Synopsis

With the life he's led and the muscles he's gained, Armie Jacobson isn't afraid of anything. Except maybe Merissa Colter's effect on him. It's not just that she's his best friend's little sister. Fact is, she deserves better. Women pursue him for one night of pleasure, and that's all he wants to offer. Until rescuing Merissa from a robbery leads to the most erotic encounter of his life. 

Good girl meets bad boy. It's a story that rarely ends well. But Merissa is taking matters into her own hands. No matter how he views himself, the Armie she knows is brave, honorable and completely loyal. And as past demons and present-day danger collide, they're both about to learn what's truly worth fighting for…

This is the final book in the Ultimate series, contemporary romance series focused on the lives of group of professional fighters. I have been waiting for Armie's story since we met him in the first novel in the series, Hard Knocks (telling Cannon's story) and the bits and pieces of him we saw in the next books only made me more excited to read about him.

I'm very happy that his story didn't disappoint, it was a balanced combination of sweet and sexy with some suspense thrown in the mix. I dmit it's a fairly typical best friend and little sister trope but done well and pretty engaging which made it great fun to read. 

I liked Armie a lot and liked even more the way he was with Merissa. We all knew of his wild past and though we don't see it directly here, I'm glad was not completely erased or glossed over just because he fell in love with Merissa. At the same time Merissa, while not as experienced as him, wasn't a virgin or the tame and clueless female we so often see in romance. They both changed their ways to meet each other in the middle and it was no real hardship since it felt right for both of them. She took initiative, acted bold and he overcame his feeling of not being good enough, not deserving someone like her.

I loved the romance in this story, it was rich and nuanced and felt both dreamy and real. Armie and Merissa had a lot of things to work through in their relationship and I really appreciate that the author showed how being with someone requires effort and committment on both sides. The chemistry was there, the attraction was strong (and so long standing for both them that at times it was just irresistible), yet real life posed numerous obstacles in their way. Add to this some inner turmoil and insecurities and you get a capitvating modern romance.

A thing I like a lot in this series is the camaraderie between the fighters and their partners/wives. It was strongly present here and thoroughly enjoyed the funny banter, the good-natured ribbing and jokes between all of them. The sex shop scene in particular had me in fits of laughter.

A minor complaint I want to voice is some degree of slut-shaming I felt with respect to Armie's previous partners. I think it's something present thoroughout the series, presenting the previous women in the hero's life as conniving, unworthy, only interested in sex or somehow trapping the hero into a relationship. It's just an undercurrent I get in this series and I'm not very happy about it. 

Overall, for me this is the best book in series and I can highly recommend it to all fans of Lori Foster's writing. I'm already looking forward to reading the spin off about the rest of the fighters.

Pre-order links: Amazon / B&N / iBooks/ Kobo

Synopsis

An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster's irresistible new novel 

Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn't share. That's why he's been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry's about to need more than she knows… 

Denver's combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she's been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can't hide behind a carefree facade. Because the man by her side is one who'll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she'll trust him enough to let him.

Review

This is the second novel in the series after a full-length book on Cannon and a novella on. It's a nice MMA fighter romance but I felt it lacked something to make it stand out and there are a couple of things in it that really annoyed me.

There were far too many cliches which made the story predictable and somewhat boring. At the same time, the conflict seemed over the top and unrealistic which added to my overall disappointment.

The hero and heroine presented the whole set cliches about femininity and masculinity. She is cute and sweet, the damsel-in-distress and he is the big alpha fighter who comes and saves her. Both of them are sexy in very classical sense and they seem too good (in appearance) to be real.

Cherry acted immature and childish a lot of the time and it was annoying though Denver's character compensated for this. He was a bit of caveman - over-protective and possessive but I think his back story was good ground for his behaviour and he did work hard to tone it down and be a better partner to Cherry.

Cherry and Denver's story is similar in many ways to Cannon and Yvette's. Unfortunately, Cherry did have a lot of the characteristics which I hated in Yvette - naive, childish, stubborn.

The romantic relationship started really abruptly and it happened too fast. There wasn't much development at the beginning but towards the end, things seemed more realistic.

I did love the other fighters and their easygoing camaraderie, they were teasing each other all the time, yet they stood up by and supported each other when the occasion arrived.

I liked the side stories of Stack and Vanity and the additional peaks we get of Armie who is my absolute favourite in this series. There were two distinctive secondary plots which I found a bit distracting though they both facilitated the development of the main plot. 

It's a sweet romance, a bit over-the-top, a bit predictable and cliched but fans of contemporary romance, especially involving alpha male fighters and cute, a bit clueless heroines, would enjoy this. 

Waiting on Wednesday is a book meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and it features books that we are eagerly awaiting to be released.

Synopsis

An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in Lori’s irresistible new novel.

Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn’t share. That’s why he’s been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry’s about to need more than she knows…

Denver’s combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she’s been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can’t hide behind a carefree façade. Because the man by her side is one who’ll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she’ll trust him enough to let him…

*** *** ***

Why am I waiting for this? - I've read both the prequel novella and the first novel in this series and though I expected more of Cannon's story (my review) and I rather like the rest of the fighters and I'm curious to read their stories as well.

Title: No Limits (Ultimate #1)
Author: Lori Foster
Date of publication: 26Aug 2014
Genre: Romantic suspense, Fighters

Author's links:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

My rating: 3 stars




A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he's never forgotten in the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster… 

Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He's also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she's older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon. 

Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather's legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette's scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he'll break all the rules to do it…

This is the first full-length novel in a new series, spin-off of Love Undercover series. There as a prequel novella, Hard Knocks, which sets the stage for the future novels, though No Limits can be read as a standalone. Still, I'd recommend to read Dash of Peril (Love Undercover #4) where we meet the hero and heroine for the first time.

I enjoyed a lot in this MMA fighter romance, especially the hero, Cannon and his fighter friends. My rating would have been higher but there was some plot weaknesses, some slut shaming and I disliked the heroine, Yvette, most the time.

We meet Yvette and Cannon in Dash of Peril (Love Undercover #4), we see her as a love struck teenager/young girl and he rescues her is some rather dangerous situation. After one hot kiss they go on their separate ways only to meet three years later back in their hometown.

I loved Cannon a lot, he was the perfect hero - honest, hot, kind, the neighborhood vigilante. All the women were falling for him which I didn't particularly like since they were portrayed as too pushy and somewhat slutty and the same time he was judging them for being easy. Still, he was kind and patient with Yvette and he was amazing with his friends.

Yvette was his opposite in many ways - shy, trying to stay in the background. Initially, I sympathized with her because of the violence she had suffered but her drama dragged on too much and was annoying. Yvette's hang-up (in terms of a sexual relationship) didn't seemed believable and was resolved all to easily.She kept wanting to come off as independent, strong, yet she was whiny, childish, immature. She was always pushing everyone away when in reality she needed their support.

Cannon was open and honest about his feelings for her being more than his need to protect her and take care of her, yet she continued to question his motifs. Yvette easily believed what other women said about him over his honest declarations and actions.

I very much enjoyed Cannon's interaction with the other fighters, especially Armie. I quite liked him and I literally can't wait to read his book. There was a great sense of brotherhood among the fighters - they were all fun and carefree, yet also loyal and reliable.

The final 10% of the story was action-packed but the resolutions of some of the conflicts were too quick and simplistic.

The story ends with the expected happy end, yet it was not completely satisfactory. I would have liked to see more of Yvette and Cannon together, being open and honest, not playing games or keeping secrets.

Even though I was slightly disappointed with this story and I'm intrigued about the rest of the characters and will be reading their stories when they come out. Armie is a particular favourite of mine - he is a bad boy with a good heart and a lot of baggage and getting his nice girl should be quite an adventure.

Power. Brute strength. Unforgettable moves. It’s no wonder Harper Gates hasn’t been able to get her fling with Gage “Savage” Ringer out of her head. Months have passed since she laid eyes—or any other body parts—on him. Months without a word of contact… until, sidelined by injury, he comes back to town.

Staying focused on his training seemed like a smart move to Gage, even if he thought about Harper every day. Seeing her again only makes it clear how much is at stake. He’s got one night to earn back her trust. One night to show her that behind his breathtaking skill and ripped body is a man who’ll give her everything she needs.

This is a short novella introducing us to the world of the fighters who will be featured in Ultimate, the new series by Lori Foster. 

It was sweet, light read about Cage and Harper finally coming together and admitting their feelings. Cage was not your typical bad boy fighter, all cocky and self-confident. He was a bit shy, keeping his feelings (for Harper and in general) to himself. His insecurities and his attempts to mentally sort through his relationship with Harper made him seem real and easy to relate to which made me really like him.

Harper was pretty great herself. She was determined to act on her attraction to Cage, to make the first step, even if she was by nature more reserved and has always been too much of Ms Goody two shoes to act naughty. Like Cage, all her behaviour made her seem genuine and very likable. She had an easy friendship with the other fighters and devoted time to help in the gym. Her attitude towards Cage was nothing simple - she loved him, yet she was afraid he might not share her feelings, she wanted to be with him, yet she was worried of being a burden for him in his professional development as a fighter.

These two good people were in love with each other but they needed some help to get together and naturally, the rest of the fighters were only to happy to step in. The easy camaraderie among the guys in the gym and their good-natured ribbing of Cage and Harper and especially, the priceless advice of Armie (I'm already looking forward to his story) was fun to read. 

Title: Dash of Peril (Love Undercover #4) 

Author: Lori Foster
Date of publication: 25 March 2014
Genre: Romantic suspense

Author's links:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

My rating: 4 stars

A no-nonsense female cop reluctantly teams up with the one man who makes her lose control in a deliciously sensual new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster... 

To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret "Margo" Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is 6'4" of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own.

Beneath Margo's tough facade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he'll have to prove he's all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter.

Review 

This is my first book by Lori Foster and I really enjoyed it. It's the fourth book in the Love Undercover series and tells the story of Lieutenant Margaret Peterson and Dashiel Riske who is Logan's (Run the Risk) brother. The book can be read as a standalone as it focuses on the new couple though most of the characters from the previous books have significant roles here as well. 

The story has a strong suspense element which at times overtakes the romance completely. It worked well for me since it gave more background to the relationship between Dash and Margo. It showed their story as part of the bigger picture which is nice since often in romance novels the whole focus is on the couple and the characters are presented as living in their own bubble, detached from everybody and everything else. I'm really glad this was not the case here and we got much more than the love story of two complex and intriguing people.

The novel explores the journey of Margo to finding and accepting love in her life. She undergoes a gradual transition from the cold-hearted professional police officer everybody sees in her to embracing her softer feminine side. She had tried to hide it believing it was wrong to show weakness and the need for care and love. It was Dash's gentle, yet persistent loving and caring and supporting that made her feel comfortable enough with it to let herself show it more often.

Dash was the perfect man - caring and considerate, yet sure of himself, confident and determined in his desires. He knew from the start what his feelings for Margo were and what she needed from him. He was very open about his feeling and went after what he wanted with singular focus and determination. In a way he was just too perfect - always knew and did the right thing, never experienced any doubt and uncertainty. As attractive confidence was,  real people have their weak moments, they experience insecurities and indecision and he lacked any of it. 

For all her faults Margo felt so much more real. Her struggles with her desire, self-image, family expectations and upbringing were very realistic and they were convincingly portrayed. She was a complex character with strengths and weakness. She made mistakes but she had the strength to try and change things. Margo's family background and her professional standing made it difficult for her to find happiness or to be herself in her personal life.

I liked how patient Dash was with her. I loved that he respected her professionalism, and admired  her for it. She was feminine and gentle with him but she was strong and commanding as a lieutenant.

My main concern with this book was the Dom/sub element thrown in the story. It felt just like the words were spoken but the actions of the characters didn't really back them up. Both Margo and Dash enjoyed taking control and giving it up in their relationship. She liked to let him lead in the bedroom and he enjoyed being in control there. At times though, it was her who took the initiative and he relished all control to her.

The suspense/crime plot line was also well developed though it was a bit predictable. It was focused on the issue of violence against women and how it affects them. The supporting characters, Cannon and Yvette's family had a strong role there. 

I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with strong complex characters. I hope that the next book will be about Cannon, whom I grew to like a lot and I'd love to read his story. 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Here are the rules:

• Grab your current read 

• Open to a random page 

• Share two (2) or a few more “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page 

• Be careful not the include spoilers!

My teaser comes from Dash of Peril by Lori Foster. This hot romantic suspense is book 4 in Love Undercover series and my first book by Ms Foster. I finished it last week and really enjoyed it. I'll be reviewing it on the blog later this week. The book releases on March 25.

I'll be posting two teasers again - the first is from her POV and the second from his.

She would solve this case - or maybe irrevocably lose her heart to Dashiel Riske. 

Either way it went, it would be on her terms. 

Pacing didn't help much, but he did it anyway. He needed this current situation resolved, so that he could concentrate solely on loving her - and getting her to love him in return.

Dash of Peril - Lori Foster

Synopsis

A no-nonsense female cop reluctantly teams up with the one man who makes her lose control in a deliciously sensual new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster... 

To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret "Margo" Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is 6'4" of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own.

Beneath Margo's tough facade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he'll have to prove he's all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter.