Welcome back to another exciting episode of the LiteraryScape podcast! This week, we’re thrilled to discuss Lynn H. Blackburn’s captivating novel Malicious Intent, the second book in her compelling Defend and Protect series.
About the Book
Malicious Intent follows Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, as she prepares to launch clinical trials for her company’s cutting-edge prosthetic technology. Her groundbreaking work has earned praise from government agencies, medical professionals, and advocacy groups alike. However, not everyone wants to see Ivy succeed—someone is actively trying to sabotage Hedera and its revolutionary launch.
Enter Secret Service agent Gil Dixon, who can’t believe he’s finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. After years of separation, Gil is determined to mend their broken relationship. But first, he must use all his skills to uncover the truth behind the attacks on Ivy and save not only her life but also her life’s work and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
Our Thoughts on the Story
The opening scene immediately grips readers when Gil and his team walk in on Ivy being tortured—what a reunion! The timing couldn’t have been more crucial, as Gil’s arrival literally saves Ivy’s life. The torture scenes were particularly difficult to read, with the methodical breaking of fingers and burning that showcased the villain’s malicious intent.
We loved the tender nickname “Buttercup” that Gil uses for Ivy, which connects beautifully to The Princess Bride theme of separation and reunion. These small touches of endearment really enhance the romantic elements of the story.
Multiple Mysteries Unfold
Malicious Intent weaves together several compelling mysteries. There’s the counterfeit money investigation that initially brings the team to Ivy’s location, and then the escalating attacks against her personally. Without giving away spoilers, we’ll just say that our initial guesses about the villain were completely wrong! Blackburn does an excellent job of planting clues that point in multiple directions.
Sabrina, the genius tech specialist, plays a significant role in this book and brings her expertise to help solve the case. For readers new to Blackburn’s work, we recommend starting with the Dive Team Investigators series to fully appreciate Sabrina’s character development.
Character Development and Family History
Ivy’s character really impressed us—despite her traumatic upbringing and complicated family history, she’s built an incredible life and career. The guilt and shame she carried from her past created a believable barrier between her and Gil for fifteen years. Both characters were dealing with their own struggles when they were younger, making their eventual reunion even more meaningful.
Gil’s sister Emily makes a wonderful addition to the story, and we’re excited that she gets her own novella between books two and three.
The Romance Factor
Gil absolutely stole our hearts with the way he takes care of Ivy—knowing exactly how she likes her coffee, cooking f...
