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SBC Fighters #3
Hard To Handle
Sometimes Fate delivers a left hook.
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.
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.
330 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2007
60 people are currently reading
2279 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
416 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
September 7, 2010
Sometimes things about a book bug me, and they stick in my head throughout the whole book. Now, don't get me wrong, I love this series and as far as this particular book goes, I enjoyed it just as much as the first two, except I can't get it out of my head when near the beginning of the book the power is out in the whole town, but they drop the local garage owner, Ned, off at his house and wait until he turns the porch light on before driving away. Then the story continues and the power is still out. I flipped back and forth making sure that Ned didn't go turn on a generator or something first (in his drunken stupor), but he didn't. I don't think this is a spoiler alert of any kind, it's just something I kept thinking about while reading the rest of the book. Ned's paranormal porch light. It just bugged me, kind of like a pebble in your shoe type thing.
So, I had to take away one star for the whole porch light scenario. It was the pebble in my shoe.
So, I had to take away one star for the whole porch light scenario. It was the pebble in my shoe.
June 12, 2008
This latest book in the Fighter Series features fighter Harley Handleman and his vacation cabin landlady, Anastasia Bradley, who is also a lifecoach. Harley and Anastasia have no intentions of becoming involved with one another, but when it appears that someone is trying to harm Anastasia, Harley is determined to keep her safe.
I loved both of the main characters in this book, and enjoyed the return of others from the previous books in the series. The protectiveness that Harley shows towards Anastasia was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I loved both of the main characters in this book, and enjoyed the return of others from the previous books in the series. The protectiveness that Harley shows towards Anastasia was one of my favorite parts of the book.
June 13, 2013
A Few Words about Mixed Martial Arts
I’m a big fan of MMA, Mixed Martial Arts. My love affair began when I watched the first season of the reality tv show Ultimate Fighter. It featured real live MMA fighters training and competing for a chance at a title fight and contract with the UFC (one of the biggest MMA organization in the world), while living together in one house. I have to tell you, that if you’re a fan of fighters and want to see them goof off, train and act like a bunch of catty sorority girls, you should give the show a watch. 100% guilty pleasure.
Anyway, one of the reasons I got sucked into the sport via the show was it allowed me to see the men behind the fighters and I’m not ashamed to say I fell in love. These guys (and girls) run the gambit and many break the stereotypes we have about this often misunderstood “violent” sport. They are teachers, police officers, comedians, dedicated fathers and loving sons.
The sport itself has taken huge progressive strides. Recently, a match between two female fighters got top billing in a major UFC fight. The organization has publicly supported a transgender (MTF) fighter, not only allowing her to fight against other women, but suspended a notable male fighter who insulted her publicly.
Knowing all this, you can imagine how disappointed I am when I see so many erotica novels featuring fighters who are abusive, criminal or just plain assholes. It’s not only offensive to the men in this sport, but I find it insulting as a fan of the sport. Not all men (or women) who participate in “violent” sports are bad or broken people. Just ask the friends and family of hockey and football players. MMA is no different, and in fact, despite the competitive nature of the sport many of these fighters have a strong sense of camaraderie and are even face good friends in fights. It’s not uncommon to see two opponents embrace each other like brothers after a fight.
So, I decided to take it upon myself to recommend a series of erotic romance novels featuring a of cast of sexy, masculine male fighters and has a more realistic take on the sport as well as the men who participate in it. Lori Foster’s SBC Fighter series is one of the best, most realistic portrayals of the sport and the men in it. She even did research, spending time with several fighters and Dana White, the head of the UFC. It comes through in how she writes her male leads. They are clever, flawed, complex and of course very sexy.
Review Proper
Hard to Handle is my favorite book of the SBC Fighter series, though I liked Causing Havoc and Simon Says too. However, HtH strikes a perfect balance between alpha male and strong female, creating the kind of romantic relationship that is right up my alley. Harley and Anastasia are an unlikely match, but not in the cliche enemies turned lovers kind of way. They’ve actually been friendly acquaintances for awhile, but mysterious events puts them both in each other’s path at just the right time. The proverbial sparks fly like a mofo.
It’s a classic set up for a romance. As is both Harley and Stasia’s reluctance to get involved. Still the sexual chemistry is undeniable, and their personalities clash in just the right way. That clash is what I found unique and compelling to watch.
Harley is an alpha male (but not a dick). Confident, physically powerful and a sexual magnet. He has no problem getting women in his bed, and does so regularly. Though, he is also very honest with them about not being interested in a relationship. It’s a complication he can’t have with his MMA career on the upswing and his big change at a title fight around the corner. Which makes his intense attracting to Stasia very inconvenient and extremely frustrating.
Likewise Stasia isn’t in the right place in her life to start a relationship, much less one with a man like Harley. She doesn’t have any issue with his fighting, quite the opposite, but she’s not interested in being the notch on anyone’s bed post. Even if he has an ass you could bounce a quarter into the stratosphere.
The sexual tension between these two is electric and entrancing. Part of what makes it so fun, for me, is how strong and evenly matched they are. Harley is dominant and cocky, but not a dick. Still he is a bit old fashioned and often acts in a protective or stereotypically “male” role. While Stasia is a smart, outspoken, modern woman who has no problem telling him to back off or even calling him out for being a player.
These two are a play on an old romantic cliche, but done with a breath of modern air. Where Anastasia is petite, beautiful and overwhelmed by Harley’s raw sexual power. She’s not afraid to challenge him, doesn’t like depending on him and is well aware, and appropriately amused, by his overprotective tendencies.
It's important to note that while Harley does embodies the alpha male archetype, he is never sexist, condescending or in anyway derogatory toward women, not even his one night stands. On the contrary, Harley loves and respects women. He's just completely out of his depths with one who has his number and isn't afraid to call him on his shit. Stasia leaves him equal parts, intrigued and freaked out by his attraction to her. While he does respect her independence, he still feels compelled to care for her.
Thus sparks the romance and intense sexual affair that had me up till the wee hours of the morning reading, and twitching on the floor once I was done. Yes, there’s drama and mystery, even an few attempts on their lives, but in the end this is a story about two people who click in the most unexpected ways. Against all odds and even their own better judgement, they work and fit together perfectly.
No one is bent or broken. Their relationship is built on respect, the meeting of two equals. Sure, there’s turbulence, and misunderstandings, but nothing more than you usually see in romance and it all makes sense in the story. If you like alpha males, fighters and the tough women who knock them for a loop, this book and series might just be the next sexy read you’ve been looking for.
Reviewer: Jeanne
I’m a big fan of MMA, Mixed Martial Arts. My love affair began when I watched the first season of the reality tv show Ultimate Fighter. It featured real live MMA fighters training and competing for a chance at a title fight and contract with the UFC (one of the biggest MMA organization in the world), while living together in one house. I have to tell you, that if you’re a fan of fighters and want to see them goof off, train and act like a bunch of catty sorority girls, you should give the show a watch. 100% guilty pleasure.
Anyway, one of the reasons I got sucked into the sport via the show was it allowed me to see the men behind the fighters and I’m not ashamed to say I fell in love. These guys (and girls) run the gambit and many break the stereotypes we have about this often misunderstood “violent” sport. They are teachers, police officers, comedians, dedicated fathers and loving sons.
The sport itself has taken huge progressive strides. Recently, a match between two female fighters got top billing in a major UFC fight. The organization has publicly supported a transgender (MTF) fighter, not only allowing her to fight against other women, but suspended a notable male fighter who insulted her publicly.
Knowing all this, you can imagine how disappointed I am when I see so many erotica novels featuring fighters who are abusive, criminal or just plain assholes. It’s not only offensive to the men in this sport, but I find it insulting as a fan of the sport. Not all men (or women) who participate in “violent” sports are bad or broken people. Just ask the friends and family of hockey and football players. MMA is no different, and in fact, despite the competitive nature of the sport many of these fighters have a strong sense of camaraderie and are even face good friends in fights. It’s not uncommon to see two opponents embrace each other like brothers after a fight.
So, I decided to take it upon myself to recommend a series of erotic romance novels featuring a of cast of sexy, masculine male fighters and has a more realistic take on the sport as well as the men who participate in it. Lori Foster’s SBC Fighter series is one of the best, most realistic portrayals of the sport and the men in it. She even did research, spending time with several fighters and Dana White, the head of the UFC. It comes through in how she writes her male leads. They are clever, flawed, complex and of course very sexy.
Review Proper
Hard to Handle is my favorite book of the SBC Fighter series, though I liked Causing Havoc and Simon Says too. However, HtH strikes a perfect balance between alpha male and strong female, creating the kind of romantic relationship that is right up my alley. Harley and Anastasia are an unlikely match, but not in the cliche enemies turned lovers kind of way. They’ve actually been friendly acquaintances for awhile, but mysterious events puts them both in each other’s path at just the right time. The proverbial sparks fly like a mofo.
It’s a classic set up for a romance. As is both Harley and Stasia’s reluctance to get involved. Still the sexual chemistry is undeniable, and their personalities clash in just the right way. That clash is what I found unique and compelling to watch.
Harley is an alpha male (but not a dick). Confident, physically powerful and a sexual magnet. He has no problem getting women in his bed, and does so regularly. Though, he is also very honest with them about not being interested in a relationship. It’s a complication he can’t have with his MMA career on the upswing and his big change at a title fight around the corner. Which makes his intense attracting to Stasia very inconvenient and extremely frustrating.
Likewise Stasia isn’t in the right place in her life to start a relationship, much less one with a man like Harley. She doesn’t have any issue with his fighting, quite the opposite, but she’s not interested in being the notch on anyone’s bed post. Even if he has an ass you could bounce a quarter into the stratosphere.
The sexual tension between these two is electric and entrancing. Part of what makes it so fun, for me, is how strong and evenly matched they are. Harley is dominant and cocky, but not a dick. Still he is a bit old fashioned and often acts in a protective or stereotypically “male” role. While Stasia is a smart, outspoken, modern woman who has no problem telling him to back off or even calling him out for being a player.
These two are a play on an old romantic cliche, but done with a breath of modern air. Where Anastasia is petite, beautiful and overwhelmed by Harley’s raw sexual power. She’s not afraid to challenge him, doesn’t like depending on him and is well aware, and appropriately amused, by his overprotective tendencies.
It's important to note that while Harley does embodies the alpha male archetype, he is never sexist, condescending or in anyway derogatory toward women, not even his one night stands. On the contrary, Harley loves and respects women. He's just completely out of his depths with one who has his number and isn't afraid to call him on his shit. Stasia leaves him equal parts, intrigued and freaked out by his attraction to her. While he does respect her independence, he still feels compelled to care for her.
Thus sparks the romance and intense sexual affair that had me up till the wee hours of the morning reading, and twitching on the floor once I was done. Yes, there’s drama and mystery, even an few attempts on their lives, but in the end this is a story about two people who click in the most unexpected ways. Against all odds and even their own better judgement, they work and fit together perfectly.
No one is bent or broken. Their relationship is built on respect, the meeting of two equals. Sure, there’s turbulence, and misunderstandings, but nothing more than you usually see in romance and it all makes sense in the story. If you like alpha males, fighters and the tough women who knock them for a loop, this book and series might just be the next sexy read you’ve been looking for.
Reviewer: Jeanne
February 24, 2008
I really enjoyed this book! This is the third installment in Lori Foster's Extreme Fighters series, and one of the better ones. There's lots of sexual tension in this one between the hero, extreme fighter Harley, and the heroine, life- coach Stasia, but they don't actually 'get together' until the last few chapters of the book, and it's well worth the wait. All the characters from the previous two books make appearances, and there is actually a secondary romance between Harley's friend, Barber, and a young singer, that's pretty hot.
You don't have to be a fight fan to enjoy this one; the training and fight scenes take a back seat to the romance, and there's even a little bit of suspense thrown into the mix.(It seems that someone is out to do Stasia bodily harm, and Harley wants to do everything he can to protect her)
This was a very quick and easy read; nothing too deep, but an enjoyable little romance for a cold winter afternoon!
You don't have to be a fight fan to enjoy this one; the training and fight scenes take a back seat to the romance, and there's even a little bit of suspense thrown into the mix.(It seems that someone is out to do Stasia bodily harm, and Harley wants to do everything he can to protect her)
This was a very quick and easy read; nothing too deep, but an enjoyable little romance for a cold winter afternoon!
September 26, 2010
Enjoyable, fun story.
The first couple of pages "grab you." Very well done. Harley is a mixed martial arts fighter who only does one-night stands with women. I wish the author would have given the reader a little more detail about why he fell for Stasia. She had always been attracted to him, but she held back and tried not to show it, which I could understand, but it was not sincere. He gradually fell for her. I wanted to know more about what changed him to want only one woman. I think I would have liked a little more emotional pull and sympathy for the two characters. Overall, this was an interesting and good story with interesting side stories about Harley's friends and about someone trying to hurt Stasia.
Sexual language: moderate to strong. Number of sex scenes: seven. Setting: current day in Harmony, Kentucky and Echo Lake (a small town in a remote wooded area). Genre: contemporary romance.
The first couple of pages "grab you." Very well done. Harley is a mixed martial arts fighter who only does one-night stands with women. I wish the author would have given the reader a little more detail about why he fell for Stasia. She had always been attracted to him, but she held back and tried not to show it, which I could understand, but it was not sincere. He gradually fell for her. I wanted to know more about what changed him to want only one woman. I think I would have liked a little more emotional pull and sympathy for the two characters. Overall, this was an interesting and good story with interesting side stories about Harley's friends and about someone trying to hurt Stasia.
Sexual language: moderate to strong. Number of sex scenes: seven. Setting: current day in Harmony, Kentucky and Echo Lake (a small town in a remote wooded area). Genre: contemporary romance.
August 13, 2017
I admit that I am skipping around a bit with all her series. I have no choice since I have to go through interlibrary loan to find these books. So I take what I can get. There was a lot going on in this book. The H&h had their own dilemmas and LF threw in some other characters with issues as well. It does all tie together. I liked both the H&h in this book.
March 18, 2011
This is my least favorite of the SBC fighters series so far. Like the other books in the series, it was a quick, largely entertaining read, but unfortunately, I felt that both Harley and Anastasia were underdeveloped as characters. The sum total of what I know about Anastasia is that she's 28, a life coach, she rents out cabins in the winter and stays there to relax, and she loves Harley. I'm not sure if her parents are alive or dead, or if she has any family. She doesn't seem to have friends, either. I don't know why she becamea life coach, what types of relationships she had in the past, what she wnats out of life,etc.
Harley, for his part, is an SBC fighter who lost his chance at the title 3 times due to a run of freaky bad luck. Some of that bad luck has caused him to become a serial one-night stand type of guy. I undrestood why he chose that path, and Harley was somewhat better developed than Anastasia, but I didn't understand why she made him want to change his ways. This is often a problem in romance novels about womanizers, so I probably should just accept it as part of the genre, but it did make the romance more difficult to embrace.
Additionally, Barber (from Simon Says) has a romantic subplot here. While I was glad to see him get over Dakota and find his own love, I did find the whole thing to be rather shallow and unsatisfying.
On the plus side: I have to give Lori Foster some credit for the varieyt of shapes and sizes of her characters. They do not all fall into the same physical mold, which is quite refreshing. Tall to short, plump to thin, busty to flat...and while the men are all fighters, they each have had distinctive bodies as well.
I also like that each man has had a unique personality, and isn't just some stereotype of an alpha male.
I will continue to read this series. Lori Foster has an engaging writing style that is a pleasure to read, and I look forward to getting to know more of her fighting men.
www.christineamsden.com
Harley, for his part, is an SBC fighter who lost his chance at the title 3 times due to a run of freaky bad luck. Some of that bad luck has caused him to become a serial one-night stand type of guy. I undrestood why he chose that path, and Harley was somewhat better developed than Anastasia, but I didn't understand why she made him want to change his ways. This is often a problem in romance novels about womanizers, so I probably should just accept it as part of the genre, but it did make the romance more difficult to embrace.
Additionally, Barber (from Simon Says) has a romantic subplot here. While I was glad to see him get over Dakota and find his own love, I did find the whole thing to be rather shallow and unsatisfying.
On the plus side: I have to give Lori Foster some credit for the varieyt of shapes and sizes of her characters. They do not all fall into the same physical mold, which is quite refreshing. Tall to short, plump to thin, busty to flat...and while the men are all fighters, they each have had distinctive bodies as well.
I also like that each man has had a unique personality, and isn't just some stereotype of an alpha male.
I will continue to read this series. Lori Foster has an engaging writing style that is a pleasure to read, and I look forward to getting to know more of her fighting men.
www.christineamsden.com
January 30, 2019
Harley ha perdido 3 oportunidades de competir por el cinturón de campeón por fatalidades del destino, pero este, este va a ser su año... Si solo pudiese concentrarse en el combate y dejar a un lado a la preciosa Anastasia...
Anastasia es una entrenadora de vida, y la casera de Harley. Pequeñas paradas de ayuda y unos cuantos problemas con un acosador tienen a Harley y Anastasia pasando cada vez más tiempo juntos. Pero ¿Podrá Harley corresponder los sentimientos de Anastasia y ganar el combate?
Bueno voy a confesar que me costó tanto leerlo porque el principio es bastante aburrido. Pero luego cuando coge fuerza ya te enganchas pero mi tardanza también ha sido cosa de falta de tiempo.
No me esperaba quien era el acosador de Anastasia, yo también pensaba que era su ex cliente, pero no. En cuanto a drama de la relación, quizás me faltase un poco más, quiero decir que apenas hubo drama y es como que me falta algo jajaja (soy el espíritu de contradicción que otras veces me quejo de exceso de drama 😂).
Y, lo que más me ha gustado de este libro: POR FIN BARBERO TIENE CHICA!!!!! 😍 Cómo me gusta este hombre y cuánto esperaba por fin que consiguiese una mujer y me encanta la que eligieron para él jajaja.
El libro está bien pero no es el mejor de todos, pero aún así de la mitad hacia delante engancha mucho. Hay que tomarlo con calma.
Anastasia es una entrenadora de vida, y la casera de Harley. Pequeñas paradas de ayuda y unos cuantos problemas con un acosador tienen a Harley y Anastasia pasando cada vez más tiempo juntos. Pero ¿Podrá Harley corresponder los sentimientos de Anastasia y ganar el combate?
Bueno voy a confesar que me costó tanto leerlo porque el principio es bastante aburrido. Pero luego cuando coge fuerza ya te enganchas pero mi tardanza también ha sido cosa de falta de tiempo.
No me esperaba quien era el acosador de Anastasia, yo también pensaba que era su ex cliente, pero no. En cuanto a drama de la relación, quizás me faltase un poco más, quiero decir que apenas hubo drama y es como que me falta algo jajaja (soy el espíritu de contradicción que otras veces me quejo de exceso de drama 😂).
Y, lo que más me ha gustado de este libro: POR FIN BARBERO TIENE CHICA!!!!! 😍 Cómo me gusta este hombre y cuánto esperaba por fin que consiguiese una mujer y me encanta la que eligieron para él jajaja.
El libro está bien pero no es el mejor de todos, pero aún así de la mitad hacia delante engancha mucho. Hay que tomarlo con calma.
August 19, 2011
This was really a 3 and half star, but since I couldn't put it down, I rounded up. As a member of the Dark Erotica forum, Harley's version of "bondage" made me laugh. I enjoyed continuing the story of Barber and Harley and Uncle Satch all of whom we met in Simon Says. Glad I read them in the correct order. However, by the end of the book I was let-down.
a) Stasia's character was difficult to get a handle on. If she had shown real professional insights, it would have helped her legitimacy as a life coach. The things she saw in Harley could be seen by any reasonably perceptive person with a good understanding of how people work.
b) Harley's problem wasn't that big a deal, or wasn't explained enough or whatever. I got the chilly part- that was done very well. His thought processes were explained/shown really well. But the climax of the book, his opening up to Stasia, just didn't have any kind of payoff. It just seemed that he went from less controlled to really confused about everything, then mushy and totally in love and devoted. Some of the layers got smushed together so that the transformation wasn't smooth, so it wasn't entirely believable.
c)Barber's crudity went from being charmingly rouguish to distasteful. By the end, I didn't like him much at all. He really did seem like an ass by the end.
d) And his relationship with Jasmine- where the heck did that Love thing come from? There was too much time spent showing how shallow he was, rather than establishing there was more underneath. So, it wasn't really satisfying when he ended up with his girl. And how about some descriptions of Jasmine's singing style? LF did such a good job with Dakota, making her believable as a singer, I expected similar for Jasmine. Plus wordy speech does not a character make. If she had made Jasmine British, then would have made much more sense. And just a few more paragraphs could have made Uncle Satch a real character with a poignancy of his own rather than an annoying curmudgeon. I could never figure out why he flip-flopped why he did. He'd seem perceptive, then really blind. Go figure
But good job with the anticipation of the sex, etc, and excellent descriptions of Harely- another character I'd love to see in the flesh, for sure in the first half of the book. I guess my anticipation had built so that I really thought it would be a satisfying end. But it wasn't really. Ending with the marriage proposal- what?? The woman in peril thing is getting a bit old. i guess that's whhy she went where she did in My Man Micheal. Just trusting the formula...
a) Stasia's character was difficult to get a handle on. If she had shown real professional insights, it would have helped her legitimacy as a life coach. The things she saw in Harley could be seen by any reasonably perceptive person with a good understanding of how people work.
b) Harley's problem wasn't that big a deal, or wasn't explained enough or whatever. I got the chilly part- that was done very well. His thought processes were explained/shown really well. But the climax of the book, his opening up to Stasia, just didn't have any kind of payoff. It just seemed that he went from less controlled to really confused about everything, then mushy and totally in love and devoted. Some of the layers got smushed together so that the transformation wasn't smooth, so it wasn't entirely believable.
c)Barber's crudity went from being charmingly rouguish to distasteful. By the end, I didn't like him much at all. He really did seem like an ass by the end.
d) And his relationship with Jasmine- where the heck did that Love thing come from? There was too much time spent showing how shallow he was, rather than establishing there was more underneath. So, it wasn't really satisfying when he ended up with his girl. And how about some descriptions of Jasmine's singing style? LF did such a good job with Dakota, making her believable as a singer, I expected similar for Jasmine. Plus wordy speech does not a character make. If she had made Jasmine British, then would have made much more sense. And just a few more paragraphs could have made Uncle Satch a real character with a poignancy of his own rather than an annoying curmudgeon. I could never figure out why he flip-flopped why he did. He'd seem perceptive, then really blind. Go figure
But good job with the anticipation of the sex, etc, and excellent descriptions of Harely- another character I'd love to see in the flesh, for sure in the first half of the book. I guess my anticipation had built so that I really thought it would be a satisfying end. But it wasn't really. Ending with the marriage proposal- what?? The woman in peril thing is getting a bit old. i guess that's whhy she went where she did in My Man Micheal. Just trusting the formula...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2008
Although the whole SBC fighter thing in the most recent books leaves me cold, I usually love Lori Foster's books.
However, this one was a disappointment to me. I strongly disliked Harley's character and that wrecked the book for me.
In addition, this book seemed strongly weighted towards the male point-of-view; in that it was more about one-night-stands and a body count and less about romance and love. As a female reader, this bothers me and leaves me dissatisfied. I prefer books where I feel after the ending, the hero and heroine are likely to stay together forever (true love). I didn't feel that in this book and felt that Stasia was unlikely to keep her happy ending. This is unusual for me in reading Lori Foster's previous books.
One small additional quibble...how can you be a successful Life Coach with almost no "life experience???" Stasia is in her early 20's! This is just not old enough for that type of career. I have a business background and certainly wouldn't hire anyone to tell me how to "fix" my life unless they had proven experience, expertise, and could show me how they had "fixed" their own. Stasia's character was weak and unconvincing.
Overall, I love Lori's books, and I recommend them highly. Hopefully this one was just a fluke. (My favorite is Say No to Joe. I highly recommend that one--it's one of my comfort reads.)
However, this one was a disappointment to me. I strongly disliked Harley's character and that wrecked the book for me.
In addition, this book seemed strongly weighted towards the male point-of-view; in that it was more about one-night-stands and a body count and less about romance and love. As a female reader, this bothers me and leaves me dissatisfied. I prefer books where I feel after the ending, the hero and heroine are likely to stay together forever (true love). I didn't feel that in this book and felt that Stasia was unlikely to keep her happy ending. This is unusual for me in reading Lori Foster's previous books.
One small additional quibble...how can you be a successful Life Coach with almost no "life experience???" Stasia is in her early 20's! This is just not old enough for that type of career. I have a business background and certainly wouldn't hire anyone to tell me how to "fix" my life unless they had proven experience, expertise, and could show me how they had "fixed" their own. Stasia's character was weak and unconvincing.
Overall, I love Lori's books, and I recommend them highly. Hopefully this one was just a fluke. (My favorite is Say No to Joe. I highly recommend that one--it's one of my comfort reads.)
February 22, 2014
Romance - 90%; Suspense - 10%. Predictable and plodding with some really unbelievable plot points. The only saving feature is that Lori Foster is pretty good author and writes a readable romance.
Harley is the king of the one night stand. He likes to dominate his woman and tends to tie her up. He is very good and they like it. Stasia is his landlady at a lake resort and even though she likes what she sees in Harley, she is not stupid enough to get involved with him. She has heard all about his fetish from the neighborhood gossip vine. They get to know each other and Harley is attracted to her, but determined to chart the course of his life which is heading for the SBC championship match. As a professional Life Coach, Stasia sees things in Harley that may impede that goal.
They end up spending the night together during a blizzard after they are confronted by thugs and run off the road. Things heat up and Harley is not acting Harley-like. Stasia wants to help Harley and follows him to Harmony, KY. The trouble follows, psycho groupie and problems with Uncle Satch get in their way.
Harley is the king of the one night stand. He likes to dominate his woman and tends to tie her up. He is very good and they like it. Stasia is his landlady at a lake resort and even though she likes what she sees in Harley, she is not stupid enough to get involved with him. She has heard all about his fetish from the neighborhood gossip vine. They get to know each other and Harley is attracted to her, but determined to chart the course of his life which is heading for the SBC championship match. As a professional Life Coach, Stasia sees things in Harley that may impede that goal.
They end up spending the night together during a blizzard after they are confronted by thugs and run off the road. Things heat up and Harley is not acting Harley-like. Stasia wants to help Harley and follows him to Harmony, KY. The trouble follows, psycho groupie and problems with Uncle Satch get in their way.
December 23, 2010
Enjoyed this one way more that Simon Says. I think I even liked Simon better in this one then I did in his book. Harley "Hard to Handle" Handleman and his Uncle Satch are charmers from the get even in their prickliness, and Barber is front and center and gets his own love story with Jassy, the polar opposite of Dakota. This book was fun, and the beginning scenes between Stasia and Harley in the icy cold town of Echo Lake were great. I understood Harley and his need for control, and I found it an interesting, developed character trait that of course Lori Foster was able to make super sexy. That's just what she does with panache. Stasia was annoying in parts to me when she got all psuedo-psychiatrist and spewing all these analytical opinions, but against Harley she was a good match.
Everything is on the up and up in Harmony, and Harley has one of the sweeter endings of the books so far.
Everything is on the up and up in Harmony, and Harley has one of the sweeter endings of the books so far.
October 30, 2009
Another smokin' hot novel by Lori Foster. Hard To Handle is book 3 in the SBC Fighters series, and I can say that they've all been full of action, drama, love, lust and just flat out sexiness. Foster creates an image of fighters who are strong, powerful, incredibly motivated, extremely driven, passionate, and sexy, sexy, sexy men! They're awesome fighters, and they fight hard, but once the right woman storms into their lives they love even harder.
Each novel in the series focuses on one fighter in particular, but I really like how several fighters appear throughout the series as supporting characters. Hard To Handle which is about Harley Handleman and Anastasia Bradley is a very good novel, but it's not my favorite of the SBC Fighthers series. That honor still goes to Simon Says.
Each novel in the series focuses on one fighter in particular, but I really like how several fighters appear throughout the series as supporting characters. Hard To Handle which is about Harley Handleman and Anastasia Bradley is a very good novel, but it's not my favorite of the SBC Fighthers series. That honor still goes to Simon Says.
April 8, 2008
Lori Foster is one of my favorite authors, and she doesn't disappoint with this book. I didn't like it quite as much as "Simon Says" and "Causing Havoc" but it was still a great read. I love all the characters from this series of books and the ultimate fighter setting is a nice change of pace from other books.
There are one or two critiques I could give for this book: the plot resolution at the end was a bit rushed, kinda blink and you miss it, and the indiscriminate sexuality from Barber and to a lesser degree Harley in the early parts of the book were a bit of a turn-off. Otherwise, a fun read; great characters, good romance, and an interesting storyline.
There are one or two critiques I could give for this book: the plot resolution at the end was a bit rushed, kinda blink and you miss it, and the indiscriminate sexuality from Barber and to a lesser degree Harley in the early parts of the book were a bit of a turn-off. Otherwise, a fun read; great characters, good romance, and an interesting storyline.
April 20, 2008
I love the book just as I love all of the Lori Foster books. Its not cheezy romance. Its smart, funny easy reads that get a little hot under the collar!! only down side, I didn't like it nearly as much as the previous two in this series, Havoc and Simon Says. There wasn't as much of a story line with the female role. They focus a little too much on barber instead of the story at hand. Yes, it was nice to see what happened to barber, sinse she couldnt write a book alone on him in this series because he's not a figher, but still, more should have been put into the story at hand. all and all a great read though!
April 8, 2008
Just a little fun. Mixed martial arts fighters falling in love. I don't know if this is the last one in this series. She usually introduces the next book's characters somewhere along the line, but it seemed like she tied this one up pretty well. . . unless "Killer" is going to star and he seemed way too much of an ass to be a compelling protagonist.
Let's coin a new word: smuff. Or maybe it should be flut. Smut and Fluff rolled into one quick read.
Let's coin a new word: smuff. Or maybe it should be flut. Smut and Fluff rolled into one quick read.
July 19, 2012
How freaking cute was this book? I love Lori foster only issue why the hell didn't barber get his own book? And why was this soo short? Shit happened too quick for me. But I'm looking forward to the next book
September 13, 2009
4 stars – Contemporary/Sports Romance/Romantic Suspense
December 7, 2010
Cute, but I enjoyed the first two stories more. I will say it was nice to have a little more face time with the other residents of Harmony.
October 25, 2015
I read this awhile ago but I never rated it on here. Fabulous series!
May 12, 2018
Harley Handleman, who has lost his chance at a title shot 3 times in a row now is a bit of a control freak, likes his women tied up and himself in control and definitely is not looking for a commitment. He's on a getaway and renting a cabin from Anastasia Bradley, who is so not his type, but who he definitely is attracted to. She's a life coach, a little too insightful about him and for some reason, determined not to be one of the conquered masses that he's slept with. And it makes him want her all the more. He comes to her rescue when someone is trying to hurt her, but he says goodbye firmly afterwards and resolves to put her out of his life. But then she shows up where he's training and he can't seem to stay away from her.
So I liked the first half of this book immensely. While Harley is in Echo Lake with Anastasia, he's repeatedly put in his place by a strong heroine with backbone. I love how she refused to fall all over herself for him and was even sometimes insulting towards him and how this nettled him. I hate the arrogant, smug heroes that always get the high-ground with the heroine. So this part was great to read. The second half of the book, though, was sorta disappointing. I still liked the sparring attitude between Harley and Stacia and I liked seeing Harley become ever more vulnerable to her. But when Stacia's whole goal was to encourage Harley to lessen his control, she may have succeeded in the bedroom, but not anywhere else in his life. And this is quite evident in the enraging final conflict between the two. Instead of being vulnerable and telling Stacia that he loves her, the coward continues to goad her and hurt her feelings, bringing her close to tears, presumably either because he's angry or because he wants her to admit her feelings first. At that point, the man didn't deserve a declaration of love - he deserved to be left to suffer a life without her. Needless to say, it's Stacia who ends up declaring her love and Harley quickly admits his feelings as well, now that she has. But does he apologize for acting like an asshole in the bar and nearly making her cry? No he does not. He gets exactly what he wanted. Which unfortunately ruined my liking for Harley.
Sadly, I also ended this story disappointed in how Barber turned out as well. He was an intriguing character in the last book and I had hopes for his story. But in this book, Barber sees the woman he's destined to be with and he treats her with absolutely no respect. He immediately tells her she needs to change her look, he tries to seduce her as though she's a sure thing, acts like he's God's gift to women expecting her to just drop her panties, doesn't bother with any professional courtesy (talking about having sex with her with other guys in the bar) and generally treats her in an insulting manner. And I hate it when guys refuse to listen to a woman when she says, "Don't call me that," or "That's not my name." Instead, he continues to call Jasmine, "Jassy." And she hates it. This shows me clearly that he has no respect for her. Although I had no respect for her either because she was so taken in by such shitty treatment because she'd always had a crush on him and her fangirl tendencies made her find it adorable or something. There whole story was really disappointing.
So despite the strong start, this ended up being not so much a favorite of mine. I think Simon's story was better.
So I liked the first half of this book immensely. While Harley is in Echo Lake with Anastasia, he's repeatedly put in his place by a strong heroine with backbone. I love how she refused to fall all over herself for him and was even sometimes insulting towards him and how this nettled him. I hate the arrogant, smug heroes that always get the high-ground with the heroine. So this part was great to read. The second half of the book, though, was sorta disappointing. I still liked the sparring attitude between Harley and Stacia and I liked seeing Harley become ever more vulnerable to her. But when Stacia's whole goal was to encourage Harley to lessen his control, she may have succeeded in the bedroom, but not anywhere else in his life. And this is quite evident in the enraging final conflict between the two. Instead of being vulnerable and telling Stacia that he loves her, the coward continues to goad her and hurt her feelings, bringing her close to tears, presumably either because he's angry or because he wants her to admit her feelings first. At that point, the man didn't deserve a declaration of love - he deserved to be left to suffer a life without her. Needless to say, it's Stacia who ends up declaring her love and Harley quickly admits his feelings as well, now that she has. But does he apologize for acting like an asshole in the bar and nearly making her cry? No he does not. He gets exactly what he wanted. Which unfortunately ruined my liking for Harley.
Sadly, I also ended this story disappointed in how Barber turned out as well. He was an intriguing character in the last book and I had hopes for his story. But in this book, Barber sees the woman he's destined to be with and he treats her with absolutely no respect. He immediately tells her she needs to change her look, he tries to seduce her as though she's a sure thing, acts like he's God's gift to women expecting her to just drop her panties, doesn't bother with any professional courtesy (talking about having sex with her with other guys in the bar) and generally treats her in an insulting manner. And I hate it when guys refuse to listen to a woman when she says, "Don't call me that," or "That's not my name." Instead, he continues to call Jasmine, "Jassy." And she hates it. This shows me clearly that he has no respect for her. Although I had no respect for her either because she was so taken in by such shitty treatment because she'd always had a crush on him and her fangirl tendencies made her find it adorable or something. There whole story was really disappointing.
So despite the strong start, this ended up being not so much a favorite of mine. I think Simon's story was better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
Hard to Handle is the third in the SBC Fighters series but can be read as a stand alone story, however I suggest reading the previous stories for the pure thrill of the series. Harley Handleman better known in the fighting world as Hard to Handle, is recuperating from a dislocated elbow injury and enjoying the peace and quiet of his mountain rental. Anastasia Bradley is Harley's landlady and resides part-time in the cabin just below his. She is a life coach by profession and taking a break from work because of an uncomfortable incident with a previous client. Harley spies her struggling to chop wood and takes over against her objections as an independent woman but when he starts feeling things for her that are better not pursued, he decides to cut his vacation short after a night of playing cards in town. Stasia starts having uneasy feelings like she is being watched but when Harley's uncle calls her because he can't reach Harley, she goes out in the storm to deliver the message only to find herself almost being run off the road and losing her brakes as she enters town. When she gives Harley the message, he realizes that something is wrong and decides to stay and protect her. As more dangerous encounters happen, they draw closer together but neither is looking for a relationship and commitment is frightening for Harley but they work to overcome their issues to find a happy ever after. This is a hot, steamy romance with a little intrigue, a few laughs and a whole lot of love to go around. The characters are amazingly relatable and sexy.
June 28, 2020
3.5/5*
While I loved the first two book in the series, I never fully felt connected with Harley or Stasia in Hard in Handle. There simply too much unnecessary confusion about what characters are doing and why, many things that could have easily been solved with some quick conversations.
Also, Harley's sexual "deviances" are actually pretty tame, so the build up around it was unnecessary. They also never come up in the books because Stasia changes him so that he doesn't feel the need for dominance. Maybe when the books were first published, his interest in tying up his partner was a big deal, but is a sexual interest that doesn't have staying power (pun intended) since books like "50 Shades" have completely changed general understanding of sex vs. sexual "deviance".
Ultimately, while I liked seeing characters again (and enjoyed Barber's love story!!), Harley and Stasia weren't super interesting to me...
While I loved the first two book in the series, I never fully felt connected with Harley or Stasia in Hard in Handle. There simply too much unnecessary confusion about what characters are doing and why, many things that could have easily been solved with some quick conversations.
Also, Harley's sexual "deviances" are actually pretty tame, so the build up around it was unnecessary. They also never come up in the books because Stasia changes him so that he doesn't feel the need for dominance. Maybe when the books were first published, his interest in tying up his partner was a big deal, but is a sexual interest that doesn't have staying power (pun intended) since books like "50 Shades" have completely changed general understanding of sex vs. sexual "deviance".
Ultimately, while I liked seeing characters again (and enjoyed Barber's love story!!), Harley and Stasia weren't super interesting to me...
July 12, 2020
Harley Handleman, mixed-martial arts fighter has risen to near the top in his field, one step from the championship fight three times only to be sidetracked at the last moment. Recuperating now from an elbow injury in his retreat in the hills of KY he becomes involved in another incident that could pull him from his goal. His landlady, Anastasia Kelly, is being threatened and Harley steps in to help. When the incident resolves his Uncle Satch pulls him back into training. However, his connection to Stasia continues to pull him out of his single-mindedness. He must decide how to combine his desires and his goals. An interesting take on life aspirations. Fighting is not a sport I like, but this story had a new way of looking at the sport.
November 28, 2023
Handleman is a hard man but he had 2 b cause of his past. But with his uncle being his manager and only relative left is some xs hard 4 him not 2 throttle his uncle when he goes 2 far. but after his injuries he's trying 2 get a title belt but will he b able 2? He finds it's hard when when he sees Stasia in a different light that he hadn't had in his past yrs. But will that help either one of them when things get dicy with Stasia's life? It was really good and knowing that there will be a few unexpected surprises along the way. I hope there's a book 4 Barber in the future if not already.
November 26, 2020
The three quarters was kind of lame. Not sure why there has to be some random ridiculous life or death thing in each book. I don't like how the guy is always so deadpan about everything and having to hide his feelings. Yeah to a point, but it just gets ridiculous in these books. I liked the last quarter a bit more once Jasmine came on the scene. Jasmine with Barber was so cute. They gave this book the third star. I would have read their book. Even if it's only 20 pages.
July 10, 2020
Harley surprise
I was on the fence about Harley after Simon's story although he did try to make amends..guess i should've realized he was an honorable man. Absolutely love he and Anastasia!
Thanks Lori, for never disappointing! On to the next I the series!
I was on the fence about Harley after Simon's story although he did try to make amends..guess i should've realized he was an honorable man. Absolutely love he and Anastasia!
Thanks Lori, for never disappointing! On to the next I the series!
July 31, 2022
Lori Foster writes wonderful stories that just keep you flipping the pages. Harley Handleman and Anastasia Bradley must go through a lot to get to their happy ending. I was surprised by who the bad guy was.
March 7, 2023
Nancy
Wow ! This was a very interesting read! The characters were great, lots of returning characters! I love it! The storyline was really interesting and had lots of characters news! Romance great! Thanks
Wow ! This was a very interesting read! The characters were great, lots of returning characters! I love it! The storyline was really interesting and had lots of characters news! Romance great! Thanks
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