Fighting Dirty: An MMA Romance (Ultimate Book 4)

Hands down one of the best Lori Foster books I've read. Confession time: Lori Foster was one of my very first romance authors that I read. she lured me into an amazing world and I had soon read most, if not all, of her books. And I'll be honest I've been a little lacking in reading her books lately, but this book caught my attention. I was hearing such amazing things and I said to myself: It's time to go back to what made you love romance books in the first place. And what a return to Ms. Foster's books Fighting Dirty was.

It is one of my FAVORITE tropes: best friend's sister. And along with the suspense, mystery and undeniable lust and love between Armie and Merissa this is a must read. Armie and Merissa think they know each other. After all they did grow up together. And while the chemistry has always sizzled, Armie has never let it boil over. He can't. He can't let the only family he's ever known be ruined if this is just a fling. But Merissa is tired of denying her feelings. She's done. It's not or never. But imagine her surprise when Armie isn't taking the bait of her ultimatum and actually willing to give them a real shot.

Fighting Dirty is wonderful. Not only does the reader experience an amazing love story year in the making, but an engaging story that will have readers at the edge of their seats dying to know what will happen next. The emotions are high, everything is on the line. But after all these years can Armie and Merissa have everything? I'll let you figure that out for yourself, because it is more than well worth a read!

This book was Fantastic!

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…

Lori Foster has done it again! The writing was great and her characters are always spot on. The hero is sexy, sweet, protective and hot for the heroine. The heroine won't take no for an answer this time. She is feisty and independent but has always had it bad for Armie. The way the characters interact is great. They have such chemistry together!

The storyline flows good and keeps you reading and wanting more. I love the all the MMA books that Lori does and this one is right up there with the best of them. Can't wait for more from Lori!

This ARC was given to me by the author for an honest review.

Merissa and Armie have been fighting the attraction between them for a very long time. Armie is known as the manwhore who just wants to have a good time with no commitment. Merissa is the good girl and friends with everyone. Armie doesn’t think they can be together because of his past and that no one knows about them. But everyone kind of knows and when an incident throws them together, will they be able to resist each other?

“‘Looking for my whips and restraints?’

She spun around to see him, which meant they stood very close, eye to eye, mouth to mouth.‘Do you have them?’

His firm lips quirked up. ‘Curiosity killed the cat.’

Guessing that he only wanted to scare her off, she taunted him. ‘I don’t think you do.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘I have whatever I need to make a lady happy. And by happy, I mean screaming as she comes.’”

I have been waiting for Armie’s story. Of all of the fighters, he is my favorite one. Love his shirts. Love his humor. He really deserved a good girl and Merissa is perfect for him. This family of fighters just makes me so happy with how loyal and protective they are of one another. I’ve enjoyed this series so much that I want to read the other fighting series because I know it will be just as good.

If you like those MMA fighter books, you will love this series. I highly recommend these stories. Hot, sexy scenes. Strong, alpha men. Loyal, trustworthy friends. I can’t say enough good things about these characters.

I worry when I am looking forward to a particular characters book, because a number of times I find myself mad at the author for "ruining" everything, it's boring or the plot doesn't go the way I pictured. Well ... Fighting Dirty ... is exactly what I was looking for. Of course author Lori Foster did manage to add a few twists and turns that I couldn't have imagined.

Armie is a fighter and a player ... Rissy is a good girl and his best friend's sister. A woman he shouldn't even look at twice and the one woman he wants more than anything. But with his past, he feels she would do much better, so he flaunts his other women in her face but, to no avail. Rissy knows who she wants and she will do whatever she must to have him for however long it lasts.

I loved all the twists and turns, the unexpected, and if you think about it some expected moments especially when Armie stops fighting what he feels and gives in. I always wondered about Armie's past, knowing there was something pretty bad and once I did find out the truth, I was furious, for him and against a number of people who should have known him better. Read this book to find out what I mean.

If you are looking for a book that is filled with steamy but sweet romance, realistic dialogue, a brotherhood of a family made not born then you will find all of this and more in Ms. Fosters 'Ultimate' series. Fighting Dirty is a great read that will take you away, leave you happy but you will find yourself wanting more.

Lori Foster is definitely a go-to author for me if I want a tough guy. She knows how to write her men strong, and just bull-headed enough to make it so much fun when they fall in love. And Armie is no different. All throughout the series, I've been desperate to find out what Armie's big secret is, why he wants to hide away from the world - and I won't spoil it for you, but my goodness - it certainly brings the drama! I expected there to be some violence in the past, but trust me, you would have never seen this coming..

At first I wasn't sure what I liked more - the drama surrounding Armie, Rissy's issues, or how the two of them work, and don't work, as a couple. But in the end, I decided it's all of that working together that makes this such a great book. There's a lot going on, but it never feels overwhelming. If anything, it's just the right amount of crazy and worry to keep you on the edge of your seat while you're reading. Honestly, I could not put this down.

I'm also super glad to see that Leese will be getting a chance to star in his own book in the future. I can't wait!

Cover Lovin': Whew. *Fans self* Armie's cover does not disappoint!

Recommendation: While Fighting Dirty can work as a stand-alone, I'd recommend reading the rest of the series first because the other characters feature heavily in this story. Also, you get more of Armie and Rissy's backstory!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a review.

Loved it!

Armie isn’t impressed by much. Neither is he afraid of anything. Well, maybe only his friend’s baby sister. Merissa seems to be the only person who is able to capture his attention and have an effect on him. That’s scary as hell because even though he can’t deny the obvious attraction between them, there is just no way he’s good enough for her. Not with the life he’s led and his life now as an MMA fighter. People are out to get him and he needs to protect her from it. But the only person who has any issue with them being together is Armie and Merissa has had enough. Now, she’s taking matters into her own hands.

Not only did I like the romance blossoming between these characters, I also found the plot interesting. There were many schemes that could potentially keep them apart, and more than that – place them in dangerous situations. It all kept my interest going right until the end of this book. I loved the interactions and camaraderie between all the characters.

Armie was an excellent character and I loved his riskier side so although their romance was sweet, I got the feeling that Merissa was changing him more than just accepting him and I missed his badass side. I wished the sexy times were a bit hotter and that Merissa would have been a little more adventurous where that’s concerned.

Still though, this book was great and I absolutely enjoyed it.

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

Finally got Armie’s story!!! I’ve been a huge fan of Armie’s in every other book in this series so I’ve been eagerly awaiting his story. And I have to say I loved it. The chemistry between Armie and Rissy is sizzling and if you’re not in love with them already, you will be by the end of this story. Both characters are superbly fleshed out and there was very little that I disliked about either. Rissy is almost the perfect heroine. She’s smart, strong, independent but she doesn’t over do it in anyway. She’s smart about trusting her instincts and reacting in a smart manner to the threats she faces without feeling the need to be overly independent or overly dependent on someone to protect her. She also had that perfect blend of trust and vulnerability over Armie’s reputation with the ladies so that she was so relatable. Armie of course is amazing. I love that he’s protective but not in a domineering manner. He’s also a sweetheart to everyone and I love the way he looks after everyone. What kept him from being too perfect and like a relatable guy is that he has his bad days. He gets moody but he realizes it, accepts it and then makes up for it.
The storyline itself was engaging. You know who all the bad guys are but there are just enough surprises that keep it interesting. There’s also the humor I’ve come to expect from Lori Foster and of course the rest of the MMA fighters play their own supporting roles. I love seeing them and can’t wait to read everyone else’s stories.

In this concluding installment of her Ultimate Series, Lori Foster bring the MMA side of the story to a beautiful end as she shares the story of Armie Quick Jacobson and Marissa Colter in Fighting Dirty. Although this series has covered several of the interconnected groups of friends and the struggles they have shared to find their happily ever after, readers can still pick up this last book and follow right along. The details and backstory that brings this close knit group of characters together may not be a clearly understood, but readers can read these in any order and still find themselves able to enjoy the series and feeling like all the pieces fall together.

As Foster is able to do, she once again delivers a book that combines a strong level of heat and passion with a sweet and romantic tale that must survive the trials and tribulations life throws the character's way. Bringing together a secret from the past, jealousy and envy woven into a plot that twist and turns, and strong chemistry between a sister who wants for her brother's best friend, and a best friend who know his feeling for his best friend's sister can never come to fruition, and this book will have you turning pages and hoping desperately that Armie and Marissa will be able to leave the past, to survive the hurt, to clear the present, and to find a chance at a future.

A great series to read!

*I was gifted a copy of an ARC for my honest review.

Fourth in the cozy Ultimate romance series (and a spin-off from Foster's Love Undercover series) set in Warfield, Ohio, revolves around Cannon Colter and his "family" of MMA fighters. The couple focus is on Armie Jacobson and Merissa Colter.

Technically, I suppose I should give it a "3" for all the tropes, but I did enjoy this one, and I do appreciate upstanding, supportive characters.

My Take
It's a cozy, supportive "family" of characters who believe in each other and rally to support their friends. Stand-up guys with good values who don't back down.

It is cute how Cannon knows what's going on. The center is earning a rep. Yes!! As for Rissy, she has a strength that more women could use. She is not afraid of saying it like it is, lol.

It's another case of nature vs nurture as we meet Armie's dad. Oh. Boy. Mac fits right in with Steve with his morals.

Hah. Foster is setting us up for another spin-off series. I just know it!

Yeah, it's tropey with the misunderstood interactions; Merissa determined to "show him"; Armie having a dangerous secret to hide; super, super nice guys; the stupid bad guys; the kid in trouble; the contrite ex — and you'll enjoy reading it all the same.

The Story
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…

The Characters
Merissa "Stretch" Colter is Cannon's younger sister. Cannon "Saint" Colter is her brother and an SBC fighter. He's married to Yvette ( No Limits , 1). Muggles is his and Yvette's mutt.

Armie "Quick" Jacobson has been running Cannon's rec center and gaining a rep as a fighter to go with his existing rep for sexual excess. He also has a horrible secret to hide. His mother left when he was 14. Mac Jacobson is his lousy excuse for a father.

The rec center is…
…Cannon's plan to help kids have options. Bray Huggins is fifteen and in a bad situation. Russell is his stupid mother's boyfriend. Sally and Bill are the loving foster parents. Justice, Miles "The "Legend" Dartman, Brand, and Leese are still single. The girls adore Leese for particular skills.

The very protective Denver Lewis, an accountant, (married Cherry in Holding Strong , 2), the laidback Stack "The Wolf" Hannigan (married Vanity Baker, Yvette's best friend, a month ago in Tough Love , 3), and Gage "Savage" Ringer (married to Harper Gates who works full-time at the center, in "Hard Knocks", 0.5) are the married fighters.

The SBC is…
…the most widely known MMA organization, and Drew Black is its president. Jude Jamison had been a champion fighter, an actor, and holds a lot of stock in the company. He's married to Dakota, who could'a been a contender. Instead she plays in a band and works with abused women. Simon Evans, who wants to be Armie's manager, and Dean Connors are fight legends. Havoc wants to coach Armie. Harley "Hard to Handle" Handleman is a lot like Armie with a dislike for promo and that chip on his shoulder. Denny Zip had been Jude's coach.

Carter "Chaos" Fletcher is the man Armie is scheduled to fight.

Steve is Merissa's ex and CEO of a marketing firm. Keno and Boyd are thugs. Lea Baley was a rich girl with an itch to walk on the wild side some years ago. Her father is a clueless jerk in major denial.

Some of Armie's ex-girlfriends include Cass and Kizzie. Detectives Logan and Reese Barden and Rowdy Yates who owns Getting Rowdy make cameos. Dirk is the clerk at the porn shop. Gary and Frank are customers. Fred is a TV reporter with his own secrets.

The Cover and Title
The cover has a deep green and black background with a ripped and sleeved Armie, distracting with that bare chest, front and center on the cover. The author's name is in white while the title is in a bright green beneath. The series information is in white below that.

The title may be referring to Steve, but I suspect it's really Rissa who is Fighting Dirty for the man she wants.

Merisa has loved her brother Cannon's best friend Armie ever since she was sixteen. But he sees her as a good girl and someone who is way out of his league. Though everyone else sees a man who is brave, honorable, loyal - and totally hot, Armie sees himself as somehow unworthy. After all his mother walked out on him and his father always put him down. Merissa has decided that enough is enough and she is ready to make her play for Armie.

However, this may not be the best time. Her old boyfriend Steve has decided that he wants her back. She also seems to be an epicenter of a crime wave. And old problems are coming back to haunt Armie just as he is about to make it big as an Ultimate fighter. Armie thinks the best way to protect Merissa from the dirt that could cover him is to keep her at arm's length. Merissa isn't willing to step aside and she is more than ready to stand at his side while he fights.

The story is filled with action. Oh, and there were some really hot sex scenes too. I really enjoyed this romance. I liked Armie very much and I loved that Merissa was determined to get her man. I also loved seeing the relationships among the fighters and their women. It was good to reconnect with characters that I met in the earlier books in this series.

Fans of romantic suspense who like a little spice in their romances will enjoy this series. It was my favorite of the series.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

YAY!!!!..... IT IS FINALLY HERE!!....ARMIE”S STORY!!!! Wow!!! Thi ...

2 minutes ago
Anonymous
YAY!!!!..... IT IS FINALLY HERE!!....ARMIE”S STORY!!!! Wow!!! This is a great book. I have been waiting for this book and it is finally here. I have really enjoyed reading this series by Lori Foster. Through all the other books I have been wondering what Armie’s story is and now all I can say is WOW. This is a must read. It was also nice to see some of the characters from previous books and series.
I love all the alpha males in these books. This book is about Armie and Merissa. I do not want to give anything away because reading it and learning about these two is what makes this such a great read. I feel like these people are friends of mine. I love how you get to keep up with all of them in each of the books. The Chemistry in this book is off the charts with all the couples especially Merissa and Armie. I also love the friendship that they all share. It is great how they are all always there for each other. This book will make you laugh out loud and keep you going with all the action.
Happy reading!! I am looking forward to the next series that includes the guys you met in this series.
Thank you Lori for another GREAT book!!
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Armie. Merissa. We have watched them dance around each other in all the preceding books, waiting for them to get their turn, knowing it was going to be great. And Lori Foster did not disappoint.
Merissa developed confidence and went after what she wanted, not accepting "no". She used whatever she had in her arsenal to break down Armie's walls. Watching her in action was put a smile on my face and other times made me sad.
Armie gets his break in the fighting big leagues, a break he has avoided to stay unknown. He is really everyone's hero, his goodness truly emanating from him, along with his sexuality.
They both have a past that haunts them, that they connect is unbeknownst to them.
Fighting Dirty is about fighting against the dirty, evils that are thrown at Armie, Merissa and their loyal friends. It is also about recognizing you are fighting yourself and your future. Merissa sees this while Armie continues to fight "it". When they fall, they fall hard and go down fighting to protect each other.
Fighting Dirty was everything I expected and more. More Gage, Cannon, Stack, Leese, Denver and Cherry, Harper, Yvette, Vanity and all the rest. More lust, more love, more happiness. More of what we love about these MMA fighters and their strong women. Just more.
Fighting Dirty was 5-stars of the perfect ending of the Ultimate series.

Ever since the first book in Lori Foster’s Ultimate Series, I have been anxiously (and not so patiently) waiting to read Armie’s story! He is best friends with Cannon “Saint” Colter, and trains with Denver and Stack. If you have read any of the previous stories, you might know that he is a bit of a man-whore, and that he has resisted going pro as a fighter. You also learn more about Merissa Colter, Saint’s baby sister (who you might have met in earlier stories in this series), and Armie’s Achilles heel. Rissa, as she is called, is loyal, strong, intelligent, and has been in love with Armie for a long time. As you start their story together, Rissa is working at a bank and Armie has just agreed to start fighting professionally. As you go through their story, you learn about Armie’s background, which reveals so much about his personality and why he acts the way he does. (No spoilers … but OMG its awesome).

I loved reading this story. It has romance wrapped in enough tension, suspense, and intrigue that will keep you involved as you go page to page. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a nice Alpha man who takes care of those around him and anyone who loves rooting for the underdog! Can’t wait to read the new spin-off series that is hinted at in this story as well!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Foster writes suspense on many levels with this one. Romance abounds while danger strikes. I found myself guessing what would happen next, enjoying the seamlessly woven plot. I was completely lost in this world, engaging with the characters and living right alongside them. Being back alongside these fighters and those that they hold dear was an emotional joy ride for me that I can’t wait to experience again.

Foster brings her characters to life on and off the page. Armies’ past is such a poignant counterpoint to who he I in the present. He is such a complexly crafted character. The many layers to who he is all peel away at certain points allowing you to really see the nitty gritty of who he is and what makes him tick. Rissy’s need for acceptance and to be herself vies only with her need to be close with Armie. I loved seeing her come to life when they were together. And the chemistry between these two! Foster writes it so that it comes naturally to them, leaping from the pages. The heat simmered throughout, boiling at times in explosive ways. I simply couldn’t look away.

This novel was engaging, wildly romantic, and endlessly exciting. It is the best of the series and quite possibly my favourite of Foster’s work ever.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

What makes this story so great is that, instead of taking the predictable route and letting misunderstandings and high strung emotions lead the characters behaviors, the author writes characters who think through their emotions. So many times I expected Merissa to walk away when Armie was pushing her but she never played the part of the weak heroine that just gave up. She pushed back just as hard and just as often as Armie.

It wasn't just the love story between Armie and Merissa that made me fall for this book though, it was also the supporting characters and the bond they all shared with each other. Cannon was basically the perfect brother, Leese the most amazing best friend and all the girls, when they got together, made for some down right pretty amazing conversations. I will definitely be going back to read the previous books in this series and I especially can't wait to read about Leese & Justice in the upcoming spin-off series.

I don't know why this is my first time reading a full novel from her, I've read her stories in anthologies, her writing style is basically flawless in my eyes. The character development, the slow & steady burn combined with just the right touch of suspense and I couldn't get enough.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I have fallen in love with each and every character in the Ultimate series, but Armie holds a special place in my heart. Ms. Foster never disappoints, and writes such wonderfully, hot, sexy, heroes. Fighting Dirty is no exception to the best stories I have ever read, and was icing on the cake for this final book of the Ultimate series

Armie “Quick” Jacobson, and Rissy Colter (Cannon’s little sis. Cannon is from No Limits the first book in the Ultimate series). Armie has always loved Rissy, and Armie doesn’t think he is good enough for Rissy, and has been avoiding being too close to her because he’s afraid she’ll be tainted by his past. Rissy is so in love with Armie, and is on a campaign to make him see her as his future. What happens next changes everything. I just wanted to crawl into the book and hold Armie, of course, there is a lot of things I would like to do….Sorry, daydreaming. I loved every page in this book,

This book has a bit of everything, kidnapping attempts, a narcissistic ex, a porn shop (lol) the rest of the hot as sin MMA guys, as well as some of the SBC hotties making appearances! Loved, Loved, Loved the Ultimate series and another Lori Foster keeper! Thank you Ms. Foster for doing what you do so well.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love Armie, throughout the Ultimate series by Foster. I even joked that if a fictional character could take out a restraining order, he would need one. He is totally outrageous and hilarious, while having a no so hidden heart of gold.

I love a romance where the hero falls in love with his best friend's sister, so much tension. The funny thing is Cannon knew all along that Armie and Merissa would be perfect together. Armie just assumes that he would not be good enough for Merissa, with everything that has happened in his past.

He definitely has secrets that he has been hiding from Rissy that finally come out, as they finally give to their romantic relationship. They just can no longer fight their feelings.

Watching Armie finally admit that he is head over heels in love with Rissy is absolutely hilarious, he is so out of his depth. Oh boy, he also insists that they hide their relationship, which is totally ridiculous - it is the worst kept secret in town.

So excited for Armie and Merrisa's story, I been waiting for this one all series long. Seriously could not put this one down. Let's just say "Rissy was *definitely* here!" Also Armie needs a new tattoo, in a place that you will know where once you read the book. Hint, hint .....

**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review**

I have been waiting for Armie's story since we were first introduced to this series. I have loved every book in this series so far but I think I'm not alone when I say that Armie has been the favorite for some reason. We just love when a cocky man like Armie gets taken down by a feisty woman like Merissa. This could be read as a stand alone novel but I would recommend reading them all since you fall in love will all the characters.

Armie is an admitted womanizer and is completely okay with it. Merissa, or Rissy to her friends and family, has known Armie for years and loved him since she was 16 years old. Little does she know that Armie has had feelings for her for just as long but since she's his best friend's little sister she's off limits. Rissy is tired of waiting and is ready to make her move whether Armie likes it or not. Rissy sees her opportunity after a small problem arises at work and Armie is more than willing to be Rissy's protector.

I had trouble putting the book down once I picked it up and was actually angry that I had to pause in order to go to work. Love that there's a blurb at the end about a new series for Leese and a few others. Can't wait for his HEA!

Two words are all I really need to tell you how I felt about Fighting Dirty. LOVED IT! I have been waiting for Armie's story since the beginning of the "Ultimate" series. Armie and Merissa, "Rissy", have danced around each other for years. After a kiss months before, Armie has done everything he can to avoid Rissy. She is his best friend's sister and therefore off limits...or is she?

It's hard not to share any spoilers because I just want to tell you everything about the book. What I love about these two is their easy banter. They have known each other for a long time and that made their relationship that much sweeter. I often wanted to smack Armie in the back of the head to get him to wake up and figure out that he was so worthy of Rissy. He had a lot to work out, but I was really rooting for them the whole book. To keep things interesting, there is a mystery to be solved as well as their road to a HEA. I will share one thing...if you readers thought their kiss at the end of Tough Love was hot, you haven't seen anything yet!

Lori Foster has, and I think always will be, a "go to" author for me. Her series just keep getting better and better. I can't wait to see what she has waiting in the wings next!

I've been anticipating Merissa and Armie's story and I wasn't disappointed. I so loved this book that I read it in a day and a half because I just couldn't put it down. I love Lori's style of writing. Armie is a MMA fighter with a rep for his bedroom activities, but Merissa has always been his weakness. He's never made a move because she's his best friends' little sister. Merissa has had a crush on Armie right back, but she can't get to him acknowledge the chemistry between them until an event brings them close together. Things get pretty steamy between them. Armie's past is rearing it's ugly head as he's on the cusp of his SBC debut. Someone is also after Merissa. Armie's plate is pretty full, but can he keep Merissa safe? I really liked Armie. He's this big bad fighter, but he is brought to his knees by Merissa. This new group of friends I really love. The easy Camaraderie and razzing. You can tell how close knit they are. I can't wait for Lori's next series where we see characters from this group get their stories told. Really looking forward to Leese's story. I really enjoyed visiting characters from Lori's SBC Fighters series. For me that was just awesome.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review