Hard to Handle by Lori Foster (2008, Paperback)

Harley "Hard to Handle" Handleman is determined that nothing is going to stop him this time from achieving his ultimate goal of gaining the SBC title belt. In the past, personal misfortunes have kept him from even entering the ring for a title fight. This time nothing, absolutely nothing is going to stop Harley, especially not trouble with women... But when Harley meets Anastasia, all his plans are thrown out the window because as much as Harley would like to forget Anastasia, she seems to have taken permanent residence in his brain and in his fevered dreams.

Anastasia Kelley has known Harley casually for a long time, since she has been renting him a cabin during the winter months for several years. Even though Anastasia is really attracted to Harley, she knows his reputation and isn't eager to become another notch on his bedpost. Still, when chance throws them together and Anastasia sees a way to be close to Harley and help him reach his goals, she jumps at the chance.

As fate brings Harley and Anastasia closer together by chance and manipulation, they must battle against an unknown person threatening Anastasia and Harley's tendency to rigidly control his emotions... Will they ever manage to come together and make it work?

Hard to Handle is another fun romp into the SBC and the community of fighters that band together like a brotherhood when the need arises outside of the ring. As we have come to expect, Ms. Foster delivers characters who are flawed, but appealing, and a light plot full of humor and wit that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Harley is the ultimate Alpha male who will delight, entertain and frustrate you by turns while keeping the sexual tension high enough to singe you. Anastasia, on the other hand, is not your typical woman. She refuses to trip over herself in an effort to capture Harley's attention, which in itself serves to catch Harley's eye. These two spend a large part of the book dancing around each other and the attraction they feel, but when they finally come together, it will leave you sweating and reaching for a drink to cool down! However, there are some parts of the plot that are slightly predictable, but as always, Lori Foster will have you too busy with her characters' foibles and witty secondary characters to care too much for the flaws of the book. Pick up Hard to Handle for a funny and entertaining read that will leave your romantic heart well satisfied!

Sabella
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

The plot was excellent and captivating, storyline really detailed. Lori Foster really followed the storyline of not only this book, but she kept up the extended storyline of the previous books in this series of Champion Fighters. Excellent Lori Foster Book.