Book:  Playing Hurt
Author:  Holly Schindler
Release date:  March 8, 2011
Publisher:  Flux
Pages:  312
Source:  Publisher

Star basketball player Chelsea “Nitro” Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone’s admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

That summer, Chelsea’s dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and “boot camp” trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint’s haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

Wow!  Angela from Reading Angel recommended this on Twitter the other day and I am so glad I listened to her.  I had no idea Playing Hurt would be as amazing as it was.  I kind of want more.  =)

Chelsea Keyes is sure her life is over when she breaks her hip and learns that she will never play basketball again, at least not for anything more than recreation.  Nothing seems to bring her joy anymore except her boyfriend, Gabe.  When a family trip takes her away from Gabe for three weeks things change.  Chelsea finally begins to find hope for a happy life and she also meets Clint.  But Clint has problems of his own that ruin any chance of a relationship they might have.  And can a summer fling really help Chelsea move on?

Holy cow!  This is one of the steamiest YA books I have ever read.  This is one that may not be appropriate for younger teens but I do think Holly Schindler did a beautiful job with the romance.  I know sex in YA is really controversial but in this case I think it was necessary and wonderfully done.  I definitely give Holly Schindler props for that.

The writing was the absolute best part of the book.  I can’t even put into words how beautifully Playing Hurt is written.  I am amazed that Holly Schindler’s books haven’t gotten more buzz with writing like that.  I will have to do my part to fix that!

Overall, Playing Hurt is a gorgeously written story of love and loss.  I can’t recommend it enough.  And even if you are too young to check this one out now, put it on your list for later!

First line:  A camera winks at me from high in the bleachers like we’re sharing a secret.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A