What do you think?
Rate this book
With Cruel Intent
The author of 'With Cruel Intent' takes the reader on a roller coaster of a ride, evoking an array of emotions as the main characters experience happiness, romance, treachery and pain.
A stagnant heat and economy push Blanche Delaney, a beautiful 33-year-old librarian, to pack her bags and head for Valdosta, Georgia in search of happiness, adventure and love. Concerned that life is passing her by she is compelled to travel the thousands of miles away from family and friends to start a new life among a host of Southern characters that will ultimately change her life forever. Her new home, a temporary room at Caroline's Bed & Breakfast, introduces the woman to true Southern hospitality. The array of guests, coming and going, opens the door for antics that prove to be both humorous and horrifying.
A trio of unlikely suitors enters the librarian's life, each with unique capabilities and characteristics; Jasper, a black bodybuilder who is liked by all, an unlikely hero in Seymour, an awkward university student that falls for Blanche and lastly, an accomplished burglar, with no rap sheet but an obsession with the shapely newcomer.
The untimely death of a local real estate tycoon pits Beverly Marshall, the middle aged widow, against her stepson, Jeremy, for control of the estate. A conspiracy develops that draws the unknowing lovers into the fray, leading the reader on a wild crime-ladened ride through the homes and streets of Lowndes County. Before long the entire populace is scared and seeking answers from the local Sheriff's Office, headed by Sheriff Angelo Lupo, 'The Wolf'. Twists and turns aplenty as the entire cast of unlikely characters will be pulled together in an explosive and very unexpected ending.
A stagnant heat and economy push Blanche Delaney, a beautiful 33-year-old librarian, to pack her bags and head for Valdosta, Georgia in search of happiness, adventure and love. Concerned that life is passing her by she is compelled to travel the thousands of miles away from family and friends to start a new life among a host of Southern characters that will ultimately change her life forever. Her new home, a temporary room at Caroline's Bed & Breakfast, introduces the woman to true Southern hospitality. The array of guests, coming and going, opens the door for antics that prove to be both humorous and horrifying.
A trio of unlikely suitors enters the librarian's life, each with unique capabilities and characteristics; Jasper, a black bodybuilder who is liked by all, an unlikely hero in Seymour, an awkward university student that falls for Blanche and lastly, an accomplished burglar, with no rap sheet but an obsession with the shapely newcomer.
The untimely death of a local real estate tycoon pits Beverly Marshall, the middle aged widow, against her stepson, Jeremy, for control of the estate. A conspiracy develops that draws the unknowing lovers into the fray, leading the reader on a wild crime-ladened ride through the homes and streets of Lowndes County. Before long the entire populace is scared and seeking answers from the local Sheriff's Office, headed by Sheriff Angelo Lupo, 'The Wolf'. Twists and turns aplenty as the entire cast of unlikely characters will be pulled together in an explosive and very unexpected ending.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2013
5 people are currently reading
1354 people want to read
About the author
Dennis F. Larsen
8 books47 followersDennis F. Larsen was born in a small, northern Utah city just about the time that US boots were put on the ground in Southeast Asia. He was raised in a modest home; his mother, who initially worked at Hill Air Force Base, left the work force to devote her time to her four sons, and a father, who ran a small local Conoco Station.
In his younger years, he dreamed of playing major league baseball and enjoyed watching Sandy Koufax, Willey Mays and other great stars of the day. Summer months and after-school time was dedicated to hour upon hour of 'tennis-ball', the brother's own brand of baseball. Tennis balls ricocheted off of neighbor’s homes with less grumbling from the inhabitants. The neighborhood was their playground; football field in the front yard, tennis-ball stadiums on both sides and in the back, the backyard doubling as a golfer’s driving range as well. Nothing was off limits as the young boys turned the entire block into a 9-hole golf course, complete with greens mowed into the neighbor’s lawns. Permission? Who needs permission?
Dennis loved the time of his youth and the bonds that were forged on the local ball diamonds and in the small and quiet places of his youth. He survived untold and uncounted episodes of pink-belly, supremous-superbous-droppous, and other unimaginable tortures, from his brothers and older boys of the block, just to be included. His brothers and the kids from the old neighborhood are still important players in his life. (If you aren't familiar with the above techniques, write me.)
He attended the schools of Box Elder County graduating from high school in 1977. He went on to Brigham Young University, Utah State University and ultimately Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon where he obtained a Doctorate Degree in Optometry.
Along the way he married a beautiful, little blonde, Holly, in 1981 and had four amazing and talented children that inspire him each and every day. His children now grown and mostly on their own have blessed his life with four fun and energetic grandchildren, with another new addition expected in the summer of 2013.
Dr. Larsen took a position with his brother Steve, also an optometrist, when he completed school and the two practiced together in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada until 1997 when Dennis established his own business and Optometric Partnership Practice. He has worked for 26 years in a profession that he loves but has always had a desire to write and thus began the adventure.
His children, all gifted with the ability to write, propelled Dr. Larsen into his computer chair and put his fingers to work creating his first characters and putting them to work. 'With Cruel Intent' began as a short story to prove to his wife that he could write a story that a woman would find romantic. Much coaching was needed from her at the beginning. Apparently sexy and romantic are not synonyms. The story took on an energy and personality that had to get out, and the twists and turns just kept popping up in his head until the manuscript was completed. He ultimately wanted to prove to himself and his children that you can accomplish anything that you pour your heart and soul into.
His greatest wish, beyond having a healthy, happy family, is to have a shelf in his home with a novel located upon it from each of his children.
Follow the blog to learn more about the writing of his first novel, 'With Cruel Intent'.
In his younger years, he dreamed of playing major league baseball and enjoyed watching Sandy Koufax, Willey Mays and other great stars of the day. Summer months and after-school time was dedicated to hour upon hour of 'tennis-ball', the brother's own brand of baseball. Tennis balls ricocheted off of neighbor’s homes with less grumbling from the inhabitants. The neighborhood was their playground; football field in the front yard, tennis-ball stadiums on both sides and in the back, the backyard doubling as a golfer’s driving range as well. Nothing was off limits as the young boys turned the entire block into a 9-hole golf course, complete with greens mowed into the neighbor’s lawns. Permission? Who needs permission?
Dennis loved the time of his youth and the bonds that were forged on the local ball diamonds and in the small and quiet places of his youth. He survived untold and uncounted episodes of pink-belly, supremous-superbous-droppous, and other unimaginable tortures, from his brothers and older boys of the block, just to be included. His brothers and the kids from the old neighborhood are still important players in his life. (If you aren't familiar with the above techniques, write me.)
He attended the schools of Box Elder County graduating from high school in 1977. He went on to Brigham Young University, Utah State University and ultimately Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon where he obtained a Doctorate Degree in Optometry.
Along the way he married a beautiful, little blonde, Holly, in 1981 and had four amazing and talented children that inspire him each and every day. His children now grown and mostly on their own have blessed his life with four fun and energetic grandchildren, with another new addition expected in the summer of 2013.
Dr. Larsen took a position with his brother Steve, also an optometrist, when he completed school and the two practiced together in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada until 1997 when Dennis established his own business and Optometric Partnership Practice. He has worked for 26 years in a profession that he loves but has always had a desire to write and thus began the adventure.
His children, all gifted with the ability to write, propelled Dr. Larsen into his computer chair and put his fingers to work creating his first characters and putting them to work. 'With Cruel Intent' began as a short story to prove to his wife that he could write a story that a woman would find romantic. Much coaching was needed from her at the beginning. Apparently sexy and romantic are not synonyms. The story took on an energy and personality that had to get out, and the twists and turns just kept popping up in his head until the manuscript was completed. He ultimately wanted to prove to himself and his children that you can accomplish anything that you pour your heart and soul into.
His greatest wish, beyond having a healthy, happy family, is to have a shelf in his home with a novel located upon it from each of his children.
Follow the blog to learn more about the writing of his first novel, 'With Cruel Intent'.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 16, 2013
As the author of this book I'm afraid I'm bias but it was great fun to write and I'd like to thank all those that have taken the time to add it to their collection. I'm anxious to read what you have to say once you've completed the manuscript.
I really enjoyed the characters that I created with this novel. They came to life for me and were genuine and real. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the writing experience was writing the interaction between the various players. Fun and challenging for me and I've appreciated the positive feedback I've had in this regard.
I really enjoyed the characters that I created with this novel. They came to life for me and were genuine and real. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the writing experience was writing the interaction between the various players. Fun and challenging for me and I've appreciated the positive feedback I've had in this regard.
May 1, 2013
A great read, with suspense, love and humor all rolled into one. Once you get started you will not want to put it down, you'll be wanting to find out what happens to Blanche, Bev, Jasper and all the rest of the characters in this book. I cannot wait to see what this new author comes up with next
Want to read
January 23, 2013Amazon (ebook) freebie 1/23/13
March 18, 2013
I enjoy a nice romance novel, sometimes though I would like to read a romance with a little more action. Hugging and kissing is fine and all, but I would like a little heavier plotline. I was recently talking with a friend about this and she immediately recommended With Cruel Intent by Dennis F. Larsen. This book has it all, action, romance, comedy and it is set in my favorite place, the South. In short, this book is a combination of all of my favorite things.
With Cruel Intent is about Blanche Delaney, a librarian who moves to the South for a change of scenery. She moves into a Bed and Breakfast and immediately meets a cast of interesting characters. Blanche finds herself to be the object of affection for more than one man. The action comes in when one of the town’s tycoons is found dead. This is southern fiction at its finest. The characters are colorful, the wit is razor sharp and the characters are engaging. The story is nicely paced, with no boring spots. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic thrillers. I will be looking for more good things from Dennis F. Larsen in the future!
With Cruel Intent is about Blanche Delaney, a librarian who moves to the South for a change of scenery. She moves into a Bed and Breakfast and immediately meets a cast of interesting characters. Blanche finds herself to be the object of affection for more than one man. The action comes in when one of the town’s tycoons is found dead. This is southern fiction at its finest. The characters are colorful, the wit is razor sharp and the characters are engaging. The story is nicely paced, with no boring spots. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic thrillers. I will be looking for more good things from Dennis F. Larsen in the future!
February 13, 2013
With Cruel Intent is a very good first attempt at a novel. It is well thought out and tells the story without rushing. I would have liked to have learned more about the characters as they were engaging to read about and would have added more depth and layers to the story. The ending was suspenseful and satisfying. My biggest issue with the book is the continual description of Blanche's physique. It was definitely overkill and off putting to the female reader. I would cringe at yet another bosom insert. At times reading like a teen novel. The author needs to keep his writing true to the chosen audience for the book. More sophisticated editing would also help the book flow better for the reader. Overall, I liked the plot, writing style and interesting storyline.
March 15, 2013
This entertaining romance derives much of its pleasure in Blanche's interaction with her three suitors. Jasper is by far the most entertaining and heroic character, the criminology student is kind and adorable. To say the novel works on stereotypes is kinda true, but an updated version of them. The good guys are good guys and the bad are bad. In a novel about the south with a main character named Blanche, what else could you expect. It does have a crime thriller aspect to it as well, which sits just a little less than even with the romance. The novel has several tricks, and for $1 it's worth a read.
January 21, 2013
A really fun reading adventure. I thought it was a very well written first novel. The dialog was quite natural which can often be a difficult feat. The plot became quite intricate and was very well organized. The author is very good at painting pictures and drawing attention to detail.
I look forward to reading more of your books Dennis! You are a very talented author. Keep it up!
I look forward to reading more of your books Dennis! You are a very talented author. Keep it up!
January 25, 2013
So proud of Dennis and his first novel! I'm a little biased but I loved reading it and I think writing dialogue is definitely one of his strengths. Moments of romance, excitement and humour made for a very fun and good read. I'm hoping he writes another one.
February 12, 2013
This was an excellent read. A great blend of suspense, humour and romance. I loved the characters and the setting, and I can't wait for the authors next book. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a thoroughly entertaining thriller.
April 30, 2013
Romantic thriller is not my usual genre. However, I enjoyed stepping out of my box and reading With Cruel Intent by Dennis F. Larsen. There was a great deal of a action, suspense and a nice dose of southern charm. With Cruel Intent was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone.
Want to read
February 10, 2013Wow what a good read, full of characters,did`t realise that librarians,had such a eventful life.lots of twist and turns.
February 12, 2013
A great read full of intrigue and suspense. Blanche Delaney is a character you can't help but love and it is easy to become wrapped up in all of her adventures.
February 12, 2013
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance and suspense. It keeps you on your toes until the very end with characters that are well developed and a captivating plot.
March 4, 2017
All's well that ends well . . . good story line and interesting characters. There were a few improbable encounters and Blance didn't always make wise decisions.
No graphic sex but several of the main characters seemed preoccupied w/ physical looks -- how sexy, handsome, muscled a person was.
No graphic sex but several of the main characters seemed preoccupied w/ physical looks -- how sexy, handsome, muscled a person was.
October 12, 2013
ARC was poorly edited, so the many frequent errors drove me nuts (far too many sentences did not make sense). Plot was outlandish, characters had names like Seymour Wood and Felix Unger - not important at all to the plot.
Major flaw, too, is that bail is always secured with 10 percent. Seriously, this took me forever to read because of the errors.
Major flaw, too, is that bail is always secured with 10 percent. Seriously, this took me forever to read because of the errors.
October 5, 2013
The author is my optometrist and I read his book after we spoke about it during an appointment. Great read!! The characters are well written and the story had me eager to continue reading. Hoping the writer continues!
Read
February 27, 2013way to deep
March 27, 2013
Slow moving. Plot was unrealistic.
October 18, 2013
I enjoyed the suspense and the setting in Valdosta, Ga.
May 18, 2014
Awkward story line, poorly edited, and not very original. 2 stars because I'm feeling nice. Would not recommend.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews