MMA fighter Miles and personal shopper Maxi have a relationship that most men would say is ideal. They get together for a night and then she leaves but Miles isn't happy and wants more. After chaos ensues in Maxi's life she hires Miles as a body guard. Will Maxi be able to trust her heart after so many bad experiences?

Miles Dartman used to be an MMA fighter but is now a bodyguard at Body Armor and is in for a surprise when the girl he had an unforgettable encounter with shows up to hire him. Maxi has been having weird things happen to her, her car has been moved, she woke up in the yard after being drugged, and have had things moved around ever since she moved into her grandmothers estate. She goes to the only person she can trust to keep her safe, even though she knows its going to be a little awkward.

While I enjoy Lori Foster's books, I feel like this series doesn't really have the same pizzazz as the rest of her books. Don't get me wrong the mystery of who was harassing Maxi kept me interested, the chemistry between Maxi and Miles seemed a little forced, maybe because of their history. To me it just seemed like it happened too quickly. Miles is just like the rest of the MMA fighters we've seen throughout the series, loves totally, protective, and willing to do what is necessary to keep those important to him safe. I enjoyed seeing all the fighters together again and helping each other like a family. The group of these guys are extremely close and every time they are together you can see that. I thought the tension between Brandt and Sahara was more realistic than the chemistry between Maxi and Miles. Overall, it was a good mystery and I would recommend it to friends/family.

Miles Dartman was known as The Legend when he was in the MMA day, both for his skill fighting and for his skill in the bedroom. Although he was close to winning a championship, he had recently left fighting (reasons unknown) to become a bodyguard for the Body Armor agency; so far he has had two assignments.

After Maxi’s grandmother and mother died within weeks of each other, she inherited her grandmother’s farm (with 30 cats) and a piece of property from her mother. She also caught her fiancé cheating. She was a mess and felt she deserved one night with the hot man she met in the bar. So two months earlier, Maxi Nevar hit on Miles in a bar, intending to have a one night stand. But she went back two more times before disappearing on him, moving to her grandmother’s farm about forty-five minutes outside of the city.

When her mother had written the will, she left the successful businesses to her other two children and what was thought to be a worthless property to Maxi, who was the perceived failure in the family. Her brother was a physician and her sister was a successful business woman. By the time their mother died, the property Maxi inherited was worth a lot of money to developers while the businesses her brother and sister inherited were in the red. Her family is pressuring her to sell the grandmother’s property to bail them out financially; a neighbor that had close ties to her grandmother also wants to buy the property.

After Maxi wakes up in the field behind her house, not remembering how she got there, she shows up at the agency wanting to hire Miles as her bodyguard. Someone had drugged her and left her in the field behind her house and other odd things had been happening. She is in fear for her life and can only think of Miles as a person she can trust to protect her. He is resentful, not happy with the way she ghosted on him, but still desires to be with her.

The attraction between these two is strong, but he doesn’t trust her due to the way she left him and she fears he is way out of her league. So while they are attracted to each other, there are issues and neither one is willing to be the first to be honest about his or her feelings. I wanted to step in and just tell them to honestly communicate with each other, but they needed the time to figure everything out on their own.

Although the local police hadn’t been able to help Maxi when she complained of odd goings on around her home after Miles moves in with her things escalate and there is no doubt someone is targeting Maxi. This is where I really got drawn into the story – who was the guilty party? I kept guessing, thinking it was one person, changing my mind, and then going back again to the same person. It was fun to weigh the pros and cons of the people I knew, plus the chance it was someone that was not yet in the story.

I liked that both Miles and Maxi had insecurities, although both of them were very attractive physically and personally. Maxi didn't even realize when men were hitting on her because of her low self-esteem. The book was full of fun characters from the agency and some of the people from the small town where Maxi lives. Lori really captured life in a small, rural area. And the cats! Always trust the animals to know who the good guys are.

Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.

This is the third book in Lori Fosters “Body Armor” series - here in “Close Contact” we see a familiar retired MMA fighter, Miles who now works as an elite bodyguard for Body Armor. He is called in the office by his boss, Sahara, only to find “the one that got away” sitting there. Maxi met Miles at a most inconvenient time in her life and before she fell to hard, she ran from him - but circumstances changed and she needs his help – actually his protection.

But hard feeling run deep (and so does an MMA fighters ego) but as the danger to Maxi and anyone who is near her ramps up – Miles has to use both his bodyguard skills and instincts to try to figure out where the threat is coming from.

The much loved secondary characters are also back - Sahara, the owner of Body Armor is back in all her wonderful glory. Plus Justice and Lessie are there to help where needed while their wives, Fallon and Catalina lend a shoulder. We also get a quick glimpse of all the “Ultimate” boys, who as usual are there to lend a hand.

A definite read, you will not be disappointed. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love Lori Fosters MMA fighters. And I especially love the way they love and protect their women!! Miles is no exception. Maxi is troubled by unexplained occurrences at her recently inherited farm. When shaken so badly that she knows she needs help she turns to the Body Armor agency and Miles Dartman for protection. Hoping that despite their brief history he will be willing. Miles is more than willing when he sees how shaken Maxi has become. As Miles and his family of MMA fighters and fellow body guards come together to help Maxi figure who is out to cause her harm, Miles must also work to show Maxi they belong together. This great stand alone is an action packed romance with a HEA that will give you all the feels. And have you ready for more of the Body Armor series!!
I was provided an ARC copy via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Maxie was a personal shopper and is considered the black sheep of the family. She has lousy taste in men. When she gets sex pictures from her boyfriend that was supposed to go to his other girlfriend, she breaks up and has sworn off men. She inherited her grandmother's farm but was left out of he mother's will. She has been slowly fixing up the farm and awakens one morning, outside by the pond, with no recollection of how she got there. She goes to the only man she feels safe with and he works for Body Armor, a bodyguard service. Maxie had a three night stand with Miles several months ago and disappeared.

Miles is a former MMA fighter and works for BODY ARMOR and is enjoying his life. Until he gets called in to the boss's office with a new assignment..Maxie. To find out who is after her and to protect her, even if he has to protect his heart too. Because she is still as gorgeous and alluring as she was when he first met her.

Maxi never forgot Miles but thought her life was too crazy for him. She never gave him the chance to make his own decision but now that he's back, he'll not let her go. First he has to figure out who is trying to run her off her property and why?

Excellent story and a visit from some old friends. Sex. Suspense that'll keep you turning the pages until the end. I had a suspicion who it was but I can't getting thrown off the track. You can always count on Lori Foster to write an entertaining story.

Lori Foster sure knows how to hook you in right from the beginning and not let go until the very end. What a great suspenseful romance. Not too scary suspenseful but still got a good mystery going on to see who the villain was. I had a hunch but I was kept being thrown off. So many possible suspects and it was great trying to guess "who dunnit." Now on to the romance part. *Great big sigh* Miles and Maxi were HOT! Their chemistry was off the charts and I really loved how their relationship developed. It was fun, sweet and absolutely sexy. And the gang from the Ultimate Series came back for a bit. So fun seeing the fighters all back in one place again. I really loved all the characters in Lori Foster's stories. They're all so lovable. Close Contact is another hit in this Body Armor series. I can't wait to read more.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book*

A lot of fun! Great characters and a storyline with a twist make Close Contact a great addition to the series. Very much looking forward to Sahara's story.

Another winner from Lori Foster. I love her MMA fighters :) I like that we got to see characters from other books back on the pages in this one.

Close Contact doesn't disappoint for a fast paced story with great characters who will make you laugh and even gasp a time or two.

I have to admit I love when I have a Lori Foster book waiting for me because I know I"ll enjoy it and get out of any other reading funks I might be in!

Hot hot hot. Truly a winner. Five stars is not enough!! I am waiting impatiently for the next in this series!!

This was a wonderful read, Lori Fosters signature blend of romance, humor and sexiness wasn't missing from this new title. Miles and Maxi appeared on the previous title from the Body Armor series, but it is not necessary for you to read the previous title to read this story. Miles was a former mixed martial arts fighter, but he was forced to give up fighting and went into private security as a bodyguard and Maxi is a personal shopper. When they met it was lust at first sight but Maxi suddenly disappears and Miles thinks he was dumped until Maxi shows up at his place of work needing protection and help solving a mystery. Miles and Maxi's story is full of humor, sweet moments, romance and hot sexy scenes, this was just a wonderful read, just like all other Lori Foster titles, can't wait for the next book in this series!

Maxi is being terrorized at the property she recently inherited from her Grandmother. Miles is the man she hires to be her bodyguard.

Lori Foster wrote a superb story- there are realistic red herrings, and the relationship between Miles and Maxi is interesting to read. She weaves in details about their families and their backgrounds so that we have a better idea about motivations and what drives how they act in the relationship.

"It was the gentler emotions that stole his breath, the fact that this was Maxi, that she was both vulnerable and demanding, sweet and scorching hot."

"He didn't want to fight with her. He wanted her to open up, accept him. He wanted her to want him, in all the ways, as much as he did her. He just didn't know how to make it happen."

Close Contact follows the story of Miles and Maxi. Miles used to be a legend in the MMA world, but now finds himself working as a bodyguard for The Body Armor Agency. It's different from the life he used to know, but he's crazy good at it too. His world is about to be turned upside down again when he gets his latest assignment....Maxi is no stranger when it comes to loss and heartache. And while she doesn't have any immediate plans for love, she wouldn't mind having one night of unforgettable passion. That's where Miles comes into play. It was only supposed to be one night, but how quickly one night turned into two, three and Miles wanting more. Unfortunately for Miles, Maxi can't give him what he wants. However fate, had other plans in mind for these two. Miles and Maxi will be reunited in the most unexpected way. Maxi needs protection, but has no idea who or what she needs it from. Will Miles be able to keep Maxi safe? Will these two lovers rekindle their romance? There is only one way to find out...

Overall, I found Close Contact to be a really intriguing read. I loved the mystery and suspense of the story. I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on and who had for Maxi. I thought that Maxi and Miles had some really great chemistry. Miles was protective and understanding. Yes, he had some issues with how he and Maxi left things previously, but once he learns the truth, all bets are off! Miles and Maxi were absolutely explosive together and I enjoyed seeing them navigate their way through their pasts and working towards a possible future. 

Close Contact was an exciting and suspenseful read. The plot was entertaining and intriguing at the same time. I loved getting lost in this story and really enjoyed the twists and turns along the way.

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 and Maxi have a history. I appreciated that he quickly got over the hurt 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!

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!