No Holding Back has it all, mystery, hot romance, laughter and sadness all wrapped up in one amazing book. Cade and Sterling are one of the most amazing fictional couples I have read. Sterling's story in the beginning has you totally captivated as soon as you start reading and keeps you on edge all the way thru. Cade tries so hard to get Sterling trust, but she doesn't give it easily after everything she has been thru. Outstanding story that you can't put down.

Lori Foster is back with a new romantic suspense series, this time focusing on a family of vigilantes with the means and the skills to take down human traffickers in the picturesque Midwest mountains. Cade, his brother Reyes, his sister Madison, and his father Parrish have made it their mission to bring to justice the terrible men responsible for trafficking innocent women. But when skittish and secretive Sterling Parson catching Cade's attention, he can't explain why he's driven to protect her. Sterling has been on her own for longer than she cares to remember, and can't afford for Cade to figure out she's not just a tired trucker who's fond of his bar and the warm booth he lets her nap in. But when these two finally let their guards down to trust one another, they'll realize they have a lot more in common - and a lot more chemistry - than they thought possible. And they can possibly help each other find the justice, and love, they both crave.

Thoughts: I can't type this loud enough, but I am so glad Lori Foster came out with this latest romantic suspense! Honestly, I didn't really enjoy her Road to Love series all that much, which was really disappointing because I was totally absorbed by the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, Love Undercover, Ultimate, and Body Armor series. I devoured those books. Her latest series, The McKenzies of Ridge Trail, lives up to all of those series' expectations. It has a page-turning suspense plot, a backstory that you don't get lost in but still keeps your interest, plenty of chemistry between the main characters, swoon-worthy guys, strong and independent women, and playful banter between main and secondary characters. This is one to be enjoyed by Foster fans and newbies alike, and for anyone looking for a captivating love story with just enough plot to keep you reading well passed your bedtime.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.**

Lori Foster is definitely the queen of Alpha male stories. In this case, she does an amazing job of writing Cade as a strong alpha male who is also able to show his kind and loving side. Cade's family uses their wealth to track down and shut down men who traffic in females. To listen for shady dealings, Cade runs a bar at one end of a seedy section of town and his brother Reyes runs a gym at the other.
Cade perks up when on of his bar patrons, a trucker named Sterling (AKA Star) starts spending in his bar. Turns our she spends her time rescuing women who have been trafficked. She knows how it feels since she was once one of them. She fought back and now is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go it alone to save these women.
Together, Cade and Star ignite the page with their attraction. While, their goals are the same, their methods differ. She works alone and he believes they should work together.
The tension, both sexual and dangerous, keeps the reader hanging on to their seat throughout the book and you can't help but breathe a sigh of relief when they finally get their Happily Ever After.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This first book in this new series is much more intense then some of Lori Foster’s books latest books and may contain triggers for some people, as it deals with human trafficking. It reminded me of her writing in her earlier series of books “The Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Series”, which is still one of my favorite series of Fosters.

This is a well written book filled with intrigue, suspense, unpredictable characters and a relationship worth fighting for. Main characters Cade and Sterling/Star are multi dimensional with strong personalities. I love the tug of war between them, as well as dynamics between Sterling and Cade’s family. Looking forward to the next book in the series! No cliffhanger and HEA.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my unbiased review.

I enjoyed this style from Lori Foster. Great characters always make for a great story. Cade and Sterling/Star were no exception. A bit gritty in subject, the compelling characters really drive the story and keep the pages turning. This was a great kickoff to a new series.

Lori Foster has realistic characters and situations in all of her books. Though they are usually part of a series they can all be read as stand alone books. Her books are action packed with twists and turns that keep you engaged in the story. This book is the first book in Lori Foster's new series, The McKenzies of Ridge Trail. This series takes a look at a family who puts themselves in harms way to help those who need it. They use their special skills, money, power and influence to help women who have been trafficked and abused. Star a female trucker is used to taking care of herself and trying to help other females get away. She ends up catching the eye of Cade McKenzie, the owner of the bar that she frequently stops at while on a job. She mistakenly falls right into the center of Cade's investigation while trying to conduct her own. Working together they are able to shut down part of a ring. Through it all they figure out that life really is better together and they set their pasts aside to walk into their joint future.

A kick-butt vigilante book with a heart of gold. This action packed contemporary romance hit all my buttons. Not only did it have a vibrant and assertive female lead intent on helping people, it had an equally assertive, caring, and sexy male lead. The heat between these two independent characters was dynamic and satisfying. They challenged each other and helped each other grow as people--all while taking out the bad guys. I highly recommend!

All you have to do is mention this authors name and I’m all in. Nice cover and a great blurb cinched it. This series deals with sex trafficking and it relation to one families fight against it.

What did I like? The first chapter threw me because it was pretty dark and unlike the authors norm. It was necessary to show how Sterling (Star) started her fight. Cade was also a deliciously protective partner for Sterling as they decide to combine efforts to take down a local ring of traffickers.

Would I recommend or buy? I’d read anything by this author and I enjoyed this nook. I can’t wIt for the next book, if you love this author then you will love this book! Four stars of entertainment!

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!

I'm a fan of Lori Foster books, because they have lots of action--in all sense of the word! This one was no different. I didn't even realize it was about such a serious topic, but I really enjoyed it. I liked the chemistry and connection between Cade and Star! The way their lives and background wove together so well made a captivating story. Star is an awesome female lead and Cade is so loyal, I loved it. I'm glad I picked this one up!

Sterling (aka Star, aka Francis) feels comfortable in Cade’s bar, enough that she can doze off there, although she doesn’t fully trust Cade himself until he rescues her from an attempted kidnapping.

As the two of them get to know each other, they discover how much they actually have in common-they are both dedicated to rescuing women from human traffickers. But Star is on her own, while Cade has the back up of his father, sister and brother. Can they accept a stranger in their midst to continue their essential work? And can Cade keep her safe when her past decides to take her out?

I loved Cade. He’s the entire package, strong, confident, caring and yet willing to let Star do what she needs to do as part of the team. Star is likeable, strong, and dedicated to keeping others from suffering what was nearly her fate.

The heat between the two protagonists sizzles, and the eventual sex scenes do the same, but the sex doesn’t interfere with the story.

All in all a delightful book. My only complaint is the heroine has too many names which can make it hard to keep up with who is who. But the suspense, the story, and the characters make this a great start of a new series.

The Mackenzie family have devoted their entire lives to hunting down women traffickers. Their goal is destroy them and to rescue their victims. Then they do everything they can to help them get their lives back together so they can return to their families and live normal lives again. The Mackenzies do all of this secretly, without help from anyone.

Cade Mackenzie owns a bar that he uses as a cover so he can gather as much information as possible. One of his regular customers is a trucker, Sterling (Star) Parson. She visits his bar almost daily, but drinks or eats much while she is there. She sits at the same table every day and never speaks to anybody. Usually she just falls asleep for an hour or so before she leaves.

Based on her behavior, Cade believes that Star has been a victim of abuse at some time in her life. He is very attracted to her and makes it his business to protect her while she is at the bar. However, he hopes to befriend her and help her in any way that he can. Eventually, Star joins forces with the Mackenzie family as they attempt to rescue a victim and destroy her captors.


Lori Foster creates complicated, deeply wounded characters. In spite of their imperfection, they completely win the reader’s respect and love. Star is a strong, independent character who has spent her entire life taking care of herself. With no family to depend on, she has learned how to survive on her own. She doesn’t trust other people because she has been betrayed too many times. Star’s goal is very much like that of Cade and his family: they are all determined to destroy traffickers anyway that she can.

As strong, tough and secretive as Cade is, he still has a very soft spot for Star, and he eventually falls in love with her. However, Cade’s family is a problem because they are very secretive about their actions and stubbornly refuse to allow anybody to learn about their secrets. In spite of this, the relationship between Cade and Star is all-consuming even though they are both keeping serious secrets from each other.

Even, the secondary characters, Cade’s brother, sister and father, are so fascinating that when I finished reading, I was already searching for the next book in the series.

This story is exciting and action-packed. Ms. Foster has created a page-turner with a very complicated plot. .She includes so many twists and turns that the reader barely has time to breath.

This new series is definitely a winner!

Review: NO HOLDING BACK by Lori Foster https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bHg
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

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 https://amzn.to/2Z3dccq

IF you read the blurb you get a little wary, but not me knowing the author, I mean this is Lori Foster, Lori knows her stuff, she knows her characters, she knows what she is writing about and she tends to write sensitive subjects so not delicately that is not the correct word but close to more like balanced so that you get the understanding of what they went thru without the again I can't think of the word but hope you are getting my train of thought..Anywho I am trying to say that she knows her stuff and when you start reading you wont put it down, you wont be disappointed and you will read it to the end, I think i have read every single of her books, I was trying to go thru her list to see if I have missed any and I may have missed a couple of her earlier ones and no I am not a stalker, just a ardent reader. but dont take my work for it, grab a copy and enjoy and if you like this, I suggest you go back and grab her mma series or her men of honor series (those guys are hot)..Enjoy!!

Another great start to a new Lori Foster series. 😉

Full disclosure, I’ve been a fan of Lori Foster since I picked up my first book in the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor – which I’m still back-tracking with BTW. I think that the thing that I like most about her books is her use of strong, protective men who are paired with equally strong women. No Holding Back was most definitely no exception.

Cade and Sterling had secrets and more than enough reasons to have trust issues. For reasons that couldn’t explain, they couldn’t help but slowly reveal those secrets to each other. Cade realized what was going on and gave into his feelings way before Sterling – which was totally understandable given everything she had gone through.

As with many of this author’s series and books, the supporting characters were an important part of the story – both the good guys and the bad. Cade’s father was a driving force and I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about him… in the beginning. He kind of grew on me eventually though – just like he grew on Sterling.

There was plenty of action, twists, turns, danger, plenty of romance and even a touch of humor that kept the pages turning – even while setting the stage for the rest of the series. There were plenty of hints about what’s in store for the McKenzies of Ridge Trail next and I can’t wait to see what happens next. 😉

This was a great & emotional start to a new series. I loved how Sterling was prickly but also didn't hold back, she has a lot of layers to get through based on what all she has gone through & suffered from. She is a true survivor who now helps victims of human trafficking. I loved Cade and his family, how protective he is & how they loved helping others. There is a lot going on in this story. In a way it reminds me of Lori's Edge of Honor series.

I enjoyed reading No Holding Back so much! I couldn't put my kindle down! I enjoyed the storyline and how it flowed so seamlessly! The love scenes were so sizzling. Such an amazing book. Lori Foster has done it again with this book!

I absolutely love Lori Foster’s books and this one is no exception. If you like fast action and page turning books then this is for you. If you like love hate relationships, yup you got it, this is for you. You will not be able to put this book down until you have read the last page and then you will be sad because you are going to want more! Thank you Lori for writing such a great book!

Rating this was hard, possibly because the subject matter was difficult, but extremely well handled, which was so appreciated. Sterling and Cade are two great characters to read about, and they made a fascinating couple. Dealing with such a heartbreaking subject, human trafficking, a strong lead was needed, and Sterling was one of those characters who you pull for.

This was one of those books where you want to ask not just yourself, but everyone you know how this keeps happening, why this issue is still topical? Starting with a teen “Star” being taken and brought to be sold and trafficked, you see how it affects her later in life. And, this seems so odd to say, she was lucky. Now as an adult, Sterling uses her history to help others.

Then you have Cade’s family, his siblings and father, also affected by human trafficking, but in a different way, one that affects them all to current day. His family takes matters into their own hands.

Theses two definitely butt heads, but they also send sparks shooting through the air. Reading this has the feels and the heartbreak, there were also the moments when I sighed in happiness, shook my head at the antics of Cade’s younger brother, and wanted to climb in and personally throttle certain coconspirators.

This the first book in a new series by Ms. Foster. It definately deals with some sensitive subject matter. I feel it was handled well and brings attention to human trafficking, which is something that we are hearing about on a more frequent basis. Sterling has a secret and a mission, Cade has his own secrets and mission which is what brings them together. They both have a gut feeling about the other and as they trust that and ultimately each other, it becomes clear they can accomplish their goals working together. Cade's family is also involved and the verbal sparring that Sterling and his brother do help to lighten things a bit and bring some humor to the story. Very well done story and character as usual by this author. I look forward to the next book in this series. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I was offered a review copy from Thank you Net-Galley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada). I am reviewing because I choose to and giving my honest opinion of the story.

No Holding back is the first book a new series where we are introduced to the McKenzies of Ridge Trail.

Sterling has been through hell but she doesn't give up. She is a fighter both physically and emotionally. She isn't trusting but who can blame her. She is running from danger, wanting to help others from what she went through as a teenager.


Cade is a bartender but that isn't all he does actually it is far from who he really is. He knows something is up with Sterling and feels protective of her from the first time he sees her in his bar.

The secondary characters also play a big role in this story. I loved the back and forth between Reyes (Cades brother) and Sterling. They had some good jabs at each other. I am so looking forward to his book.

This is a fast paced great suspense read. There is a lot of action not only in the bedroom.