Holding Strong by Lori Foster

Author: Lori Foster

Publisher: Harlequin

Date of publication: March 2015

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…

In Holding Strong, Denver and Cherry finally give into their passion and have an amazing night together.  The problem is that Denver quickly realizes one night isn’t enough for him. Cherry is reluctant to trust him.  I just loved the chemistry and banter between these two.  They just fit together so nicely. They have been flirting and lusting after each other for so long that it was nice to finally see them get together. Of course, they are both very head strong and independent so there is a lot of arguing. But then that leads to come very steamy make-up sessions. 

They both come with baggage. Cherry has a secret past that has come back into her life.  Her step brothers are in town and want to get her to come back home.  That story line had a big “ick” factor for me. I don’t blame her for running away like she did!  Denver has his own family drama to deal with and I was rooting for him to resolve it.   

The story is rounded out nicely with the peripheral characters.  We are treated glimpses of characters from her Love Undercover series as well as her SBC series.  I love when authors do that because I often wonder how couples are doing after I read their HEA.  The next book is Stack and Vanity’s story.  I am looking forward to that as well as Armie and Marissa’s.  They can’t come out soon enough for me!