Episodes

  • An Uncharted Dream: Adventure, Betrayal, and Hidden Love with Abbey Downey

    An Uncharted Dream: Adventure, Betrayal, and Hidden Love with Abbey Downey
    Oct 31 2025
    Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week, we're wrapping up our discussion of the Adventurous Hearts series with An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey, and let me tell you—this one is a real page-turner!The StoryAn Uncharted Dream follows Lenora, who dreams of following in her father's footsteps as an explorer but has been held back by debilitating fear since his tragic death. When a mysterious explorer named Mr. Fleming promises to take her on an expedition to the very place where her father died, she sees her chance for answers and adventure.Enter Marcus Turner, Lenora's longtime best friend who secretly loves her. Having spent years hiding his family's financial struggles, Marcus knows a con man when he sees one—and Mr. Fleming raises all his red flags. Determined to protect Lenora, Marcus joins the expedition, setting the stage for adventure, betrayal, and ultimately, a journey of faith and love.Our Discussion HighlightsJessica loved this book so much it became her favorite in the series! She was hooked from the very beginning, constantly wondering: Is Mr. Fleming a con man? Will Lenora actually go to Peru? The mystery kept her turning pages late into the night.We discussed several compelling elements:The Suspicion Around Mr. Fleming: From the very first scene at the library, Marcus's suspicions are aroused, and we agreed—something was definitely off! The way Fleming couldn't answer basic questions about the expedition was a major red flag that Lenora unfortunately missed.The Anonymous Letters: The mysterious letters encouraging Lenora to take the trip added an intriguing layer to the story. Discovering who was really behind them was one of those great "aha!" moments.Family Contrasts: We loved the stark difference between Lenora's warm, inviting family and Marcus's cold, distant one. Marcus doesn't even enjoy going home, and his family situation, while frustrating, added real depth to his character.The Big Betrayal: When the group gets stranded in a foreign country where they can't speak the language, the tension really ramps up. It's one of those moments where you're yelling at the characters, "Don't give him the money!"Communication Issues: This is definitely one of those stories where if the main characters had just talked to each other, a lot of problems could have been avoided! But watching them finally realize their feelings for each other after years of friendship was worth the wait.Adventure and RomanceThe book beautifully weaves together themes of exploration, archeology, and surveying. The ending, where Marcus pursues his passion for surveying while Lenora does excavation work, was particularly satisfying. We both admitted to being fascinated by archeology—there's something magical about uncovering history!We also discussed some of the more challenging aspects of historical travel: the boat journey (would we be able to handle the seasickness and fear of water?), the preparation trips and camping, and the sheer adventure of it all.Our RatingsUsing our coffee-themed rating system:Drama Level: LatteSuspense Level: Espresso (gentle but definitely there)Mystery Level: MochaInspirational Level: Mocha (this one had more faith elements than the previous books)Romance Level: Espresso (sweet and clean)The Final Verdict: Lasso RatingsJessica gives this book her highest rating: 4 Lassos! She couldn't put it down and would even go as high as 3.5 to 4 if we allowed half ratings. As for me, I gave it a solid 2 Lassos—still excellent, but my personal reading preference leans toward books with a bit more suspense and romance.Overall, Abbey Downey has created an excellent series that's perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries with sweet romance and historical adventure. The pacing is wonderful, and the stories are engaging without being too intense.What's Next?Be sure to tune in next week when we'll have a special interview with author Abbey Downey herself! We'll get all the behind-the-scenes information about this incredible Adventurous Hearts series.Want to learn more about Abbey and her books? Visit her website at www.abbeydowney.com.Thanks for joining us on LiteraryScape, where we explore the landscape of great literature, one book at a time!Have you read An Uncharted Dream? What did you think of Mr. Fleming? Let us know in the comments!www.literaryscape.com/podcast/173
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    17 mins
  • An Unexpected Catch: A Story of Reputation, Romance, and Baseball

    An Unexpected Catch: A Story of Reputation, Romance, and Baseball
    Oct 24 2025

    Episode 172: An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey

    Adventurous Hearts Series, Book 2

    This week on LiteraryScape, we're discussing An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey—a historical romance that takes us into the world of Chicago's semiprofessional baseball league, where reputation is everything and one wrong move can cost you your dreams.

    About the Book

    B Corinne has forged a groundbreaking career as an umpire in Chicago's semiprofessional baseball league and is working toward her dream of leading the women's athletic department at Western College. With her reputation on the line, a romance with Emmett Worland—a talented pitcher known for his womanizing ways—is the last thing she needs.

    But when her women's baseball team desperately needs help, Emmett is the only one who can save them. As they spend more time together, an undeniable attraction develops. The catch? Emmett is hiding a painful secret that could end his baseball career, and his bad reputation is one he never actually earned.

    Can they afford to let their hearts lead the way, or will the shadows of the past and uncertainties of the future destroy their chance at happily ever after?

    In This Episode We Discuss:

    Emmett's undeserved reputation and how sensationalist newspapers destroyed his good name

    The demanding grandmother who chose social standing over understanding

    Emmett's secret struggle and the heartbreaking reality of how society treated people in his situation

    B's strength as a pioneering woman umpire navigating impossible social expectations

    Historical baseball details (did you know umpires used to stand behind the pitcher?)

    The constant scrutiny both characters face and what it means to live under watchful eyes

    That memorable proposal scene!

    How "everything tells a story"—and why that matters today

    Our Ratings:

    Drama Level: Mocha ☕☕

    Suspense Level: Minimal

    Mystery Level: Espresso ☕

    Inspirational Level: Espresso to Mocha ☕-☕☕

    Romance Level: Espresso to Mocha ☕-☕☕

    Overall: 2.5 to 3 lattes (Our favorite in the series!)

    Links & Resources:

    Listen to this episode: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/172

    Abbey Downey's website: https://abbeydowney.com/

    Next Week: We'll be discussing An Uncharted Dream, the third and final book in the Adventurous Hearts series!

    Subscribe to LiteraryScape wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us each week as we explore the pages of great books together!
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    16 mins
  • An Uncertain Road, Historical Christian Romance Set in the World of Early Automobile Racing

    An Uncertain Road, Historical Christian Romance Set in the World of Early Automobile Racing
    Oct 17 2025
    Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week, we're diving into the first book of Abby Downey's Adventurous Heart series, An Uncertain Road, a delightful historical Christian romance set in the world of early automobile racing.The StorySet in 1905, An Uncertain Road follows Flora Montfort, a young widow who returns to America with her French mother-in-law. Determined to use her auto racing training to support herself—despite female drivers being rare in that era—Flora seizes the opportunity to drive in the Glidden Tour, a 10-day race through New England.Joining her is Jensen Gable, a reluctant mechanic who has sworn off racing after losing his best friend in a tragic accident. His promise to protect his friend's younger brother becomes the only reason compelling enough to get him back on the racing circuit.As Flora and Jensen navigate hazardous road conditions, meddling locals, and ruthless competitors, they discover an undeniable connection. But can their budding romance survive the dangers of the race and the ghosts of their pasts?What We LovedThe Historical Setting: One of the highlights of this novel is how it's loosely based on real events. The Glidden Tour was a real race started by the Triple A, and there actually was a woman who competed in it. While Abby takes creative liberties with the story, that grounding in history adds authenticity and charm.Coney Island Adventure: The scenes at Coney Island were fascinating, with attractions that felt surprisingly modern for the time period. The infamous "cheese" attraction particularly stood out (and grossed us out!), along with the space-themed and water-themed rides.Tense Racing Scenes: Abby writes compelling action sequences. The mountain climb scene where Jensen has to jerk the wheel, the moment with cows blocking the race route, and the nerve-wracking curves where one wrong move could send them off the side—these scenes had us on the edge of our seats. The river crossing via ferry was another memorable moment that reminded us how different travel was in 1905.Character Depth: Both Flora and Jensen carry emotional baggage that makes them hesitant to open their hearts. Flora fears being controlled again after her experiences with her domineering brother and late husband. Jensen struggles with grief and fear after his friend's death. Their slow-burn romance feels earned and authentic.Supporting Characters: The newlywed couple riding along in the backseat added a fun dynamic to the story. Using the race as part of their honeymoon was an interesting choice—the groom was training to be a minister and knew he wouldn't have money for an elaborate honeymoon, so this was his way of giving his bride an adventure.The Redemption Arc: When a terrible driver has an accident, Flora shows remarkable sportsmanship by stopping to help, even though she could have kept going. This moment of grace leads to a powerful redemption story that we both appreciated.The Romance & Faith ElementsThe relationship between Flora and Jensen develops naturally as they face challenges together. Their feelings are evident, but both are afraid to express them for their own reasons. The faith element is woven throughout the story in a gentle, non-preachy way that enhances rather than overwhelms the narrative.One particularly poignant scene occurs when Archie (the owner's youngest son) makes comments about Gregory's death, leading to tension. Eventually, Jensen takes the time to sit down and talk through the tragedy, providing much-needed closure. We wished this conversation had happened sooner, as avoiding difficult topics is never healthy.Our RatingsUsing our signature coffee scale (Espresso = a little, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot):Suspense: EspressoDrama: Espresso to MochaMystery: EspressoInspirational: MochaRomance: Espresso to Mocha (we disagreed slightly on this one!)Lasso Rating: We gave it a 2.5 out of 3 lassos. This means we were hooked and thoroughly enjoyed it, though it wasn't quite a "can't put it down" read. It's an excellent book that we could pause when needed, but we definitely wanted to keep coming back to it.Who Should Read This?An Uncertain Road is perfect for readers who enjoy:Sweet, cozy historical romancesStories grounded in real historical eventsFaith-based fiction with a light touchEarly 20th-century settingsAdventure and travel narrativesAbby Downey has crafted a charming series opener that balances romance, adventure, and faith. While it may not have the intense suspense or mystery of some novels, it excels at creating a warm, engaging story with characters you'll root for.What's Next?Join us next week as we discuss the second book in the Adventurous Heart series, An Unexpected Catch. We're excited to continue this journey through Abby's delightful historical romances!Want to learn more about Abby Downey and her books? Visit her website at https://abbeydowney.com/Have you read An Uncertain Road? What did you think of Flora and Jensen's story? Let us know in...
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    18 mins
  • Behind the Scenes of Lynn H. Blackburn's Defend and Protect Series

    Behind the Scenes of Lynn H. Blackburn's Defend and Protect Series
    Oct 10 2025

    Welcome to another LiteraryScape podcast recap! This week, host Melissa LaShure sat down with romantic suspense author Lynn H. Blackburn to discuss her thrilling Defend and Protect series, which takes readers deep into the world of the Secret Service.

    Research That Brings Authenticity to Life

    One of the standout features of the Defend and Protect series is its realistic portrayal of Secret Service operations. Lynn revealed that she had a secret weapon when it came to research: a friend who had actually served on President Trump's first protective detail. This insider perspective helped her understand the phases agents go through and the all-consuming nature of protective detail work.

    "It's very time consuming. It's not a family friendly job," Lynn explained. "You're on the go all the time, you're constantly traveling. And then it's also a lot of you're sitting in a hotel room just waiting."

    The research extended beyond just protective details. Lynn discovered that the Secret Service handles far more than most people realize, including financial crimes, identity crimes, and even ransomware cases. This breadth of responsibility helped shape the entire series structure.

    Writing Challenges and Creative Solutions

    Lynn shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about writing the third book, Under Fire. She found herself in a predicament: she needed to create tension and danger while still portraying her Secret Service agents as highly competent professionals. After struggling with the problem, she reached out to her Secret Service contact for help.

    "There's nothing more embarrassing than trying to explain a story that is in process to the expert in this field," Lynn admitted with a laugh. But that conversation led to the drone subplot in Under Fire—a solution that perfectly balanced the story's needs.

    When Life Inspires Fiction

    Several scenes in the series were inspired by real-life events. The memorable closet scene in Unknown Threat, where Hope gets trapped under fallen shelving, came from Lynn's own experience when her closet shelf collapsed. "I was like, I can use this. I think I was writing unknown threat at the time and I was like, guess Hope's about to get squashed."

    Lynn also incorporated her awareness of disability representation through Hope's character, who uses a wheelchair. Drawing on her experience as a mother to a daughter with disabilities, she worked to portray Hope's independence and agency authentically, including consulting with people who use wheelchairs to ensure respectful and accurate representation.

    Reader Favorites and Third Book Magic

    Interestingly, Lynn has noticed a pattern across her series: the third books tend to be reader favorites. She attributes this to the buildup of anticipation for those characters throughout the previous books. For the Defend and Protect series, that honor went to Under Fire, featuring Zane and Tessa's long-awaited romance.

    Gil from Malicious Intent also emerged as a fan favorite, with his love of cooking winning hearts. Lynn even had wooden spoons made with Gil and Ivy's names for her launch team—though she's never been able to bring herself to use her own copies!

    About Those Snakes...

    When asked about the snake scene in Under Fire (which had some book club members ready to burn the car along with Tessa), Lynn confessed: "I hate them." While she acknowledges that black snakes serve a purpose in keeping rodents away, she prefers to keep her distance. The scene sparked great debate during her writing process about whether it would send readers running, but it proved relatable to many who share Tessa's phobia.

    What's Next

    Lynn is currently working on the final book in her Gossamer Falls series, set to release in March. Readers are eagerly awaiting Mo's story, which will complete that trilogy. She'll also be appearing at Reader Rendezvous in St. Louis this November and teaching at Seaside Scribes in January.

    The best way to keep up with Lynn's releases and get exclusive content (including deleted scenes and backlist giveaways) is through her newsletter at lynnhblackburn.com. She's also active on Facebook and Instagram @LynnHBlackburn.

    Lynn H. Blackburn's Defend and Protect series includes Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, with two novellas featuring Hope and Luke's story. Her books combine heart-pounding suspense with compelling romance and thoroughly researched procedural details that bring authenticity to every page.

    www.literaryscape.com/podcast/170
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    44 mins
  • Under Fire: The Thrilling Conclusion to the Defend and Protect Series

    Under Fire: The Thrilling Conclusion to the Defend and Protect Series
    Oct 3 2025
    Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week, we're wrapping up our discussion of Lynn H. Blackburn's Defend and Protect series with the final installment, Under Fire—the story fans have been waiting for since book one.The Story We've Been Waiting ForIf you've been following this series, you know that Zane Thacker and Tessa Reed's romance has been building for books. Zane has landed his dream assignment protecting the President of the United States, but when a presidential fundraiser brings him back to Raleigh, he's thrilled to work alongside Tessa again—his best friend and the woman he's been falling for all along.But Tessa is battling demons from her past. As the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president's protective detail, she's forced to confront her greatest failure—one that threatens to come to light at the worst possible time. Can Zane stand by the woman he loves while protecting the president from a mounting threat?A Shocking OpeningLet's talk about that first chapter. We did NOT see that coming! Blackburn masterfully reveals something about Tessa's past that suddenly makes all the tension from previous books make perfect sense. It's the kind of revelation that has you frantically texting your book club friends because you need to process it with someone immediately.Complex Characters Facing Real StrugglesWhat we loved most about this book was how Blackburn handled Zane's internal conflict. With his mother's history, he has to fight against his own perceptions and reservations. But he handles it with such gentleness and compassion—even when Tessa pushes back with her fierce independence. Their dynamic feels authentic, with both characters working through legitimate concerns while supporting each other.The way Tessa's past connects to the present threat is brilliantly woven throughout the story. When she finally has to share what happened with the team, Blackburn makes a wise choice: Zane tells the guys, and Tessa tells the women. The different reactions ring true—the women's nurturing response versus the men's protective anger—and it shows Blackburn's understanding of how people process trauma differently.Romance, Suspense, and Plenty of DramaThis book delivers on multiple levels:The attacks keep escalating: From car accidents to an assault at the donut shop (where Tessa's boots become the real MVPs), to creepy incidents in her apartment and car—including a truly unsettling snake sceneThe romance is swoon-worthy: Zane rushing to every scene, being the only one who can calm Tessa down, those longing looks... their chemistry has been building for the entire seriesThe mystery keeps you guessing: The identity of "the fixer" remains hidden until the very end, and when it's finally revealed, it's genuinely surprisingSupporting characters shine: From Graham the butler to Bruce the homeless man who knows more than he can articulate, the cast is rich and memorableA Few Standout MomentsWe have to mention the donut shop scene where Tessa takes out an attacker with one kick, then threatens Rodriguez with those same boots. And the snake incident? Tessa's response says it all: "Burn the car." Girl has her priorities straight.Also, can we talk about how these Secret Service agents stay supermodel-thin while constantly eating donuts, muffins, and candy? Asking for a friend.The Ending We DeservedWithout spoiling anything, Blackburn finds a beautiful way to resolve the career complications that could have kept Zane and Tessa apart. Yes, it's bittersweet that the team is splitting up, but it also reflects real life—sometimes God calls us to new places, and we have to trust that journey even when it means leaving people we love.Make sure you read the epilogue! (Not the sneak peek—the actual epilogue that's still part of Under Fire.) There's a Gossamer Falls connection that's absolutely delightful.Our RatingsDrama Level: Latte ☕☕☕Inspiration Level: Mocha ☕☕ (We loved how often Zane suggests praying before taking action)Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕Romance Level: Mocha ☕☕Suspense Level: Boiling Hot Latte ☕☕☕ (Each attack gets more intense and personal)Overall Lasso Rating: 3 Lassos 🤠🤠🤠This might be our favorite book in the entire series. It's the perfect conclusion to a fantastic romantic suspense collection.Final ThoughtsLynn H. Blackburn has crafted a series that balances faith, romance, and heart-pounding suspense beautifully. Under Fire delivers everything we hoped for and more. If you haven't started the Defender Protect series yet, what are you waiting for?Want to learn more about Lynn and her other books? Visit her website at https://www.lynnhblackburn.com/Stay tuned for next week's episode when we'll be interviewing Lynn H. Blackburn herself!Have you read Under Fire? What did you think of Zane and Tessa's story? Let us know in the comments!www.literaryscape.com/podcast/169
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    23 mins
  • Lynn H. Blackburn Novellas Review: Deadly Objective & Out of Time

    Lynn H. Blackburn Novellas Review: Deadly Objective & Out of Time
    Sep 26 2025
    Double the Romance, Double the Suspense: A LiteraryScape Review of Lynn H. Blackburn's Latest NovellasThis week on LiteraryScape, we took a slightly different approach and dove into not one, but two captivating novellas by acclaimed author Lynn H. Blackburn. These fast-paced romantic suspense stories—"Deadly Objective" and "Out of Time"—serve as perfect bridge stories in Blackburn's beloved series, giving readers deeper glimpses into beloved characters' lives.Deadly Objective: When Professional Lines Must Be CrossedThe Setup: Physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service agent Liam Harper have been maintaining strictly professional boundaries—until the Vice President's son becomes a killer's target. Sometimes keeping someone safe means crossing every line you've drawn.Emily, who readers will recognize as Gil's sister from earlier books, finds herself thrust into a world of constant danger alongside Liam, who's on protection detail for the Vice President's family. What makes this pairing so compelling is how these complete opposites complement each other. While Liam is the ultimate outdoorsman, Emily freely admits she prefers her nails done and doesn't enjoy sweating—limiting her outdoor time to just five hours each in spring and fall!Standout Moments That Stuck With Us:The podcast hosts were particularly moved by two scenes that showcase Blackburn's talent for blending romance with heart-pounding action. The first involves an initial attack where Liam protectively covers Emily, whispering "I need you to breathe, baby" even though they weren't officially together yet. The second features Emily with a bow and arrow in a tent, with Liam calling out "Don't shoot me, baby, it's me" as danger closes in around them.One of the most satisfying character arcs involves the Vice President's son himself, who transforms from a seemingly spoiled teenager into a protective, understanding young man once the truth about his situation emerges. His character development adds unexpected depth to what could have been a straightforward protection detail story.Out of Time: Second Chances and Stubborn HeartsThe Setup: Attorney Hope Malone has built a successful law practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, but when an old friend reaches out for help, Hope finds herself pulled into a dangerous world of organized crime—and back into the path of FBI Special Agent Charles Romero, the one man she's determined to avoid.Hope, Faith's younger sister, carries the burden of believing her disability makes her unworthy of love. Despite Charles's clear interest—which has apparently existed since he first served as her protective detail—she's convinced she'd only be a burden to someone so physically capable.The Battle of Wills:What makes this romance particularly engaging is how Charles turns Hope's own arguments against her. When she insists on making decisions for him based on assumptions about what he should want, he brilliantly points out her hypocrisy: "You don't like people assuming you need help because you're in a wheelchair, yet you're assuming and making decisions for me."The restaurant scene where Hope surprises a flirtatious Spanish-speaking waitress by responding in fluent Spanish had our hosts laughing, especially Charles's understated response: "That wasn't very nice, Hope."Our Ratings Breakdown:Deadly Objective:Drama Level: Latte ☕☕☕Inspiration Level: Espresso ☕Romance Level: Espresso ☕Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕Suspense Level: Espresso ☕Out of Time:Drama Level: Latte ☕☕☕Inspiration Level: Mocha ☕☕Romance Level: Espresso to Mocha ☕-☕☕Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕Suspense Level: Steaming Hot Latte ☕☕☕🔥Overall Lasso Rating: 3/5 🤠🤠🤠Why These Novellas MatterWhile these are quick reads, they're far from throwaway stories. Both novellas enrich the larger series by developing relationships we've been watching build over multiple books. They're perfectly paced for readers who want their romance with a side of adrenaline, and Blackburn's skill at creating authentic chemistry under extreme circumstances shines through.These stories serve as excellent stepping stones to book three, where readers will finally get Zane and Tessa's long-awaited story. If you've been following this series, you know exactly why that's exciting news!Ready for more romantic suspense? Check out Lynn H. Blackburn's complete works and upcoming releases at her official website.Join us next week as we dive into the series finale and finally uncover what's been brewing between Zane and Tessa—a story our hosts are calling their absolute favorite of the entire series!Subscribe to LiteraryScape for more book reviews, author interviews, and literary discussions that celebrate the stories that keep us turning pages late into the night.
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    15 mins
  • Diving Deep into Lynn H. Blackburn's "Malicious Intent"

    Diving Deep into Lynn H. Blackburn's "Malicious Intent"
    Sep 19 2025
    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 BookMalicious 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 StoryThe 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 UnfoldMalicious 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 HistoryIvy'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 FactorGil absolutely stole our hearts with the way he takes care of Ivy—knowing exactly how she likes her coffee, cooking for her, and spoiling her in the sweetest ways. Ivy even admits she could become "addicted" to his care and attention. These tender moments provide perfect balance to the high-stakes suspense.We also appreciated Detective Morris from the Raleigh police department. While he starts out as a bit of a grump, he grows on you and becomes surprisingly protective of Ivy. His character development throughout the story was well done.Our LiteraryScape RatingsUsing our signature coffee-themed rating system:Drama Level: Latte (plenty of high-stakes drama!)Inspiration Level: Mocha (Gil's character particularly shines)Romance Level: Mocha (Lynn Blackburn consistently delivers at this level)Mystery Level: Latte (multiple mysteries keep you guessing)Suspense Level: Latte (edge-of-your-seat tension throughout)Final VerdictWe're giving Malicious Intent three lassos out of three—you'll definitely be hooked and hogtied by this thrilling story! If you enjoy contemporary Christian suspense romance, this book is an excellent choice.What's Next?Between books two and three of the Defend and Protect series, there are two novellas that we'll be discussing in our next episode. Stay tuned for more Literary adventures!Ready to dive into Malicious Intent?📖 Get the book here🌐 Visit Lynn H. Blackburn's websiteHave you read Malicious Intent? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your reviews and join the conversation on our social media channels.www.literaryscape.com/podcast/167
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    14 mins
  • When Protectors Need Protection: Our Review of Lynn H. Blackburn's: Unknown Threat

    When Protectors Need Protection: Our Review of Lynn H. Blackburn's: Unknown Threat
    Sep 12 2025
    The Secret Service agents who dedicate their lives to protecting others suddenly find themselves as targets in Lynn H. Blackburn's gripping novel Unknown Threat, the first book in her Defend and Protect series. Our podcast team dove into this heart-pounding thriller, and we're excited to share our thoughts with you.The Story That Hooked Us from Chapter OneUnknown Threat follows Secret Service agent Luke Powell, who's devastated after losing three fellow agents in unusual circumstances over just 10 weeks. When FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is assigned to investigate these unprecedented attacks, Luke finds himself torn between his attraction to Faith and his distrust of the FBI. With more agents being targeted, they must learn to work together to bring a killer to justice.As one of our hosts noted, "By the end of chapter one, every book of hers that I've read, it's like you're hooked. There is something big that you're like, whoa, I gotta keep reading." Blackburn's talent for crafting irresistible chapter hooks makes this a true page-turner.Characters We Loved (And One We Didn't)Faith Malone won us over with her determination and integrity. We loved her unique hobby of rowing and how she consistently proved herself trustworthy through her actions rather than just her words. Her relationship with her sister Hope provided some of our favorite moments—the classic sister dynamic and Hope's blunt question about Luke being a good kisser had us laughing.The Secret Service Team felt like a real family unit. The bonds between Luke, Gil, Zane, Tessa, and their boss Jacob created authentic workplace relationships that drew us in. When Gil gets shot and insists Faith stay in the room because he wants to talk to her, it perfectly showed how she'd earned their respect.Janice, however, was a character we all wanted to shake. Her extreme bias and arrogance made her insufferable, though we recognized her importance in highlighting how prejudices can affect judgment and helping Luke see that not all FBI agents are the same.A Mystery That Kept Us GuessingThe complex family history behind the murders created a web of connections we didn't see coming. Even our host who was re-reading the book found herself wondering "Wait, who is it?" because Blackburn masterfully keeps the killer's identity hidden until the very end.What struck us most was feeling sympathy for the killer by the story's conclusion—something that rarely happens in thrillers. The revelation and explanation felt organic, not like an information dump, making us part of the investigation rather than passive observers.Our LiteraryScape RatingsDrama Level: Mocha ☕☕ (lots of familial complexity throughout)Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕ (couldn't figure it out until the end!)Inspiration Level: Mocha ☕☕ (faith lived out quietly through actions)Romance Level: Mocha ☕☕ (just the right amount woven in)Suspense Level: Latte ☕☕☕ (kept us on the edge of our seats)Overall Lasso Rating: 2.5 to 3 out of 3 🤠🤠🤠While we all agreed this is a solid three-lasso book that will hook readers from the start, we noted that other books in this series might edge it out slightly. But that's the beauty of a strong series—each book brings something special to the table.Why You Should Read This SeriesLynn H. Blackburn has become a favorite on our podcast for good reason. Her writing style combines relentless pacing with character development that makes you genuinely care about the outcome. She wraps up loose ends satisfyingly while building relationships that carry through the series.If you're looking for a suspense novel that balances action with heart, complex mysteries with authentic relationships, Unknown Threat delivers on all fronts. Just be warned—you might find yourself saying "just one more chapter" well past your bedtime.Next week, we'll be discussing book two in the series, Malicious Intent. Join us as we continue following this team of Secret Service agents and the FBI agent who's become one of their own.Listen to our full discussion of Unknown Threat on the LiteraryScape Podcast. Don't forget to grab some chocolate before diving into this series—you'll need the comfort food for the intense moments ahead!www.literaryscape.com/podcast/166
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    21 mins