HOLDING STRONG (Ultimate #2) by Lori Foster-a review

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About the book: Release Date March 31, 2015

An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster’s irresistible new novel
Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn’t share. That’s why he’s been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry’s about to need more than she knows…
Denver’s combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she’s been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can’t hide behind a carefree facade. Because the man by her side is one who’ll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she’ll trust him enough to let him…

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REVIEW: HOLDING STRONG is the second full length installment in Lori Foster’s contemporary adult Ultimate romance series focusing on a group of MMA fighters and the women they love. This is heavy weight fighter Denver Lewis and Cherry Peyton’s storyline. Although HOLDING STRONG is the third storyline in the series it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from third person point of view, the focus of the storyline follows the push and pull of attraction and want between Denver Lewis and Cherry Peyton. Cherry is a new fan of the MMA, but more so a fan of Denver Lewis. Their attraction to one another does not go unnoticed by the other members of the fight club, but Denver continues to resist the allure of the woman who calls to his heart. When one too many men pay attention to Cherry’s innocent flirts, Denver knows that it is time to claim Cherry as his own.

Cherry has a dark and painful past; a past that demands something from Cherry that she is unable to give. Threats and dangerous situations will find Cherry under the protection of not only Denver but the other MMA fighters as well. The camararderie and friendships are tight; each member of the club supports, protects and has one another’s best interests at heart.

Denver’s past finds our hero estranged from his family. When his step mother places him in a precarious situation, Denver finds himself on the outside, without his father’s support and faith. Our hero is an alpha male; over protective when it comes to the woman he loves but in this, he is also aware, that her past has made threats and promises to make good.

The relationship between our couple is one of immediate attraction; a lust filled need between two people who have yet to give into the demands of their mutual desires. Denver and Cherry have been dancing around one another for quite a while, and Cherry demands to know if Denver has any interest or if it is better that she just walk away. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive but not overly erotic.

The secondary and supporting characters are very active throughout the story. The previous storylines couples are present including Gage and Harper/ Cannon and Yvette as well as the MMA fighters Stack and Armie whose own storylines are beginning to emerge. As Cannon and Yvette prepare for their upcoming nuptials, Denver and Cherry consider a more permanent relationship. Offers of something bigger and better will see one of the fighters pondering a move out of town and state.

HOLDING STRONG has a little bit of everything: sex, romance, intrigue, suspense and a quick dash of mystery. The writing style is simple; there are no difficult or complicated plot scenarios or twists. The characters are flawed but likeable; everyone needs a happily ever after.

READING ORDER

.5 Hard Knocks
1. No Limits
2. Holding Strong

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy