Book Review: Hard Knocks (Ultimate 0.5) by Lori Foster

Hard Knocks
(Ulimate 0.5)
By: Lori Foster
Published: August 4, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin
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Source: Publisher

GR's Summary:

In the stunning prequel novella to her new mixed martial arts series, New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster brings together an elite fighter and the woman he’s determined to win. Power. Brute strength. Unforgettable moves. It’s no wonder Harper Gates hasn’t been able to get her fling with Gage “Savage” Ringer out of her head. Months have passed since she laid eyes—or any other body parts—on him. Months without a word of contact… until, sidelined by injury, he comes back to town. Staying focused on his training seemed like a smart move to Gage, even if he thought about Harper every day. Seeing her again only makes it clear how much is at stake. He’s got one night to earn back her trust. One night to show her that behind his breathtaking skill and ripped body is a man who’ll give her everything she needs. Don’t miss No Limits, the first novel in Lori Foster’s Ultimate series.

My Thoughts:

Hard Knocks, by Lori Foster, was such a good little read.  It was a fast-paced short story, so although we don't get a deeply developed story, with an intricate plot, and characters with a lot of depth; we get a fun, romantic, and sizzling hot intro into this new series!  We get to learn a little bit about each of the main characters, their personalities, and what they look like; such as how Cannon Coulter is the most talented and dedicated of the mixed martial artists, Armie Johnson is the fun and friendly jokester of the group, and has fun with sexually adventurous women, etc.  I am looking forward to each of these guys' story!  They are a tight-knit, and loyal fraternity of mixed martial artists.

In Hard Knocks, we get Gage and Harper's story.  Harper has always been in love with Gage, who was the most good looking and popular guy in high school.  However, he didn't notice her until she started volunteering at the rec center owned by Cannon Coulter.  This is where all of the fighters practiced, but also was a philanthropic organization that catered to mentoring and having a safe place for at risk youth to find entertainment.  Gage and Harper started dating, and as Harper starting falling in love with Gage and hoping for him to return the sentiment, their relationship came to a standstill when Gage got offered a major fight on the main card in Japan. He left for Japan, and didn't look back.  While he was gone he didn't call Harper once, and this broke her heart.

Gage ends up getting injured by an accident in practice, and is not allowed to participate in the fight at this time.  Therefore, he returns to Ohio upset, and thinks that thinks with him and Harper will return to the way they were, right before he left Ohio.  Unfortunately, he can tell Harper is upset with him, and he doesn't have a clue why.  As the guys gather with the kids to watch Cannon's fight, along with others, they do their best to get Harper and Gage to admit their feelings for each other to one another.  Things heat up between Gage and Harper, and will never be the same!!!

My Rating:

Hard Knocks  has wet my appetite for the Ultimate Series!  I am ready to learn everything about these fun, friendly, sexy, caring, and loyal MMA fighters!  I am especially excited for book 1, Cannon's story, since I had the privilege of meeting him in the Love Undercover Series!  I feel like I have been waiting for his story forever, and my expectations are high!!!  If you are a fan of Lori Foster, check out Knockout, and meet a new cast of unforgettable sexy alpha males!  I give Hard Knocks, by Lori Foster 3.5 Pent Up Desire, Finally Sealing the Deal Filled Stars!  

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About Lori Foster:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a Waldenbooks, Borders, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. She also received the Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy and Contemporary 
/sRomance. Lori believes it is important to give back to the community as much as possible, so she routinely arranges events among authors and readers to gather donations for various organizations.

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