I have read Lynn H. Blackburn before, but she gets better and better with each book! I was hooked by the first chapter! This book is a roller coaster ride of danger, intrigue, romance and nerdy technology. I loved the characters, plot, and setting.

Explaining the plot line would be difficult, but I'll try my best to summarize it. Dr. Ivy Collins and Gil Dixon grew up together and pretty much have always loved each other. They lost touch fifteen years before the story begins. Circumstances bring them back together and old wounds are opened. But Gil is thrilled to be in Ivy's life again and will protect her from someone who intents to harm her. Finding out what they want from her is the other half of the battle.

The author gets slightly complicated with the fancy technology, but explains it all in plain English. The romance is light and the suspenseful parts are great! I would recommend any fans of Christian fiction or suspense novels to read Malicious Intent!

Malicious Intent by Lynn H Blackburn

Dr Ivy Collins has poured her life into improving the lives of others by developing prosthetics. Now she and her company are being targeted...but why? Can her childhood friend turned Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon keep Ivy safe while he and his team unravel the motive and the person behind it?

Lynn Blackburn’s 2nd book in her Defend and Protect series was a suspenseful story with a lot of heart. While the first book, Unknown Threat, laid a great foundation, you could tell this second book meant something special to the author. The story was personal with seemingly inconsequential background facts becoming central to the conclusion. Her characters are developed and emulate a strong family of close friendships. The law enforcement setting adds to the moral character in the story and demonstrates the essence of ‘serve and protect’.

We received a free e-book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Award-winning author Lynn Blackburn continues her action-packed romantic suspense series featuring Secret Service agents in Raleigh, NC.

In Malicious Intent, as Dr. Ivy Collins begins the clinical trials of her company’s innovative prosthetic, someone tries to sabotage her life’s work. When counterfeit cash brings him into contact with his childhood friend Ivy, Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon uses his skills to save her company’s product launch, and protect her from personal and professional attacks.

Blackburn turns up the intensity as this story of revenge and greed unfolds. From the first chapter – where Ivy shoots her gun to save Gil’s life – to its final chapter, this book will keep the reader up late at night, trying to unravel the plot twists. Gil and Ivy had a relationship when they were teens, but after moving away, Ivy lost touch with him. Reunited after 15 years apart, they are able to rekindle that love, overcome their pasts, and rescue each other from tight situations.

As always, faith elements and suspenseful moments are present. Ivy and Gil are strong individuals who care deeply about one another, and theirs is a clean romance. Characters from her earlier series make a cameo appearance. Blackburn’s characters are diverse in their backgrounds and ethnicity.

Recommended for adult collections and fans of romantic suspense, especially fans of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey. Watch for book 3 coming in March 2023 and a novella in December 2022.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I received this complimentary copy as part of the Revell Reads blogger program. I am not required to write positive reviews.

It was nice to revisit the characters from Blackburn's Unknown Threat, the first book in this series, along with characters from her Dive Team Investigations series. This book focuses on US Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon and his childhood best friend, Dr. Ivy Collins. Gil and Ivy are reunited in a very unexpected way when her life is threatened. Gil's team, friends from nearby Carrington's police department, and cybersecurity genius Sabrina Campbell join him in neutralizing this threat. The action is fast paced in Blackburn's latest novel, and the romance is sweet and a nice addition to the story. There are frequent unanticipated events that keep the reader totally engaged.

I highly recommend Malicious Intent along with Lynn H. Blackburn's previous novels to fans of romantic suspense. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I really loved this book. The action was so intense! The danger never stopped. The book is aptly named “Malicious Intent” as someone wanted to do serious harm to Dr. Ivy Collins. Ther were several strong candidates for villain. As Tessa said, “We’re asking her to trust strangers while simultaneously telling her everyone who knows her is a suspect. That’s a mind game no one should ever be asked to play” (location 2953).

The characters in this series are amazing. I like how they all play a part in each book. I’m looking forward to learning more about Tessa and Zane. Gil and Ivy were childhood sweethearts even though they were separated at a young age. They knew they were meant to be together. Being reunited 15 years later under harsh circumstances gives them a chance to see what could come of their past, if anything. It’s sweet to see how Gil’s group of friends take Ivy in and surround her with friendship and protection.

This is an exciting, intense read. I’d highly recommend it. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Malicious Intent
by Lynn H. Blackburn
Pub Date: March 1, 2022
Revell
I requested this for the mystery. But romance seemed to be the dominant theme throughout the book. However, if you like romantic suspense, then you will probably like this book. There are reviews praising it for the right blend of romance and thrills.
Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the ARC. This would be ok for many readers--no profanity, no sex, and only a small amount of violence at the beginning. It was a fast-moving book. I read it in 3 days.
Thanks to the author and Revell Books for sending this ARC.
3 stars

Imagine finding your childhood friend standing in her kitchen a victim of an attack and holding a gun... This Secret Service Agent was just there to check out where she thought some counterfeit bills came from that her company deposited. Wow, nonstop action, unexplainable happenings and how was the attacker always one step ahead? Plenty to keep a person not wanting to put the book down. Yes, Chilling suspense and uplifting romance!
I received an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley. No review was required. My review and opinion is voluntary.

3.5 stars

This is a great addition to the series. It's an action-packed quick read. I always enjoy books where the suspense takes the forefront vs. the romance.

I absolutely loved this book. It is the second book in the series and it was just as good as the first book. I love that the book is action packed and full of suspense. There were so many twists and turns in the plot that I couldn't put the book down. I also loved that it wasn't obvious who the bad guy was. If you haven't read anything by Lynn Blackburn then you should definitely start with this series.

Powerful!

Another great story in this series! I am loving the new team of characters! I also love how the author brings back characters from the previous series.

The suspense is awesome, and you won't want to put the book down until you finish. The next book in the series can't come soon enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and Baker Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Whoa!! This book is fabulous! The suspense and intrigue are on point. It is completely action-packed from the first chapter of the book. The characters in the book are so easy to relate to. Gil is a protector and Ivy is the smart girl in the class with a true servant's heart. All of the agents in the book are people I would love to get to "know". I would love to have them on my "team". They are not only co-workers working for a common cause but they are also friends who truly care about one another and the well being of those they are protecting. This is a story of forgiveness, faith, greed, literally malicious intent (thus the title) and second chances. As usual Lynn Blackburn knows how to spin a story. She had me hooked from the first page. If you like a good romantic suspense story, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I had my suspicions about the villain in this book, but I have to say Lynn Blackburn threw my "spidey" senses off. I was shocked at the conclusion! This is a good, clean mystery showing you can have romance in a book without all of the crud we often see in books today. This is the second book in this series. Read them both! You will not be disappointed.

This book is a prime example of what romantic suspense should be! It started with a fast introduction to the conflict and the plot rolled along quickly all the way to the end. Dr. Ivy Collins in a vulnerable and sympathetic character who runs a successful business but whose life is in danger from some unknown threat. Enter Gil Dixon, a U.S. Secret Service Agent, and her first love when they were teens. Gil is investigating one case and gets pulled into the threat against Ivy. He is determined to protect Ivy at any cost, even his own life. I have read the first book in the series, but this book can be read as a standalone. I do think that getting to know the characters who were introduced in the first book, however, quickly engaged me in this new story as former characters played a role in this book as well. This book was intriguing and intense, with the danger ramping up just at the pace of the story quickened too. With bombs, guns, kidnapping attempts and computer hijacking, this story has everything that a suspense junkie like me craves and it definitely fulfilled my desire to read a book that had me engrossed from beginning to end. The plot was just complicated and twisted enough that I was not able to figure out the bad guy until Gil did and the characters were so realistic that I found myself giving them advice. For example, “Seriously, Ivy, don’t go in there. Just don’t!” I loved this book and would give it five plus stars just for its entertainment value. Fans of clean romantic suspense should run quickly to get a copy of this one because you will not want to miss it!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via the Revell Reads Blogger Program via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Make reading time for this highly enjoyable, energized inspirational suspense. Lynn H. Blackburn scores another winner in the Defend & Protect series. Malicious Intent is a perfect title as several law enforcement professionals tirelessly work to protect Dr. Ivy Collins from attacks on her company, research, finances, and her life.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

This is a fast paced, action-packed suspense that starts off with a bang that doesn't stop until the end. Gil Dixon, Secret Service Agent for the Raleigh, North Carolina office, and Dr. Ivy Collins, bioengineer and developer of prosthetics, are childhood friends that haven't seen each other for fifteen years. When counterfeit money is deposited in Ivy's company, Hedera, Inc's bank account, Gil and his partner investigate. Office hours are over, so they arrive at her home only to find the door open, and Ivy being tortured by three assailants, one of whom Ivy is able to shoot before they attack Gil. The invaders are trying to get Ivy's password to her computer system at work and she refused to give it to them.
It is a wild ride to find out who and why someone wants into her system and apparently to get to a huge sum of money that she has but is not supposed to touch. Since only those close to her know about it. This means that someone close to her is behind it all. Right? That is very disturbing. And they will do anything to get to it, it seems, including putting people in danger to get to Ivy.
Ivy and Gil, along with Gil's sister, Emily, has some unfinished business to talk about. Things ended on an awkward note all those years ago. But their friendship is still there.
This is one suspense filled story that involves the local Secret Service agents and an FBI agent we met in the first book. I was kept engaged the whole book and enjoyed the camaraderie between the realistic, likable characters along with the mystery, action, and maybe some romance. This is a story that I would highly recommend to those who enjoy romantic suspense with characters who are brought together in their work, friendship, and faith.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Lynn H. Blackburn does it again! This story just like the rest keeps you on your toes with suspense. You come to know and love the characters and yearn for those type of relationships in your own life.

ivy is head of the company that is making amputee prostitices . Gil is a secrect service agent that used to know ivy but now he is going to check on some fake money. but when he and his partner get to the house the hear a scream. what is going on and why is someone trying to hurt or kill the doctor? if you like suspsense and some romance you will want to read the book, could not put the book down, loved meeting the people from the other books and how they helped out . what a story looking forward to the next one very well written i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review

Malicious Intent is one fast and furious entertaining read! 5 stars!

This story has appealing characters Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon and his childhood sweetheart Dr. Ivy Collins working together to solve the mystery of who is trying to get into the computers at Hedera, Inc and why? He's a swoony protector who loves to cook and she's a genius inventor who is both tough and naive at times. Quite the contrast, but it works!

This fantastic story has a great plot, witty dialogue and just the right amount of suspense and romance. I loved it all!

I read and enjoyed Unknown Threat, the first book in the series, just last month. I was thrilled to be able to read Malicious Intent so soon after. I'm now a Blackburn fan, so until she writes another book, I backtracked and ordered her last series, Dive Team Investigations. I appreciate Revell Publishing making a copy of Malicious Intent available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Gil is investigating a case and it leads back to his childhood sweetheart, Ivy. When he and Zane get to Ivy’s house she has company and not the friendly type.

As Gil and Ivy weave through solving who is after Ivy and dealing with their relationship evolving, can they stay alive to still be together in the end?

This author does a great job of setting up the story and has great detail throughout. It’s not a hollow mystery but very intriguing and a well thought out plot.
5 stars

Malicious Intent is the second book in the Defend and Protect Series by Lynn Blackburn. It grabs you from the first chapter and does not slow down until the climatic ending. My heart was racing in some of the scenes and I had to remind myself that is was fiction. Lynn draws you in with these amazing characters that you feel tension along with them.

We briefly met Dr Ivy in Unknown Threat (book 1). This books stands along but I highly recommend reading both books. Lynn is an amazing storyteller. In Malicious Intent Dr Ivy and Gil take center stage. For fans of Lynn’s previous serious you will be thrilled to see an appearance of Adam and Sabrina. Similar to that couple, Dr Ivy is a strong and brilliant woman who finds herself in a very bad situation. The book opens with her being tortured for her work passwords.

Gil and his Secret Service coworkers work through the mystery. The comradery between the agents is enjoyable. Gil and Ivy are rekindling a 15 year romance. Gil was a great hero. I loved how they knew each other but were also discovering each other from the changes in the last 15 years.

Highly recommend this book. Lynn is a phenomenal storyteller.

Violence – Ivy was tortured but it was written well as to not be too graphic.

I would love to have these friends and protectors in my circle of friends! I just discovered Lynn H Blackburn, and have binge-read Unseen Enemy (free with her newsletter), Unknown Threat, and Malicious Intent. I have a new favorite author in the romantic suspense genre. I love the way she skillfully weaves these compelling and engaging stories, from the storylines, characters, romance, and humor, I have thoroughly enjoyed each one and was kept guessing until the end. I just love her writing style and can't say enough about this series!

Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc. made a brief appearance in Unknown Threat, is now back front and center in Malicious Intent. U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon is reunited with his childhood friend and crush Ivy. Someone is trying to harm her and his protective training kicks into high gear. Will Gil and his colleagues and friends find out who it is before anyone else gets hurt?

"How do you feel about tacos? And I don't want to put any pressure on you, but your answer could impact her entire friendship."

"We're asking her to trust strangers while simultaneously telling her everyone who knows her is a suspect. That's a mind game no one should ever be asked to play."

I highly recommend Malicious Intent by Lynn H Blackburn for lovers of a good romantic suspense story! Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opnions are my own.