The second book in the Defend and Protect series by Lynn H. Blackburn, Malicious Intent will take you on a suspenseful journey intertwined with a heartwarming romance. You’ll be reintroduced to U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon. This time around, he’s investigating some “funny money” that’s been deposited by the big-time prosthetic company, Hedera, Inc, which is run by Dr. Ivy Collins.

Gil arrives at Ivy’s house to question her about the fake money and discovers the front door to the home is open. When he enters the house, not only does he find his childhood best friend, but he discovers she has been tortured to try and sabotage Hedera and the launch of a new cutting-edge prosthetic.

Can Gil and Ivy learn to let go of their past, work together and discover who is seeking to sabotage Hedera, Inc.?

My Thoughts on Malicious Intent
I loved getting to revisit the characters from Unknown Threat in this second installment of the Defend and Protect Series. Blackburn has intertwined the characters in this series with past series characters as well. It’s so fun to see the storylines continue!

Malicious Intent was a well-thought-out and suspenseful novel. I enjoyed every page of this story. I was constantly guessing (and getting it wrong!) as I worked to figure out who was trying to sabotage Ivy and Hedera, Inc.

Also, romance stories where the characters have a back story that makes their coming together seem more realistic are always my favorite. I love learning their history and seeing how that comes to play in their story and interactions in the present-day timing of the story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.

“It was clear she definitely had a type, and her type was Gil Dixon. It didn’t matter if he was holding a guitar or a gun or a Ginsu knife, he exuded confidence and competence.”

I absolutely loved Malicious Intent by Lynn Blackburn. It held the perfect dose of romance and intriguing suspense. This is absolutely the best book I’ve read of this author. I would liken it to Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series, Irene Hannon‘s Heroes of Quantico series and Lynette Eason’s Women of Justice series. Honestly, that has been my favorite era of romantic suspense. If you haven’t read those series, I highly recommend them. Now run and grab a copy of this book!

“She was too smart for him, that was for sure. Too beautiful. Too accomplished. She could do a lot better than him in every way except one. No one would ever love her the way he could.”

Dr. Ivy Collins is a strong, intelligent woman in charge of her own company. I loved her personality and seeing her backstory with Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon. He has such a heart for her and even fearing the danger to his heart, he does everything he can to protect her. I loved how they had to work together and figuring out how to balance her needing protection and her independence. It was sweet and romantic. The romance built at just the right pace.

“I used to think friends were always nice to you, but these days, I think the best friends will see you doing something stupid, call you on it, and still like you.”

Then there was the mystery and suspense aspect, which was riveting and kept me guessing. The intensity was awesome and made it hard to put the book down. I loved the teamwork aspect and seeing previous characters pop in to help in the investigation. This is what romantic suspense is all about and the romance was so well, romantic! Also, I enjoyed the spiritual elements as the characters battled the evil around them. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. However, this book could be read as a standalone, too.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions are my own and have been given honestly.

In this latest release, Malicious Intent is an example of romantic suspense at its best! I loved this latest release and second book in the Defend and Protect Series. I can’t wait for the next book to be available. Ms. Blackburn does a superb job writing romantic suspense. I love how she is able to seamlessly progress through events in the book and keep me engaged throughout the storyline. She is able to include a romantic story as well as suspenseful. As with her other releases, I did not want to put this book down once I started it. This book has reoccurring characters from her previous book that readers will be able to learn more of their stories throughout. This book could be read as a stand-alone though. This book focuses on Agent Gil Dixon and his childhood friend Dr. Ivy Collins. The book starts out with a huge event and just continues unfolding as you read. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Malicious Intent is the second book in Lynn H. Blackburn's Defend and Protect series. This is a fast-paced book filled with suspense written by a popular Christian fiction author.

I enjoyed the Christian aspects of the book and the fact that the characters often prayed for guidance. The two main characters, Gil and Ivy, knew each other as young children, and met up again as teens. Gil never forgot about his feelings for her, while Ivy ran away rather than face the mess her mom had made with Gil' family. Their relationship is only part of the story while they are also forced to deal with a threat coming from someone--but they don't know who.

The book was well written and quite enjoyable to read.

Malicious Intent is a suspenseful romance that follows the main characters of Gil, a Secret Service agent, and Ivy, an engineer and business owner. They knew each other long ago but now find themselves thrust together as Gil must help protect Ivy when she is threatened.

The mystery here is great and will keep you on your toes wondering who the culprit is. The romance between Gil and Ivy is sweet. Overall this was a great read that was very hard to put down.

Gil and Ivy were friends as children and then reconnected as teens. As they left each other they promised to stay connected. Except Ivys mom messed it all up.... now years later Ivy will have to learn to lean on Gil even as he is a stranger as an adult.
This is my first book by Blackburn. Saying that I am pretty sure this wasn't the first book in the series as one of the involved partners are already in a serious relationship. So you won't need to read the first to get involved in this book. I appreciated the Christian aspect wasnt just skimmed but commented on continually although the Gospel wasn't laid out. Perhaps that is coming with another novel in the series. The action was continual which kept me glued to the book.
 I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

Author Lynn H. Blackburn has written a winner with Malicious Intent! This book has greed, revenge, sweet romance and overcoming the past! I admired Dr. Ivy Collins whose company makes cutting edge prosthetics. Super intelligent, she has worked hard to overcome her past. I loved sweet Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon who had never found another love after his childhood friend disappeared from his life. Ivy is attacked by someone wanting access to her company computers while Gil is investigating counterfeit money found in her company's bank deposit and he finds her injured body. . Malicious Intent has lots of action. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading suspense. I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Ivy Collins could not believe this happened, and to make it more unreal, US Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon was in her kitchen. Her best friend in childhood and the boy she fell in love with and gave her heart to in her teens. She stood at her kitchen sink and washed blood from her hands and her face, due to the beating and torture that she had sustained at the hands of a couple of thugs. They kept asking her for her passwords to get into her computer at work, but she refused and suffered broken fingers for her silence.
Gil could not believe the state in which Ivy looked as he walked through her kitchen door. What in the world happened to make anyone torture Ivy? Then as he stood there she lifted her weapon and aimed (his direction) and pulled the trigger. When the guy hit the wall Gil realized she had not been aiming for him, but for the man whom she just shot.
Thank you Lyn Blackburn for allowing me to be an early reader for you. I loved this story and cannot wait for more.

My thoughts: this romantic suspense is light on the suspense and heavy on the romance but it was a great change of pace. Ivy is a genius and CEO of her own company and comes under investigation for depositing counterfeit money but that isn't the worst of it. Someone is wanting to access her computer systems to steal savings that she inherited and invested in her company but who? Secret service is investigating and their top suspects are eliminated one at a time. Who done it? Why are they so desperate for the money? And how far will they go to get it? Ivy and Gil race against Time as they ReDiscover who each other are childhood friends and possibly more? And will they be able to save Ivy's company? If you love romantic suspense you will love this book set in North Carolina. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

This is book two in the Defend and Protect series, however I believe it is a stand alone book. You will miss history of some of the characters if you jump right into this one but you will be able to follow along with out confusion. We also reconnect with characters from the Dive Team Investigators series, If you read these as well.
This book is full of mystery, suspense, friendship, romance and so much more. Its an action packed book and I look forward to more from this series. We met Gil Dixon in book one and I fell in love with his entire team. Gil must work to protect his childhood friend and the one he has never really forgotten.
Ivy Collins is not sure how Gil ended up coming to her rescue but is so glad he did, but will he be able to forgive her. I loved all the twist and turns in this book and the friendships many share.
I was given a copy of this novel for my honest opinion.

Malicious Intent is another incredible must-read romantic suspense novel by Lynn H. Blackburn. She continues to create the perfect balance of romance and suspense in her books, which many other romantic suspense authors struggle to do well. From her previous Dive Team series to this Defend and Protect series featuring the Secret Service, Lynn H. Blackburn has remained one of my top two romantic suspense authors, along with Irene Hannon.

Lynn H. Blackburn is a master at creating characters who readers can connect to and action-filled plots that keep readers fully invested in the storyline until the final page. Malicious Intent can easily be read as a stand alone novel, but this series is so good that I recommend starting with book 1, Unknown Threat, so you can meet this fabulous group of Secret Service agents.

Longtime readers of Lynn H. Blackburn may appreciate that I have been a huge #TeamGabe fan (from her Dive Team series). After getting to know Secret Service agent Gil Dixon in this novel, now I think I may be #TeamGabe and #TeamGil!

Malicious Intent is highly recommended for fans of inspirational romantic suspense. I can't wait for book three!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I will admit, I sat on Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn for an extended period of time before I finally opened it. I had too many romantic suspense authors already in my stack; I didn't need more. Additionally, I didn't want to read the first book, Unknown Threat. My desire for another series was low, if it even existed. Though I assumed Malicious Intent would be like many other romantic suspense novels--that I could read it without any other books in the series--I still thought I should read Unknown Threat first. So I pulled out my Kindle and settled into a lounger outside...

...and received bright red sunburns on my legs, because from the moment I picked up Unknown Threat, I couldn't put it down. Eventually, I moved inside but stayed up far too late until I finished it. Malicious Intent was the same--filled with twists and turns, a sprinkling of humor, and characters I couldn't help but root for. I curled up on a hammock (with sunscreen this time!) and only rose because my stomach demanded it. Malicious Intent pulled me in. You know in cartoons, how someone will use a hooked staff around someone's waist to yank him/her in a certain direction? That was Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn. It didn't gently tug me along like a tiny dog on a leash. NOPE. It was more like my dog, who pulls me along behind her because she would rather I run instead of walk.

Malicious Intent is exciting and complicated (in a good way). Blackburn fooled me; I'll say it. She set something up, and while I thought, "There's no way; it's too easy," my brain couldn't come to any other logical conclusion. At this point, it's hard for authors to surprise me. Malicious Intent was book #47 of 2022 for me. A number of those were romantic suspense novels--by some of my favorite authors of the genre, even. Lynn H. Blackburn has now joined those ranks, because I LOVED THIS BOOK. The only thing I didn't like was I felt like the plot took too long to develop.

When the pieces all connected together, everything made sense. But it was almost like Blackburn herself didn't quite know where she was going, until she finally had a "AHA!" moment and rushed the story along. Which, now that I think about it, might've been intentional to leave readers in the dark until the last moment. Blackburn developed characters who were believable (though maybe Gil was a little too perfect?), and I loved the more personal characteristics she gave Gil and Ivy, like Gil's nickname for her. It made the characters seem real rather than imaginary. I'd like to be friends with everyone in Malicious Intent, please.

Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn is a good one. I'll definitely be reading book #3 (Blackburn can't leave me hanging with Tessa and Zane, no way), and I've added her other stories to my "TBR" pile. It's a...very big pile, but Blackburn catapulted herself closer to the top.

Sooo good!

First off, the characters. They're incredibly real, raw, and relatable! I love getting to see all the characters throughout the whole series, but focusing on one couple per book - so much fun to see each character as they grow and also to see all the different points of view throughout the books.

Then there's the plot. Cyber security breaches, intrusions, not knowing who to trust... This book is intense with a capital I!!!

The only downfall... Book 3 isn't out yet and I'm not sure how long I can be patient! I'm ready to dive right in!!

This intense suspense novel will keep you guessing, wondering who is behind all the danger and threats to the protagonist, Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., which makes advanced prosthetics. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon, her childhood friend, bursts onto the scene and gets involved in this complex case and crime spree investigation. The story seemed more of an intellectual adventure trying to determine who might be guilty rather than the engaging emotional journey I’ve experienced in reading her previous tales of intrigue. Nevertheless, it’s intriguing fiction. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. #MaliciousIntent #NetGalley

I enjoyed this clean, fast-paced romantic suspense novel with Christian/ faith elements. It's part of a series and can be read as a stand-alone but I'd recommend starting with the first one just so you're more familiar with the other characters and their backgrounds. Ms. Blackburn does a great job of combining a suspenseful mystery along with a romance, with emphasis placed equally on both. I really liked the details of Ivy's job as a creator of prosthetic limbs, and information about the Secret Service. The author always does her research and it shows! Ivy & Gil are both likeable characters with flaws but good hearts, and they have a chance at a second chance romance in this story. I loved the way they came together at the end. This is a clean book, but like the first one the descriptions of violence are still a little bit graphic/ disturbing for my taste. However, I still recommend this for a great romantic suspense where justice is served and love wins!

Ivy had finally met her goal and is ready for the next steps in her company. She has her new product ready for presenting to the world and someone is out to make sure that does not happen. Luckily she has the help of her old friend Secret Service Gil Dixon. Together they have to work together to make sure that all of Ivy's time and research does not go to waste. A real page turner.

I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

Was it fate that sent US Secret Service Special Agent Gil Dixon to the home of Dr. Ivy Collins just after she had been tortured? It has been fifteen years since she had broken off contact with him and he has never stopped loving her. Can things get any more complicated?

Someone wants information from Ivy and Gil and his team make the commitment to protect Ivy and to find out who is after her and for what reason. This well plotted story moves quickly. There are a number of suspects, but motive remains elusive. As the story races to its conclusion, there are surprises that keep the reader engrossed.

Skillfully told, the author has crafted an engrossing story that combines mystery and romance. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Suspense. Action. Mystery. Romance. Malicious Intent has all of that and more! Gil and Ivy are two of my favorite characters. Gil is handsome, protective, loving, and gentle. What more could a girl ask for? Ivy is super intelligent, driven, independent, and full of spunk. I loved the two of them together. Sparks were flying off the pages and I could feel the intensity and emotion. The suspense and action is constant throughout the story and that is what kept me reading. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Add in the romance and the mystery of who was after Ivy and I could not put this book down! While this is the second book in a series, I read it fine as a standalone. There were some things I was a little confused on, but the author does a great job of explaining what the reader needs to know. A definite must read for action/suspense fans! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This reunion was not what either had in mind...

Yikes! If there's one thing I can count on with a Lynn H. Blackburn novel it's that the danger and suspense will be so riveting I won't want to put it down. Malicious Intent was definitely like that. I found myself using every excuse in the book (pun intended) to keep reading even when I really should have been doing other things.

There was pretty much nothing not to like about Malicious Intent. Lynn H. Blackburn struck the perfect balance between romance and suspense and she successfully kept her characters hopping and readers guessing. And, gosh, were some of the scenes chilling! Better buckle up because this is one fast-paced and action-packed story!

I'll admit that there were times that Ivy kind of annoyed me. I'm sorry, girl, but of course Gil is going to be calling the shots and he doesn't need your inexperienced opinions because this is exactly what he was trained to do. But, seriously, Gil, Ivy has a point and she is quite legitimately in a fragile state right now. Can you tell that I got emotionally invested in the characters from the second Defend And Protect novel, like, really caught up in them?

I absolutely loved the appearance of some old friends from another series in addition to the Defend And Protect crew. It was a lot of fun, at least for me, them not so much, to get reacquainted and spend a few reading hours with all of them.

If you are looking for a really great romantic suspense book and series I would definitely recommend checking out Malicious Intent and the rest of Lynn H. Blackburn's gripping Defend And Protect novels. They are beyond a shadow of a doubt good reading...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Lynn H. Blackburn delivers her sequel to Unknown Threat in true Defend & Protect Series style with Malicious Intent. U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon finds it hard to keep work at the forefront when his job takes him face to face with the childhood love he thought lost. Dr. Ivy Collins has endured a traumatic home invasion, but recognizes Gil when he shows up at her side. In the process of forging her life and pursuing her passion to develop cutting edge prosthetics, Ivy has found that personal relationships don’t seem to stand up to the demands of her drive. Now under personal and professional attack, she has to learn to depend on Gil and his team of friends and colleagues to keep her safe and unravel the mystery before consequences get out of hand. Old flames try to flare to life, but the slow burn builds momentum from page one to the very end.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.