This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Vivid descriptions. Kept me captivated from the first page to the last. An excellent read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

While I continue to say that my preferred genre of Ms. Ivy’s work is paranormal, there is no discounting that she has a skill for making her killers terrifying and more than a little nightmare-worthy. This series revolves around a woman that stumbled into her work finding that sometimes life can mimic fiction if the author isn’t careful and in this case it puts her life in serious jeopardy. Alexandra has a way with making her characters both interesting and relatable, making you want to keep reading to see what they get themselves into next and if they can get out of it too. Carmen never intended to become a best-selling author of a book about serial killers, but now with more people turning up dead around her, Carmen is determined that she will be the one to put a stop to it. Unfortunately, she has alienated the only man that can truly help her and she needs to find a way to get back into his good graces. Griffin is just as determined that the woman that he thought he had a connection with, who really was just after a connection to his work for her own ends, never gets another chance to hurt him. However once it becomes obvious that Carmen is really in mortal danger, Griffin knows he would never forgive himself if something happens to her, so together they set out to stop a killer, never realizing they might be playing right into his hands and giving him more ammunition. Griffin and Carmen have a complicated if brief past, but overcoming it they show us that together they can do just about anything, even thwart a serial killer and bring him to justice. I enjoyed this story very much, despite the couple of sleepless nights I had afterward, and loved watching Carmen and Griffin find their way to love. Carmen is the kind of woman that quickly endears herself to you, making you love her and root for in equal measures. She is willing to risk life and limb to protect innocents and bring a killer to justice out of the feeling that she is responsible, even if she isn’t. Her spunk and sass are sweet and seeing her challenge Griffin at every turn and bring out the best in him was amazing. Griffin was a bit of an asshole in the beginning, but as the story progresses we see it was just him hiding behind his hurts and once he gets over himself he becomes the hero we all expected him to be. I loved his character and he truly was the perfect match for Carmen and the best foil for the villain in this story. Even though I continue to believe I prefer Ivy’s paranormal novels, I know I will always jump at anything she writes, simply because her skill at writing and bringing the darkest of human truths to light in whatever form, is beyond reproach and always worth the time to read.

Alexandra Ivy always write perfecly. This book was a pleasure to read. The story is great but i remember the writing of Alexandra Ivy.

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? will have you glued to the pages. Is it a copycat who is targeting Carmen? Is it someone from her past, though she can't image who? A stunt? A sick joke? All this will be answered in a spellbinding, amazing read that only author Alexandra Ivy can give her readers.

If you are looking for great chemistry with a couple that can be sweet and steamy, a good mystery with a number of intriguing twists and turns that will keep you guessing, and a well written highly descriptive writing style that will make you feel you are a part of the story - then get your hands on WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? You will find yourself lost in Ms. Ivy's world and wanting more.

Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

The full review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=65742

I’m trying to figure out how best to describe how I felt once I finished What Are You Afraid Of? besides wow. It was an edge-of-your-seat read for me that was hard to put down and made me think in more ways than one. Here is my thought process.

First wow: The characters
Carmen and Griffin. I’m not always too found of quick romances, but in this case, knowing there was a history of sorts between them, I’m going to let it slide. She’s a journalist and he creates software. Definitely, opposites are attracting here. I liked the chemistry between them and how their romance doesn’t overtake the story. Instead, it enhances it and adds flavor.

Next is the killer because it is an even bigger wow. I’m chanting to myself “Don’t give it away! Don’t give it away!” because this was simply delicious. Okay, I may have guessed before the ending who was killing the women. Let me rephrase, who was behind the killings. Their deaths, the killer, the whodunit was so multi-leveled that even if I knew who the killer was from the beginning, the ultimate reasons why at the end still would have blown me away.

Second wow: The plot
A journalist who writes a book about serial killers that eventually is stalked by a copycat serial killer that mimics the killers in her book. Is that karma being a bi-otch or was this always to be Carmen’s destiny? Again, I’m chanting “Don’t give it away!” It certainly seems ironic that here Carmen writes a book, which makes her non gratis with the police and now has to seek help from the very man she semi-played to write the book in the first place, Griffin.

Everything about the plot was exciting. The chase, the mystery, romance, the whole cat and mouse from beginning to end kept me sneaking in reads when I should have been doing other things. All the twist and turns are provided not only from Carmen and Griffin trying to find the killer but also from the killer’s perspective as well. That, in itself, made for some creepy stuff.

My final wow: The concept
I like a story I can sink my teeth into. I like even more a story that will make me think. Not in the figuring out who the killer is but applying this to real life. I’ve never given much thought to true crime stories and their writers. What Are You Afraid Of? certainly had me thinking about them. Do real authors experience loathing by the police? What does it take to be a writer of these kinds of books? Do they get hate mail from victims and love letters from the wannabes? Author Alexandra Ivy has given me quite a bit of food for thought with What Are You Afraid Of? This is going to be a book that is going to linger in my mind for quite some time.

reviewed by Jac

I really enjoyed this intense and thrilling romantic suspense!📚💜 From the first chapter, I was automatically intrigued and was thrilled to be on the trail of this adventure. I loved the characters and this story had a really strong plot. The writing style caught my attention immediately by how well this story was written and the perspective. The only issue I had with this novel was that it felt a little forced in some areas. For the most part, it was thrill, romance and the kind of good time one will definitely enjoy. This was the second novel in the series and for being new to this series I thought it was fantastic. Maybe the reason I felt it was forced a tad bit in some areas was due to me being a late guest to the party of this series. Whatever the case may be, I still would highly recommend giving this series a shot! I will definitely be reading the previous novel in this series and anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
I received this e-ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley. I appreciate this opportunity and all opinions expressed are my own.

Carmen Jacobs is a renowned author who has written a book entitled "Heart of a Predator" that is about to be released. She interviewed some of the most horrifying serial killers as background for her book. She receives a package containing pictures of lifeless women posed in the back of a semi truck. n that won't be missed--hookers and runaways. The police believe it is a publicity stunt designed to increase sales of her book. She appeals to Griff Archer to help her prove that a serial killer is preying on women that won't be missed--hookers and runaways who resemble Carmen. Everything points to a killer who is obsessed with Carmen, someone who knows her and her secrets.

This is Alexandra Ivy's second book in The Agency series; the first was Pretend You're Safe. After reading this book, I want to go back and read her first one as well. I would recommend this book. It is fast-paced and is hard to put down.

Good story. Engaging characters, plot felt a little forced but still enjoyable.

Another great Alexandra Ivy romantic suspense novel! A sequel to "Pretend You're Safe," this book had a fast-paced story with a swoon-worthy hero. The heroine seemed a bit rude and unapologetic to me, but I overlooked her annoying qualities in favor of the intricate plot. I enjoyed seeing characters from the first novel again, and was surprised by the twisty ending! A great read all around.

What Are You Afraid Of? Grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let you take a full breath till the last. This is an intense thriller that will keep you guessing. I really liked Carmen and Griff and had my fingers crossed the whole time praying they would make it out alive and with each other. This may be part of a series but can be read stand alone. I highly recommend this fast paced mystery.

Carmen Jacobs book The Heart of a Predator is doing really well on the market, but she never expected a monster to come after her, even though she's interviewed several of the world's most terrifying serial killers for research purposes. However, when the police don't believe her, she turns to the one person that may be able to help -- Griffin Archer. But the deeper they get into the investigation, the more they begin to suspect that the killer is obsessed with Carmen. Will Griffin be able to keep Carmen safe, or will they lose their shot at happy ever after because a killer has his sights set on Carmen?

What a thrilling and captivating ride Ms. Ivy takes readers on in this second book of her Agency series where I was hooked from beginning to end because the heroine is an interesting woman that finds herself a target and the author kept me guessing as to who the mastermind behind the killings was. Why are they coming after the heroine? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where things really get interesting, as the hero does not seem pleased that the heroine is coming to him for help. Will Griffin help Carmen? Will the hero be able to keep her safe?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories because they have both suffered the lose of people they loved and I could understand why they've both put all their focus into their work. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, stubborn, and I liked how determined she was to get to the bottom of the photos she's received. I also liked how strong she is when it comes to the danger she faces. Will the hero be able to make sure nothing happens to Carmen. While the hero, he's strong, confident in his skills to help the heroine and I liked how protective Griffin was of Carmen, as the danger begins to close in on them. Also, I could understand why the hero was suspicious of the heroine the moment they first come face-to-face because of the past and how she once tricked him.

Overall, Ms. Ivy has delivered an entertaining and very engaging read in this book where the chemistry and romance between this couple was heady and nicely detailed to show how good these two are together; and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat because of the danger the hero and heroine face when they come up against the bad guys. However, I liked that everything worked out for the best between the hero and heroine, especially because he's still protecting her long after their face-off with the bad guys. Will he be able to get her back something she should have ended up with years ago? I would recommend What Are You Afraid Of? by Alexandra Ivy, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Laura Griffin, Katie Reus, Kat Martin and Kaylea Cross.

Alex Ivy is, hands down, one of the best romantic suspense writers out there.

3.5 stars--WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? is the second instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult THE AGENCY romantic suspense series. This is IT specialist Griffin Archer, and best-selling author Carmen Jacobs’ story line. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Griffin and Carmen WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? follows the hunt for a serial killer-a copycat killer who is re-enacting the murders profiled and researched by our heroine Carmen Jacobs. With the upcoming, paper back release of her best-selling book Carmen finds herself the victim of a stalker, a killer who is copycatting the murders and sending her the pictures of his latest ‘achievements’. Needing additional assistance when the local police refused to help, Carmen contacts an IT expert who isn’t thrilled with Carmen’s re-appearance. Enter Griffin Archer, IT specialist, and the man with whom Carmen will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Griffin and Carmen, and the potential fall-out as a serial killer ups the body count in direct proportion to Carmen’s best-selling novel.

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? is a suspense-filled, thrill ride but the ‘guilty’ party(s) is alluded to early on thus avoiding the twists and turns that I would have expected. The predictability was disheartening as were the likely and forseeable reasons behind the copy-cat killings-sometimes too much information imparted to the reader unravels the mystery before it begins. The premise is engaging; the characters are intense-we are reintroduced to Rylan Cooper from Pretend You’re Safe (book one); the romance is a slow build towards a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/what-are-you-afraid-of-the-agency-2-by-alexandra-ivy-a-review/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2296308861


AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R28TG50B78DXQO/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1420143816


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1570431100


B&N; (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO: (Sandy_At_the_Reading_Cafe) posted

GOOGLE PLAY: (Sandy S) posted

Thanks Netgalley for a copy to read and review.

What an enjoyable read! This author always seems to get four or five stars out of me, her Guardians series is so delicious. So to my surprise she has taken a new direction away from mystical to thrillers. I'm hooked. The storyline was fun and sexy, and the characters were engrossing to read about. I was hooked as soon as Carmen pulled out those raw photos of prostitutes being murdered. I did not read the first book in this series so I don't know if it would have helped get to know the characters better or not. I did great without it. The book was read in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. As soon as Carmen pulled Griffin into the mix, I was certainly hooked. The chemistry between the two was combustible and had a permanent feel to it. Love guys who aren't about the random hook up. Four stars of entertainment!

Carmen Jacobs is an investigative reporter who interviewed 5 serial killers to write her very successful book. She's on vacation in a remote cabin when she discovers an envelope on her porch. Inside the envelope are pictures very similar to the ones she used in her book. She attempts to get the police involved but due to taking law enforcement to task for not doing a better/quicker job bringing down these killers, they aren't interested. So, she goes to the one person she knows can help her, even if he won't be too happy to see her.



Griffin Archer is a computer genius with a billion dollar tech company specializing in cutting edge software for law enforcement. He is an introvert, a behind the scenes guy, while his partner, Rylan, and his best friend, does the sales and PR.


This book just didn't flow that well for me. I didn't feel a real connection between Griff and Carmen. Griff seemed to change his feelings for her too easily and they slid straight to deep feelings. I guessed who the bad guys were early on. The action was ok, the romance meh at best, making this a not very memorable book.


I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the author.

Carmen Jacobs has interviewed some of the most dangerous killers in existence and has never feared to do the work she loves. But now a copycat serial killer is killing to 'please' her. But the authorities think it is just a marketing stunt before the release of her book. The only person who can help her is Griffin Archer. But he's been burned by her and is too wary to allow her in once again.

Once he sees that the danger is real he makes every effort to help her and keep her safe. Being seriously attracted to her doesn't make their strained relationship any easier. But focusing on saving innocents from being killed is vital. As their investigation unfolds, they begin to realize that the sinister culprit is closer to home than they had realized.

Carmen Jacobs lost her parents at a young age to a tragic incident crime. She is now an investigative journalist who has written a book about serial killers and what leads them to do what they do and the MO that they used.

Some killer with his kill club has decided to take on the task to copy the killings. Not a true copycat though. When she receives photos of what the trucker killer did she goes to the authorities. She doesn’t receive a warm welcome as they think that it is a stunt to promote her book. She then goes to the one person who doesn’t want to help her but she trusts. Griffin Archer.

Griffin Archer high tech billionaire never expected to see Carmen again but this time it is different. She begs for his help. He is a genius and a recluse but in the end he can’t help but go after Carmen who is following a clue in Kansas City.

It is a cat and mouse game. Where family lies, betrayals and secrets come to light. Where the author shows us that one of the seven deadly sins and sick psychopaths leads to a killing spree of epic proportions.

Who doesn’t like a romantic suspense book with a good old serial plot? Well I do. I just didn’t like this one.

It started off strong and with all Ms. Ivy’s books somewhere along the way I lost interest and got bored. I don’t know why I do it to myself. Glutton for punishment maybe?

I most certainly am in the minority here because the book is engaging. It is well written and it has a strong plot with solid characters. So why didn’t I like it? To be honest I really do not know.

I predicted a lot of who it all was and what really happened to Carmen’s parents. I had a feeling who it could be and who he was working with. I really do not know if I will read any more of the books in this series.

Alexandra Ivy has done it again! The Agency’s second book is a spine chilling suspense that will holding your breath in anticipation.

Griffin and Carmen are two very strong characters that easily draw readers into their story and are easily related to. Their relationship starts off on a slippery slope but grows stronger and hotter as they fight for their lives, and the story is full of emotional turbulence which holds readers tightly in their grip. Carmen faces some hard truths and she discovers just what learning about killers has done to her life as comes face to face with disbelief, mistrust the one man who has ample reason to dislike her.

The fast paced plot keeps suspense and anticipation building throughout the story keeping chills rocking reader’s spines as the killer plaques the couple with doubts and fears by ensuring that Carmen knows that he understands her and knows all her secrets. Readers find themselves glued to the pages to find out what happens next as surprising twists keeps everyone on their toes.

Alexandra Ivy always produces well thought and defined out plots that keep readers guessing and holds them captive throughout each story and the characters are always life like and well developed. What Are You Afraid Of? is another exhilarating example of her romantic suspense stories, it held be captivated from the first chapter until the very end and even had me wondering what I was afraid of? I am certainly looking forward to the next book by Alexandra Ivy.

Another amazing thrill ride from Alexandra Ivy. What Are You Afraid Of? keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing what's going to happen next. Oh and just when you think you've got it all figured out, Ivy throws yet another curve ball at you!

Carmen just wanted to hide for the holidays. She's wrapping up a book tour for her highly successful true crime release. She just wants to escape before the paperback is released and she starts all over again. Highly ambitious, Carmen wanted to stand out as investigative journalist, so she choose what she knows, murder and death. When a packet of Polaroids shows up at her cabin in the woods, Carmen finds herself taunted by a serial killer who is already dead.

Enter Griff. When Carmen isn't taken seriously, and accused of just trying to publicity stunt, she convinces herself the only way she will taken seriously is to find proof. She's convinced that Griff is the only one that can do that. Yes Griff is that good. But he's been burned by Carmen before. He turns her away, only to immediately pursue her, letting his protective instincts take over.

What I really loved was Carmen's emotional journey in this book. Ivy presents plenty of danger and thrills in the form of Hunter. But deep down, what Carmen is really afraid of is very different than psychopaths and serial killers. When it becomes clear that Carmen is the true target and everyone seems like a suspect, Griff helps her truly overcome her fear. So, what are you afraid of?

The Agency #2, Another great romantic suspense from Alexandra Ivy. What Are You Afraid Of? is book two of The Agency series which can be read as a stand alone. Griffin Archer sexy computer geek, software programmer, millionaire and delicate looking but tough journalist Carmen Jacobs whose claim to fame is her true crime non fiction Heart of the Predator in which she interviewed five serial killers and went over their cases. Carmen is on a well deserved break from her book tour in an isolated cabin in the woods. No one is suppose to know where she is and her publisher isn't suppose to forward any mail but that doesn't stop them a large brown envelope appears on her doorstep and as much as she want to ignore it she is curious by nature and opens it. Inside she finds fightenly familiar pictures, pictures so similar to the first serial killer in her book, but it couldn't be him he was already dead. When the local police won't take her seriously she knew of one person who could help her as long as he still didn't hate her.

Griffin knew Carmen was in trouble the moment he saw her, if her constant attempts to call him wasn't a dead giveaway her pale complexion and the terrified look on her face was. After the way they parted company the last time he knew it must be serious if she asking for his help, but even after she explains their might be a copycat killer out there he still was hesitant to help her. It's not until after she leaves to continue on her own does he realize that another thing the victim all have in common, they all look like Carmen. Griffin gives a friend at the FBI a heads up about what happening, and he starts checking things on his own. It escalates when Carmen receives a bouquet of flowers with an old nickname on them. Griffin thinks this is more personal than even Carmen realizes and starts asking questions about her past and the murder suicide of her parents.

The relationship between Carmen and Griffin starts off rocky. When they first met, in events before the book starts back when Carmen was still in the process of writing her book, she wanted to interview Griffin because he wrote the program that assisted the police in apprehending on of the serial killers she was writing about but he wouldn't do it. Carmen managed a "chance" meeting and they got close but then Griffin found out who she was it didn't end nicely. Despite all that Griffin is still insanely attracted to Carmen and when he realizes she is the focus of the copycat his protective instincts kicks into overdrive. Griffin is willing to do anything to protect Carmen catch the copycat and prove to Carmen he's worth the risk of loving.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one it really hit the spot. I like Ivy's writing, she does fantastic with the suspense and the whodunnit, she kept me guessing. She always transports me into the story and I just can't put it down.