Harley Handleman is an SBC fighter who's taken a few months
off to rehabilitate an elbow injury after coming to the aid
of a friend in need. Harley has trained for the title belt
three times, and three times fate has kept him away from
the fight. Nothing will stand in his way this time.
Harley has been staying in a remote cabin three hours from
the gym in Harmony, Kentucky, where he trains. His
landlord, Anastasia Bradley, lives in a cabin nearby. He's
always been fascinated with Anastasia, but in the three
years he's rented from her, she's never shown any physical
interest in him. Nor has he really scoped her out. Harley
never likes anything more than small talk with the women he
takes to bed. He lets them know it's nothing more than sex.
Yet with Anastasia, he's enjoyed intelligent conversation.
Soon after Harley spends time with Anastasia, someone tries
to hurt her. Harley's protective nature kicks in, even
though Anastasia is a self-sufficient, capable woman.
She'll not have Harley doing anything to compromise his
training. After confirming that Anastasia isn't Harley's
type, his uncle, ever concentrating on the title belt, asks
Anastasia, who's a life coach, to take on Harley as a
client. She only agrees to talk to Harley if he contacts
her after moving back to Harmony to train.
After Harley calls her, Anastasia decides to stop in
Harmony to see him. Soon, other attempts on her life occur.
Harley discovers that he wants nothing more than to keep
this woman close by his side, to protect her from harm.
Harley has fallen for Anastasia as much as she has for him,
but neither wants to admit it. Now, the question is whether
this newest danger will keep this gallant knight from
winning the title he's wanted for such a long time.
HARD TO HANDLE is another success for Lori Foster.
The humorous bantering and friendship among the characters
makes for an enjoyable escape into the world of hunky SBC
fighters and the women they love. Harley and Anastasia's
story is a sweet read.
After Fate deals Supreme Battle Challenge (SBC) fighter
Harley Handleman a sucker punch, his uncle secretly hires
a pretty lifecoach to get Harley back in the ring of life.
Anastasia Kelley has actually known Harley for years, but
never as well as she's going to now. Hot for his fighter's
form, she has trouble keeping it professional, especially
since Harley doesn't know she was hired. And when
Anastasia turns the tables on him, it's as if he's been
hit below the belt. But that's also where is
uncontrollable lust for her burns.