Limecello’s review of Back in Black by Lori Foster
Contemporary romance released by Berkley 2 Feb 10
This is the last book in Lori Foster’s Supreme Battle Championship (SBC) series, and I have mixed feelings about that. To be honest, I’m glad the series is over. (But I know I feel differently about series than a number of people.) About this book particularly, I liked it more than I thought I might, but not as much as I hoped I would. Ms. Foster used to be one of my favorite romance authors, but at this point, I get her books from the library, not store.
I will say, I was pleased this book was a straight contemporary romance. I tried to read My Man Michael and could not. I have a feeling much of the positive feedback has to do with the fact that this book is “back to business as usual.” As the last book, however, I felt that Ms. Foster had more she wanted, and it felt like there were four main characters, as opposed to a primary and secondary romance. Consequently, it seemed that the characters all got a bit cheated in their romances.
Nevertheless, Gillian Noode is the main female love interest. Gillian is one of Ms. Foster’s better heroines. She’s smart, successful, self confident, and in control of her own life. I liked her personality, and the fact that she’s willing to hold her own in a fight. Of course sexing wins over ethics, but that’s a romance, right? (Okay, so that did bother me, but I know it could have been worse…) I also liked that Gillian was flexible, and understood Drew, and people in general.
Drew Black is a great character when you list his attributes. However, he seemed a bit unrealistic to me. (Somehow, a perfect hero just felt off to me.) He’s not a fighter, but is essentially in charge of the SBC. That’s fine and perfectly reasonable. He holds his own, he’s a genius at business… essentially there’s nothing wrong with him except for his potty mouth [couldn’t resist] and bad temper. But oh wait! Somehow those are good too! [So, yes, maybe I found him a bit too shiny.] Drew is a guy any woman would be glad to have, but nothing stood out to me about him. Ultimately, and unfortunately, Drew is forgettable.
The secondary romance really wanted to be a primary romance. It wasn’t, however, and thus felt a bit choppy. There were cameo appearances by characters from the other books. I normally enjoy that, but this time I actually had almost forgotten who most of them were until a good way into the book. Still, it was adorable how Drew was subtly trying to woo and feel out Gillian.
I get the sense or impression that Ms. Foster doesn’t much like females. I’ve never met her, but I’m sure that’s not how she is in person. It’s just the way she writes female characters. They’re generally incredibly naive, and unrealistic, clueless, and helpless. Or, just bat shit crazy. But not in the general sense where we all know someone who is like that – but pretty much a psychopath. I don’t know if it’s possible to be ‘written out’ but seems Ms. Foster is rehashing a lot plot devices.
Nevertheless, aside from those issues, the story was well written. The chemistry between the characters is very real, and enjoyable to read. For the end of a series the story arc felt rather open ended, but the romances were definitely complete. I knew Drew and Gillian were madly in love, and would be together forever.
If you’ve read the previous books in the series, or are a huge fan of Ms. Foster, I do recommend you read this book. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Foster writes next. Hopefully, it’s something new, complete with the great character interaction she creates.
Grade: C
SBC president Drew Black is as controversial as they come. But the hot-headed entrepreneur is a perfect match for his popular sports club venture: uncompromising and extreme. Maybe too extreme. With a reputation for saying what he thinks, Drew’s been causing a lot of friction. That’s why someone’s been called in to clean up his image—before he does any permanent damage.
The lucky lady is Gillian Noode, a PR expert who’s smoothed out the rough edges on many a man. But Drew is rougher than anyone she’s ever met, and he refuses to change for any woman, for any reason. To make matters more complicated, Gillian’s starting to like him raw. Now, opposites aren’t only attracting, they’re igniting. But in the rising heat, which one of them will end up on top?
Read an excerpt here.
