I have no idea how she does it, but author Lori Foster has brought out another winner with FIGHTING DIRTY. I am always afraid when I look forward to a particular characters book that I won't be happy with how it is done; I have to admit I am more than happy with Armie and Rissy's story...I am thrilled.
As readers of Ms. Foster's MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighters Ultimate novels know Merissa Colter has had the hots for Armie Jacobson for years. But Armie's past has held him back, saying Rissy deserves better than him. Finally in FIGHTING DIRTY, we get the background, and you will be furious. Not at Armie but for him ... in fact, I was really ready to do a little "ground and pound," to use some fighting terminology, on a number of people. I will say no more because it would be a major spoiler, you will have to read FIGHTING DIRTY to get the whole truth.
If I have to be honest here, Armie might have a less than stellar rep when it comes to women, and he's never bothered to deny himself whatever or whoever he wants. Except for Rissy. I always felt he just might be hiding behind that rep to keep her as far away as possible. It seemed to be true because once he sets his mind and heart there is no stopping him, but he will do whatever he thinks is necessary to protect Rissy. Even if it breaks his own heart. But who's past is really rearing it's ugly head ... his or hers?
Whether you are a longtime fan or if FIGHTING DIRTY is your first book by Lori Foster you will be hooked and will want to get your hands on all the other books Ms. Foster has out there. Simply put if you want action, steamy moments, sweet romance, and the camaraderie I am a personal sucker for as well as loving to watch the bad guys get theirs then FIGHTING DIRTY is a must read!
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 forβ¦
EXCERPT
FIGHTING DIRTY
In Cannon and Merissaβs kitchen during a party...
Merissa looked at Armie. He used to keep his hair bleached
almost white, but lately heβd left it alone and now it was
back to a more natural dark blond. Still a little spiky,
but not such a dramatic contrast to his chocolate brown
eyes. Tattoos lined his forearms, and though she couldnβt
see it right now, not with him wearing a shirt, she knew he
had another, more understated tat between his shoulder
blades.
Faded jeans hung low on his lean hips, hanging a little
long over running shoes. Across the front of his snug
fitting black T-shirt were the words FREE ORGASMS boldly
displayed.
Merissa cleared her throat. βDonβt like tea?β
βNot particularly.β He set aside the tea glass Yvette had
forced on him, and went to the fridge.
With his head stuck inside, Merissa felt free to look over
his body. Her gaze went to the colorful tribal tattoos
decorating his thick forearms up to his elbows. She didnβt
mind them, but she loved the smooth, taut skin over his
biceps more. For one startling second his shirt pulled up
and she saw a strip of flesh above the waistband of his
boxers. Muscles shifted everywhere, sending liquid heat to
burn through her system.
She fanned her face. βYvette is trying to save you from
yourself.β
βLost cause,β Armie muttered as he stepped away with a beer
and closed the refrigerator. Leaning back on the table, he
popped the tab, lifted the beer to his mouth - and Yvette,
whoβd just reentered the kitchen without him noticing,
snatched it away.
Very sweetly, she said, βCannon told me youβre on a strict
diet for your upcoming fight.β
βItβs two months away!β
βCannon said youβd say that.β
βYeah?β His eyes narrowed as he looked around. βWhere is
your husband?β
Ignoring his implied threat, Yvette laughed.
Armie gave up the hard act. βOne beer wonβt hurt anything,
honey.β He took it back from her. βPromise.β
Yvette didnβt look convinced, but she gave in. βAll right.
One.β She slanted her gaze to Merissa. βDo me a
favor, Rissy, and make sure he behaves.β
Merissa sputtered, but Yvette had already walked off with
the chips, leaving her and Armie alone in the kitchen once
more.
Armie looked at her, his expression carefully blank, his
muscles tensed.
She let out a long, dramatic sigh. βOne Mississippi. Two
Mississippi. Three Mis -β
He frowned. βWhat are you doing?β
βSeeing how long it takes you to panic and run.β
He took a step back. βI donβt panic.β
βBull.β She pushed away from the counter and saw his eyes
flare. βEver since that ill-fated kiss a few months ago,
you see me and hightail it in the opposite direction. But
donβt worry, Armie. Youβre safe from my evil clutches. I
got the message loud and clear.β Leaving her drink on the
counter, she started off.
Armie caught her arm.
Just that. His big hand wrapped around her upper arm, warm,
strong. Gentle but firm.
Her back to him, her heartbeat thundering, Merissa waited.
He said nothing, but after a few seconds his thumb moved
over her skin.
It almost stopped her heart, and how pathetic was that? He
didnβt want her. Heβd made it as plain as he could. Back in
November heβd kissed her, then immediately told her it was
a mistake. Now it was February and in all that time heβd
barely even looked at her.
βI donβt mean to run you off.β He stepped closer.
Close enough that she felt the warmth of his body.
Shoring up her resistance, forcing herself to remember her
new resolve, Merissa turned to face him. Her height and the
small heels on her boots put her on a level with him.
He stared into her eyes, and then down at her mouth.
Desperate yearning stole her breath and turned her denial
into a whisper. βNo.β
βNo?β he asked, just as softly.
Flattening both hands to the front of that ridiculous
shirt, her palms over his solid chest, she stepped him
back. βYou kissed me once. Felt like you meant it at the
time - until you got all disgusted.β
His chin lifted. βDisgusted? Not even.β
Undeterred, Merissa pressed a fist to her heart. βYou
leveled me, Armie. You made me feel terrible. Over a
single kiss. So yeah, I get it. You donβt want me.
Understood. Believe me, I donβt want to put myself through
that again.β
Before she could move he caught her arm once more.
She stared at him, waiting, some small part still hopeful
that heβd say something to change it all.
He didnβt. His gaze shuttered, his jaw working, he fought
himself. And then, as if by force of will, he opened his
fingers and turned her loose.
Almost choking on her hurt, Merissa turned to leave - and
nearly crashed into her brother. His muscular little mutt,
Muggles, yapped at her.
Cannon took one look at her and drew her into his side.
βHey, you okay?β
Armie made to move past them, but without accusation,
Cannon blocked him.
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