The Intended Victim by Alexandra Ivy is the fourth book in The Agency. The book is a thriller from the first chapter with the tension rising to the end. I did not guess or even suspect the outcome until the end!

Remi Walsh is trying to move on. Five years ago the Chicago Butcher was chasing her. Instead of killing her, he killed her father. Remi lives with that guilt daily. She chased off her boyfriend and her father’s partner Ash Marcel with that same guilt. Ash Marcel moved a short distance away and begin to teach people on how to be detectives. It is into this sad state of affairs that another woman is killed. The scary part is.. she looked like Remi AND has had plastic surgery to make her look like Remi. Ash’s brother pulls him back in and he is determined to find the truth about the Chicago but her and to keep Remi safe.

I enjoyed the writing of Alexandra Ivy and felt the story’s tension grow with each chapter. I liked the characters and how they were well rounded. The Intended Victim by Alexandra Ivy was a good read!

The Intended Victim had me biting my nails, listening for rustling behind me and gasping for breath. The second chance romance was well done, it did not smother the pages. The relationship was reignited and steamy in the right context. A plus in my book. I love a book where the plot is enhanced with a great relationship, but does not exist because of one.. This starts of with a murder and pretty much goes full steam. I had thoughts of oh know, not them, and it wasn't. I was wrong on the butcher, thank goodness, but it was still a jaw dropping moment. Excellent suspense, excellent mystery, and still brought to light some of the troubles of today. I loved, loved, loved this book. A true 5 stars, more if I could. Thank you Alexandra Ivy, NetGalley, Kensington Books/Zebra for the arc. I voluntarily leave this review. All thought and opinions are my own and unsolicited.

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, What are you afraid of? and You will suffer.

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.

WOW! I was surprised by that ending! Apparently this is part of a series...I did not know this when I started the book. And that was fine, I didn't feel I was missing anything. Really liked Remy and Ash, loved their story and chemistry. Picked this up cuz I love a serial killer story and this one was good, with a bit of everything...comedy, romance, thrills and chills. Good stuff

THE INTENDED VICTIM by prolific author Alexandra Ivy has a great new installment of her Agency series with The Intended Victim. Serial killers are never something to trifle with, particularly when it’s obvious that you are the intended victim. That’s where Remi Walsh finds herself when a look-a-like victim turns up, with all the hallmark signs of assault from the ‘Chicago Butcher.’ She survived an attack from the killer five years earlier, during which time her father died trying to save her, and estranged her from the man she loved, Ash Marcel. Ash is no longer a police officer and Remi is still trying to get her life back together, but he intends to find the killer before the woman he still loves becomes the real victim. This second-chance love story is strong on plot and twists and suspense, but lighter than the other four on romance. It’s still a great series.

*Originally published at Frolic.Media: https://frolic.media/wrap-up-2019-with-these-must-read-romantic-suspenses/

The Intended Victim was an engrossing, and enjoyable story. That although slow to start, soon picked up and was suspenseful and at times exciting and thrilling to read. Not to mention it had a few twists, and kept me guessing almost until the end. Plus, the characters were very likable and the romance, engaging. It also didn't overwhelm the rest of the story, which developed at a good pace and was at times truly gripping, and difficult to put down. And so, I would happily recommend it to others, particularly if you enjoy a good romantic suspense story or are a fan of the author.

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review The Intended Victim prior to publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Intended Victim is a spin-chilling romantic suspense that had me biting my nails until the very end. The pacing is quick, and the action scenes are heart throbbing. The writing is crisp and perfect for this book. I love a “who done it” where I really have no clue who the villain is until they are revealed in the climatic ending. Wow, just wow!

Remi’s character has been running from the nightmare that occurred five years before. She has a job that fulfills her and has moved on at last. Then, her ex-fiancée returns turning her safe world upside down. Feelings and emotions run high and has her questioning the decisions she made after losing her father. I could sense her turmoil and experienced her fears when she learns the serial killer is back.

Ash Marcel is a great hero, one who rushes in to the safe the damsel in distress. He is determined to protect Remi from the Chicago Butcher, no matter what it takes, and if his love for her is reawakened, then so be it. I loved his willingness to dive in without any thought or concern for his emotional turmoil, upon seeing Remi again, causes him.

The romance between Remi and Ash is amazing. The chemistry between them is visceral and stirred me in ways I’ve not experienced in quite some time. Remi and Ash are perfect for each other.

If you enjoy romantic thrillers with “sit on the edge of your seat excitement,” then you will love The Intended Victim as much as I did. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Ivy, but it will not be the last. Happy reading!

A really good book that grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the very end.

This second chance love story is the back drop of a serial killer storyline. Someone is killing women who look like Remi. After escaping the killer’s clutches five years ago, it looks as if he is back to finish the job.

Both Rem an Ashley have been living in limbo for five years. Although they’ve moved on professionally, personally, they are stagnate. After the killings start up again the are forced to confront both the past and their feelings for each other.

The love story is more about reconnecting and trusting each other with the truth, no matter how painful. Both Ash and Remi were so traumatized by events in the past, they couldn’t open up to each other the way they needed to.

The killer storyline had so many hints, I’m mad at myself for not figuring it out sooner. I was on the right track, just got on the wrong train.

You will enjoy this story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

Kept me on the edge of my seat and intense. I enjoy reading your books and cannot wait until the next one!

Remi is the girl that got away for both the Butcher and Ash. Ash is determined to catch the serial killer that got away and destroyed his life as a cop and with Remi. Remi is trying to keep Ash safe by staying out of his life but with the Butcher back can they find what they once had. Thank you for the ARC copy.

THE INTENDED VICTIM (The Agency Book #4) By Alexandra Ivy

I did not realize this was a 4th in the series book, and it is certainly a stand alone as well. I will be looking up the others in the series. I have always known when I pick up a book from Alexandra Ivy I will enjoy it. She consistently writes a very satisfying story. I very much enjoyed this romantic suspense with a second chance romance. This is a suspense, filled with intrigue, mystery, chemistry and great characters. The ending was one that I did not see coming. This is a 5 star story.

The Intended Victim is the fourth book in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency series, and unfortunately for me I didn’t realise this when I started the book. That said, I was able to read this story without feeling that I had missed crucial elements having not read books 1-3. The story is a combination of second chance romance and a suspense/thriller that revolves around the hunt for a suspected serial killer. I liked the character portrayals, and as always, Ms Ivy’s writing was precise, and the plot was easy to follow. I’m looking forward to reading this series from the beginning as I’m sure the earlier books will be just as intriguing.

When a girl shows up dead in the park. The detective thinks , more work,! But when that girl looks like his brothers ex- fiancé, the only thing he can think is “he’s back” Remi is the girl that the bodies are made to look like. Can she survive living this nightmare again and why can’t she remember the night her dad was killed. Ash is back as is the love he has for Remi, together can the find out who the butcher is? Always hate when this authors books end they are so good!

I read and reviewed this advanced complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley

Another winner by Alexandra Ivy. This is a must-read series (you really do need to read it from the beginning)!

Thank you #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for the eARC.

Someone is targeting women who look like Remi. Remi was Ash’s fiancé five years ago until the Chicago Butcher destroyed both of their lives. The return of the Butcher not only reminded her that she was in constant danger, it had ripped open the wounds of her father’s death.

The Marcel brothers return in book 4 with Ash and Jax investigating a cold case from five years ago on the Chicago Butcher. Ash was once a Chicago police officer until the Chicago Butcher destroyed what was left of his career. No longer a detective Ash returned home after Jax alerted him to a dead’s woman’s body which looked like Remi’s. While his skills as a detective are rusty he no doubt is determined to close this Chicago Butcher case once and for all.

Overall:
The transitions between paragraphs within chapters wasn’t smooth. One minute I’m reading about Ash and Remi in one paragraph then I’m reading about the Butcher in the next with no indicators. Kinda confusing trying to decipher who is communicating.
The rekindling of a relationship with his ex fiancé was sweet and enduring, a nice mix to go along with detective work. A little business with pleasure is always fun. However, this second chance romance had me questioning whether book 1 or 2 was devoted to them because several references are made regarding their past relationship of which I would like to understand.

With this being book 4 in the series I came in at a disadvantage having read book 3 but not books 1 and 2. Everytime this book mentioned Ash and Remi I felt like I missed a book dedicated to their relationship. I’m not sure if the story was intended this way or not. Yet, these books can be read as a stand-alone. However, I’m not convinced that’s a good idea with prior characters being mentioned in previous books.

With Ash’s arrival and the fear of the Butchers return the story held a nice balance between the two topics. Although I did prefer the paragraphs with the scenes regarding the Butcher. I thought it was clever how the author took the guess work out of each suspect by proving Ash’s theories which coincidently coincided with my hunches.

It’s good but not epic by any means. I like trying to piece together the clues even though they are few and far between. The romantic relationship between Ash and Remi is a nice distraction from the detective work, yet it is a distraction from the detective work. It was a double edge sword.

Every character seemed to behave suspiciously making it difficult to pinpoint who the killer was. The nature of detective work is finding hundreds of promising leads that fizzle out before finding the one that doesn’t fizzle. These scenes are what carry the story...need more of that.
The ending was both shocking and not so shocking. I kinda suspected who the butcher was although I wasn’t certain about the reasoning. The reasoning was more shocking than revealing who the butcher was.

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.

The Intended Victim, Alexandra Ivy

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance, Mystery and thrillers

I've read a few of Alexandra's fantasy reads, couldn't recall reading a romantic suspense by her before though. I really enjoy her writing style and the way she weaves a story together.
This starts in the classic detective story way with a body. However what results from investigation is that this body has had surgery, to make her resemble an escapee of the serial killer known as The Butcher. She's the only one to have escaped, though her father died in the attack, and Remi has lost her memory of the events leading up to it. She was engaged to Ash, but in the aftermath they grew further apart and now its been five years. I found that a bit of a weak spot, I couldn't see Ash just letting go like that. Still, he needed to for the story. Now he's back, his detective brother working on the current murder. Ash is scared for Remi, and determined to protect her.
Its a good read, neat build up of suspense, classic red herrings thrown in to keep the reader guessing. Although its romance, its more a pick up of past romance, and from the off its pretty clear that neither have forgotten the other, got over the love, so the bulk of the story is the suspense, the murders, the tracing of a killer.
I'm not a huge mystery/suspense reader but do like to dip into the genre on occasion and I really enjoyed this. * confession time: I sneaked a look at the end about halfway through, I just couldn't take guessing “who dunnit” any more. For me though that doesn't spoil a story, I catch things reading that otherwise i'd have missed. I often re-read favourite books, even knowing how they end. Some folk can't do that, I do, I love to get stuck into a favourite series.

Stars: Five, Its a great read, genuine characters and actions, and neatly building up the suspense and alternate possible murderers.
 
Arc via Netgalley and publishers

I couldn’t put this down! Another thrilling story. Definitely kept my interest! This was the first book I’ve read by this author, I’ll be picking up more from her!

Another thrilling story by Ms. Ivy. It kept me reading late into the night. THe story grabs you and will not let go.

A wonderful read! Many years ago The Butcher almost killed Remi. Now it looks like he is back again. Ash comes back to find him before he hurts her. Together with his brother Jax, the search is on.
The mystery keeps building and building, as well as Ash and Remis relationship.
I was very shocked by the ending, definitely did not see that coming.