Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Playing Hurt:

It’s hard to get back in the game—of life or love—when you’re still playing hurt.

Once, she was a small-town celebrity. One of the most talented high school basketball players her hometown had ever seen. Bound for something far bigger beyond the city limits of Fair Grove, Missouri. But Chelsea’s world changed when an accident on the court ended her days as an athlete. She struggles with the idea of no longer being a star—and has no real idea what life might hold for her next.

Once, he was a small-town celebrity. One of the most talented hockey players his hometown had ever seen. Bound for something far bigger beyond the city limits of Baudette, Minnesota. When an unexpected tragedy took his head out of the game, Clint was forced to hang up his skates. He swore he’d never put himself in a position to be hurt again, building walls around his heart.

When their paths cross one summer at a Minnesota lake resort, Chelsea and Clint are immediately drawn to one another. But wounds of the heart cut the deepest, and take the longest to heal. Will an unexpected romance end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain—or finally heal their heartbreak?

MY REVIEW

I loved both Chelsea and Clint's characters. I loved how they challenged each other and were better together. I loved how they helped each other overcome their hurts and how they both matured over their time together. I enjoyed Chelsea's brother's enthusiasm for his new band, he kind of cracked me up! I loved the setting of the book. The place where the camp was, the lakes, waterfalls, flowers, town etc. were all vividly portrayed and gave me a feeling of peace and excitement. The relationships were portrayed well between Chelsea and her parents, Chelsea and her brother, Chelsea and her boyfriend and Chelsea and Clint. Playing Hurt explored the emotions that two wounded people had to work through in order to become whole again. I enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens next for Chelsea and Clint.

*Warning* This story contains some mild sexual content and is recommended for mature audiences.

**Come back tomorrow for a guest post from author Holly Schindler on the Road To Publishing**