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.