Review: Tough Love by Lori Foster

Title: Tough Love
By: Lori Foster
Series: Ultimate #3
My Copy: Netgalley.com
The BookWhisperer's Rating: 

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?

After reading some drab books lately, this book was a breath of fresh air. 

Vanity and Stacks strike up a deal that after two of their friend’s wedding, they will get together but no strings attached.  All is going well and both are learning to appreciate each other’s company while living in this deal world until Stack’s family starts making an appearance.  Before any of the fun happens, Stacks gets call in for a family emergency and tows Vanity with him.  There, Vanity becomes acquainted with his family and all (and I mean all) of their drama.  All of this drama doesn’t deter her from continuing to want to be with Stacks but it sure does make it hard.

As the reader, you know that Stacks and Vanity are meant to be with each other.  When they are together, everything moves fluidly and birds chirp.  However, when Stack’s brother-in-law and ex-girlfriend (if she is to be called that) include themselves into the mix, trouble follows, things get twisted around, and Vanity and Stack’s growing relationship starts to suffer.

I was surprised that there wasn’t any fighting in this book.  Yes, Stacks went to the gym but there were no matches – just pumping iron.  I was also kind of surprised about a few things that Vanity did that seemed not to be the smartest decision (because it eventually kicked her in the bum later) but also the harsh reaction that Stacks had to these decisions.

All in all, it was a great book in a great series.  I am excited to see where else this series goes – especially Armie’s story.