Dive into the sizzling world of the McKenzies of Ridge Trail, where romance meets pulse-pounding suspense in a small Colorado town! Lori Foster’s bestselling contemporary romance series follows the fierce McKenzie siblings—two brothers and a sister—as they battle secrets, protect the vulnerable, and find love in the most unexpected places. With gripping plots and steamy chemistry, this trilogy is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.
Picture Ridge Trail: a sleepy mountain town hiding dark secrets beneath its tranquil surface. The McKenzies, trained by their father to fight injustice, operate covertly to take down human traffickers. Each sibling brings a unique edge—think badass bar owners, lethal snipers, and tech whizzes—making this series a thrilling blend of action, heart, and heat.
How McKenzies of Ridge Trail Began
Lori Foster, a New York Times bestselling author known for her emotionally charged romantic suspense, launched the McKenzies of Ridge Trail in 2021. Inspired by her passion for crafting strong, relatable characters, Foster created a family driven by a tragic past—their mother’s kidnapping and death at the hands of traffickers. This personal loss fuels the McKenzies’ mission, blending gritty realism with Foster’s signature romantic flair. The series was initially planned with hero-centric covers, but due to COVID-related challenges, Foster opted for evocative Colorado landscapes, perfectly capturing the story’s rugged setting.
The Heart of McKenzies of Ridge Trail
The trilogy kicks off with No Holding Back (January 2021), where Cade McKenzie, a medically retired Army Ranger, meets Sterling ‘Star’ Parson, a tough trucker with a vendetta against traffickers. Their slow-burn romance unfolds amid high-stakes danger, setting the tone for the series’ intense vibe. Stronger Than You Know (August 2021) follows Reyes McKenzie, a sniper and gym owner, as he protects Kennedy Brooks, a survivor of trafficking. Their story delves deeper into trust and healing, with action-packed twists.
The finale, Watching Over You (December 2021), spotlights Madison McKenzie, the tech-savvy sister, and Crosby Albertson, a detective at odds with her family’s vigilante ways. Their fiery chemistry and clashing morals make for a gripping conclusion. Themes of justice, resilience, and family bonds weave through each book, set against Ridge Trail’s deceptive calm. Foster’s vivid storytelling and well-rounded characters—alpha heroes, kick-butt heroines, and menacing villains—create a world that’s as emotionally compelling as it is thrilling.
Why McKenzies of Ridge Trail Resonates
The McKenzies of Ridge Trail stands out in the romantic suspense genre for its unflinching look at human trafficking, handled with compassion and respect. Fans praise Foster’s ability to balance dark themes with hope, humor, and swoon-worthy romance. The series has earned strong reviews, with No Holding Back scoring 4.16 on Goodreads and readers lauding the McKenzies’ tight-knit family dynamic. Its impact lies in empowering characters who rise above trauma, offering readers both escapism and inspiration.
The series’ niche appeal—blending small-town charm with vigilante justice—has sparked calls for more stories, with fans eyeing secondary characters like Jodi Bentley for future books. Foster’s knack for crafting relatable heroes and heroines ensures the McKenzies linger in readers’ hearts long after the final page.
- Publication Years: 2021
- Number of Books: 3
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Ready to get swept away? Grab No Holding Back and step into the McKenzies of Ridge Trail’s thrilling world of romance and redemption!