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 … 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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Lori Foster is always great to read.
Holding Strong the 2nd book in the Ultimate book was better for me then the first one. This book had a steadier pace and more action in it then the first book. I also liked this couple a whole lot more then the last book. Something I am starting to notice with this series is everyone is so over the top casual with sex both the men and women. They are handing sex out like sodas all up in this read. These women are in love with the fighters and are just cool with them sexing everyone and they them self are handing it freely too. I am cool with the whole man-whore plot but at times I feel like I am reading a free love hippy series. Just sayin’. It kinda takes away from the romance of the sex when they are handing it out like Halloween candy. I mean I can understand that Armie is the “Man-Whore” and that is his plot and that is okay, I love Armie, so far he is my favorite, but it’s everyone in this series. Although Denver and Cherry are a little less giving then the others.
Normally I like the Heroes more than I do the heroines in books, but not this book. While I liked Denver, I loved Cherry. Denver had his sweet moments. He could be sexy, charming, and protective. But he could also be quick to judge, jealous, and had a temper. Cherry on the other hand was sweet, brave, caring and a fighter. I liked her background story and I could understand where she was coming from. She seemed very realistic in the way she acted and the things she did. It made her relatable. I really did love them both together. I thought they had a lot of chemistry. I connected with Denver and Cherry as a couple and enjoyed their love story.
The bad guys in this book were much better and I liked that there was more action in this book. I loved the protectiveness of Denver. I think both Denver and Cherry’s backstories were good and gave insight into the reasons they are the way they are. Especially Denver with his Stepmother and Father. I love all the guys from the rec they are all like a big family and it’s cute when they are all together. Their playful banter was so funny at times and really added something special to the book. This book gave a peek at the next love story with Stack and Vanity, but I am more looking forward to Armie, and Rissy’s story. Armie still is my favorite in the books. Something about him is so charming that I am dying for him to get his HEA. I was glad to see that Cannon woke up and finally could see that his sister and best friend have feelings for each other. I loved the ending and I enjoyed the bonus scene.
Sorry Trace, move over Joe, take a hint Clint…I’ve got a new love and his name is Denver!
This is the second full length novel in Lori Foster’s Ultimate series and as much as I loved Gage in Hard Knocks and Cannon in No Limits, I have to say Denver has stolen my heart. He’s strong, protective, caring, sweet, tough, loving. What more could you ask for in a man?!?
Although Denver has had his eye on Cherry he’s been very leery to do anything about it, as he sees her as a flirt- someone that’s just out to have a good time, and that’s not what he’s interested in. Unbeknowst to him, Cherry has been doing all of that just to try to get his attention. But it’s not long into this book until temptation is too much for both of them and they give in to their feelings.
As their attraction for each other grows, and things are becoming more serious, trouble from Cherry’s past shows up and threatens the life she is making for herself. All Denver wants to do is help and protect her, but Cherry finds it hard to open up and trust him completely. But Denver has a way about him, and is finally able to get her to tear down the walls she’s built for herself and let him in. Together they face the ugliness from her past, so that they have the chance at a happy future.
This book was just so good. It was sweet and sexy, funny and flirty, tough and tender. Watching Denver and Cherry navigate their relationship, work through both her troubles and his family issues, fall in love…I loved it all. Having the other fighters, their women, and assorted friends, make appearances in this book just made it that much better!
I really love the family that Lori is creating with this series…from the brotherhood between the guys, the friendships between the gals…to the romantic relationships that are being built. I love that the side characters in each book aren’t just there on the periphery- they really add to each story. Oh can we just talk about Armie for a minute??? I know Stack’s book is coming next, and I’m okay with that, but oh that Armie! He is just a delight!!! He’s got a whole basketful of issues and it will be quite interesting to see his story come to life!