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 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.

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.”