Also in this series: No Limits, Tough Love, Fighting Dirty
Series: Ultimate #2
Published by HQN Books on March 31st 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance, MMA Fighters
Pages: 480
Format: Paperback
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: 0373779615
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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Summary
Denver Lewis is a heavy weight fighter and dang good at what he does. But Denver is also very hooked on one special woman…Cherry. He has cared about Cherry for a long while, with her upbeat and bubbly personality, he just can’t resist. Right when Denver and Cherry decide to act on their feelings, Cherry gets ill and when Denver cares for her, instead of having dirty sex….their relationship moves to a whole different level that neither of them could see coming so soon or one that they would embrace so eagerly. But Cherry has a past, a painful one and she has enemies, and they are out to destroy what they have together. Denver, however, isn’t intimidated by them, and is determined to show Cherry his true feelings and no bullies are going to take apart what they have built for each other.
Plot and Story Line
Holding Strong is the second book in the Ultimate series by Foster and boy am I glad I bought this one months ago….now I wish I hadn’t waited so long in reading it. I just couldn’t put this one down, and like with everything that Foster writes…its a story to remember. Holding Strong, start off with Denver and Cherry trying to figure out what they want in each other—-just sex or a relationship. AT first they just want to have sex…the chemistry between them is vibrant and both of them are eager to pursue it. But right when things are about to get good, Cherry finds herself sick. This is what really made the story a winner for me. Because we see that beneath the lust these two have, there is definitely more going on between them then just physical intimacy…so much more depth is about to be revealed. I just couldn’t get enough of the way that Denver treats Cherry when he figures out she is sick. So sweet and caring, and that made me love this alpha male even more. Even though he is protective of Cherry when her past becomes revealed, he also works with her and I like how they compromise in various situations.
What is also fun about Holding Strong, is seeing more of the Ultimate Fighters play a role inthe story—especially Arnie. Now seriously, Arnie is so fun to read. I loved the tension between Arnie and Rissa. But we also see many of the others as well, and I love them all and how protective they are from Cherry, they treat her as one of their own. There are many other elements I really liked about this story. I loved how there was a added level of danger and suspense and bit of mystery to the story. My heart just went out to Cherry, and all she had to deal with when she was younger. From her personality, you would never see that coming or what she struggles with internally. She is one strong woman, and I admired her even more after reading this one.
The Cover
Love….Love….LOVE!! Gorgeous and sexy. I really like the pose….the whole process of taking his shirt off…love the muscle and yummy deliciousness!!
Overall View
Holding Strong is a emotional and sexy romance that will keep you fascinated from page one. Intriguing, mysterious, and passionate.
I love her writing but have found myself become behind on her books. I really need to take a moment and read something of her’s. Nice review!
How many times have I done the same thing and put off a really good story? 🙂
I still haven’t started this series and want to.
I do it too many times to count…and I have no clue why I even do it!! LOL You should pick this series up. Its great.
I LOVE Lori Foster. The last few days I’ve reread some of my favorite novellas by her. I really loved this book too. So far it’s my favorite in the series, but I cannot wait for Armie’s story.
She is so great to read right?? I loved this one, but I really liked the first one too. So hard to choose. Interesting to see what the next book will be like. And yeah i know, only three more months for Armie’s story.
Love that cover! And Denver sounds like a keeper 😀
oh I know!!! isn’t the cover just wonderful! Its what made me buy it and that Foster was the author. I am not sure I even glanced at the blurb hehe
I like that this one has a lot to offer: mystery, romance and sports. I still haven’t read anything by Foster, I hope to soon.
oh you should read her!!! She is simply wonderful, and she has quite a bit of variety in contemporary. So pick your poison hehe
you know whats odd? everytime i look at this cover i think of Christmas? for the longest time i thought he was wearing a Santa hat….lol.. okay fine, so many Foster reviews this week. I never read her, I keep asking for recommendations but no one answers. Have a recommendation for a Foster virgin? lol