Another great story from Lynn Blackburn! Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc. reunites with her childhood best friend, Gil Dixon who is now a Secret Service Agent when counterfeit bills were connected with Hedera, Inc.
Will Ivy be receptive to the feelings Gil still has for her?
Suspenseful story with some twists and turns that definitely held my attention. Great characters. Great ending.
I was given an advance ecopy by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Malicious Intent by Lynn H Blackburn – Mystery, Suspense and Likable Characters

I like reading mysteries and suspense stories and have enjoyed Lynn H. Blackburn’s novels. That’s why I was excited to read her newest book, Malicious Intent, the second book in the Defend and Protect series.

Malicious Intent focuses on Gil Dixon and Dr. Ivy Collins, characters introduced in the first book of the series, Unknown Threat. Gil and Ivy go way back, but they had a falling out and haven’t seen each other since then. Secret Service Agents Gil and Zane are following up on counterfeit bills deposited by Hedera, Inc., Ivy’s business. When they arrive at her home and knock on the door, they find something is amiss as the door opens by itself. It had been 15 years since Gil had last seen Ivy, and now she was standing before him. But something is terribly wrong with Ivy. She looks beat up and is holding a gun.

Other characters from the first book, Luke, Zac, Tessa, Faith, and Sabrina, are also included in this story. One of the things I liked about this book was the friendships and commitment these people had for one another. The storyline and investigation were interesting as they tried to determine who was trying to harm Ivy and why.

The romance part of the story was a little rushed, especially considering how Gil and Ivy’s relationship had ended 15 years earlier. But Gil was ready to put the past behind him. I did like Ivy and her drive and passion to help people. I found annoying Gil’s repeated use of a nickname he had for Ivy, who is now a grown woman, not a young girl. There’s a little bit of faith worked into the story. I would have liked to have seen more of that. The characters were likable, but I wish they had been developed more fully. I appreciate that the novel was clean, without profanity or sexual immorality.

Overall, I liked Malicious Intent because of the mystery and suspense. My favorite part was the friendships and commitment between all the characters. I recommend this book, especially if you like suspense and law enforcement.

Thank you to Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read complimentary copy Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Lynn Blackburn’s latest release, Malicious Intent (Defend and Protect Book 2), was another wild ride. And I loved every non-stop, fascinating turn of the plot, leaving me guessing until the very end! And that’s no small thing.

Dr. Ivy Collins is ready to begin clinical trials of her company's cutting-edge prosthetic. Only someone is trying to sabotage her company and the launch, but why? There’s something more going on than her research.

U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon learns his childhood love’s company has deposited counterfeit cash into their account. Highly suspicious that there is more going on than a few fake bills, he reenters Ivy’s life by walking in on thugs torturing her. Gil believes that this is divine intervention—and not just to save her life. But it will take more than his expertise to solve the mysteries and murders growing around her and her broken heart.

Lynn Blackburn has once again given the reader more than a murder mystery, she has written a story steeped in the characters’ histories, their fears—which are well-warranted—and romance. Blackburn has given us a peek into a growing danger of digital crime and betrayal.

Highly recommend for fans of Blackburn and new readers looking for a who-dun-it with more twists and turns than the Kingda Ka roller coaster. And don’t worry, this is a clean read with solid, deep faith values.

It isn’t necessary to read book 1 to enjoy Malicious Intent, however, I sure want to, now.

I received a complimentary ebook from Revell through #Net Galley for my honest review.

For Dr. Ivy Collins, Gil Dixon is a bittersweet part of her past, a ship that sailed many years ago. That is, until she finds herself being rescued by the man himself, now an elite Secret Service Agent. Gil and his team quickly band together to protect Ivy when her safety continues to be threatened.  As tensions rise, Gil and Ivy must decide if this twist in fate will be the end of their story, or just the beginning.

This is the second novel in the Defend and Protect series. As with the first book, I really enjoyed the mystery aspect. I thought it was well-woven and a unique, not overly done plotline. I did not anticipate who was behind the crimes and like how everything was pieced together.

Unfortunately, the romance aspect of this book did not work for me. Gil and Ivy hit things off too quickly for my liking and Gil came across as over the top to me. The main conflict was blown out of proportion.

I am still here for Tessa and her story. She really resonates with me as a character. Sabrina had a small role in this book, but I also love her. I hope we get more of her!

I would say the faith aspect of this book is minimal and wouldn’t be overbearing if the reader is not Christian.

Giving this one a 3/5. If you’re overly romantic, you’ll probably enjoy it more than I did.

While I did enjoy the suspense in this one as well as The Princess Bride mentions and quotes. But especially Gil calling Ivy Buttercup was precious. And I loved that Ivy was a woman in science. Quite frankly we need more women in STEM in fiction books. I didn’t like this one as much as the first book in the series.


Mainly because to me the suspense and mystery was a little on the slow side. But it was still good and it kept me on my toes the whole the time I was reading. But more importantly I didn’t figure out The Who done it. I love when mysteries and suspense keep me guessing till the end. And I look forward to the next book in the series.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Wow. Just wow.

Can I leave it at that?

Okay, I would highly advise getting a copy of book one, read it, then read this one. While it could be read as a stand-alone novel, it wouldn't be fair to you to miss all the goodness from book one. Quite a few characters, including the main character Gil, are from book one.

Malicious Intent sucked me in from the first scene, and I did not want to put this book down. Nor did I want it to end. There is so much action, witty banter, friendship rekindled, and so much more. This is suspense at its finest. Want to know more READ THE BOOK!

Oh, and special thanks to Net Galley and Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a favorable review. I almost forgot to put the statement here because my son wanted to read the book and bought it, so I stole his paperback copy and read it 😂

P.S. I hope there is a third book in the series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#BookReview: MALICIOUS INTENT by Lynn H. Blackburn

I was glad that I was still able to request for this book in #netgalley even after pub day. There were so many good reviews. I have enjoyed the first book in the series and I am glad I decided to read this one too.

This book was full of suspense and the author kept me guessing. That’s what I like about her books. She would keep you on your toes and vigilant all the time. I am relieved that few people died here. The first book was intense. This one too as everyone was trying to solve the mystery of Ivy’s attackers and their intent.

The romance was just okay but sweet. There was a lot going on. Gill got very protective of Ivy too. But what I liked about this book was the friendship formed by the agents.The cared so much about each other and also very dedicated to their jobs.

Faith came in the form of prayers, mostly with Ivy. Nothing deep but thankful that it was there. They needed a lot of prayers.

If you like mystery, suspense, secret service agents, nerds and a touch of romance, this one’s for you.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Series:Defend and Protect Book 2
Pub date: 01 March 2022

Thank you Revell and netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Blackburn delivers a combination of sweet romance and exciting suspense! In the past, I enjoyed Blackburn’s Dive Team series and was happy to see those characters make a small, return appearance here.

The opening began with an intensity that captivated me and returned at the end. In between, there were peaks of suspense that surprised me but the romance in this story is what kept me invested and ultimately won me over. The characters were well-rounded and diverse, tied together by the common thread of a deep, protective friendship that is rare.

I enjoyed the second chance at love for main characters, Gil and Ivy, and the emotional insight that Blackburn allowed her readers. Gil was the sweetest hero and watching Ivy warm up to him was something akin to enjoying a warm, delicious drink on a chilly day… Simply heartwarming and delightful!

While I found one or two of the suspense high points to be exciting, I felt a little disconnected from the execution of the villain’s plan. I found the villain (and their identity reveal) to be mild with no surprise factor. Also, I typically do not enjoy reading from the villain’s point of view because it can detract from the element of surprise for me. I realize this is personal preference. Nonetheless, I was invested in seeing Gil and Ivy’s relationship through to the end.

That said, two end scenes did get my blood racing and were easily my favorite scenes in the story!

I also enjoyed that there were some faith-based elements, especially the idea of forgiveness and relying on God’s plan and timing. That was refreshing, but not too heavy or overarching.

Overall, Malicious Intent is an easy read that is a well-paced with fantastic characters, solid romance and beautiful threads of friendship, protection, love and sacrifice. I am looking forward to the next release in this series and definitely recommend this novel to both Christian and secular readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

I was really excited to read Gil and Ivy's story, since we learned in book one that there is some history between them, and what a history it was.

I love the Secret Service team. The way they work well together, developed a friendship and how they handle their cases are interesting. I also love that we see characters from the first series popping back up here.

The action and suspense was fast paced and what I want in a suspense, though it was a bit limited compared to the romance portion. But the times I was held in suspense provided me with that thrill I enjoy.

The romance, this is where I lost some enjoyment in the story. I enjoyed Gil and Ivy as individuals, and also together, but there were small things for me, which made this not the favourite romance I have read. Small things from a nickname I did not like (I keep thinking of a pony), to the realistic assumption that they know each after a 15-year gap and the epilogue which did not match to children aged 9 and 8.

Overall it was an enjoyable romantic suspense, and one which are receiving high ratings on Goodreads.

This can be read as a standalone, though I did enjoying knowing the history of all the characters involved.

This is a well paced romantic suspense story involving some great characters. Dr. Ivy Collins and Gill Dixon are long lost loves, 15 years to be exact. Ivy is the extremely intelligent head of Headera, a company that makes cutting edge prosthetics. Gill Dixon is a Secret Service agent whose well timed visit to Ivy's home interrupts an attack on her prevents and an even bigger tragedy..
This story is an intense page turner with a bit of cringy violence. But it keeps the story moving and the emphasis on the romance may even be more than on the suspense.. I enjoyed it and would recommend it highly.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

Dr. Ivy Collin’s world is turned upside down as she seeks answers as to who broke into her home. She is surprised to see a familiar face on the team, U.S. Secret Service Agent Gill Dixon, a long-lost friend. They hadn’t seen each other since they were kids. There were so many questions to ask, but they had to wait. Gill would be asking her the hard professional, investigative questions, first, the others would have to wait for another time.

This is a fast-paced, witty, page turning novel from the start as readers meet Gill Dixon and learn what secret he’s keeping from the team, “Everyone in the office knew that Hedera, Inc. was owned by Dr. Ivy Collins. But no one knew that Ivy Collins was his Ivy.” I liked how these two are thrown together trying to figure out a mystery as to who was behind the counterfeit money, why the murder attempt on Dr. Collins and try to sort out the missing pieces from their past. I had to smile when the author had Gill call Dr. Ivy Collins “buttercup”, a reference from the Princess Bride movie. This doesn’t happen right away, but it’s fun to learn why and how he came to call her this.

It’s always fun when a few of the characters from book one show up in the next book. The author does a good job of throwing suspicion on several characters that might have motive, and opportunity, allowing the reader to guess along with the team. There were a few fun twists and turns that surprised the team and the reader as the identity of the potential killer is finally revealed.

This book takes you inside the world of the Secret Service team as they search for the missing clues that will lead them to stop this mastermind. I loved how the author had so much going on, and I did not feel lost as she intermingled the suspense, drama, faith, friendship and a splash of romance for good measure into this wonderful story that will have you up late reading to find out how it turns out in the end. This will also work well of your next book club pick. It’s rich in character and story. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Malicious Intent
by Lynn H, Blackburn
Book 2 in the Defend and Protect series
Rating: 4.5/5

"Ivy Collins was the girl who got away. The woman who had haunted him for years. The mystery he needed to solve. It was time. He was going to get answers. Today."

As someone who enjoys heart-pumping Christian romantic suspense books, I was excited to read this new book from Lynn H. Blackburn. I don't believe I've actually read a lot from her before but I am now a big fan. Though this is the second book in the series, I had no problems picking it up and reading as a standalone novel. I will be going back and reading the first one because this book was very good.

First, I am always a big fan of intelligent, independent female protagonists. Dr. Ivy Collins is an inspirational character and I really identified with her. She has her tragic past but she is resilient and only wants to leave a lasting legacy.

Second, I really liked how Gil acknowledged that he went to therapy after all that happened. I am a big fan of therapy and removing the stigma surrounding mental health.

Third, the chemistry between Ivy and Gil was beautiful and realistic. They had to get to know each other again after being apart for many years. They still had that spark but had to learn to love one another as adults (and adults with baggage at that).

Fourth, the entire mystery was fascinating and kept me on my toes as I tried to figure out what was happening and who was behind it all. There were definitely some red herrings in the story. ;)

Highly recommend this adrenaline packed Christian romantic suspense with characters who are not afraid to rely on God's plan and provision.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Malicious Intent is the second book in the Defend and Protect series. While reading the previous book would certainly help to know many of the characters and the team dynamic better, I would say this could also be read as a standalone just fine as well. You'll definitely see some familiar characters not just from the previous book in this series, but from some of the author's previous series as well.

Right from the start, this one drew me right into the action of the story. As the story progressed, it seemed that the bigger action moments came in waves. Still, it maintained a quick and enjoyable pace throughout all the same. Within romantic suspense, there are some stories that are more suspense driven with the romance not taking as much prevalence, and others where the romance is every bit as prominent. I definitely felt like this one fell into the latter category. The relationship between Gil and Ivy was definitely a major focus. Personally, I love more romance, so I really enjoyed that but if you are one that prefers it to take a backseat, this might not be your cup of tea!

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and cannot wait to see what comes next in this series!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

My only problem with Malicious Intent is that I have finished it. Lynn Blackburn first introduced most of these characters in Unknown Threat and I was delighted to read more about them in Malicious Intent. The banter is witty and the action exciting. I loved the suspense that kept me guessing until the end of the book. Ms. Blackburn did an excellent job of weaving faith into her characters' lives. It was inspiring the way they would stop and pray for guidance. I can't wait to read book three and find out what these folks are up to next!

I would suggest you brew a pitcher of sweet tea and block off a weekend for a fabulous read.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Are you ready for some action? How about some intrigue mixed with a little bit of romance? Well get ready for all this and more in a fast pace story that dives into the world of ransomware. I loved the plot and how much detail the author gives as someone is out to destroy Ivy and all the work she has done to design a product that would benefit many.

When Ivy is attacked Gil comes onto the scene to investigate. I wasn’t surprised at all that they had a history together but I did like how the author used it to slowly develop their friendship again. Will they end up together?

The story sent chills down my spine as the danger draws closer to Ivy. Gil is determined to keep her safe but someone is willing to do anything to get what they want. Evil lurks among the pages as the evidence is clear that “money is the root of all evil.”

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.

This is a romantic suspense that not only kept me riveted and my heart pounding due to the danger involved, but it also has one swoony unforgettable romance. This is a story of a reunion of two loves who let time, misunderstandings, hurt, and others keep them apart. Both thinking it was too late until they are brought back together due to strenuous circumstances.

Ivy is a unique heroine. She is smart, started her own business, and work pretty much is her life. She is also a matter of fact and straightforward character, and I would say a pretty lonely individual. Not for long, however, as a group of men have tortured her and that is in the first few pages of the story. But in walks her hero and her true love, Gil who is a Secret Service agent. There was a lot of drama that was going on and this story moved pretty quickly. The author explains the reason for the Secret Service being involved with her case and I learned a bit more about that service.

I liked that other characters from a previous series came in and rallied around Gil and Ivy. They accepted her because he loved her. I also appreciated that he moved as slow as he possibly could in regard to his feelings for her, even though he showed his very protective side of Ivy. Their easy banter and obvious feelings shined throughout and made these two really stand out.

There is a lot of moving parts involved in this suspense so be prepared to lose some sleep. It was one of those stories that I couldn't get out of my mind even when I wasn't reading it.

I received a copy of this novel from Revell publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This has been one of my favorite suspense stories I have read. I loved all the twists and turns. Ivy and Gil make a great couple. They new each other as children and then teens and then lost track of each other. I love how they meet again and all the action that occurs in just a few days. This book will give you wonderful suspense and great romance. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Book two of the Defend and Protect series by Lynn H. Blackburn is intense! Gil Dixon has recovered from being shot when maniacs worked overtime to take out his team. Now he finds himself leading the charge right in to his long lost childhood friend's front door. Since he's found her again he is determined they will work through the things that have kept them apart.
Ivy Collins is an overacheiver in every area of life. Including keeping away from her BFF Gil Dixon. When he comes through her door, at just the right time, she struggles to keep her defenses in place and is unable to continue to protect her heart.
Gil and Ivy come together to combat all that life is throwing at them. If they can figure out who is trying so hard to take her down maybe they can focus on more important things - like why they've stayed apart for so long.
This story is full of life, love, friendships, suspense, greed, revenge, lost love, fear, bullets, deception, deceit, and forgiveness. Blackburn does a steller job of keeping readers engaged and looking for more. This is a non-stop, action packed, page turner. Even in the end readers want to continue to find out what is up with Tessa and Zane.
I enjoy this circle of coworkers, friends, and family. The action is spot on. Everything is fast moving and keeps me contected with the characters and story. I appreciated enough of Luke and Faith's story being intertwined to remind me of the previous saga. There are few loose ends I hope are tied up with the conclusion of the series. Well done!
Thank you Revell and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book!

Lynn H. Blackburn gives readers a romantic suspense that leans heavy on the romance aspect in Malicious Intent, and I am here for it.

Ivy and Gil reconnect after fifteen years after a horrifying incident for Ivy. There’s a strong history there with a lot of baggage to unpack, but Gil (and his twin sister) both want Ivy back in their lives.

I like a book with strong and intelligent women, and Ivy is exactly that. She knows what Gil and his friends are doing most of the time and understands their protection but sometimes chafes at it.
Fans of Blackburn will appreciate the cameos from some of the characters in her previous series while enjoying the camaraderie and closeness of this new team of secret service agents. And I didn’t see the person behind it all coming.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Fast paced, heart pounding thriller that grabs you from the beginning. Gil Dixon is a Secret Service Agent who seems to have a penchant for finding danger. When he finds himself having to visit his childhood crush after not seeing each other in fifteen years, Dr. Ivy Collins, he finds himself thrown into the middle of danger both to his life and his heart.

As Gil’s team races against time to keep Ivy safe and find out why she is in danger, they also put themselves in the crossfire. They pool together all their resources including reconnecting readers with members of the Dive Team Investigation series taking us on a thrilling ride of danger, suspense, and romance.

This series is a must read! Lynn Blackburn is a masterful storyteller that draws you in and the story does not let go. Gil and Ivy’s story did not disappoint and I cannot wait to read book three!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.