These Battered Hands

by Laurel Ulen Curtis

Callie

Blood, sweat, hard work, and a disconcerting lack of tears—my entire life—was meant to culminate in a flourish of glory and significance.
I’d thought I’d always known exactly what that meant.
But I’d had the timing wrong by about three minutes.
I knew now.
This moment wasn’t everything. The one person I found myself wanting more than anything during it was.

Nik

One preconceived notion can haunt you for the entirety of your life.
I thought I owed it to myself and to everyone who’d ever backed me to do what was expected. What was right. What I was supposed to do.
But nothing is forbidden in love. Not circumstances or propriety or the denial of the object of said affection.
I knew now.
This was it.
If I wanted it, I had to take it.

This gymnastics love story is more than grips, rips, and battered hands.
For Calia Nickleson and Nikolai Bagrov, it was everything.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Adult

Unknown Binding

First published September 26, 2015

About the author

Laurel Ulen Curtis is a 28 year old mother of one. She lives with her husband and son (and cat!) in New Jersey, but grew up all over the United States. She graduated from Rutgers University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and puts that to almost no use other than forecasting for her friends! She has a passion for her family, laughing, and reading and writing Romance novels. Oh, and she's addicted to Coke. The drink, not the drug.

Reviews

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,5 battered stars from me***



What a wonderfull and emotional story was that!!!
I have read too many story with all kind of athlets, but none of them was for gymnasts!!!
This world and all these efforts and the sacrifices that a gymnast have to made to succeed amazed me.
I was always fascinating by the gymnast's trials and Olympic games when i was younger and i loved to watched them on TV...
But with this book, i dive inside their world. I went behind the lights and the front play...


And I found out what it takes to got yourself in this position...
What you have to forget and give away... and that's your own life.
You have to forget yourself and you have to give up your life for an utter cause.
For your sport. For the competition... For the winning...
Only if you look in your battered hands after all your efforts, you can see your lost dreams and the opportunities that were passing you by...


Our heroine, Callie was one of those athletes. She was 26 years old and she was about to join her third Olympics games... She already had won two silver medals in the previous Olympics and this time she is determined to earn the golden...
Everyone thought that she was too old for this effort, but she wanted to prove them all wrong.


Her father, who owns the gym that she is practicing, hired her a new coach to make her better than she was before.
And then, Callie started to realise that there was life beyond this gym that she was spending all her time.
But she still fought her urge and she verbally attacked to her new coach...

They were provoking each other all the goddamn time and this was so sweet!!!

Nik was a world class gymnast himself, but after a tragic loss he decided to retired and when the opportunity appeared to be the coach of this famous gymnast, he caught it!!!
He wanted to make her the best, but he didn't count to fall for her... hard. And to be caught in this awkard situation of a coatch-athlete relationship...
As the time is passing Nik is trying to break through Callie's walls...

"Being strong doesn't mean you can't be soft. Working hard to meet your goals doesn't mean you can't live. And living a certain way your entire life doesn't mean you can't ever change. Life is fluid. The only way to run yourself ashore is to not follow the change and contour of the curves."

Callie was a fully isolated person...
A lonely person who didn't know about affectionating feelings...
Feelings that frighten her and that she tried so hard to resist...

"I couldn't figure out what he had switched on in me, where he found the secret key hidden after it spent so many years collecting undisturbed dust. But proximity left me with no choice but to face it, embracing it a little more each day as all of the previously solitary hours of my days filled with him.
I just wondered if i was at all prepared to handle it. I had no real ruler against which to measure my feelings and reactions or the way he felt about me. I didn't know how to navigate what was appropriate and what wasn't or if any of it even mattered.
I just knew i couldn't stop even if i wanted to."

And when the walls was wrecked down, Callie became an other person than she used to be, but what this would cost her???
She fought so hard for the Olympic trials and Nik is a distraction for her.
Can she throw away everything that she worked for??? Is Nik worth it???
Or she had to sacrifice Nik for her goals???

I liked this story... and i liked very much the characters.

I liked the fact that i saw how is the life of a gymnast and what you have to sacrifice for succeeding your goals.
I liked Callie's tranformation. In her 26 years she didn't know anything else from practice in a gym. I liked the fact that with Nik's help she discovered a new self and found out new things that was worthy to fight for....
As for Nik, what can i say????
He was so kind, so understanding, so patient, so determined young man.
He and Callie were like twin souls.

He was the only one that he could feel her in a deeper level.
He was compassionate and he was trying to show her that there is more than that to life...
I liked their tumbling nights together!!! They seemed so exciting!!!



Also i would like to reffer to Callie's father...
In the begin i misunderstood his intentions and i thought that he was the one who wanted Callie to relax and to live her life more carefree, but as i found out next he was the one that he had made all the damage to her and i didn't liked that fact.
I really disliked him and near to the end i wanted to harm him... badly!!!

I can not tell you more, but i had to tell it out loud because it was pressuring my insides...

Last, i want to tell that i really liked that every chapter of this book was from another POV (Callie's or Nik's) and i liked that every last sentence of the chapter was the first word from the next chapter... That was amazing!!!
Great job, Mrs. Laurel Ulen Curtis!!!

***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Doing Something Substantial Stars * * * * 1/2
They fly through the air...defying gravity and sense...They are little rockets on earth flinging themselves at gymnastic apparatuses at the speed of light...and then if that weren't enough, they bend, tumble and land with distinction. These are Elite Gymnasts and although both sexes do these amazing feats...it is the women's events which first caught my eye and love.

I was raised to love the arts; ballet at a very young age with my older sister. It was strict and we had to behave...something which I had a bit of a struggle. I loved it and did go to class and have the opportunity to perform twice in a major production of The Nutcracker. But as the years went on... my desire went to other activities so I moved on before toe shoes. I mention all of this because dance, dedication and outcome are things I have understood for most of my life. Although I may not have followed that path, I did have an understanding of it.

Which brings me to this book, These Battered Hands by Laurel Ulen Curtis. In my opinion, she got it right throughout this book. She took an older elite competitor, one who had accomplished much... two Olympics, medals with the team and also individually. At 26, she should have been done. The sport does not allow for the development of the body; for legs getting longer, hips and breasts... It takes a toll on every joint and at this level...there has to be a history of injuries a mile long. Add in the factor of all the up and coming newbies nipping at her heels... wanting, pining, panting for a place at the Olympics and you have a recipe fraught with insecurities, doubt, frustration and most of all heart-breaking loneliness.

This is where Callie is in her life....going for the Olympics for the third time at 26. It is in the gym where she feels safe... It is the known... the place where she knows what to do, how to do it and accomplish her goals. After all, that has been her life since a very young child. She has worked and trained; her family even created a business, the gym she is in, in order to support her dreams. Her father has managed her career, let her transition to coaching herself for the last few years and her mother has been along the sidelines supporting both of them. It should be a happy, focused, supportive team....

But that is not what Callie is feeling right now. Callie has lost her mojo, so to speak... her open heart has been shut down for years... the glory, passion and love for her sport and competing has become illusive and she'll be damned if she can wrangle it back. She has a whole which needs to be filled...and as she attempts to qualify for her third Olympics... she is at a loss.

She is alone...she has no friends to confide in... she feels the hostility around her from all the other students, young and old, every time she is there at the gym. She is aware at all times the looks and stares. Her guard is up and she is ready to train again. As she ready's her hands with the required chalk and spit ritual, she is interrupted by this guy...he is introducing himself as her new coach...

What the Hell???

He continues on mentioning her father hired him and she is having nothing of it. She has no idea of who the hell he is, although in the looks and physical department he is fine...., and tells him right off this is not going to work. She trains herself, thank you very much.

Nik assesses the situation and is not detoured. He knew once he agreed to work with the "stubborn" Calia as her father informed him, he would need to take things as they came. He had studied his new student; watched the YouTube videos of her events and interviews. He saw the talent displayed but more importantly, he saw what was missing, too....And from this first meeting up close and personal, he saw directly into her eyes and heart...saw the loneliness and loss of a life...of a life which she should be experiencing other than Gymnastics.

Nik was one of the lucky ones...Oh, at this moment, lucky would not normally apply. He just lost both his parents in a tragic accident 6 months ago. He is floundering; he has stepped away from his sport World Tumbling while he was at the top of his game. He is trying to come to grips with the fact that the two people who loved him dearly are gone.

But with all of this pain, Nik is still the lucky one for he saw first hand what parents and love is supposed to be. His parents left Russia to give Nik a life of freedom. They had nothing and their families back home were very upset in their leaving. Aunts and Uncles also didn't like how the parents raised Nik to be "all American". He would be thrust into the schools and sports of his classmates. He thrived and so did his parents. They had little financially .... but what was abundant was their strength in their love for each other, their devotion to Nik and their ability to guide Nik into being this man who knew of emotions, commitments and understanding.

These two people are put together by her father with a singular purpose... to get Callie trained and able to land a place on her third Olympic team. What was not expected was for Callie to see what life she has missed, what ways she could open herself up to others around her... and most of all understand she shouldn't have to make a choice of one or the other.

There is much to love about this book. First, it is done with both POV's alternating and with the unique connector of a word from the other person's mind... leading into the new POV. It draws you in, making you think what the word is...and then causes the reading to flow and keep your focus.

These characters and their lives ring true to me. Callie represents all those girls/women I watched over the years. She has a running dialogue in her head of doubt or sensitivity or wishes which she keeps locked away and fronted as distant and unapproachable. This determined, focused life she has had... it has been ingrained...and as we know...children learn and experience from their first teachers... their parents.

Now parents of Elite Competitors of any Sport or Artistic Arena sacrifice. It is demanding and hard to encourage your sons and daughters to dedicate their lives at such a very young age. If a child shows interest and promise in something at this level, it is normal for parents to want to provide for their children. What can become a gift of love and support, though, may sometimes morph into something else...The Coaches could go too far... the financial pressures could corrupt... there are so many factors involved... so to have the type of environment Nik had with his parents... that should only be the norm...and I hope it is.

The relationship between Nik and Callie is why I read romance books...for I get to be in their heads, feel their first understanding that this is something besides a coach and his student. It is layered, fresh in how they communicate together and very honest all the way through. They are both older so these are people who should be able to be together without complications.

As I mentioned before reading, I loved all of the gymnastics I saw years ago before it took off in popularity. Cough, Cough...,I can remember first watching Olga Korbut blow everyone's mind when she performed in her first Olympics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2NGq...). I was a grown person but the little dancer in me was so thrilled to see this young Russian do such astounding feats as if she was dancing in the air, floating across a 4 inch Beam and leaping from Uneven Bar to Bar as if there was nothing to hold her back. The impact of this was repeated when the world met Nadia Comaneci (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi_5x...) and the first perfect 10's.

Yes, there were other major athletes before these two which were dramatic, compelling and talented... But these two opened the eyes of the world, of Gymnastics to the lay person... we saw the thrill, the power and little girls all over the United States wanted to be those two stars. From these two...the resurgence of Gymnastic Teams for USA was born. I could fill a page with names and it still wouldn't touch the surface of talent.

This book brought all of those feeling rushing back to me as I read. The author has you there with the terminology, the movements and the rush. You are on the beam... you are on the floor, you are there either watching or doing and it is a thing of beauty. Oh, and you are also in love with life as you are now finding it...through Callie and Nik.

If you are a fan of Romance, Sport, and/or Life...then this should be a read for you.

Thank you for letting me wax on about this and my personal experiences in loving this sport. This is the Olympic YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/olympic/.... There you will be able to indulge in all the different sports and also find Olympians and Athletes too many to mention.

~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~

I have loved Gymnastics for years...
Think Olga, Nadia, Mary Lu...the list is endless...

The power, the beauty, the sacrifice...

Due to Nicoleta's amazing review coming across my update feed...

I will hopefully experience all insight and feelings athletes like them may have had if they were part of this story...

A gifted copy was provided by Laurel Ulen Curtis via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review



"Hope. It spread like an infection and tainted clean version and dedication. It made me think about, and long for, other things outside of the one thing that encapsulated my entire life."



Majestic. Laurel Ulen Curtis charms her readers in one of those most beautiful inspiring tale of hope, perseverance, and love in her newest release, These Battered Hands. Ms. Curtis did an amazing job with this book as she gave her readers not an ordinary sports romance but she allowed them to feel and walk through the journey of what every professional athletes have to endure. The pressure to succeed. The pressure to be the best. The pressure of fulfilling a lifelong dream built on hard word and dedication. And the pressure to have that one last shot before you can walk away from a career. Whether we realize it or not, our hands holds and tells a story of our life. And in These Battered Hands, Ms. Curtis tells us a story of a young woman's battered and tired hands of her last shot at a Olympic glory.

Callie Nickleson is a two time Olympic gymnast and at the age of twenty-six, she is trying to earn the spot for her third Olympic games. She is well aware that she passed the typical normal standard for a female gymnast since she competes with young girls, whose bodies are less worn and tired. But behind her battered hands that is rough, ripped and filled with calluses, lies a woman who seeks perfection, strength, and determination to succeed. Her life has always consisted of gymnastics. And so when her father hires a new coach to help train Callie, she never expected to have such an intense connection and bond to her coach, Nikolai Bagrov. Nikolai immediately sees the spark, the drive and passion that Callie once had for the sport begins to lose it's gleam. As Callie and Nikolai begin to spend more time together, she begins to see a whole new world of possibilities. Happiness begins to shine and radiate in her eyes. Love begins to beat. And so with the help of Nikolai, can she reach her dream of Olympic glory? Or will she realize that happiness and the greatest prize is having someone hold her "battered hands"?



"I never wanted it to end, but I also wanted more than stolen kisses and unsure rendezvous. And that kind of more was only founded on more. More communication, more understanding, and more respect."



I loved and adored this book. These Battered Hands is one of those stories that instantly grips and touches your heart. Ms. Curtis allows her readers to really FEEL for her characters. Feel all the sacrifices, the hurt, the pain, the heartbreak, the pressure, and the dedication each athlete endures for their craft. What I especially loved about the book was how the author opened up each chapter with one word. That one word was a relevant introduction to the story line that added so much depth and meaning to the story. The writing in this book was written with such raw passion and intensity that Ms. Curtis really emphasized that sometimes our dreams and goals can take a new route that opens new possibilities and happiness. And maybe it's not about being embarrassed at one's battered hands but seeing the space between the fingers that fits perfectly with the person you love.

"I learned to love those battered hands, but I learned to love you better."




Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Laurel Ulen Curtis

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - "I just want to live in this moment..." Stars.

I am a total sucker for a good sports romance, make it a different sport from your usual football and ice hockey players that seem to dominate the pages at the moment and I am even more interested. Laurel Ulen Curtis is a new author to me, and she also introduced me to a new sport, in the form of Nik and Callie's story. Gynmastics is one of those sports that I have watched, and spent most of my time thinking 'how do they do that'.

A part of me had accepted him as someone I could trust. Someone I could relate to. Someone who might just end up knowing how I felt. I could see myself in him, at least the way I used to be... I could see the years he'd put in to get to that point, plain as day in the level of his talent, and I knew it had to be equal if not more than my own.

I have to admit that I was interested to see if the author would manage to transfer the movements of a gymnast onto the page in a way that I as a reader without much knowledge of the subject would understand and be able to visualize, and she did it really well. I don't profess to now be an expert of all things gymnast, but I kept up with everything that Callie and Nik worked and tumbled through as the story progressed.

"Yelling is kind of becoming our thing."

Although in general I really enjoyed the story, I found that there were parts of it that seemed to move really slowly, the pace at the beginning was great, the meeting and clashing of athlete against coach was perfectly paced, the snark and verbal sparring entertaining, and the chemistry that built and ultimately turned into more really kept me turning the pages. But it sort of slowed from a jog to a stroll once the relationship dynamic changed between them up until around the last 40% of the book.

"Being strong doesn't mean you can't be soft. Working hard to meet your goals doesn't mean you can't live. And living a certain way your entire life doesn't mean you can't ever change... Life is fluid."

I will say one thing though and that is the author wasn't afraid to inject equal parts vulnerability, arrogance, innocence, inexperience and confidence into Callie, and where in one paragraph you want to slap her for her thoughtless comments or reactions, in the next you want to give her a long, hard hug for her feelings of vulnerability and confusion. Nik was sort of the perfect opposite for that, and where Callie had weakness he had strength, and where he had darkness Callie injected light.

"I'm just wearing my bruises on the outside."

Overall, a pretty enjoyable read and because of the unique subject matter, I sometimes found the sport aspects of These Battered Hands a little more interest grabbing than some of the relationship building between Nik and Callie. The author does have a very descriptive writing style, sometimes this can clog up a story, but Laurel managed to keep the balance between description and story development pretty level without going over the top.

I would certainly look too read more from the author after finishing These Battered Hands especially if the subject matter is a different and unusual as was contained in this book.

ARC generously provided via Rock Star PR, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Norah Una Sumner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars



I absolutely love watching Gymnastics and I was so excited to read this book.The characters were great-I loved both Nik and Callie and their relationship.The first half of the book was really interesting and captivating but the second half was a bit too slow paced and over-descriptive for my taste. Unfortunately,I didn't like the writing so I couldn't really connect with Callie even though I liked her. The ending was done in a way that I hadn't exactly expected but I did enjoy it.I love how the last word of one chapter is the first word from the next chapter. This book could've been done a lot better but I liked it nevertheless.

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estaba en un bloqueo lector (gracias Cress ) y busqué un libro con pocas páginas pero que tenga una temática distinta y no sé, este fue el primero que vi. La verdad es que me ha gustado bastante, es un libro que se lee muy rápido y es bastante divertido y emocional en algunas partas. La cosa es que los personajes principales, Callie y Nik estaban rotos y al encontrarse empezaron a valorar la persona que realmente son y lo que realmente quieren y es bonito ver como el amor hace cosas así.

[Linathebookaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional and raw. Callie's story will fill you with awe and hope. Loved it.
Callie is an athlete. Besides her career, nothing moves her...Until Nik comes into her life. As her new coach, he is determined to help her get even better at her craft. Callie will fight him but ultimately, she will see that he is good for her. Her life will be altered. Choices will have to be made. Will their love win?
The writing was amazing. The characters real and complex. They were filled with bravery and strength. Loved them.
Do not miss this unique story of love and determination.
4 Stars
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 3 out of 5]

These Battered Hands by Laurel Ulen Curtis
3.5 stars!!

“And you never truly missed something until it was…Gone.”

This was a sports romance with a difference and it was a difference that I loved. I haven’t yet read a book centred around the life of Olympic gymnasts and I loved delving around into the lives of these athletes. The pressure that they put on themselves as well as pressure from their peers and family is huge and add to that the stereotypical ideals of age, build, diet and so on there is so much external interference it is a wonder any gymnast can concentrate at all.

“…but the toxic thoughts that haunted her weren’t her own. They were the seeds planted there by everyone else who put her out in the fucking boat destined for the big show and left her to drift.”

Callie is a twenty-six year old gymnast and already has two Olympics under her belt. She has always placed well but never good enough. She knows that this will be her last Olympics what with most competitors being ten years her junior so she is going all out to make her mark this time around…but first she needs to qualify.

Gymnastics is in Callie’s blood, her father owns a gymnastics gym so she has free reign to train whenever she wants, her father has kind of been the pushy parent and seems to dictate everything surrounding her career, she still lives at home too so she has no way of separating herself from his overbearing ways. However, he does seem to come good with one idea and that is the employment of a new gym coach. Callie’s father is of the opinion that as he is a professional gymnast and is around the same age as Callie that she will take notice and maybe even listen…but first meetings are not that great.

I loved Nik, he was a broken soul but he was a demon tumbler. He had strength, he had passion but most of all he had experience and he had a huge heart. Neither Nik nor Callie had ever had romantic interests what with their careers dictating their romantic interludes so when they actually connect it is a shock to both of them.

“The bad boy’s long gone, and the hopelessly devoted version has taken his place.”

Callie was extremely stubborn and closed off, she kept herself to herself and didn’t have friends, she didn’t even talk to fellow gymnasts, she was lonely, but it was self inflicted. In order to succeed she had made many sacrifices and it was Nik that showed her that that needn’t be the case. These two were chalk and cheese but they were so well suited. They both needed someone and their paths crossed at just the right time. The brought each other to life.

“I was telling it…As us.”

I loved the writing style and the fact that the last word in each chapter hooked you into the first word of the next chapter was unique and had me guessing the word from chapter to chapter. The story flowed really well and it was a real page turner for me. With dual point of views it did go someway to building that character connection but for me something was lacking. I didn’t feel as if I really got to know them as individuals. I would have loved for more back story. I also felt the ending was a tad rushed, with so much happening towards the end I felt it needed a little more fleshing out. Even taking that into account, I really enjoyed their story.

“I learned to love those battered hands, but I learned to love you better.”

I will also never be able to look at Second Skin Spray the same again without thinking of these two, purple glitter and battered hands.

www.theromancecover.com

[Laurel Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for you to meet Callie and Nik! :)

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Coach and the The Career. Two things destined to go together.’

I love Laurel’s books. She could pretty much write anything and I would jump at the chance to get my hands on it. But to me, her writing is special. She is the kind of smart writer that you have to pay close attention to when reading. If you do not, you may miss something important or an epic one-liner. Her romance is not the easy beach reading kind. It is the kind that you get immersed in. That you fall in love with. That breaks your heart and then puts it back together. I just love it. Her writing is quirky and hilarious and heart warming.

‘It’d all gone wrong from the start, the spit that sealed our first handshake seeming to swear me into an alternate universe.’

Oh God, I do love a forbidden romance and this most definitely is one. Callie is an “old gymnast” with a couple of Olympics under her belt but she feels like she still has something to prove. Nik is her HOT new coach, stupid hair and all. Callie and Nik fall into a fast romantic relationship that they have to keep hidden and Callie finds herself questioning what exactly her dreams and goals are and if this relationship with Nik is worth the risk. Does she even want to do this anymore? Why is she still competing? What does she want out of all of this?

‘He tasted like sin and chocolate and the forbidden dream of a stronger-minded woman.’

Then you have Nik, who finds himself completely smitten and willing to do anything to keep Callie and support her dreams. Nik is the very sweetest of book boyfriends. He really made my heart melt. He is the MOST supportive and wants Callie to have love and her career. Seriously, this man was amazing.
‘I watched her come alive in front of millions of people, I felt it in my chest, in my connection. Right in the heart of my pride and love.’

What a fabulously told sports romance with plenty of angst. This one was also quite sexy and I really do enjoy the way that Laurel does sex scenes. They are always so romantic but they somehow manage to still keep the steam, the kind of steam that makes your face just a little too hot and uncomfortable. She does a slow burn so well. I cannot wait for more from her.

“Just stuff for your battered hands.”

~Amie

[♡★☆Claudia☆★♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review!


This is the story of Callia and Nik, a story of love, self-discovery and grief!

Callia Nickleson is a professional gymnast , having already been to two Olympics and preparing for the third one. Gymnastics is all she knows, all she's been doing all her life, she doesn't have a personal life, hell , she doesn't even know what that is. 

She is strong, stubborn and driven but also insecure , confused and conflicted with herself.

Callia's gym is her safe place, the one place where at the end of the day when everyone has left , she can be herself and forget about everything else.


Nikolai Bagrov or Nik, is a former fellow gymnast, tumbler (I hope that's right) to be more precise, who lost his parents 6 months before he is hired by Callia's father Frank to train and coach Callia until the upcoming Olympics.

To say that he waltzes into her gym and her life and just shakes her ground is like saying the sky is blue! 

He's pushing his way into her life, but he has the patience of a saint, he's kind and gives her the opportunity and space to be herself and discover who she really is as a woman, under the facade of an accomplished gymnast.


Together they are maybe one of the most beautiful couple I've read about but timing and other people makes it difficult for them to make a smooth sailing through the beginning of their relationship. 


I hate the fucking guts of Frank, Callia's father , and everything he did to them , all the pain and heartache they went through because of him.

I won't say what he did but let's just say that he's a moron and a half!!! 


I highly recommend this book! Laurel is one of my favorite authors and I doubt that that's going to change, i love each and everyone of her books!

Buy it => Read it , you won't be sorry! 

[✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I have really loved reading sports romances lately and I have never read a gymnastics story so I was eager to read this book by Laurel Ulen Curtis. Nik and Callie’s story is a fascinating look into the world of competitive gymnastics, and is a very fast-paced, different story. The pressure that the athletes put on themselves and the peer pressure is incredible, and the author does a great job at writing about this world.

“I’m just wearing my bruises on the outside.”

Callie is both strong and competitive, as well as vulnerable. I really liked her character. I absolutely loved how the author ended each chapter in a way that flowed right into the next. This unusual formula worked very well here and I must say I have never read a book that was written in this way. I also love alternative POV’s and Ms. Curtis accomplished that perfectly in this book. Nik and Callie’s thoughts flowed into each other from one chapter to the next, and it kept me turning the pages until the very end!

“I was telling it…As us.”

If you a fan of sports romance, then you will love this book. You don’t have to know anything about the sport of gymnastics to enjoy this story. The author does a great job of explaining the moves and the environment of the sport. There is plenty of romance in this book, too, along with some drama that resolves itself very nicely.

Favorite quote:

“I learned to love those battered hands, but I learned to love you better.”

(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Callia Nickleson has lived her whole life to achieve her goals...two Olympics were not enough so she is going for her third. But nothing seems to be enough to fill the void or what she is missing. Nikolai Bagrov waltzes into her gym...her safe zone...and shakes everything up. He is her new coach and she is not sure she wants or needs him in her personal arena. From the beginning these two have a strong reaction. She is angry, resistant, and closed off. He is pushy, confident, and loves to get under her skin. The taunt each other, they challenge each other, but they make each other come alive when they have both been withdrawn into themselves and essentially shut down.

Callie is stubborn, driven, and focused on her goals. She appears to be a smart ass and cocky, but under her tough facade is a women with insecurities, self esteem issues, fears, and loneliness. It is easier to keep to herself rather than face rejection or deal with her issues.

Nik is outgoing and demanding, but also patient, kind and intuitive. He has his own skill set, and his own demons. He does not want attention on himself and is happy to fly under the radar.

They fight each other, she fights herself, but they have a symbiotic connection and understanding that fulfills needs that they did not even realize they had. She is the quick tempered, while he is the rational one. He challenges both her skills and her need to live her life fully. He wants to help her to pull her life into more focus and feel. She brings out his passion and sense of purpose. But their circumstances and timing are all wrong. A relationship falls under the forbidden zone and Callie is really close to the pinnacle of her career. His presence not only has the ability to further her goals by pushing her skills, but could also provide too much of a distraction. And there are many eyes watching as they train for the most important events of her life.

This is the a story of finding hope, inspiration, passion, and learning how to live a full life. It is about change and choices and what really is important. I was glad to get both points of view. I absolutely fell hard for Nik. He was the ultimate in good guy heroes with just enough edge to make him appealing. He was so thoughtful, understanding, supportive, but also charismatic, humorous, and passionate. And Callie was likable too despite her underlying issues and stubbornness. They had inner demons and flaws, but were also strong and determined. There were enough drama, challenges , and twists to keep it interesting and realistic, but was not so overly angsty that it was frustrating. I was totally invested in them as a couple and in her journey towards self actualization and her Olympic dreams.

It was engaging, funny, sweet, tension filled, and emotional. I have always loved watching the Summer Olympics especially gymnastics so the background story made it even more appealing to me. I have been in a bit of a book funk lately, and I was happy to be so easily drawn into this story and to connect with these characters so effortlessly. It was one of those reads that flows easily, makes you laugh, but at the same time makes you feel.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Battered Hands, from a new-to-me author, was something different in an invigorating and positive way. This may be my very first romance with gymnastics at the forefront. I can’t remember ever reading one before. The characters were awe-inspiring and the storyline definitely kept me in its clutches.

I love watching the Olympics and the gymnastic events have always been a favorite. This author gives readers a front row view of the hard work, pressures, and dedication it takes to master such a grueling sport. Callie, our female lead, is an older and already twice honored Olympian. Her whole life has been filled by her sport and she wants another go at an Olympic medal. At twenty-six the rigors of the sport have taken toll on her body and spirit, and another round of success may be beyond her endurance. Scarred and worn, Callie has lost the passion and her performance is routinely repetitious – uninspired.

When Nik shows up out of the blue to coach her, things begin to change, but will it be for the better? He is suffering loss and pain in his own life and grasps at the chance for change for himself when Callie’s father hired him to work with his daughter. There’s an immediate spark between the new coach and his trainee. As they work together, Callie’s heart begins to open up to feelings and emotions she’s closed off for so many years. Not only is Nik her coach, but he becomes her best friend and so much more. Nik is a really positive force – one who will earn your respect and admiration.

The romantic relationship between them is quite intense. There’s witty banter to keep the mood fun and light at times, and there is the explosive desire between two lonely and shattered people – fulfilling all those “feels” that we romantics demand. Both Nik and Callie are strong and courageous individuals – but together they are a powerfully dynamic duo.

From the beautiful cover to the very last word, this book was truly outstanding and uniquely pleasing to this reader.

[Pick a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc provided by Netgalley and Rock Star Lit in exchange for an honest review: Thank you"

Review in english and portuguese.
(Resenha em inglês e português)

4 stars

It's great when you pick up a book that looks very good and it matches your expectations. I was super excited about this topic because I never read any book that has passed into the world of the gymnasts. And I was very curious.

In this story, Callie, a 26 years old gymnast - already considered old for the profession - is preparing to try to participate in her third Olympics. Still living at home with her parents, without much social life, Callie is treated as a teenager, always with the parents all over her, extreme control over her life and to keep her focus at work. Feeling a little empty inside since it no longer makes her happy as it used to, her father, owner of the place where she trains, ends up hiring the beautiful and kind of Russian, Nikolai Bagrov, a.k.a Nik. She thinks she doesn't need a coach, so she starts to fight with him or just argue and then they become something else taking them in a direction that would not suit well in that world.

THESE BATTERED HANDS is a common story about a guy who meets a girl, it has fire between them, friction, and then they realize is all attraction. However, a good story that sounds cliche in the hands of a good writer becomes a big story. And Laurel Ulen Curtis's writing is very good. I confess I had to look up at many technical terms of olympic world in the dictionary to make sure I really was imagining right the moves they were doing (As you can see, I'm Brazilian and my english is not that good. At all). The story has so much details, showing the battle, the effort and repetitive training to achieve perfection.

Callie at first bothered me a little. I was very angry the way she acted with her parents, as if she really were a teenager and not a 26 years old woman able to make her own decisions. However, while reading, I was thinking about the films and interviews I've seen about this subject and many of these girls really do not have time for a real life with friends, partying and dating. And it ends up being very connected to the family, especially if that family is super interested in her daughter's success at any cost. So then, I could understand Callie.

And Nick ... ah, Nick! Beautiful and so cute! After an accident that changed his life, he decides to retire and become a coach. With only 28 years old, but a lot of experience, we can see the way he impact the life of Callie, making her see that that was not all about life, there are other things in the world besides the olympic gymnastics. Among the forbidden love of a student and his coach we can see the real battle: what was most important in life? Is it worth risking every year, time and effort to try other things?

THESE BATTERED HANDS is a cute book with a light drama about a forbidden romance that happened in the summer (American summuer/ Winter in South America) of 2016 - that's when the Olympics will take place in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. I recomend to everyone who is interested in reading a novel that has this theme as a background. And prepare yourself to wanting to do all they do (man, I really wish I was a gymanstic now) lol.

This was the first book I read by this author and I loved how good was the writing. Surely I will keep an eye on her future work.

Ps: LOVE that cover!!!

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Recebi uma cópia avançada de leitura deste livro atravês do Netgalley e Rock Star Lit em troca de uma resenha honesta: Obrigada!

4 estrelas

É ótimo quando você pega um livro que parece ser muito bom e ele corresponde as expectativas. Fiquei super animada com o tema porque nunca li nenhum livro de romance que se passasse no mundo das ginastas. E fiquei super curiosa.

Na história temos Callie, uma ginasta de 26 anos - idade já considerada velha para a profissão - se prepara para tentar participar de sua terceira Olimpíadas. Ainda morando com os pais, sem muita vida social, Callie chega a ser tratada como uma adolescente, sempre com os pais em cima, horários, extremo controle sobre sua vida e principalmente foco no trabalho. Por se sentir um pouco vazia já que não tem mais a animação que costumava ter, seu pai, dono do local onde ela treina, acaba contratando o lindo com sangue russo, Nikolai Bagrov, também conhecido como Nik. Ela achando que não precisa de um treinador, acaba batendo de frente com seu novo técnico, entretanto as briguinhas, acabam se tornando algo mais os levando numa direção que não seria muito bem aceita no meio.

THESE BATTERED HANDS é uma história comum sobre um cara que conhece uma garota, há atrito e depois veem que isso não passa de uma atração. Entretanto, uma boa história que parece clichê nas mãos de uma boa escritora se torna uma grande história. E a escrita da Laurel Ulen Curtis é muito boa. Confesso que muitos dos termos técnicos do mundo olímpico eu tive que pesquisar no dicionario para ter certeza dos movimentos que eles estavam fazendo. A autora foi bem detalhista, mostrando a batalha, o esforço e o treino repetitivo para se alcançar a perfeição.

A Callie no começo me incomodou um pouco. Fiquei muito irritada do jeito que ela agia com os pais, como se realmente fosse uma adolescente e não uma mulher de 26 anos capaz de tomar sua próprias decisões. Entretanto ,durante a leitura, fiquei pensando nos filmes e entrevistas que já vi sobre o tema e muitas dessas meninas realmente não tem tempo para uma vida de verdade com amigos, badalação e namoros. E acabam sendo muito ligadas na família, principalmente se essa família está super interessada no sucesso a qualquer custo da filha. Ai sim, consegui entender a Callie.

Nick.. ah, o Nick! Lindo e fofo! Depois de um acidente que alterou a sua vida, ele decide aposentar e se torna técnico. Com apenas 28 anos, mas muita experiencia, vemos o impacto de Nick na vida de Callie, a fazendo enxergar que aquilo ali não era a vida dela toda, que existem outras coisas no mundo além da ginastica olímpica. Entre o amor proibido de uma aluna e seu técnico vemos a batalha verdadeira: o que era mais importante na vida? Se valia arriscar todos os anos, tempo e esforços para experimentar outras coisas?

THESE BATTERED HANDS é um livro fofo, com um drama leve sobre um romance proibido e como pano de fundo o verão (verão para os americanos e inverno pra gente) de 2016 - que é quando irá acontecer as Olimpíadas no Rio de Janeiro. Indico para todo mundo que tem interesse de ler um romance que tenha esse tema como pano de fundo. E prepara para querer sair fazendo todas os triplos mortais deles (Aii! Eu queria ser uma ginasta agora rsrs).

Esse foi o primeiro livro que li dessa autora e adorei a riqueza da escrita. Com certeza irei ficar de olhos nos seus próximos trabalhos.

Ps: Amei essa capa!

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[dreamerinexile · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I read in Technicolor 5 stars

*An ARC was provided for an honest review for Wicked Women*

We readers visualize the book as we read but there have been a handful of times in my time with books that I could see the book in motion and this was one of those times.

The story of Callie Nickleson and Nikolai Bagrov had me hooked from the prologue and when I got to the part where in the story the prologue, my heart all but beat out of my chest. With this story, I felt the whole gamut of emotions, from happy to sad. I felt giddy one moment and then the next I felt my throat close up and I was unable to breathe or swallow. I knew it would be a great story but I had no idea I would fall all over in love with this writer’s work.

Callie has already has two Olympics under her belt but she was training to go in for the third time. While training her father hires Nik. Clash of two immovable forces meet at a time in their lives that both of them needed each other. It was perfect until it wasn’t. Callie has a tunnel vision when it comes to her life, she struggles to accept her life yet she knows something is missing. She has no clue what or how to go about chasing after that missing something. Until Nik shows her. God, Nik is the epitome of what my dream man should be like. Someone who was strong, insightful, sweet, sexy, hot, damn perceptive and last but not the least totally into you.

Nik has his own sets of skills which were why he was hired to coach Callie before her Olympic trial. His past has made him into the man he was. His outgoing personality helped him to break down the walls surrounding Callie. He was demanding yet his intuition helped him to be patient and sweet and kind and all these made him perfect as a hero. Even though he gave off a laid back attitude he has his own personal demons to fight. The recent tragedy in his life made him not seek any attention and he was happy being that guy.

Nik’s arrival creates a chain reaction inside Callie, her world that she hid behind was no longer safe. He came and showed her a world beyond what she thought was only available to her. Yet how was she to have her career and her love. Her struggle to find that balance makes my heart hurt. At one point, I seriously wanted to throw my kindle, because we all strive to make the people who are supposed to love us unconditionally be proud of us. But at what cost. For me it felt like the cost was too high. Callie strived hard to be what everyone expected her to be and Nik, sigh, he just wanted to be there for her at all cost.

I had to put the book down for a while because the emotion soaring through the stratosphere and I could not handle it. I will admit to shedding a few tears and having a damn ache in my throat. Life is what we make of it if only we have the courage to believe in ourselves and to take the leap of faith. That’s all Nik wanted of Callie. He wants her to soar yet knowing that he was always there to catch her if she stumbles. Will Callie be strong enough to choose what she loves most? Will she make the right decision? Or will the forces outside working against these two force them apart forever? Or will fate intervene to end it all for both Cal and Nik? To find out please, freaking please 1 click These Battered Hands because I swear on books I have not done justice to this book’s review because it was sooooo much more than what I had said so far.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I want to say that I have a cover crush on this book and that's what first drew me to the book, second was that earlier this year I read the author's book Quirks and Kinks and found it a fun read and then last , but not least the book is about gymnastics and I have a thing about reading sports orientated books. These Battered Hands was an amazing read and shows the inner lives of gymnasts, especially those who like the main character Callie are twice Olympian winners and aiming for a third at only 26 is amazing. Growing up , I loved watching The Cutting Edge movies though the films are about Ice Skating, I found them similar in theme and the way the book was written. In These Battered Hands, Callie is given a new coach called Nik who is around her age and a hunk. The pair of them , though they get off to a rocky start - they work wonders together and there is passion and chemistry sizzling and they begin dating in secret as if her father catches him - he would be fired and also blackballed as a coach and her integrity would be compromised as in the rules of sport everyone knows dating the coach is always off limits. Callie has never met anyone like Nik before and at 26 , she is at the stage of needing to feel appreciated and loved and Nik does it for her in more than one way. Can Callie have both - her gymnastics and Nik or will she have to sacrifice one for the other ? With her whole life riding on the Olympics, she gives up Nik but what will happen when tragedy strikes ? Will Nik be waiting by her side or by pushing him away, has she lost him forever ?
These Battered Hands is an awesome read and one that those who have been talented in a specific area, which means that they haven't had the chance to be social will understand as in order to succeed and be the best, often sacrifices have to be made .

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel has done it again! This book was so fantastic and I feel so blessed to have received an ARC of it!! I can't wait for other people to read it when it comes out next week! You are in for a treat with Nik and Callie!

[CeCe · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
I love stories about heroines who are athletes, but this one I just could not connect with. The heroine was too hard. I just did not like her. I could not connect. Except that she had a nice body, I had no idea why the hero wanted her.
Dual POVs.

My opinion. You may love this one.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 star review of These Battered Hands

What a faux pas I have been making by not reading Laurel’s work until now! She is such a wonderful author. I enjoyed every word she wrote in this story of love and redemption. The story of Callie and Nik was one full of angst and passion, of heartache and break, and a little about betrayal from a loved one.

Callie is a world glass, Olympic gymnast- but at 26 she is high on the age side of things, and it should totally work against her. She starts out as a loner in a world filled with giggly teens. She’s hardened her hands, and her heart to anyone else, that is until she meets Nik. I loved Callie- strong, independent- and super sassy. A woman after my own heart.

“She was tiny in size, and yet, her presence was undeniable just like the pea under a certain princess’ mattress.”

Nik is a world class tumbler, and third in the world, but after his parents death six months ago, he doesn’t want to really do that anymore- so he sets off to coach the un-coachable- Callie. Swoony is the only word to describe Nik. He was just so GOOD, in everything he did. And the scene when Callie was hiding watching him tumble, was probably one of the best scenes I read in the book- just because the emotions she felt, were so real- she was in awe of him. That’s how I felt throughout the book, I was in awe of Nik.

“I didn’t hold back or hold out or try to keep myself contained. Instead, I let my heart bleed all over the white of his cotton, staining it with red marks of love, lust and admiration.”

I loved the description of everything in this book. I loved the banter between Callie and Nik- especially when he first started to coach her, and she was giving him a run for his money. But his snark competed with hers- 100%. And the pictures she painted with those words- were like a balm to my soul, it helped heal me. And I can say- I totally hated Callie’s father, I think everyone will to be honest. But with good reason. Callie is more than a gymnast, she is a person. And it took Nik seeing her that way, to make her even better than before. And the gag gifts Nik gave her- made me fall in love with him, just a little extra magic was needed.

I really enjoyed this book, and Laurel’s writing. And DAMN that cover. I can’t say enough awesome things about it. It’s probably my favorite cover out this year. How truly astounding that covers can make you feel, and this one gets all the feelings from me. I am so glad I was able to read this book- and it’s such a fun topic, gymnasts, and how they feel when they are on a little of the older side- it’s not a story you hear much of, but definitely read-worthy and unique in its own right.

[Vera Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

That place you've been holding onto in your heart for your next book boyfriend? It has a contender. His name is Nikolai Bagrov. You'll fall in love with Nik, and power tumbling might just become your next obsession.

Calia is almost a has-been in the world of gymnastics at age 26. She has 2 silver metals from her 1st and 2nd Olympics, but the gold has eluded her. A bit of an anomaly in the world of Olympic gymnastics, she was raised in the gym owned by her parents who have given her free rein to self-coach. Nik is hired to break through the barriers holding her back, but they are all mental and emotional.

This book gives us a peek into the world of Olympic level gymnastics and what it takes to achieve and hold on to that dream. It opens up the painful underbelly many of us know nothing about. I learned a lot about the world of gymnastics I didn't previously know as a professional couch-surfing Olympic sport watcher. You'll be googling "Power-Tumbling" just like I did when you're done. You'll probably be fantasizing about Nik's lips also. Stand in line.

This book has that moment when you break and think you can't read anymore. Take a breath and keep going. It's a beautiful and poignant love story about finding and achieving what is important...and many times it is not what you were striving for in the first place. And that is ok.

Now, let me wax poetic about the cover. This might be the most beautiful cover of any book I've ever seen. It is so refreshing and powerful and evokes a moment in time in the life of a gymnast. I'm sure we all wish we could appear that graceful, that powerful, that heartbreakingly beautiful in our human form just once in our lives. I'd buy this book for the cover alone. And I did. I have a paperback on order to go along with my Nook e-copy I bought for reading.

Laurel Ulen Curtis writes beautiful and gut-wrenching modern romance books. After you have
finished this one, if it is your first LUC book, do yourself a favor and one click at least one more. You'll go back for more. It won't be your last.

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review from the author. I purchased my own copy and copies for family members. It's that good.

[Alison Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know much about the world of gymnastics but I do know how beautifully Laurel Ulen Curtis writes. The breathtaking story of Callie, an Olympic gymnast, who the world thinks is past her prime with sites set on another podium finish and her relationship with her new coach Nik sucked me in and kept me wanting more.

Nik and Callie are the perfect book couple. Nik pushes Callie to be her best and teaches her that there's more to life than Olympic medals and Callie heals Nik's heart after a devastating loss.

These Battered Hands is a story of loss, love and triumph.

[J]

DNF. Too many other books to read. I lost interest in this one. Writing was fine, characters (world class gymnast and her Russian coach) were fine, I think the story was just a little slow and methodical for me. Others will probably really like it. The cover is spectacular.

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Jen Skewes
It is no secret that I have read and loved every one of Laurel’s books. I always look forward to her next story. But I especially could not wait for this one. For one the beautiful cover completely drew me in. But it is also the fact that this book is different in the sense that I have yet to read a book about a gymnast and her goal to make it to the Olympics for the third and final time in her career. Growing up and even now one of my favorite events to watch in the Olympics is the gymnastics. So of course reading a story about a young woman whose whole life has been dedicated to fulfilling her dream was something that I could not wait for. And as always Ms. Curtis did not disappoint.

Callie is a twenty six year old gymnast who is on her way to her third Olympics. Her whole life has been about gymnastics and competing. Never having any time for anything else. Friends and boyfriends didn’t exist in her world. And honestly it seems that maybe true happiness didn’t either. She was known around her father’s gym for being cold to those around her. She is always on her own and never really reaching out to anyone. Until her new coach Nik comes along and changes everything from the way she thinks to the way she feels.

Nik is the number two tumbler in the world. When he lost his parents six months ago the world of gymnastics and competing just didn’t seem important to him any more. He still works on his tumbling but it’s more for himself than anyone else. His new job is to coach Callie. Her father thinks he is the perfect person to get through to her and to understand her. And that is definitely true, just not in the ways her father had wanted. Nik sees Callie in a way that no one else does. From the moment he meets her, despite their bickering he feels a connection with her. And he knows that she feels it too, but he also knows that she will not allow herself to find happiness and the love that she deserves. But Nik is not about to give up. Despite being her coach they take their relationship to another level. But will them being together cost them more than they are willing to give up?

I really enjoyed this book, especially Nik and Callie and the relationship that they built. Nik adored Callie and you could see it so clearly. He wanted nothing more than to make her happy. To help her see that there is more in life beyond what she has been taught. Seeing this story through Callie and Nik’s point of view I felt that she lived her life for her father. Never wanting to disappoint him but at the same time it caused her to close herself off from the outside world. She deserved to be loved, to live her life and to be happy. But it wasn’t until Nik came along that she saw it all for herself. Gynastics wasn’t everything, but she just need to learn that on her own.


I loved the connection that thse two had. The snarky banter between the two of them. Nik was completely swoon worthy. I mean a gymnast who also rides a motorcycle. Cannot get any sexier. And his gift for Callie just made me fall in love with him even more and it just proved how well he really saw her. I think my only issue with this story is the lack of the characters backstory. I wanted a little more on the two of them. I think it would have helped me connect with them on a different level. But as always Laurel Ulen Curits did any amazing job with this story. The writing is perfect. I loved how each chapter ended and the next one began. And you will understand what I mean when you read it. Another wonderful job.

[⊱ Poppy ⊰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Magic Glitter Stars!!

“And you never truly missed something until it was…Gone.”


This was a sports romance with a difference and it was a difference that I loved. I haven’t yet read a book centred around the life of Olympic gymnasts and I loved delving around into the lives of these athletes. The pressure that they put on themselves as well as pressure from their peers and family is huge and add to that the stereotypical ideals of age, build, diet and so on there is so much external interference it is a wonder any gymnast can concentrate at all.

“…but the toxic thoughts that haunted her weren’t her own. They were the seeds planted there by everyone else who put her out in the fucking boat destined for the big show and left her to drift.”


Callie is a twenty-six year old gymnast and already has two Olympics under her belt. She has always placed well but never good enough. She knows that this will be her last Olympics what with most competitors being ten years her junior so she is going all out to make her mark this time around…but first she needs to qualify.

Gymnastics is in Callie’s blood, her father owns a gymnastics gym so she has free reign to train whenever she wants, her father has kind of been the pushy parent and seems to dictate everything surrounding her career, she still lives at home too so she has no way of separating herself from his overbearing ways. However, he does seem to come good with one idea and that is the employment of a new gym coach. Callie’s father is of the opinion that as he is a professional gymnast and is around the same age as Callie that she will take notice and maybe even listen…but first meetings are not that great.

I loved Nik, he was a broken soul but he was a demon tumbler. He had strength, he had passion but most of all he had experience and he had a huge heart. Neither Nik nor Callie had ever had romantic interests what with their careers dictating their romantic interludes so when they actually connect it is a shock to both of them.

“The bad boy’s long gone, and the hopelessly devoted version has taken his place.”


Callie was extremely stubborn and closed off, she kept herself to herself and didn’t have friends, she didn’t even talk to fellow gymnasts, she was lonely, but it was self inflicted. In order to succeed she had made many sacrifices and it was Nik that showed her that that needn’t be the case. These two were chalk and cheese but they were so well suited. They both needed someone and their paths crossed at just the right time. The brought each other to life.

“I was telling it…As us.”


I loved the writing style and the fact that the last word in each chapter hooked you into the first word of the next chapter was unique and had me guessing the word from chapter to chapter. The story flowed really well and it was a real page turner for me. With dual point of views it did go someway to building that character connection but for me something was lacking. I didn’t feel as if I really got to know them as individuals. I would have loved for more back story. I also felt the ending was a tad rushed, with so much happening towards the end I felt it needed a little more fleshing out. Even taking that into account, I really enjoyed their story.

“I learned to love those battered hands, but I learned to love you better.”


I will also never be able to look at Second Skin Spray the same again without thinking of these two, purple glitter and battered hands!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Instead of looking for what’s missing, be happy with what you’ve got.”

That line stands out to me the most of anything written in this book; really, those are words we should all live by in my opinion.

These Battered Hands was refreshing in its setting in the world of competitive gymnastics, an arena I am not overly familiar with and haven't seen in the myriad reading options available to us today, so I dove right in with anticipation.

Calia aka Callie is 26 years old, a veritable antique in a sport dominated by young girls and teenagers. She is trying to make her 3rd Olympic team, a fairly unheard of accomplishment, and she feels every moment of the intense scrutiny of everyone from her parents to fellow competitors and the media. Her veteran status has given her the ability to compartmentalize and shut out the background noise, but it still affects her more than she wants to admit. Her default defense mechanism is a great resting bitch face and cold unapproachability - she is good and she knows it but her father thinks she can do better.

Enter Nikolai Bagrov aka Nik as her new coach. Callie immediately takes offense to the handsome rugged man who not only knocks her off balance emotionally but thinks he can give her insight on his perceived flaws in her routine. Claws come out, things get loud, and yet Nik's response is mostly patient amusement at her antics, infuriating her further. And so the battle for the upper hand begins...

Callie's biggest problem is that she has been going through the motions for so long she has lost her passion for the sport and only continues to keep her father happy. Nik helps her find that passion again for all things in her life, and as she becomes a more vibrant personality, it is reflected in her competitive efforts. She and Nik find themselves falling fast and hard, crossing lines that shouldn't be crossed but having a hard time caring too much about it when everything feels right to both of them despite the complicated circumstances.

As their love story unfolds, the constant pressure on Callie to make the Olympic team again is like a living entity causing her to second guess herself and her decisions. Nik was always there for her trying to be the calming force she needed to offset her high strung nature, but at times he was almost a little too calm for my liking. Eventually the turning point arrives where they are forced into choices neither wants to make; now who will break first?

While I did like the book overall, I wasn't sucked into it as much as I would have hoped. I think that part of the issue for me was the setting of the book itself. While it is refreshing to read something different as I stated earlier, my interest in the sport overall is half hearted at best. The references to all things gymnastics - related are pervasive and necessary for the story, but at the same time I found myself skimming more often than I would have liked to get to the meat of the relationship part of the storyline instead of trying to figure out all the equipment and activity references. But that is just my personal preference and I hope it doesn't hold you back from giving yourself a chance to fall in love with Nik and Callie on your own. I know I will still be looking forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next. 3.5 stars

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Copy Provided by Author

Its really hard to say what exactly caught my eye about These Battered Hands, but there was something in the book description that just screamed read me and I am glad that I did. These was something so raw about Ms Curtis' writing style that I just found myself sucked it and didn't want to leave the world that she had created. I'll admit that I know next to nothing about gymnastics, aside from the fact that I watch it during the Olympics and gaze in awe at what these men and women can do (I tried gymnastics growing up, and let's just say it wasn't all that successful...lol). But even I could tell that the author was well-versed in the world of gymnastics - she was able to easily fuse the different technical explanations for routines into the story, in a way that made it educational and yet fun to read. I actually felt like i learned quite a bit which could make watching the 2016 Olympics all the more entertaining next year ;)

I liked how the romance between Callie and Nik developed - it wasn't a wham bam type one, but rather a severe dislike (at least Callie's side) and a desire to help her (on Nik's side) and it just happened. I also enjoyed how the author didn't have to rely on the sexual scenes the move the story forward - they were there, but it just felt natural - there wasn't too much or too little (if that makes sense?). And while there were definately a few angsty spots towards the end, it wasn't the totally manufactured type angst that is so often used, but rather a potentially naturally occurring incident used to provide some angst/tension, as well as moving the story towards its ultimate conclusion. I will admit that I wasn't a fan of Callie's dad (in fact he was a manipulative bastards), but then, as a reader i wasn't supposed to be - although I could see why he did some of the things that he did - i just didn't agree with them...at all!

One of the things I found really cool with the authors writing style was how the words from the end of each chapter and the start of the new chapter merged together and yet each one was from a different POV (the story alternated chapters between Callie and Nik). It was definitely a writing technique that I had never really noticed before in books, but it made the flow between the 2 POV's much smoother and less choppy. The symbology of Callie's battered hands from being a gymnast, the power in them was something that i kind of felt awe over - we take our hands for granted every day, so to hear them described in this way throughout the book just make it all the more poignant.

This was the first book i've read by Laurel Ulen Curtis, but it wasn't be the last, in fact, I hope to check out some more of hers in the near future. I gave These Battered Hands 4 stars and definately recommend for people looking for a solid, fairly non-angsty sports-based (since I count gymnastics as a sport) romance.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Battered Hands is a beautiful fast paced read. I fell in love with Nik and Callie’s characters and the story they had to tell.

Callie is working on making her third Olympic team at the age of 26, but something is missing. She thinks this is what she wants, and is happy with that, until her father hires a new coach for her. Nik came into Callie’s life like a storm and changed everything she thought she wanted and how she looked at her sport.

At first these two get along like oil and water. They are always battling one another and pushing each other’s buttons. As much as Callie doesn’t want to admit it, Nik makes her a better gymnast as he helps her get outside of her head. Things definitely progress with these two outside of the coach/athlete relationship. The chemistry between the two of them is too hot to deny, and their combative words are like foreplay.

When these two finally figure things out, it’s beautiful. We got to see Callie more happy than we had in the book before, and Nik seemed lighter as well. Neither of them can hide their affection for one another, but they try their hardest. The support Nike gave Callie at the Olympic trails was amazing, and I was right there along with him rooting for her. Seeing Callie as happy as she was during trials with Nik by her side was amazing, and I could feel the emotions radiating off my Kindle while reading this part.

I loved Nik and Callie together, and wished they would have communicated more, if they would have, the misunderstanding that happens in this book may have never happened. They needed to have more faith in one another than they did, and it ended up hurting them. As the reader I knew what was happening, and I wanted to scream at them and tell them, but since it’s a book you can’t do that.. so I had to see how everything played out between them.

This book was an emotional read for me, not the tears, but the heartbreak for both of these characters and what they’ve been through. Callie and Nik are beautiful together and bring each other up, and when they are apart, it’s not pretty. Seeing how things ended for them was amazing, and I was sad to say goodbye to these two beautifully written characters. Both of them have flaws and insecurities, but it helped make them feel real to me.

This is beautifully written and gripping story. Once I picked this one up, I was unable to put it down. I fell in love with the story line and the characters and only wanted what was best for them. Battered Hands is the first book of Laurel Ulen Curtis’s that I’ve read and I can say it definitely will not be the last. The writing is amazing, and the flow of the story plays out like a movie. I highly recommend picking up These Battered Hands today!

[A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I realized that These Battered Hands was a gymnastics romance, I immediately wanted to read it! I just love gymnastics and although some of the moves went over my head, that didn't take away any of my excitement while reading this book. In fact, I highly enjoyed and very much loved this fabulous read!

I can honestly say that Callie is one of the more unique heroines I've read about. She's rough, focused, determined and mostly a loner, but she also has a mischievous, sarcastic wit. She's not the type to let just anybody in and she doesn't even really know herself, but Nik helps her with that. Of course, she doesn't make it easy for at first or even all the time, she's stubborn and fierce, but she's smart and doesn't resist him so much that she'll drive you bonkers. I actually really loved Callie and the person she became!

Another reason why I really wanted to read this book was because the hero's name is Nikolai - I just love that name, it's one of my favorites! And just like I love the name, I also loved the man! Nik is absolutely wonderful and really the best guy ever. He's incredibly patient and understanding, thoughtful and deep, and he'd do anything for Callie. Nik is like a big, old, hot teddy bear and I just want to hug him and squeeze him. I loooved him and I know you will too!

These Battered Hands is a steamy but also sweet romance full of beauty, lessons, and depth. It's a journey about re-thinking and questioning your way of thinking, discovering yourself, and having the strength to fight for who you want to be, for what you want, and for what you love.

These Battered Hands surprised me not only by turning out to be more expected, but I also didn't expect it to the end they way it did - not that I don't understand or like the way it did - because I do. It was an amazing read that made my heart ache, made me seethe, and made me laugh and smile and sigh and I loved all of it!

These Battered Hands is a standalone, it's told from Nik and Callie's POV, and don't worry, they do get the HEA!

~ Sonja, 4.5 Stars

[Preet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been fascinated by gymnastics since I was a little girl. I envied the flexibility and skill of both male and female gymnasts. I always day dreamed about being able to fly and twist they way did. Now as an adult, I still love to watch when the USA competes on an international level probably as much as I love reading about it. There aren't very many romances set in the gymnastics world, which is why I was so excited about this book.

I really enjoyed getting to know Callie and Nik. Callie was a little harder to read. She's been competing for so long and she's now trying to go back to the Olympics for a third time. She's older than everyone else competing and training around her, and she feels alone and unwanted. Nik is not a traditional gymnast, but a world ranked tumbler and he'd been given the responsibility of coaching Callie, who before was her own coach.

The chemistry between them is evident from the first time they meet. I really liked how Nik challenged Callie. He didn't let her hide behind a facade of arrogance and confidence, but instead went head to head with her to make her give her all. I loved seeing Callie change and grow, not only as a person, but as a competitor as a result. I really didn't like how involved Callie's parents were in her life and training. It seemed so odd a 26 year old woman who was competent in every way would allow someone to control her life the way her father did. Of course, I have no real experience with these matters, but that might just be me.

Besides the story, I really liked the formatting of the book. It wasn't just that the book was told in alternate chapters, but I grew to enjoy how the chapters ended and began. It really was a great way to tie what was happening in Nik and Callie's lives together. The story is fast paced and the end will certainly take you by surprise as it did me. This is the first book by Laurel Ulen Curtis I've read, but it certainly won't be my last! I can't wait to see what she writes next.