Tough Love: An Anthology

Lori Foster

Sep 2015 · HQN Books

About this ebook

She's playing hard to get…to win the MMA fighter of her ultimate fantasies in a sultry new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

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?

Ratings and reviews

Vanity has wanted Stack forever. But Stack wants flings not commitments. So she makes an offer he cannot refuse. Go to their friends wedding and have one night of sex. Between Stack's crazy family, it's a little while before they get together but once they do....it's explosive! Now he wants more than one night but he thinks he needs to convince her. Vanity goes slow so not to spook him. They have to figure out who's putting hits out on him and why. I probably say this each time with Ms Foster's books but I think this one is my favorite so far. Stack is handsome, loyal, and protective. Vanity is gorgeous, humble, and tells it like it is. Great couple. Hot sex. I received an ARC from the author for a honest review.

Lori Foster has done it again, creating strong, likable women and the irresistible men they fall in love with. Every single page has substance, too, bringing Stack and Vanity closer together rather than relying on contrived drama to speed things up. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, do it NOW. The Ultimate series is the ultimate romance readers’ story, and the hot, strong men are the icing on the cake. ***FicCentral received this book from Harlequin (via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking forward to Vanity and Stack's story and I was not disappointed. This book hooks you from the beginning, starting off with a bang! The chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. I love that Vanity is an independent, strong, capable woman who takes care of herself and goes after what she wants, which is Stack. Yet she has a soft, loving and giving side. Stack is the ultimate alpha male that every woman dreams of. He is protective, honest and hard working. I love how Lori writes scenes that happen in everyday life and that any reader can relate to. The interaction between the main characters and all the secondary characters is believable. And at times hilarious. Loved the tease about Armie and Merissa. Can't wait for their book! Can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning. Not only are they great, but the characters make appearances throughout the series. I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book in exchange for an honest review.

About the author

Lori Foster is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author with books from a variety of publishers, including Berkley/Jove, Kensington, St. Martin's, Harlequin and Silhouette. Lori has been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. For more about Lori, visit her Web site at www.lorifoster.com.