Stronger Than You Know: A Novel

Lori Foster

Aug 2021 · The McKenzies of Ridge Trail Book 2 · Sold by HQN Books

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

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.

This story blew me away! Having met Kennedy and Reyes in the previous book, I was really looking forward to reading their story. And wow! It was so much more than I'd hoped! We knew Kennedy was running from something, but her strength and courage were so inspirational to see. Reyes is stunningly perfect as a savior boyfriend; strong and protective, while still being respectful of her need to make her own decisions and stand up for herself. Reyes and Kennedy are so much more together than either is on their own. Their relationship is a shining example of how partnerships are designed to work, and I loved every bit of their story. This story takes on the issue of human trafficking, in case that's a trigger. The McKenzies are true heroes for today, working together to combat the kind of evil that most of us don't even realize is all around us. The action and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and the victorious HEA was absolutely divine. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

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

About the author

Lori Foster is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author with books from a variety of publishers, including Berkley/Jove, Kensington, St. Martin's, Harlequin and Silhouette. Lori has been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. For more about Lori, visit her Web site at www.lorifoster.com.