This is apparently the 4th book in a series that I've not yet started, so I wasn't sure how much that would affect my enjoyment of this book. While it was apparent that there was lots of information that I really did not really understand (why did Ash leave his job, his fiance and his home in the first place?) , I think this book did a good enough job as a stand alone. I'm not sure how tied together books 1-4 were, or if they all were self contained mysteries as this one was, but either way, it was an enjoyable read.

We are introduced to the main characters who had a past history both with each other and with the serial killer "the Butcher". The story then seems to take off quickly and moves rapidly. While not one of the best thrillers out there, it did a good job of keeping interest and laying out the clues that gave hints as to who the "bad guy" was. Was it believable in the end? I didn't think so. It WAS a bit out there, but hey....props for originality. It was nice to see two brothers working together to solve a mystery, but the romance portion of it was not as believable as it could have been.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great story about a love not forgotten. Remi didn't have a great last five years. Ash tried but she just shut everyone down. Now five year laters The Butcher is back and so is Ash to claim his woman. Well I didn't see that coming. I really thought The Butcher was someone else. This book is a good suspense, romance and spicy bits.


*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

Being book #4 in the series and having read Alexandra Ivy previously, I crossed my fingers in hopes that this one would be another great read and I wasn't wrong!
Mixing romance and mystery, Remi is on the hunt for The Butcher and will all that's she's lost to him in the past, she wasn't about to let him win this time around.
I loved the even mix of genres with the twist at the end that I didn't see coming! I will for sure pick up anything written by Alexandra in the future!

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**

THE INTENDED VICTIM will figuratively grab you by the throat and not let you go. This is an emotional, pulse racing ride and you will find yourself deeply enveloped in Remi and Ash who never stopped loving each other.

In THE INTENDED VICTIM there is a major twist that readers will not see coming in the end and be shocked at who the Butcher turns out to be. And what really happened the night Remi's father disappeared.

Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=69851

This is book 4 in the Agency series and it can absolutely be read as a stand alone! In it we meet Remi and Ash. Ash is a former police officer who has been drawn back to Chicago when his brother comes to tell him that his former fiance's body is in the morgue. But when he gets there, he realizes that this woman looks like her but it isn't her. And that a serial killer is back at work again. Remi escaped from a serial killer years ago but when she did, she lost everything that ever meant anything to her at the same time. And now Ash is back in her life vowing to protect her while also trying to find the person that is responsible for everything.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I was drawn in right from the start and didn't want to put it down because I wanted to know more. Towards the end it seemed a little rushed to me (which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5) but on a whole I definitely liked it! Remi and Ash are two characters that you can't help but like and want to see come out happy in the end. And I liked Ash's brother as well (and wouldn't mind a story with him!). There was definitely a twist to it that I didn't see coming at all!! Who I thought it was, definitely wasn't! And that made me like it even more! Another great read in this series!

I read this book as a stand-alone. It was interesting enough to inspire me to read the entire series.

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

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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.

The fourth book in The Agency, The Intended Victim is a captivating, romantic suspense. Deceit, jealousy and mistrust laced the pages of this story and kept me compelled throughout. The characters are dynamic the story is well delivered, this is definitely a keeper and I highly recommend this book and series

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 Book 4 in Alexandra Ivy’s The Agency series. Although this “second-chance” romantic suspense centres around Remi Walsh and Dr. Ash Marcel, their immediate families play a significant role. Ash is an ex-Chicago Police detective who worked alongside his brother, Detective Jax Marcel, and was partner to Remi’s father, Detective Gage Walsh.

Five years in the past, Remi escaped the clutches of a serial killer dubbed “The Chicago Butcher” but her father, Gage, dies at the hands of the Butcher. The tragedy leaves Remi will deep feelings of guilt and no memory of the nights events. The engagement between Ash and Remi is broken as Remi retreats and Ash leaves Chicago and the police force. Now, five years later, The Butcher has returned, Ash is back in Chicago for the holidays, and Jax is losing his mind in his never ending efforts to stop The Butcher.

Parts of this story had me wanting to keep turning pages to see what was next, other parts seemed to drag. There’s a very good and solid story here, and an interesting plot, but I found the flow awkward and some essential plot elements very difficult to believe. I also found some of the actions of the three principle characters difficult to accept. There is no question I enjoyed the previous books in the series more. It’s unfortunate that very early in the story, I was 90% convinced I knew the identity of the killer despite the fact that there being several persons of interest under investigation.

I did immensely enjoy many of the very interesting characters and would hope that Ms. Ivy includes them all in subsequent romantic suspense.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

A good mystery with a little spicy romance thrown in. I enjoy this series with the Marcel family. I love their loyalty to each other, and yes, sometimes everything seems to be too perfect, or falls into place too easily, but that's the ultimate dream. This book will keep you up at night turning the pages to find out the identity of the killer. This book will also make you appreciate your mom, even if you have a bad one, she will most likely pale in comparison to Remi's mom. Great read, definitely recommend.

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.

The Intended Victim is another suspenseful romantic novel by Alexandra Ivy with an emphasis on the suspense and danger. The story involves a serial killer who focuses on women like the one who got away. It has a nail biting and horror element to it unlike the author’s paranormal books.

The romance is great between Remi, the one victim who lived five years ago and Ash the police office who is going to stop the killer once and for all. They have a past so from that standpoint it is a second chance for them. But the murderer must be stopped first for them to have any real chance at all. This plot is tightly woven around this fact, never loosing focus. Then there is a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. Such a great story with well developed characters. However, when I finish these all too believable contemporary suspense romances by Ms. Ivy, I can’t let the story go. So then I always want to sleep with the light on for a night or two.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Never ending twists and turns with suspects changing at every corner. Someone is killing women resembling Remi, and the Marcel brothers are going to solve it. Remi and Ash had a serious relationship about five years ago but thanks to the Butcher it ended. This one is an intense book with many pieces and surprises. It's part of a series but only a small connection between the other books, each is a standalone. I received my copy through Netgalley, review provided voluntarily.

This one I am kind of torn on. I loved this cover and the story was pretty good. This had a good balance of romance and suspense and I really enjoyed both. The pacing was pretty good but had issues in places I think that the 350 some odd pages could have been cut down just a little to make the story go a little faster. Overall, I did enjoy this one enough to maybe go back and read books one through three. But I would have to find them on the cheap.

The Intended Victim is a very well written romantic suspense. Great plot with many twists and turns to keep you guessing. Very good book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

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.

This murder mystery will leave you gasping. I felt so bad for Remi and Ash as the murder of her father and the attempted murder of Remi five years ago shattered their lives. But now the murderer is back and more brazen than before. Remi’s life is on the line and so is Ash’s heart. This story kept me flipping pages and the identity of the murderer just floored me. This book is part of a series but can be read standalone just fine.