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True Courage
From award-winning author Kathryn Barrett:
Some days it was hell being leader of the free world.
The Washington press calls him the “accidental president.” As a Medal of Honor recipient and national hero, Adam Dybik agreed to run for president during the country’s deepest crisis.
Now that things have stabilized, he’s got problems at home: his 14-year-old daughter Katie keeps ditching her Secret Service protection and reminding him he’s the world’s worst father. And on top of that, he’s begun hearing the voices of dead presidents. Either he’s going mad, or the White House is haunted.
As the new head of Katie’s Secret Service detail, Ellie Brody is trying to live up to the high expectations of her father, former agent Frank Brody. But her new job puts her in direct danger of succumbing to the president’s charm.
Can these two find love in the White House, under the most intense media scrutiny—and the watchful eye of Lyndon Johnson?
Some days it was hell being leader of the free world.
The Washington press calls him the “accidental president.” As a Medal of Honor recipient and national hero, Adam Dybik agreed to run for president during the country’s deepest crisis.
Now that things have stabilized, he’s got problems at home: his 14-year-old daughter Katie keeps ditching her Secret Service protection and reminding him he’s the world’s worst father. And on top of that, he’s begun hearing the voices of dead presidents. Either he’s going mad, or the White House is haunted.
As the new head of Katie’s Secret Service detail, Ellie Brody is trying to live up to the high expectations of her father, former agent Frank Brody. But her new job puts her in direct danger of succumbing to the president’s charm.
Can these two find love in the White House, under the most intense media scrutiny—and the watchful eye of Lyndon Johnson?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Barrett
4 books65 followersKathryn Barrett reluctantly put aside childhood dreams of becoming an author and took a more practical approach, majoring in Business Administration in college. But after marrying an Air Force officer, she realized a career in high finance didn’t suit an itinerant lifestyle. She happily returned to her first love, writing stories that feature larger-than-life characters, family relationships, and of course, a happy ending.
Having lived all over the United States, Kathryn and her family now live in England, just outside London. She enjoys walking her dog in the Chiltern hills and exploring crumbling castles, and only occasionally reads the Financial Times.
Having lived all over the United States, Kathryn and her family now live in England, just outside London. She enjoys walking her dog in the Chiltern hills and exploring crumbling castles, and only occasionally reads the Financial Times.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 27, 2022
War veteran Adam Dybik is president of the US ... and the worst father in the world according to his daughter, Katie, a somewhat rebellious teen who has made it her mission to give her highly trained protective agent, Ellie {who in a refreshing change to the usual 'celeb/bodyguard' genre just so happens to be a women}, the slip as often as possible
Take out the fact that home is the White House and that the three main characters are the president of the USA , the 'first daughter' and a protective agent and what do you have?
You have a single dad who, new to his job, is struggling with the whole work/balance thing, a somewhat unruly, stroppy teenager whose life has been turned upside down ... in more ways than one, and a highly skilled at what she does, attractive women who, Ah! If only she'd be born a boy, it just so happens is struggling to live up to the expectations of her father in whose footsteps she chose to follow - this, and the fact that she is highly attracted to her new employer.
Well drawn characters that many of us will identify with/relate to in one way or another; it was these and in particular Katie {what a superbly realistic character} that, more so than the action and the will they/won't they' romantic aspect of True Courage, that made this such an engaging read for me.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers to be participating in this Blog Tour, my thoughts are mine alone and were not influenced; no financial compensation was asked for nor given
Take out the fact that home is the White House and that the three main characters are the president of the USA , the 'first daughter' and a protective agent and what do you have?
You have a single dad who, new to his job, is struggling with the whole work/balance thing, a somewhat unruly, stroppy teenager whose life has been turned upside down ... in more ways than one, and a highly skilled at what she does, attractive women who, Ah! If only she'd be born a boy, it just so happens is struggling to live up to the expectations of her father in whose footsteps she chose to follow - this, and the fact that she is highly attracted to her new employer.
Well drawn characters that many of us will identify with/relate to in one way or another; it was these and in particular Katie {what a superbly realistic character} that, more so than the action and the will they/won't they' romantic aspect of True Courage, that made this such an engaging read for me.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers to be participating in this Blog Tour, my thoughts are mine alone and were not influenced; no financial compensation was asked for nor given
October 27, 2022
The current President of the United States Adam Dybik has his hands full both in politics and at home. As well as trying to oversee a country he also has to deal with international issues, he’s hearing the voices of dead former Presidents who are trying to give him advice and he is single handedly trying to raise his 14 year old daughter Katie who keeps escaping from her Secret Service protection. Katie isn’t enjoying her role as First Daughter and would happily go back to their old life in Chicago, add in the fact she’s a teenager and she is really testing her father. Having given the slip to her protection team Agent Ellie Brody is brought in to protect and look after Katie. Will Adam be able to rebuild his relationship with Katie? And as Adam and Ellie start to spend more time together will sparks fly between them?
This was a really easy read for me which I really liked especially after a long day at work. The chapters were also fairly short which was a bonus. I really enjoyed the storyline. There was a fine balance between politics and relationships and although political issues were discussed it didn’t make the story feel too heavy or move the focus away from the characters. For me although the storyline was fictional it still gave me an insight into Adam’s world where being POTUS is a massively important role. Since being inaugurated he has so many things that he’s trying to deal with like trying to balance a full time job but also raising Katie and being a present parental figure in her life especially as his wife and Katie’s mother left when Katie was only three years old. It’s clear from the beginning that the relationship between Adam and Katie isn’t exactly the best. Although they get along there is distance between them and they aren’t as close as Adam would like them to be. Rather he is just on the periphery of her life. Despite this he still tries to make time for Katie but there never seems to be an allocated time and then an emergency takes place that he has to deal with and that time disappears. Its Ellie’s influence that really brings home to Adam how much distance there is between him and his daughter and that he needs to spend more time with her. Ellie is the catalyst for strengthening that father/daughter relationship. I really liked the character of Ellie. She is strong, very switched on and much more than a bodyguard to Katie. She recognises that Katie is a teenager and therefore doesn’t treat her like a child which I think Katie respects her for and sets her apart from Katie’s previous protectors. Ellie is very vocal and although she knows that Adam is her boss she doesn’t sugar-coat the fact that he needs to spend more time with Katie which in turn makes him a better father. There was definitely a connection from the start between Katie and Adam which I thought was really sweet. They connect on a deeper level and challenge each other but there’s also this mutual respect despite where their roles fall within the hierarchy of the White House.
A slow burn political romance.
This was a really easy read for me which I really liked especially after a long day at work. The chapters were also fairly short which was a bonus. I really enjoyed the storyline. There was a fine balance between politics and relationships and although political issues were discussed it didn’t make the story feel too heavy or move the focus away from the characters. For me although the storyline was fictional it still gave me an insight into Adam’s world where being POTUS is a massively important role. Since being inaugurated he has so many things that he’s trying to deal with like trying to balance a full time job but also raising Katie and being a present parental figure in her life especially as his wife and Katie’s mother left when Katie was only three years old. It’s clear from the beginning that the relationship between Adam and Katie isn’t exactly the best. Although they get along there is distance between them and they aren’t as close as Adam would like them to be. Rather he is just on the periphery of her life. Despite this he still tries to make time for Katie but there never seems to be an allocated time and then an emergency takes place that he has to deal with and that time disappears. Its Ellie’s influence that really brings home to Adam how much distance there is between him and his daughter and that he needs to spend more time with her. Ellie is the catalyst for strengthening that father/daughter relationship. I really liked the character of Ellie. She is strong, very switched on and much more than a bodyguard to Katie. She recognises that Katie is a teenager and therefore doesn’t treat her like a child which I think Katie respects her for and sets her apart from Katie’s previous protectors. Ellie is very vocal and although she knows that Adam is her boss she doesn’t sugar-coat the fact that he needs to spend more time with Katie which in turn makes him a better father. There was definitely a connection from the start between Katie and Adam which I thought was really sweet. They connect on a deeper level and challenge each other but there’s also this mutual respect despite where their roles fall within the hierarchy of the White House.
A slow burn political romance.
October 26, 2022
This was my first ever read by Kathryn Barrett, but it definitely won’t be my last. This was a book I wouldn’t usually pick up on first choice, I read a lot of romance (I’m a sucker for a Happy Ever After or even a Happy For Now) but I wouldn’t always go for one that involves politics or bodyguards/security service etc. I love a good debate abd am interested in politics sure, but my romance I keep free of that. But something about this called to me, not sure if itwas the accidental president tag or the idea of a female secret service agent looking after the president’s daughter , but I was drawn in and I’m so glad.
This book was so interesting, really had me hooked from the first few chapters, I loved the set up and the characters were so well developed and given real growth throughout the story. I loved the relationship between both Ellie and Adam, but also that of Ellie and Katie through the course of the story and trying to keep on top of protecting someone trying to escape constantly. I loved how it focuses and highlights how much harder Ellie has to work as a woman to earn and retain respect of her male counterparts in addition to the pressure of a legacy left by a father with a golden career.
I nearly forgot to mention the voices of the dead presidents giving Adam guidance and advice, it’s definitely a unique twist, but one I loved and definitely added some extra humour and interest, but if you want to know more then I guess you’ll have to buy or borrow a copy (from your local library) to see and read for yourself this great story.
Pure escapism, romance, action, humour, strong women, what more can I say to draw you in, oh fantastic writing too, sounds like you’re thing then like me you’ll want to read more. A wonderful read.
Thanks to Kathryn Barrett and Rachel’s Random Resources for a free copy in return for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own and freely
This book was so interesting, really had me hooked from the first few chapters, I loved the set up and the characters were so well developed and given real growth throughout the story. I loved the relationship between both Ellie and Adam, but also that of Ellie and Katie through the course of the story and trying to keep on top of protecting someone trying to escape constantly. I loved how it focuses and highlights how much harder Ellie has to work as a woman to earn and retain respect of her male counterparts in addition to the pressure of a legacy left by a father with a golden career.
I nearly forgot to mention the voices of the dead presidents giving Adam guidance and advice, it’s definitely a unique twist, but one I loved and definitely added some extra humour and interest, but if you want to know more then I guess you’ll have to buy or borrow a copy (from your local library) to see and read for yourself this great story.
Pure escapism, romance, action, humour, strong women, what more can I say to draw you in, oh fantastic writing too, sounds like you’re thing then like me you’ll want to read more. A wonderful read.
Thanks to Kathryn Barrett and Rachel’s Random Resources for a free copy in return for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own and freely
October 27, 2022
A light-hearted story about a new president and his daughter, “True Courage” by Kathryn Barrett is an enjoyable read – 4 stars!
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
October 24, 2022
Adam Dybik is the President of the United States and if that job wasn’t hard enough he is also father to fourteen year old Katie who makes him feel like he is the worst father in the history of fathers. Both of those jobs would be difficult in and of themselves. Add in a secret service agent that he is attracted to and the voices of the dead presidents and well you have one interesting read.
Secret Service Agent Ellie Brody has her own set of problems. Trying to stay on top of Katie, who loves to ditch her detail, while living up to the expectations of her father and former agent Frank Brody. For a woman she has to work twice as hard to receive half the recognition. If she had been a son it wouldn’t be so hard. Add in the fact that she is attracted to the president and things get complicated.
This was such a great story! The characters are all well written and engaging. I loved it from the first page to the last. While this is my first book by Kathryn Barrett, it certainly won’t be my last.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation
Secret Service Agent Ellie Brody has her own set of problems. Trying to stay on top of Katie, who loves to ditch her detail, while living up to the expectations of her father and former agent Frank Brody. For a woman she has to work twice as hard to receive half the recognition. If she had been a son it wouldn’t be so hard. Add in the fact that she is attracted to the president and things get complicated.
This was such a great story! The characters are all well written and engaging. I loved it from the first page to the last. While this is my first book by Kathryn Barrett, it certainly won’t be my last.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation
October 26, 2022
Check triggers*
Read this if you like: Coworkers, single dad, slow burn, political romance (president), PTSD awareness/representation
The Washington press calls him the “accidental president.” As a Medal of Honor recipient and national hero, Adam Dybik agreed to run for president during the country’s deepest crisis. Now that things have stabilized, he’s got problems at home: his 14-year-old daughter Katie keeps ditching her Secret Service protection and reminding him he’s the world’s worst father.
As the new head of Katie’s Secret Service detail, Ellie Brody is trying to live up to the high expectations of her father, former agent Frank Brody. Her new job also puts her in direct danger of succumbing to the president’s charm.
I really liked this one. It reads really fast. The characters are well developed and so funny. It definitely reminds me of a movie. I would totally watch it. I love the idea of a single father President, since we haven't actually had one. Ellie is in charge of his daughter. The interactions in this book feel so real. You can feel the chemistry immediately between Ellie and Adam. Every time they speak there are sparks. It's definitely a slow burn. I highly recommend this!
Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the gifted e-book! ❤️
Read this if you like: Coworkers, single dad, slow burn, political romance (president), PTSD awareness/representation
The Washington press calls him the “accidental president.” As a Medal of Honor recipient and national hero, Adam Dybik agreed to run for president during the country’s deepest crisis. Now that things have stabilized, he’s got problems at home: his 14-year-old daughter Katie keeps ditching her Secret Service protection and reminding him he’s the world’s worst father.
As the new head of Katie’s Secret Service detail, Ellie Brody is trying to live up to the high expectations of her father, former agent Frank Brody. Her new job also puts her in direct danger of succumbing to the president’s charm.
I really liked this one. It reads really fast. The characters are well developed and so funny. It definitely reminds me of a movie. I would totally watch it. I love the idea of a single father President, since we haven't actually had one. Ellie is in charge of his daughter. The interactions in this book feel so real. You can feel the chemistry immediately between Ellie and Adam. Every time they speak there are sparks. It's definitely a slow burn. I highly recommend this!
Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the gifted e-book! ❤️
October 29, 2022
The is highly delightful read is the story of a single father president and his teenage daughter. When a new secret service agent is put on his daughters detail, Adam finds himself very interested.
This book falls into the will/won’t they troupe. Adam and Ellie are attracted to each other but shouldn’t be together. Ellie is a strong woman who is protective of the first daughter and wants to repair the president and first daughter’s strained relationship. Once I started reading this book, I didn’t want to stop.
This book falls into the will/won’t they troupe. Adam and Ellie are attracted to each other but shouldn’t be together. Ellie is a strong woman who is protective of the first daughter and wants to repair the president and first daughter’s strained relationship. Once I started reading this book, I didn’t want to stop.
December 28, 2022
If you love(d) The American President movie, you'll also love Barrett's True Courage which has the added bonus of a challenging father-daughter relationship. Barrett gives us the difficulties of being a single parent to a teenager, the angst of *being* said teenager in a spotlight, politics without deep politics (a crisis involving humanitarian aid), and of course romance with a secret service agent (who might also remind you a little bit of Kate Harper from The West Wing). So many great angles - I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
January 14, 2025
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/40ceBfP.
Adam never intended to run for President, but when the movie about his "heroics" while in the military was released it was felt that the best way for him to make use of that time in the spotlight was to run the country. However, being President of the United States as a single parent of a teenage daughter is a task no one prepared him for. Luckily, his new Secret Service agent, Ellie, assigned to his daughter, Katie, is willing to put in a little extra time.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I typically stay very very very far away from all things politics. This book was one I accepted when I had accepted about 200 others and by the time I agreed to this book I wasn't even reading the blurbs anymore. Still, the book wasn't terrible.
In fact, the story was engaging and the romantic aspects were cute. While this is a romance book it is not a smut by any stretch. Ellie battles with herself just as much as she does with the outside threats that Katie has to experience. Meanwhile Adam is facing threats from those in other countries as well as the threat of someone from his past. One wrong decision can mean so much more than a moody teenager when you are President of the free world.
There is a lot of politics in this book, but since I didn't bother to read the blurb before agreeing to it I can't hold that against it. So, let's stick to the things that I enjoyed. The setting was described in a way that you could easily picture where the characters were at most times. There wasn't many typing issues or things that would pull you out of the story. The events that happened were believable and realistic. The characters were well-rounded and faced a variety of issues that were on theme. All in all it was a good read.
Adam never intended to run for President, but when the movie about his "heroics" while in the military was released it was felt that the best way for him to make use of that time in the spotlight was to run the country. However, being President of the United States as a single parent of a teenage daughter is a task no one prepared him for. Luckily, his new Secret Service agent, Ellie, assigned to his daughter, Katie, is willing to put in a little extra time.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I typically stay very very very far away from all things politics. This book was one I accepted when I had accepted about 200 others and by the time I agreed to this book I wasn't even reading the blurbs anymore. Still, the book wasn't terrible.
In fact, the story was engaging and the romantic aspects were cute. While this is a romance book it is not a smut by any stretch. Ellie battles with herself just as much as she does with the outside threats that Katie has to experience. Meanwhile Adam is facing threats from those in other countries as well as the threat of someone from his past. One wrong decision can mean so much more than a moody teenager when you are President of the free world.
There is a lot of politics in this book, but since I didn't bother to read the blurb before agreeing to it I can't hold that against it. So, let's stick to the things that I enjoyed. The setting was described in a way that you could easily picture where the characters were at most times. There wasn't many typing issues or things that would pull you out of the story. The events that happened were believable and realistic. The characters were well-rounded and faced a variety of issues that were on theme. All in all it was a good read.
October 22, 2022
True Courage by Kathryn Barrett is a compelling contemporary novel that is completely consuming. It was a cracking read.
The action is set in the White House with a fictitious president who is a decorated war veteran. The walls are ingrained with past presidents who like to offer advice.
The president is a man of principles. He prefers to be truthful and risk his popularity rather than feed the people the party line.
We see that being the president is a lonely job, not only for him but also for his fourteen year old daughter. Being surrounded by a security detail is not the way to gain new friends at a new school. We witness some awful, sneaky bullying. It takes courage to keep on facing daily life.
There is the pull back to when life was simpler in Chicago.
Characters held in high regard by the public are struggling under the weight of past events. Characters feel guilty for actions they did not do in youth. The guilt travels down the years, pulling them down.
All the characters were well drawn, likable, realistic and easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed True Courage. I think it would make a terrific movie or mini series. This was my first novel by Kathryn Barrett but I intend to read many more.
I received a free copy from the author for a blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in the White House with a fictitious president who is a decorated war veteran. The walls are ingrained with past presidents who like to offer advice.
The president is a man of principles. He prefers to be truthful and risk his popularity rather than feed the people the party line.
We see that being the president is a lonely job, not only for him but also for his fourteen year old daughter. Being surrounded by a security detail is not the way to gain new friends at a new school. We witness some awful, sneaky bullying. It takes courage to keep on facing daily life.
There is the pull back to when life was simpler in Chicago.
Characters held in high regard by the public are struggling under the weight of past events. Characters feel guilty for actions they did not do in youth. The guilt travels down the years, pulling them down.
All the characters were well drawn, likable, realistic and easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed True Courage. I think it would make a terrific movie or mini series. This was my first novel by Kathryn Barrett but I intend to read many more.
I received a free copy from the author for a blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2023
This book somehow manages to combine serious political aspects with a father daughter relationship under pressure and a forbidden workplace romance. The power and emotion in this book is incredible. I usually enjoy romantic comedies but the political aspect in this book was astounding and encouraging. A wonderful read.
I received a free advanced review copy of this novel and offer my opinion voluntarily.
I received a free advanced review copy of this novel and offer my opinion voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews