Vigilantism, revenge, and passion all play huge role in this first book in a new series by prolific author Lori Foster.

Sterling Parson, with a nickname she no longer wants used - Star - is a truck driver who takes breaks at a bar that is on her route. She feel safe there and spends many hours there. She draws the attention of bar owner Cade McKenzie and at it does not take him long to recognize that she is in danger. He offers her safety but the question is whether or not she can trust him.

Sterling is soon injured so her trust really becomes at play because of the very reason she spent so much time at that bar. She had something happen to her when she was a teenager and it is that experience that led her to become a vigilante of sorts.

Revenge comes into play when someone she is after will do anything to bring her to an end, but not without having her suffer greatly. Then there is the undeniable passion that is evident between Sterling and Cade. The connection is all too palpable and proves to only be a matter of time before they give in. However, while this is explored, her safety is something that is very important to him and he never once loses sight of this.

I found this to be a remarkable story. The ultimate joint goal both Sterling and Cade had was to stop sex traffickers. However, Sterling worked on her own, whereas Cade worked with his family. Whether or not they could all work together only time would tell. I found this book to be an absolute fantastic read because it dealt with very serious issues without becoming too graphic. Another fabulous aspect of this book was how Sterling and Cade's relationship grew. I love how it started off on a protective basis but grew to passionate proportions, yet neither of them ever lost sight of the victims of the horrendous actions of sex traffickers.

As this is the first book in a new series by Lori Foster, I am eager to read the following stories, and would love to see this remarkable family take down more disgusting traffickers. I have always loved Ms. Foster and have read countless books by her and have never once been disappointed. This new book kept me riveted from beginning to end, bringing me conflicting emotions - from feeling sad for the victims, yet rooting for the expected happily ever after.

Many thanks to Hqn and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Wowzers! Foster always delivers a great story and this time is no exception! As always, there’s a strong, dynamic hero and heroine and the other characters are just as strong and dynamic as well as a great story line. I heartedly recommend this book!

Sterling 'Star' Parson is a trucker, she trusts no one with her secrets or her private crusade. While she had an ugly past, she's become a strong, smart, woman, willing to train and fight so no other woman has to go through what she did.

Cade McKenzie is a former Ranger and now bar owner. He's more than he seems and he too has a personal crusade.

When Sterling enters the bar Cade not only knows she's trouble, but that he will have her one day. Sterling is only looking for a place to rest for a few hours while she's on the road. She trusts no one but for some reason she feels safe in Cade's bar.

I loved watching these two circle each other. Sterling slowly begins to trust and rely on Cade's strength and persistent care showing her another way to live and fight.

These two are perfect for each other, they are both strong and fierce, who learn to work as partners for a common cause.

Danger, love, family and hope bring this story together, in a compelling read I was unwilling to put down until I got to the end. I can't wait to read more about this family.

I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

No Holding Back is a intense story about human trafficking.
I had a hard time connecting to the main character, Star. Star was abducted when she was 17 and even though she got away, she is haunted by her past. She is now trying to help others going through what she had to endure. She is a loner and works alone until she meets Cade.
Definitely a romantic suspenseful read.
I think No Holding Back is a great start to a new series. I’m looking forward to reading more books in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received an advance copy from the author and this is my honest review

What a great book even if it has to do with Human trafficking, a one woman rescuer, and a vigilante family...

Sterling (Star) Parson She was a but strong and was also a protector with a battered heart
Cade McKenzie... his protective

Cade and Sterling I loved their battle of wills. The McKenzies, Dad was like a military general and sister-Madison-the tech person His brother, Reyes... with a heart of gold.

First in a new series, with a heroine who is a survivor and a fighter, and a hero who lives and breathes the family business: busting up human trafficking rings.

Sterling (Star) Parson drives her semitruck across Colorado, as a cover for what she's really doing: searching for women she can help. She has a passion and drive to help trafficking victims, and she uses her trucking routes to hide her pursuits. Star is a loner, and she's never needed, or even wanted, anyone to help her, until she walks into Cade's bar.

Cade McKenzie isn't just a bar owner, but most people don't notice or care. Until Star. She walks into his bar, and all his responsibilities, and hopes for secrecy, go out the window. He knows she is up to something, and he wants to help her, but he isn't at liberty to spill all his own secrets to her either. How can they work together, if they're both determined to keep doing everything their own way?

Cade and Star were drawn to each other from the start, but they were each wary too. Star had no attachments in her life, and was in no hurry to change that. Cade didn't have the kind of life that made it easy to have a relationship, but he couldn't get Star out of his mind. They both had to figure out that the other was worth the risk of getting involved, and I loved watching them fall into each other.

Cade's family dynamic was fascinating, and his brother Reyes had an irreverent sense of humor, which I enjoyed. I was fascinated by the family's backstory, and how they got into this line of work. I can't wait to get to know the family even better as their stories continue on, with Reyes' book next!

I enjoyed this story quite a bit, though I will say that while this book had a similar feel to the author's Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series (which is an all-time favorite of mine), it didn't feel nearly as FUN as those stories. I'm hoping, based on what I've seen of Reyes' personality so far, that his story might bring some of that fun back.

Content Warning for mentions & mild depictions of human trafficking, on and off page, in discussions and flashbacks.

NO HOLDING BACK – Lori Foster
The McKenzies of Ridge Trail, Book 1
HQN
ISBN: 978-1-335-66850-9
January 26, 2021
Contemporary Romance

Ridge Trail, Colorado – Present Day

Sterling “Star” Parson is used to working alone in her trucking job, but also in her quest to rescue sex trafficking victims. She frequents a bar in Ridge Trail and is familiar with the bartender, Cade McKenzie. She knows he watches her a lot when she’s in there, but she dismisses it as he appears harmless, though she must admit she feels a bit of attraction. When Cade begins to ask a few questions of Sterling, she realizes that he knows what she’s up to. One night, Sterling gets lucky, which leads to an invite for her to a party at a house she suspects where there will be women lured into sex trafficking. But it all goes wrong, and she barely escapes with her life.

What Sterling doesn’t realize at first is that Cade also rescues sex traffic victims and he suspected not only where she was going, but that she’d run into trouble. Cade causes a distraction and breaks up the party, but he doesn’t know what happened to Sterling. He finally finds her and the two discover they’re both after the same thing and decide to combine forces. Cade wants to protect Sterling, while she has always been able to take care of herself. But they prove to be a formidable team.

NO HOLDING BACK is an exciting tale set around the hunt for sex trafficking victims. Sterling isn’t a stranger to the feeling of being captured by a sex trafficker. Luckily for her, she escaped at the right time. Since then, her goal has been to take down the big bad guy behind one of the biggest sex trafficking operations in the area. But he proves hard to nail, so the added benefit of Cade helping her is a big plus. Yet, Sterling isn’t sure if she can trust Cade because he seems so mysterious. She soon learns that Cade and his whole family are in the business of rescuing sex trafficking victims. Sort of like a modern-day Batman venture with a fortress and lots of toys and gadgets. In the end, will Sterling get the man she’s tracking? How about the sizzling attraction between her and Cade? While an affair is not something she usually does, will it allow her heart to open to another person?

Cade is assisted in the “family business” by his father, brother, Reyes, and sister, Madison. They, along with their trusty butler, live in a secluded house outside of town. Using the bar and another business as fronts, the McKenzie brothers can gauge the pulse of the sex trafficking business. They have managed to operate under the radar, so the last thing they need is to have someone else “poaching” on their territory. That is why Cade convinced Sterling to join forces with them. Meanwhile, their attraction heats up, and it isn’t long before they’re having sex. Once the bad guy is caught, will their fling continue? Or will Sterling move on to another part of the country?

There’s plenty of danger and sizzling love scenes in NO HOLDING BACK, the first tale in Lori Foster’s new series, The McKenzies of Ridge Trail. Once you start reading NO HOLDING BACK, you will be unable to put it down. Excitement, passion, and a tale that ends with good winning over evil, don’t miss NO HOLDING BACK.

Patti Fischer

It will also post at Romance Reviews Today: http://romrevtoday.com/

Oh my goodness! I was not expecting a book about sex trafficking, those aren't normally books I read. This one was absolutely amazing! Star (Sterling) is a wonderfully strong woman who has been through unmentionable things and fought to not only get back to a normal life but to also save others along the way. Cade sees something in her and knows that she needs help and falls in love with her along the way. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

What a great start to a new series. Loved Cade and Sterling. Chemistry that leaps off the pages along with a story I couldn't put down. Great supporting characters and can't wait for more. No spoilers just a great way to start the series. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review

Wow, just wow! I devoured this book, I was so enraptured with the plot, Cade, Sterling and the whole McKenzie family. Cade is so alpa yummy, Sterling a tuff cookie with a purpose. These two were so great together and how they fell in love amid intense situations. The trading of insults between Sterling and Cade’s brother Reyes brought some great one liners and comic relief. Ms. Foster did an excellent job of telling a story ripped from today’s headlines of human trafficking. I am itching for Reyes story. Bravo Ms. Foster for a most super page turner.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

Loved the dynamic between Cade and Star with the added banter of Cade's brother. Refreshing to get a lead female who can kick ass along side her male counterpart.

Ahh, Lori Foster did it again! It was everything I expected. A strong heroine and an alpha hero. You have romance, suspense and great characters! From the beginning to I was at edge of your seat! Lori has a way that will have you love the characters you need to love and dislike the one you need to dislike. And, boy did I want to get my hands on Adela and Mattox ;-) Hahaha, I especially loved the scene with Bernard, Reyes and the cats. If you don’t believe me, why not go ahead and read the book? You will enjoy it, if you like (love) Lori Foster’s books!!! I can’t wait for the next book in the series :-) I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.

Brilliant. Breathtaking. Intense. What a way to start a new series, it left me gasping for air and yearning for the next installment, while made a huge impact. WOW!
Everything about the story is intense: the tempo of the tale, the relationships between the whole cast and crew, the tangible connection of the hero and heroine, the love scenes, the environment the story unfolds in, the McKenzies family, and the work they do, the story unfolds like an explosive thunderstorm that puts you on the edge at the same time as you can just admire the beauty of it.
You have to pay attention and focus your mind, read the nuances, and interpreted the twists and turns of the plot cause the McKenzies are moving at their own speed and do not temper it for anyone.
Sterling (Star) Parson and Cade McKenzie have such smoldering chemistry that I am surprised it didn't melt my Kindle. The connection between them is natural, it was like they were meant to be together, and they had been on a journey to meet each other all their lives. Their destinies were entwined, and their feelings grew authentically. With the detailed, ardent love scenes the readers get to witness their emotions get involved and feelings grow, alluring, and dazzling, they captured my mind.
The riveting suspense and up close and personal action are palpably edgy and horrifyingly intimidating as they are fighting against human traffickers, the lowest scum on earth. The culprits are creepy, and the violence is unavoidable, the fight is fierce, and the women are right there, in the middle of it as well, strong, capable, and equal partners in the fight for justice.
This thrill ride went directly to my emotions with the deep, heart-stirring feels, with the strong family connection, and the loyalty of the team. I was as much charmed and infatuated by the romance as I was on the edge and riveted by the danger and threat.
A marvelous start for the trilogy, a pleasing and satisfying romantic suspense story
~ Five Spoons!

This is the story of two people with the same agenda and very different ways of getting there. Sterling and Cade are both determined to do what they can to end the abuse and trafficking of women, children, and occasionally men, that happens in their region of Colorado. Sterling was kidnapped as a teen and only through her own risk taking and bravery did she not become one of the trafficked and enslaved women she tries to help. She rescued herself the way she approaches life now- no holding back. She feels like she doesn't matter and no one will miss her if something goes wrong, so the fly by the start of her pants approach works for her. Cade and his family run an organization that works the end trafficking in a much more careful approach than Sterling's. Research, stake outs, and planning are how they work. Naturally when Sterling and Cade end up having to work together, they are going to clash big time. Fortunately, there is enough natural chemistry between them to keep them from killing each other.

I enjoyed seeing Sterling discovering how she could become a part of something larger- both in work and in life. She has been through a lot and it was great to see her slowly letting her guard down enough to let Cade and his family in. Cade was great, and I enjoyed the book a lot. It dragged in one or two places, but the only thing I found really disappointing was not learning a fantastic story behind the name of Cade's wonderfully named bar- the Tipsy Wolverine.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

No Holding Back by Lori Foster
The McKenszies of Ridge Trail #1

Sweet story with a whole lot more to it than I first expected. Star has found a safe place to “rest” between truck hauls and most of that safe feeling comes from the presence of Cade the bartender. That more will occur is a given and a HEA eagerly hoped for as I read about each of these main characters that so deserved to be together.

What I liked:
*Sterling “Star Parson: strong, resilient, intelligent, on a mission, a defender, and driven to make things “right” – she has a lot of heart and strong feelings for Cade…eventually
* Cade McKenzie: more than just a bartender, ex-elite-military, working for a cause, a protector, strong family ties, and is taken with Star. Loved his relationship with his siblings
* The relationship that develops between Cade and Star was equal, delightful, loving, generous and a whole lot of fun to watch unfold
* The McKenzies and the dynamics between siblings and their father
* Bernard: a man that is more than a butler and chef…would love to know more about him
* Learning the backstory of the Cade and Star and the motivation of the McKenzies to take up the task they have set for themselves
* That everyone is “strong” in their own right
* The hook to the next romance that could be between Reyes McKenzie and a woman that is a member of his gym
* That the bad guys are easy to hate and that they met their just desserts
* All of it really…except…

What I didn’t like:
* The fact that the crime everyone was working against is real and ever present and really does need to be eradicated.
* The bad guys…they are the scum of the earth and it was easy to hate them and what they do for a living
* Having to wait for the next book in the series.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

Thank you to NetGalley and HQN for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I love a great start to a new series, it leaves me anticipating more to come. This story stands alone and I'll assume the next stories are the siblings.
These characters live in a place where their roads seem like the highway to hell for many women. A route for human trafficking. This family are vigilantes and find a like minded woman, all have personal reasons for their thoughts and actions. Star is a survivor and determined to help women but her resources are limited, combining forces they will be unstoppable.
Of course there is love and romance, she's so independent and prickly that he has met his match.
I couldn't put this story down, absolutely loved it.

I can sum up this novel in one word, and that word is, "Wow!" When I requested an advance reader copy of this novel, I expected something akin to Lori Foster's Body Armor romantic suspense series, but this first novel in her new McKenzie's of Ridge Trail series quite simply blew me away, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.

First, the warnings, the subject matter of this novel is dark--human trafficking/rape. It's as violent as it is steamy, but if off-screen rape, and on-screen graphic sex and violence are triggers for you, I'd recommend finding a gentler, less violent novel to read.

Star/Sterling Parson was kidnapped, trafficked, raped and abused when she was a teenager, but unlike so many other girls in the real world, she managed to escape. Ever since then, she's been on a mission to rescue other girls and women in the same situation, and she's learned that she can often find them along the I-25 highway in Colorado, and at the truck stops along it. She's become a big-rig trucker, so her frequenting truck stops draws no attention, nor does the way she dresses, playing down her looks and becoming one of the thousands of anonymous truckers on the road. She's also found a rather seedy, out of the way, bar in a small town where she can stop, have a drink, and fall asleep at one of the tables, feeling both anonymous and as safe as she ever feels, which isn't much for this quiet loner. The reason for that feeling comes in the form of bartender Cade McKenzie, a big, tall, handsome hunk of a man who has always seemed protective of her while keeping his distance, and by making sure that his other bar patrons keep theirs.

Each of these well-drawn, intriguing characters is more than what they seem at first, as Star is about to discover. Cade has been content to watch her, let her rest, and wait, but when he sees and hears her flirt and make a date with two disreputable men, he's about to reveal that he's more than what he seems, and although he's barely had a conversation with her, Cade sees far more deeply into Star's character, and her life, than she could possibly imagine, and he realizes that now is the time to get involved, and does he ever. Things are about to get very complicated, very steamy, and very dangerous, very fast.

No Holding Back is as dark and action-packed a romantic suspense novel as I've read. The subject matter is both harsh and timely, but, if you like edge-of-your-seat suspense, danger, and drama, like to be invested in characters with real issues, real backstories, real depth, and plenty of angst, characters who are prone to self-examining their own feelings and motivations, and who deal with each other with great compassion, respect, understanding, and yes, even humor, then I think you'll you will be as impressed with and drawn to this brilliantly written novel as I was. I have no idea how Ms. Foster is going to top this novel, but I can't wait to find out.

As stated, I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

This is more of a romantic suspense than a straight contemporary romance series as the blurb implies. You can't do the line of work they do with bringing down human traffickers and not have a lot of scenes featuring criminal activity, combat and spilled blood. But I love romantic suspenses, especially those from Ms. Foster, so that was a welcome surprise (that first scene though, beware, it can be a trigger).

All is not as it seems with Sterling (Star) and Cade. Sterling is not a simple trucker, instead she's someone set out on bringing down a specific human trafficker and helping women escape from those holding them hostage. And Cade is not a simple bar owner. He and his family are sort-of mercenaries who try to help rescue women who have been trafficked and bring down those who are harming them. But they operate through funding from a foundation, so they're on the up-and-up in that their work is sanctioned it seems. That whole operation was still a little vague for me at times, but I loved what they did and how well they worked together as a team.

I loved seeing Star open up to Cade and let him in. They surprisingly worked well together one she gave him a chance. She was one tough chick and Cade respected her and her ability to take care of herself. It wasn't what I expected from an alpha like Cade, so that was a nice surprise. Cade was incredibly competent and skilled when it came to handling the bad guys. It was sexy to see both of them fight as well as they did when they were challenged.

I wish we had more romance between Cade & Sterling. There was no question that they were physically attracted to one another and had a mutual respect for their capabilities. And I definitely saw them as a viable couple, but we were lacking the hearts I wanted. We get plenty of heat, but not a lot of romancing. Granted, they weren't exactly able to go on dates given the situation, but I'd have liked more getting to know them outside of the bedroom.

Overall though, a great start to the series!

I loved the banter between Reyes and Star. And the way Star could make Bernard (the butler/chef/cat lover/secret agent lol) blush when she complimented his cooking was adorable.

I'm looking forward to Reyes' and Kennedy's book! They were such a cute and odd pair.

Nobody writes romantic suspense like Lori Foster! I've read all of her books, multiple times, and am never disappointed. No Holding Back is her best one yet!! (I know, I've said that before, but it's true.) The heroine, Star, is my favorite so far! She's tough, yet she has such compassion for victims. It's probably because she was a victim of human traffickers when she was young, but I think it's because she's just got a big heart. She's a perfect match for Cade, the hunky hero. Talk about a man you can rely on!! Cade is everything a man should be and more. I love the fact that he and his family are taking down human traffickers! They're the scum of society and should all be dealt with! So many women's, girls', and even boys' lives have been destroyed because of the depravity, greed, and evil of these flesh peddlers! If you like stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, see justice served, and are romantic and steamy, then you can't go wrong with a Lori Foster book, especially this one!

This is my honest opinion.

This was everything I wanted in a story. A strong heroine and a fierce hero. I totally loved them. The story starts out intense and the momentum just keeps going. Sexy and suspenseful. Some hard hitting plots in this book. The story told is is awesome and Lori foster knows how to pull you in to a story. The first in a new series and I can't wait to see what else is in store.