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Body Armor #3
Close Contact
There’s no resisting a desire like this…
MMA fighter Miles Dartman’s casual arrangement with personal shopper Maxi Nevar would be many men’s fantasy. She seeks him out, they have mindblowing sex, she leaves. Rinse, repeat. Yet lately, Miles wants more. And when Maxi requests his services via the Body Armor security agency, he’s ready to finally break through her defenses—and protect her day and night.
Receiving a large inheritance has brought chaos and uncertainty into Maxi’s life. Her ex has resurfaced, along with lots of former “friends,” and someone is making mysterious threats. Then there’s Miles, who doesn’t ask for anything…except her trust. Pleasure is easy. Now Maxi has to give her heart as well as her body…or risk losing a man who could be everything she needs.
MMA fighter Miles Dartman’s casual arrangement with personal shopper Maxi Nevar would be many men’s fantasy. She seeks him out, they have mindblowing sex, she leaves. Rinse, repeat. Yet lately, Miles wants more. And when Maxi requests his services via the Body Armor security agency, he’s ready to finally break through her defenses—and protect her day and night.
Receiving a large inheritance has brought chaos and uncertainty into Maxi’s life. Her ex has resurfaced, along with lots of former “friends,” and someone is making mysterious threats. Then there’s Miles, who doesn’t ask for anything…except her trust. Pleasure is easy. Now Maxi has to give her heart as well as her body…or risk losing a man who could be everything she needs.
364 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 28, 2017
322 people are currently reading
2213 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
416 books11.7k followersSince 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
December 7, 2017
3.5 stars!
Review and Giveaway at Of Pens and Pages.
Close Contact will keep you on your toes with the suspense, and titillated with the overwhelming chemistry between the former MMA fighter-turned-bodyguard and the girl who walked away but came back to hire him.
Since inheriting her grandmother’s house and land, Maxi Nevar has her hands full of responsibilities and drama, and now that a scary and mysterious incident in the land that has her waking up outside her house, on the ground with no memory of what happened, she turns to the one person she never thought she’d see again.
Former MMA fighter turned bodyguard Miles Dartman thought he found a connection with Maxi…until she bailed on him and practically ghosted him. In the three hot and intense encounters he had with Maxi, he felt a connection and thought she did, too, but he thought wrong. So, it’s a complete surprise to him that two months later after they last saw each other, she’s at his workplace and wants to hire him as her bodyguard.
After hearing what happened to her, Miles knew he’d take the job—and as if his boss Sahara would give him a choice anyway—and see this as a chance to clear the air with Maxi, maybe even get their second chance. But his main priority is to help her and find out who’s been antagonizing her.
I suggest reading the first two standalone novels in the series before starting Close Contact, because I think we’ll see the beginning of Miles and Maxi’s story there—how they met the first time. I would have wanted to see that in this book because their first interaction here in the book is set two months after their three one night stands. I felt like I missed a few pages in when I started reading this book, to be honest.
Because of what I’ve mentioned above, it took me a while to get into the story. But it didn’t take long for me to be swept up by the suspense and the couple’s sizzling chemistry. The author gave us bits and pieces to hang on to and make our guesses on who the culprit is, and I’m so happy it took me a while to get a hunch. And the connection between Miles and Maxi was so palpable throughout the story, I couldn’t look away.
It also helped that we got to see the two heroes and their significant others who starred in the previous books in the series—and I just read from others’ reviews that some of the side characters came from a previous series too—and their exposure made me want to read about them even more.
I loved the dynamic between Miles and the former MMA fighters now working at Body Armor agency. The strong bond between them was obvious, and I loved that they welcomed Maxi so easily into their circle. It was also great to see their respect and care for their boss, Sahara. I’m already excited to read her book!
I liked that the story was told in third POV, so not only can we see Miles’ and Maxi’s perspectives, we can also see hints of the suspect’s thoughts. Although I have to admit there were times the narrative was confusing because it jumped from Miles to Maxi’s point of view out of nowhere.
This is my first Lori Foster read, but I’m sure it won’t be the last! I’m definitely reading the other books in this series.
If you love reading about strong hot men (MMA fighters, bodyguards, yum!) and strong independent women, and enjoy some suspense mixed in your romance, you’ll enjoy reading Close Contact.
Tropes: One Night Stand, Bodyguard, Small Town
POV: Third Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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Review and Giveaway at Of Pens and Pages.
Close Contact will keep you on your toes with the suspense, and titillated with the overwhelming chemistry between the former MMA fighter-turned-bodyguard and the girl who walked away but came back to hire him.
Since inheriting her grandmother’s house and land, Maxi Nevar has her hands full of responsibilities and drama, and now that a scary and mysterious incident in the land that has her waking up outside her house, on the ground with no memory of what happened, she turns to the one person she never thought she’d see again.
Former MMA fighter turned bodyguard Miles Dartman thought he found a connection with Maxi…until she bailed on him and practically ghosted him. In the three hot and intense encounters he had with Maxi, he felt a connection and thought she did, too, but he thought wrong. So, it’s a complete surprise to him that two months later after they last saw each other, she’s at his workplace and wants to hire him as her bodyguard.
After hearing what happened to her, Miles knew he’d take the job—and as if his boss Sahara would give him a choice anyway—and see this as a chance to clear the air with Maxi, maybe even get their second chance. But his main priority is to help her and find out who’s been antagonizing her.
I suggest reading the first two standalone novels in the series before starting Close Contact, because I think we’ll see the beginning of Miles and Maxi’s story there—how they met the first time. I would have wanted to see that in this book because their first interaction here in the book is set two months after their three one night stands. I felt like I missed a few pages in when I started reading this book, to be honest.
Because of what I’ve mentioned above, it took me a while to get into the story. But it didn’t take long for me to be swept up by the suspense and the couple’s sizzling chemistry. The author gave us bits and pieces to hang on to and make our guesses on who the culprit is, and I’m so happy it took me a while to get a hunch. And the connection between Miles and Maxi was so palpable throughout the story, I couldn’t look away.
It also helped that we got to see the two heroes and their significant others who starred in the previous books in the series—and I just read from others’ reviews that some of the side characters came from a previous series too—and their exposure made me want to read about them even more.
I loved the dynamic between Miles and the former MMA fighters now working at Body Armor agency. The strong bond between them was obvious, and I loved that they welcomed Maxi so easily into their circle. It was also great to see their respect and care for their boss, Sahara. I’m already excited to read her book!
I liked that the story was told in third POV, so not only can we see Miles’ and Maxi’s perspectives, we can also see hints of the suspect’s thoughts. Although I have to admit there were times the narrative was confusing because it jumped from Miles to Maxi’s point of view out of nowhere.
This is my first Lori Foster read, but I’m sure it won’t be the last! I’m definitely reading the other books in this series.
If you love reading about strong hot men (MMA fighters, bodyguards, yum!) and strong independent women, and enjoy some suspense mixed in your romance, you’ll enjoy reading Close Contact.
Tropes: One Night Stand, Bodyguard, Small Town
POV: Third Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
February 17, 2018
Review available at Under the Pages.
December 1, 2017
After finishing this book, I wish I had read the two that preceded it. I really enjoyed the premise of former MMA fighters turning into high-end security. I couldn’t get the description of Miles’ build out of my mind. I had a lot of imaginary perv action going on ;)
Miles and Maxi shared insane chemistry. After doing the deed three times, however, Maxi up and disappeared. This had the potential to wreck Miles as he was already let down by the end of his MMA career and he was looking for something deeper with her. Luckily he had found a new career to love in security with his fellow fighters. Fast forward two months and Maxi is back. Now she needs more from Miles. Not just company in bed. Weird things are happening on the property she’s inherited and she needs his bodyguard services.
I liked the dynamic between Miles and Maxi. Once they got past the reasons for her disappearance, things were pretty smooth sailing. Well, as smooth as could be considering there was a huge mystery to solve. I had a couple of suspects in mind and I appreciated that the author didn’t make it too obvious who the culprit was. I was indeed a bit surprised in the end. Close Contact was a steamy romantic suspense, a mystery, and a bit of a second chance romance all rolled up into one.
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Heat: 3 out of 5
Type: Standalone - Book #3 of the Body Armor series
Miles and Maxi shared insane chemistry. After doing the deed three times, however, Maxi up and disappeared. This had the potential to wreck Miles as he was already let down by the end of his MMA career and he was looking for something deeper with her. Luckily he had found a new career to love in security with his fellow fighters. Fast forward two months and Maxi is back. Now she needs more from Miles. Not just company in bed. Weird things are happening on the property she’s inherited and she needs his bodyguard services.
I liked the dynamic between Miles and Maxi. Once they got past the reasons for her disappearance, things were pretty smooth sailing. Well, as smooth as could be considering there was a huge mystery to solve. I had a couple of suspects in mind and I appreciated that the author didn’t make it too obvious who the culprit was. I was indeed a bit surprised in the end. Close Contact was a steamy romantic suspense, a mystery, and a bit of a second chance romance all rolled up into one.
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Heat: 3 out of 5
Type: Standalone - Book #3 of the Body Armor series
November 30, 2017
3.5 Lori Foster Crafting Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Foster takes Miles the MMA star known as The Legend and brings him into the Body Armor Security company all of his other fighters have joined. He has settled in and was enjoying a hook up with a woman who he actually wanted more from....And then she just went Poof! into thin air...
Maxi's life has been overly complicated...dealing with the loss of her mother, than the grandmother who was quirky and special to her...passes too. To top off all of this loss... she discovers the man she thought she was marrying... cheating.
Enough is Enough...In order to release all this stress and tension, Maxi decides to do the hit and quit it deal... She meets Miles, they hit if off oh, so well... and then no one actually wanted to quit it...
They did a hit again, again and then again....
But Maxi has too much happening in her life.... she also knows it is so complicated, she doesn't feel like anyone should have to deal with all of it...so
Maxi pulls away from Miles...
She goes to handle her Grandmother's house...understands all the feral cats, house cats, whatever cats.... meant the world to that lady... she has vowed to honor the woman who loved her. But there are others who have different plans...
Things start to happen... things that just shouldn't... and finally when she cannot ignore these things happening have taken an ugly turn, becoming more dangerous, Maxi sucks it up and reaches out to Miles. She knows it will be uncomfortable... but he is the only one she trusts with this.
These two fit perfectly in this Lori Foster Mold.... People who have chemistry... heart and needs. We get a mystery, romance and the rest of the series team.
A gifted copy was provided by HQN Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Foster takes Miles the MMA star known as The Legend and brings him into the Body Armor Security company all of his other fighters have joined. He has settled in and was enjoying a hook up with a woman who he actually wanted more from....And then she just went Poof! into thin air...
Maxi's life has been overly complicated...dealing with the loss of her mother, than the grandmother who was quirky and special to her...passes too. To top off all of this loss... she discovers the man she thought she was marrying... cheating.
Enough is Enough...In order to release all this stress and tension, Maxi decides to do the hit and quit it deal... She meets Miles, they hit if off oh, so well... and then no one actually wanted to quit it...
They did a hit again, again and then again....
But Maxi has too much happening in her life.... she also knows it is so complicated, she doesn't feel like anyone should have to deal with all of it...so
Maxi pulls away from Miles...
She goes to handle her Grandmother's house...understands all the feral cats, house cats, whatever cats.... meant the world to that lady... she has vowed to honor the woman who loved her. But there are others who have different plans...
Things start to happen... things that just shouldn't... and finally when she cannot ignore these things happening have taken an ugly turn, becoming more dangerous, Maxi sucks it up and reaches out to Miles. She knows it will be uncomfortable... but he is the only one she trusts with this.
These two fit perfectly in this Lori Foster Mold.... People who have chemistry... heart and needs. We get a mystery, romance and the rest of the series team.
A gifted copy was provided by HQN Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 19, 2017
While I loved this book, I didn't love it quite as much as books 1 & 2 in the series. It's still 4.5 stars for me. I love the idea of former MMA fighters turned bodyguards, and this series is so sexy and fun.
Miles Dartman, The Legend as he was known in his MMA days, is a former fighter, who had to give up his championship hopes, for reasons he's not willing to discuss with most people. 2 of his best friends, also former fighters, have become bodyguards for the Body Armor agency, and he's decided to follow them over. He never really gave much thought to his life beyond fighting, but this is working out great for him so far. When he gets dragged out of bed early in the morning by his new boss, Sahara Silver, to come to a mysterious meeting, he sees the last person he ever expected to see again.
Maxi Nevar is a mess. She lost her mom, and grandma, and found out her fiance was cheating, all in a very short period of time. After that upheaval, she goes out for a night to herself and meets Miles. They have an amazing night together, and that's all she planned for. But, she can't walk away from him, so she shows back up a second time, and a third. Then, she inherits her grandmother's farm house and land, and all the feral cats she took care of too. She knows she has too much going on for anyone else to deal with, so she pretty much ghosts on him. Her brother and sister expect her to sell the house and give them their share of the money, but she has no intention of doing that. Her grandmother wanted her to be there, taking care of her precious creatures, and she intends to honor that request. But, someone clearly doesn't want her there. There have been some very weird things happening in her house and on her property since she moved in. It's really starting to freak her out. Then, she wakes up outside, on the hard ground, in the far part of her yard, with no memory of how she got there, and she knows she needs serious help. She goes to the only person she can think of who's capable of helping her, and who she can trust, Miles.
Miles and Maxi's chemistry is strong, even though he's very angry about how she left things between them and just disappeared. He's never really been rejected before, especially not by someone he really felt like he connected with. She knows she's got a lot of explaining to do, and she's willing to do it, as long as he'll help her find out who's menacing her. She doesn't think she should try to subject anyone else to her life choices, since they're pretty out of the norm for a woman in her 20's, and she feels like Miles could have anyone, so why would he want her, especially in her current situation. They really had issues communicating, and I liked the way they worked to be honest and overcome them.
The suspense plot definitely brought excitement to the story, and there were so many viable suspects that I never could pin down who the culprit was until the end, which I always enjoy. It kept me guessing and hoping to figure it out before the reveal. There were quite a few curious characters in that small town, for sure! The pacing was great, and I love the worlds Lori Foster creates.
As always, the side characters here were top notch, mostly comprised of people from the prior 2 books, and even some from the prior Ultimate series, (where Miles, Justice, Brand, and Leese were side characters). I truly enjoy the boss of the agency Sahara. Her brother's disappearance is still a mystery that needs to be solved to her satisfaction, and it looks like her book is next, so I'm very excited for that. Overall this was a great addition to the series, and I always anxiously await more from this author!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Miles Dartman, The Legend as he was known in his MMA days, is a former fighter, who had to give up his championship hopes, for reasons he's not willing to discuss with most people. 2 of his best friends, also former fighters, have become bodyguards for the Body Armor agency, and he's decided to follow them over. He never really gave much thought to his life beyond fighting, but this is working out great for him so far. When he gets dragged out of bed early in the morning by his new boss, Sahara Silver, to come to a mysterious meeting, he sees the last person he ever expected to see again.
Maxi Nevar is a mess. She lost her mom, and grandma, and found out her fiance was cheating, all in a very short period of time. After that upheaval, she goes out for a night to herself and meets Miles. They have an amazing night together, and that's all she planned for. But, she can't walk away from him, so she shows back up a second time, and a third. Then, she inherits her grandmother's farm house and land, and all the feral cats she took care of too. She knows she has too much going on for anyone else to deal with, so she pretty much ghosts on him. Her brother and sister expect her to sell the house and give them their share of the money, but she has no intention of doing that. Her grandmother wanted her to be there, taking care of her precious creatures, and she intends to honor that request. But, someone clearly doesn't want her there. There have been some very weird things happening in her house and on her property since she moved in. It's really starting to freak her out. Then, she wakes up outside, on the hard ground, in the far part of her yard, with no memory of how she got there, and she knows she needs serious help. She goes to the only person she can think of who's capable of helping her, and who she can trust, Miles.
Miles and Maxi's chemistry is strong, even though he's very angry about how she left things between them and just disappeared. He's never really been rejected before, especially not by someone he really felt like he connected with. She knows she's got a lot of explaining to do, and she's willing to do it, as long as he'll help her find out who's menacing her. She doesn't think she should try to subject anyone else to her life choices, since they're pretty out of the norm for a woman in her 20's, and she feels like Miles could have anyone, so why would he want her, especially in her current situation. They really had issues communicating, and I liked the way they worked to be honest and overcome them.
The suspense plot definitely brought excitement to the story, and there were so many viable suspects that I never could pin down who the culprit was until the end, which I always enjoy. It kept me guessing and hoping to figure it out before the reveal. There were quite a few curious characters in that small town, for sure! The pacing was great, and I love the worlds Lori Foster creates.
As always, the side characters here were top notch, mostly comprised of people from the prior 2 books, and even some from the prior Ultimate series, (where Miles, Justice, Brand, and Leese were side characters). I truly enjoy the boss of the agency Sahara. Her brother's disappearance is still a mystery that needs to be solved to her satisfaction, and it looks like her book is next, so I'm very excited for that. Overall this was a great addition to the series, and I always anxiously await more from this author!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
November 29, 2017
I love all the Body Armor serie books but this one is my favorite. Maxi and Miles had chemistry that was off the charts also, there banter between each other was great. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
November 30, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Great sexy romance, wonderful mystery plot and a touch of humor make this a good book. I really like the hot romance and mystery, but the angst and martyr and repetitiousness just kinda killed the buzz of a great romantic-suspense lite plot.
Miles and Maxi have had a steamy, sexy, no-strings attached affair and each has been happy with that, well Maxi appeared to be happy, Miles - not so much. Miles is at a point in his life where fighting just isn't enough and his relationship with Maxi, he wants more. Just as Miles seeks to deepen their relationship - Maxi disappears.
Maxi has a lot to deal with, her mother died during a procedure and shortly after, her dear grandmother falls down the stairs and dies. Her affair with Miles, such as it is, was solely to let off the pressure her siblings were heaping on her. When Maxi starts to feel connected to Miles, she splits. Her grandmother's farm is now hers, along with all her many cats and she intends to make it her home, much to the displeasure of her brother and sister who want her to sell and split the proceeds. When strange thing begin happening and Maxi wakes up after being drugged, she is terrified and goes to Body Armor and Miles for protection. Miles was none to happy with the disappearing act Maxi pulled, but the anger soon turns to lust when they are in such close surroundings. Maxi is afraid that Miles will never forgive her, but the sex is just to great not to indulge. 3 1/2 Stars
Great sexy romance, wonderful mystery plot and a touch of humor make this a good book. I really like the hot romance and mystery, but the angst and martyr and repetitiousness just kinda killed the buzz of a great romantic-suspense lite plot.
Miles and Maxi have had a steamy, sexy, no-strings attached affair and each has been happy with that, well Maxi appeared to be happy, Miles - not so much. Miles is at a point in his life where fighting just isn't enough and his relationship with Maxi, he wants more. Just as Miles seeks to deepen their relationship - Maxi disappears.
Maxi has a lot to deal with, her mother died during a procedure and shortly after, her dear grandmother falls down the stairs and dies. Her affair with Miles, such as it is, was solely to let off the pressure her siblings were heaping on her. When Maxi starts to feel connected to Miles, she splits. Her grandmother's farm is now hers, along with all her many cats and she intends to make it her home, much to the displeasure of her brother and sister who want her to sell and split the proceeds. When strange thing begin happening and Maxi wakes up after being drugged, she is terrified and goes to Body Armor and Miles for protection. Miles was none to happy with the disappearing act Maxi pulled, but the anger soon turns to lust when they are in such close surroundings. Maxi is afraid that Miles will never forgive her, but the sex is just to great not to indulge. 3 1/2 Stars
December 1, 2017
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Close contact was a romance with a lot of danger, but there was humor and friendship as well. The hotness between Maxi and Miles was off the charts.
Story:
Maxi thought she was done with Miles, especially when she moved to her late grandmother's house in the countryside. Close Contact soon showed me that Maxi needed more than just physical backup, though. When she woke up outside in the middle of the night, with no memory of how she got there, she went to the only place she knew she would find someone to help her keep safe.
Miles wasn't sure what to think when Maxi was sitting in his boss' office one morning. She was all disheveled and looked afraid. He could have been happy to see her, but he felt more like she was only after him for his body now. After all, he guarded people with his body, and that's what she needed, right?
Close Contact is a nicely woven romantic suspense in which Foster brings the best of both world together. Other former MMA fighters from the Body Armor show up to support Miles, and as they get to know Maxi better, they understand that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the relationship between the two protagonists.
A whirlwind of action, scary happenings and hot romance made Close Contact a great story to curl up with, and Foster delivered the goods I so needed.
Characters:
Maxi is a personal shopper who has inherited her late grandmother's old farm. She loves the place, even if it's far from the city and her usual urban lifestyle.
Miles has recently left the MMA to work for Body Armor, and what he thought he had with Maxi was sweet and hot all at the same time - until she disappeared.
Writing style :
Close Contact is written in third person point of view, past tense. Most of the narration follows Maxi, with several chapters from Miles perspective as well. The dialogues as well as the almost omniscient narrator makes it easy for the reader to follow the action, all the while keeping the mystery and the suspense intact.
Feels :
Wowza, the feels here were full and kept me guessing. I felt Maxi's anguish and her hope. I also felt her frustration when it came to her family. Of course, Miles' protectiveness was easily felt as well. And I was just plain happy to get to know these characters, while also catching up with favorites from prior books.
Maybe because she was the one who got away, or the one who hand't been all that hung up on him in the first place. His ego was still stung, that was all.
Close contact was a romance with a lot of danger, but there was humor and friendship as well. The hotness between Maxi and Miles was off the charts.
Story:
Maxi thought she was done with Miles, especially when she moved to her late grandmother's house in the countryside. Close Contact soon showed me that Maxi needed more than just physical backup, though. When she woke up outside in the middle of the night, with no memory of how she got there, she went to the only place she knew she would find someone to help her keep safe.
Miles wasn't sure what to think when Maxi was sitting in his boss' office one morning. She was all disheveled and looked afraid. He could have been happy to see her, but he felt more like she was only after him for his body now. After all, he guarded people with his body, and that's what she needed, right?
Close Contact is a nicely woven romantic suspense in which Foster brings the best of both world together. Other former MMA fighters from the Body Armor show up to support Miles, and as they get to know Maxi better, they understand that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the relationship between the two protagonists.
A whirlwind of action, scary happenings and hot romance made Close Contact a great story to curl up with, and Foster delivered the goods I so needed.
Characters:
Maxi is a personal shopper who has inherited her late grandmother's old farm. She loves the place, even if it's far from the city and her usual urban lifestyle.
Miles has recently left the MMA to work for Body Armor, and what he thought he had with Maxi was sweet and hot all at the same time - until she disappeared.
Writing style :
Close Contact is written in third person point of view, past tense. Most of the narration follows Maxi, with several chapters from Miles perspective as well. The dialogues as well as the almost omniscient narrator makes it easy for the reader to follow the action, all the while keeping the mystery and the suspense intact.
Feels :
Wowza, the feels here were full and kept me guessing. I felt Maxi's anguish and her hope. I also felt her frustration when it came to her family. Of course, Miles' protectiveness was easily felt as well. And I was just plain happy to get to know these characters, while also catching up with favorites from prior books.
Maybe because she was the one who got away, or the one who hand't been all that hung up on him in the first place. His ego was still stung, that was all.
December 14, 2017
Favorite Quote:
It’s like an assortment of delicious man candy, isn’t it? One at a time is shocking, but all together, they steal a girl’s breath away.
My Review:
Goodreads has 252 distinct listings for Lori Foster while I have just finished my first one, of many, where have I been? Close Contact was an entertaining and steamy tale of romantic suspense, although it was initially a bit maddening as the main character was slow to share information and was rather sparse on the details concerning her intriguing situation. I wanted to give her a pinch or two and tell her to spill it, but the story was worth the wait and in addition to suspense and dangerous devilment from an unknown menace, a sexy second chance romance was steaming up the windows and singeing the sheets. I had developed and cast aside several theories yet had not suspected the actual culprit, I love when that happens. The writing was interesting, intriguing, and easy to follow; I will be greedily haunting Ms. Foster’s listings from now on.
It’s like an assortment of delicious man candy, isn’t it? One at a time is shocking, but all together, they steal a girl’s breath away.
My Review:
Goodreads has 252 distinct listings for Lori Foster while I have just finished my first one, of many, where have I been? Close Contact was an entertaining and steamy tale of romantic suspense, although it was initially a bit maddening as the main character was slow to share information and was rather sparse on the details concerning her intriguing situation. I wanted to give her a pinch or two and tell her to spill it, but the story was worth the wait and in addition to suspense and dangerous devilment from an unknown menace, a sexy second chance romance was steaming up the windows and singeing the sheets. I had developed and cast aside several theories yet had not suspected the actual culprit, I love when that happens. The writing was interesting, intriguing, and easy to follow; I will be greedily haunting Ms. Foster’s listings from now on.
January 11, 2019
Close Contact was the third book in Lori Foster’s Body Armor series. The series was a spin off from her Ultimate MMA series.
Maxi Nevar had inherited her grandmother’s farm in a small town in the middle of no where. She started having some scary incidents that put her in danger. She had hooked up with Miles previously and knew he was a bodyguard so she hired him.
Miles Dartman was a heavyweight MMA fighter turned bodyguard. He still stung from the beautiful and sexy Maxi walking out without a word a few months ago but he was determined to keep her safe.
Close Contact was told with a dual POV. I loved both characters. They were gorgeous, vibrant, sassy and fun. Foster had me hooked from the first scene. The storyline had a suspenseful vibe running through it while the relationship developed. Foster also included the past favorites from earlier books as well as from her Ultimate series. I loved the bonding, loyalty and fun bantering between them all.
In the end, it was a fast, steamy and entertaining read. It was also well written and well developed. Additionally, Foster continued to tease us with Sahara and Brand’s story. It had promise to be explosive and suspenseful with secrets galore and is up next in Fast Burn.
Maxi Nevar had inherited her grandmother’s farm in a small town in the middle of no where. She started having some scary incidents that put her in danger. She had hooked up with Miles previously and knew he was a bodyguard so she hired him.
Miles Dartman was a heavyweight MMA fighter turned bodyguard. He still stung from the beautiful and sexy Maxi walking out without a word a few months ago but he was determined to keep her safe.
Close Contact was told with a dual POV. I loved both characters. They were gorgeous, vibrant, sassy and fun. Foster had me hooked from the first scene. The storyline had a suspenseful vibe running through it while the relationship developed. Foster also included the past favorites from earlier books as well as from her Ultimate series. I loved the bonding, loyalty and fun bantering between them all.
In the end, it was a fast, steamy and entertaining read. It was also well written and well developed. Additionally, Foster continued to tease us with Sahara and Brand’s story. It had promise to be explosive and suspenseful with secrets galore and is up next in Fast Burn.
November 28, 2017
We all remember Miles! He's one of the fighters from the last series. And now he's new to Sahara's bodyguard agency. (Sahara will get her own book next!!!)
Two months ago Miles had three amazing nights with bar hook-up Maxi. He wanted more - he was completely infatuated. But she never called again. She just vanished. He might be a bit mad at her now.
That's why he's a bit confused to find her sitting in his boss's office - about to hire him for his bodyguarding services.
Maxi inherited some land and money and suddenly strange things happen on her grandma's old farm.
She's very scared.
Will Maxi and Miles find out what is happening?
And will they be able to keep things professional??
☺
What will happen with Maxi & Miles??
Will we get a happily ever after??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
═══════════════════
ADORABLE!!!
I loved the first books in the series and now Miles!
I just loved his book. From the first moment where Maxi wakes up in the field outside her house, without having any idea how she got there in the middle of the night! Mysterious!!!!
What more can I say - this was the perfect Mystery Suspense Romance
(mystery because we don't know who the bad guys are!)
• funny • sexy • adorable • moving • exciting • suspensy •
I just loved reading it - finished it in one afternoon/night!
Those bodyguards & fighters are just too adorable - and when they all come together to help out at Maxi's farm - phew!!!
CLOSE CONTACT was such an adorable & funny & sexy & suspensy bodyguard romance! Run to your nearest amazon to get your own MILES to guard your body - this one is MINE!!!
Ready for book #4 now!!! ... Brand and Sahara - finally! ☺
♡
♡
♡
♡
December 4, 2017
Lori Foster serves up the ultimate mix of passion and danger in her newest addition to her Body Armor series. A real nail biter that kept me guessing until the end. Miles and Maxi had me riveted. Not to mention I got to meet up with a few of my faves from Foster's Ultimate Series. And she gave me just enough of a tease into Sahara's story that I'm already anxious for the next book in this series. If you're a fan of steaming romance and engrossing suspense, you'll be quickly caught up in this one.
September 15, 2017
I don’t know about you but my brain hates when I read books, I know are in a series, out of order. The great thing about Lori Foster books is you can do that with most of the connected books, and not be totally lost in the process. Now my brain still hates it thoroughly but it isn’t as bad. Close Contact is the 3rd book in the Body Armor series. I have both Under Pressure (Leese’s story) and Hard Justice (Justice’s story) on my waiting to be read shelf but so far others have crept in before them.
Close Contact is Miles’ story. We met Miles in the Ultimate series (another favorite series of mine). And Maxi is Miles love interest in Close Contact. This story flows really well from start to finish. I have no idea if we met or knew about Maxi before this book (hence the brain pain from not knowing haha), but I felt we got to know her pretty well during this book. Miles and Maxi had a back story of a brief hookup that left each one with lingering wanting for the other. Fast forward to an attack on Maxi that lead her to search out the one person she knew she could trust, and the one person she knew would protect her. Throw in some conflict, a who done it, and you have another great Lori Foster novel. I must toot my own horn and say I figured out pretty early who was going to be behind the who done it part of the story but there were still lots of twists and turns getting to the payoff.
On the fun side of the story, Close Contact has some cameo appearances by Leese, Justice, Catalina, Fallon and even briefly Armie, Cannon, Denver and Stack. Love those little nuggets of nostalgia for those of us that love all literary world to be connected and revisited. There is also a great set up during this story for the next novel, Fast Burn, featuring Brand and Sahara. Sadly, not being able to compare it to the first two Body Armor books leaves me a little dissatisfied but knowing Lori Foster novels like I do, I doubt there is much of a difference in this story appeal with the other two. Reading Close Contact has made me doubly excited to get started reading Under Pressure and Hard Justice. I received Close Contact as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t want to spoil the story too much but wanted to give a good sense of the appeal of this story to you. I hope I’ve made you excited to purchase Close Contact soon.
Close Contact is Miles’ story. We met Miles in the Ultimate series (another favorite series of mine). And Maxi is Miles love interest in Close Contact. This story flows really well from start to finish. I have no idea if we met or knew about Maxi before this book (hence the brain pain from not knowing haha), but I felt we got to know her pretty well during this book. Miles and Maxi had a back story of a brief hookup that left each one with lingering wanting for the other. Fast forward to an attack on Maxi that lead her to search out the one person she knew she could trust, and the one person she knew would protect her. Throw in some conflict, a who done it, and you have another great Lori Foster novel. I must toot my own horn and say I figured out pretty early who was going to be behind the who done it part of the story but there were still lots of twists and turns getting to the payoff.
On the fun side of the story, Close Contact has some cameo appearances by Leese, Justice, Catalina, Fallon and even briefly Armie, Cannon, Denver and Stack. Love those little nuggets of nostalgia for those of us that love all literary world to be connected and revisited. There is also a great set up during this story for the next novel, Fast Burn, featuring Brand and Sahara. Sadly, not being able to compare it to the first two Body Armor books leaves me a little dissatisfied but knowing Lori Foster novels like I do, I doubt there is much of a difference in this story appeal with the other two. Reading Close Contact has made me doubly excited to get started reading Under Pressure and Hard Justice. I received Close Contact as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t want to spoil the story too much but wanted to give a good sense of the appeal of this story to you. I hope I’ve made you excited to purchase Close Contact soon.
November 28, 2017
4.5*
I really enjoyed the first 2 books in the Body Armor series- they're exciting, suspenseful, full of twists and turns, not to mention downright sexy. And Close Contact, the third book, is all that and more. Reminiscent of the books in the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series, Close Contact might just be my favorite of the three so far. I love the mystery of this one, and that it's a bit of a second-chance romance. The little history Miles and Maxi shared just added to the intrigue.
The action starts from word one, and the anticipation and uncertainty never let up. Ms. Foster had me guessing through the entire book, trying to figure out just who had it in for Maxi and why they were causing her so much trouble. Just when I thought I had things figured out I'd start questioning myself and everything I thought I knew!
When you open a Lori Foster book there's never a doubt that you're in for an entertaining, captivating, and romantic read, and Miles and Maxi' story did not disappoint. Miles is a quintessential Foster hero- strong, protective, chivalrous. He's the kind of guy that likes to take charge, but is not afraid to back off when necessary. Maxi's very strong in her own right, unwilling to just sit back and let Miles handle things, even though that's what she hired him for. She's willful without being too headstrong.
While their past fling caused a bit of conflict, and Miles really wanted answers, he didn't let it interfere with his job, but he also didn't let Maxi off the hook. Their back and forth, and the inclusion of rest of the Body Armor crew and their women, as well as some of the gang from the Ultimate series, (love them!), added a little levity and fun to what could have been a heavy and more serious story.
And now I'm eagerly awaiting Sahara's story!
October 22, 2017
Received an ARC for an honest review. Another awesome book in the Body Armor series by Lori Foster. Loved reading about Miles and Maxi.
November 30, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
The Body Armor Agency needs a new motto. Perhaps something on the order of “We’ll protect your body, and we’ll steal your heart.” Because this series, so far, is all wrapped in the trope of the bodyguard and his protectee falling for each other while dodging whatever is after her.
The start of Close Contact is a bit different from the other books, because MMA fighter turned bodyguard Miles Dartmann and personal shopper Maxi Nevar already know each other, in the Biblical sense, before the book begins.
That Maxi is the one who cut and run from their no-strings-attached fling still bothers Miles. A lot. And not just because he’s usually the one who leaves. It felt like they were really starting to get somewhere, and not just between the sheets, when Maxi disappeared without a trace.
But when she wakes up in the middle of the night, out in the middle of the field next to the house she inherited from her grandmother, with no recollection of how she got there, she remembers that Miles was about to start his new job as a bodyguard when they hooked up.
Because Maxi needs a bodyguard. She’s not sure who she needs guarding from, or even why, but someone keeps messing with her, her house, her stuff, and her life. At first, she chalked up the tiny incidents as misremembering or accidents, but waking up by the pond could only have happened the way it did if someone put her there.
The question is why. And for answers, she turns to Miles, his boss Sahara Silver, and Body Armor.
At first, only Sahara believes Maxi. Miles, still stinging a bit from Maxi’s rejection, is certain that there’s another jilted lover in there someplace who decided to get some payback. It’s not until he comes out to Maxi’s rather remote little farmhouse and witnesses things for himself that he finally gets on board.
And just as he does, the incidents ramp up. Whatever is happening is escalating, and Maxi still doesn’t know why.
It could have to do with her inheritance of the farmhouse and her grandmother’s surprisingly large assets. After all, her brother and sister both believe that they should have gotten a bigger share, and that Maxi should sell the property and just give it to them.
It could be her cheating ex-fiance, who suddenly seems to want her back now that she’s come into her inheritance, and won’t take no for an answer.
It could be the local law enforcement officer who seems to be waiting for Maxi to fall into his arms. A plan that is definitely thwarted by Miles’ presence in Maxi’s life – and eventually her bed.
But the longer that Miles spends with Maxi, the more of the potential suspects he is able to eliminate. And the closer that he gets to the woman who has staked out a place in his heart.
The hotter their romance gets, the more the suspense ratchets up. When the villain is finally revealed, it’s a surprise to everyone involved. Very nearly a deadly one.
Escape Rating A-: Close Contact is every bit as much fun as Hard Justice, the previous book in the series. And I absolutely loved that one.
One of the things I enjoyed about Close Contact was definitely Maxi. And not just because she feels not merely duty-bound, but actually enjoys taking care of all of her grandmother’s many, many (many) cats.
Don’t worry, she’s not a hoarder. The cats live outside, and mostly in the barn. But her grandmother loved them and Maxi cares for them – especially after one of them sticks by her the night she wakes up by the pond.
But what I really liked about Maxi was the way that she takes her life by the horns and learns to stand up for herself. She’s always felt like a bit of a failure, because she isn’t as ambitious and hard-driving as her siblings. But even though she’s used to jumping when they say jump, she still doesn’t give in or change what she believes is right, although she tries to keep the peace between them. It’s interesting watching that dynamic change over the course of the story.
Also, Maxi is right, at least about who isn’t her tormentor. Miles wants to suspect both her siblings and her ex, and they do all have reasons that foster that suspicion. But Maxi knows it isn’t them. I’m also glad it isn’t the ex, because that trope has been done to death.
And something else that was really well done was the forthright way that Miles dealt with the end of his MMA career and the reasons for that ending. I wish that the real-life NFL was half so honest about the risks of concussions and CTE.
The suspense part of this story ratchets up nicely. Or chillingly. It’s done well. The perpetrator is the person everyone least suspects, and the reasons for the whole mess are utterly tragic but at least began from a place that is easy to empathize with, even if the current results are well beyond the pale.
The romance in Close Contact is a bit fast, but it makes sense in context. They were already on their way to falling for each other when Maxi disappeared, so it makes sense that once they are forced into each other’s company, things eventually pick up where they left off. And it is right that they do.
If you like bodyguard romances, the Body Armor series is a winner. And you don’t have to read them all to get into them, but they’re fun, so why not?
We also get a chance to see hints of the next book in the series. It looks like Body Armor owner Sahara Silver may have finally met her match. And I can’t wait to read all about it in Fast Burn.
The Body Armor Agency needs a new motto. Perhaps something on the order of “We’ll protect your body, and we’ll steal your heart.” Because this series, so far, is all wrapped in the trope of the bodyguard and his protectee falling for each other while dodging whatever is after her.
The start of Close Contact is a bit different from the other books, because MMA fighter turned bodyguard Miles Dartmann and personal shopper Maxi Nevar already know each other, in the Biblical sense, before the book begins.
That Maxi is the one who cut and run from their no-strings-attached fling still bothers Miles. A lot. And not just because he’s usually the one who leaves. It felt like they were really starting to get somewhere, and not just between the sheets, when Maxi disappeared without a trace.
But when she wakes up in the middle of the night, out in the middle of the field next to the house she inherited from her grandmother, with no recollection of how she got there, she remembers that Miles was about to start his new job as a bodyguard when they hooked up.
Because Maxi needs a bodyguard. She’s not sure who she needs guarding from, or even why, but someone keeps messing with her, her house, her stuff, and her life. At first, she chalked up the tiny incidents as misremembering or accidents, but waking up by the pond could only have happened the way it did if someone put her there.
The question is why. And for answers, she turns to Miles, his boss Sahara Silver, and Body Armor.
At first, only Sahara believes Maxi. Miles, still stinging a bit from Maxi’s rejection, is certain that there’s another jilted lover in there someplace who decided to get some payback. It’s not until he comes out to Maxi’s rather remote little farmhouse and witnesses things for himself that he finally gets on board.
And just as he does, the incidents ramp up. Whatever is happening is escalating, and Maxi still doesn’t know why.
It could have to do with her inheritance of the farmhouse and her grandmother’s surprisingly large assets. After all, her brother and sister both believe that they should have gotten a bigger share, and that Maxi should sell the property and just give it to them.
It could be her cheating ex-fiance, who suddenly seems to want her back now that she’s come into her inheritance, and won’t take no for an answer.
It could be the local law enforcement officer who seems to be waiting for Maxi to fall into his arms. A plan that is definitely thwarted by Miles’ presence in Maxi’s life – and eventually her bed.
But the longer that Miles spends with Maxi, the more of the potential suspects he is able to eliminate. And the closer that he gets to the woman who has staked out a place in his heart.
The hotter their romance gets, the more the suspense ratchets up. When the villain is finally revealed, it’s a surprise to everyone involved. Very nearly a deadly one.
Escape Rating A-: Close Contact is every bit as much fun as Hard Justice, the previous book in the series. And I absolutely loved that one.
One of the things I enjoyed about Close Contact was definitely Maxi. And not just because she feels not merely duty-bound, but actually enjoys taking care of all of her grandmother’s many, many (many) cats.
Don’t worry, she’s not a hoarder. The cats live outside, and mostly in the barn. But her grandmother loved them and Maxi cares for them – especially after one of them sticks by her the night she wakes up by the pond.
But what I really liked about Maxi was the way that she takes her life by the horns and learns to stand up for herself. She’s always felt like a bit of a failure, because she isn’t as ambitious and hard-driving as her siblings. But even though she’s used to jumping when they say jump, she still doesn’t give in or change what she believes is right, although she tries to keep the peace between them. It’s interesting watching that dynamic change over the course of the story.
Also, Maxi is right, at least about who isn’t her tormentor. Miles wants to suspect both her siblings and her ex, and they do all have reasons that foster that suspicion. But Maxi knows it isn’t them. I’m also glad it isn’t the ex, because that trope has been done to death.
And something else that was really well done was the forthright way that Miles dealt with the end of his MMA career and the reasons for that ending. I wish that the real-life NFL was half so honest about the risks of concussions and CTE.
The suspense part of this story ratchets up nicely. Or chillingly. It’s done well. The perpetrator is the person everyone least suspects, and the reasons for the whole mess are utterly tragic but at least began from a place that is easy to empathize with, even if the current results are well beyond the pale.
The romance in Close Contact is a bit fast, but it makes sense in context. They were already on their way to falling for each other when Maxi disappeared, so it makes sense that once they are forced into each other’s company, things eventually pick up where they left off. And it is right that they do.
If you like bodyguard romances, the Body Armor series is a winner. And you don’t have to read them all to get into them, but they’re fun, so why not?
We also get a chance to see hints of the next book in the series. It looks like Body Armor owner Sahara Silver may have finally met her match. And I can’t wait to read all about it in Fast Burn.
December 4, 2017
Maxi Nevar's life got complicated and chaotic real fast with the loss of her mother and grandmother close together, the discovery that her fiance was cheating and the pressure from her siblings. The quickest way to relive the stress for her was to get laid, but the planned one-night stand became more than that as she found herself blown away by what she shared with Miles Dartman.
But she did not stick around to find out what could come out of it, only to find herself in need of his professional services as a bodyguard not long after she split. Now that he's back in her life, Miles seems to want more from her, especially her trust, but Maxi isn't willing to open herself up to another man who would walk away from her when he gets tired and it's up to Miles to convince her that he wants forever with her.
From the very first encounter with Maxi, Miles wanted more but she successfully kept him at an arm's length and then vanished into thin air. She's back now for help and he's understandably upset about her disappearing act but he's not going to let her go off on her own while she's in danger. Plus, their close proximity gives him all the opportunity he needs to convince her of his intentions.
Maxi and Miles definitely had some scorching chemistry and really enjoyable dialogue, but the best part of this book for me was the suspense. From the very first page, I was really invested in finding out who was behind all the stuff happening and Ms. Foster did a really great job building up the suspense all the way to the end, including a list of possible villains to chose from.
My least favorite part of the story was Maxi's ostrich act, refusing to see what was in front of her and her constant waffling was almost a buzz-killer. I have read the first book in this series and I kind of expected the drama, plus the cameos from the characters in her Ultimate series and the previous books in this series more than made up for it.
I enjoyed the drama and suspense in this story and have to say that this book does wonderfully as a stand-alone, but if you haven't read the previous books, you definitely will want to after reading this.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
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But she did not stick around to find out what could come out of it, only to find herself in need of his professional services as a bodyguard not long after she split. Now that he's back in her life, Miles seems to want more from her, especially her trust, but Maxi isn't willing to open herself up to another man who would walk away from her when he gets tired and it's up to Miles to convince her that he wants forever with her.
From the very first encounter with Maxi, Miles wanted more but she successfully kept him at an arm's length and then vanished into thin air. She's back now for help and he's understandably upset about her disappearing act but he's not going to let her go off on her own while she's in danger. Plus, their close proximity gives him all the opportunity he needs to convince her of his intentions.
Maxi and Miles definitely had some scorching chemistry and really enjoyable dialogue, but the best part of this book for me was the suspense. From the very first page, I was really invested in finding out who was behind all the stuff happening and Ms. Foster did a really great job building up the suspense all the way to the end, including a list of possible villains to chose from.
My least favorite part of the story was Maxi's ostrich act, refusing to see what was in front of her and her constant waffling was almost a buzz-killer. I have read the first book in this series and I kind of expected the drama, plus the cameos from the characters in her Ultimate series and the previous books in this series more than made up for it.
I enjoyed the drama and suspense in this story and have to say that this book does wonderfully as a stand-alone, but if you haven't read the previous books, you definitely will want to after reading this.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
November 22, 2017
ARC received for an honest review
A new Body Armor story? OK, if you insist!
I have enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, and now we have Miles - and humina humina, me likey!
From the minute Miles and his former fling Maxi reconnect, sparks fly. Boy, the sexual tension between them is off the charts.
Add in a bit of mystery and intrigue, and we are in for one hell of a ride.
And when Miles and Maxi do get in close contact.... hooeeeey hot stuff!
I did have a pretty good guess of who the bad guy is about halfway throughout the story, however Ms Foster didn't let us know the why's and what fors until she was ready to reveal.
One thing about this story - cats. So many cats!
I loved getting to see the boys from Body Armor and the guys from the Ultimate series a bit more too!
Now I need to know Brand's story - please don't make us wait too long!
A new Body Armor story? OK, if you insist!
I have enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, and now we have Miles - and humina humina, me likey!
From the minute Miles and his former fling Maxi reconnect, sparks fly. Boy, the sexual tension between them is off the charts.
Add in a bit of mystery and intrigue, and we are in for one hell of a ride.
And when Miles and Maxi do get in close contact.... hooeeeey hot stuff!
I did have a pretty good guess of who the bad guy is about halfway throughout the story, however Ms Foster didn't let us know the why's and what fors until she was ready to reveal.
One thing about this story - cats. So many cats!
I loved getting to see the boys from Body Armor and the guys from the Ultimate series a bit more too!
Now I need to know Brand's story - please don't make us wait too long!
December 20, 2017
I like that each story in the Body Armor series seems to have more suspense than the last. Plus the fact this couple knew each other before hand makes the sexy times more believable.
While Justice in Hard Justice has been my favorite guy in this group of friends, Close Contact is my favorite book in the series so far. Why? Miles and Maxi’s romance doesn’t feel like and instant love like the previous couples. They may have only had three “night stands” with each, but they connected on a level neither was sure about until they see each other again two months after Maxi walked out on Miles without a trace.
Seeing Miles and Maxi move past their physical attraction and mind blowing sex into a trusting and loving relationship was very satisfying. Foster made me care about this couple’s future and had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the bad guy was causing trouble on Maxie’s land.
While Alexander Cendese’s narration on the series has grown on me and I binge listen to catch up on the series. I will read the next book, Fast Burn. The biggest reason being his voice for Sahara Silver, the boss of the Body Armor company is the one that bugs me the most. I need to find her voice for myself when I read because I have a feeling her story with Brand Berry will be a good one.
While Justice in Hard Justice has been my favorite guy in this group of friends, Close Contact is my favorite book in the series so far. Why? Miles and Maxi’s romance doesn’t feel like and instant love like the previous couples. They may have only had three “night stands” with each, but they connected on a level neither was sure about until they see each other again two months after Maxi walked out on Miles without a trace.
Seeing Miles and Maxi move past their physical attraction and mind blowing sex into a trusting and loving relationship was very satisfying. Foster made me care about this couple’s future and had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the bad guy was causing trouble on Maxie’s land.
While Alexander Cendese’s narration on the series has grown on me and I binge listen to catch up on the series. I will read the next book, Fast Burn. The biggest reason being his voice for Sahara Silver, the boss of the Body Armor company is the one that bugs me the most. I need to find her voice for myself when I read because I have a feeling her story with Brand Berry will be a good one.
March 15, 2018
I received a copy via Net Galley and voluntarily left a review where all opinions are my own.
I have been a fan of Lori Foster's since meeting her SBC fighters in the Ultimate series and have continued my love affair with them into the Body Armor series. I can definitely say that I am close to swooning when all these gorgeous fighters are in the same room together and Lori fulfills my wishes many times over with this sexy suspense that let's us get a more intimate view of the former SBC fighter turned bodyguard Miles and his lady love Maxi. While it took me awhile to settle in to the story in Close Contact once I immersed myself with the mystery and intrigue surrounding this sexy couple, I couldn't get enough!
Miles Dartman aka “The Legend” is a big man with an even bigger heart. He has had his sights set on Maxi for quite sometime, knows her body intimately, and has now given up that there will ever be anything more than chemistry between them. While he still carries a torch for her, he is not about to get close and get burned again. To bad she happens to be his newest client who he will be protecting in close quarters which leads to lots and lots of heat! I adored getting to know this former fighter better and see him finally get the woman he has been pining for.
When I briefly met Maxi Nevar in previous books, I took her for being a woman of wealth, no substance, and could never have a hair out of place. It wasn't long into her story when I realized how wrong I was! I should have known that Miles wouldn't be interested in a shallow woman, even if they are scorching together. I got to meet a completely different, more laid back, nature loving Maxi that is most definitely the perfect match for Miles. I began to admire and respect this cat loving, tenacious, independent woman more with each page.
Lori Foster delivers a romance full of suspense where we get to see the story through not only the hero and heroine's point of view, but also the culprit's! Lori had me turning the pages faster and faster trying to figure out who was reeking havoc in Maxi's life and trying to stop her pursuit of happiness in the country while simultaneously bringing her and Miles together to fulfill their sexy destiny together. I cannot wait to step back into this fictional world and experience more steam, heart, and intrigue through the eyes of Brand and Sahara in their story Fast Burn...bring it on Lori, I am more than ready for more of these delicious fighters turned bodyguards!
I have been a fan of Lori Foster's since meeting her SBC fighters in the Ultimate series and have continued my love affair with them into the Body Armor series. I can definitely say that I am close to swooning when all these gorgeous fighters are in the same room together and Lori fulfills my wishes many times over with this sexy suspense that let's us get a more intimate view of the former SBC fighter turned bodyguard Miles and his lady love Maxi. While it took me awhile to settle in to the story in Close Contact once I immersed myself with the mystery and intrigue surrounding this sexy couple, I couldn't get enough!
Miles Dartman aka “The Legend” is a big man with an even bigger heart. He has had his sights set on Maxi for quite sometime, knows her body intimately, and has now given up that there will ever be anything more than chemistry between them. While he still carries a torch for her, he is not about to get close and get burned again. To bad she happens to be his newest client who he will be protecting in close quarters which leads to lots and lots of heat! I adored getting to know this former fighter better and see him finally get the woman he has been pining for.
When I briefly met Maxi Nevar in previous books, I took her for being a woman of wealth, no substance, and could never have a hair out of place. It wasn't long into her story when I realized how wrong I was! I should have known that Miles wouldn't be interested in a shallow woman, even if they are scorching together. I got to meet a completely different, more laid back, nature loving Maxi that is most definitely the perfect match for Miles. I began to admire and respect this cat loving, tenacious, independent woman more with each page.
Lori Foster delivers a romance full of suspense where we get to see the story through not only the hero and heroine's point of view, but also the culprit's! Lori had me turning the pages faster and faster trying to figure out who was reeking havoc in Maxi's life and trying to stop her pursuit of happiness in the country while simultaneously bringing her and Miles together to fulfill their sexy destiny together. I cannot wait to step back into this fictional world and experience more steam, heart, and intrigue through the eyes of Brand and Sahara in their story Fast Burn...bring it on Lori, I am more than ready for more of these delicious fighters turned bodyguards!
April 10, 2018
Ok straight up this book had me HOOKED in the like first three pages!!!! Maxi and Miles have some seriously confusing drama going on around them and I could not wait to figure it out from the very beginning!!! Maxi is def resourceful and much braver then I'll ever be!
Miles and Maxi had hooked up a couple of times in the past and Miles was definitely smitten. However, Maxi bailed and he had no way of contacting her. Maxi has had a lot happen in her life over the last couple of months and the last thing she needs is to be falling for some hot MMA guy. She has recently taken over her grandmothers farm and strange things have been happening on the property. When things get too crazy, she decides to find Miles at the Bod Armor Agency.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book! Miles and Maxie had to deal with a lot of craziness and I gotta say that I did not see that coming! This is a love story with a bit of mystery to it. There is a lot of drama happening around Miles and Maxie but not within their relationship. It was so funny to me watching them dance around their feelings because I just wanted to shout "YOU LOVE EACH OTHER!".
This is seriously such a cute story! Miles is super sweet and I love how he would do just about anything for Maxi! Maxi is like literally one of the strongest women ever for putting up with all the drama around her. I love how she is both totally girlie and city while also being totally comfortable farming on her grandmother property.
We also got to see a lot of the boys all together which is seriously awesome! I can't wait to start on the next one in the series!!
For more of my reviews:
* Main Blog: Fern's Book Blog
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Miles and Maxi had hooked up a couple of times in the past and Miles was definitely smitten. However, Maxi bailed and he had no way of contacting her. Maxi has had a lot happen in her life over the last couple of months and the last thing she needs is to be falling for some hot MMA guy. She has recently taken over her grandmothers farm and strange things have been happening on the property. When things get too crazy, she decides to find Miles at the Bod Armor Agency.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book! Miles and Maxie had to deal with a lot of craziness and I gotta say that I did not see that coming! This is a love story with a bit of mystery to it. There is a lot of drama happening around Miles and Maxie but not within their relationship. It was so funny to me watching them dance around their feelings because I just wanted to shout "YOU LOVE EACH OTHER!".
This is seriously such a cute story! Miles is super sweet and I love how he would do just about anything for Maxi! Maxi is like literally one of the strongest women ever for putting up with all the drama around her. I love how she is both totally girlie and city while also being totally comfortable farming on her grandmother property.
We also got to see a lot of the boys all together which is seriously awesome! I can't wait to start on the next one in the series!!
For more of my reviews:
* Main Blog: Fern's Book Blog
December 7, 2017
Lo ved this one! Can't wait to read the next with Sahara..
August 24, 2017
4.5 stars
LOVE this series! This one is about Miles. Sahara just keeps racking up those former MMA guys on her security team and it makes for some very hawt interactions. Miles has retired from fighting due to multiple injuries. Miles and Maxi have a history. I appreciated that he quickly got over the hurt of her not returning his calls and switched to trying to protect her. Life is too short after all.
Great mystery--I had my guesses but interesting how everything played out. Great romance as well!
Loved how all the team members are family. Maxi was so touched by all the help they gave her. Clearly not something she was used to. Great to catch up on the previous couples as well.
*Complementary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
LOVE this series! This one is about Miles. Sahara just keeps racking up those former MMA guys on her security team and it makes for some very hawt interactions. Miles has retired from fighting due to multiple injuries. Miles and Maxi have a history. I appreciated that he quickly got over the hurt of her not returning his calls and switched to trying to protect her. Life is too short after all.
Great mystery--I had my guesses but interesting how everything played out. Great romance as well!
Loved how all the team members are family. Maxi was so touched by all the help they gave her. Clearly not something she was used to. Great to catch up on the previous couples as well.
*Complementary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
December 11, 2017
The Body Armour series just keeps getting better!! Justice and Leese and now Miles. All of these MMA fighters on top of Cannon, Armie, Denver and Stack just gets more delicious!
Maxi and Miles have palpable chemistry and anyone near them feels the sexual sparks radiating off them. They have a history, short but quite memorable, I assure you!
Their story is complete with intrigue, mishaps, gunshots and explosions. It's also even more swoon worthy with all of the MMA fighters in one place...with their shirts off, sweating with hard labor.
Miles will protect her, even when she's pushing him away. It's his job but it's also more. So much more. Maxi may need his protection but she's got a backbone of steel. She has moments where she weakens under the pressure of all that is going on, and those moments are when he can show her more of what they have, what they can be. She's pushing him away for his own protection and he's having no part of that! When they succumb it's beautiful, passionate and hot!
The "whodunnit" I had narrowed down to two but the how of it all surprised me and was a great hero/heroine moment!
And the taste of Sahara and Brand was like fine chocolate, sweet but now we need more! Their story is likely to be the best! Keep them coming because I love them all!
Maxi and Miles have palpable chemistry and anyone near them feels the sexual sparks radiating off them. They have a history, short but quite memorable, I assure you!
Their story is complete with intrigue, mishaps, gunshots and explosions. It's also even more swoon worthy with all of the MMA fighters in one place...with their shirts off, sweating with hard labor.
Miles will protect her, even when she's pushing him away. It's his job but it's also more. So much more. Maxi may need his protection but she's got a backbone of steel. She has moments where she weakens under the pressure of all that is going on, and those moments are when he can show her more of what they have, what they can be. She's pushing him away for his own protection and he's having no part of that! When they succumb it's beautiful, passionate and hot!
The "whodunnit" I had narrowed down to two but the how of it all surprised me and was a great hero/heroine moment!
And the taste of Sahara and Brand was like fine chocolate, sweet but now we need more! Their story is likely to be the best! Keep them coming because I love them all!
March 22, 2018
Great sexy romance, wonderful mystery plot and a touch of humor make this a good book. I really like the hot romance and mystery, but the angst and martyr and repetitiousness just kinda killed the buzz of a great romantic-suspense lite plot.
November 28, 2017
Close Contact is Miles "The Legend" Dartman's story. He left MMA fighting at the top of his career, and even his closest friends don't know why. He is now working at Body Armor Security and receives a summons from the owner, Sahara Silver. When he arrives in her office he is shocked and dismayed to see Maxi Nevar, a woman he had a connection with, but who dumped him with nary a word. Maxi's world is upside down and one of the reasons she cut ties with Miles, but she is in trouble and needs help. Someone she can trust, so she hires Miles through Body Armor.
Maxi has inherited her Aunt's farm complete with a dozen or more cats. Her siblings are furious, and someone or something appears to be moving things in her home. When she awakens near the pond and has no memories of how she got there, she becomes fearful. We soon discover her fears are founded. Oh boy, the setup was great, and you'd have to be blind not to notice the sizzling chemistry between these two.
Suspense, danger and these two alone on a farm in the middle of nowhere fueled this heated, heartfelt romance that fans are sure to love. While there is heat, Foster also allowed the relationship to develop through conversation, interests, and trust. Their relationship, actions, and words felt genuine and had me rooting for a happily ever after.
Goats, kittens and giant turtles added to the story. I adored the farm setting. Aside from the immediate threats, I found myself envious of Maxi's digs. Miles is all alpha and visions of him making repairs to the barn and digging post holes left me blushing. Foster gives us his backstory, and we learn how he ended up with Body Armor. We also learn some things about other fighters, and I enjoyed these tidbits. For fans of the series and the Ultimate series, we get to see favorite characters as Miles works to make the farm safe. We also get to spend some time with Sahara, and I cannot wait for her story. Fast Burn is set to release in March of 2018.
The Body Armor series features former MMA fighters from the Ultimate series whose stories we did not get. It is not necessary to read the Ultimate series, and in fact, each novel will work as a standalone, but fans are rewarded with updates and character face time.
Close Contact was another exciting installment. Foster gave us plenty of possible suspects and motives that quite honestly kept me guessing until the end. The story was well balanced weaving both the suspense angle and romance together. Whether you are a fan or new to the series, it offers up the perfect romantic suspense. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Maxi has inherited her Aunt's farm complete with a dozen or more cats. Her siblings are furious, and someone or something appears to be moving things in her home. When she awakens near the pond and has no memories of how she got there, she becomes fearful. We soon discover her fears are founded. Oh boy, the setup was great, and you'd have to be blind not to notice the sizzling chemistry between these two.
Suspense, danger and these two alone on a farm in the middle of nowhere fueled this heated, heartfelt romance that fans are sure to love. While there is heat, Foster also allowed the relationship to develop through conversation, interests, and trust. Their relationship, actions, and words felt genuine and had me rooting for a happily ever after.
Goats, kittens and giant turtles added to the story. I adored the farm setting. Aside from the immediate threats, I found myself envious of Maxi's digs. Miles is all alpha and visions of him making repairs to the barn and digging post holes left me blushing. Foster gives us his backstory, and we learn how he ended up with Body Armor. We also learn some things about other fighters, and I enjoyed these tidbits. For fans of the series and the Ultimate series, we get to see favorite characters as Miles works to make the farm safe. We also get to spend some time with Sahara, and I cannot wait for her story. Fast Burn is set to release in March of 2018.
The Body Armor series features former MMA fighters from the Ultimate series whose stories we did not get. It is not necessary to read the Ultimate series, and in fact, each novel will work as a standalone, but fans are rewarded with updates and character face time.
Close Contact was another exciting installment. Foster gave us plenty of possible suspects and motives that quite honestly kept me guessing until the end. The story was well balanced weaving both the suspense angle and romance together. Whether you are a fan or new to the series, it offers up the perfect romantic suspense. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
October 25, 2017
I'm loving this series hard. This is the third book in the series and it could be read as a standalone but I recommend starting from the beginning to get the full effect. This book is a second chance romance. But that second chance pretty much only happens because Maxi is having problems that puts her safety at risk. And she is familiar and trusts Miles.
Maxi has inherited her grandmothers farm which her siblings and a few others feel she should sell. But she refuses to bend to everyone's wishes. And now there are strange things happening around the farm. And it's up to Miles to help her figure out who is threatening her. And there really are several suspects. I personally had no idea who it was until it was fully revealed. Yes I had my suspicions but was not 100% sure. Lori Foster definitely kept that mystery under close wraps.
Miles feels more for Maxi then just being her body guard. He never understood why she left without a trace months ago when the hooked up. Now he is determined to not only protect her and figure out the mystery but he is going to do his best to win her heart too. He is gentle and possessive and my kind of man. He and Maxi are perfect for each other. She being stubborn independent and strong and him patient and determined and protective. He will break down her defenses for sure.
Arc provided by author for honest review
Maxi has inherited her grandmothers farm which her siblings and a few others feel she should sell. But she refuses to bend to everyone's wishes. And now there are strange things happening around the farm. And it's up to Miles to help her figure out who is threatening her. And there really are several suspects. I personally had no idea who it was until it was fully revealed. Yes I had my suspicions but was not 100% sure. Lori Foster definitely kept that mystery under close wraps.
Miles feels more for Maxi then just being her body guard. He never understood why she left without a trace months ago when the hooked up. Now he is determined to not only protect her and figure out the mystery but he is going to do his best to win her heart too. He is gentle and possessive and my kind of man. He and Maxi are perfect for each other. She being stubborn independent and strong and him patient and determined and protective. He will break down her defenses for sure.
Arc provided by author for honest review
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January 9, 2018Yeah this one was too slow for me so I DNF’d it. The attraction was there. The suspense was there too but it wasn’t moving fast enough. It’s probably me because I get impatient with the pacing of a book sometimes. What I did read I liked, it just didn’t hold my attention enough to finish it.
July 1, 2020
I think it took me too much to finish this one.
That is never a good sign.
I am not saying this book was bad but I think the problems there were unnecessary.
I also felt that there was utter lack of communication between Miles ans Maxi.
I don't think there was one honest communication or conversation between the two throughout the book.
Not one.
So, yeah. A little disappointed.
But I am looking forward to Sahara's book.
That is never a good sign.
I am not saying this book was bad but I think the problems there were unnecessary.
I also felt that there was utter lack of communication between Miles ans Maxi.
I don't think there was one honest communication or conversation between the two throughout the book.
Not one.
So, yeah. A little disappointed.
But I am looking forward to Sahara's book.
December 25, 2017
Good book! Enjoyed Miles and Maxi! They were great together!
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