by Lori Foster
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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.
Hard Knocks was the perfect teaser to Lori Foster’s new Ultimate series featuring mixed martial arts. The series will feature yummy alpha fighters and strong woman. This novella packed a punch as Gage “Savage” Ringer and Harper Gates take the next step in their relationship. I consumed the story in a single sitting and it left me eager for more…
The tale takes place at the martial arts center Cannon created and a lot has changed since it was first opened. Gage is there after an injury kept him from traveling to Japan for a match. While he is depressed, he is happy to see Harper again. He has not been able to stop thinking about her. Harper seems distant and he has one night to show her how he feels and win her trust.
While Hard Knocks is short in length, it does not lack heat or connection. I felt the chemistry between Harper and Gage. Foster did a good job of giving us their backstory and sharing their thoughts and emotions. The tale had a satisfying conclusion but like I any novella I wanted more. I cannot wait for No Limits the first novel in the Ultimate series. It will feature Cannon Colter, a character I met and fell in love with in the Love Under Cover series.
Hard Knocks was a sweet, hot introduction to the Ultimate series and will have readers warmed up and ready to take to the ring in No Limits.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Cyn
I thought this was a really nice intro into the new series too! Definitely enjoyed the chemistry between Gage and Harper (: I’m curious about Armie!
kimbacaffeinate
I am delighted you enjoyed it too Cyn
lupdilup
I missed getting on the Lori’s wagon with her other series, Love Undercover., but I can jump on this one from the beginning 🙂
Thanks Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Woot..enjoy!
Diana Leigh
Ooo, nice!! There’s just something about fighters. Yum.
kimbacaffeinate
Seriously. *nods head*
Candace
I’m not sure if this is one I would like, I’m not a fan of the ‘fighting’ scene, I guess. Though I suppose it’s probably not front and center since it’s a romance. Glad you enjoyed!
kimbacaffeinate
The fights and training were in the background in this one, I will be reviewing No Limits in August and you may have a better idea after if this is for you. 🙂
Michelle
It’s always the same with good novellas–you’ll always find that it ends too fast!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Michelle, but it got me warmed up and ready for No Limits 🙂
Alexa
I love Lori Foster’s books so I can’t wait to read her newest book. I’m glad you really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to see what we both think of the full length book in this series.
Thanks for the great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I will be reviewing No Limits in a few weeks 🙂
Christy
Ohhh yeahhh I’m looking forward to reading this series. I’m just not in the mood quite yet. For now, I’ll just drool over the covers lol
kimbacaffeinate
I hear ya, I will be reviewing book one shortly 🙂
Berls
You had me at “yummy alpha fighters and strong woman”! What’s not to love. I’m glad that even though this was a novella it had a good strong story. I’m adding this series to my TBR!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a teaser to be sure, and since the romance was between two people who shared history it worked.
Angela Adams
“yummy alpha fighters” — I like that description!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..and that cover says it all!
Katherine
Somehow I have never read any Lori Foster. How did that happen?? This novella sounds pretty fun so I may have to look for it!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, sometimes I feel that way. She writes good romantic suspense 🙂
Heidi
I really need to check out a Lori Foster book, maybe I should try this novella!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes you do. I loved her Love Undercover series
blodeuedd
I finally have a Foster book to read!
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo!! Which one?
Tanja
I don’t usually enjoy fighting and all that, but somehow in books it always works out (I’m weird I know). I’m so glad you enjoyed this one and I’m so happy there was chemistry there. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, the fighting, training is balanced by the romance.
Quinn
I love Lori Foster! And actually, I think her novellas are usually pretty good. I haven’t read this one, but I definitely need to make time for it. Glad you liked this. I might try to read this this weekend.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, I liked that this couple had a history and it really does get you excited for the first book 🙂
Silvia
I like your review, Kimberly! I still have to bring myself to try Lori Foster, but I have a few titles on my list 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do, if you need help picking one I would be happy to assist!
Silvia
By all means, if you have one particular book to suggest, shoot!
kimbacaffeinate
If you like romantic suspense the Love Undercover series just rocks and book one is currently 1.99 http://www.amazon.com/Risk-Love-Undercover-Foster-Book-ebook/dp/B008ENAW3K/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1406747521&sr=8-9&keywords=lori+foster
Silvia
Sounds good! Thanks, Kimberly 🙂
kindlemom1
This sounds really good, especially for a prequel.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Ali, it got me excited
Debbie Haupt
Kimba i’ve been waiting for this series. I loved her last sports Fighter series. Thanks for sharing this with us
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, I will be sharing No Limit soon
Amir
I honestly don’t think I’ve read anything from Lori Foster but I think I have her on my kindle *checks*
Haha, so I don’t have her on my kindle but I’ve seen her books on Amazon a lot so I think that’s why she’s familiar! I think this is the perfect book for me to try out the author though, and a perfect taste to this series since it’s a novella. I’m checking this on Amazon now, I’m always up for discovering new authors and I feel like I’m missing out when I don’t try at least one book by a really popular one. Lovely review Kimba! Short, sweet and to the point 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
She writes great romantic suspense.
brandileigh2003
The connection between the two characters sounds like something that I would like about this one.
kimbacaffeinate
I liked that they have history. 🙂
Michelle
Sometimes well developed novellas hold more appeal that full length novels, when I am short on time. And this one sounds great! I love alpha males 😉
Great review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I thought it was a great warm up.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I just spent five minutes staring at that cover. *g* I think I’m going to enjoy this seires. Alpha fighters, strong women… it’s pretty much everything I enjoy. I’ve never read anything by Lori Foster, but I can certainly start with this.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes the cover is distracting Maja!
Mary
Lori Foster definitely brings the heat, even in the short stories! And her covers are lovely. LOVELY!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Mary!
Jenea
I like the sounds of the characters, and this sounds like a great start to the series. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jenea, I will share book one later this month:)
Nick
I always want more too when it comes to novellas, which is why I don’t bother with them unless they are written by Colleen Hoover or are free. While I’m not interested in this particular novella, I feel like the series could be a fun one! I’ll have to wait to see your review first. 🙂
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
My review will be out later this month.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I’m pleased you enjoyed this Kimba! I read an ARC of No Limits recently and I really enjoyed it.
kimbacaffeinate
Cannon, oh yeah..I will be sharing my review in about 3 weeks Sharon. Glad you liked it!
Stephanie Faris
I remember reading Lori Foster’s book years ago! She’s had quite a career.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and she really engages with her fans.
Faye D'Social Potato
Mixed martial arts? That sounds delicious! My brothers are so into UFC that there are days when I watch with them, and seeing all these meaty, buffed guys wrestle it on the ring can be pretty disturbing while at the same time, eye-candy (LOL IS THAT MESSED UP???!!!) Not sure about that guy on the cover, though o.o is it me or is his upper half of his upper part of the body kind of… disproportionate? D: In any case, I’m glad you liked it 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Not sure if it is the angle, or he is just in a lower weight class. LOL Faye!
Rashika
I’ve heard so many good things about this author’s books and I keep on meaning to check them out but for the most part.. I am just lazy 😛
A series about martial arts definitely sounds interesting though! 😀 I am glad you enjoyed this one, Kimba! 😀
Great review!!
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoy her books Rashika. Hope you try her one day!
ShootingStarsMag
That’s great the prequel just made you want more!
kimbacaffeinate
It was the prefect warm-up Lauren!
Jeann
OH wow, I love the cover to this book! 😉 I like how there’s martial arts and a romance in here, can’t say I’ve read that outside of a paranormal or YA book before. Great review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Jeann and the cover isn’t hard to look at *winks*
Shane
Good review. Sounds like an interesting story.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Shane, it was short, sweet and romantic.
Siiri
I’m so glad it was so gripping for you! I take it that this one night is sexy as hell? 😉 I hope the first novel will be even more satisfying for you, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was hot, but also sweet and the perfect appetizer before the main event Sirri 🙂