I always enjoy reading Lori Foster! There’s something so very charming and captivating about her heroes and heroines, interesting plots and the crossover/spin off series are always my favorite.

As much as I love her books, her latest release “Close Contact”, somehow lacked her special trademark of chemistry and vibes. MMA fighter Miles Dartman’s path crosses that of Maxi Nevar and after one passionate night between the sheets go their own ways. Now fate brings them together, as Maxi’s life is in danger from an unknown threat and he’s tasked with the job of protecting her.

Staying under one roof at the ranch that Maxi had inherited, old feelings are renewed, sparks are fanned to passion and love becomes the very air that they breathe. It’s a good plot, but lacked conviction and interest and somehow I did not see that chemistry between Miles and Maxi. I was more interested in Sahara Silver and Brand Berry!

Then again this is Lori Foster, and I am a bit biased and one read is given for “Close Contact”

Received an ARC from Harlequin via NetGalley for an honest review.

4.5 Stars from Renee!

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, suspense, steam, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading them first:
Under Pressure (Body Armor, #1)
Hard Justice (Body Armor #2)

This is Maxi and Miles's story. Maxi met Miles and wanted him from the start, but she has a lot of things happening in her life. They had a few nights but then she disappeared from his life. When months later she ends up in his boss’s office looking for help he is not happy. She left him. He will help as she is in danger, but he does not understand why she walked away from him. The more time they spend together the more they fall for each other, but danger is lurking. Someone does not want Maxi at her grandmother’s house. They just have to figure out who is out to get her and why. Maxi thinks as soon as the danger is over Miles will leave. She is preparing for her heart to be broken what she does not understand is Miles is in this for the long haul. He has to get rid of the danger, so they can have a forever. Who is behind all the threats on her and the property? Is it who they suspect or someone they never suspected? Will they get away with there lives so they can have a future, or will one be lost in the process?

This story also pulled in some of the men from the Ultimate Series. Always nice to get a few updates on some characters we love and miss. I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.

Close Contact is one of those books that you can read without the plot becoming too complicated. I was in desperate need to read a book like Close Comfort. I had read books with intricate plotlines. They required me to write them down so I could remember everything. So reading this book was a balm to my mind.

Close Comfort starts off with Maxi waking up in a field by her house with no idea how she got there. Terrified and still drugged, she manages to make her way to the house, get her keys, get into her car and take off. This isn’t the first time that something like this had happened to her. She decided that she needed to hire a bodyguard. She knew what agency she was going to use and who she wanted. It’s a matter of convincing him to overlook their past and take the job.

Miles is a retired MMA fighter who works for an agency called Body Armor as a bodyguard. He had a fling with Maxi several months back. She dumped him after the 3rd time they hooked up. So he was surprised when he was called into his boss’s office and told that Maxi was hiring him. When Miles returns with Maxi to her farm, he realizes that he didn’t know her at all. He realizes that protecting Maxi from her unknown stalker might be difficult. Since he/she seems to have unlimited access to her house and land. Maxi realizes that she doesn’t know the people she surrounds herself with as well as she thought she did.

Maxi was a tough cookie but she was also vulnerable. She refused to be driven from her farm. By the stalker or her siblings, who wanted her to sell it so they could take the money. She wanted to live there and honor her grandmother’s memory. But first, she had to find out who was stalking her. I loved, loved, loved that she was a crazy cat lady. She made no excuses to Miles about the number of cats on her property. Only that her grandmother loved them and Maxi was going to care for those cats and any others that turned on. I also loved how she took nothing from Miles. Nothing. Like I said, she was a tough cookie.

Miles did come across as a tool in the beginning of the book but I changed my mind. If that was me, put into that situation, I would have acted the same way. I did like his instincts about people. I felt the same way about Fletcher that he did. I also liked that he accepted Maxi, the farm, and the cats without even thinking about it. I actually loved him by the end of the book. He put his life on the life for Maxi a few times. Not because she was his boss but because he loved her.

The chemistry between Maxi and Miles was insane. I did wonder when they were going to hook up and I wasn’t surprised when it happened shortly afterward. After they first had sex, they bumped uglies everywhere. Including the kitchen, where the stalker got his own show because of no blinds or curtains. You betcha that they got blinds after Maxi noticed the stalker watching them. Other than that one scene, which was actually kind of funny, the sex scenes were hot.

I liked how the author kept you guessing at who the stalker was. At one point, she had 3 separate suspects going. Red herrings were thrown out everywhere. I did figure out who it was by the middle of the book. But I was shocked at why he was doing it. That twist caught me off guard and I loved it!!

Close Contact is part of the Body Armor series. It is book 3. I will save everyone my rant on picking books up mid-series. If you have followed my blog long enough, you know how I feel about it. Yet I still do it. This book can be read separately from the series. The main characters from the first two books to make appearances in the book. But the author did not allow them to take over the book. They had their scenes and then faded away. Other than that, the book can be read alone.

The end of Close Contact is typical for a suspenseful romance/mystery. The only thing that surprised me was why the stalker was doing what he was doing, which I mentioned above. Other than that very typical. Also very typical in the romance part too.

Close Contact is a fast-moving suspense, mystery romance. The main characters are likable and have unbelievable sexual chemistry. The suspense/mystery part of the book kept me guessing and on edge. There is a twist in the plot at the end of the book that did shock me. Even though it is book 3, you can read it as a standalone. The sex is explicit so I wouldn’t have anyone younger than 18 reading this book. I would recommend for anyone over 18.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

This is the 3rd book in Lori Foster's Body Armor series. This book focuses on Miles Dartman and his lady friend Maxi Nevar, though they had been more of acquaintances than friends. Miles left the MMA fighting circle & has joined Leese Phelps & Justice Wallington at Sahara Silver's Body Armor Agency.

Maxi works as a personal shopper & has had family difficulties. She is also dealing with the aftermath of a break up due to cheating. She is dealing with the loss of her grandmother & her siblings who want her to sell the house. Things have happened to Maxi & she knows she needs help so she turns to the Body Armor Agency & the bodyguard she knows she can trust, Miles.

Miles doesn't trust Maxi, after she left him several months ago, but since he was requested by Maxi to be her bodyguard at the house he has no choice but to go. During their time together at her house, they talk about their lives & why she left him. While Miles was working on the case, helping Maxi & protecting her, several suspects come to light as to who could be causing her danger.

This was another winner by Lori Foster.

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.

This is a gripping and suspenseful romance. When Maxi needs help, she turns to Miles, a man she ran from after a few one night stands. While Miles is still mad about the past, he wants her. Maxi left him because her life was a mess, and it's worse now. She also doesn't think Miles could possibly want her when he could have anyone. Miles is tough, determined, bold, kind, amusing and romantic. Maxi is stubborn, strong, independent, sweet and caring. The storyline is full of intrigue and entertainment, it keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. It's very hard to put down and belongs on your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

Incredibly sensual, titillating romance mixed with intense, destructive and maliceful suspense with charismatic characters and nearly the whole gang from the previous books for a visit and we have the makings of an immensely entertaining story that is easy to recommend (to anyone over 18).
Miles Dartman and Maxi Nevar take the heat level to a new atmosphere. It is constantly high, the desire and lust oozing off them. The draw to each other is substantial, but so are the emotions growing inside of them. Even though there are plenty of detailed sex scenes, they are beautifully done, a part of the plot, indicating the growth of their bond, their feelings, and their need for each other in every possible aspect.
Both Miles and Maxi were characters easy to like and admire. Maxi is a strong female lead, she knows what she wants and is not afraid to say it or go for it. She is capable, loyal, gorgeous, and stubborn.
Miles, well, the Legend is just perfect. He is generous, kind, tough, smart, skillful in any situation yet he knows his limits and is humble and thoughtful - a true swoon-worthy hero, who is not afraid or ashamed to show his constant desire and growing feelings towards Maxi. Their previous history with the string of one-night-stands puts a damp into their relationship, the trust has to be built anew, the commitment has to be clearly spoken and demonstrated, not to mention accepted, for them to be able to move on.
The suspense grows with each new threat bringing intensity and dismay to the scenes. With Miles arrival, the attacks take a deadly turn putting their lives in peril, notching up the already intense vibes.
With the natural, effortless flow the story unfolds and charms the reader; there is the danger, there are threats, there is delightfully sexy romance, and characters you love and want to spend your time with. I have been enamored with this series since the first book and Miles and Maxi brought it up another notch, for sure!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

When strange things start happening at her newly inherited farmhouse, Maxi Nevar can only think of one person to call for help…

Miles Dartman is a former MMA fighter turned security expert. When Maxi asks for his help, he will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of who is harassing her. No matter what happened between them, there is just something about Maxi that Miles is consistently drawn to…

This was a good read. I really enjoyed the plot and the underlying puzzle of who is after Maxi, and what their motivations would be in harassing her.

Although Miles and Maxi’s fling ended way too quickly for Miles’ liking, she is a woman whom he cares for and he makes sure her safety and happiness comes first.

Maxi is closed off to new relationships due to things in her past. When she and Miles had their brief interlude she kept him at arms length about her personal life so they wouldn’t be any more involved than they already were.

Working through the danger and identifying people from the past who might be after Maxi’s inheritance, will she and Miles be able to build a trust and relationship, or will Maxi’s insecurities be the end of them…

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Lori Foster is one of my favorite contemporary romance writers and this book doesn't disappoint! I have been waiting to learn Miles' story and I was so happy that he found someone like Maxi! Full of likable characters, steamy romance and little bit of drama - Lori Foster never misses the mark and her books always hit the spot!

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!

Lori Foster continues her mix of passion and danger in her newest addition to her Body Armor series. Close Contact is the 3rd book in the Body Armor series and we get Miles’s story. He's one of the fighters from the last series. He’s new to Sahara's bodyguard agency. Two months ago Miles had three amazing nights with bar hook-up Maxi. He wanted more but it seemed she didn’t--she never called again, and just disappeared after their amazing time together. Maxi’s life got complicated and chaotic super-fast with the loss of both her mother and grandmother very close together then on top of finding out her fiancée was cheating on her. So she goes out and has a one night stand and that one night stand blew her mind. She ran but before she could get far, she ended up needing the services of Miles bodyguard firm and then Miles is back in her life as her bodyguard. Now that he's back in her life, Miles wants more from her…more answers, more trust, more openness but Maxi is so not to that point and she is just trying to shut down and freeze Miles out but that is something he refuses to let her do. The sexual chemistry, suspense and intrigue has this story as one of my favorites of Ms. Foster’s. I loved the connection between the main characters and the plot which has many twists and turns going. I sort of had an idea of who may have been after Maxi but really, it wasn’t until the end when everything came together in a huge BOOM and wow, loved the ending . I cannot wait until the next book comes out in this series.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

I think I’ve said this before, but this series gets better with each new book that’s added. Of course, that’s pretty much the norm for me when it comes to any Lori Foster series, so I shouldn’t be surprised.

I loved the relationship between Maxi and Miles. They really wanted the same thing, but they were crappy at picking up the cues from each other. Their friends saw through them first, which was fun. They had serious problems to figure out first though. Like who was terrorizing Maxi and trying to get her to break her promise to her grandmother. It was more than that though. She honestly loved the farm her grandmother had left her and she wasn’t about to back down. Which meant that Miles, Body Armor and his friends weren’t giving up either. Not until whoever was threatening Maxi was taken care of – for good.

Once again, the sense of family was front and center. Not only the guys (and gals) from Body Armor, but Miles’ family from his MMA days. Which, by the way, was absolutely fine with me because I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to that bunch and having them drop in from time to time is the perfect consolation. 😉

The sweet (and hot) romance between Maxi and Miles, along with the suspense, danger and mystery kept the pages turning. There were quite a few bad guys to choose from in Close Contact so it was fun trying to figure out who the baddest of the bad really was. I almost saw it coming, but not quite.

The next book in the Body Armor series is Fast Burn and I really can’t wait for this one. I can’t think of a more appropriate title for whatever Lori Foster has in store for Sahara and Brand. 😉

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.

Close Contact

Body Armor Series - Book 3



By Lori Foster

HQN - December 2017

Contemporary Romance



Close Contact is the third 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 her SBC series, then read the following, Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series, Love Undercover series, the short story Hard Knocks which is the prequel to the Ultimate series. Then comes the new Body Armor series.

Maxi Nevar was scared. She'd thought things were happening in, and around, her home, but when she awoke outside, she knew she'd been poisoned. Someone had managed to come into her home, poison her, and move her while unconscious out of her house. She hadn't planned to ever see Miles Dartman again, but he was the only person she believed she could turn to for help.

Miles had never expected to see Maxi again. They'd gotten together, but she'd made it clear that she only wanted casual... and to disappear. Which she had effectively accomplished. But when she appeared, so vulnerable, at their office, Miles knew that his feelings for Maxi were much more than casual. He would find who was perpetuating the attacks on Maxi, and in the process, he would prove to her just how perfect they were together.

Close Contact was a fun story full of romance, friends and suspense. Miles and Maxi were both fascinating, and made a wonderful couple. I loved how Maxi embraced the legacy of her grandmother's home and property, as well as her dedication to the innumerable cats living on the property. It was entertaining to see Miles jump into the chaos of Maxi's life. I loved visiting with old friends, and the suspense built slowly. I was surprised, however, by a couple of their choices, especially considering the known risk to Maxi. I look forward to the next story in the Body Armor series.







Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Maxi and Miles have a casual relationship going on where it really just sex no string attached. Thing its been two months since Miles has heard from her and he was starting to develop feelings for her. Suddenly in comes Maxi coming to his job requesting him to be her body guard after a series of problems and the thing that really got her seeking help was when she was left roofed outside. Now they are are close proximity where things are starting to not only heat up but the stalkers tactics seem to be getting worse.

I've been following along this series and loving each character that I've been coming across and really appreciate seeing them pop up from time to time seeing them after their HEA. Of course this book was no different. I loved seeing the connection between Maxi and Miles. I enjoyed getting to see their backstories and seeing the reasoning behind many of the choices that were made throughout the book. I loved that there was enough mystery and suspense to keep things interesting. I loved that there was plenty going on in the book to keep things interesting. Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing whats in store for the next characters in the next book.

So this is my first book in this series and it was really great!! I really liked Miles and Maxi. though there were times I wanted to hit Maxi upside the head cause how did she not know that Miles loved her. He showed her every way possible. The mystery part wasn't really a mystery to me as I know who it was right at the beginning. I really enjoyed reading the building relationship between Miles and Maxi. I look forward to reading Sahara's book.

Scorching hot sex and suspense are always a good combination. Miles and Maxi's story drew me in like I was there with them. I couldn't put it down. Lori is an amazing storyteller.

I loved this one. I gobbled it right up which resulted in a book hangover. It was so hard to put this one down. I loved Miles and Maxi. They both get a second chance. One of my favorite parts was the cats and how swoon worthy Miles was with them. The Body Armor gang make cameos. That was another of my favorite parts. The suspense element kept me on the edge of my seat and eagerly turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. This was a well rounded book in my opinion. It had a heart, heat, and story. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received an free copy for an honest review:

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 Maxihas to give her heart as well as her body…or risk losing a man who could be everything she needs.

I love the way that Lori Foster tells a story and that this book connects to her other books especially the Ultimate series. You get to reconnect to your favorite MMA fighters. I especially love how well developed her characters and the plot of the story are written. If you want to see if Miles and Maxi finally get together and to see how the other bodyguards, MMA fighters and their families and see who is trying to convince Maxi that she is going crazy then this book is for you