He fought for his country. Now he’s home and engaged in the deadliest of battles.Josh Kavanagh eats and breathes loyalty. Wary of how he’ll fit in after a twenty-four-year absence, the Special Forces legend returns to his family’s Montana ranch on an undercover mission. And though he’s anxious to see the high school sweetheart he abandoned a lifetime ago, the dedicated Marine’s greatest concern is tracking down a dangerous neo-Nazi cell.
Juggling unresolved feelings for the woman he left behind, a sister expecting him to avenge her brutal rape, and keeping his own covert activities secret, Josh discovers the threat to the US is bigger than anyone previously thought. And when a member of his team goes MIA and the danger creeps perilously close to home, the talented military man fears he’ll lose everything he holds dear…
With a tangled web of corruption pulling deadly strings, can he blow a conspiracy apart without paying the ultimate price?
The Patriot Oath is the riveting first book in the Josh Kavanagh thriller series. If you like war-hardened heroes, action-packed fight scenes, and powerful political agendas, then you’ll love Lloyd Lofthouse’s gripping adventure.
Lloyd joined the United States Marines and served in Vietnam in 1966 as a field radio operator. Soon after graduating with a BA in journalism from Fresno State University, California, Lloyd started teaching English, literature, reading and journalism in the public schools from 1975 to 2005. Along the way, he enjoyed working as a maitre d' in a multi-million dollar nightclub and taught himself to count cards where he made some money in Las Vegas. If Lloyd stuck to what he learned about counting cards, he always left Vegas with more money than he arrived with.
THE PATRIOT OATH by Lloyd Lofthouse is an interesting mash-up of several genres that is an exciting, action-packed special ops military/political thriller intertwined with a contemporary romance and family drama. (NOTE: This story does include difficult emotional subject matter such as rape and PTSD.)
The action/adventure/revenge plot of this story were intense, interesting and a bit over the top, but that is what made it fun to read. Who does not want a hero and friends with special skills to stand against all injustice? There are political references and many religious quotes and references, so you must be open-minded as you read this book.
The romance plot in this book did not work for me. I cannot give details without giving away a big twist, but it does not fit the true genre rules of a romance. I would recommend going into this book with a realistic contemporary romantic elements view of the hero’s story than expecting a HEA second chance romance which would have been completely unbelievable.
If you want a fast-paced American heroes thriller this is an entertaining read.
This story was interesting because so many different types of events took place. The emotions zinged through the pages and I learned a lot about special military operations. The intricate relationships the author pushed into his story were real life types of familial parts to an amazing puzzle.
This book tries to be both adventure and a romance novel. It falls short of both. As an adventure, it is too over the top. As a romance, it is too unbelievable. (Really? Your high school sweetheart runs off and leave you pregnant with no contact for over 20 years, and you forgive him as soon as he arrives?) It isn’t bad, just way too cheesy.
The book was great till the end! The ending was to fast pace and seemed rushed. I also didn't agree with some parts of the ending like Josh's relationship choices.
After being away for 24 years, Josh comes home undercover and hopes to win his love back!
Josh Kavanagh has been gone for 24 years but now has retired from the military and is the commander of a covert black-ops military group called The Oath Group. They have been hired to scrutinize a dangerous white supremacist militia group that is operating in Idaho and Montana, which happens to be on Josh’s home turf. Unfortunately, his family and friends are under a different understanding of why he is there, which complicates things for Josh.
His childhood sweetheart believes that he is there for her, now that she is free, his devastated sister thinks he’s there to repay her rapist, and the rest all have different views. Taking all this in stride Josh works to help his sister and court his love, all the while working with the Oath Group to complete their mission. When things start to fall apart within all areas his men are there to back him up, and all of this has to stay under wraps from the white house, so the story begins.
Join Josh as he reunites with the woman he has loved since childhood and works to help his traumatized sister recover…
What did I like? You can certainly see where things would be indeed complicated for Josh, leaving home so young, experiencing his military battles, losing the woman that he loved, and the family history that he had. From the get-go, Josh not only carried his own battle scars, but his family has some of their own that he must face. It was particularly interesting the information shared in the storyline about PTSD and how support dogs can be utilized in many different types of trauma situations. Seeking help for yourself or someone you love makes you a star in my book!
What will you like? This book has a fascinating storyline that jumps out on the first page and does not quit giving till the last. The action is incredible with lots of new gadgets and toys for the guys to play with. The mystery and intrigue keep redlining and blowing off the top. The best part is the descriptions and details that Lloyd brings to us to put us right in the middle of the action, so don’t forget to breathe while you're reading! Certainly, can’t wait for the next book from this exciting author! An amazing read from a former US Marine and now giving us a sample of his knowledge. Lloyd Lofthouse’s “The Patriot Oath” is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B0991S8DZ1 • Publisher: Three Clover Press • Publication Date: 7/8/2021 • File Size: 842 KB • Print Length: 266 pages • Genre: Contemporary Religious Fiction, Native American Literature,
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
Part thriller, part romance novel, part political statement; The Patriot Oath fails at every step of the way.
The book begins with an interesting premise; a soldier (who happens to be Spec Ops) returns home because his sister has been raped and failed by the judicial system. Had the author stayed with this premise, the book would have been much better.
Our protagonist, Josh, is like many young men and joins the Armed Forces straight out of high school (including myself at 17 years of age). Josh starts out as a Force Recon Marine and goes on to become a Navy Seal.
From here we start straining credulity when Josh somehow becomes a Green Beret. I am sure this has happened but it’s highly unlikely.
Then we begin with the dangers of “right wing” militias, when to my knowledge it’s “left wing” militants such as Antifa and BLM that have been rioting and tearing apart cities across America. I won’t even get into the damage and destruction that “eco terrorists” have caused globally.
The author does touch on a couple worthwhile issues, including PTSD and and human trafficking. He accuses President Trump of building cages to keep children in, when in fact, it was President Obama.
There’s no question that there is an issue on our southern border and it’s be exacerbated by our current president.
So Josh and his team form their own militia, which I guess is okay with the author, because the government sanctions them to start covert military operations against American citizens rather than using the FBI or local police departments.
The only thing that kept me from giving it one-star is that I do like the author’s writing style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So many things happening here the book is impossible to classify by genre. The text is still in need of a good editor.
I’ve read Shock Doctrine and Black Money so the concept of conservative white supremacists is not new to me but after the happenings in the last month in Ottawa and elsewhere here in Canada the conspiracy theories posited in this book don’t seem so far-fetched. The level of misogamy and racism within military and ABC organizations is troublesome. The difference between the treatment recruits receive in boot camp and other forms of degradation is difficult for an outsider to define, but given what soldiers endure within the force treating civilians and enemies in similar fashion would just come naturally.
Servicemen suffering from PTSD, service dogs, rape, Bible Thumpers, abuse of authority, marital discord, para-military organizations, clandestine operations, survivalism, and a touch of romance are all stirred into this stew. Somehow I lost interest toward the end of the tale.
The book ends with a burial in Arlington Cemetery which we learn is located on the grounds of General Robert E Lee’s Estate.
Josh's actions and reactions were weird. The romance part of the book was sorely lacking. His reaction to learning he had children, and his later involvement with his children was lame. Although he is apparently supposed to be a superhero, and maybe in the suspense/thriller genre he might be, his personal relations seemed fake, forced and unbelievable. When was he told of what happened to his wife? Why didn't he immediately go to her side instead of waiting and taking his former lover to see her? Just weird. Lots of things going on; not all of them resolved. His sister going from almost zombie status before he arrived to "almost normal" the next door was hard to swallow.
I started out liking the book and Josh's character, but as the plot developed, I was totally turned off. The thriller part was way over the top, but clever. The book really made the various government agencies seem totally corrupt and sleazy (which they may be), and the obvious political barbs were a turn-off.
It would appear the author tried to combine too many genres --- unsuccessfully.
This is a book when I started it You felt confused by the 2 different women that the main character loved. As a story developed and progressed You could you could understand why the 2 different loves. I enjoyed the characters they seemed real This whole book seemed like it was a truthful book even though it is fiction. I didn't I didn't Like the fact that the author kept repeating the same information over and over the statistics of The women he loved Why he did what he did. The military toys they had and used was impressive. I read this book in one evening, I just couldn't put it down.
I was really expecting a lot of action in this read and was disappointed to not find it. I know I was at 77% of the book before any action started. I was also disappointed in Josh as he was main character. Yes he loved Rachael first and I know they were young & misguided but 24 years is a long time to leave everyone just because of his mother. He was maybe a good soldier but terrible person to tell Mia if she had said yes he would not have married Rachael. Your left feeling he was not loyal to either woman.
A well written novel with characters that are easy to love and hate. Mr.Lofthouse has a style that is fast paced and exciting while allowing the reader to become part of the team. You will grind your teeth at the evil and tear up as some lives of the heroes lead to sadness. The explanation and feelings of those with PTSD add realism. Wonderful story and I look forward to book two.
I enjoyed the story of how a young man goes into the military. Hard to believe that he didn't even write home for over 20 years, wow! He had a woman at home that loved him since second grade. But, the thing I didn't like was the finger pointing of who was at fault for the kids in cages. Would like to know how this story plays out but unsure as to if I want to read the next book, I will have to think about that.
The story may be fiction but it shows that evil is real. A retired military vet fights to help the most vulnerable against the most cruel. Some of the equipment he has is on a par with James Bond. The writing pulled me in as I stung from the hurt and injustice and was glad when justice prevailed. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Nonstop action book It actually portrays Some of the problems that we have in our country and worldwide. Josh and his team Have a daunting task To search out1 of these hate groups.Very entertaining Great characters Love the book There were some very sad Events that occurred
Usually starting one of the gender, I find the overwhelming right of center or further right political beliefs. This time, with centralist politics, the story is more on the action than the politics. A good, well balanced read
I read this book in one day. The plot had many turns and twists. When the book ended, I wanted more. I wanted to continue reading about the characters, etc.
A nice yarn, especially in the mold of authors such as Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, Harold Coyle, Michael Crichton, and Stephen Coonts. I liked the plot, but some of the descriptions of scenes were stilted or awkward. A better editor is warranted.
I really was engaged from the beginning. I did skim some of the descriptions but that's so I can finish reading because I know I'll be reading it at least one more time and read deeper.
Author has TDS and had to get his politics in the book. That was on about page 3. Dumped the book after that, I read for entertainment, not so some fucktard author can drop his political ideology.
Great characters, great action, great realism and personality!! Hope there’s a bunch more! Make sure you have lots of free time before you start the book!
Relationships between characters are unbelievable, and the protagonist is more like a cardboard cutout of a superhero than an actual person. I regret every minute I wasted reading this.
This is a seriously good book. It touches on many aspects of what goes on in this Country that most people don’t know(or don’t want to know and ignore)about. I recommend it to anyone.