feel like a justified or a convincing one at all: a pairing brought back together incidentally and not because both wanted it enough to look for each other. Five years on, all we really had of Remi was her weak excuse of wanting to ‘protect’ others by pushing them away and internalising her own mental mess that she’d never bothered to sort out. Through it all, I never quite got the idea that she wanted them as much as Ash pursued her, merely caving to Ash’s insistent pressure and going along with it.
The uptick in the narrative happened at the last quarter, after which, it got engrossing, though everything was wrapped up quite neatly—too neatly perhaps—in the last chapter. Would I recommend this? Maybe. It’s a decent read if you like the usual red-herrings and the clues that come with solving a murder mystery, though romance-wise, it’s not quite a satisfying one.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
November 11, 2019
I've really enjoyed previous stories in this series as the author who I usually associate with paranormal stories really pushes the boundaries. This time it's a second chance romance set amidst what appears to be the reappearance of a Chicago serial killer. When Remi was attacked five years ago her father was apparently also the killers victim but as Remi has no memory of that night she cannot say exactly what happened or indeed where her father's body is ! The stress, strain and sheer grief drove her and Ash apart but when a body is found that's been surgically altered to look like Remi there's no way Ash won't be by her side.
For this reader second chance romance is never really a trope I enjoy and sadly this lacked that special something in the romance department. I think I just didn't understand exactly why Ash left town, changed career and just gave up on the woman he apparently loves so much ! I actually could understand how devastated Remi was although when Ash comes back to Chicago there was sadly a lack of tension between the couple which I would expect. The killer was unfortunately not that believable although I do applaud the author for her originality and I hope when we get Jax's book that I can rate it much higher.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
For this reader second chance romance is never really a trope I enjoy and sadly this lacked that special something in the romance department. I think I just didn't understand exactly why Ash left town, changed career and just gave up on the woman he apparently loves so much ! I actually could understand how devastated Remi was although when Ash comes back to Chicago there was sadly a lack of tension between the couple which I would expect. The killer was unfortunately not that believable although I do applaud the author for her originality and I hope when we get Jax's book that I can rate it much higher.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
February 26, 2020
I was drawn to this book by the cover. I thought this book was just as I hopes it would be. The story made me want to keep reading more. I have not read the other books in the series but I did not feel left out. I was on the edge of my seat and I loved every minute of it. I am so glad I got to try this book and this author. I will look into the other books in the series. "This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review."
September 14, 2020
The Intended Victim by Alexandra Ivy is a mystery/romance novel.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Kensington- Zebra Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
The Butcher is back in Chicago. Five years ago, this serial killer preyed on young women, slashing their throat and leaving a crescent shaped cut on their breast.
The Butcher did leave one victim alive. Remi Walsh survived, but her father did not. Neither did the relationship with her fiancé, Detective Ash Marcel. They both felt grief, and anger, and guilt. Remi pushed Ash away. He left town and became a teacher. Remi now works with the homeless.
But Ash quickly returns home when his brother (also a detective), notifies him of the body in morgue. She bears a striking resemblance to Remi, and her murder has all the characteristics of The Butcher.
My Opinions:
Still no idea why these books are considered a series. They don't have the same characters, and do not carry on from the last book. They are complete stand-alone novels.
Now, I dislike "romantic suspense". I don't object to swearing, nor sex scenes, but excessive romantic thoughts just about kill me. It feels like these men and women walk around all day long "thinking" about sex. If that is the case, they should get a real life. Anyway, I have continued to read this so-called series of books even though they are filled with this romantic nonsense. Yes, the first reason is because the book was given to me for free. However, the other reasons -- the mystery is always good, the writing is good, the pace is fast and they are quick, light reads. Oh, and the twists are good.
So I just had to get passed all the innuendos, and the "his hard body", "her soft skin"..... It was hard (no pun intended). There was A LOT of that in this book.
However, if I disregard all of that...., I enjoyed the book.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
January 15, 2020
Although it’s fourth in a series, I hadn’t read any of the others and felt this worked OK as a standalone. Hero Ash is a former police detective now teaching criminal law, brought back to Chicago in a big hurry when the body of his ex-girlfriend is found slain. Only it’s not Remi, but a girl who looks just like her. Uncannily, artificially unlike her, and the case has all the hallmarks of The Butcher, the serial killer who killed Remi’s father and caused Ash to retire from his job.
With Ash’s brother on the case inside the police department, Ash teams up with Remi who’s just as eager to find out why a girl who looks just like her is dead… and maybe find the murderer who killed her father. As suspects were eliminated, I realized who the killer had to be, unlikely though it was, and the author did a reasonable job of making it sound plausible when the big reveal happened. The romance, however, I didn’t quite buy. Ash just walking away from a traumatized Remi years earlier very much made me side-eye his reactions now; it almost seemed like he didn’t want to bother until she’d ‘fixed herself’, which really doesn’t fit my definition of deep and abiding true love. So she pushed him away; she was grieving, terrified and hurt, and at the time they had no idea whether the Butcher would come back to finish her off. Ash gave up on her and left, which just left her more vulnerable, and I really didn’t like it.
Overall, I’m giving this three stars. A decent suspense plot, but the romance didn’t really cut it for me.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
With Ash’s brother on the case inside the police department, Ash teams up with Remi who’s just as eager to find out why a girl who looks just like her is dead… and maybe find the murderer who killed her father. As suspects were eliminated, I realized who the killer had to be, unlikely though it was, and the author did a reasonable job of making it sound plausible when the big reveal happened. The romance, however, I didn’t quite buy. Ash just walking away from a traumatized Remi years earlier very much made me side-eye his reactions now; it almost seemed like he didn’t want to bother until she’d ‘fixed herself’, which really doesn’t fit my definition of deep and abiding true love. So she pushed him away; she was grieving, terrified and hurt, and at the time they had no idea whether the Butcher would come back to finish her off. Ash gave up on her and left, which just left her more vulnerable, and I really didn’t like it.
Overall, I’m giving this three stars. A decent suspense plot, but the romance didn’t really cut it for me.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
November 6, 2019
If you love mysteries this book is for you. And wow I didn't see the ending.
When a serial killer has returned and he has to tell his brother that his ex-fiance is in the morgue Jax Marcel isn't prepared for what's to come, and neither is Ash. So when Ash looks and takes a good look and realizes it isn't Remi they are both equally relieved and petrified at the same time. The Butcher tore their lives apart once and it looks like he's back to try and finish the job.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When a serial killer has returned and he has to tell his brother that his ex-fiance is in the morgue Jax Marcel isn't prepared for what's to come, and neither is Ash. So when Ash looks and takes a good look and realizes it isn't Remi they are both equally relieved and petrified at the same time. The Butcher tore their lives apart once and it looks like he's back to try and finish the job.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2020
ARC REVIEW
The Agency #4, A standalone, the main characters in this one is brother to the main character in the previous book but that is where the connection ends. Ash Marcel was a Chicago PD Detective until his partner mysteriously disappeared, with the amount of blood left at the scene they all assumed he was dead, and his relationship to his partner's daughter/fiancee ended, now he's a professor. Five years ago Chicago was plagued by a serial killer the press named The Butcher, but after an unsuccessful attack on Remi Walsh and the disappearance/death of her father the murders stopped. Remi was never the same after that. Now, five years later Ash's brother Chicago PD Detective Jax Marcel walks into this classroom telling him The Butcher is back and Remi is dead, only it's not Remi she just looks almost identical to her.
Ash knows it's only a matter of time before The Butcher goes after Remi again and figures he's the best person to protect her. Not just because she's in danger and she's the daughter of his old partner but because he still loves her. Remi still loves Ash also but she's worried things won't go back to the way they were. As Ash and Remi dig into the old files and try to figure out what they missed all those years ago Jax investigates the recent murders.
Overall, it was a great read. It was an intense and interesting read with a good mystery and a nice second chance romance. I really liked Ash and Remi they are a good pair. I do hope Jax is next to get his own story.
The Agency #4, A standalone, the main characters in this one is brother to the main character in the previous book but that is where the connection ends. Ash Marcel was a Chicago PD Detective until his partner mysteriously disappeared, with the amount of blood left at the scene they all assumed he was dead, and his relationship to his partner's daughter/fiancee ended, now he's a professor. Five years ago Chicago was plagued by a serial killer the press named The Butcher, but after an unsuccessful attack on Remi Walsh and the disappearance/death of her father the murders stopped. Remi was never the same after that. Now, five years later Ash's brother Chicago PD Detective Jax Marcel walks into this classroom telling him The Butcher is back and Remi is dead, only it's not Remi she just looks almost identical to her.
Ash knows it's only a matter of time before The Butcher goes after Remi again and figures he's the best person to protect her. Not just because she's in danger and she's the daughter of his old partner but because he still loves her. Remi still loves Ash also but she's worried things won't go back to the way they were. As Ash and Remi dig into the old files and try to figure out what they missed all those years ago Jax investigates the recent murders.
Overall, it was a great read. It was an intense and interesting read with a good mystery and a nice second chance romance. I really liked Ash and Remi they are a good pair. I do hope Jax is next to get his own story.
December 30, 2019
This is the fourth book of the series but could be read as a stand alone. Previous characters pop up in this one but the relationship is easy to follow. I am a self proclaimed wuss for romantic suspense. They drive me bananas mostly because I can't read them at the speed I would like to. Too much information and brain bending to go quickly. That said, this author is a go to recommendation if you love romantic suspense.
This story has all the thrilling elements of the genre: twist and turns, a serial killer back from the dead, a gorgeous cop looking to protect a woman who refuses to be a victim any longer, a creepy setting and weird secondary characters who seem to all be possible suspects. Wrap yourself up tight and hold on. This one is intense.
Loved the connection with Remi and Ash. So happy to see him take things at her speed and make sure their relationship was strong first. Lovely twisted ending. Broke my heart but it seemed the right choice for the story.
Great read!
Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
October 31, 2019
This is my first book of the Agency series but was able to read it without having read the previous books. There is plenty of romance, suspense and mystery to keep me very engaged in this book, I really enjoyed it and look forward to going back and reading the others.
November 26, 2019
The Intended Victim (The Agency #4) by Alexandra Ivy
4 stars
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Stalking, Murder, Kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is the 4th book in the series, but I have not read the previous books. I never felt that I was missing anything in the story.
Remi survived the Chicago Butcher. But what she lost in the process was her lover, father and sense of security. Now that she is doing something she loves, seeing Ash back, Remi knows that it can't be good news.
Ash removed himself from Remi's life after she was almost the victim and he lost his partner. He also left the police force. But, when an eerily similar crime to the Chicago Butcher shows up at his brother Jax's desk, Ash comes back to protect Remi and finally figure out who is killing these women.
With a rush on time and people not telling the truth, Remi's dad's clues from the grave just leave more of a puzzle to solve. Jax, Ash's brother, Ash and Remi have their work cutout. Can they figure out who has been killing women like Remi before she becomes a target again? Ash will stop at nothing to protect her and figure it out.
This book is full of secrets and twists and turns. It's haunting and thrilling all in one. The romance was very much a secondary part of the story for me and I'm glad that it was. I think had it been a more prominent part of the book, I wouldn't have liked it as much. The only minor issue I had with the writing style was that when the killer was talking, it was sometimes hard to figure out that someone new was thinking and talking because it all blended together. There wasn't any delineation when it changed.
4 stars
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Stalking, Murder, Kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is the 4th book in the series, but I have not read the previous books. I never felt that I was missing anything in the story.
Remi survived the Chicago Butcher. But what she lost in the process was her lover, father and sense of security. Now that she is doing something she loves, seeing Ash back, Remi knows that it can't be good news.
Ash removed himself from Remi's life after she was almost the victim and he lost his partner. He also left the police force. But, when an eerily similar crime to the Chicago Butcher shows up at his brother Jax's desk, Ash comes back to protect Remi and finally figure out who is killing these women.
With a rush on time and people not telling the truth, Remi's dad's clues from the grave just leave more of a puzzle to solve. Jax, Ash's brother, Ash and Remi have their work cutout. Can they figure out who has been killing women like Remi before she becomes a target again? Ash will stop at nothing to protect her and figure it out.
This book is full of secrets and twists and turns. It's haunting and thrilling all in one. The romance was very much a secondary part of the story for me and I'm glad that it was. I think had it been a more prominent part of the book, I wouldn't have liked it as much. The only minor issue I had with the writing style was that when the killer was talking, it was sometimes hard to figure out that someone new was thinking and talking because it all blended together. There wasn't any delineation when it changed.
January 1, 2020
Definitely a thrilling ride!
Wasn’t expecting the mom to be the Butcher & killing herself but throughout the ten years she had been killing, she kept her promise to be a “better” mom to not kill her own daughter...
Wasn’t expecting the mom to be the Butcher & killing herself but throughout the ten years she had been killing, she kept her promise to be a “better” mom to not kill her own daughter...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2019
4 stars
About the book: Release Date December 31, 2019
ONCE, SHE GOT AWAY
The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. There’s a cruel slash across her throat, deep enough to sever the carotid artery, and a small crescent carved into her right breast. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her.
BUT THIS TIME
Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger.
IT’S A DEAD END . . .
Someone is targeting women who look just like Remi. With or without a badge, Ash intends to unmask the Butcher. But the killer isn’t playing games any longer. He’s moving in, ready to finish what he started, and prove there’s nothing more terrifying than a killer’s obsession . . .
••••••••
REVIEW: THE INTENDED VICTIM is the fourth instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult THE AGENCY romantic suspense series. This is former Chicago police detective / college professor Ashland ‘Ash’ Marcel, and youth center counselor Remi Walsh’s story line. THE INTENDED VICTIM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Remi and Ash) and first person (killer) THE INTENDED VICTIM follows in the wake of the possible return of a serial killer. Five years earlier Remi Walsh was the intended victim of a serial killer known as The Butcher but Remi’s call to her father, police officer Gage Walsh, resulted in the death of her father, and Remi with no memory of what happened that day. Fast forward to the present, wherein a series of murders where all of the victims have been surgically altered to look like Remi Walsh, pull Ash Marcel, Remi’s former fiancé into the investigation. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Ash and Remi, and the potential fall-out as the killer hits too close to home.
Ash Marcel was destroyed the day Remi Walsh walked out of his life but Remi struggled in the aftermath of the death of her father, the attack on her life, and Ash Marcel’s obsession with finding the killer. Ash Marcel had never stopped loving our story line heroine and a change in careers meant pulling away from the life that he loved.
The relationship between Remi and Ash is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by death and destruction, and brought together by memories from the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Remi’s mother Liza, and Ash’s brother Detective Jax Marcel. There is a large list of suspects who are questioned yet remain a person of interest.
THE INTENDED VICTIM is a romantic suspense thriller; a story of betrayal and obsession; family, friends, jealousy and madness. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is seductive and captivating.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
About the book: Release Date December 31, 2019
ONCE, SHE GOT AWAY
The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. There’s a cruel slash across her throat, deep enough to sever the carotid artery, and a small crescent carved into her right breast. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her.
BUT THIS TIME
Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger.
IT’S A DEAD END . . .
Someone is targeting women who look just like Remi. With or without a badge, Ash intends to unmask the Butcher. But the killer isn’t playing games any longer. He’s moving in, ready to finish what he started, and prove there’s nothing more terrifying than a killer’s obsession . . .
••••••••
REVIEW: THE INTENDED VICTIM is the fourth instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult THE AGENCY romantic suspense series. This is former Chicago police detective / college professor Ashland ‘Ash’ Marcel, and youth center counselor Remi Walsh’s story line. THE INTENDED VICTIM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Remi and Ash) and first person (killer) THE INTENDED VICTIM follows in the wake of the possible return of a serial killer. Five years earlier Remi Walsh was the intended victim of a serial killer known as The Butcher but Remi’s call to her father, police officer Gage Walsh, resulted in the death of her father, and Remi with no memory of what happened that day. Fast forward to the present, wherein a series of murders where all of the victims have been surgically altered to look like Remi Walsh, pull Ash Marcel, Remi’s former fiancé into the investigation. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Ash and Remi, and the potential fall-out as the killer hits too close to home.
Ash Marcel was destroyed the day Remi Walsh walked out of his life but Remi struggled in the aftermath of the death of her father, the attack on her life, and Ash Marcel’s obsession with finding the killer. Ash Marcel had never stopped loving our story line heroine and a change in careers meant pulling away from the life that he loved.
The relationship between Remi and Ash is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by death and destruction, and brought together by memories from the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Remi’s mother Liza, and Ash’s brother Detective Jax Marcel. There is a large list of suspects who are questioned yet remain a person of interest.
THE INTENDED VICTIM is a romantic suspense thriller; a story of betrayal and obsession; family, friends, jealousy and madness. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is seductive and captivating.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 19, 2019
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Intended Victim is the fourth volume in the romantic suspense series by Alexandra Ivy titled The Agency. The previous volumes are Pretend you’re safe (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ), What are you afraid of? (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) and You will suffer (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).
The story features Ashland “Ash” Marcel (brother of Nate, hero in the third volume) and Remi Walsh. Totally personally, because I’m French, let’s say I had trouble with Remi’s name for two reasons: in the book she’s a woman, and my husband’s name is Remi. Lol.
Apart from this little inconvenience, I really liked the book and the suspense once again well done. Ash and Remi were in love and betrothed. But five years ago, Remi was the victim of a serial killer nicknamed The Butcher and she was saved by her father, who she knows is dead but his body was never found. Racked with guilt, she withdrew on herself and that destroyed her couple with Ash. He left Chicago and his job as a policeman to become professor in the town of Normal.
The book opens on a girl who’s going to buy drugs and is killed by a mysterious person. Then Jackson “Jax” Marcel comes and tells his brother his ex-fiancé Remi was found dead, her throat slit. In spite of their break-up, Ash still has strong feelings for Remi so let’s say he takes the news very badly. But when he comes to the morgue to see the body, he realizes it’s not Remi. What’s more, the coroner tells them the victim had a surgery to her face a little time before. The two brothers understand The Butcher is back. Ash goes back to Chicago to protect Remi.
She’s a volunteer in an educational support center for young persons with social and school difficulties. She still has not recovered from what happened a few years ago and knowing a girl looking like her was killed makes matters worse. She’s not really thrilled by Ash’s return but she also has feelings for him and little by little she understands her behavior wasn’t really the better one.
I really liked the two heroes together. My only problem is that 5 years, it’s too long for such a “simple” reunion, even if we feel the deep feeling Remi and Ash have for each other. That makes sense especially as they didn’t break with pain and shouts but I was frustrated all the same by it.
However, the suspense is really well done. The plot turns around the serial killer but also the fact the new victim looks like Remi, which is different from the previous ones. Knowing a little Alexandra Ivy’s style, I began suspecting the bad guy at one point and my hunch turned out being right. That didn’t prevent me to be very stupefied by the plot resolution that will surprise a lot of readers.
As for the secondary characters, we have the heroine’s circle as the hero’s circle, especially his brother Jax who has a great importance in the book as he’s the cop charged with the case and we follow his thoughts. Nate and Ellie, heroes of You Will Suffer, are mentioned and we see them at the end of the book during their wedding. If Alexandra goes on with this series, I bet on Jax for the next hero. But for now, I don’t know if she’s intending more. Case to follow especially as I said at the end of my two previous reviews that there shouldn’t be other books and yet there are… LOL
In the meantime, you’ll have a very good time with The Intended Victim and fans of romantic suspense who want to discover Alexandra Ivy will be able to appreciate it, knowing it can be read totally independently.
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Intended Victim is the fourth volume in the romantic suspense series by Alexandra Ivy titled The Agency. The previous volumes are Pretend you’re safe (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ), What are you afraid of? (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) and You will suffer (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).
The story features Ashland “Ash” Marcel (brother of Nate, hero in the third volume) and Remi Walsh. Totally personally, because I’m French, let’s say I had trouble with Remi’s name for two reasons: in the book she’s a woman, and my husband’s name is Remi. Lol.
Apart from this little inconvenience, I really liked the book and the suspense once again well done. Ash and Remi were in love and betrothed. But five years ago, Remi was the victim of a serial killer nicknamed The Butcher and she was saved by her father, who she knows is dead but his body was never found. Racked with guilt, she withdrew on herself and that destroyed her couple with Ash. He left Chicago and his job as a policeman to become professor in the town of Normal.
The book opens on a girl who’s going to buy drugs and is killed by a mysterious person. Then Jackson “Jax” Marcel comes and tells his brother his ex-fiancé Remi was found dead, her throat slit. In spite of their break-up, Ash still has strong feelings for Remi so let’s say he takes the news very badly. But when he comes to the morgue to see the body, he realizes it’s not Remi. What’s more, the coroner tells them the victim had a surgery to her face a little time before. The two brothers understand The Butcher is back. Ash goes back to Chicago to protect Remi.
She’s a volunteer in an educational support center for young persons with social and school difficulties. She still has not recovered from what happened a few years ago and knowing a girl looking like her was killed makes matters worse. She’s not really thrilled by Ash’s return but she also has feelings for him and little by little she understands her behavior wasn’t really the better one.
I really liked the two heroes together. My only problem is that 5 years, it’s too long for such a “simple” reunion, even if we feel the deep feeling Remi and Ash have for each other. That makes sense especially as they didn’t break with pain and shouts but I was frustrated all the same by it.
However, the suspense is really well done. The plot turns around the serial killer but also the fact the new victim looks like Remi, which is different from the previous ones. Knowing a little Alexandra Ivy’s style, I began suspecting the bad guy at one point and my hunch turned out being right. That didn’t prevent me to be very stupefied by the plot resolution that will surprise a lot of readers.
As for the secondary characters, we have the heroine’s circle as the hero’s circle, especially his brother Jax who has a great importance in the book as he’s the cop charged with the case and we follow his thoughts. Nate and Ellie, heroes of You Will Suffer, are mentioned and we see them at the end of the book during their wedding. If Alexandra goes on with this series, I bet on Jax for the next hero. But for now, I don’t know if she’s intending more. Case to follow especially as I said at the end of my two previous reviews that there shouldn’t be other books and yet there are… LOL
In the meantime, you’ll have a very good time with The Intended Victim and fans of romantic suspense who want to discover Alexandra Ivy will be able to appreciate it, knowing it can be read totally independently.
December 31, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
The Intended Victim is the fourth title in The Agency series, and although it could be read as a standalone I do wish that I had started this series from the beginning. (there’s that pesky habit of mine kicking me for not following my own suggestions) I don’t know that I “should” have read the earlier books first yet I have a strong sense of things I should have been aware of throughout Reni’s and Ash’s race to finally reveal the serial killer who has played a part in both their lives. It is my intention to go back to pick up what I didn’t know this time around – perhaps not necessary but my curiosity is engaged now about what went on to get to this point.
Remi and Ash make a great team as they attempt to finally put a serial killer behind bars. There is danger, confusion, red herrings, lots of questions until the final reveal. It’s also an interesting second chance romance as a couple who once were close to marriage only to see the actions of a killer change both of their lives get the chance to fall in love again, perhaps even deeper with eyes wide open. Not that their second chance is going to be easy, nothing about this latest development is easy but it does force Ash and Remi to face each other once again.
I had several suspects along the way to the reveal. For several reasons, none of them stuck in my mind as fitting right until that reveal. I enjoyed myself (I do think I’d have enjoyed myself more if I had a background that I believe I missed from the earlier books) and in the end, that’s really all that matters.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
The Intended Victim is the fourth title in The Agency series, and although it could be read as a standalone I do wish that I had started this series from the beginning. (there’s that pesky habit of mine kicking me for not following my own suggestions) I don’t know that I “should” have read the earlier books first yet I have a strong sense of things I should have been aware of throughout Reni’s and Ash’s race to finally reveal the serial killer who has played a part in both their lives. It is my intention to go back to pick up what I didn’t know this time around – perhaps not necessary but my curiosity is engaged now about what went on to get to this point.
Remi and Ash make a great team as they attempt to finally put a serial killer behind bars. There is danger, confusion, red herrings, lots of questions until the final reveal. It’s also an interesting second chance romance as a couple who once were close to marriage only to see the actions of a killer change both of their lives get the chance to fall in love again, perhaps even deeper with eyes wide open. Not that their second chance is going to be easy, nothing about this latest development is easy but it does force Ash and Remi to face each other once again.
I had several suspects along the way to the reveal. For several reasons, none of them stuck in my mind as fitting right until that reveal. I enjoyed myself (I do think I’d have enjoyed myself more if I had a background that I believe I missed from the earlier books) and in the end, that’s really all that matters.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
January 25, 2020
3.5 Stars. This was a well written romantic suspense with quite a bit of suspense and a nice romance but for me the chemistry between Remi and Ash was just a bit lacking. I understood how Remi could be devastated by the murder of her father but I never really got a good grasp on why Ash quit his job and moved away. 5 years later he's back and things with Remi just went a bit quickly without really ever discussing the past 5 years or why they broke up. I guessed the identity of the killer and while it was an unexpected choice by the author I thought there were a few too many clues leading the reader in that direction which ended up ruining the surprise for me. The character that really stood out for me was Jax and I will definitely be interested in reading a book about him in the future.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
January 2, 2020
Solid 4 stars for this volume in this amazing series! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing another Marcel brother in this book!
Five years ago, Remi escaped a serial killer with her life and a bunch of mental scars. She also lost her father to the same serial killer. She lost her relationship with her fiance because of her guilt in losing her father. Ash is back in town after hearing the news that a woman that looks exactly like his ex-fiance is found dead in the same manner as the serial killer who he was hunting 5 years ago. That serial killer cost him his partner and his fiance. Can Remi and Ash come back together to solve this case to put both their minds at ease? Can they rekindle what they lost?
I really loved everything about this book. I loved Remi and her determination to not be a victim. I love Ash and his protectiveness. I also love the family that they both have in the Marcel clan. I love everyone's drive to protect their loved ones. I loved the depth of this story. There was so much to learn and so much to it. I totally had no idea how it was going to end until it ended and it took me completely by surprise! I love that in a mystery. Keep me guessing the whole time until the end!
Overall, loved this one so much and crossing my fingers that there's going to be more to come!
**eARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Five years ago, Remi escaped a serial killer with her life and a bunch of mental scars. She also lost her father to the same serial killer. She lost her relationship with her fiance because of her guilt in losing her father. Ash is back in town after hearing the news that a woman that looks exactly like his ex-fiance is found dead in the same manner as the serial killer who he was hunting 5 years ago. That serial killer cost him his partner and his fiance. Can Remi and Ash come back together to solve this case to put both their minds at ease? Can they rekindle what they lost?
I really loved everything about this book. I loved Remi and her determination to not be a victim. I love Ash and his protectiveness. I also love the family that they both have in the Marcel clan. I love everyone's drive to protect their loved ones. I loved the depth of this story. There was so much to learn and so much to it. I totally had no idea how it was going to end until it ended and it took me completely by surprise! I love that in a mystery. Keep me guessing the whole time until the end!
Overall, loved this one so much and crossing my fingers that there's going to be more to come!
**eARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
August 9, 2021
This book is the 4th in The Agency series by Alexandra Ivy. A young heiress Remi Walsh was attacked 5 years ago by a killer they named The Butcher. She survived but withdrew from everyone and broke off her engagement to Detective Ash Marcel. Now 5 years later young women are turning up dead and they look just like Remi. Ash returns to Chicago to help his brother Jax a Detective on the police force try to solve the crimes before something happens to Remi.
An explosive ending you won't see coming. If Romantic Suspense is a genre you like this series is a must read.
An explosive ending you won't see coming. If Romantic Suspense is a genre you like this series is a must read.
December 27, 2019
This book was freaking awesome. It checked off all my boxes. Law enforcement suspense ✅. Fantastic storyline✅. Great, well developed characters✅. Action-packed✅.
The Intended Victim is the fourth book in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency Series. This is a second chance, romantic suspense novella.
Five years ago, Remi Walsh and Ash Marcel were engaged to be married. All that ended the night she was attacked by a serial killer and her father died trying to save her life. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. When Ash is informed that there is a body that resembles Remi in the morgue he flies home to protect her and finally put a stop to the Chicago Butcher. Together they work to uncover the identity of the killer. I love Ash and Remi, both individually and together. They have great chemistry and a deep understanding of one another that adds to the depth of the storyline.
I have always loved reading Ivy’s paranormal romance series, however, this new series far surpasses my expectations in the suspense genre. Ivy is a phenomenal writer, who’s story telling ability keeps you hanging as you go page by page.
All the books in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency Series contain a happily ever after and can be read as a standalone, however, reading it in order will give you a better appreciation for the characters and the series itself. I can’t wait for the next book!
This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.
The Intended Victim is the fourth book in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency Series. This is a second chance, romantic suspense novella.
Five years ago, Remi Walsh and Ash Marcel were engaged to be married. All that ended the night she was attacked by a serial killer and her father died trying to save her life. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. When Ash is informed that there is a body that resembles Remi in the morgue he flies home to protect her and finally put a stop to the Chicago Butcher. Together they work to uncover the identity of the killer. I love Ash and Remi, both individually and together. They have great chemistry and a deep understanding of one another that adds to the depth of the storyline.
I have always loved reading Ivy’s paranormal romance series, however, this new series far surpasses my expectations in the suspense genre. Ivy is a phenomenal writer, who’s story telling ability keeps you hanging as you go page by page.
All the books in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency Series contain a happily ever after and can be read as a standalone, however, reading it in order will give you a better appreciation for the characters and the series itself. I can’t wait for the next book!
This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.
January 15, 2020
Exciting 4th book in the Agency series. I never saw it coming. You can read this book without reading the others. It stands on it's own merits.
June 27, 2025
Wow I did not see that ending coming! Very well written book!
February 2, 2020
I have to say up front, I’m a huge fan of Alexandra Ivy’s paranormal series, so when I saw she was branching out into the mystery/thriller genre, I jumped on the chance to read them.
This story follows Remi, who survived an attack by a serial killer five years earlier. Her father did not survive the encounter, but Remi is blank on what happened, her memory is gone. The aftermath of her inability to recall what happened and the stress of it all drove her and Ash apart.
Now we are five years later and bodies that have been murdered and surgically enhanced to look like Remi start showing up. Ash’s brother is on the case and lets Ash know what’s going on. Ash won’t Remi face this new threat alone and returns to Chicago. The Chicago Ash left, with the woman he loved, his detective career and home behind.
The story was enjoyable, with twists and turns that took a pretty shocking outcome. The Intended Victim has a pretty good suspense-filled plot. The romance was a stretch for me, since the tension was minimal with Ash’s return but overall a good read. 3.5 stars
I received this copy of The Intended Victim from Kensington Books - Zebra. This is my honest and voluntary rewiew.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Written by: Alexandra Ivy
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Zebra (December 31, 2019)
ISBN-10: 1420143832
ISBN-13: 978-1420143836
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Intended-Victi...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-i...
This story follows Remi, who survived an attack by a serial killer five years earlier. Her father did not survive the encounter, but Remi is blank on what happened, her memory is gone. The aftermath of her inability to recall what happened and the stress of it all drove her and Ash apart.
Now we are five years later and bodies that have been murdered and surgically enhanced to look like Remi start showing up. Ash’s brother is on the case and lets Ash know what’s going on. Ash won’t Remi face this new threat alone and returns to Chicago. The Chicago Ash left, with the woman he loved, his detective career and home behind.
The story was enjoyable, with twists and turns that took a pretty shocking outcome. The Intended Victim has a pretty good suspense-filled plot. The romance was a stretch for me, since the tension was minimal with Ash’s return but overall a good read. 3.5 stars
I received this copy of The Intended Victim from Kensington Books - Zebra. This is my honest and voluntary rewiew.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Written by: Alexandra Ivy
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Zebra (December 31, 2019)
ISBN-10: 1420143832
ISBN-13: 978-1420143836
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Intended-Victi...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-i...
November 22, 2019
Ash had a good career as a cop with a loving girlfriend but that all changed when his partner went missing presumed killed and Remi was attacked. They never caught the serial killer and Ash left everything behind to start over. But he has just been told by his brother Jax that they have found Remi and it looks like the serial killer is back. Ash can't believe that she is dead and he will do whatever it takes to find the killer. Things take a turn as the dead woman isn't Remi but someone that has had surgery to look like her and now Ash knows for sure that she is in grave danger but will she allow Ash back into her life.
Remi can't believe that Ash is back she has missed him but after her father's death she needed time and her guilt ate at her every day since. But does she believe that the killer is back now and that she could be the next victim? Can she allow Ash back into her life can her heart handle him again?
Ash knows that he needs to start it slow with Remi and that he can find out who the killer is and hopefully find his dead partner.
Will they find the answers that they are seeking and will Remi get her life back on track? Where will this leave them?
A good read, never saw the killer coming. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.
Remi can't believe that Ash is back she has missed him but after her father's death she needed time and her guilt ate at her every day since. But does she believe that the killer is back now and that she could be the next victim? Can she allow Ash back into her life can her heart handle him again?
Ash knows that he needs to start it slow with Remi and that he can find out who the killer is and hopefully find his dead partner.
Will they find the answers that they are seeking and will Remi get her life back on track? Where will this leave them?
A good read, never saw the killer coming. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.
December 1, 2020
This book was freaking awesome. It checked off all my boxes. Law enforcement suspense ✅. Fantastic storyline✅. Great, well developed characters✅. Action-packed✅.
The Intended Victim is the fourth book in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency Series. This is a second chance, romantic suspense novella.
Five years ago, Remi Walsh and Ash Marcel were engaged to be married. All that ended the night she was attacked by a serial killer and her father died trying to save her life. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. When Ash is informed that there is a body that resembles Remi in the morgue he flies home to protect her and finally put a stop to the Chicago Butcher. Together they work to uncover the identity of the killer. I love Ash and Remi, both individually and together. They have great chemistry and a deep understanding of one another that adds to the depth of the storyline.
I have always loved reading Ivy’s paranormal romance series, however, this new series far surpasses my expectations in the suspense genre. Ivy is a phenomenal writer, who’s story telling ability keeps you hanging as you go page by page.
All the books in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency Series contain a happily ever after and can be read as a standalone, however, reading it in order will give you a better appreciation for the characters and the series itself. I can’t wait for the next book!
This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.
The Intended Victim is the fourth book in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency Series. This is a second chance, romantic suspense novella.
Five years ago, Remi Walsh and Ash Marcel were engaged to be married. All that ended the night she was attacked by a serial killer and her father died trying to save her life. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. When Ash is informed that there is a body that resembles Remi in the morgue he flies home to protect her and finally put a stop to the Chicago Butcher. Together they work to uncover the identity of the killer. I love Ash and Remi, both individually and together. They have great chemistry and a deep understanding of one another that adds to the depth of the storyline.
I have always loved reading Ivy’s paranormal romance series, however, this new series far surpasses my expectations in the suspense genre. Ivy is a phenomenal writer, who’s story telling ability keeps you hanging as you go page by page.
All the books in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency Series contain a happily ever after and can be read as a standalone, however, reading it in order will give you a better appreciation for the characters and the series itself. I can’t wait for the next book!
This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.
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