Stronger Than You Know

McKenzies of Ridge Trail #2

by Lori Foster

Their secrets run deep, but desire runs deeper…

Kennedy Brooks has spent years learning how to protect herself, and empowering other women to do the same. Still, there are some hazards that can’t be predicted. That includes Reyes McKenzie, who owns her local gym. Strong, capable, and watchful, he seems like the one man who might understand her past. For once, Kennedy is tempted to let her guard down—something she’s vowed never to do.

The moment petite, fiercely determined Kennedy walked into his gym, Reyes knew that she carried secrets. What he didn’t expect was that she could tell the same about him. When trouble tracks her down, she turns to Reyes, unleashing a maelstrom of protective instinct and mutual desire. But will her need for him end when the danger does, or will they take the ultimate risk—on each other?
 
“Emotionally spellbinding and wicked hot.”—Lora Leigh, New York Times bestselling author, on No Limits
 
The McKenzies of Ridge Trail
Book 1: No Holding Back
Book 2: Stronger Than You Know
Book 3: Watching Over You

Don't miss The Honeymoon Cottage, an all-new romantic family saga by Lori Foster where locals of a quirky small town help an on-the-shelf wedding planner find her own happily-ever-after.
 

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Audiobook

384 pages, ebook

First published August 24, 2021

About the author

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.

•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.

•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.

•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.

•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.

•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.

•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.

•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.

•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.

•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stronger Than You Know reminds me so much of Susan Stoker's books. Miss Foster brings a little kick here and there in the story.

The topic of military romance is always one of my favorite of mine. I like he chemistry. The plot is standard. A bit boring in the middle.

Overall I do not hate nor love it either.

3 stars

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW (The McKenzies of Ridge Trail book #2) by Lori Foster is another exciting romantic suspense in the McKenzies of Ridge Trail series. This story features the second McKenzie son, Reyes who has been trained his entire life to fight against human traffickers with his family and the woman who has turned her experience of being trafficked into empowering other women.

Reyes McKenzie runs a gym in the seedier part of town to gather intel on human trafficking activity that he and his family can act against. Kennedy Brooks uses Reyes’s gym to work on her self-defense skills and even though she is intrigued by Reyes, she wants nothing to do with him until she returns from a conference and finds her apartment building on fire and two men lurking by her Uber. Reyes’ protective instincts kick in and Kennedy will be staying with him until they can discover who is after her.

Reyes is a wonderful hero with his protectiveness of Kennedy, and I loved his continual wise-cracking and needling of others. Kennedy is a strong heroine, not so much physically, but with her strength and caring for others which makes the inclusion of Jodi, another trafficking survivor, a great example of her caring. The romance in this story is a slow burn with Reyes not believing he would ever find true love, but once they get together, hot, hot, hot. The suspense plot moves at a fast pace and does have realistic descriptions of violence against women. I liked catching up with Cade and Star’s relationship and I also enjoyed learning more about Reyes’s father and Bernard in this book.

Another wonderful addition to the series and I highly recommend this exciting romantic suspense!

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of Stronger Than You Know. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*

I met Kennedy and Reyes first in No Holding Back and they intrigued me. In Stronger Than You Know, that first interest I had in both of them definitely grew. Kennedy had fought so hard to be in control of her life again, only to realize that someone out there did not plan on leaving her alone. Reyes - in all his I don't want commitment glory - felt something for her the first time they met.

When Kennedy found herself in danger, she called Reyes, and he showed up ready to take on the world to help her.

In this novel, the readers learned more about all the McKenzies, and what they do to help others. I love that Reyes and Cade got a better understanding of their dad in this installment thanks to Sterling and Kennedy!

The romance between Kennedy and Reyes was a slow burn - because Reyes was such a gentleman, and Kennedy didn't fully understand why she had these feelings for him. They were hot together, and I think I loved them so much because their foundation is built on trust and respect.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori amazes me with her writing skills, this story kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what was going to happen next! I loved it! 5 stars for this one!
Kennedy survived and got away from her human traffickers, and now lives a life trying to help others avoid being kidnapped and sent to the same fate she experienced. She's always aware of her surroundings so when she feel's something is going wrong, she finally gives in and calls Reyes for help.
Reyes and his family do what they can to help woman who've been trafficked as they know first hand how horrible it is. When Kennedy reaches out to him, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Read along and enjoy this story, as I said it will have you on the edge of your seat, but you'll also enjoy learning about these two amazing characters!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author hard!
Stronger Than You Know is hands down one of Loris' best. This book is a wild ride that'll leave you gasping for air and exhilarated.
Lori Foster knows how to write! Her words never fail to suck you right into the story and not let go until the very last syllable.
The very first chapter had me devouring the words and flipping pages. My eyes wide and my heart pounding.
I fell in love with Reyes in the first book of this series and I really wanted to know more about Kennedy. Their story did not disappoint.
And bonus, we get more of Star's snark and Madison's crazy tech skills.
If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for!
Reading Lori Foster is the very best kind of adventure!
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Ronda Barnes-Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with suspense and a happy ending. The title of the book was perfect for the story. You don’t really know how strong you are until faced with your demons of a tragic event and you are strong enough to overcome and see there is light at the end of the tunnel and you survived. The McKenzie’s are a family that help victims of human trafficking because of personal reasons. I received this arc for my honest opinion and I would highly recommend this book.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the McKenzies of Ridge Trail series. I have not read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I was pulled into this book for the first page. I really enjoyed the suspense, romance, and getting to know the characters in this book. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Karen's Utterly Unashamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

They estimate between 15,000 and 50,000 people are kidnapped into the sex trafficking trade every year. They don't have hard numbers because many of these mostly women and children disappear and are never seen again.

This is a real life statistic and we need some real life men like Reyes.

He's protective
He's possessive
He's a gym owner but that's not his job
Family tragedy changed the course of his life
And he's just plain sexy

Because of all that, he never wanted a woman. Not in the forever sense. Not until Kennedy.

"Just so we're clear, you're the sexiest fucking thing I've ever seen, and I'm going to want to look at you a lot."

Kennedy is part of that statistic. She survived. She didn't need anyone. She wanted to blend in and disappear until her apartment went up in smoke. Now she needs Reyes, the only man she can trust.

"Come hell or high water, he wouldn't let her be hurt. Not ever again."

I am telling you this book has it all. There is good guys and bad guys, accidents, injuries, blood, secrets, mysteries, guns, friends, family, romance, coffee, love, sex, and a cat with two different color eyes. I couldn't put this one down and you won't be able to either.


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[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the McKenzies and their missions. Reyes owns a gym and teaches self-defense classes, but he and his family also run a special op to stop human trafficking and predators. The siblings’ story and how their dad came to run this off the book’s organization will tug at your heartstrings. The family dynamics from banter to their butler will make you laugh and have you wanting to spend more time getting to know them.

While each book works as a standalone and Foster does an excellent job of welcoming newcomers, I highly recommend beginning with book one, No Holding Back.

At the end of No Holding Back, we briefly met Kennedy Brooks as she worked out in Reye’s gym. He knows she is skittish about something and offers to help her with defensive and evade techniques. She declines, but a cat opened the door to their friendship.

In Stronger Than You Know, Kennedy calls Reyes when she returns home from a trip and finds herself in trouble. Reyes didn’t hesitate and comes to her aid. What he finds alarms him. Now he and his family need to figure out what secrets she is keeping and how to keep her safe. With no home and only the clothes in her suitcase, Reyes takes Kennedy to his home.

The tale that unfolds quickly pulled me in. I love the McKenzie family and company. I enjoyed getting to know Reyes. He seemed more like a player in book one, but Foster fleshed him out and made me fall for him. Kennedy is one tough cookie and not a complete damsel in distress. She has kicked some ass and taken names. Her story will tug at your heartstrings and make you hold your daughters and grandchildren a little tighter.

Foster weaved in the horrors of human trafficking by sharing the stories of her characters and the others they meet. I loved how everyone got involved and how each brings skills and assets to the table. Even though the subject matter is hard, the banter, teasing, and the unique dynamics of the McKenzie family lightened things. I laughed and enjoyed page time at their father’s estate.

The romance built slowly, and I loved how patient Reyes was. I enjoyed seeing this sensitive and romantic side of him. It was wonderful to see Kennedy open up, trust and take a leap. If you love a slow burn that ignites, you’ll love seeing their relationship develop and bloom.

Foster once again laid the groundwork for the next book and already I cannot wait for Maddison’s story. She is indeed a force to be reckoned with.

The McKenzies of Ridge Trail is proving to be a Foster favorite. Fans of Rebecca Zanetti’s Deep Ops series will love meeting the McKenzies. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy Brooks takes a chance and calls Reyes McKenzie, local gym owner, but also a man with secrets, for help when her apartment building goes up in flames. Kennedy was just arriving home from the airport, otherwise she might’ve been killed in that fire. Reyes immediately assesses the situation and spots two men lingering about. It doesn’t take him long to get it out of them their purpose for being there and that they were hired to scare her out of her apartment so that they could grab her. Kennedy met Reyes when she signed up for a membership at his gym. She could tell that he was much more than a gym owner, but she didn’t know what deep secrets he held.

Reyes easily sensed wariness when it came to Kennedy, thus his protective instincts were on alert. Kennedy trusts her own instincts when it came to calling Reyes right away. Reyes takes Kennedy to his secluded cabin with every intent on keeping her safe. Surprisingly, Kennedy trusts him completely. Even though she soon begins to rely on Reyes, she proves time and again her own strengths. Despite being in close contact until they can both figure out who is after Kennedy, she does not plan on letting the feelings that she has been harboring for Reyes take root. She is not alone in this, because he fosters those very same desires.

The first book in this series, No Holding Back, which was Star and Cade's story, is where we first met Kennedy and Reyes. In the first book, readers learned what the McKenzie family stood for - bringing down human traffickers - and that is most definitely continued in this book. Reyes must soon learn how much to trust Kennedy and whether or not he will let her know what secrets he is holding onto. Kennedy once escaped from sex traffickers, and this is in part where she learned to be so strong. No doubt Kennedy and Reyes are perfect for one another, but trust is not an easy commodity for either of them to share.

What an exciting installment in a thrilling series. Book after book, Lori Foster easily snags the reader's attention with personable characters as well as fast-paced and intriguing plots. The transition from protection to romance was done quite well, even though danger followed Kennedy and Reyes at every turn. Stronger Than You Know was a captivating read that I enjoyed in one sitting. I am more eager for the third book in this trilogy, Watching Over You, which will be Madison and Crosby's story.

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

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up. I did not read the first book in the McKenzies of Ridge Trail, but I definitely will be going back to get the full story. Kennedy Brooks is a survivor of human trafficking. She has written a book and speaks, specifically to University and College students about the dangers and how to protect themselves. When she returns home from her most recent tour, she finds her apartment burned down and begins to think she is in danger. She calls Reyes McKenzie who comes to pick her up and keep her safe. Who is after Kennedy? Can Reyes keep this strong, independent woman safe?

Reyes and his family have a vested interest in getting traffickers off the street. I enjoyed getting to know his family, especially his sister and sister-in-law. They are smart, independent men and I love their snarky attitudes, they take nothing from anyone. Reyes is a swoon-worthy hero, and is adamant about taking care of Kennedy and keeping her safe. Stronger Than You Know is a suspenseful story, told from Kennedy's POV with some added information from the POV of her friend Jodi. There are some difficult sections to read about the abuse the women suffered, but it was only a small part of the story. The story starts with a bang, but as we got to the middle of the story we meet the bad guys and their plans, it slows down a bit. As those plans moved forward, the action ratchets up as things come to a head. This was an enjoyable romantic suspense with great characters. The romance built slowly, with Reyes being very patient and Kennedy slowly opening up and trusting him with her heart, mind and body. If you love a slow burn that gradually ignites, you’ll love seeing their relationship develop and bloom. There are a couple of intimate scenes, but not too bad for those of us who prefer a clean romance. This book ends setting up the next in the series and I am ready for it, after I read No Holding Back. John Lane narrates the audiobook and he does an amazing job. He has a deep and gravelly voice perfect for Reyes, yet is able to do female voices as well. He differentiates between all the characters, performing them appropriately according to age and gender. I enjoyed this audiobook very much and want to thank Harlequin Audio for providing me a copy upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not to get ahead of myself, but I can't wait for Madison's book! Sterling and Kennedy are both pretty kickass, but I feel like Madison is going to be the star of the series.

The McKenzie family is back on the trail of human traffickers, this time with Reyes at the forefront, and Kennedy by his side. I was intrigued with Kennedy from the brief introduction we got in No Holding Back and couldn't wait to get to know more about her and her story. Turns out she has more in common with Reyes and his family than she expected.

Stronger Than You Know is suspenseful, much like NHB, but this time we get the story from the points of view of survivors, Kennedy and to an extent, her friend Jodi. Reading about what these two went through was tough at times, especially knowing, even though their story is fictional, what happened to them is really going on in the world today.
As intriguing as the story was, it did go a little slow at times, especially towards the middle. I enjoyed the beginning, getting to know Kennedy and Reyes while they got to know each other. I liked when Reyes's family started to get involved in the case. But there was a point when things began to slow down- with all the talking and planning, including when we were in the pov of the bad guys, and I really just wanted more action. Everything ramped up again at the end as things came to a head. Kennedy really showed her strength in the midst of it all, I loved it!

While Kennedy's story arc was wrapped up in this book, I like that there's an overall arc that continues throughout this series. That teaser at the end for Madison's book made me even more excited for it than I was before. Crosby is definitely going to have his hands full with her, I can't wait!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger Than You Know by Lori Foster
The McKenzies of Ridge Trail #2

Packed a powerful punch hooking me on page one and keeping me invested till the very end. This is a series I can see reading again in the future.

What I liked:
* Kennedy Brooks: strong, resilient, survivor, public speaker, giving, caring, cautious, special – so deserving of love and a good man…like Reyes
* Reyes McKenzie: gym owner, lethal, skilled in more than one area, reliable, protective, focused, has a temper, not ready to settle down…or is he?
* Reyes family: older brother Cade and his wife Sterling, sister Madison, father Parrish, butler Bernard, and Chimera – the cat
* The family business that deals with and without the authorities – they save trafficked persons and provide for them afterward.
* The story, way it was written, location, and way it drew me in
* Jodi: friend of Kennedy’s, vigilante of sorts, a bit broken, has potential, hope she gets help.
* The connection between Reyes and Kennedy
* The tender careful way Reyes was with kennedy
* The way the McKenzie family worked as a unit and interacted when on the job and when not
* Getting to see how Cade and Sterling were doing
* Having a glimpse and introduction to who Madison will be with and fall for in book three of the series
* Knowing that there is a book three to look forward to
* The happy ending for Reyes and Kennedy
* That the bad guys were dealt with…had no sympathy for any of them.

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that trafficking is real and too many experience it without being saved
* The baddiies in the story that I was meant to dislike
* Having to say goodbye and now wait for the next book to be ready

Did I like 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

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger Than You Know is the second book in the McKenzie family series. This one is Reyes and Kennedy's story. When Kennedy's past comes looking for her, she reaches out to the one person she thinks she can trust. Reyes has been intrigued with Kennedy since she stepped foot in his gym. He is very eager to help her in her time of need.

I loved this one. It has the perfect balance of romance, intrigue, humor and action. I loved Reyes and how he was so alpha toward Kennedy. Yet he respected her choices and could see strength in her that she didn't always see in herself. I had to admire Kennedy for turning her tragedy at a young age into a positive as an adult. They were a perfect fit. The other thing I love about this series is the McKenzie family and how they interact with each other. I cannot wait for Madison's story. I have a feeling Crosby doesn't realize what he is getting himself into! I highly recommend this one!

[Judy Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big Lori Foster fan and will read anything she publishes and this book was no exception!! Stronger than You Know is the second book in the series The McKenzies of Ridge Trail, though it can be read as a stand-alone. Reyes McKenzie is known to the town people, runs the local gym and teaches self-defense. But behind the scenes he also "collects" information on illegal activities that his family will look into. Reyes loves his bachelor lifestyle, where he "sees" 3 different women who are all looking for the same thing - just sex and a good time, nothing serious. In walks Kennedy Brooks joining Reyes gym, wanting to keep her self-defense skills in tip-top shape. The attraction is instant! She also realizes Reyes is much more than a gym owner.

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

[Kim Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so so on the first book in this series, hadn't planned on reading this one, but then it popped up on my library's website, so I thought why not, all I'd be out is time if it was like the first one. I'm happy to report that I liked this one much better. I liked that Reyes was smitten with Kennedy when she started showing up at the gym and that Kennedy felt safe enough with Reyes to reach out to him when she was in danger. Of course by reaching out to Reyes it meant that she got his family's help as well, so much more than she bargained for. It was so much fun to see the other women of the family invade Reyes's house and overwhelm Kennedy, in a good way. Kennedy got to see up close and personal what the family mission is all about and after a bit fit in really well. I liked how from then on everything was talked about out and in the open, with everyone chiming in on what they should do next. Of course they took down the bad guys, but it was iffy for a minute and now Reyes and Kennedy can live their lives happy together.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger Than You Know is the second book in Lori Foster's McKenzie's of Ridge Trail series, another dark look at the nightmare of human trafficking, which appears to be this central theme on which this series is based, and here's the same warning I gave after reading the first novel in the series, No Holding Back--the subject matter of this novel is really dark--human trafficking/rape. It's as violent as it is steamy, but if on-screen graphic sex and violence are triggers for you, I'd recommend finding a gentler, less violent novel to read. If you haven't read the previous novel in the series, Stronger Than You Know can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading this series from the beginning. For several reasons, I liked this novel marginally less than the previous one, and I'm giving it a 4-star rating.

While I've come to appreciate alternating first-person narratives, this novel is written in third person, which shifts from character to character. Kennedy, the heroine and former sex trafficking victim, has, since escaping her captor, devoted her life to traveling to high schools and colleges, speaking about her own experience as a trafficking victim and advising young women about how to avoid being kidnapped and becoming human-trafficking victims themselves. After her flight home was delayed, she arrives back to her block in a taxi, to find her apartment building fully engulfed in flames. She instinctively knows that she was the intended victim, and so she immediately calls Reyes McKenzie, whom we met in the previous novel. He advises her to stay on the move and tells her he'll be there in 15 minutes. As they are speaking, two thugs start heading for her cab, and she manages to convince the driver to get moving. She knows Reyes because she trains at his gym, and he's big, tall, handsome and protective, and he arrives on the scene before Kennedy returns, making short work of the two thugs, then, as soon as Kennedy arrives, he spirits her away to his ultra-secure home. Having lost everything she owns except for her laptop and the clothing in her luggage, she is terrified and realizes she has nowhere else to go.

Reyes and his family are more than what they appear to be, with Reyes having been the wild child. His family has devoted itself to hi-tech, clandestine rescues of trafficked victims for years, trying to stay under the radar of regular law enforcement, and for several reasons I won't disclose in this review, and, having been the one Kennedy called, Reyes is now utterly committed to helping and protecting Kennedy. When she mentions that she is also trying to protect another victim whom she befriended, Jodi, who is also in hiding, rescuing her and catching her evil captors gets added to the list, and, as romance readers, we already know where the attraction between Kennedy and Reyes will lead, and it does--eventually.

My first issue with this novel is how long it takes between Reyes bringing Kennedy to his home and Reyes and his family doing anything more than talk about how to approach this situation, which in this novel is more than a month. The novel gets bogged down with technicalities and details about security, fact-finding (Reye's sister is one heck of a hacker), planning, and so on, and to this reader, it felt a little too much like padding for a page count. But, once there's finally a plan in place, this novel charges ahead like gangbusters, and the attraction between Kennedy and Reyes really heats up, as does the danger.

My only other issue with this novel is its finale. After spending chapter after chapter setting up the relationship of the two main characters, and the plans to protect her and her friend, Jodi, the author gives incredibly short shrift to their HEA ending, which left this reader feeling rather disappointed. I think that a commitment-phobic hero and a previously trafficked and troubled heroine deserved a more fully fleshed-out romantic ending.

Ms. Foster knows how to write an excellent page-turner of a romantic suspense novel, but in Stronger Than You Know, she did a better job on the suspense than she did on the romance, although it was still a very good read.

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

[Debbie Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of The McKenzies of Ridge Trail follows the younger and wilder brother Reyes and Kennedy Brooks, once a victim of human trafficking but determined to take her life back.
Kennedy uses Reyes gym to train and become strong, and Reyes has had his eyes on her ever since she showed up at his gym, even if she gives off a hands off vibe. Kennedy has no interest in getting better acquainted but Reyes can’t help but feel there is more to the story than just training and that makes him even more determined to find out Kennedy’s secrets.
Trust comes hard for Kennedy but with the help of a rescued cat named Chimera, she slowly comes to trust Reyes, and when trouble comes knocking Reyes is the one she depends on for help.
Their story is an amazing and emotional journey with seat of your pants suspense that is worth a re-read any day, even when the human trafficking storyline is so hard to read about.
The cast of characters is wonderful and the strength and love they have is awe inspiring. I love revisiting the characters from No Holding Back, book 1 in the series, Cade, Sterling and the youngest of the clan Madison, whose story was introduced in this book. I eagerly await Madison’s story to add to this breathtaking series!
I don’t know how Lori Foster continues to write such fascinating stories, but I will definitely keep following along for the ride.
I did receive an ARC for an honest review.

[Rose_shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just put down Stronger Than You Know and I simply couldn't wait to share my thoughts about it! I truly enjoyed the first book of the series and I had to start this one right away and, OH MY, was I right!! The second book was even better than the first. I think I liked it so much because I fell in love with Kennedy and Reyes. These character's story felt so real to me.

Kennedy is a strong woman, but can't really see it. She sees the best in people at all time, even when I (as an outsider to the story) couldn't see it. Reyes is wicked, but has such a big heart. Beautiful characters! I know that the next book will feature Maddison and Crosby and I can't wait to dive in!

In this story, Lori Foster helped me see the other side of characters I didn't like in the first book. That's one of the (many) things I love about her work. There's a depth to her stories. Each character becomes a better person throughout the story and there are enough details to bring them alive.

I loved the newcomers in this book, Jodi definitely added a lot to the plot twist (and the entire book) and I really hope that her story will be told later down the road.

Finally, you guested it, I strongly recommend this book to any romance lover! It has just enough suspense, spiciness and life lessons to be worth your while!

Happy reading xx

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

An edge of your seat plot is thrilling but throw in a love story and you’ve got something that sizzles! Lori Foster’s Stronger Than You Know will keep you on your toes and curl your toes at the same time. It’s the perfect blend of emotion, passion, and danger.
I quickly became invested in Reyes and Kennedy. They were both such competent characters but confused by their feelings for one another. Their romance was a slow burn. My favorite! Instead of insta-love, I love seeing characters fall in love gradually. It gives readers a more realistic and genuine romantic experience. And for me, it allows me to become invested in the characters and their relationship. It makes the payoff that much more rewarding.
I like that this McKenzies of Ridge Trail series tackles sensitive topics and that the characters face difficult issues. Human trafficking is a topic that can be so dark it can keep you awake at night, but Lori Foster handles it well, giving Kennedy the will and ability to empower herself. And giving Reyes the ability to support and help her in that effort.
If you’re looking for a suspenseful, sexy, and addicting series, you’ll be hooked on this one. Danger and desire beautifully merge into one irresistible story.

[Renee Entress · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has secrets, suspense, and heartbreak.

Before reading this story please read the below books first
No Holding Back (McKenzies of Ridge Trail #1)

This is Kennedy and Reyes’s story. Kennedy has been trying to protect herself for years and is showing other woman how to protect themselves. She knows danger is after her and knows it will come for her one day, but she is trying to be ready for when it comes. Reyes is a hot distraction and not something she is looking for. He has her letting her walls down and sharing her secrets. But what happens when the danger she was running from comes for her? Can she take care of herself, or will she need to let Reyes all the way in to help her? She was falling but when the danger is gone will he be gone also?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. This story is fast paced and will pull you in and keep you turning the pages. Get ready for a wild ride.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy has endured a traumatic past but rather than letting it define she does whatever she can to ensure that others don’t have to survive the same fate. When she arrives home to find her apartment on fire, she believes that her past is catching up with her so she calls the one person that she thinks can protect her who is Reyes.

Reyes first met Kennedy when she became a patron at his gym, and he immediately sensed her caution. When she needs his help, he is determined to keep her safe and that means showing that she can trust him with the secrets of her past so that they can eliminate the danger in the present.

Reyes is so patient and understanding while Kennedy’s strength and resilience shines through. They take us on a intriguing journey as we watch their relationship unfold and catching up with the McKenzie family is always fun.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The McKenzie family keeps they’re real business secret, but Reyes, like Cade before him, uses his side gig to full advantage.

Kennedy though, she, like Star, was a human trafficking victim, but she’s gone a totally different route. Instead of vigilante, she does public speaking and writes books, choosing to educate.

Of course, nothing beats coming home from a speaking gig to your apartment fire, goons waiting for you, or the knowledge that your past is coming for you. But fortunately if you’re Kennedy you have Reyes’ number in your phone…

Now, the two of them are adorable. Reyes is the guy who sits there going “I’m never going to grow up and marry, I’m a loner.” While Kennedy is such a loner you just want to buy her a cup of coffee and talk, or introduce her to all your single male friends.

And of course there’s action and drama, and a kitten or three

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a story keeping you on your toes! So much going on. Loved the dynamic and intense chemistry between Reyes and Kennedy.
Find yourself in trouble? Need to be safe, cared for and to know you have someone who has your back?
Then you need the McKenzie family. Every family member knows how to keep Kennedy safe , but the one she relies most heavily on is Reyes and can you blame her? I know I can't! Not only is he a man who knows how to protect but he is hot !
I absolutely loved this story! I couldn't put it down once I started. The evil in this book was very satisfyingly dealt with.
Looking forward to Madison's story. I also would love to see Parrish find love again.
Giving this 5/5 huge stars!
I received an Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Kennedy Brooks in book one. She was a victim once and is determined to never be again. Reyes McKenzie owns the local gym where Kennedy works out. He's tried connecting with her before only to be shut down. He knows somethings up with Kennedy. Reyes family is trained to help so when Kennedy calls Reyes when things go bad he's all in. I love this series. This book is action packed and the Mc Kenzie family just a super cool and I love that even though they are all bad asses they still razz each other like a regular family if a protective one. This is a excellent read from cover to cover. Can't wait for book three.

[bjneary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as I loved the 1st book in this series, No Holding Back; I really enjoyed the relationship Reyes McKenzie and Kennedy Brooks build in this steamy thoroughly enjoyable mystery romance. Kennedy was one trafficked and now tours the country speaking about the horrors of human trafficking and how victims can heal and be stronger after their ordeal. But there are old traffickers that want Kennedy silenced and they will stop at nothing to apprehend her. Reyes knew when Kennedy began working out at his gym that she was hiding something just as Kennedy knew Reyes had secrets too. As they begin to trust one another they begin to learn about other; meeting Reyes family was awesome because I enjoyed these characters from the first book. Foster has once again penned a romance with enough mystery, chemistry, and adventure, I could not stop turning the pages!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is a series that gets better with each book.
The overall theme is more intense than the writers usual subject matters which is human trafficking. It also makes it more relevant as that crime has increased over the years.
Lots of suspense and action. Some romance, sexual chemistry heat, humor which are all per the Foster's signature.
I look forward to the next book to read about Crosby & Madison as the roots for that were set up in this story.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a series! This was such a wonderful blend of heart and suspense. Kennedy and Reyes make a perfect fit as a couple. Page turning action, unbeatable chemistry, just a couple of the reasons this is such a great read. The McKenzies series has yet to disappoint.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great love story by Lori Foster. I'm enjoying this story even though it is filled with heartbreak. I really enjoyed Reyes & Kennedy's love story and they were kick ass fighting the bad guys. I'm dying for Crosby & Madison's story