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She’s turned him down every time.

But this fighter is determined to win her over.

An all-new steamy Ultimate novella by  New York Times  bestselling author Lori Foster

Bray Barlow is a simple guy. A light heavyweight MMA fighter, he trains, keeps his weight for fights and is known to blow off steam with willing women—especially when he’s frustrated. He’s frustrated a lot lately because deep down, he knows Karen is the one for him. But every time he asks out the mysterious dark-haired woman with the bluest eyes, she politely declines. Every. Single. Time.

For Karen Hall, Bray is extra. The brown-eyed and very ripped MMA fighter is extra hot, extra nice, extra tempting—and totally off-limits. Karen moved here and changed her name to disappear. She’s worked hard to keep her distance from people, especially from Bray. When a car runs off the road, she knows it’s no accident and that her past has finally found her. The instinct is to run, but her heart is telling her to take a chance and turn to the one person who can help her. Bray.

Check out the other titles in the Ultimate series, including  Fighting Dirty where we first meet Bray!

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2023

68 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Lori Foster

416 books11.7k followers
Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.

•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.

•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.

•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.

•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.

•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.

•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.

•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.

•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.

•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.

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5 stars
336 (56%)
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133 (22%)
3 stars
99 (16%)
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20 (3%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Kristina .
1,051 reviews933 followers
February 2, 2024
I was trapped without wifi and had nothing else to read so I finished this. It did not get better.

This guy is too much of a stud std for my liking, he’s named after a donkey noise for a reason, what a jackass 🫏. Plus this seems more cliché than I can handle, even for a palate cleanser.

>The guy keeps asking this obviously traumatized woman out, dude, if she says no once, leave her alone.
> he thinks of her while with a ons and appreciating the ons’ perky body 🤮
>he’s a MMA fighter so he’s also good at personal security? How does that work? 🤦🏼‍♀️
> FMC goes to his house after a car accident and she’s afraid for her life but she can smell the musk of sex in the air…wow. Ok. That’s hot. 😵
> he changes the sheets for her so she doesn’t have to lay on his sex stained bed. What a gentleman.
> he helps unfortunate children and is the perfect man . Ok debatable. 🤢
> she’s in hiding and on the run and oh so scared and vulnerable…that’s never been the plot of any of these things before. 😳.
> full of 🧀 and instalove.

Overall this was 60 pages of eye rolling 🙄 crap. What a big pile of unoriginal garbage. Let’s toss this in the bin 🚮.
Profile Image for Sonia.
1,305 reviews2,079 followers
not-for-me
February 1, 2024
Just read Kristina’s review 🥴

I don’t know why it’s sexy to see the hero with the ow, a ONS whose name we don’t even know, when he keeps thinking of the heroine 🤦🏻‍♀️. Like. Whyyyy??? Why do I wanna see that?!

He makes it clear that the ONS is only for the night.

When the heroine comes over, she notices it smells musky, as in, she can obviously tell he just had sex like right before she arrived 🥴.

At least he was sweet enough to change the sheets with his and the ow’s fluids/DNA 🥴.

Sigh…

Not. For. Me.
119 reviews11 followers
June 1, 2023
This was a DNF for me. Karen has been in hiding from a stalker-ex. She's been resilient enough to keep her head down and not attract attention, in addition to turning down Bray's advances multiple times.

I don't mind m@nwh*res as long as it's not rubbed in the reader's face. But MMA fighter Bray misses a call about Karen being in danger because he's in bed with a ring bunny, whilst thinking about how he continues to have senseless nookie that's doing nothing for him while it's Karen who he wants. Rando leaves moments Karen is taken to his home and she is placed in his room where the "musk" of nookie fills the air {insert dry heaves here} and she knows what she's interrupted. She will stay with him due to the danger; and how kind of him peeps, he's graciously going to change the bunny-dewed sheets before she sleeps in his bed. Then nonsensically, Karen puts the moves on him while trying to tell him her story and wants do have s€x with him, knowing some skank was in the bed like an hour and a half earlier (but don't worry, Bray was too much of a gentleman to let her go that far). So--totally doesn't fit with who Karen has been before that point, and why would she lose all common sense over the walking-STD that is Bray??? What's even better, she has immense trust in him with all things and they make sweet, sweet love the next day and she is now his one and only. Cripes.

Game over. DNF.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
June 8, 2023
This one was just ok for me and that was due to how things started. Bray lamenting over Karen, how she turned him down again, yet he just had sex with a woman who was not Karen. Not sure this is how you win Karen over. What made it worse was that Karen had been in an accident and wanted to go to Bray for comfort and asked Bray's friends, who came upon her after the accident to call him. She even mentioned how he might not be home. During the call the guys even asked if he was alone, Karen was right there, there was no way that she didn't hear. Then when they get to Bray's place they all are aware that it smells like sex. It was so awkward. Karen explains what is going on with her, Bray of course jumps in to help, offering her a place to stay and said he'd stay on the couch. I kinda rolled my eyes, but at least he changed the sheets on the bed before Karen slept there.

If I could just forget about that part, I liked the rest. Liked how Bray and his friends stepped into help Karen to finally be free of her stalker. I liked the friendship that was developing, how the 4 of them shared memories from childhood and how it was so different for them all. I even like how this one ended. I also get that Bray wasn't doing anything wrong at the start, but it just felt icky to me that he knew he wanted Karen thought she might be the one, yet was sleeping with other women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vanessa LeBlanc.
467 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2023
Missed this series.

The ultimate has always been my fav series from Lori foster. This book was a surprise, I didn’t expect any new stories to come out so I was very excited when I heard the news. I’m also hoping that we get more.

Unfortunately this book wasn’t the best. I don’t regret reading it because again I love this series and I was also very excited to see past characters along with new ones. This story itself felt very rush and it wasn’t how I remembered the series to be. Love that Bray got his HEA. Loved him and Karen together but for me something was missing In this story.


Profile Image for Michele A..
3,137 reviews16 followers
June 4, 2023
Bray has wanted Karen for a while. She has rejected him at every turn, but he is still hopeful maybe she will want him. When Karen finds herself in trouble, she immediately wants Bray. She has been keeping to herself because she doesn't want others harmed by being associated with her. Bray, Ford, Knox and Marcus all step up big time. They tell her that they will get the person responsible for causing her to run and give her life back to her. She has a hard time believing it, but they prove it to her. I liked how Bray was a rock for her and didn't try and control her. He kept her informed and proved to her that she was his main priority. I liked that Karen decided to take her life back and was willing to put herself in harm's way to do it. Their story was a quick, easy read. I really liked it and was left wanting more.
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,672 reviews185 followers
June 11, 2023
Bray was a novella with Lori Foster’s Ultimate series. Bray was a next generation fighter. I loved the original books and thoroughly enjoyed this one as well.

Bray was single but never without companionship. Women flocked to him except for the only one he really wanted. Karen was attracted to Bray but she had secrets and she kept herself isolated from friends, any friends, male or female - until the night her past caught up with her and she went to Bray.

The storyline had a suspenseful plot while also focusing on the relationship development between Bray and Karen. The chemistry had always been there, and now the development was lightning quick as they tried to keep her safe and sort out her past.

All in all, it was quick, sexy, suspenseful, fun and enjoyable. Foster also seemed to set the stage for other next generation books with Ford and Knox. One can hope!
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,516 reviews43 followers
June 12, 2023
Foster delivers a dose of angsty goodness with a dip back into a fan favorite series! With her annual benefit novella, Lori Foster lends a hand to an animal rescue near and dear to her heart as she brings a familiar face into the spotlight with a brand new novella reviving the Ultimate Series. Longtime fans of the series will be delighted with a cameo by legendary Armie when his mentee Bray needs a nudge in the right direction. The characters and drama are quick to catch a reader's attention, and the non-stop heart will keep you addicted page after page. I loved every minute!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Ultimate Series to anyone that enjoys MMA romance filled with a group of kind-hearted, alpha males who have each other's backs and relish the day they each find their forever.
1,284 reviews9 followers
June 19, 2023
Full of action and character development! Great to revisit the Ultimate world.

Karen is found walking by the side of the road after an accident by some friends. She asks to be taken to see Bray who she had been putting off for months. She knows that the trouble from her past has found her and he makes her feel safe. Bray and his friends convince Karen that they will help her fight her way free of this trouble. Can they do this without anyone getting hurt? Read this to see.

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and some sexy scenes without a lot of details. The characters are vibrant and endearing as well as kickass! You don't have to read the other Ultimate books to get this, but it does give you more background. This is a great short story with a lot of action and character development. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Gale.
1,966 reviews22 followers
June 9, 2023
I want to have friends like these folks in MY corner, if I ever need the backup. But Bray? He’s a man who knows what he wants – WHO he wants! – and he is secure enough to let “his” person make her own life decisions. But boy, is he an alpha to the max – in a very good way! Without retelling the story, Karen needs help. She turns to Bray. He and his friends, and the “uncles”, are so very protective, and fun, and loyal, and just plain wonderful. Everyone in the story will grab you heart and soul. Great novella and I truly enjoyed this step back into Ms. Foster’s ‘Ultimate’ world.
154 reviews
July 7, 2023
Lori Foster has written another beautiful story. Yes there is an adorable dog to fall in love with (Rebel). Yes there is a hot hero (Brayden). Yes there is a happily ever after (Bray and Karen). However there is so much more. With a masterful hand she details a moving read about rescuing not only a pet but a human. It is the perfect tale (and so generous) for her donation to the animal sanctuary that provides a safe haven until a pet can find its way to a forever home. Well done Ms. Foster.
Profile Image for Christine Jalili.
2,188 reviews44 followers
June 1, 2023
Great book.

I really loved this novella and devoured it in a day. There’s a reason Karen was trying to distance herself from everyone. She has a crazy stalker. Loved how great Bray was and that she finally opened up to him and his friends. Loved their chemistry. Loved getting updates on characters too. Even with a plan, can they get her stalker? Thankfully there’s a very happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
22 reviews
June 1, 2023
I was not disappointed

I've waited and waited for this book to come out. It was everything I hoped for and more. One of my all time favorite series is the Ultimate series. That is why I couldn't wait for this read.
Lori Foster is an amazing writer. She right stories about everyday heros. This read touched my heart. I smiled when Karen finally met Armie, he is my favorite everyday hero. If you want a wonderful written book, this is a book for you to read.
609 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2023
Great read

Wonderful addition to the Ultimate series. It was great to catch up with some of the other characters and see how it all worked out for Bray. He and Karen make an awesome couple. I love how Lori Foster always works a cute and funny animal into most of her stories. I would recommend this story to any adult reader that enjoys sexy alpha heroes and the brave ladies they fall for.
139 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2023
Must Read

This book was written as an annual fundraiser that I wholeheartedly support. So no matter what I would purchase it but it’s also a wonderful story that makes my heart happy. For being a novella, this book is packed with action. Love the closeness of Bray and his group of friends and how they welcome Karen (fantastic name btw) into their fold. On top of that a Happy Ever After and a visit with old friend if you’ve read Lori’s MMA Ultimate series.

Profile Image for Denise Mcdonald.
88 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2023
Sizzling Hot!!!

Lori Foster you did it again! Your books are starting to sound like another persons whoops I did it again. Incredible!
With Bray and Karen you brought to light a lot of life’s issues, that people deal with but don’t like to talk about. I applaud you for this, and still make it a page turner. I know I have said it before, but you are top shelf in my book (no pun intended). I loved it, and Rebel too.
Profile Image for Charlene.
25 reviews
June 2, 2023
Perfect follow-up to Marcus

As always Lori Foster has delivered a satisfying read. Perfect follow-up to Marcus, brings in a favorite from previous books, tying together characters from different series so that mesh seamlessly. Perfect addition to my Lori Foster collection. Completely enjoyable. And exactly what we have come to expect of her.
Profile Image for Kathy Newcomer.
103 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2023
Loved it!

Bray's story was worth waiting for! I love how characters from the Ultimate series made appearances in the book. I started reading the story before I went to bed, thinking I'd finish it the next day after work, but I couldn't stop reading until I was done (and I have to get up early for work). I loved it!!
Profile Image for Nancy.
561 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2023
Nancy

An interesting book of a series which I love, I love reconnecting with other characters from another book in the series.The characters are great as always as was the storyline which was intense at times. The romance was hot 🥵 and I liked the book ! thanks for a good story! I hope we get a Knox and a Ford book too.
163 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2023
Another amazing book in this series

Lori Foster knocked it out of the park again. She brings this group of MMA guys to life. Bray is a MMA and rec center mentor. He has his eye on Karen. She is keeping her distance from people while fighting the demon of her ex. When he comes after her Bray, Marcus and their friends set him up and capture him so he can never hurt her again.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
June 3, 2024
this time i read ... several again from Lori's collection ...
Fast Burn, Bray, No Holding Back, & Back to Buckhorn ... can Beth pick a favorite ... maybe No Holding Back ... yeah!! read on ... i love Lori's writing style. fun books cover. always fun!! local library leaning program is how i read this ... loved it.
Profile Image for Lou Banks.
46 reviews
June 1, 2023
Foster always brings it.

I have read everything Lori has written. Even with this being a Novella, she covered all the bases. I wasn’t disappointed in anything. I can wait for Knox and Fords stories. I know they are coming. I recommend this book to everyone. Loved it.
Profile Image for Anne.
202 reviews13 followers
June 2, 2023
with another generation, a wonderful addition

This is a fun and quick read. So nice to see bray after meeting him in Fighting Dirty, which was Armie and Merissa’s story. Nice see Marcus,Lucy, and Logan and Reed again from the various stories all tied together.
472 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2023
Gray's life

Although he had some tough younger years, he never doubted what he wanted. He had decided that Karen was the one but could he convince her of that. She's got someone after her and she won't let anyone get close. Can they work through this mess?
39 reviews
June 4, 2023
Always the best books

This book was no exception. Love reading Lori's books. Her MMA books are always special. She makes you laugh and cry and sat awwwwww. Please don't stop writing... You are one of the best Lori!!!!
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,156 reviews6 followers
June 14, 2023
Bray and Karen

Loved this year's benefit book by Lori Foster. It was sweet yet terrifying because Karen had an unhinged stalker and they had to lure him out to actually catch the chickensh*t.
Great fast read.
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,748 reviews226 followers
July 23, 2023
Quick, easy read. I would have liked it a lot more if there wasn't reference to the h smelling the scent of sex between the H and another OW. Kind of a weird thing to add, if you want the reader to feel a connection between the H and h.
Profile Image for Jessica Christensen.
255 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2023
This was short and sweet but still felt like a whole story. It’s always fun to see characters from previous books to feel like you are checking in for a visit. Bray and Karen were a cute couple. It was a nice quick read.
Profile Image for Debra .
1,388 reviews
August 13, 2023
Bray has been trying to get Karen to go on a date with her, but she constantly shies away. Karen is running away from her past and afraid to form any relationships. It all changes when her past catches up with her, Bray is the one she calls for help.

A very sweet love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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