Book Bartender™Pour me a book
The Gentle PatriotCami Checketts

Contemporary sports romance

The Gentle Patriot

by Cami Checketts

Book 3 of the Quinn Family series

192 pages · First published 2019

Professional football player Mack Quinn may be a giant on the field, but beneath his imposing appearance is a gentle, compassionate man who knows exactly whom he wants to pursue. Sariah Udy has admired Mack from the stands throughout the Georgia Patriots' winning season, yet she cannot imagine that someone like him could ever love a woman carrying the physical and emotional scars of her past. Hiding her insecurities behind long hair and a lively sense of humor, Sariah keeps her distance even as Mack makes it clear that his interest is genuine. When he follows her across the country in hopes of winning her heart, their growing attraction forces Sariah to confront painful memories and the fear of being truly seen. Mack is determined to prove that her scars do not diminish her beauty, but love cannot flourish unless Sariah finds the courage to trust him. This sweet contemporary sports romance explores acceptance, vulnerability, and the healing power of unconditional love.

Paired for this story

Honey Lemon Fizz + Honey Bee Collins

Jump to the pours ↓

Choose your bookseller

Find the Book

Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.

At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice1 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Visible scarring and physical disfigurement; past trauma and emotional distress; body-image insecurity and fear of rejection; bullying related to a speech impediment; difficult experiences involving a former romantic relationship; attempted assault or threatened violence; romantic affection and kissing.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Honey Lemon Fizz

A bright honey-and-lemon fizz balances sweetness with a little tartness, much like Sariah's journey from painful memories and guarded humor toward the courage to trust Mack with her heart.

What you'll need

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to mix it

  1. Stir the lemon juice and honey syrup together in a highball glass. Add ice, then top with sparkling water and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Honey Bee Collins

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A honey-sweet Collins suits Mack Quinn, a formidable football player whose greatest strength is his gentleness, as he patiently tries to show Sariah that love can see beyond the scars she struggles to accept.

What you'll need

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to mix it

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Strain over fresh ice and top with soda water.
  2. Garnish: Lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Collins glass.

Set up the bar cart

Shop the Barware

Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.

Browse the bar cart
See this book's two drink pairings ↓ See this book's two drink pairings ↓