NO HOLDING BACK (The McKenzies of Ridge Trail Book 1) by Lori Foster

Publication Date: January 26, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Not needing him won’t stop her from wanting him…

Trucker Sterling (Star) Parson is no stranger to the challenges a woman faces, both in her industry and in life. But she can take care of herself. She’s never needed—or wanted—a man around…until she meets Cade McKenzie. The take-charge bar owner sets off all kinds of alarm bells for Sterling, but he also sets her heart racing.

Cade’s lived in Ridge Trail long enough to know trouble when he sees it, and the moment Sterling—Star—walks into his bar, he knows trouble’s come to call. Secrets run deep in the small town and Cade can tell Star’s got as many as he does, leaving him itching to uncover every last one. But finding common ground will mean trusting one another, further feeding an intense attraction that’s growing impossible to resist.

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I enjoyed the first book in this new series. I was hesitant due to the human trafficking angle but found that it wasn’t too graphic for me to handle. The storyline was exciting and filled with tension – keeping me guessing on a few particulars until the end. Some parts seemed to drag a bit, but I chalked that up to being the first in a new series and learning about the McKenzies’ mission in life.

As for the main characters, Sterling is strong, assertive, and confident while still being likeable. Cade was reluctant to be forced into a way of life, but darn good at what he does. He is protective with alpha tendencies, yet still able to appreciate Sterling’s abilities and intelligence. They made a believable and good couple. The romance built to a nice sexy love story.

Cade’s family dynamics built through the book and culminated into the camaraderie that I love in a series. I’m anxious for the next book, hoping it’s about Cade’s brother. That should be fun.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle | Paperback

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Lori Foster is a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 100 titles. She’s known for her fun, very sexy contemporary romance novels revolving around alpha males and meet (and fall in love with) strong, independent women. Lori’s been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book ReviewsCareer Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. Even more fun, Lori’s been a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle, a clue in the USA Today Quick-cross puzzle, and the sensual and sexy Too Much Temptation was Amazon’s 2002 top-selling title in Romance.

Lori has a super-active Facebook page where she regularly gives away reader goodies like books (of course), T-shirts, ARCs (advance reviewers’ copies), tote bags and lots of fun swag. LIKE her Facebook page so you never miss out!

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