The Patriot Oath by Lloyd Lofthouse (Book Review)

The Patriot Oath by Lloyd Lofthouse

Synopsis:

After 24 years, Special Forces legend Josh Kavanagh has retired from the military. But now that he’s home, he’s finding that everyone has a different understanding of his motivations, and realizes there are some wounds no amount of time can heal.

Josh’s traumatized sister Suki, thinks her big brother is a hero and has come home to punish her rapist, the youngest son of a ruthless, crooked billionaire who lives to get revenge on anyone he sees as a threat to his family, wealth, and power.

Josh’s childhood sweetheart, Rachel, hopes he’s returning for her—the fierce girl he left behind when he joined the military. But Rachel doesn’t know about Mia, the woman in France …

And Josh isn’t coming home alone. The Oath Group, an elite force of private military contractors, is already in Montana waiting for their commander to arrive.

The DOD and CIA don’t want President Trump to know they hired Josh’s Oath Group to examine dangerous white supremacist militias that are threatening the U.S. Constitution. That covert black-ops military operation is starting in Idaho and Montana. Josh and his teams have to get the job done while preserving their anonymity—and their lives.

My Review:

If you are triggered by rape and/or torture, then go no further. This book is not for you. If, however, you accept these events as a part of living then read on.

As stated in the synopsis, Josh Kavanagh is a career military man. He’s seen it all and pretty much done it all. He trusts no one. During his time in the military he’s made some loyal and steadfast friends; together they formed The Oath Group – a covert black-ops military group that works quietly and anonymously to bring down those who would subvert the United States and its Constitution.

Josh returns home after having been away for 24 years. His old girlfriend Rachel thinks he’s coming home for her, even after all this time with a failed marriage and two children, she’s hasn’t forgotten the guy who left her. Josh’s family are a mixed lot. His dad is a farmer/rancher married to a preacher; his sister Suki has been on an emotional search to replace him in his absence, she hero-worshipped him from the time she was three. But Suki is now a sullen and fearful shadow of herself after having been raped by the son of a wealthy and influential mogul who seems to own everyone in the state. And beneath all of that is The Oath Group – trying to infiltrate and investigate white supremacist activity in Montana and the northern states.

The author did a fine job of fleshing out his characters in The Patriot Oath. And from a military perspective we are given in-depth detail of Josh and his cohorts. Details about his family and friends is a bit lighter but since the book is heavy on military-style events that works okay. Where it falls down is in the romantic arena. There is much more there to explore, especially between John and his former girlfriend Rachel. It is very rare in real life for someone to literally fall into the arms and bed of an ex who felt jilted. Even more rare that they would become engaged and married within a week or two.

Overall the story carries you in fine style toward the conclusion. It gets a bit gory at the climax but with the news stories we see today on the television and internet, it’s not uncommon to see these things. I understand that there will be another book in the series called Never For Glory and this reader would be interested in seeing how it picks up the storyline.

Rating:   4.5 stars