Star Parson is a big rig truck driver that helps women flee human traffickers. Her goal is to save as many women as possible since she knows what it feels like to be trafficked. She finds a dive bar that she feels comfortable resting in from time to time. The bar owner, Cade, makes sure Star is harmed when she is in his establishment. Star and Cade get to know each other and discover that they are each fighting the same enemy. Cade doesn’t want Star to be hurt and Star wants to continue her crusade alone.

Can these two find common ground to save women and a relationship? Read this book to find out!

What a great start to a new series! Sterling (Star) is such a fascinating character, she is a female truck driver but also moonlights as a protector of young women. She had survived a horrible time in her young life and has made it her mission to not let that happen to anyone else. She had been stopping at the local bar and had caught the eye of the bartender, Cade McKenzie. But he too is not all that he seems. The two of them, along with Cade’s family, have a common mission. After a near miss, Star is convinced and willing to work together, but she is still protecting herself. I absolutely loved the way Cade approached Star, he saw the sadness and hurt in her eyes and he does not strong arm her or manipulate her at all. He allows her to make her decisions, but stays by her side.

I loved so many things about this book, we have a very strong and independent heroine, an alpha protector in the hero, the suspense that kept me on my toes, intense chemistry between Star and Cade, and the banter between her and his family was awesome. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Another great read by Lori Foster, so good!

I love this story so much. Lori goes in a different direction in No Holding Back, but. she tells the story with her usual heat and heart. I love it when the Hero and the heroine join forces to fight a common enemy instead of fighting each other.
Cade, when crossed, is a force to be reckoned with, but he also has a soft spot for family and Sterling, or Star, as he likes to call her. Sterling is a strong woman, but she recognizes and accepts her limitations. She is not foolhardy. Together she and Cade work, along with his family, to rescue women in distress.
This is Cade and Sterling’s story, but I’ll bet we’re going to get to know other members of the Mc Kenzie family, and I say, “Bring it”.

Lori Foster starts her new series with a story about human trafficking and a vigilante family focused on stopping the human traffickers. It was intense, it was nerve wracking, it was wonderful. Sterling/Star grew up in a dysfunctional home and was abducted by a sex trafficker when she was 17. She escaped, but it gave her life a new focus – saving other women from the same fate. It also made her a loner, keeping to herself, keeping a low profile.

When she starts going to Cade McKenzies’ bar he knows she is hiding something, but he just keeps a protective eye on her. Once they start interacting, the story really takes off and this is one couple that will stay with me for a long time. The good guys are everything you’d want them to be. The bad guys are really evil with no redeeming qualities, just as they should be. The McKenzie family is fascinating, each person a well-defined individual. This is a great start to a new series.

Thank you to Lori Foster and NetGalley for an advance reader copy; this is my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. I did not want to put it down and I cannot wait to read Reyes book. Of course i am not sure there will be one but there was a hint.

This book had so many twists and turns and a lot of surprises. Star and Cada are the perfect match. Reyes is hilarious, Madison is such a lovely person, I hope there is a book for Bernard and Parrish.

I highly recommend this book you will love it.

Thank you Netgalley and HQN for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

Two seemingly different worlds collide when Sterling and Cade find themselves thrown together in the middle of a deadly situation. All isn't as it originally seems on the surface though. The bartender and the truck driver both have a secret mission fueled by the horror and hurt of their pasts. If they can both learn to trust enough to work together they can bring down the demons that haunt them, but first they must deal with the hot attraction growing between them.

I could not put this book down. I seriously finished in in under two days. I adored Cade and Star. Reyes, Madison, Bernard and Parrish were all so amazingly well written characters also. The relationship between Cade and Star was a real page turner. Their personalities totally fit together perfectly. Add in Reyes for some comic relief and you have quite the story. The sibling relationship between Cade, Reyes and Madison was well done in my opinion. Lori Foster absolutely outdid herself with this story. It was so well done. I am dying to see what happens next in this series.

This is a book that I couldn’t put down and it resonated with me long after I read it. Tackling the very tough subject of human trafficking and the emotions with marketing people for sex against their will and the law, kidnapping, abuse, fear, brainwashing, and the other ugly actions of this trade is difficult. Adding a story of love and healing that takes center stage is even more of a challenge. Ms. Foster has used a special touch in weaving the story line around the backdrop so the characters are not lost in the shocking depravity of those who feel it is a business opportunity to control people without consent.
She leaves a nugget for a future story that will keep me up at nights. Oh and an animal rescue – who can resist an animal rescue.

Get ready for a heart-pumping ride! No Holding Back is a new series from Ms. Foster and it was fun to meet a whole new cast of characters – and they are characters! The overall story had a hard topic for me but it was handled well and really made for an amazing story. I won’t give any spoilers but I want to tell you what was most important for me. Star/Sterling is a take no crap, very strong heroine. The author doesn’t make her a cartoon character – she charges into situations, trying to right many wrongs to young women, and it is extremely personal for her. And Cade. He is a hero for the ages, imho. The best part is he isn’t an alpha-jerk. Oh, he IS definitely an alpha male but he is thoughtful about how his actions effect everyone around him… Well, maybe not his brother Reyes (just kidding!) but he thinks about his actions and if there will be a fallout from them. He and Star make a great team. The bad guys are really bad. The good guys really ARE good. And that’s all I can say as you really have to unfold this story for yourself. It was really annoying when I had to stop reading in the wee hours of the morning so I could get some sleep. Plan ahead!

In a new series “No Holding Back” (McKenzies of Ridge Trail #1) by Lori Foster we meet Sterling (Star), who is not your typical trucker and Cade McKenzie, who is not your typical bar owner. Both of them have hidden agendas and problems trusting anyone. But as their “interests” cross it might just be beneficial to both their causes to partner up.

There are a wonderful amount of other characters including Cades sister and tech genius Madison and his quick with a comeback, cat saving brother Reyes (who I hope is center stage in book 2)

I received and ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

No Holding Back is one of Lori Foster's best books! Its my new favorite. These two characters are strong, independent, caring people. I loved the way these two built trust with one another before jumping into a relationship,

Sterling/Star is a trucker who had a horrible childhood. She was kidnapped and escaped. Now she helps women who escape human traffickers and sometimes helps them escape. She’s a loner until she meets Cade. Cade, is former military and owns a bar in a rough part of town, and his family are vigilantes in a way. They take down human traffickers and get the women help afterwards. When Star bites off more than she can chew, Cade steps in to help. But Star doesn’t want help until she finds out what his family does. Now they are all working together to take down a abusive, human trafficker and save the women he has.
First in a new series and it’s AWESOME. I loved the main characters and the secondary characters. There is action, suspense, and sex. Cade is tough but with the heart of a giant teddy bear, to his family and loved ones. Star is brave and will not back down from a fight. They are perfect for each other and I can’t wait to see what happens to the rest of them.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

This book had me on the edge of my seat through the hole book. The twist and turns kept me going Love Star and Cade. Would have never guessed Adela was working with Mattow to trap Star & Cade. Then Bernard to me more than a butler. What a family with Parrish being in control of everything. Madison and Reyes and Cade to all work to stop trafficing and to bring Star in to the fold was amazing. I just loved it.

No Holding Back was such an exciting read. Great start to the new McKenzies of Ridge Trail series. Loved the kicka$$ heroine, Sterling aka Star and Cade! Omg! He was hot, alpha and protective but so patient and understanding. Star and Cade were the perfect match. Loved the premise. This story reminds me of Lori Foster's Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series, which I absolutely loved too. Action packed romance filled with danger and love. Kept me reading all day and night. Can't wait to read the rest of this series.

*I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book*

This is book one in the McKenzies ridge Trail series. I have Been a huge Lori Foster fan for many years. This new series is a different direction for her and I couldn’t be more excited! I am Madly in love with this family already. Cade is a former Ranger and a bar owner. Star is a truck driver who wants nothing more than to help women. Star frequents Cad’s bar as a rest stop, she doesn’t know Cade but knows she feels safe in his bar. When Cade finally approached Star it was instant chemistry and major Attitude from Star. Star is a fierce strong woman who doesn’t want help from anyone. When Star meets Cades family I laughed Out loud several times. Cades brother Reyes is hysterical and the way he pokes fun at everyone in every situation made me love him instantly. Between the funny banter, hot chemistry and the excitement of the cat and mouse game this book was very entertaining. I am Already very excited to read book 2 in this series! I truly can’t wait to see what kind of adventure the McKenzies family will bring me on next.

This is probably the best book that I’ve read of Ms Foster’s and I’m pretty sure that I’ve read them all. It was pretty intense but considering the subject matter, it has to be. If there were ever two people who were meant to be, it would be Cade and Star. It was a stroke of luck that Star found Cade’s bar and that she felt safe there, realizing that it was Cade, himself, that exuded protectiveness without being overbearing. Even though Cade was exceptionally confident in his abilities, he was pretty perceptive about people, both close to him and with opponents. This was a great start to a new series. It has action, suspense, a few tears, and, of course, a great connection with some pretty hot scenes. What more could you want? It will be interesting to read about Reyes’ story, can’t wait!

What a fantastic book, I couldn’t stop reading. Loved how patient Cade is with Sterling (Star). They were so great together, they were definitely meant for each other. Loved their chemistry. This book also kept me on edge! Also loved not k owing if a character was a victim or part of the trafficking ring. Loved Cade’s family too. This is one of the best books I’ve read and I’m already ready to re read it, it’s that good. I highly recommend this book.

NO HOLDING BACK is book number one in Lori Foster’s new series entitled the Mackenzies of Ridge Trail and promises to be a doozy. Human trafficking is a harsh reality. Has been going on for years – perhaps centuries – but now in the modern world it is insidious and pervasive. Women and children are the prime victims but what we fail to acknowledge is how the families of those victims are themselves collateral damage. These families are forever on the edge looking in vain for their missing members or facing the devastating fact that they are forever gone. Needless to say it leaves the living feeling powerless. They were unsuccessful in their attempt to find their missing loved one. They were unsuccessful in helping them even when the missing person was found and returned home. The vicious cycle had no end.
In NO HOLDING BACK we are learning bits and pieces about the Mackenzie family and each piece uncovers a glimpse into their history and horror. Cade Mackenzie’s cover is as a bartender. He uses his time behind the bar to scope out newcomers as well as serve as a distraction to anyone who might discover what his real profession is – that of uncovering rings of human traffickers. He uses the discipline learned in the military and his personal history as the weapon against these demons.
As for Sterling who Cade calls by her old name Star she is having difficulty learning how to trust and work with a backup. You see Star was taken while in high school, managed to escape mostly intact, but with guilt over those she left behind. There have been some magical people in Star’s life and with trust in Cade building she seems willing to share good as well as bad moments. Problem is Cade doesn’t seem willing to reveal much about himself. All Star knows is that Cade and his brother stepped in and helped her without asking for anything in return.
Cade’s interest in Star is blurring his relationship with this strong independent woman. His family is at odds with his becoming too close to Star who they view as a kind of firecracker who just might explode at any moment and take Cade down with her. She is untrained and has worked solo for several years. All that and her reluctance to trust Cade makes them all weary and worried for Cade.
Sometimes you have to trust your instinct and listen to your gut. Cade knows that and being at Star’s back is just something he feels he has to do. The question is just how far Cade will go to keep Star safe while she continues working to assuage her guilt.
NO HOLDING BACK is indeed a page turner with lots of angst and anger every step of the way. Lori Foster didn’t mince words when describing the fate of these folks that the traffickers hold. Cade and Star are actually working toward the same goal but their procedures are quite different. What really counts is results – right? Well we will have to wait and see. NO HOLDING BACK is quite an adventure and will at times have you at the edge of the seat. All planned perfectly by Lori Foster.

Great start of a new series. I didn’t want to put it down. Intrigue, family and love, Enjoyed this one from beginning to end. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley.

What a great start to a new series! Human trafficking, a one woman rescuer, and a vigilante family...I gobbled this one up in time!!

Sterling (Star) Parson was a prickly pear. She was difficult to get to know, making it very interesting peeling back all her layers! She was a tough nut to crack and definitely a survivor, but she was also a protector with a battered heart.

What to say about Cade McKenzie...hmmm, I pretty much loved the guy:) He was a tad over the top on abilities, but his protective attitude and the way he nurtured Sterling and coaxed her out of her shell-heart melting!

Cade and Sterling had fantastic chemistry! When she had her hackles up and was giving him a ton of grief-haha-I loved their battle of wills. All that heat scorched across the pages like nobody’s business and oh boy! Combustion!!!

I loved the McKenzies. They were a wonderful cast of supportive characters. Dad was like a military general and sister-Madison-the techie. His brother, Reyes...so he’s kind a a horn dog, but has a heart of gold and I’m anticipating his book like you wouldn’t believe!

TW-human trafficking and physical abuse is described.

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