Under Pressure by Lori Foster was a romantic suspense that kept me on my toes throughout the entire story.

The characters in this book were vibrant and colorful. Their personalities instantly attracted me and held my attention. From the spunky and sassy Catalina who was fighting to hold her own to the broody and alpha Leese who made sure that he would protect her at all costs. And how could you not love all of Leese's friends? I am DYING to know more about them!!! Looks like there is a past series I may need to dig into!

This was a fast-paced read that will have you watching as Cat and Leese fight their attraction to each other as they fight to keep her safe from those out to hurt her. I loved watching their attraction grow as they got to know each other better. I really enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Under Pressure.

UNDER PRESSURE was a very interesting and enjoyable read, filled with both suspense and tender emotion and if this story is anything to go by, I'll say that this new series is off to a great start.

Catalina Nicholson has been on the run for weeks from the hired goons on her heels courtesy of her stepfather and his powerful friends. She knows she has to keep going or risk paying with her life if she relaxes for a minute, but for a woman with a pampered and protected upbringing, living on the streets is hard and she's almost at the end of her rope. Until a stranger steps up to help her out and she finds someone she can trust in and who can keep her safe.

Leese Phelps has one assignment: protect Catalina at all costs and he takes his job very seriously, but with Cat becoming very important to him as more than a client, he's even more invested in keeping her safe. But how do you protect a woman who's not forthcoming with the truth and how will all of this impact their relationship when the threats to Cat have been neutralized?

So, I was not sure what expect when I started reading this book because I still think of Leese as the MMA fighter but I was pleasantly surprised by this story. He was still the kind and sweet guy we knew, only more dangerous. Even more, Cat was a really great character. She was feisty, quirky and courageous, and staying alive for so long by herself on the streets was a testament to her inner strength. Together they seem like an unlikely fit, especially for anyone who was first introduced to a cocky Leese in the Ultimate series, but this Leese is a lot steadier and more confident, which balanced out Cat's high energy. I also liked that the downtime gave Leese and Cat time to do everyday stuff and get to know each other very well.

I really enjoyed how artfully Ms. Foster peppered the story with new and very interesting characters, filling out parts of the story that could have become boring otherwise. I'm looking forward to more from this series and will recommend it to any suspense fan who prefers a less frenetic pace in a book.

If you are regular followers of the website, you might have caught on the fact that I read about 90% of my books 'blind', not knowing how the cover looks like and who wrote the book, just open the file with the book's name and get going. This said to explain that I had no idea this was Lori Foster's work at the beginning, but soon recognized the characters from the MMA series, that this is a spin-off, and silently cheered with high expectations of the coming events.
I loved the characters, they had a rare originality to them, distinct qualities, that were easy to recognize and relate to. Leese Phelps, who's story started in the previous series, is tough, protective, capable, and intimidating as a bodyguard, yet caring, loving, and so tender when it came to Catalina Nicholson.
Cat was a bit more complex character to know. She is in a tough spot, her life is in danger, the culprits after her are merciless and brutal. She managed to hide for six weeks on her own, and now, just in time, Body Armor security agency steps in to help. Yet she is aware of the fact that one wrong move and her loved ones are in danger for their lives, as well. Trust is hard to come by in that situation, it is a tightrope she has to balance on, she is exhausted after her run and hiding on her own, yet to let lose and give up all the information she has could put everyone around her in danger. In this situation, in my mind, she had a lot of room to be difficult, whiny, or clingy, yet she shows a backbone and desire to stand for herself, and fight for the justice to be done. All her life she has been told she is different and doesn't fit in, and finally, she finds people who accept her, embrace her, and care for her just as she is.
Cat's attraction to Leese is immediate, she is burning for him and not about to hide it. The temptation is great to Leese since his adoration toward Cat has been just growing inside of him the more he gets to know her. The connection, understanding, the awe between them is palpable and glowing with heat, the love scenes between them are scorching hot yet filled with tender, loving warmth.
The secondary characters were drawn with distinct lines, especially Justice. There were intrigue and humor to them in just the right doses to wake the interest and have me craving to find out about their destinies.
The suspense builds up through the tale, with surprising twists taking the plot into new directions. The crescendo at the end is filled with fierce, cruel, and ruthless, on the edge action that comes to a heroic, sudden ending.
This story is a delightful mix of intense suspense, deadly action, and cherished romance with a compelling plot with curious twists, and fascinating characters that allured my mind, promising an energized and exciting series to come!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Okay, I was giving an opportunity to check out Lori latest release Under Pressure. All right this is my first time reading a Lori novel. Now I have read novella's by her, but this is the first novel. I think I have a few of her novels on my kindle, because 1)Loved the cover 2) Others have recommended her books 3) I do love good sales. I have to say that I did enjoyed the story. I really liked Leese. He's a pretty decent guy. I mean if a guy can fight his attraction to a woman who is trying to throw herself at him, that's some will power. Cat was pretty awesome. She knew what she wanted and she wanted Leese even though he was putting up the stops.

Anyway there is a lot going on in Under Pressure we have Cat who has been on the run and doesn't know who she can trust. Leese trying to protect, but she's trying to protect him from storm that is brewing. All the makings for some action. However, it's a little slow at the beginning, but as the ending draws closer oh my. Chaos ensues.

Somethings I probably never know and need to accept: Leese leaves MMA fighting to become a bodyguard. There has to be more to the backstory. I guess I have to accept that he wasn't good enough and move on. However, I'm hoping in the stories to come we might get a better view of Justice and his boss.

Overall, a pretty good read. I enjoyed the chemistry between Leese and Cat. At times they were hot. I want to see more of the other characters. I think those who like Lori's previous books are going to enjoy Under Pressure. Plus, Leese is pretty awesome.

Copy provided by Harlequin via NetGalley

I have to admit, I was really sad when Lori Foster ended her Ultimate series. Four books just didn't seem like enough. It did help a little knowing that the characters weren't being totally abandoned though. Under Pressure not only featured Leese, a member of the Ultimate crew, but readers were treated to tiny glimpses of the rest of the gang. I feel MUCH better now ;) It's the little things, really.

So, how was the first book in the Body Armor series? I think I'm going to like this series... really, is anyone surprised? Ex-fighters who aren't afraid to put themselves on the line to protect. Strong women who will go to any length to stand up for those they care about. Friends who step up without being asked. Witty and smart characters and plenty of heated tension. Bad guys who think they're above the law and can pretty much do anything they want. What's not to love?

Needless to say, I loved Leese and Cat and their story. I can't wait to see what Foster has in store for the rest of the Body Armor crew. Justice is next in Hard Justice. Stay tuned ;)

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

I have read Lori Foster for years. I love her quirky romance with a touch of mystery that infuses her books. Unfortunately, I'm not a big MMA fan and haven't read her recent books. This series is a spin off of a MMA series, so..... Will it be consumed with the MMA culture or will it appeal to me? Only time will tell.

This book is not consumed by the MMA culture and I have enjoyed reading it. The hero, Leese, is a former MMA fighter who realized that he was never going to be a champion and retired to become a bodyguard with Body Armor. He's been with them for about a year and his MMA skills and a natural talent for the work have made him a perfect fit. He's a natural born protector and finds that protecting Catalina was what he was born for.

Catalina is on the run from her stepfather and his murdering friends. She has information that can destroy a very important person and has no idea who she can trust. One of the men wants Cat, not to silence her, but to keep her. When Leese finds her, she is desperate to trust someone and stop running and Leese fits the bill. She also has a huge physical response to his very hot bod. With her life on the line, Cat is not in the mood to wait and get to know each other, Cat wants him and she wants him NOW. Leese also has a huge physical response to Cat, but, she is the client and he isn't about to take advantage of her.

This book just did not live up to my expectations. A lot of Lori Fosters' earlier work was excellent. This one is just so-so. A lot of angst, with a heaping dose of martyr, and that Cat didn't trust Leese to have the skills to protect her or himself made this a tough book to loose myself in.

suspense, romance and sexy times. This was fast paced and fun to read! Leese is hot as hell and I loved everything about him. Cat is sensitive and caring but can also be a bit wishy-washy. She was a good character but I wished she could have been more. 
The story was great and was definitely worth reading. I loved seeing old characters in this book too! The story grabs you and keeps you wondering what's next.

A great start to a new spin-off series for Lori Foster. I am looking forward to seeing how she and her characters grow through out the series.
Under Pressure brings us back into the Ultimate fighters world, with Leese, but opens us up to an entire new group of people and theme. Leese takes his fighting skills into the security side of things, joining a well respected personal security service, Body Armor and he finds himself thriving.
I love how much Leese has grown since his introduction in the Ultimate series. He's taken responsibility for his mistakes, he's opened himself to more possibilities and the recognized that his future doesn't lie with in the fighting ring.
Catalina is on the run. She knows that she's being 'hunted' and she has no safe place, no where to turn. Her step-father may be the one sending men after her, her brothers...well she doesn't know if she can trust them either. She grew up in a world full of money, lies and expectations. A world that she never fit into and now she's on the run from it and has no idea who she can trust. One night she literally stumbles into the path of a Leese, a man sent by her step-father to protect her and though she can't be sure she can trust her step-father she some how knows she can trust Leese. While she may trust him, she doesn't trust his safety leading her to keep secrets placing Body Armor, herself, and Leese in danger.

I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and the story line in this book. While every thing seems clear every now and again Lori throws wrench into the works and gives the reader a little shock. I LOVED seeing the guys of Ultimate show up, they aren't a huge part of the series but the fact that they come to stand by Leese no questions asked when he calls gave me that wonderful feeling that had me falling in love with the Ultimate series in the beginning so I am really glad to see it coming through in Body Armor.

I can say that while the romance was steamy and there was a clear connection between Leese and Cat from the very beginning, Cat kinda drove me nuts. I'm all good with the woman being the 'aggressor', showing that a woman can ask for what she wants but Cat takes it in my opinion a little too far. Leese says no and it feels like to Cat No does not mean No and that made me a tad uncomfortable. She wasn't clever in her pursuit of Leese, she was straight out 'balls to the wall' aggressive and it made me cringe a time or two.

In the end I loved seeing how much Leese has grown up and getting the chance to fall for him instead of wanting to shake him silly. There was lots of suspense and romance in this one and I am really looking forward to more!

3.5 stars
This is a pretty standard Lori Foster book. Leese is a secondary character from a previous series who gets top billing as the hero here. He's likeable and very alpha.
Cat is a strong female, but has a vulnerability that is appealing too. The interaction between these two is fun to watch. I especially appreciated the fact that Leese tried to avoid crossing boundaries, but found the attraction to Cat too hard to avoid.
The intrigue elements of the story keep things moving and keep everyone on their toes. Well written and fun, this is a good starting place for new Lori Foster fans. People who have enjoyed her recent work will be excited as some old favorites show up for a visit.

Love, Love, Love the new series spinoff! What's better than HOT MMA fighters? HOT Bodyguard, gah! Little twists and turns and damsel in distress. Just enough mystery and new characters introduced to keep you on your toes a bit.

4.5 Stars
Lori Foster has started off her new series with a bang! We've met Leese in her Ultimate series. This one kept me on the edge of my set because I just didn't know the twist to come. This one had me from the beginning to the last page. It is one that you can't to read, but you put off finishing it because you just don't want it to end. This is definitely a book I look for when I pick up a Lori Foster book. I loved the characters. I also enjoyed Leese's fighter friends from the Ultimate series make a cameo. I look forward to more from this series

I'm not surprised that I liked Under Pressure so much. It was sweet, sexy, fun and had great MCs. It reminded me again why I love Lori Foster so much.

So long story short, I loved it because of:
- the strong protective alpha Hero.
- the brave, quirky heroine
- the sizzling chemistry and amazingly HOT love scenes!
- Great secondary characters
- it being a 100% safe read (i.e. No Cheating - Completely FAITHFUL H/h)

I read it in one sitting because I couldn't pull myself away from it. From start to finish, I needed to know where it was all headed. I loved getting to know Cat and Leese, seeing them interact, spend time together, share their thoughts, their dreams, their need for a future that included them, together. It was amazing and am so grateful I received an ARC.

Lori Foster is a go-to author if you want a safe read with just the right amount of heat, romance and characters that are down to earth and just about perfect. And this one is no exception. I always come back to LF because her books are comfortable. They're romance so there is a guaranteed HEA, but I say comfortable because there is never any OW/OM drama, no miscommunications, no humiliating scenes, no shaming and no judgement. It's a safe bet. Even if I don't come away loving the story, I always walk away liking it.

I don't have to love every book by an author to love them but I appreciate that there are still authors out there that can write a love story with equal parts, suspense/mystery, action, humor and of course, romance. Authors that don't need to go OTT with OM/OW drama or create conflicts just for the heck of it. Storytellers that work their word magic thats lets us fall in love with love.

Lori Foster always managing to give me that perfect blend and Under Pressure was just that. I loved Leese and I loved Cat. I think it's pretty brilliant that her new Body Armor series has bodyguards who were former MMA fighters, it mixed the best of her Men That Walk the Edge of Honor and SBC/Ultimate series. It was a stroke of genius! It just makes sense and I can't wait to read Justice's story next. So happy that the first three books come out in 2017. No year long wait between books!! Yay!!! Another reason to fan girl over Lori Foster :)

I have been a fan of Ms. Foster’s for years and was a looking forward to her new series titled Body Armor. Under Pressure is book one of the series and she did not disappoint me. Body Armor is a bodyguard agency for the elite. Currently owned by Sahara, an interesting character that I look forward to knowing better in future books.
This story center around Leese Phelps and Catalina Nicholson. Leese , an ex MMA fighter who has traded his old job to be a bodyguard, is assign to protect Catalina. Catalina has been on the run after she overheard a conversation that put her in danger. Is the man that requested her protection, the one that is trying to eliminate her? Or are there other players involved? Meanwhile , the chemistry between Leese and Catalina is palatable. He is honorable and strong, she is witty , sweet , bright and has great survival skills.
You will not only find lots of chemistry between the two, but the complex plot with it’s twist and turns, will keep you guessing . If you have been a faithful reader of Ms Foster’s stories, some of the characters from previous books, like Justice, will also play a secondary role.
All in all, a book that will keep you entertained, will keep you guessing, and you will hope it ends for an HEA for the main characters. Can’t wait to read what’s in store for the rest of the series.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

4.5*

I adored Lori Foster's Ultimate series and was sad when it came to an end. Especially because we never really got to know much about Leese, one of the secondary characters who made an impression on me, and I'm sure on many other readers! So I was delighted when I heard she was writing a spin-off series based on Leese and a few of the other side characters from that series. And that it was going to be about bodyguards??? Sign me up, please!

Ms. Foster doesn't waste any time (re)introducing Leese and Justice, we're thrown right into the action with them from page 1 of Under Pressure. And the action is non-stop from there. Leese is tasked with protecting Catalina Nicholson, but from whom we're not really sure. The mystery and intrigue had me flipping pages quickly, trying to figure out just who was responsible for putting Cat, and everyone around her, in danger. Twists and turns kept the story moving and the characters kept it interesting!

If you're familiar at all with any of Lori Foster's books, you know she's one of the best at creating strong, protective, chivalrous alpha males...and Leese Phelps is no exception! His protective nature and caring personality makes him a perfect fit as a bodyguard. He's definitely a changed man from when we met him originally in the Ultimate series, and he really captured my heart. And mine wasn't the only heart he stole- Cat, after her initial leeriness and hesitancy because of everything that was happening around and to her, realizes that Leese is something special. While he does everything he can to fight the attraction to her, his client, she's pretty relentless in her pursuit of him. And it's quite entertaining- a little levity in what is otherwise a tense situation.

Under Pressure is a terrific start to what I'm sure will be another outstanding series from Lori Foster. It's suspensful, romantic, engaging, an all around enjoyable read. Cat and Leese are such a sweet couple, one of the sweetest I think she's written. I'm really quite excited for the rest of the books in this series, I'm ready to jump right into Justice's book!

*Although Leese was originally introduced in the Ultimate series, Under Pressure can absolutely be read as a completely separate book that stands on its own.

Under Pressure is the start of a new series by Lori Foster and I feel so privileged that I get to read and review this. I have been a huge Lori Foster fan since before there were Ebooks. This book continues with MMA fighters, who are now retired and working for a bodyguard company called Body Armor. We see Leese who we met in Ms. Foster's MMA series but who has since become a hero in his own right with Body Armor. He is assigned to be a bodyguard for a young woman named Catalina, and although it takes awhile for the reader to know why she needs guarding, it is a great way to weave a plot to keep the reader interested. I love Ms Foster's stories because there is always a great, believable plot to go along with the romance. They are fast paced, suspenseful, and I truly enjoyed visits from some of the MMA characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. Thanks as always to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book for an honest review. I am so grateful I was given this opportunity.

Storyline: 5
Angst: 2
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5 Plus
Over All Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kindle eArc on Netgalley

Leese has made a pretty big change in his life. Going from MMA fighter to bodyguard has landed him his perfect job. Most jobs have been pretty straight forward until Catalina Nicholson. Usually the person wants your protection, but Catalina is keeping secrets and with someone actively after her, Cat’s secrets might get her killed. What do you do when the person who hired you to protect someone might be the one trying to hurt them?

“‘Could I sleep with you? Sleep, I mean? That nap with you today was the best rest I’ve had in a very long time but I’m still so tired. I just want to sleep, but I don’t dare.’ She squeezed him, her small body pressed to his, her face against his throat. Her warm breath teased his skin with her agonized explanation. ‘I know I shouldn’t trust you, but I keep wanting to anyway.’

Leese tried to relax. ‘You can trust me.’”

I have a “thing” for spinoffs of series that I adore because I just don’t want to let go of my people. I couldn’t wait for Leese's story and now that he's a bodyguard....chills! Catalina doesn't fit Leese's usual "type" but I loved her feisty attitude and how protective she was of everyone in her life. It's cute how alike Leese and Cat's personalities are. What really topped this off for me was the Ultimate series MMA fighters cameos! I've missed my guys. I’m excited to find out what’s going with Sahara or Justice in the next book. These characters always manage to get under my skin and make me want to know where their lives are headed.

If you like MMA fighter books or alpha males in general, you’d really like Lori Foster’s other stories. Hot, sexy scenes. Strong, alpha men. Loyal, trustworthy friends. I can’t say enough good things about these characters.

I gotta be honest; I didn't really remember who Leese was at first. I had been reading it for few chapters before it smacked me upside the head that it was the same guy from Denver's book. I'm really lovin this whole ex-MMA/bodyguard thing that's going on! I liked all the time the two were together, it wasn't a case of insta-love. Insta-lust, yes very much yes. And finally we got a woman who didn't immediately do the complete opposite of what was asked of her. Or try to save the other person by turning herself over to the bad guys. I can't wait to read the next book. And maybe learn some more about Sahara and her brother.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Under Pressure

Body Armor Series - Book 1



By Lori Foster

HQN - January 2017

Contemporary Romance



Under Pressure is the first story in Lori Foster's Body Armor series. This new series follows Ms Foster's Ultimate series and is tied to additional ones. If you want to read everything in order, start with SBC, then read Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series, which ties into Love Undercover. Then there is Hard Knocks, and the Ultimate series. Then comes the new Body Armor series.

Leese Phelps had left professional fighting. He knew he would never be at the top, and chose instead to be at the top in a different aspect. He had hired on at Body Armor, a security agency. His newest assignment was one Catalina Nicholson. He was to be her personal bodyguard, and her safety was his primary goal. And her need for help was evident from the first moment he saw her.

Cat had been in danger from the moment she learned just how depraved certain men she knew were. She had escaped from their clutches once, but she'd learned that her new haven was anything but safe. Luckily, Leese had shown up, saved the day, and had become her hunky hero. For Cat had no doubt Leese was a hunk, and he was a hero. Anyone with eyes could see how well built he was. And he was a hero for always trying to do the right thing - even if it was something she didn't want him to do because it put him at risk. He may not see himself as a hero, but she knew better.

And with dangerous men after her, Cat would do whatever she could to protect him too.

Under Pressure finally gives Leese his story. He had made some bad choices in the past, but had quickly tried to rectify them. He'd been the best friend, and the confidant. Now, he was a hero saving his own heroine, and I adored watching as he found his own match. I had difficulties with Cat as a heroine. I sometimes could not understand her thought process. However, there was no question she was a fighter, honest, loyal, and determined to do the right thing. I look forward to additional stories in the Body Armor series.





Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

This book was enthralling and kept me on the edge of my seat. Another fantastic book by Lori Foster!

Under Pressure is the first book in Lori Foster’s Body Armor series and a spin-off of her wildly popular Ultimate series. In this series she melds a variety of book types she’s well know for; MMA, suspense, and bad-a$$ protective heroes. Characters from her Ultimate series appear including the hero who has left his MMA days behind to become a bodyguard. I enjoyed this book quite a lot and felt that Ms. Foster, set the series up nicely without losing the romance of the couple which often happens in the first book of the series. We are introduced to several characters, but not so many as your head starts to spin trying to keep them straight especially if you read the Ultimate series. Under Pressure was intense at times but it was tempered with some sweet, sexy moments and lots of interesting dialog as well.

Leese Phelps is sure of one thing; his latest assignment is going to be the end of him. She might be from a wealthy family, but she has sprit and gumption and she is going to be hell on wheels to keep safe and he knows he will do everything possible to make sure he succeeds. This is a different Leese from the one we were introduced to in Foster’s Ultimate series, he’s grown up, he’s matured and he is very, very happy with his new occupation.

Being on the run for the last couple of months has made Catalina Nicholson tired and weary, but she refuses to just roll over at do what some man wants just because he’s deemed it so. I like that despite her sheltered upbringing and never really having to worry about anything, when she realized she was in danger she figured a way to get out of it often outsmarting those looking for her until she meets Leese and she begins to realize that he might be someone she can trust.

Being holed up to make sure Catalina is safe could have been a snooze fest, but instead it gave them time to really get to know one another especially after Leese made it known he would not get physical with her right away (and yes Cat was a little bit annoying about that at first). I enjoyed the times they spent together talking, cooking, working out, and verbally sparring.

There were some fantastic secondary characters in this story and I honestly can’t wait to see what Ms. Foster has in store for them especially the agency owner, Sahara and Justice whose story is next. The camaraderie between them was fantastic and a joy to read.

Some suspense, sexual tension leading up to some hot, steamy times, and a cast of vibrant and exciting characters made Under Pressure a fantastic start to a new series.