3.5 stars

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Hard Knocks is a short novella that focuses on Gage and Harper while also introducing a myriad of characters that will make up Lori Foster's new series, Ultimate. Gage is a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who through a slight mishap ends up injuring himself enough during practice that he is medically nixed from competing in his next match. Harper has known Gage for most of her life and has harbored a serious crush on him since high school. Before Gage left a couple months ago to step up his training, he and Harper were dating and getting awfully close to having their own little wrestling bout in the bedroom. The story takes place at the rec center (a central hangout and gym for fighters and kids to come to get off the streets) on the night Gage's fight was suppose to take place. As people gather there to watch the fights, Harper decides it's up to her to get Gage out of his funk.

This story is under 100 pages, so it isn't really about character development but rather introducing you and setting up the Ultimate series. There is not much backstory to Harper and Gage so this isn't so much about the building of their relationship but rather a glimpse at the spark that sets their relationship off. The story moves quickly and our leads are cute with enough chemistry together that you'll breeze through this with a smile on your face.

The other MMA fighters introduced are given enough face time to intrigue and make you want to read their books. If you have read Foster's series Love Undercover, you may even recognize the name and character Cannon. Cannon is discussed here and is the star of No Limits; book one in this Ultimate series. I have already read No Limits and trust me, you do not want to miss his story. Hard Knocks may not be a long and involved story but it is a fantastic supplement to the Ultimate series.
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The novella is a hard format to pull off well. Here Foster does so by limiting the action to one night and focusing on the two main characters. Secondary characters are brought in but in limited numbers. Foster doesn't try to do too much for the space allowed. ( )

It was great to be back around the ring again and getting know some of the guys who will be in the full length books but really not a whole lot going on in this short novella. ( )

Molto carino, nonostante sia tanto breve che non c'è una vera e propria storia. Però quel poco che c'è è notevole e fa ben sperare per il romanzo vero e proprio che segue. ( )

Good quick read to open the new Ultimate series. Before he left to train for the next level of fighting, Gage and Harper had been spending a lot of time together. Things were getting hot and heavy, but before they could take it to the next level, Gage was gone. It has been months since she has seen or heard from him, until he suddenly shows back up.

This was a lot of fun to read. Because it was so short, there isn't a lot of time to develop a conflict. We learn quickly that they got to know each other pretty well. Harper is at home at the gym and gets along well with all the guys. She understands the fight world and knows that Gage has had to concentrate on his training. That doesn't make it any easier for her to handle his absence. When an injury sends him back home, she's at a loss to decide what she wants. Stay away and protect her heart from being broken again? Or jump in and take what she can get?

Gage hadn't realized just how much he was going to miss Harper while he was gone. He concentrated on his training, but she'd creep into his thoughts whenever he'd let his guard down. Not being able to participate in his planned match frustrates him a lot, but not as much as being close to Harper without being able to be with her. He needs to find a way to show her just how much he needs her.

The chemistry between Gage and Harper is smoking hot, and burns bright between them. I loved the way that Harper knew him so well that she could tell he was upset about not being able to fight. It was fun to see that she didn't get all sweet and sympathetic but gave him a hard time instead. I loved her way of distracting him. I loved the way the other fighters could see how much Gage and Harper loved each other and tried to help. Gage's surprise at realizing just what his feelings were was great. It was sweet to see his determination to show her how he felt and how he couldn't wait to tell her. I loved seeing what happened when they finally talked to each other.

The story works well to introduce Gage's friends and fellow fighters. Each one gets a short appearance and the reader gets a sense of that fighter's personality. I loved seeing how they teased each other, but were also there to support each other. I also enjoyed seeing how these big bad fighters are also great with the kids at the gym and terrific role models for the teens. I'm really looking forward to each one's story and their battles with the forces of love. ( )