MaKayla
Adams has always been curious about the wild side of life. Making love with her
late husband wasn’t exciting, and she never could understand the big deal…until
hunky nightclub owner Dustin James hires her as a public relations consultant.
His touch arouses feelings she’s never known, and his kiss tempts her to cross
the line between business and pleasure.
Dustin
doesn’t remember the car accident that put him in a coma three years ago, but
since his recovery, he’s pushed his own needs aside to be a single father to
his young daughter. When MaKayla offers to help publicize his country
nightclub, however, she ignites deeper feelings he can’t ignore.
But
there is more than mutual attraction between MaKayla and Dustin—there is a
shared past connected to her husband’s death. Will the truth bring them
together or tear them apart?
Excerpt:
She
tilted her head toward his touch. “We do have an unusual chemistry, but
anything more between us would complicate things.”
“In
what ways?”
“Alex
wouldn’t understand. Not to mention Paul’s parents.”
“What
about what MaKayla wants?”
A
loaded question she didn’t know how to answer. She wanted what she couldn’t
have—not to be alone, the noises in her backyard to go away, a husband to
spoil, and another child to mother.
“It
doesn’t matter what I want. What matters is doing the right thing.”
“For
who?”
“For
everyone.”
“Even
if it means being unhappy? When was the last time you did something for MaKayla
without worrying about consequences?” He rolled his tongue and smiled.
“There
was liquor involved. Otherwise, I never would have growled at you.”
“Why
not?”
She
shrugged. “Because it’s inappropriate.”
“A tease?”
“Yes.”
He
cupped her cheeks between his palms. “I find you sexy as hell and I’m going to
kiss you. The time to stop me would be right now.”
Review:
The Patriot Girl by
Toni Lynn Cloutier is a contemporary romance about a man and a woman, both in
their forties, both single parents. The story kicks off with an immediate bang!
A tense bank robbery introduces heroine MaKayla Adams to hero Dustin James.
Dustin acts to protect MaKayla from a robber. The plot proceeds from a great
start to provide the reader with a tale of action, suspense, and good old
fashioned romantic chemistry.
MaKayla is a widow,
raising a teenage son, and trying to start her own business. She doesn't want
romantic complications in her life and attempts to keep Dustin at arm's length
when he becomes the first client of her fledgling PR business. MaKayla is a
great heroine. She's smart, likeable and compassionate. I loved the fact that
she's a protective mom doing her best to do right by her child.
Dustin is the
dedicated father to his daughter and a widower. His daughter is a youngster
named Melissa, so of course she's precious and adorable. Dustin's income comes
from rental properties and a bar called "No Bulls". There's nothing
better than a hunky hero who steps up without a second's hesitation to protect
others.
Sparks fly between MaKayla
and Dustin who experience immediate attraction to one another. Events conspire
to keep them apart, including a shared tragic event that catches both off
guard. There's no real blame but a whole lot of angst to go around and the
author handles the conflict with a deft hand. Love scenes are sweet bordering
on spicy. Not Jalapeno spicy but maybe a nice fire-roasted chili.
The writing is excellent:
solid style, easy flow, well edited and good pacing. But the best part is
finally finding a romance about two real people with merits and flaws who
approach their problems as mature grownups. Supporting characters are well
rounded, complex and enjoyable. I especially liked MaKayla’s seventeen-year-old
son, Alex. He's sweet and sensible.
The Patriot Girl is
a great romantic read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Five stars all the
way.
Purchase
The Patriot Girl:
Author
Bio:
The
youngest of five children, I was born and raised in Rhode Island. After
graduating East Providence High School as a member of the Rhode Island Honor
Society, I held several jobs from accounts receivable to medical billing
before attending Rhode Island Associates of Realtors.
I have
a wonderful husband and I’m a a stay-at-home mom to our teenage
son. My week is filled with writing romance novels and listening to
country music while cleaning house, rearranging furniture, and playing with
the cat we adopted from the shelter.
To
learn more about Toni Lynn Cloutier:
Twitter:
@ToniLCloutier
Thanks so much for the wonderful review. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. And thanks again for having me this week!
ReplyDeleteThe story sounds wonderful, Toni. It is good to hear about one centering on a couple in their 40s. Best of luck with it! Lovely review, too. Good job. Barb Bettis
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Barb.
ReplyDelete