Mackenzie's Distraction

by Angie Dokos

Mackenzie's Distraction is a New Adult Romance about a young lady with a rough past and a promising future. Just when he career is within reach, tragedy strikes. A terrible accident and a family secret turn Mackenzie's world upside down. She's sure her life can't become any more complicated, then she meets Trevor. Will he be just what she needs or the distraction that pushes her over the edge?

This book is not erotica, but does have sexual content. It includes some curse words, but not many. It doesn't have any major violence.

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2016

About the author

I was born a reader and grew to be a writer. Okay, so the reading took a few years, but in the meantime, I was having someone else read to me. I enjoy hiking and love to travel. I currently live in the Atlanta, GA area with my husband and children. I love to read and write to escape reality and to live more than one life. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, and other sites if you are interested. If you are entertained by my work, chances are your friends will be too, so spread the word, please. Thank you. Remember, live life one chapter at a time!

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading new genres has become part of my routine to find fantastic new authors, understand different writing styles, and explore great stories and content. I found all three with the latest book I read, Mackenzie's Distraction, written by Angie Dokos in 2016. The book is considered new adult contemporary fiction, but it’s stocked full of romance, emotions, attitude, and possibilities. I bought the book a few weeks before a recent vacation and read it poolside on the Amalfi Coast while in Italy. What a perfect combination of beauty in a book just like the many splendors of my surroundings.

Mackenzie’s been hurt in the past and steers clear of relationships especially when the man seems too good to be real or true. But in this case, before she even meets him, her life is traumatized when her mother is a car accident and struggles to survive. Though Mackenzie has friends and other family to help her handle the huge blow, it’s not quite as simple as all that. Her mother’s hospitalization leads Mackenzie to learn a few deep-rooted family secrets, meet friends from a parent’s former life, and discover things about herself she never knew existed. That’s when the potential man of her dreams walks into her life, but is she too crushed and shocked to accept it? Let’s not forget the sudden onset of several available and potentially great catches who are very interested in getting to know her. Who will she choose, if any? Now that’s where the plot of this book takes off… weaving readers on a very emotional and manic ride with the unfortunately impacted young woman just looking to heal.

I’m normally a plot, then character guy. In this book, though the plot is important, it’s less about what the secrets and actions are and more about how Mackenzie deals with all the repercussions. It was a great change of pace for me as you had to settle in, listen, and understand why Mackenzie reacted the way she did in each instance. I didn’t always agree, and I sometimes got angry with her for what seemed like an unnecessary or spoiled adolescent attitude; however, I also haven’t suffered through the craziness that hits her in the span of a few days. In that sense, she certainly tries to find a balance, and readers can easily connect with her on the journey. I vividly recall thinking, if she didn’t accept Trevor’s love and attention, I’d certainly volunteer to stand in. (I won't tell you if she does or doesn't, but it's complex!) He was practically perfect in every way, what exactly was stopping her? Well… that’s where psychology and personality truly come into play and drive her responses. It takes a truly analytical, sensitive, and courageous mind to deliver this kind of story. Kudos to Dokos.

Writing style and caliber were strong. Characters were vivid and relatable. Actions and dialog were balanced well, even if at times I was feeling a little frustrated with some of the things people did or said. But that’s the beauty of a good book: sometimes it takes the writer to challenge the reader to engage outside their normal comfort zone, and readers should keep an open mind to fully understand the vision of the author. Then you see why it works… and you have a thrilling escape in someone else’s complicated life. Being a teenager or even in you early 20’s is ridiculously tough in a modern world. Dealing with siblings who have different attitudes, step families with bigger concerns and questions, friends who just want you to be happy but get in your face all too often… wanting to open your heart to love but not knowing how any more… trusting someone who is virtually a stranger despite spending days with him in the first week… people are often secretive and misleading, so I understand Mackenzie’s concerns. But from one particular scene, the girl can take care of herself! Awesome scene, Ms. Dokos. 😊

I really enjoyed the book and will definitely look for more from the author this year, as she has another book published and is hopefully working on a few more already! She’s got a new fan and I’m confident many more as they take a chance on reading her work. I recommend giving it a chance for all readers, but most definitely if you enjoy balanced romance and emotions, journeys, analytical decision-making and learning how to let go and accept change.

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 5 out of 5 Heartfelt Stars! From the very beginning of this book there was twists and tragedy. I loved the characterisation in this book and felt that I could really relate to Mackenzie in so many ways. This book shows you what can come out of tragedy and the pursue of young love.

I have been reading pieces of this book and when I got a lot of time on my hands I completely devoured it, even though I should be focusing on all of my ARCs! This story was what I needed while I am facing a crossroads in my life and could look back and see the hardships I survived. I felt like I could feel the author’s passion through the pages and it was a truly heartfelt experience.

I loved Angie Dokos’ style of writing and can’t wait to read her next adventure! I will hold Mackenzie and this book close to my heart and she won’t soon be forgotten!

[Mary Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about love and the fear of losing love. It takes on a journey of a young woman who desperately wants to be loved, but feel she is not good enough or worthy of love. You also feel her struggles as she deals with her mother who was in a serious accident. All in all, this is a good romantic, learning to forgive one's self of their past, and moving on to a brighter future.

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet romance and heartfelt story! Mackenzie is the kind of person we all wish was our best friend. She is the girl next door and even when her family isn't honest with her, she finds a way to forgive them. It easily could have been a story about someone you know or might know, and the complications of love on a personal and family level were well written.

I enjoyed the light, contemporary style of this story and the element of truth about how we all just want to be understood and loved. What a wonderful escape to enjoy!

[Ann Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mackenzie's Distraction a romance by Angie Dokos. Follow the family as they deal with tragedy and a secret past that comes back to haunt. Can Mackenzie let go of the past to have a future with the engaging Trevor she meets while dealing with her family tragedy? Will the family secrets tear them apart or can they rise above what has been to make room for the future.

[Martha Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very charming story with young love family secrets and tragedies in the family it was hard not to fall in love with characters very engaging story.

[Melanie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!
Mackenzie's Distraction had it all!
Rivoting plot, awesome characters, family secrets, struggles, and romance. Very enjoyable, a great read.

[Astrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a story about a young woman who has a wonderful family. One day her life is turned upside down. She upset about her mother's accident and about the SECRET that were kept she doesn't understand why? No one told her about it especially Jessica! She trying to make peace with everything but instead she is pushing everyone away. Finding new friendship and love freaks her even more. All and All it's an interesting book. !Different! Thank You Angie Dokos I enjoyed it.

[Norma Nikutowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts with a phone call that Mackenzie receives about her mother’s tragic accident. Her mother struggles to survive. Mackenzie discovers some family secrets and learns things about herself.
Mackenzie had bad relationships in the past. That’s when the man of her dreams appears but she is not ready for him. She struggles in her search for love while feeling she is not good enough.
It is interesting to follow Mackenzie in her need to be loved and understood. Will she be able to let go of her past and move on to a brighter future? If you like New Adult Romance you will enjoy this book.

[Kerry Reis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mackenzie and her brother’s life turns upside down when she receives a phone call from a nearby hospital that her mother and stepfather was just in a major auto accident. Her stepfather has escaped with several broken bones, but her mother is in a deep coma. Then, as other members of the family arrive at the hospital, a nurse recognizes Mackenzie’s grandmother, and in the ensuing conversation, inadvertently reveals a protected family secret that affects Mackenzie greatly. A few days later, Trevor, a handsome young hospital phlebotomist, enters the room where Mackenzie is keeping her mother company and is instantly attracted to Mackenzie. Yet, how can Mackenzie open up to Trevor after facing the recent drastic changes in her life? Despite the near tragic opening to this novel, the following story travels a mainly straightforward, predictable romantic path as daily life dialogue and details overwhelm the occasional moments of conflict. Except for inner insecurities and angst, major characters tend to be a little too perfect, and I felt characters should have expressed deeper interactive emotions at times, while common events could have been summarized more, but patient HEA readers should find satisfaction in the journey. In the version I read, basic editing is generally good with missing commas being the major issue.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, real story of family, secrets, and dealing with life
Every family has some secrets and most have weathered some potential tragedies. When the unexpected happens in Mackenzie’s family, secrets are revealed that could tear them apart. But as this story unfolds, the characters not only find their way through the fear of the unknown, they find love, forgiveness, and new relationships among the crisis. The characters come alive through dialogue and by the connection most of us will find to their trueness. A young romance that fittingly leaves some things to the imagination and inspires the reader to see the best in others.

[D.F. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey of Emotions

The storyline starts off in tragedy. Mackenzie's situation is very relatable to me because of a similar experience during my youth except, I didn't have a Trevor. MacKenzie's distraction is a refreshing novel of how one person's life impacts so many others. MacKenzie's strong families ties helps her through trying times after someone reveals a family secret. Trevor is a delightful distraction. This touching tale takes you on a journey of emotions.

[N.L. Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Hopefully there'll be more to come from Mackenzie's journey, and possibly a sequel/prequel. Keep up the good work.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read.

[Nina Norstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family . . . . Death . . . Tragedy . . . . Secrets . . . . Challenges . . . . Survival . . . . Growth . . . . Love . . . . Romance . . . . Marriage . . . . Happiness


According to the author, this is the art of a fictional story. But while reading those pages, it felt as though I was walking alongside a journey of true-to-life characters. That is how crafted this author’s writing style was. And what an amazing skill, as a first-time author!


I won’t go into details of this story and what it’s all about since others have ALREADY done so. But I will say . . .


Truly, I was highly impressed with how this author initially drew out the colorization of characters and scenes. In my life, I’ve read a many fictional tales which weaken the style of creativity and development. And when that does happen, one’s story becomes less moving and limits its connection to characterization and scenery. But that was not the case, here, for the works of “Mackenzie’s Distraction.”
Yes indeed, quite a bit was happening in the life of Mackenzie. So, one could readily see how easy it was to become distracted. This title was definitely a great fit for the story. And the cover design . . . well, it made an even better mix. And as an author, (knowingly) those two elements go hand-in-hand in pumping out a great product. There was no doubt this author knew the literary formula for what it took . . . in giving readers a measurable creation.

I must confess, though, there were some areas where the storytelling tended to shift to those “tell me” moments, rather than continuing with “show me” ones. It is those types of moments (the show me ones) that beautifies the characters’ emotions and polishes the scenery (and places its readers in the moment). But then again, this was classified as a fictional tale and not a non-fictional one. Seemingly, its weight didn’t take from the overall structured development. Now, should this author create for us (readers) a non-fictional tale, I’d hope those show me moments jump off the page and stand out at ya.

This book is at less worthy of no less than a 4 ½ star rating, but no indications for such a rating. In that case, I plugged in a “five-star” rating simply for the deep thought processes, those points at the “show me moments” (that I read), points of colorization of its characters/scenes, and its overall development of such a storyline. And notwithstanding the fact, it kept my interest. Truly, with the depth of pages, it had to take (the writer/author) a great deal of thinking to lay it out, plot it out, and bring it out to closure.

Really, I suggest readers make their own judgment . . . not just ‘cause I found it an interesting read. Having such a product under her wings, I’m looking forward to the author’s next work of art. Kudos, to you (Angie) for this creation!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story begins with action, and has plenty of twists, even in the first few chapters, but while the grammar and sentence structure is good, the story is told rather than shown. Incidents and emotions are recited rather than shown through the actions of the characters. While there are some genuinely sweet and funny moments, the story bounces around, including scenes that detract from what should be the main storyline, and leaving points that could have strengthened the plot unanswered.