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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?
Praise:
"PLAYING HURT is a delicious, tantalizing love story that will captivate you until the final, satisfying sigh."—Kristin Walker, author of A MATCH MADE IN HIGH SCHOOL
Anonymous
Posted December 30, 2011
A wonderful story that is astonishingly realistic; will make your heart hurt in the best way.
The only thing that could make it better would be if there was a sequel.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Bridget_Jones
Posted June 18, 2011
Wow. When I picked up this book to read, I was expecting some light, summer romance that was sweet, but cliche. What I actually got was an emotional, hot and heavy passion that was definitely NOT cliche. The book started off kinda slow, but once Chelsea and Clint actually met, I couldn't put the book down. Holly Schindler is an excellent writer and I really enjoyed how descriptive she was with the emotions of the characters. I loved the instant chemistry between them and the undeniable attraction that they both tried to push away because of their shattered pasts. What I also liked was how both of them were emotionally broken when they met, from Clint's girlfriend dying and giving up hockey to Chelsea's hip shattering and ruining her soon-to-be-successful basketball career. They were able to really understand each other and help each other face their failures. The one part I didn't really like about the book is the ending, because it just sort of ends, with no huge events or anything. But for the rest of the book, I found myself immersed in their story, yearning to find out what would happen next in the steamy romance between Clint and Chelsea.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 15, 2012
All i can say is wow. I hope there is a sequel.soo worth it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 18, 2012
If you have had something taken away from you that was really important in your life I highly recommend this book for you. I normally don't like book that go back and forth character to character but this book was written very well and I loved it. i think it would be cool to have a sequal to find out what happens with Chelsea and Clint.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 15, 2012
Amazing book! MUST READ!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 2, 2013
A great read! Sequel Please! Need to know the rest of the their story!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I started reading this book on a whim, really. I was just browsing through the books in the library and thinking that I needed to read more contemporary (I’ve read too many paranormal romances and dystopians lately!) when I happened across Playing Hurt, so I just shrugged and added it to my pile. I completely underestimated how good this book would be!
Chelsea’s life is incredibly tough. I mean, imagine being a prominent basketball player — one who will get tons of scholarships to colleges and will probably have a great career in basketball — and then one day, you fall and your body takes it hard. And then you can’t play basketball anymore. Add that in with the metal plate on your body, and you’ll be constantly reminded of that instant that changed your entire life.
Yeah, well, could’ve would’ve should’ve.
And for Clint, it’s different. Sure, he played hockey before and he quit, but it wasn’t because of a physical injury. It was because of an emotional injury: heart ripped out of your chest because someone close to you died. It’s hard recovering from things like that. And sometimes, people don’t understand why, and it’s even harder.
What I loved incredibly about this book was that it was believable. Chelsea and Clint were two normal people whose lives abruptly changed by one tiny moment in their lifetimes that left them broken afterward. But after they meet, they slowly become patched up again. They learn from each other.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was on (spoiler!) how Chelsea cheated on her boyfriend. I mean, we all knew it was coming, but honestly, who expected her to just flat out have sex with someone else? It’s morally wrong. Yeah, that last word? WRONG. I’m just worried about the message that this book was sending across. It almost makes it seem like cheating is okay, which it isn’t.
But other than that, Playing Hurt really was a fantastic book. Compelling. Honest. Perfect for those who need to recover from tragedies in their pasts. And, without a doubt, full of both sadness and happiness, regret and longing … I’d recommend it to any young adult (more on the older side).
This book was unbelievably amazing. Chelsea and Clint have an instant connection when they meet, and they gradually grow closer, but still cannot love each other because of the obstacles in the way. Chelsea's boyfriend back home, Clint's first girlfriend dead, and the metal parts in Chelsea's hip. But love points them to each other (like a compass points to the axis). At the end, Chelsea has to go home and face her boyfriend, but she and Clint promise each other to live fearlessly. They each had a major impact on each other's lives. Amazing read. Pick it up.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LisaILj
Posted March 10, 2012
I didn't know what to expect when I first picked this book, but it's wonderful. For older YA or adults.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.brittanyyelizabethh
Posted July 29, 2011
=This book is a very well written love story. The two main character both have tragic pasts and they both have similar lives.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Chelsea use to be the type of girl that would never let anything bring her down - very athletic and just full of life. She was the star in her family, classmates and the rest of the town's eyes. They all knew she would achieve great things in basketball. All of that's over because of an injury she'd been ignoring and a spilt cup of soda.
Gabe is the sweetest guy - which is a compliment and a complaint. He's that one in a million guy that has probably wanted to meet his wife since high school and ends up being the only one of his friends that isn't married because he's just too perfect. I can imagine how imperfect Chelsea felt next to him, especially after losing the life she'd planned.
Clint was also a star athlete and unlike Chelsea wasn't force to give it up, but no longer has the ambition to compete due to a traumatic event. He spends all his time working, not allowing himself to get close to anybody - existing and not really living. Then he meets Chelsea.
I was a little apprehensive because of the sport aspects, but it's not what the story is about. Chelsea and Gabe are two former athletes trying to move on to a life without the sport they dominated and the promising future they could of had. It's also about different types of love - the safe and comfortable type that you can always depend on or very passionate, but possibly fleeting that you'll remember forever.
I really didn't like the way Chelsea handled the situation with her boyfriend Gabe, but I got caught up in the attraction between her and Clint that I forgot about him then felt guilty when I did remember him. The relationship between Chelsea and Clint develops very fast, but again I was too caught up in the moments that I just wished it would move faster.
I enjoyed the realistic characters and setting - a summer vacation on a lake in the woods. It was a engrossing story told from alternating perspectives. Each chapters is named after a suitable basketball or hockey term - something different which I always enjoy. A great summer read.
I have been hearing fabulous things about Holly Schindler and her books for ages now, though not until I picked up Playing Hurt, her latest novel, did I realize just how fantastic both are.
Playing Hurt tells the story of two teens who have faced more than their share of problems dealing with loss and love lately. For Chelsea Keyes, that means a career changing accident, one that has forever changed her outlook on life. Moreover, for Clint, that means dealing with the losing the girl he cared most about in a horrifying accident, one that has left him emotionally crippled so to say. However, everything changes when Chelsea and Clint are paired together as trainer and trainee at a lake resort. Together they begin to form a bond and begin to fill whole, though will everything work out between them? Alternatively, will they fill even more lost and confused once the summer is over? Only more pages and time will tell in this fast-paced teen romance.
First, I have to say Schindler has created quite the complex and real main characters in this. Chelsea and Clint are characters whose feelings completely radiate off the page from the first page to the last. It is so easy to feel thier hurt, their confusion, and their need to be whole again. Together they form quite the memorable relationship- one that I could not help but root for even given the somewhat sketchy circumstances at times, because together they found out who they wanted to be again, creating a rock solid bond.
Furthermore, I loved the plot in this. One of my main worries when I first picked this book was the fact that it had to do somewhat with sports, as truthfully sports are not my forte at all. However, as it turns out this book and its plot, were so much more than just sports. As mentioned before, there were relationships as well as twists and turns that constantly kept me guessing as the book went on. Better yet, I really liked how easily Holly switched between Clint's perspective and Chelsea's, because not only did it give the reader a honest look into both character's lives, but it caused for lots of tension as well.
Lastly, I also really enjoyed the Holly's writing in this. Clipped yet emotional, it was easy to lose myself in this story as I became involved in the character's lives. More importantly, Holly gave such a realistic view into the lives of teens, and the ending was the perfect end to the puzzle. Bittersweet yet hopeful, I wanted more but felt that I was given enough so to say.
Full of depth, wit, and heart, Playing Hurt has won over Holly yet another fan- one who will now be talking up her books like there is no tomorrow.
Grade: A
Holy WOW! Saying that I got sucked into this book is an understatement. I read the first couple pages during the read-a-thon. It was my last book of the night and I was ridiculously exhausted so I had to put it down. Had I read just a few more pages in I never would have been able to stop. I picked it back up at work a few days later and finished it during 1 shift. I may just get in trouble for reading at work, but I COULD NOT stop!
After graduating high school Chelsea's dad thinks that a family trip to a lake resort might be good for them. He signs Chelsea up for a "boot camp" hoping that she will get back to being her active self. Clint is the one who is hired on to be her trainer. While trying to maintain a "trainer" relationship with Chelsea things end up taking quite a different turn. He doesn't want to fall for her because he has had heartbreak in the past, but find himself unable to stop. Chelsea on the other hand tries fighting her feelings off because she has a boyfriend at home who is amazingly perfect and has been with her through all of the pain of being unable to play basketball.
Each chapter alternated between Chelsea and Clint. I loved the fact that the story was told from both of their perspectives because it gives you a real feel for each of the characters as a whole. You never have to wonder about how Chelsea feels about Clint and vice versa because it is all laid right out for you in each of their minds. This is one of those novels that you feel like you are actually in. You feel for the characters. You root for them and want to hang out and be friends. Is it possible to fall in love with a book character?? I am sure I fell pretty hard for Clint!
Overall this is an amazing novel. Going into this I had never read anything by Holly Schindler, but I will now be searching out her books. Her writing just flows beautifully and I was never bored. Not once. I read through it like a crazy person! I highly recommend this!
Unable to cope with losing her ability to play basketball, Chelsea Keyes tortures herself endlessly by replaying the moment the accident occurred in her mind. Chelsea was already physically weak from putting herself through so much training, that after slipping during a game, she falls and breaks her hip. Chelsea continuously blames herself for not being more careful in preventing it from happening. Now graduating from high school, having a supportive and seemingly perfect boyfriend, and a brother who cares for her and just wishes she would move on with her life, Chelsea simply refuses to forget and let go of the past.
Clint begins in a similar emotional state as Chelsea does, although his source of tragedy is very different. Clint struggles with coming to terms with the loss of his long-time girlfriend in a car accident years ago, and loads himself with endless work to try and forget it even occurred.
This all changes the instant Chelsea and Clint meet at a lake resort during the summer. Clint is hired by Chelsea's father to help her get back into shape. Throughout their time together, they develop great chemistry and although Chelsea has a boyfriend back home, their attraction to one another is undeniable.
Playing Hurt is a moving story about two broken characters that together find ways to heal their wounds, face their fears and ultimately discover what true love is.
My favorite element of the novel is the way Playing Hurt is written in alternating perspectives through Chelsea and Clint's eyes. By presenting each of their perspectives, I was able to connect to the characters on a more personal level and was captivated from the first scene about Chelsea's athletic past until the very last line of the novel.
Holly Schindler detailed the characters' lives, thoughts, and emotions perfectly. I personally felt a greater connection with Clint's story; however, I enjoyed watching both Chelsea and Clint grow throughout the novel. Also, I must say that although the secondary characters were not as focused on as Chelsea and Clint were, they also played important roles, which was another great element of the novel.
I admire Holly Schindler's fantastic ability to bring her characters to life and have her readers experience Chelsea and Clint's emotions along with them. The main lesson presented within Playing Hurt, is to take chances and not being afraid to live your life no matter how much it may frighten you.
I believe Holly Schindler is a wonderful story teller with a fantastic way with words. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Holly Schindler's work. I recommend Playing Hurt to anyone who enjoys contemporary Young Adult fiction and a wonderful summer romance.
5/5 - Must Read!!! Loved it!!!
kittydanza
Posted March 24, 2011
PLAYING HURT, by Holly Schindler, is a lovely story about two teens who meet each other during a rough patch in their lives. Both have lost a piece of themselves and their relationship blooms to possibly fill that void and become whole again.
This was a sweet book. I immediately bonded with Chelsea and her drive to be the best in doing what she loved. As an athlete myself, I could never imagine not being able to play sports again. And Chelsea was at an important point in her life where her future hung in the balance. I really felt bad for her when she got hurt, and her revistation of the issue over and over was really sad.
Clint was definitely at an even stance as Chelsea. They were both athletic and equally had a rough past year. Besides him being absolutely gorgeous (character crush!) he was down to earth and a perfect match for Chelsea. Their initial chemistry was electric and only grew from there. Chelsea is a very strong character, especially since she was an athlete, and I felt Clint's personality suited her better than her boyfriend, Gabe. When everyone else was avoiding the issue and pitying Chelsea, Clint was there to make her face it head on.
Schindler's writing kept me engrossed until the very end. Overall, this was a romantic and charming story about two strangers meeting and having a life changing experience.
RachelHarrisWrites
Posted March 23, 2011
Some books I devour and enjoy, then lovingly place upon my bookshelf where I can walk by it and smile, remembering that first reading with fondness. I may pick them back up weeks, months, or years down the road, but often I just put them up like trophies in a 'display case' while I move onto new stories, worlds, and characters.
Other books I turn the final page, close the cover, sigh, and then start all over again. These books teach me about myself or shed light on something I never thought of before, or simply involve characters who become a part of me during the reading process. Their story becomes my story.
This was the case with PLAYING HURT by Holly Schindler.
I discovered this book from YA Outside the Lines and, to be perfectly honest, I fell in love with the author. I loved the path to publication story, reading what she learned from her characters, and mostly, I loved the passion she showed for her writing. I wanted to support her so I bought the book.
Then I got it, cracked the cover, and fell in love with the story. And Clint.
Holly's writing is lyrical and poetic. She paints with words. Visually, PLAYING HURT is a wonderland of images, and emotionally, it's a feast for your heart. It is a romance, but more than that, it is about two people finding each other, discovering themselves, and working through just about every emotion conceivable. With the pasts of these two characters littered with sadness, it would've been easy to fall into melodrama. But that never happens. And while the pain is real and dealt with authentically, there's also hope on every page.
And lots of swooning.
Chelsea is an awesome protagonist. She's strong and her voice is part-humorous, part-romantic. Her inner-battle between staying faithful to Gabe, her amazing boyfriend back home who stayed with her during the hardest year of her life, and following her heart with Clint, her trainer who understands everything she's gone through and makes her feel alive again, is spot on. And Clint is the perfect mix of wounded hottie and strong protector. Originally, this was strictly told from Chelsea's point of view, but I'm so glad Holly made the change. Clint's voice and backstory is probably what made this story so special for me.
In the book, Chelsea and Clint vow to "never live timidly," and to never take the coward's way out again. As a storyteller, Holly follows her character's advice. She doesn't hold anything back, whether it's exploring sexuality, living with regret and pain, or hurting the ones you love the most and dealing with the fallout. Her characters live and breathe, and in the end, become a part of you.
thereadingnook
Posted March 20, 2011
Let me just start this review by prefacing that Holly Schindler's writing astounds me, Both of her books I completly devoured and Playing Hurt was my most anticipated release of the year, so if you have not read either A Blue So Dark, which was Holly's Debut Novel or her second novel Playing Hurt, what the heck are you waiting for??!!!
Playing Hurt is the story of a girl named Chelsea who's live is defined by playing basketball, she's a superstar at her highschool, colleges are watching her every move and she is on top of the world, until a tragic accident during a game changes everything. As a graduation gift Chelsea's father takes her family to a lake resort and enrolls Chelsea into a boot camp to hopefully get her back in the groove of being an athlete. She's immediately attracted to her 19 year old ex-hockey player Clint, but will their pasts continue to haunt their future, or are they just what the other needs to move on.....
Holly's writing is honestly breath-taking, she has a way of making you feel like you are immersed inside the story, and towards the middle of the book, I felt like I myself was Chelsea and that I was torn between my feelings for Clint, but my heart was breaking at the same time for Gabe. This isn't a typical love story in the respect that it's not mushy-gushy and lovey-dovey. It's very real, the emotions are real, the pain and struggle is real, and the feelings are honest.
I loved every minute of this book and Holly never lets me down, I need more from her immediately!!!!!
ReadingAngel002
Posted March 16, 2011
Holly Schindler has never failed to rock my socks! Her debut novel, A Blue So Dark, continues to top my favorite book list, and this, her second book is going to go right up there with it. This book is completely different from her issue-charged, emotionally challenging, A Blue So Dark, but it was just as good and just as lyrically beautiful.
I loved this story of Chelsea, an athlete who is injured and can no longer play basketball, which is her passion, and Clint, an ex-hockey player, who is injured just as badly, except he is emotionally damaged. Chelsea and Clint's whirlwind romance took me on a crazy ride and I devoured every page, every moment that they spent together and was left completely breathless and satisfied, yet dying to read more!!!
Chelsea was a fantastic female lead. She was damaged and vulnerable, but she was also incredibly strong and so smart, snarky, and funny (which is one of my favorite combinations). Clint was so completely swoon worthy. He keep my heart fluttering and I fell completely in love with him right along with Chelsea.
Overall, this is a great story of healing, moving on, and learning to live your life each day to the fullest and never holding back. The writing is absolutely beautiful, I was once again left feeling like I should be writing down my favorite quotes but realizing I would be writing almost the whole book down! I recommend this book to anyone who loves love. Anyone who loves a story that will leave you with a smile on your face and a skip in your step needs to pick this book up RIGHT NOW!
Anonymous
Posted June 25, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 10, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
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 ...