*I received a free copy of Tough Love from Harlequin HQN via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Tough Love by Lori Foster Series: Ultimate #3
Published by Harlequin HQN on 25 August 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 544
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she's not above playing a little dirty. She's wanted Stack "The Wolf" Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack's past steps out of the shadows.
Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he's the one always left wanting more. Then his troublemaking family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they're much more than friends with benefits. He's ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who's tamed him for good?
Hot, fun and with different kind of mystery playing out in the background, Tough Love really worked for me!!
My Tough Love review:
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Lori Foster fan, and that her Ultimate series is one I love very much. Tough Love is yet another fantastic installment in this series, where the hard, strong MMA fighters find their match in the woman they eventually learn to love. Stubborn characters, sizzling hot chemistry, strong friendships and family ties that won’t break no matter what, this story just had it all. Vanity entered the series when Yvette moved back, and several of the fighters noticed her from the get-go. She only ever wanted on man, though, and that man is Stack. Their story started at the end of Holding Strong, with Vanity’s outrageous proposal that she and Stack have a date for Yvette and Cannon’s wedding – with a night of fun after the reception…
One of the aspects I enjoyed the most in Tough Love was how much love there was between Stack and his mom and sister. Even though his sister was a drama queen who was used to other people cleaning up her mess, I just loved how close they were, and how they were able to show Vanity that it’s possible to fight, be upset and disagree with each other and still love and respect each other. Especially because Vanity had grown up with completely different family dynamics, and after being alone for so long, she really didn’t realize that having a good fight could simply lead to making up and having a good talk about it afterwards.
Tabby’s husband was a real dirtbag, and I hated how he was able to ingratiate himself to Vanity, even if it was easy to understand why Vanity wanted to help, and that she thought she found the best way to do so. Phil was part of the reason why there was trouble between other characters, though, and the tension building because of him was really well done! Written in third person past tense, Tough Love had a very good flow, with good character development, plenty of hot romance, and a lot of interactions with the other characters that make the Ultimate series one of my favorites. And now, I am even more impatient for Armie and Marissa’s story! There were some hints about them in Tough Love, but not much, since this story really focused on Stack and Vanity.
Some of my favorite Tough Love quotes:
Yummy Stack Hannigan, with the steel biceps and rigid abs, the charm-your-pants-off smile and smoky, gray-blue eyes. Whew. She supposed weeks of teasing could hone the interest of any red-blooded man.
In the fight world, they called him The Wolf. Since she soaked up everything that had to do with Stack, she’d naturally listened to the rationale for the name. Men claimed he got the handle because of the way he stalked his fight opponents like prey. Women said he’d earned it in the bedroom – by making the ladies howl.
He liked her in that fluffy dress, how it showed off her tiny waist and cleavage, how feminine it looked. But he’d like her more out of it. So many times he’d imagined her naked, waiting on him, accepting him.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
I just finished up my review for this,earlier tonight although my review won’t post till later this month. I liked getting to know Stack’s family and agree Tabby’s hubby is a dirtbag. I loved the set up for this couple and enjoyed the dance. Vanity was such an interesting character from her talents to her sweetness.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this as well, Kim! I loved Stack, and the way he dealt with them, and the problems around them 🙂
Even though I haven’t read her work in a little while, I, too am a serious fan of Lori Foster. In fact, she has an entire bookshelf dedicated just to her novels. I enjoy her MMA fighters as well, and this one sounds very interesting because of the family interest. Love your review and plan to get this book soon. Hugs…Ro
Oh nice, Ro. I have mostly e-books, but I guess it would be an entire shelf (or maybe two) of her books as well 🙂 This series is great, and I love how well fleshed out the characters are.
Thanks for stopping by.
I loved her Love Undercover series and plan to read these. I just bought the first one because it’s on sale. So hopefully I’ll start it soon.
I haven’t read everything in her Undercover series, but this one is set in the same universe, so some of the characters from Undercover are secondary characters in this one 🙂
I am super excited to read this!! I just love Lori Foster but I haven’t tried this series out but I love fighter romances.
Then I think you’ll really enjoy this series, Renee 🙂 I look forward to hearing what you think of it!
I haven’t read any of her books yet, but I’ve got #1 of that series 🙂
*hugs* Iza! Are you back from your vacation?
I hope you’ll enjoy Lori Foster’s books as much as I do!!
Yes I am 😀 ! And I hope I will – bisous !
The good flow and hot romance def has my attention. Great to hear that you enjoyed
Thanks Brandi 🙂
I love that you are a huge Lori Foster fan, too. I adore her books and really enjoyed Tough Love too. The relationship between Stack and his mother and sister were wonderful. And I loved Vanity too.
YAY, Now I have to go find your review, Quinn! I love it when other bloggers read the same books more or less at the same time as me, because then it becomes possible to chat about the book a little bit 🙂
Eeek I haven’t read any of her books, this one sounds great! What would be the best book of hers to start with?
Either the first in the Undercover series, or the first in this series would be a great place to start, Heather. Also, her books don’t have to be read in order, so if you can only get your hands on another one in either series, go for it! I hope you’ll enjoy them 🙂
Twitter: talksupeblog
I love the name, Vanity, so unique. The layered conflict looks good with antagonistic characters and complex relationships. no wonder you loved it!
It was so good, Braine! And I agree, the name Vanity is definitely unique 🙂
I’m really going to have to start on this series, Lexxie. I think I’m most curious about Stack’s relationship with his family and how it shows Vanity that there are differences in families, as well as the more productive ways to, um, end a fight. 😉 Yep, going to check out this series. *BIG HUGS*
You are most definitely going to have to start this series, Brandee, and very soon!! That relationship, plus showing that fights might not be the end of everything was really something Vanity needed, too.
I need to get back to you on your e-mail… but Mr. Lex is not letting me stay on the computer for long 😉 *BIG HUGS*
I am so excited to ear how much you loved Vanity and Stack’s story! I love Lori Foster’s books, and have enjoyed this series so much.I can’t wait to read this book and learn about Stack’s close relationship with his mom and sister, as well as his steamy relationship with Vanity! I want Marissa and Armie’s story so much!!! Excelleny Review Lexx 🙂