Lori Foster is a fabulous author that will grab your attention from the first page & Stronger Than You Know is no exception!! This is the second book in the series with the McKenzie family and this is Reyes & Kennedy Brooks story (she was a character in the first book). She’s in danger & calls Reyes for help after someone burns down her apartment building. He brings her to his house to protect her & the story goes from there. There’s action, danger, wonderful characters, suspense, romance & you won’t want to put the book down!! Kennedy is a strong female character & survivor of sex trafficking who is trying to help others by writing books & giving lectures and Reyes with his family are the ones that can protect her from the evil bad guys that are after her. It can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the series in order. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!! I received an arc from the author & Netgalley for an honest review.

The moment she wandered into his gym he was drawn to her, like a moth to a forbidden flame. Kennedy Brooks puts off a "not available" vibe, but that doesn't stop him from thinking about making a move. She also gives him the sense that she carries a few deep and dark secrets too, but he has some of those as well. She is a fierce little thing that can take care of herself, but his instincts also tell him that she's fighting a battle that at some point she is going to need help winning... and he wants to be the one to help her win that battle!

Stronger Than You Know is a slow burn romance that will torture you in the best possible way. The moment they meet that are inexplicably drawn to one another, it's an attraction that they cannot deny, but one that neither are sure they want to chase. Both have their own demons, their hang-ups when it comes to love, and they are not ready to to travel down that road again. But love isn't letting them off that easily!

When danger brings them together, it becomes even harder to ignore what is happening between them and the way they feel about one another... it's as if they are fighting a losing battle. A battle I thoroughly enjoyed watching unfold! I felt an instant connection to these two, their magnetic personalities drew me in, and their story kept me utterly enthralled until the last page was found... it was impossible addiction to kick! Highly recommend this one, Ms. Foster's endearing characters will steal your heart from first glance!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

In Stronger Than You Know, we rejoin the MacKenzie family as they work to protect the innocent and beat the bad guys.

This time the focus is on middle child, Reyes. He is paired with Kennedy, a trafficking survivor, who is danger again. After meeting both of these characters in book 1, it was nice to get to know them and the rest of the MacKenzie family better here.
I found both Reyes and Kennedy to be enjoyable characters and the pacing of the story kept me engaged throughout.

The timeline for this book is sequential to the first book, so I strongly suggest that the series be read in order to avoid spoilers. Ms Foster continues the world building around youngest sibling, Madison, but this is done in such away that it supports the current story and has me looking forward to what is coming next!

Kennedy Brooks doesn't let many people get to close. Ever since she was the victim of human trafficking in her early 20s she's made it her mission to inform as many people as possible about the perils of human trafficking and learn how to defend herself. Part of her self-defense has been learned in the gym owned by Reyes McKenzie. Reyes is impossible not to notice, but Kennedy has done her best to keep him at a distance as she senses Reyes is much more than a gym owner. However, when she returns from a trip to find her apartment building on fire and several suspect men creeping around outside she calls Reyes hoping he will be able to at least temporarily help her out. Reyes jumps in to help Kennedy out, but upon learning her history and more about the current situation knows this won't be an easy fix. While he could do without the threat to her life, Reyes takes the opportunity to keep Kennedy close and learn more about this enigmatic woman.

An enjoyable contemporary romance by Lori Foster. This is the second book in The McKenzies of Ridge Trail series. While reading the first is helpful for some background on the McKenzie Family it is not 100% necessary. The Mackenzie men are pretty alpha, but the women in their lives are in no way weak. I like the contrasting strengths of the women characters in this book, all of whom are very different physically and personality wise. The book felt a little long, there was almost a false ending and it took me a minute to get back into the swing of things. Overall, I enjoyed this read. It was pretty much what I expected having read many a Lori Foster books in the past. I am really looking forward to book 3 with Madison and Crosby - I the McKenzie sister is really going to kick some butt!

*There is reference to human trafficking and sexual violence, some of which was experienced by Kennedy and more by a friend of hers. It is not discussed in great detail, but does come up repeatedly.

Wow! I cannot say enough about this book (and series)! A great addition to the McKenzies of Ridge Trail series. Absolutely love how strong Kennedy is, even though she had been through some awful things in her life. She doesn't want to admit that she needs help, but when she finally does, Reyes and his family are right there ready and willing to help. Their relationship is a slow burn, but once it catches wow does it burn hot! Can't wait to see Crosby and Madison's story!

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

What an amazing edge of your seat story. This one had me flipping pages yet not wanting it to end. Such heart, family and great chemistry between characters. No spoilers just definitely one not to miss. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review

Boy if you want a page turner, or a suspenseful book, or a book full of love and romance, then look no further! Yes that’s right, Lori Foster has done it once again. I love reading her books because you just can’t ever guess what she’s going to get her characters into. Thank you Lori for writing us such an amazing book.

Book 2 in the McKenzies of Ridge Trail was another wonderful read. This is Reyes McKenzie and Kennedy Brook’s story, who we met in Book 1. To say Kennedy is a survivor is an understatement. She escapes after being kidnapped by human traffickers and made something of herself. She is a professional speaker going around the country to cover the dangers of human trafficking. I was in awe of her resilience and strength. After a speaking engagement she comes home to her house being burned down. Not quite knowing why, but her first thought was to call Reyes, knowing he would help her. I loved how Reyes immediately was by her side and was determined to keep her safe. He had felt their connection early on but now that he knew her story and his own commitment issues, he did not see them going anywhere. But as dangers mount against Kennedy and the close proximity to each other, their attraction becomes undeniable.

I loved the interactions between Reyes and Kennedy but I was thrilled to see the McKenzie family dynamic and how they just pulled Kennedy into their family. This book had suspense, drama, and so much heart. I really enjoyed it. I am now really looking forward to reading Madison’s story next.

I received an ARC of Stronger Than You Know from Netgalley, and this is my honest review.

Stronger Than you Know

The title Stronger Than You Know is a perfect title for this book. Ms. Foster has written the next exciting, intriguing, sexy, intense, edge of your seat book In the McKenzie Ridge series.

We met Reyes (Cade’s brother and Kennedy in No Holding Back.) Kennedy got away from her kidnapper, sex slaver and survived. Unfortunately, the man wants revenge for her escape. Returning home from a trip she sees her apartment building ablaze. Kennedy calls Reyes who owns the gym she has been training in self defense. Reyes takes care of the two men that were after Kennedy and takes her to his house to protect.

Getting more of a peek into the McKenzie family dynamic let’s you see how driven and passionate they are about taking out the Sex Traffickers that abound.

Reyes who is not looking for a commitment and likes his life and sexual freedom will find out that Kennedy will change his life. Reyes is a badass, sexy hot, Alpha I love with more of an edge.

I love this series so much and Kennedy will find out she is stronger than she knows.
Well done indeed Ms. Foster.

Bring on Madison’s story!



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

Stronger Than You Know: A Novel (ebook) by Lori Foster
This is one of those books you wish you could give more than 5 stars! This is the second book in The McKenzies of Ridge Trail series.. ( It can be read as a stand-alone but I suggest you read No Holding Back also. We catch up with the other McKenzie family members which is great - but this is Reyes and Kennedy's story. There is so much in this book to keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages - Mystery, terror, violence, very bad people, suspense, also laughter, tears, love, fun interactions and plenty of steam to get us to their HEA. I can't wait for the third book in this series Watching Over You.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Steamy Entertaining Twisted Funny Happily Ever After Tear-jerker Tragic Wonderful characters Informative Easy-to-read Unpredictable Action-packed Scary Page-turner Romantic

Absolutely loved this story. Book 2 in the McKenzies of Ridge Trail series is just as amazing as the first one. This story follows Cade's brother, Reyes and the woman who eventually steals his heart. Kennedy is a mystery to Reyes. He knows she's got secrets but when she finds herself in trouble she calls Reyes and he sets out to help her with the help of his family. Love all of Lori Foster's romantic suspense stories and I absolutely love this kicka$$ family. Reyes and Kennedy's relationship is understandably a bit of a slow burn but once they get together it is hot. But I really did love how Reyes took care of Kennedy and how he showed her that she is stronger than she thinks she is. That was so sweet. Loved everything about this story. Can't wait for the last sibling's story. Madison's story sounds so good so far from the sneak peak at the end. If you want a great romantic suspense that will get you hooked, pick up Stronger Than You Know and the rest of the series.

*I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book*

Kennedy has been putting her life back together after escaping being held by human traffickers. She does public speaking and writes books to help educate woman on how to avoid and fight back if being abducted. Coming home from a speaking event she finds her apartment on fire. Thankfully she was smart enough to cal Reyes.

Reyes knows something has happened to Kennedy so he watches her when she is at the gym. Something about her sparks something in him. When Kennedy calls him for help he jumps at the chance.

Kennedy is determined not only to help others but also her friend Jodi. Thankfully the McKenzies are there to do just that. I loved Kennedy’s strength and determination. Reyes and Kennedy are such a perfect match.

Thank you Lori for bringing more light to Human Trafficking. This is a huge problem and women need to educate and protect themselves.

Amazing romantic suspense from Lori Foster! Book 2 in series. Kennedy is a human trafficking survivor. She’s dedicated to educating others and learning to be deadly. Reyes was a joker and had no interest in anything serious with a woman. Kennedy intrigues him, though, and he can't stay away. They team up with the family. Great storyline, kept me on the edge of my seat.

I loved the book. This is a amazing series. The author is handling the really heavy and sensitive topic well with a good balance of the feel good of a romance.

I was eagerly anticipating this book as soon as I finished the first book in this series and sooooo was not disappointed. Loved Reyes part in the first book and knew that his joking demeanor covered a soft, tender and caring side. The way he is with Kennedy *sigh. She experienced so much with human trafficking but she proves her strength, not physically but in every other aspect. Such a freaking good book and am looking forward to Madison's tale

Kennedy was kidnapped by human traffickers and after she escaped, she goes to school and colleges talking about her ordeal. She starts training at a local gym, a gym Reyes owns and operates. Reyes’s gym is in a run down neighborhood and gathers information about illegal activities and tells his family, who do their own kind of justice.
Kennedy goes out of town and when she returns, her apartment building is on fire. The first person she calls is Reyes. Reyes, owner of a gym in a run down part of town, listens for illegal activities to give to his family, who gets their own justice. Reyes rushes to Kennedy to get her to safety. The only place for Kennedy stay and be safe, is with Reyes. Reyes doesn’t have long relationships and doesn’t plan to have one in the future. But the more time they spend together, Reyes realizes he wants her forever. Kennedy gets taken and Reyes will stop at nothing to get her back.
This is the second book of this series and it was awesome! Mrs. Foster’s books can take you away from your real life and have you on the edge of your seat. Be prepared for steamy scenes and action.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

I am really enjoying this series !You get suspense, heartwarming story. sexy alpha men and bad a** women working together to fight human trafficking. Kennedy is a survivor herself who has chosen to become a speaker to help young people become aware that it could happen to them. When she becomes a target she turns to Reyes, the owner of her gym little does she know how deep his skills. Reyes and his family are a well oiled task force, in memory of their mother, are trying to eliminate as much human trafficking as possible. High action, great chemistry and loyal family make this a very engaging read.

another great read from Lori. This subject is always difficult to read but these are things that happen all the time in the real world. I loved these characters and how strong these women are to overcome such travesties and find love and happiness.

Wow, I could not put this book down. I love an action-packed romance and Lori Foster delivered in spades! This book once again gives us a peek into the dark and dangerous world of human trafficking and the McKenzie's mission to take down those who profit from it.
Reyes and Kennedy are the main focus of this story- they piqued my interest in the last book and they easily held my attention to the very end of this one. Reyes is my favorite type of alpha-teasing, protective, sexy and capable. Kennedy both broke my heart and made me proud-she was Reyes perfect match in every way. The McKenzies are one of my all-time favorite families and I can't wait to read Madison and Crosby's story next!

Stronger Than You Know is the second book in the McKenzies of Ridge Trail. This series so far has been everything I love about Lori Foster's writing: sexy alpha heroes, strong heroines, chemistry and connection between the characters, a dash of mystery and suspense, great family dynamics, etc.

Reyes and Kennedy met in the first book, and their story played out in this one. Stronger Than You Know easily drew and kept my attention, and I found myself flipping through the pages.

I think my favorite part of these books is the family dynamics. I absolutely enjoy the relationships between the siblings and I like how Sterling and Kennedy fit in with them.

I can't wait for Madison and Crosby!

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the author via NetGalley.***