Malicious Intent (Defend and Protect Book #2)

Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn is the second book in Defend and Protect series. Personally, I feel it is best to read Unknown Threat first. When I began reading Malicious Intent, I felt like I had missed out on key information (or a prequel). Malicious Intent is a fast-paced romantic suspense. Dr. Ivy Collins and U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon have a history which is evident from the first moment. It has been fifteen years since they last saw each other, but they have not forgotten each other. They still care for each other. Before they can get their happily happy ever, Gil and his colleagues need to figure out who is after Ivy. I thought the story contained good writing and it moved along at a swift pace. There are two main characters and five secondary characters. Ivy is a smart, resilient woman with a good heart. Gil is a protector with a heart of gold. He provides emotional support for Ivy during her time of need. The mystery involves violence. It is explained in a matter-of-fact way (not gory but detailed). There are several suspects. It was one little detail that allowed me to identify the wrongdoer. Romance is the main game in Malicious Intent. An incident in the past has kept Gil and Ivy apart. They never stopped caring for each other and we are privy to all of their thoughts regarding the matter. I would have preferred less romance with a more complex mystery. Romance lovers, though, will enjoy it. I like how faith was incorporated into the story. It is light but present. There is no foul language or intimate scenes in the book. We get to catch up with Faith and Luke from Unknown Threat as well as their colleagues. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up Malicious Intent. I enjoyed this suspenseful story with its strong women and handsome men. Malicious Intent is a thrilling tale with savvy Secret Service Agents, a resolute researcher, a steadfast sister, caring colleagues, and a dangerous desperado.

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.”

Malicious Intent Defend and Protect #2 By Lynn H. Blackburn When a seemingly random case of counterfeiting brings U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon to the home of his childhood best friend/first love he never expected to be drawn into a life-or-death case. Dr. Ivy Collins has spent most of her life trying to develop a prosthetic that can be controlled by the mind and her company is on the verge of releasing its prototype. But someone has decided to target Ivy and they aren't about to be dissuaded by the presence of the Secret Service, the FBI, or the police. They want something from Ivy and access to her company's computer system seems to be their focus. But "Why?" is the question on everyone's mind. For the last fifteen years, Ivy Collins has been avoiding her best friends Gil and Emily Dixon. An incident from the summer that she and Gil discovered their love nearly destroyed her and isolated her from her dearest friends. Gil has never forgotten Ivy even though she ended everything between them with no warning. Could this case bring them back together? Or will it end in their deaths? Malicious Intent is the second book in the Defend and Protect series and it is as intense as the first book Unknown Threat. The Secret Service is still recovering from the attacks that took the lives of several of its agents while dealing with the emotional repercussions. When this case places them once again in danger they have to scramble to not only keep Ivy safe but themselves. If you are looking for action that keeps you turning the pages and a second chance at love you will love Malicious Intent. This is a fairly clean read. There is a bit of violence but nothing graphic that will leave you cringing. There are suspects aplenty to keep the reader guessing. I really like that several characters from past books by Lynn H. Blackburn make appearances. This is a perfect weekend read that will keep your attention from cover to cover. My recommendation is to move this to the top of your February TBR list! I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.