Under Pressure

Lori Foster

Jan 2017 · The Body Armor Novels Book 1 · HQN Books

About this ebook

An MMA-fighter-turned-bodyguard must protect a woman with a powerful secret in this sexy romantic suspense series launch by a New York Times bestseller.

Leese Phelps’s road hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s brought him to the perfect job—working for the elite Body Armor security agency. And what his newest assignment lacks in size, she makes up for in fire and backbone. But being drawn to Catalina Nicholson is a dangerous complication, especially since it could be the very man who hired Leese who’s threatening her.

What Catalina knows could get her killed. But who’d believe the sordid truth about her powerful stepfather? Beyond Leese’s ripped body and brooding gaze is a man of impeccable honor. He’s the last person she expects to trust—and the first who’s ever made her feel safe. And he’s the only one who can help her expose a deadly secret, if they can just stay alive long enough . . .

Includes a bonus story.

Praise for Under Pressure

“Launching the Body Armor contemporary romantic suspense series, bestseller Foster . . . pulls out all the stops with precise plotting and deep characters. . . . Teasing and humorous dialogue, sizzling sex scenes, tender moments, and overriding tension show Foster’s skill as a balanced storyteller.” —Publishers Weekly

Ratings and reviews

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. ***Arc received courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley.

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 received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Wowzer!! What a fantastic start to this series. This book captured my interest from the very beginning. It is intriguing and kept me wondering what was going to happen. I couldn't put it down. The plot is unique and only something Lori could come up with. I love that about her books, they aren't the typical romance stories. I've liked Leese since he was introduced in the Ultimate Series and have loved watching his transformation. I loved Cat's strength and independence, even in the face of danger. When these two meet, you feel the instant attraction, but more so the connection. The chemistry is off the charts between Leese and Cat, you can feel the sparks flying. This book is hot, sexy, witty and action packed. And I absolutely loved having the characters from the Ultimate Series make appearances. I'm excited for this series!! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

About the author

Lori Foster is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author with books from a variety of publishers, including Berkley/Jove, Kensington, St. Martin's, Harlequin and Silhouette. Lori has been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. For more about Lori, visit her Web site at www.lorifoster.com.