Step into the sizzling world of Body Armor, where ex-MMA fighters turned bodyguards grapple with danger and desire! Penned by New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster, this contemporary romance series blends heart-pounding suspense with steamy love stories. Each book follows a rugged hero who protects a strong-willed woman, only to find his heart is the one needing guarding.
With its addictive mix of action, chemistry, and happily-ever-afters, Body Armor has carved a niche in the romance genre. Whether you’re a fan of alpha males or fierce heroines, this series delivers a knockout punch of emotion and excitement.
How Body Armor Began
Lori Foster, a romance powerhouse with over 100 novels, launched the Body Armor series in 2017 as a spin-off from her Ultimate series. Inspired by her love for tough-yet-tender heroes, Foster envisioned a security agency staffed by former MMA fighters—men whose brawn and skills make them elite bodyguards, but whose hearts are vulnerable to love. The concept tapped into a fresh market: sexy, competent protectors navigating high-stakes missions and personal connections.
Foster’s knack for crafting relatable characters and pulse-racing plots shaped Body Armor into a four-book saga. Her goal was to blend the intensity of MMA with the emotional depth of romance, creating stories that feel both thrilling and grounded.
The Heart of Body Armor
The series kicks off with Under Pressure, where Leese Phelps, a retired MMA fighter, protects Catalina, a schoolteacher on the run after overhearing a crime. Their instant chemistry and perilous journey set the tone for the series’ blend of danger and desire. In Hard Justice, Justice Wallington guards heiress Fallon Wade, whose sheltered life clashes with his rough edges, sparking a fake relationship that turns real.
Close Contact follows Miles Dartman, whose casual fling with Maxi Nevar becomes complicated when she hires him to solve a mysterious threat on her inherited property. The series wraps with Fast Burn, where agency boss Sahara Silver and MMA fighter Brand Berry navigate kidnapping and electric attraction. Themes of trust, vulnerability, and redemption run throughout, with each couple overcoming personal and external challenges to find love.
Set against the backdrop of the elite Body Armor security agency, the series’ style is fast-paced and steamy, with suspenseful plots that keep readers guessing. Foster’s heroines are independent and quirky, balancing toughness with tenderness, while her heroes are protective yet respectful—a formula that resonates with romance fans.
Why Body Armor Resonates
Body Armor’s appeal lies in its ability to merge adrenaline-fueled action with heartfelt romance. Fans praise Foster’s skill in crafting chemistry that leaps off the page, making each love story feel fresh yet familiar. The series has earned a loyal following, with readers on Goodreads and Amazon lauding its sexy, fun vibe and strong character development.
Its impact extends to reinforcing the popularity of romantic suspense, proving that alpha heroes and empowered women can coexist in stories that celebrate love’s triumph over danger. By connecting characters from her Ultimate series, Foster also rewards longtime readers with a sense of continuity and community.
- Publication Years: 2017–2018
- Number of Books: 4
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
- Notable Award: Lori Foster’s career includes the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Contemporary Romance
Grab Under Pressure and dive into Body Armor’s world of romance and danger! Whether you’re craving a thrilling escape or a swoon-worthy love story, Lori Foster’s series is your ticket to an unforgettable read.