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Intent to Kill

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Five years after faking his death Adam Vandemilio returns to his organized crime driven hometown to enact his revenge, only to find the love of his life now engaged to the man who nearly murdered him.

Adam and Mercedes, lovers and partners in crime, almost had it all. Until a single encounter with Dorian Blake - head of the Blake Family Crime Empire - nearly ends Adam's life and separates them for good.

Five years later, after faking his death, Adam Vandemilio returns to Ridge City, Florida, his tropical organized crime driven hometown to enact his revenge. But his friends and his city have moved on without him. And Mercedes? She's now engaged to the man who nearly murdered him.

Setting off to reclaim what was taken from him, Adam must face deadly opponents, impossible challenges, and worst of all, his own failings if he wants to win back his friends, his empire and his girl.

There's only one thing he knows for certain. Mercedes is his. He'll win her back. Or kill trying.
Dorian Blake has to die.

Intent to Kill is dark enemies to lovers second chance romance set in a tropical organised crime city.

ebook

Published August 10, 2022

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About the author

Amy Barnett

3 books26 followers
Amy Barnett is an Australian author of romantic suspense fiction.

First and foremost a fan-girl, Amy is obsessed with stories and the wonderful worlds created by them. You will find her forever swooning over her latest book-boyfriend, staring void-eyed off into space as she lives out stories in her head and generally going about her being as a hopeless romantic.

When she's not daydreaming love stories Amy can be found spending downtime with her wonderful family and friends, and taking endless photos of her dog napping.

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5 stars
9 (20%)
4 stars
22 (51%)
3 stars
6 (13%)
2 stars
6 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Sky.
91 reviews16 followers
August 9, 2022
The people in Ridge City surely had a habit of getting up from the death. So, if you really want to kill someone, make sure you do it yourself and go for the head.

A classic and action-filled read. Set back in late 80s and early 90s, Intent to Kill was about five friends striving to take over the biggest crime empire in Ridge City. I have this love-hate feelings towards all of the characters. Man, they were so stubborn, crazy and dangerous that will make you question their actions. They had me turning the pages, hoping they would be alive despite their reckless decisions. Badass female character, murderous lunatic MCs, second chance romance, and fast-paced story. The author's writing style was brilliant. Not many can write like you did. Kudos on your debut novel, Amy!
1 review
September 25, 2022
Wow! What a ride (just like you're in the car with Mercedes)! A body count that puts Tarantino to shame in a twisty-turny rollercoaster, where our band of amoral heroes decides to take on Ridge City's biggest crime lord before he gains complete control over the city.

Car chases, shootouts, knife fights, plenty of shit getting blown up (including a super yacht, yay!) as uber-badasses Mercedes and Adam battle to take back what they lost five years before, at the same time rekindling their will-they/won't-they (spoiler: Oh yes they will!!!) romance.

All way too much fun. And so should be a movie.
Profile Image for Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks.
1,139 reviews24 followers
August 8, 2022
Stephannie's 4-Star Review: 
This is a second chance, enemies-to-lovers action romance.  I really enjoyed reading this one; it is full of action. I personally not a big fan of the back and forth from past to present. But I really did love the characters Mercedes and Adam and the other guys Carlos, Dan, and Paul.  I wanted them to win out and take down the bad guy Dorian Blake. Mercedes is hurt by Adam's actions from 5 years ago and she doesn't let him off the hook easily for what she felt he did wrong.  She felt he abandoned them and now he is back and wants their loyalty again.  Can she forgive him and work with him to take down Dorian Blake once and for all? Do these Mercedes and Adam have a future together?  One-click this one for a little action and adventure and so romance along the way. 
September 14, 2022
If you're looking for some fun, some great characters and a seriously bad-ass heroine, then strap yourselves in for a rollicking ride with Adam and Mercedes as they try to recapture what was theirs. There is a good deal of tension between the two protagonists which gets hot and spicy, and while I loved Adam, I loved to see strong women portrayed who don't need or want to be rescued. Well done Amy!
Profile Image for Sandy Demuynck.
485 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2022
If you like fast and furious than this book has your vibes.

This book has amazingly written characters, deep thought out plot with twists.

Mercedes has my heart and Adam as well.

He is loyal, reckless, protective but also kind.

Mercedes and Adam are such a force.

A second chance, enemies to lovers action romance.

Really loved it.
Profile Image for Molly Insall.
167 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2022
This book was everything and more ❤️❤️

If you loved fast and furious then this is 100% the book for you!! Well written characters with a deep and twisty plot!

I loved mackenzie with my whole heart ❤️ the boys were all brilliant too (it's not rh though) fast cars, murderous mcs, sexual tension and friends to enemy's to lovers? You don't need anything else 😈

My only downside would be not enough spice for me personally but I've never been one for a slow burn 🤷🏼‍♀️
2,039 reviews17 followers
August 11, 2022
Good read

This definitely feels like it should be a movie so it wasn't surprising when the author says that waa the initial plan in the Acknowledgements. I enjoyed this fast paced read but really wish it wasn't in 3rd person POV.
Profile Image for KAGE.
113 reviews39 followers
August 11, 2022
description

"There is no in between, if you're in, you're in for life."

Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 3.8/5

Spice Rating: 3.5/10
Characters: 8/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Writing: 7/10
Plot: 7/10
Intrigue: 6/10
Logic: 7/10
Enjoyment: 5.5/10

Hero: Adam
Heroine: Mercedes

Cliff-hanger: No
Triggers: Murder, Violence, Torture

Pages: 447
Style: Contemporary, Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers, Dark, Twisted, Suspense.

This was an action-packed, second-chance debut romance by Amy Barnett, and it was definitely a wild ride.

Amy is a beautiful writer she provided such a cinematic experience that really painted the perfect picture of each scene. She mentioned she tried to write a movie script in the past and I can see why... this played out exactly how I imagine a blockbuster movie would.

I loved Adam! He is fiercely loyal, crazy reckless, protective and kind and when he and Mercedes are together they are a force to be reckoned with. I loved the dynamic between them and the others in the 'Big Five' Dan, Carlos, and Paul they are all so unique with their own interesting backstories.

The only thing that let this down for me is the fact it's in 3rd person (which I didn't know going into it). Unfortunately, 3rd person makes it so hard for me to feel connected with the characters individually. This is the major reason for my lower rating so if you do enjoy reading 3rd person then give this a go.

If you are after a tropical setting, fast-paced plot, even faster cars, plenty of drama and some slow-burn romance then check this out.

"A safe life isn't a great life. Nothing worth having ever comes easy."

*all edits are mine - pictures are not

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description
Profile Image for bookish.nova.
404 reviews19 followers
August 6, 2022
✨ ARC Review ✨

Intent to Kill by Amy Barnett

——————————————————

“A safe life isn’t a great life. Nothing worth having ever comes easy.”

——————————————————

⭐️: 4/5
🌶: 2.5/5

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A second chance, enemies-to-lovers action romance brought to you by Amy Barnett. This was an angsty, action-packed, pretty fast paced story.

Mercedes and Adam are reunited after 5 years of separation. Adam was surprised to find out his ex-girlfriend, Mercedes, is the fiancé to a man they both used to despised. I loved Adam - he was cocky, bloodthirsty, playful, and protective. He could also be a little too impulsive without thinking anything through (like the consequences of his actions). Mercedes, well, I don’t know if I ever really connected with her. Maybe it was because I understood Adam and his actions, and didn’t understand Mercedes and why she did things, I’m not sure. I loved Adam and Mercedes together though. They gave off major Bonnie and Clyde vibes. I can only imagine their future adventures and how crazy they’ll be. If you’re looking for an action packed, second chance romance, add Intent to Kill to your TBR!
Profile Image for Anshul (stories.buddy).
663 reviews11 followers
August 11, 2022
It’s a simple story of power hungry demons who want every dark corner for themselves without any rivals or opposition. Even if Adam is good but he’s no better than Blake. Five years of abandonment from Adam had left Mercedes thick hearted with a wall in her heart that no one can break. A twist where Adam died five years ago but is now back to conquer or say to take back what he has left behind all those years ago. The entire story goes on back and forth with past explanations and present doings. The first half is pretty slow for my liking as it explains some gory details but the second half is solid on the action, planning, and plotting and is moved at a fast pace. The chemistry between Adam and Mercedes is intense and the friendship between Dan Carlos and Paul with Adam and Mercedes is freaking loyal without any gains. The plot has a lot of potential and Blake is a good villain with a sharp mind. Mercedes's strength is the one that attracted me the most to her character. She’s the trump card nobody figures out. It’s a smooth ending with a lot riding on the plan.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hawkins.
688 reviews17 followers
August 19, 2022
This book was INTENSE!!! OMG!

The twist and turns were insane and the two separate timelines were awesome. It really added to the intensity of the plot and made my heart skip many beats. I also loved the side characters so much and I really wish we had gotten more time with them...

Maybe the author will give them their own books????? (That would be amazing!)

The gangs, the violence, the plotting. It was all so GOOD! This book definitely had action movie vibes to it.

Mercedes was also was SOOOOOOO DAMN COOL.... I loved her so much. I want to be her when I grow up for SURE.

The only thing I wasn’t that impressed with was the enemies to lovers aspect of the book... the banter was just not that and I didn’t feel the sexual tension as much as I wanted. I felt like it took a back seat to all the action and everything else going on in the book...

Overall, I enjoyed this read a LOT and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Brittanie England.
390 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2022
**ARC REVIEW**
This book is a standalone, enemies to lovers, second chance romance story. This story had a lot of back n forth going on which gave more background to the events going on then and now. The action and drama in this book iw well written and kept me on my toes.

The characters are amazing and their development is great! Adam, Paul, Dan, Carlos and Mercedes are trying to take their town back. Dorian Blake! The man that has the town, his friends and his woman. Read to find out Adam’s journey to a new and better life.

If you want a slow burn and action packed story, this one it for you. The story and plot developed naturally and everything flowed so smoothly. I will say, (spoiler) it killed me to be about 78% into the book before Mercedes and Adam finally gave in. That was torture! But it sure was beautiful! I almost wish there was more, even a little further in time epilogue of the team!
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
991 reviews10 followers
August 11, 2022
Forever & Always

Adam Vandemillio, years on the run and on hiding. Now, seeking revenge and to reclaim and save his lost love, Mercedes Preston, from his deadly opponent, Dorian Blake.

Adam and Blake, intent on killing each other and controlling the city. Vendettas run deep and Adam pulls in his old friends and the love of his life to finish what they had started five years prior.

Slow burn, second chance at love romance read that's action-packed and kept my interest and intrigue. Storyline runs along parallel timelines from 1986 and 1991, continuously building the plot and the dark underworld they live in. Great characters and my favorite was Mercedes with her strength and selflessness.

Author's history behind "Intent to Kill" was interesting, hope to read more from her in the near future!
Profile Image for Natasha .
51 reviews8 followers
August 15, 2022
Wow, what a debut. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, this is a pacy, action-packed revenge thriller with the most intense fight scenes and car chases you can imagine. I can definitely see it leaping off our cinema screens one day. Did someone say Fast and Furious?

Mercedes is a great protagonist - one of those love them AND hate them characters, who takes no prisoners and and doesn't hold back when it comes to driving high powered vehicles at high speed or taking down her opponents in a fight. Go, Mercedes!! She's sexy and a little... frightening.

All in all, a can't put down read. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Rebecca Carsley.
534 reviews7 followers
August 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review

This is my first book I’ve read by Amy Barnett and I’m definitely going to be checking out some more of her work. She did an fantastic job creating the characters and story line for this book and I loved that it was set in the 80’s and not a present or future story.

This is Adam’s story and how he chose the safety of his first and only love and best friends over his life and happiness. When he finally returns to his hometown and where he’s not welcome, he’s intent on getting his revenge and his girl back.

This is a wild ride and full of action. A definite edge of your seat read. It is a bit slow burn and is a second chance romance. Definitely recommend this book.

49 reviews
August 15, 2022
Loved this book and I am happy to have read it. I don't read a lot of non RH but this one wasn't RH. I loved the part that it is set a while back in the late 80s early 90s as you don't see that much. This is about a fight if you will and the things that happened. Being gone for a while and now set to get things the way it should be. The girl should be his and not the guy who made sure he lost all. So it is a story that reels you in and catch you. I would recommend reading it for sure.
1 review
November 16, 2023
First book from this author and all I can say is.., Wow! Just Wow! Fast paced gripping story. I didn’t know if I liked Adam at first but he really grew on me. I loved his loyalty and every character was so well written and an integral part of the whole story. I loved it! Cant wait for more from Amy. 🙏
Profile Image for Stacey Woods.
981 reviews25 followers
August 23, 2022
This reminds me of Peaky Blinders somewhat. The characters are crazy and psychotic. You never know what they're going to do next. A lot of drama packed into this story. Oh, I know it's a mix of Peaky Blinders and The Fast and the Furious.
Profile Image for Briana N..
34 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2022
Quick and easy read!

Intent to Kill is a fast paced, high action, 2nd chance romance! If you enjoy angst and a lot of action, definitely give this book a try!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
1 review
September 4, 2022
OMG the pace of this novel is amazing! Like fast and furious meets Mathew Riley. So many twists and turns. A fantastic read, I couldn’t put it down. 👍😊
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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