Playing Hurt

Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

As a graduation present, Chelsea's dad springs for a three-week summer "boot camp" program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she's immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who's haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain—or finally heal their heartbreak?

Title: Playing Hurt
Author: Holly Schindler
Published: June 1st 2011
Where to buy: Barnes and Noble, Amazon

Review:


I am from MN, and have always wanted to see a book that could portray MN accurately and not completely stink. I did not get anywhere near that when reading Shiver or My Blood Approves. 

This novel however, did not disappoint. The story is sweet and enduring. Perfect for that summer beach read. I love the alternating perspectives from Chelsea and Clint. 

I give a lot of props to this story for going beyond what is typically done in this kind of girl has boy, girl goes on vacation, girl meets new guy, girl falls in love with new guy, girl is confused, girl goes home, story over and she is perfectly in love with whoever she chooses. Well Schindler goes beyond that and shows us the dirty details of how exactly one explains such behavior to the guy that came first. I loved that Schindler didn't just say, "Awh, he loved me so much he just forgave me and wanted me to be happy." No we get to see it all, and the aftermath of what happens next. 

This is a great story and I look forward to reading more from Schindler in the future. 

On a side note, the story can get pretty graphic, sexually. It is more descriptive than any young-adult books I have ever read before. I would suggest if you don't care or mind the details then just read it as you would any other book, but if you are going to go and write that it was unnecessary and nasty then don't bother to read it at all. It will upset you.


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Recommended if you enjoyed:
Babe in Boyland or Catching Jordan