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Beautifully Damaged #1
The Stillness of You
**New Adult featuring mature situations and sexual content - recommended for ages 18+**
Bad girl,Georgia King, is trying to survive after spiraling into a darkness that nearly took her life. With her college dreams on hold she's trying to get healthy--trying to still the craziness inside her. She has no room for someone like Ben Lancaster and if he was smart he'd stay away. Because everyone knows Georgia is bad news--she ruins people--and if Ben isn't careful, he'll be next in line.
Ben Lancaster is a young, hot shot hockey player on his way to the top. Newly signed to the Philadelphia Flyers, he's living the dream. The girls. The money. The fame. He thought he had everything he wanted until he met Georgia. Suddenly he wants more--he wants her. He'll do whatever it takes to get her and Ben Lancaster always gets what he wants.
But the girl who's different from anyone he's ever known is hiding secrets. And as the dog days of summer pass, only time will tell if Georgia's secrets can be healed. Or if her bruised soul is strong enough to resist Ben Lancaster...
"Ben Lancaster had just tattooed himself onto my soul and the thing about tattoos? They’re painful to remove."--Georgia King
Bad girl,Georgia King, is trying to survive after spiraling into a darkness that nearly took her life. With her college dreams on hold she's trying to get healthy--trying to still the craziness inside her. She has no room for someone like Ben Lancaster and if he was smart he'd stay away. Because everyone knows Georgia is bad news--she ruins people--and if Ben isn't careful, he'll be next in line.
Ben Lancaster is a young, hot shot hockey player on his way to the top. Newly signed to the Philadelphia Flyers, he's living the dream. The girls. The money. The fame. He thought he had everything he wanted until he met Georgia. Suddenly he wants more--he wants her. He'll do whatever it takes to get her and Ben Lancaster always gets what he wants.
But the girl who's different from anyone he's ever known is hiding secrets. And as the dog days of summer pass, only time will tell if Georgia's secrets can be healed. Or if her bruised soul is strong enough to resist Ben Lancaster...
"Ben Lancaster had just tattooed himself onto my soul and the thing about tattoos? They’re painful to remove."--Georgia King
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2013
102 people are currently reading
2947 people want to read
About the author
Julie Bale
5 books190 followersJulie Bale (also known as contemporary romance and young adult romance author, Juliana Stone) fell in love with book boyfriends when she was twelve. She decided that when she was a grownup she would write her own book boyfriends. So that’s what she does.
When Julie isn’t writing she’s busy looking after a family that includes a couple of kids, her husband and a dog who is prettier than some people she knows, and a cat who thinks he’s human.
She loves The Walking Dead, Pretty Little Liars, The Foo Fighters, Vampire Diaries, The Fray, and The Gilmore Girls. And when she has time, she loves to kick back and read yummy romances with hot guys and girls who are cool enough to hang out with.
When Julie isn’t writing she’s busy looking after a family that includes a couple of kids, her husband and a dog who is prettier than some people she knows, and a cat who thinks he’s human.
She loves The Walking Dead, Pretty Little Liars, The Foo Fighters, Vampire Diaries, The Fray, and The Gilmore Girls. And when she has time, she loves to kick back and read yummy romances with hot guys and girls who are cool enough to hang out with.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
April 18, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance
READ THIS BOOK!
‘When I went off, the sky was the limit.
No, that wasn’t true either.
When I went off, there was no limit and when there was no ceiling above you, there sure as hell wasn’t anything soft to catch you when you fell.’ ~Georgia
Parties, Sex and Drugs was her life up until the day she woke up in a hospital bed. Georgia King is trying to come out of the darkness that once swallowed her whole. She is currently living with her brother, Matt, who is one of the coaches for the Philadelphia Flyers. When a team trade is made Georgia learns that they will be having a new house guest. Ben Lancaster.
'I felt his energy. It slid across the room and enveloped me whole. It set off all kinds of things inside me and for the first time in a long time, something stirred.
Something hot.
Something wicked and sensual.' ~Georgia
Ben sees her. Wants her. Must have her. There is definitely an insta-lust attraction between Ben and Georgia. An attraction that Matt warns Ben to steer clear of, or else. Of course he doesn’t listen. Ben is no punk though, and Matt point blank telling him to keep his hands off his little sister goes in one ear and out the other.
Matt is not only warning Ben he also let’s Georgia know that Ben is off limits. He can't afford for her to mess things up like she's done in the past. Ben Lancaster has a bright NHL(National Hockey League) future ahead of him. Georgia’s track record with guys is not good and the last thing Matt needs is for her to take down his most talented promising player.
She brushes off his warnings, she tells her brother he has no need to worry she won’t touch Ben. What she keeps to herself is the fact that she is scared. She has caused a lot of destruction and was not looking to add to the list of lives she has ruined.
‘It would be tragic for me to ruin someone like Ben Lancaster, and that’s pretty much what I did. I ruined things. I ruined people. I was my mother’s daughter through and through.’ ~Georgia
‘Secrets are heavy. They’re heavy and they’re hard and sharp and they suck. They press into your chest and make it hard to breathe. They make it hard to sleep or relax or just to be…’ ~Georgia
Tug of War
She loves him but fears he will leave once he knows her secrets. She fights with whether or not she should tell him. She knows that when she does confess all he’ll run in the opposite direction. Being Bipolar is not something to take lightly, if not handled properly she could endanger herself and those around her.
‘There was something about Matt’s sister. I couldn’t put my finger on what it was exactly, but it was there. Some invisible ‘thing’ she had, an energy or state of being.’ ~Ben
Ben is not looking to score with puck bunnies. He has his eye on one girl. His pursuit of Georgia is not in vain she cannot fight his charm or the irresistible pull that slowly encases her being the more they get know each other. Especially after he tells her he would like to take things slow after she practically threw her vagina at him willing him to catch it, kiss it, lick and get all up in it! Eventually he does and let me tell you it was H. O. T. These two went at it like the earth was empty of people and it was solely up to them to repopulate!
Things move along pretty smooth for these two but Georgia’s still has yet to tell Ben that she is Bipolar. With both of their hearts on the line now is the time to tell him.
My Thoughts
READ IT! One of the best things about this book is that it did not have a cliffhanger and let me tell you that was a breath of fresh air! Finishing a book without leaving readers feeling suspended in the air should be the new trend! Authors take note... I CANNOT WAIT for book2!!
The writing was excellent and the story was excellent!
I fell completely in love with these characters Georgia and her emotional tug of war to be honest with Ben, and her war with being Bipolar. As a reader I could feel her internal struggle, Bale did an AWESOME job at describing it. Georgia would often reference to it as plates shifting…sorta how the plates beneath the earth shift when the earth quakes. I was always waiting for that 8.0 quake to happen and I think she was too.
Matt- was fiercely protective of his sister and scared of what would happen if she didn’t take her meds. His life changed a lot after taking Georgia but you could understand his love and need for his sister to be healthy.
Ben- Poor Ben had no idea what he was getting in to. He saw a girl, he knew she was different, he knew she had a secret but he also knew he wanted her. He was sexy and every bit of a gentleman. I LOVE ME some Ben!
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Good, it pulled me in on the first page
Plot/Storyline- Intense, Sensual and Emotional
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I loved it!!!! READ IT!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
*Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review*
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance
READ THIS BOOK!
‘When I went off, the sky was the limit.
No, that wasn’t true either.
When I went off, there was no limit and when there was no ceiling above you, there sure as hell wasn’t anything soft to catch you when you fell.’ ~Georgia
Parties, Sex and Drugs was her life up until the day she woke up in a hospital bed. Georgia King is trying to come out of the darkness that once swallowed her whole. She is currently living with her brother, Matt, who is one of the coaches for the Philadelphia Flyers. When a team trade is made Georgia learns that they will be having a new house guest. Ben Lancaster.
'I felt his energy. It slid across the room and enveloped me whole. It set off all kinds of things inside me and for the first time in a long time, something stirred.
Something hot.
Something wicked and sensual.' ~Georgia
Ben sees her. Wants her. Must have her. There is definitely an insta-lust attraction between Ben and Georgia. An attraction that Matt warns Ben to steer clear of, or else. Of course he doesn’t listen. Ben is no punk though, and Matt point blank telling him to keep his hands off his little sister goes in one ear and out the other.
Matt is not only warning Ben he also let’s Georgia know that Ben is off limits. He can't afford for her to mess things up like she's done in the past. Ben Lancaster has a bright NHL(National Hockey League) future ahead of him. Georgia’s track record with guys is not good and the last thing Matt needs is for her to take down his most talented promising player.
She brushes off his warnings, she tells her brother he has no need to worry she won’t touch Ben. What she keeps to herself is the fact that she is scared. She has caused a lot of destruction and was not looking to add to the list of lives she has ruined.
‘It would be tragic for me to ruin someone like Ben Lancaster, and that’s pretty much what I did. I ruined things. I ruined people. I was my mother’s daughter through and through.’ ~Georgia
‘Secrets are heavy. They’re heavy and they’re hard and sharp and they suck. They press into your chest and make it hard to breathe. They make it hard to sleep or relax or just to be…’ ~Georgia
Tug of War
She loves him but fears he will leave once he knows her secrets. She fights with whether or not she should tell him. She knows that when she does confess all he’ll run in the opposite direction. Being Bipolar is not something to take lightly, if not handled properly she could endanger herself and those around her.
‘There was something about Matt’s sister. I couldn’t put my finger on what it was exactly, but it was there. Some invisible ‘thing’ she had, an energy or state of being.’ ~Ben
Ben is not looking to score with puck bunnies. He has his eye on one girl. His pursuit of Georgia is not in vain she cannot fight his charm or the irresistible pull that slowly encases her being the more they get know each other. Especially after he tells her he would like to take things slow after she practically threw her vagina at him willing him to catch it, kiss it, lick and get all up in it! Eventually he does and let me tell you it was H. O. T. These two went at it like the earth was empty of people and it was solely up to them to repopulate!
Things move along pretty smooth for these two but Georgia’s still has yet to tell Ben that she is Bipolar. With both of their hearts on the line now is the time to tell him.
My Thoughts
READ IT! One of the best things about this book is that it did not have a cliffhanger and let me tell you that was a breath of fresh air! Finishing a book without leaving readers feeling suspended in the air should be the new trend! Authors take note... I CANNOT WAIT for book2!!
The writing was excellent and the story was excellent!
I fell completely in love with these characters Georgia and her emotional tug of war to be honest with Ben, and her war with being Bipolar. As a reader I could feel her internal struggle, Bale did an AWESOME job at describing it. Georgia would often reference to it as plates shifting…sorta how the plates beneath the earth shift when the earth quakes. I was always waiting for that 8.0 quake to happen and I think she was too.
Matt- was fiercely protective of his sister and scared of what would happen if she didn’t take her meds. His life changed a lot after taking Georgia but you could understand his love and need for his sister to be healthy.
Ben- Poor Ben had no idea what he was getting in to. He saw a girl, he knew she was different, he knew she had a secret but he also knew he wanted her. He was sexy and every bit of a gentleman. I LOVE ME some Ben!
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Good, it pulled me in on the first page
Plot/Storyline- Intense, Sensual and Emotional
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I loved it!!!! READ IT!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
*Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review*
April 19, 2013
5 ❤❤❤❤❤ huge molten mess of quivering girlie part erupting stars !!!!
I loved this book !!!!
Ladies do yourself two/three favors before embarking on this book: google Eric LINDROS of the Philadelphia Flyers in his prime ( like 1999ish) yeah get that visual of the hockey god ( my visual below). Then play the Foo Fighters " EVERLONG" and " The Best of You " and set the mooOOOoooOOOddd. ( that's a lot of O's hint hint ;) wink
~~The only thing I'll ever ask of you. You've gotta promise not to stop when I say when~~
I. Can't. Even. This is not gonna make sense.
This book gripped me from page one. The perfect setting ! Philadelphia ! My stomping grounds.
So right off the bat I was in book heaven ! Like a pig in shit. Yessssssssss. I had all my visuals and then background info on Bipolar disorder. We get his POV and her POV. It was intense!
It's never easy to read about it. But it exists and to me I felt like Georgia's story was genuine. She suffers from it. Her mother suffered from it. She's trying to work on it and not let it take over her life. Her secret sucked !!!! I think for me, I was angsty waiting to turn the page and see .... Is THIS the chapter where she goes cookoo for cocoa puffs ?! The unpredictableness of this book plus the illness itself ..... I was on edge. AND. I. LOVED. IT
Ben Lancaster ~ holy shit on a stick. He was perfect. Patient. Kind. Loving. Fierce. Alpha to the extreme with a heart of gold. Every other sentence he said I was like " oh god I love him " I sighed, gooed, gaaahed, and oh yeah baby I aaaaahhhhhhhed !!!! This guy was NO JOKE!
❤" You're wrong you know. I love you. All of you. Even the pieces that you won't show me because all of that stuff makes up your circle and I don't give a flying fuck if its broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you're ready, I hope you'll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together " - Ben
❤" If you love me then what's the problem ? Love is enough. Love has to be enough." -Ben
I can't wait for book 2. This was not a cliffy but they still have a journey to complete. For now I'm gonna ride out the rainbow after this storm. It was beautiful !!!❤
I loved this book !!!!
Ladies do yourself two/three favors before embarking on this book: google Eric LINDROS of the Philadelphia Flyers in his prime ( like 1999ish) yeah get that visual of the hockey god ( my visual below). Then play the Foo Fighters " EVERLONG" and " The Best of You " and set the mooOOOoooOOOddd. ( that's a lot of O's hint hint ;) wink
~~The only thing I'll ever ask of you. You've gotta promise not to stop when I say when~~
I. Can't. Even. This is not gonna make sense.
This book gripped me from page one. The perfect setting ! Philadelphia ! My stomping grounds.
So right off the bat I was in book heaven ! Like a pig in shit. Yessssssssss. I had all my visuals and then background info on Bipolar disorder. We get his POV and her POV. It was intense!
It's never easy to read about it. But it exists and to me I felt like Georgia's story was genuine. She suffers from it. Her mother suffered from it. She's trying to work on it and not let it take over her life. Her secret sucked !!!! I think for me, I was angsty waiting to turn the page and see .... Is THIS the chapter where she goes cookoo for cocoa puffs ?! The unpredictableness of this book plus the illness itself ..... I was on edge. AND. I. LOVED. IT
Ben Lancaster ~ holy shit on a stick. He was perfect. Patient. Kind. Loving. Fierce. Alpha to the extreme with a heart of gold. Every other sentence he said I was like " oh god I love him " I sighed, gooed, gaaahed, and oh yeah baby I aaaaahhhhhhhed !!!! This guy was NO JOKE!
❤" You're wrong you know. I love you. All of you. Even the pieces that you won't show me because all of that stuff makes up your circle and I don't give a flying fuck if its broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you're ready, I hope you'll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together " - Ben
❤" If you love me then what's the problem ? Love is enough. Love has to be enough." -Ben
I can't wait for book 2. This was not a cliffy but they still have a journey to complete. For now I'm gonna ride out the rainbow after this storm. It was beautiful !!!❤
June 15, 2013
The Stillness of You is the beautiful story of Georgia and Ben.
Georgia has just been released from a mental hospital and diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. She is still trying to come to grips with her disorder and her parents' tragic death. She's trying to piece her life back together after having recently fallen into a dark place. To help her do do so she must take her medications- Lithium and Klonopin but she's reluctant to take her Klonopin because of the effects it has on her.
Ben, is an up and coming hockey star who has just signed on with Georgia's brother's team. Upon first meeting the two are drawn to each other. Georgia fights their connection fearing that once she tells him her condition- he will run. Worse that he will accept her but her condtion could end up harming him. Ben knows that Georgia is holding something back, but Georgia is reluctant to show Ben all her broken pieces.
I fell in love with both these characters and found myself emotionally connected to their story from the start. I love that it's written from an alternating POV- letting us into what both characters are feeling. Georgia has become one of my favorite MCs- I felt her anguish, her fear, and her hope. I can't wait to continue their journey.
Ms. Bale, please don't make us wait too long for book two!!!!
Georgia has just been released from a mental hospital and diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. She is still trying to come to grips with her disorder and her parents' tragic death. She's trying to piece her life back together after having recently fallen into a dark place. To help her do do so she must take her medications- Lithium and Klonopin but she's reluctant to take her Klonopin because of the effects it has on her.
Ben, is an up and coming hockey star who has just signed on with Georgia's brother's team. Upon first meeting the two are drawn to each other. Georgia fights their connection fearing that once she tells him her condition- he will run. Worse that he will accept her but her condtion could end up harming him. Ben knows that Georgia is holding something back, but Georgia is reluctant to show Ben all her broken pieces.
I fell in love with both these characters and found myself emotionally connected to their story from the start. I love that it's written from an alternating POV- letting us into what both characters are feeling. Georgia has become one of my favorite MCs- I felt her anguish, her fear, and her hope. I can't wait to continue their journey.
Ms. Bale, please don't make us wait too long for book two!!!!
December 23, 2013
3.5 Stars
*I was gived a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review*
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the fact the main character Georgia is flawed and damaged. It made her more real. The hockey player Ben really had my heart! I think the characters were well developed all though there were just a couple of aspects that seemed a little hokey.
Now....the sex in this was HOT!
" I can't promise that I'll fuck you nice and slow even though you deserve it, because babe, I'm already there. But I can promise that it will be hot. Any you'll be screaming by name before it's done" "
So if you're looking for a short read with straight up hot sex (it's not kinky), I would most definitely recommend this book. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book takes theses characters.
~Note to author: I would love a book about Matt! :)
*Note: I actually change my my rating from 3 to 3.5 stars after more consideration... The mental health status of the heroine was an intersesting story line.
*I was gived a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review*
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the fact the main character Georgia is flawed and damaged. It made her more real. The hockey player Ben really had my heart! I think the characters were well developed all though there were just a couple of aspects that seemed a little hokey.
Now....the sex in this was HOT!
" I can't promise that I'll fuck you nice and slow even though you deserve it, because babe, I'm already there. But I can promise that it will be hot. Any you'll be screaming by name before it's done" "
So if you're looking for a short read with straight up hot sex (it's not kinky), I would most definitely recommend this book. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book takes theses characters.
~Note to author: I would love a book about Matt! :)
*Note: I actually change my my rating from 3 to 3.5 stars after more consideration... The mental health status of the heroine was an intersesting story line.
April 28, 2013
** 3.5 almost 4 stars **
~~No one expects to meet the person who will change your life on a Wednesday. Maybe a Friday or a Saturday, but not the one that's halfway between work and freedom. No one expects it, but it does happen. It happened to me and he didn't just change my life, he SAVED it.~~
Hottie, and former bad boy, Ben is traded to the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and is staying with his coach Matt for a few weeks until he can find his own place. He then meets the broken and damaged, Georgia, who is Matt's sister and is also staying with Matt. One thing leads to another, and they fall in love, but not without many, many, hurdles along the way.
"Ben, you're like a circle that's good and whole and perfect. I'm not. I'm sick. I have a mental health condition and my circle is cracked and there are pieces of me that are fragmented, pieces that can't be fixed."
Ben
[image error]
"If you love me then what's the problem? Love is enough. Love has to be enough."
Georgia
"You're wrong you know. I love you. All of you. Even the pieces that you won't show me because all that stuff makes up your circle and I don't give a flying f*ck if it's broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you're ready, I hope you'll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together."
~The pieces inside me, the ones that sometimes moved fast and loose, were still. They were quiet. Peaceful. And for that I was grateful.~
"I want you in my life and I'll take whatever I can get. I love every inch of you, even the crazy parts."
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
~~No one expects to meet the person who will change your life on a Wednesday. Maybe a Friday or a Saturday, but not the one that's halfway between work and freedom. No one expects it, but it does happen. It happened to me and he didn't just change my life, he SAVED it.~~
Hottie, and former bad boy, Ben is traded to the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and is staying with his coach Matt for a few weeks until he can find his own place. He then meets the broken and damaged, Georgia, who is Matt's sister and is also staying with Matt. One thing leads to another, and they fall in love, but not without many, many, hurdles along the way.
"Ben, you're like a circle that's good and whole and perfect. I'm not. I'm sick. I have a mental health condition and my circle is cracked and there are pieces of me that are fragmented, pieces that can't be fixed."
Ben
[image error]
"If you love me then what's the problem? Love is enough. Love has to be enough."
Georgia
"You're wrong you know. I love you. All of you. Even the pieces that you won't show me because all that stuff makes up your circle and I don't give a flying f*ck if it's broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you're ready, I hope you'll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together."
~The pieces inside me, the ones that sometimes moved fast and loose, were still. They were quiet. Peaceful. And for that I was grateful.~
"I want you in my life and I'll take whatever I can get. I love every inch of you, even the crazy parts."
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Want to read
March 12, 2013
I like the sound of this one!!
Georgia King is trying to survive after spiraling into a darkness that nearly took her life. In therapy with her college dreams on hold,she's trying to get healthy. Trying to still the craziness inside her. She has no room for someone like Ben Lancaster,and if he was smart he'd stay away. Because everyone knows Georgia is bad news--she ruins people--and if Ben isn't careful, he'll be next in line.
Ben Lancaster is a young, hot shot hockey player on his way to the top. Newly signed to the Philadelphia Flyers, he's living the dream. The girls. The money. The fame. He thought he had everything he wanted until he met Georgia. Suddenly he wants more--he wants her. He'll do whatever it takes to get her and Ben Lancaster always gets what he wants.
But the girl who's different from anyone he's ever known is hiding secrets. And as the dog days of summer pass, only time will tell if Georgia's secrets can be healed. Or if her bruised soul is strong enough to resist Ben Lancaster...
"Ben Lancaster had just tattooed himself onto my soul and the thing about tattoos? They’re painful to remove."--Georgia King
December 30, 2015
The Stillness of You is an emotionally charged, sexy, and beautiful contemporary romance. This story is heavy, a little dark, but also sweet and funny. Julie Bale does a remarkable job dealing with the delicate subject matter entwined within the story. The way she describes Georgia’s thought process, as a person who is bipolar, was vivid and intense. The author didn’t gloss over the ugliness that comes with having the disorder, which made this story feel more personal, realistic, and raw. Prepare yourself for a gripping story that will tug at your heart strings.
Georgia King has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For a long time, Georgia was slowly self-destructing. Spending her days partying, abusing alcohol and drugs, and having random sex with strangers - all so she could quiet the storm that was brewing inside her head. That is, until her mind finally cracked, and the darkness consumed her to the point she almost died. Nine months later, after being treated for her disorder, the darkness in her mind has receded with the help of medication and therapy. She lives with her protective and loving brother, Matt, one of the assistant coaches for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Hockey superstar, Ben Lancaster, has just been traded to play for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is also Matt and Georgia’s new houseguest until he finds a place of his own. The moment Georgia and Ben meet, they are instantly attracted to one another. Ben, who is gorgeous, young, and sweet, could have any puck bunny he wants, but he found himself drawn to Georgia. No other woman has ever pulled him in the way she does. Georgia knows she needs to keep Ben at a distance. She’s not in a good place in her life, so she tries to keep Ben at arm’s length. But the longing to be with each other becomes all-consuming and the undeniable attraction between them becomes impossible for them to resist. Even with the fierce connection they share, Georgia continues to hide her dark secret from Ben, which could potentially tear them apart if she doesn’t let him in.
I ruined things. I ruined people. I was my mother’s daughter through and through.
My heart went out to Georgia. She’s a damaged and broken woman screaming to be released from a mental disorder that binds her to medication. She wants to be able to feel again without all the crazy highs and lows. I completely understood why she had a tough time explaining her secret. It’s not exactly a dinner conversation topic. How to do you tell the man you’re falling for that you’re bipolar? This is a serious disorder that could make or break any relationship. She internally battled with herself to tell Ben the truth. For one thing, she was scared of losing him. And secondly, she was scared of dragging him down with her. I could feel the pain and sadness as she struggled with her insecurities, thinking she wasn’t good enough for Ben. She saw Ben as far too good for her and feared she would ruin him. What she didn’t realize is that Ben saw her as summer and beauty and everything he wants in a woman. Ben saw her for who she truly was. And, from the moment he met her, he knew he had to have her.
Ben is an amazing hero. No matter how many times Georgia tried to push him away, he would dig his heels in and make sure she knew just how important she was to him. He knew she was holding back from giving all of herself to him. And what did Ben do? He loved her unconditionally anyway. He gave her his heart, even though he knew she could possibly break it in two. His patience with Georgia was admirable. He gave her space and time he thought she needed to let her walls down. He took the crumbs of her past that she would slowly reveal and could only hope she would eventually open up to him. So, when Georgia finally divulges her secrets to him, it was an incredible scene. My heart swelled and my hands fluttered to my mouth and then I cried happy tears. His reaction was just perfect. I’m not sure that I can express just how much I swooned over Ben Lancaster. Ladies, you need to meet this man.
“You’re wrong you know. I love you. All of you, even the pieces that you won’t show because all that stuff makes up that circle and I don’t give a flying fuck if it’s broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you.”
It was effortless to love this couple and root for them the entire way. Ben and Georgia may have incredible sexual chemistry, oh yes, there is a lot of heat and steam in the bedroom, and it’s extremely sexy… But, they also have a connection between them that goes much deeper than their attraction. I can honestly say the author did a wonderful job developing this relationship. Even though there is an instant attraction in the beginning, the author took us on a journey that was so much more. This story is about love, but it’s also about trust, acceptance, and finding yourself.
This is one of those books that came out of nowhere and smacked me in the face with how wonderful it is. Some books just need to be read and this is one of them. Even though there are some things left unresolved, it’s not a cliffhanger. The ending leaves us on a happy note. But this story is not done being told. I’m most definitely planning to continue on with Ben and Georgia’s story in the second book, The Chaos In Me, which comes out sometime in the Spring or Summer of 2013.
Rating: B+
Heat: Hot
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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April 20, 2013
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I had a tough time rating this one. It wasn't quite what I expected, though not in a bad way. It was an emotional and dark story about a broken girl, who hits rock bottom and tries to make her way back up and pick up all the shatter pieces.
There was some very heavy subject matter in this book that I found the author dealt with in an incredibly realistic way. It allows the reader to look at mental illness through the eyes of a girl that is dealing with a dark and painful past, and an uncertain future.
Georgia King
While recovering from a trauma that is disclosed later in the story, Georgia is staying with her brother, who is the coach of a hockey team. She then meets the new star player, Ben Lancaster.
What begins then is a very beautiful story of 2 very different people finding piece and love with each other. It is not necessarily a story of insta-love, though it is insta-lust. I really enjoyed the way that Georgia and Ben came together. There was some major sexual tension that took place.
It was an interesting reversal of roles that I typically don't find in books. In this case, we have Georgia being the one with the promiscuous and drug hazed past. Ben is very down to earth, and even though he was not this crazily possessive Alpha male that I have been reading lately, he had his very swoon worthy moments.
While I've read a few books in the past that dealt with mental illness, this book was still something else. The author painted the story of a woman dealing with something very painful and dark, but didn't merely scratch the surface. She did it in a very honest and realistic way without sugar coating. Georgia's past is not pretty, and the reader truly gets to experience it.
This was written in both Georgia's and Ben's POV, allowing the reader to get a better understanding of the characters.
There were a few things that were left unresolved, but I am assuming they will be taken care of in the next book.
There is no crazy cliffhanger (thank god! I don't think I can handle another one of those books without reading the 2nd right after), though the reader is left with many questions.
I can't say that I loved this book, there was still something that felt a little off for me throughout. I had a little trouble connecting to Georgia's character, since she was VERY different from what I typically read. I was going to rate this 3.5 stars, but given that I finished this hours ago, and I'm still thinking about, I can't give it anything less than 4.5.
If you enjoy NA Romance, you would want to give this a try. Yes it had a few kinks and a few characters and events that I found myself irritated with, but I found them to be very fitting to the plot and the overall bigger picture.
I had a tough time rating this one. It wasn't quite what I expected, though not in a bad way. It was an emotional and dark story about a broken girl, who hits rock bottom and tries to make her way back up and pick up all the shatter pieces.
There was some very heavy subject matter in this book that I found the author dealt with in an incredibly realistic way. It allows the reader to look at mental illness through the eyes of a girl that is dealing with a dark and painful past, and an uncertain future.
Georgia King
I was the girl no one should bring home to their parents. The hot mess every guy's mom warned them about
While recovering from a trauma that is disclosed later in the story, Georgia is staying with her brother, who is the coach of a hockey team. She then meets the new star player, Ben Lancaster.
What begins then is a very beautiful story of 2 very different people finding piece and love with each other. It is not necessarily a story of insta-love, though it is insta-lust. I really enjoyed the way that Georgia and Ben came together. There was some major sexual tension that took place.
"Do you feel this?" he whispered hoarsely. "You have to feel this. It can't just be me. There's no fucking way it can just be me."
I felt all of it. Every. Single. Bit of it.
It was an interesting reversal of roles that I typically don't find in books. In this case, we have Georgia being the one with the promiscuous and drug hazed past. Ben is very down to earth, and even though he was not this crazily possessive Alpha male that I have been reading lately, he had his very swoon worthy moments.
"There's no turning back now, Peaches. I can't promise that I'll fuck you nice and slow even though you deserve it, because babe, I'm already there. But I can promise that it will be hot. And you'll be screaming my name before it's done"
While I've read a few books in the past that dealt with mental illness, this book was still something else. The author painted the story of a woman dealing with something very painful and dark, but didn't merely scratch the surface. She did it in a very honest and realistic way without sugar coating. Georgia's past is not pretty, and the reader truly gets to experience it.
This was written in both Georgia's and Ben's POV, allowing the reader to get a better understanding of the characters.
There were a few things that were left unresolved, but I am assuming they will be taken care of in the next book.
There is no crazy cliffhanger (thank god! I don't think I can handle another one of those books without reading the 2nd right after), though the reader is left with many questions.
I can't say that I loved this book, there was still something that felt a little off for me throughout. I had a little trouble connecting to Georgia's character, since she was VERY different from what I typically read. I was going to rate this 3.5 stars, but given that I finished this hours ago, and I'm still thinking about, I can't give it anything less than 4.5.
If you enjoy NA Romance, you would want to give this a try. Yes it had a few kinks and a few characters and events that I found myself irritated with, but I found them to be very fitting to the plot and the overall bigger picture.
April 28, 2013
I received a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
**3.5 stars**
The good stuff :
- Dual POVs. My favourite.
- Ben Lancaster. I adored this guy! I enjoyed being in his head, especially when he'd go all 'girly'. He was a celebrity in the hockey world, but he wasn't a party animal. He was self-assured, caring, understanding and of course, outrageously good-looking. He didn't run when things got tough.
- The heat. This book delivered on the steam factor. I wasn't expecting it to be so hot and so I was pleasantly surprised.
-The portrayal of Georgia's struggle with her mental illness. I thought this was done really well. Georgia was at a 'good' place but her past still haunted her and she was terrified she would crack in the future. She hated being 'damaged' and she wanted to protect her love from herself. I could feel her struggle. When I got the significance of the title, I realized how perfectly fitting it was.
- Georgia's decision at the end. Bravo! Her strength and determination alone deserved an extra half-star.
The not-so-great stuff:
- The first chapter (and a few other scenes). I didn't like the constant switch in topics and all kinds of flashbacks after every other sentence, it ruined the flow. I wasn't sure if this was intentional, i.e., that Georgia's mind was flying all over the place, but then Ben did it a few times too.
-I have no problem with insta-connection stories. But I found it unbelievable how Ben kept thinking she was 'different' from other girls when he didn't know ANYTHING about her. He fell in love without asking any questions. Big secrets are one thing, but surely you ask someone you're involved with about their parents or their plans? I wanted to hug Eden for trying to smack some sense into Ben, even though she was ignored.
- While the writing wasn't bad, it could've been edited better. The author, like me, tends to overuse commas but once in a while didn't use them where they were really needed. Some of the sentence structures were also confusing. I'm a much harsher critique of writing than most, so it probably wouldn't bother others as much.
Favorite quotes:
“Do you feel this?” he whispered hoarsely. “You have to feel this. It can’t just be me. There’s no fucking way it can just be me.”
" It would be tragic for me to ruin someone like Ben Lancaster, and that’s pretty much what I did. I ruined things. I ruined people."
“You’re wrong you know. I love you. All of you. Even the pieces that you won’t show me because all of that stuff makes up your circle and I don’t give a flying fuck if it’s broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you’re ready, I hope you’ll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together.”
" Focus. Be true to yourself. You deserve love. But you deserve to love yourself more."
Overall, a good read. I will be awaiting the next installment to see where these two go from here.
**3.5 stars**
The good stuff :
- Dual POVs. My favourite.
- Ben Lancaster. I adored this guy! I enjoyed being in his head, especially when he'd go all 'girly'. He was a celebrity in the hockey world, but he wasn't a party animal. He was self-assured, caring, understanding and of course, outrageously good-looking. He didn't run when things got tough.
- The heat. This book delivered on the steam factor. I wasn't expecting it to be so hot and so I was pleasantly surprised.
-The portrayal of Georgia's struggle with her mental illness. I thought this was done really well. Georgia was at a 'good' place but her past still haunted her and she was terrified she would crack in the future. She hated being 'damaged' and she wanted to protect her love from herself. I could feel her struggle. When I got the significance of the title, I realized how perfectly fitting it was.
- Georgia's decision at the end. Bravo! Her strength and determination alone deserved an extra half-star.
The not-so-great stuff:
- The first chapter (and a few other scenes). I didn't like the constant switch in topics and all kinds of flashbacks after every other sentence, it ruined the flow. I wasn't sure if this was intentional, i.e., that Georgia's mind was flying all over the place, but then Ben did it a few times too.
-I have no problem with insta-connection stories. But I found it unbelievable how Ben kept thinking she was 'different' from other girls when he didn't know ANYTHING about her. He fell in love without asking any questions. Big secrets are one thing, but surely you ask someone you're involved with about their parents or their plans? I wanted to hug Eden for trying to smack some sense into Ben, even though she was ignored.
- While the writing wasn't bad, it could've been edited better. The author, like me, tends to overuse commas but once in a while didn't use them where they were really needed. Some of the sentence structures were also confusing. I'm a much harsher critique of writing than most, so it probably wouldn't bother others as much.
Favorite quotes:
“Do you feel this?” he whispered hoarsely. “You have to feel this. It can’t just be me. There’s no fucking way it can just be me.”
" It would be tragic for me to ruin someone like Ben Lancaster, and that’s pretty much what I did. I ruined things. I ruined people."
“You’re wrong you know. I love you. All of you. Even the pieces that you won’t show me because all of that stuff makes up your circle and I don’t give a flying fuck if it’s broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you’re ready, I hope you’ll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together.”
" Focus. Be true to yourself. You deserve love. But you deserve to love yourself more."
Overall, a good read. I will be awaiting the next installment to see where these two go from here.
August 13, 2016
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
click to get More Beautiful Comments & Graphics
Georgia King used to be a party girl; drugs, alcohol and sex all helped her to escape her dark life and the craziness she felt inside. It made her feel good for small moments in time but then she hit rock bottom in the worse way possible and had to face the reality of her life………
“Ben Lancaster was like the yummiest piece of chocolate ever.”
Ben is the new signing for the Flyers hockey team, young, rich, gorgeous and when he sees Georgia he is instantly attracted but she has secrets she doesn’t want to share and in her words........
For me this story captures the essence of how you feel when you meet your true love, those special feelings you get when you see them, they are hard to explain, you feel them in the depths of your soul, in the pit of your stomach, and those feelings are all captured, for me, wonderfully in this story.
I also felt Georgia’s torment, her desire, her love, her sadness...she was so very tired of the cards that life had dealt her and I felt that too.
but..........
“......when her soft mouth slid across mine, I f*cking saw stars.”
I loved her dry sense of humour........
“I came with my friend Kendall, who happens to own a vagina, so you don’t have to worry.”
“His wicked grin was enough to blow the pants off a goddamn Nun.”
It was a very sweet, enjoyable read with a lovely amount of hotness and two beautiful characters, Ben and Georgia. Their story is not over and I can’t wait to read more.....
DAMAGED
click to get More Beautiful Comments & Graphics
Georgia King used to be a party girl; drugs, alcohol and sex all helped her to escape her dark life and the craziness she felt inside. It made her feel good for small moments in time but then she hit rock bottom in the worse way possible and had to face the reality of her life………
“Ben Lancaster was like the yummiest piece of chocolate ever.”
Ben is the new signing for the Flyers hockey team, young, rich, gorgeous and when he sees Georgia he is instantly attracted but she has secrets she doesn’t want to share and in her words........
“I was the girl no one should bring home to their parents.....I was about as far away from angelic as you could get.....”
For me this story captures the essence of how you feel when you meet your true love, those special feelings you get when you see them, they are hard to explain, you feel them in the depths of your soul, in the pit of your stomach, and those feelings are all captured, for me, wonderfully in this story.
“I had a feeling that Ben Lancaster has just tattooed himself onto my soul and the thing about tattoos? They’re painful to remove.”
I also felt Georgia’s torment, her desire, her love, her sadness...she was so very tired of the cards that life had dealt her and I felt that too.
“I cried until there was nothing left in me........I sat there until dusk fell and the stars came out………….I sat there until I was empty and then I went home.”
"Once the hockey season started he'd be riding that damn shooting star again and there wasn't room for me on it."
but..........
“......when her soft mouth slid across mine, I f*cking saw stars.”
I loved her dry sense of humour........
“I came with my friend Kendall, who happens to own a vagina, so you don’t have to worry.”
“His wicked grin was enough to blow the pants off a goddamn Nun.”
It was a very sweet, enjoyable read with a lovely amount of hotness and two beautiful characters, Ben and Georgia. Their story is not over and I can’t wait to read more.....
“Ben you’re like a circle that’s good and whole and perfect. I’m not........my circle is cracked and there are pieces of me that are fragmented, pieces that can’t be fixed....”
*BR with the lovely Barb!
December 12, 2013
I was looking for that romantic, hot, sexy read... so when my little champion yelled at me to read this - of course I did.
I love 'em ESR (easy sexy romantic).
His smile widened and dimples appeared. Adorable dimples. Hot effing dimples.
She looked like winter but smelled like rain. Okay, I knew I needed to stop with that poet fucking shit, but I couldn't help it.
Writing was great. Characters - swoon. I hope the next book is about Matt! I read this book in 2.5 hours. couldn't. move. needed. to. finish.
I love 'em ESR (easy sexy romantic).
His smile widened and dimples appeared. Adorable dimples. Hot effing dimples.
She looked like winter but smelled like rain. Okay, I knew I needed to stop with that poet fucking shit, but I couldn't help it.
Writing was great. Characters - swoon. I hope the next book is about Matt! I read this book in 2.5 hours. couldn't. move. needed. to. finish.
February 13, 2017
The Stillness of You is a fantastic contemporary romance that helps to challenge your perceptions of mental illness and the stigma surrounding it. I don't think I've ever read a story where the main character is bipolar before and that's one of the things I liked most about this book. I have a relative who is bipolar and Georgia reminded me of her in so many ways, it actually gave me a deeper understanding of how my cousin must feel at times and I think it's a great way to raise awareness of the problems people with bipolar face. Mental health problems tend to be something that we shy away from talking about so I think anything that gets people thinking / talking about them is a good thing.
Georgia was on a very destructive path, she drank too much, took drugs and slept around just to try and cope with the way she was feeling but nothing helped and she ended up attempting suicide. After spending six months in hospital where she was diagnosed as bipolar she is now living with her brother Matt and trying to put her life back together. She feels like she is balancing on a knife edge and knows it won't take much to push her over the edge and back into the darkness. With the help of Matt and her councillor she is slowly learning how to control her condition but the last thing she is looking for is love. I have to say that I loved Georgia, she may be flawed but she was an incredibly real character and one it is impossible not to connect with and feel for. My heart broke learning more about her past and she is so deserving of a happy ending that I couldn't wait to see her get one.
Ben is a hockey player newly signed to play with the team Matt coaches. Matt had offered him a place to stay to help him relocate but he hadn't realised he would have Georgia staying with him when he made the offer. The attraction between Ben and Georgia is instant, Ben wants to get to know this beautiful girl who draws him like no other but Georgia knows just how dangerous that would be. She is worried that if she has another episode she'll end up hurting Ben so she tries to keep him at arms length. Ben doesn't know why Georgia keeps her distance emotionally and is determined to get under her skin. He is patient, kind and loving and the more she gets to know him the harder Georgia finds him to resist. She is terrified though, what could a rising star like Ben possibly see in someone as messed up as she is? If she trusts him with her deepest, darkest secrets and he walks away she knows she would be devastated. Ben is the perfect swoon worthy guy, he has a great body but he is also such a nice person, someone who may be rich and famous but who has his feet firmly on the ground and isn't interested in the women who throw themselves at him.
The story is told from both Georgia and Ben's point of view which allows us to really get to know each character. We see how scared Georgia is of losing him and we see how much it hurts Ben that she keeps pushing him away. There were times I was practically screaming at Georgia to be honest with him but at the same time I could understand why she was so reluctant, she wants so badly to put the past behind her and she is terrified that she might end up having another breakdown. The chemistry between them is insanely hot but it takes time to develop into love which made their romance is utterly compelling to read about. I'm going to say now that while the ending wasn't what I was expecting it was absolutely perfect, it gives such a fantastic message to people and I really wish I could quote some of the things Georgia says without giving spoilers because they are the kind of words that everyone needs to hear. I'm so happy that a sequel, The Chaos in Me, is due to be released sometime this year. That book is going to jump straight to the top of my to read pile when it is released because I want to see Georgia take control of her condition and I want to see her and Ben have a happy ending together.
The Stillness in You is a sweet, super sexy romance between a damaged girl and the guy who just wants to love her. It's a story that will make you think, one that will challenge you, that will suck you in from the very beginning and one that I'd highly recommend reading.
Georgia was on a very destructive path, she drank too much, took drugs and slept around just to try and cope with the way she was feeling but nothing helped and she ended up attempting suicide. After spending six months in hospital where she was diagnosed as bipolar she is now living with her brother Matt and trying to put her life back together. She feels like she is balancing on a knife edge and knows it won't take much to push her over the edge and back into the darkness. With the help of Matt and her councillor she is slowly learning how to control her condition but the last thing she is looking for is love. I have to say that I loved Georgia, she may be flawed but she was an incredibly real character and one it is impossible not to connect with and feel for. My heart broke learning more about her past and she is so deserving of a happy ending that I couldn't wait to see her get one.
Ben is a hockey player newly signed to play with the team Matt coaches. Matt had offered him a place to stay to help him relocate but he hadn't realised he would have Georgia staying with him when he made the offer. The attraction between Ben and Georgia is instant, Ben wants to get to know this beautiful girl who draws him like no other but Georgia knows just how dangerous that would be. She is worried that if she has another episode she'll end up hurting Ben so she tries to keep him at arms length. Ben doesn't know why Georgia keeps her distance emotionally and is determined to get under her skin. He is patient, kind and loving and the more she gets to know him the harder Georgia finds him to resist. She is terrified though, what could a rising star like Ben possibly see in someone as messed up as she is? If she trusts him with her deepest, darkest secrets and he walks away she knows she would be devastated. Ben is the perfect swoon worthy guy, he has a great body but he is also such a nice person, someone who may be rich and famous but who has his feet firmly on the ground and isn't interested in the women who throw themselves at him.
The story is told from both Georgia and Ben's point of view which allows us to really get to know each character. We see how scared Georgia is of losing him and we see how much it hurts Ben that she keeps pushing him away. There were times I was practically screaming at Georgia to be honest with him but at the same time I could understand why she was so reluctant, she wants so badly to put the past behind her and she is terrified that she might end up having another breakdown. The chemistry between them is insanely hot but it takes time to develop into love which made their romance is utterly compelling to read about. I'm going to say now that while the ending wasn't what I was expecting it was absolutely perfect, it gives such a fantastic message to people and I really wish I could quote some of the things Georgia says without giving spoilers because they are the kind of words that everyone needs to hear. I'm so happy that a sequel, The Chaos in Me, is due to be released sometime this year. That book is going to jump straight to the top of my to read pile when it is released because I want to see Georgia take control of her condition and I want to see her and Ben have a happy ending together.
The Stillness in You is a sweet, super sexy romance between a damaged girl and the guy who just wants to love her. It's a story that will make you think, one that will challenge you, that will suck you in from the very beginning and one that I'd highly recommend reading.
April 29, 2013
3.9999 stars of heart-melting hotness
I took a slight break from my usual YA DYSTOPIA reading binge to read this book that my friend Anna, recommended. If I had to describe this book in one word, it'd be: HOT. *Thank you, Anna!!! I SO needed that!*
The story was somewhat unique, as the heroine Georgia, wasn't depicted as your typical virginal, push-over. She's actually quite "damaged" - former bad girl, druggie, previously suicidal, and (wait for it) bi-polar. But then she meets famous hockey player and things just get hot & heavy from there.
However, I would've liked more context about her bi-polar disorder, and her past + past relationships. That was just my one & only gripe, because otherwise, I loved it!
I'm glad this is a series, because there were a lot of unanswered questions, and the ending was definitely NOT satisfying! Hopefully Georgia's bad boy EX comes back in the picture & stirs up some drama in the second book? Or she meets someone as equally deranged or broken as her in the sequel, to create some sort of tension between her & Ben.
Whatever happens though, I will definitely be reading the sequel. The story was exciting, steamy, entertaining, and Ben was the perfect, swoon-worthy, hot & manly hero. I liked that he wasn't the "bad boy" or the "man-whore." It was kind of like, the author switched up the gender roles a bit in this book, and that was fun to read.
If you're looking for a fun, messy yet ultimately endearing story of an unlikely couple, with a LOT of steamy scenes, this is the book for you.
I took a slight break from my usual YA DYSTOPIA reading binge to read this book that my friend Anna, recommended. If I had to describe this book in one word, it'd be: HOT. *Thank you, Anna!!! I SO needed that!*
The story was somewhat unique, as the heroine Georgia, wasn't depicted as your typical virginal, push-over. She's actually quite "damaged" - former bad girl, druggie, previously suicidal, and (wait for it) bi-polar. But then she meets famous hockey player and things just get hot & heavy from there.
However, I would've liked more context about her bi-polar disorder, and her past + past relationships. That was just my one & only gripe, because otherwise, I loved it!
I'm glad this is a series, because there were a lot of unanswered questions, and the ending was definitely NOT satisfying! Hopefully Georgia's bad boy EX comes back in the picture & stirs up some drama in the second book? Or she meets someone as equally deranged or broken as her in the sequel, to create some sort of tension between her & Ben.
Whatever happens though, I will definitely be reading the sequel. The story was exciting, steamy, entertaining, and Ben was the perfect, swoon-worthy, hot & manly hero. I liked that he wasn't the "bad boy" or the "man-whore." It was kind of like, the author switched up the gender roles a bit in this book, and that was fun to read.
If you're looking for a fun, messy yet ultimately endearing story of an unlikely couple, with a LOT of steamy scenes, this is the book for you.
March 17, 2013
This was a book that was dark, gritty and unlike anything I've read by Julie Bale's alter ego, Juliana Stone. It's falls into the bucket of New Adult books that have come out recently with tortured, somewhat broken characters, but it was one that I most definitely enjoyed.
Georgia King is a young woman at a crossroads. Does she let the issues of her past pull her under or does she believe in herself and work towards being the person she wants to be? It's a tough question for Georgia to face when it's just herself and her brother that she's dealing with. But when you add in NHL hot shot, Ben Lancaster, it almost spells a recipe for disaster. Good thing for Georgia, Ben sees who she is, deep down, and will be whoever and whatever Georgia needs to be who she wants to be.
The subject matter is dark. Georgia has some pretty HUGE issues and she has difficulty dealing with her feelings about herself and what she feels for Ben. She doesn't always handle situations in the best way or makes decisions that will make a reader a bit angry, but you feel for her. There were many times were I have anxiously reading the pages because I was worried about just what Georgia was going to do.
I loved this story and I can't wait to see what else Julie Bale has for us with this New Adult series. I feel like the story of Georgia and Ben isn't finished and need that definitive HEA for this young couple.
Georgia King is a young woman at a crossroads. Does she let the issues of her past pull her under or does she believe in herself and work towards being the person she wants to be? It's a tough question for Georgia to face when it's just herself and her brother that she's dealing with. But when you add in NHL hot shot, Ben Lancaster, it almost spells a recipe for disaster. Good thing for Georgia, Ben sees who she is, deep down, and will be whoever and whatever Georgia needs to be who she wants to be.
The subject matter is dark. Georgia has some pretty HUGE issues and she has difficulty dealing with her feelings about herself and what she feels for Ben. She doesn't always handle situations in the best way or makes decisions that will make a reader a bit angry, but you feel for her. There were many times were I have anxiously reading the pages because I was worried about just what Georgia was going to do.
I loved this story and I can't wait to see what else Julie Bale has for us with this New Adult series. I feel like the story of Georgia and Ben isn't finished and need that definitive HEA for this young couple.
April 7, 2013
4.5 Stars
Dark, gritty, emotional and sexy - I can't wait for more!
You can see Crystal L's full review of this title at Reading Between the Wines
"This book should come with a warning label. Something that says, "Beware to reader: Consumption of this book may cause your heart to skip a beat, before it subsequently stops in your chest anyways, then promptly shatters into a million pieces, for which you will need industrial strength duct tape to try and put it back together. Use of an emotional defibrillator may be needed"." - Crystal L
Dark, gritty, emotional and sexy - I can't wait for more!
You can see Crystal L's full review of this title at Reading Between the Wines
"This book should come with a warning label. Something that says, "Beware to reader: Consumption of this book may cause your heart to skip a beat, before it subsequently stops in your chest anyways, then promptly shatters into a million pieces, for which you will need industrial strength duct tape to try and put it back together. Use of an emotional defibrillator may be needed"." - Crystal L
December 14, 2013
Loved it! Ben is absolutely swoon worthy and Georgia is so beautifully broken. They're the perfect match!
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March 17, 2013
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-the-st...
Georgia King is a young woman trying to put herself back together again after the downward spiral of mental illness and a crazy, out of control youth. Newly discharged from a mental hospital she’s living with her brother and trying to figure out how to get on with a normal life when she meets Ben Lancaster. Ben is the young, talented hockey player recently signed to the Philadelphia Flyers who has everything going for him. He’s new to town and has accepted an offer to stay at this coach’s loft while looking for a place of his own. When he gets to the loft it’s Georgia he runs into, not her brother and he’s instantly attracted. But Georgia isn’t who he thinks she is, and it will take everything he has to build a relationship with her.
When I started this romance I thought I was going into just another story of a young couple falling in love, but I soon realized there was more to this story than my first impressions. There is love, romance and quite a few sexy scenes, but it’s more about Georgia’s struggle to accept herself and come to terms with the demons from her past, some she inherited and some she created for herself. I felt for Georgia. I connected to her struggles. There is a little bit of her in every woman who has ever done crazy, messed up things in their youth and has to rationalize those things with the adult they are now. Georgia’s deceased mother plays quite a big role in her life and how she views herself. Her mother’s battle with depression and being bi-polar concluded in her driving her and Georgia’s father off a bridge. It seemed to me that this is how Georgia viewed herself, the troubled girl who is a danger to anyone who loves her. In her teenage years she lived a pretty messed up life, sleeping around, getting involved in drugs and alcohol, she can’t seem to get past these things to become someone new. Until Ben walks into her life and he gives her a reason to try.
I loved Ben. I loved him for Georgia. Ben was willing to be whoever he needed to be for her. All the conflict in Ben and Georgia’s love story stemmed from Georgia’s secrets. Ben enters this relationship having no idea what kind of issues Georgia has, and stumbles through only learning bits and pieces as times goes by. They have a deep connection and quite a bit of mutual lust for each other, Georgia just can’t seem to let Ben in on her past. He’s the all-American boy who has the perfect family and is successful at life. She’s afraid he’ll dislike her if he really knows who she is… mainly because SHE has so much self doubt and loathing. How can she trust Ben if she doesn’t even trust herself? The alternating POVs helped me understand how Ben sees Georgia vs. how she sees herself. I really wanted this couple to succeed and loved watching them come to a place of understanding.
The ending might not be for everyone, in fact it might create some frustration, but it made sense to me. It seemed like the perfect set up for a realistic continuation of their story in the next book. Final grade: B+
Favorite Quote:
Secrets are heavy.
They’re heavy and they’re hard and sharp and they suck.
They press into your chest and make it hard to breathe. They make it hard to sleep or relax or just be…
But most of all secrets make me sad. And sad made me scared.
Georgia King is a young woman trying to put herself back together again after the downward spiral of mental illness and a crazy, out of control youth. Newly discharged from a mental hospital she’s living with her brother and trying to figure out how to get on with a normal life when she meets Ben Lancaster. Ben is the young, talented hockey player recently signed to the Philadelphia Flyers who has everything going for him. He’s new to town and has accepted an offer to stay at this coach’s loft while looking for a place of his own. When he gets to the loft it’s Georgia he runs into, not her brother and he’s instantly attracted. But Georgia isn’t who he thinks she is, and it will take everything he has to build a relationship with her.
When I started this romance I thought I was going into just another story of a young couple falling in love, but I soon realized there was more to this story than my first impressions. There is love, romance and quite a few sexy scenes, but it’s more about Georgia’s struggle to accept herself and come to terms with the demons from her past, some she inherited and some she created for herself. I felt for Georgia. I connected to her struggles. There is a little bit of her in every woman who has ever done crazy, messed up things in their youth and has to rationalize those things with the adult they are now. Georgia’s deceased mother plays quite a big role in her life and how she views herself. Her mother’s battle with depression and being bi-polar concluded in her driving her and Georgia’s father off a bridge. It seemed to me that this is how Georgia viewed herself, the troubled girl who is a danger to anyone who loves her. In her teenage years she lived a pretty messed up life, sleeping around, getting involved in drugs and alcohol, she can’t seem to get past these things to become someone new. Until Ben walks into her life and he gives her a reason to try.
I loved Ben. I loved him for Georgia. Ben was willing to be whoever he needed to be for her. All the conflict in Ben and Georgia’s love story stemmed from Georgia’s secrets. Ben enters this relationship having no idea what kind of issues Georgia has, and stumbles through only learning bits and pieces as times goes by. They have a deep connection and quite a bit of mutual lust for each other, Georgia just can’t seem to let Ben in on her past. He’s the all-American boy who has the perfect family and is successful at life. She’s afraid he’ll dislike her if he really knows who she is… mainly because SHE has so much self doubt and loathing. How can she trust Ben if she doesn’t even trust herself? The alternating POVs helped me understand how Ben sees Georgia vs. how she sees herself. I really wanted this couple to succeed and loved watching them come to a place of understanding.
The ending might not be for everyone, in fact it might create some frustration, but it made sense to me. It seemed like the perfect set up for a realistic continuation of their story in the next book. Final grade: B+
Favorite Quote:
“You’re wrong you know. I love you. All of you, even the pieces that you won’t show because all of that stuff makes up that circle and I don’t give a flying fuck if it’s broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you’re ready I hope you’ll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together.”
April 17, 2013
Arc provided by author for honest review
Oh my freaking god!!! 5 big humongous earth shattering stars!
I need to start this review by saying that only yesterday had I finished REAL, and had set myself up for the biggest book hangover I'd ever experienced, nothing was going to get me out of my REAL slump until...the stillness of you arrived in my mail this morning and from page one I knew I'd found it, I knew I'd found the book that would make me get over the last one, I'd found my hangover cure!
From start to finish this book had me reading faster than my eyes could read, turning my kindle pages faster than my kindle wanted me to, it had me hook line and sinker! Georgia is never going to make you think poor little rich girl, she is the rich girl who doesn't know where the bottom of her world ends, and never imagines she'll find her light again, until iBen literally quietly intrudes into her life. She is supposed to be off limits, limits set by not only her brother, but by herself, limits she has set until she 'fixes' herself. Ben is the hot ripped hockey player that is set to ride that shooting star of fame, can have whatever and whoever he wants, and who isnt quite prepared for whats going to happen just by walking through the door of his temporary accommodation. I'm not going to spoil this book for you, because believe me you need to read it for yourself, all I will say is, prepare yourself for the ride of your life (pun not intended, well maybe only a little). This book will lift you up and then drop you back down again, make you happy, make you sad, and the sex bits, oh dear god! I was experiencing their sexual tension for the love of god!
I NEED a release date for THE CHAOS IN ME and I need it now - and will happily and willingly review - hint hint!
What you still doing reading this? Go an get reading this book, now, right now!
Oh my freaking god!!! 5 big humongous earth shattering stars!
I need to start this review by saying that only yesterday had I finished REAL, and had set myself up for the biggest book hangover I'd ever experienced, nothing was going to get me out of my REAL slump until...the stillness of you arrived in my mail this morning and from page one I knew I'd found it, I knew I'd found the book that would make me get over the last one, I'd found my hangover cure!
From start to finish this book had me reading faster than my eyes could read, turning my kindle pages faster than my kindle wanted me to, it had me hook line and sinker! Georgia is never going to make you think poor little rich girl, she is the rich girl who doesn't know where the bottom of her world ends, and never imagines she'll find her light again, until iBen literally quietly intrudes into her life. She is supposed to be off limits, limits set by not only her brother, but by herself, limits she has set until she 'fixes' herself. Ben is the hot ripped hockey player that is set to ride that shooting star of fame, can have whatever and whoever he wants, and who isnt quite prepared for whats going to happen just by walking through the door of his temporary accommodation. I'm not going to spoil this book for you, because believe me you need to read it for yourself, all I will say is, prepare yourself for the ride of your life (pun not intended, well maybe only a little). This book will lift you up and then drop you back down again, make you happy, make you sad, and the sex bits, oh dear god! I was experiencing their sexual tension for the love of god!
I NEED a release date for THE CHAOS IN ME and I need it now - and will happily and willingly review - hint hint!
What you still doing reading this? Go an get reading this book, now, right now!
April 14, 2013
Meh. Not really impressed with this one. I read it because it was recommended for people who enjoyed "Real" by Katy Evans, which I just finished in one sitting. I can see why it was recommended. Georgia is bipolar, first person narrative, sports romance, etc. But compared to "Real", this kinda sucked. Maybe I would have liked it more had I not just been blown away by the last book, but I was still horribly frustrated with Georgia's thinking. I understand bipolar disorder and I felt like Julie Bale didn't. Maybe she does. Maybe she has more experience with it than I do. But it didn't feel authentic in this story. Georgia's thinking made me wonder why anyone let her out of the mental institution so soon. She admitted that she needed her medications, but refused to take them. She acknowledged risky behavior, something that could get her in serious trouble, and then did it anyway. And the author crapped out on making her suffer the consequences of those actions. She basically sent Georgia into a situation that would test her strength and then never tested her. Like Georgia is so strong she can handle hanging out with enablers in a tempting situation but the next moment we're seeing her break down because she's not strong enough to admit to being bipolar. It doesn't make sense. It honestly felt like she suffered from schizophrenia. She didn't have highs and lows, her thinking just didn't make sense.
So, while it was impossible for me not to compare this to "Real" and find it wanting, I'm sure plenty of folks will find it quite enjoyable. I'm a little too picky and annoyed to say I liked it, though.
So, while it was impossible for me not to compare this to "Real" and find it wanting, I'm sure plenty of folks will find it quite enjoyable. I'm a little too picky and annoyed to say I liked it, though.
May 8, 2013
Ahhhh damn! This book is to be continued. I'm not sure how I feel about it because I really liked Ben and Georgia so I was really looking for a HEA or some kind of ending. Georgia is a complicated girl with a mental illness to boot, she's bi polar. She's had a rough life, parents are deceased, mom was a nut job. Georgia has not managed her illness, so on the highs she's partying, drugs, booze, and men..lots of men. Sometimes strangers. She almost died. She goes to live with her older brother Matt who is an asst coach for the Philadelphia Flyers, hockey team. He's all she has, and he wants nothing more than for his sister to be well and live a healthy life.
Enter the new hot shot player signed by the Flyers... Ben Lancaster. Theres an instant attraction on both sides. But Georgia knows she has issues. She does her best to hide them from Ben. But when these two are together its very HOT! But Georgia doesnt want to involve Ben in her crazy head, so she tries to pull away. Ben is hooked, crazy or not, he wants her. Theres highs and lows, and you really want Georgia to get her "normal". She's been thru hell. As she gets into her therapy,she realizes she has to live for her, learn to trust herself, to know for sure she wont hurt herself nor Ben. So she makes the decision that is best for her, but not so much for Ben.....
Enter the new hot shot player signed by the Flyers... Ben Lancaster. Theres an instant attraction on both sides. But Georgia knows she has issues. She does her best to hide them from Ben. But when these two are together its very HOT! But Georgia doesnt want to involve Ben in her crazy head, so she tries to pull away. Ben is hooked, crazy or not, he wants her. Theres highs and lows, and you really want Georgia to get her "normal". She's been thru hell. As she gets into her therapy,she realizes she has to live for her, learn to trust herself, to know for sure she wont hurt herself nor Ben. So she makes the decision that is best for her, but not so much for Ben.....
June 14, 2013
4 damaged and heartbreaking stars
I quite liked this book, a beautiful story that felt very real, and i love to read this kind of book with a story line so close to reality nd do intense.
I really got so engrosed and sucked into this book that i didn't wanted to end. I felt the raw and painful feelings Georgia was going thru and i absolutely love and adore Ben.
He is so awesome with Georgia and sticks with her even after he finds out about her past and how damaged she is. The love scenes were so Hot, sexy, sweet and intense.
Almost the perfect book.
My only issue with this book was how much Georgia was living in her head, and not having the courage to speak openly with Ben about her sickness and her past but overall a good read with a beautiful story and i look forward to read the next instalment from this series.
I quite liked this book, a beautiful story that felt very real, and i love to read this kind of book with a story line so close to reality nd do intense.
I really got so engrosed and sucked into this book that i didn't wanted to end. I felt the raw and painful feelings Georgia was going thru and i absolutely love and adore Ben.
He is so awesome with Georgia and sticks with her even after he finds out about her past and how damaged she is. The love scenes were so Hot, sexy, sweet and intense.
Almost the perfect book.
My only issue with this book was how much Georgia was living in her head, and not having the courage to speak openly with Ben about her sickness and her past but overall a good read with a beautiful story and i look forward to read the next instalment from this series.
March 15, 2013
This book was great. There are alternating POV's and a wonderful H and h. I loved the intro between the two of them and I felt their instant attraction and connection to one another. I thought the author handled their issues in a realistic way and I understood their motivations, fears and frustrations perfectly. I really loved their frantic, all consuming passion. This is a continuing story. So the book ends with them together and in love but with much to work through. I will definitely continue and I like that there was no cliffhanger. One thing that did annoy me was that there was a lot of repetition in their internal dialogue. I know that as people we do that put I didn't need so much in the book. I really enjoyed this book a lot.
considering
March 13, 2013Waiting for more reviews before I dive in... or I might just dive in without the reviews... I'm getting curious.
April 28, 2013
You can also find this review at Brittany and Bianca Blab Books: http://brittanyblabsbooks.blogspot.com/
I would like to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story revolved around a broken girl, Georgia King and a sex on legs, hockey player, Ben Lancaster. Sounds like your typical story? I guarantee you that is NOT the case!
Georgia has been through a lot as a twenty year old. She has battled internal demons and is struggling to win that battle, daily. She has vowed to take control over her life and concentrate on herself, that is, until Ben Lancaster blows into her life on a Wednesday afternoon.
As a little sister of an assistant hockey coach, Georgia knows all about these hockey players. However, she soon realizes that Ben is not your average hockey player. Georgia’s brother, Matt, is fully aware of Georgia’s past and tries his best to make sure that his little sister does not fall to the same fate she has in the past. He knows Georgia has the capability to ruin guys and he cannot afford for that to happen to his star player, Ben.
"It would be tragic for me to ruin someone like Ben Lancaster, and that’s pretty much what I did. I ruined things. I ruined people."
Georgia and Ben try their best to stay away from each other. However, there is an attraction that neither one of them can deny. Usually I am not for insta-love or insta-attraction. However, the author was successful in making it believable. You felt the electricity between Ben and Georgia throughout the entire book.
“Do you feel this?” he whispered hoarsely. “You have to feel this. It can’t just be me. There’s no f-ing way it can just be me”
Holy crap. Yeah I felt that, Ben. I loved that the book alternated between the POV of both Georgia and Ben. Being inside Ben’s head made me enjoy him even more. He has these ways with words that made me swoon. A lot.
“Georgia, it’s easy to give in to something that feels good. But I don’t want easy. I’ve had easy. I want something worth hell of a lot more than easy.”
Once Georgia and Ben give in to this attraction, Ben realizes there is so much more he does now know about Georgia. He has no idea what she battles daily and understands it won’t be easy to deal with, but he wants to love her anyway.
“I had a feeling that Ben Lancaster had just tattooed himself onto mysoul and the thing about tattoos? They’re painful to remove.”
Once the truth comes out, Ben is thrown, but determined more than ever to show Georgia that they can survive and deal with this. He is not willing to give up on their relationship.
“You’re wrong you know. I love you. All of you. Even the pieces that you won’t show me because all of that stuff makes up your circle and I don’t give a flying f if it’s broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you’re ready, I hope you’ll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together.”
Holy. Freakin’ Swoon. Ben Lancaster. He said all the right things when Georgia needed to hear them. He’s hot, sweet, and just knows how to make you feel good inside. Yes he has all the requirements of the perfect book boyfriend. I could not get enough of him.
“If you love me then what’s the problem? Love is enough. Love has to be enough”
Is love really enough? As an avid reader, this question comes up a lot in a lot of the books I have read. However, when characters are faced with what Georgia and Ben has to face, I really don’t know the answer to that. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think the author did a great job at allowing you to fall for Georgia and Ben. Even with all the challenges they face, you still want to root for them. I loved that Georgia is a strong woman and no matter what she realizes that she cannot be the person for Ben and be the lover he deserves until she can truly love herself. I absolutely cannot wait to see where their story takes them next.
I would like to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story revolved around a broken girl, Georgia King and a sex on legs, hockey player, Ben Lancaster. Sounds like your typical story? I guarantee you that is NOT the case!
Georgia has been through a lot as a twenty year old. She has battled internal demons and is struggling to win that battle, daily. She has vowed to take control over her life and concentrate on herself, that is, until Ben Lancaster blows into her life on a Wednesday afternoon.
As a little sister of an assistant hockey coach, Georgia knows all about these hockey players. However, she soon realizes that Ben is not your average hockey player. Georgia’s brother, Matt, is fully aware of Georgia’s past and tries his best to make sure that his little sister does not fall to the same fate she has in the past. He knows Georgia has the capability to ruin guys and he cannot afford for that to happen to his star player, Ben.
"It would be tragic for me to ruin someone like Ben Lancaster, and that’s pretty much what I did. I ruined things. I ruined people."
Georgia and Ben try their best to stay away from each other. However, there is an attraction that neither one of them can deny. Usually I am not for insta-love or insta-attraction. However, the author was successful in making it believable. You felt the electricity between Ben and Georgia throughout the entire book.
“Do you feel this?” he whispered hoarsely. “You have to feel this. It can’t just be me. There’s no f-ing way it can just be me”
Holy crap. Yeah I felt that, Ben. I loved that the book alternated between the POV of both Georgia and Ben. Being inside Ben’s head made me enjoy him even more. He has these ways with words that made me swoon. A lot.
“Georgia, it’s easy to give in to something that feels good. But I don’t want easy. I’ve had easy. I want something worth hell of a lot more than easy.”
Once Georgia and Ben give in to this attraction, Ben realizes there is so much more he does now know about Georgia. He has no idea what she battles daily and understands it won’t be easy to deal with, but he wants to love her anyway.
“I had a feeling that Ben Lancaster had just tattooed himself onto mysoul and the thing about tattoos? They’re painful to remove.”
Once the truth comes out, Ben is thrown, but determined more than ever to show Georgia that they can survive and deal with this. He is not willing to give up on their relationship.
“You’re wrong you know. I love you. All of you. Even the pieces that you won’t show me because all of that stuff makes up your circle and I don’t give a flying f if it’s broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you. And when you’re ready, I hope you’ll trust me enough to let me be the one to help you put those broken pieces back together.”
Holy. Freakin’ Swoon. Ben Lancaster. He said all the right things when Georgia needed to hear them. He’s hot, sweet, and just knows how to make you feel good inside. Yes he has all the requirements of the perfect book boyfriend. I could not get enough of him.
“If you love me then what’s the problem? Love is enough. Love has to be enough”
Is love really enough? As an avid reader, this question comes up a lot in a lot of the books I have read. However, when characters are faced with what Georgia and Ben has to face, I really don’t know the answer to that. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think the author did a great job at allowing you to fall for Georgia and Ben. Even with all the challenges they face, you still want to root for them. I loved that Georgia is a strong woman and no matter what she realizes that she cannot be the person for Ben and be the lover he deserves until she can truly love herself. I absolutely cannot wait to see where their story takes them next.
April 16, 2013
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2013/04/review-...
Favorite Quote: “Ben Lancaster was going to break me and I didn’t care. I didn’t care at all “
The Stillness of you is a raw, emotional, turbulent, and honest contemporary romance that addresses mental illness and the stigma that unfortunately follows it. Well written with a smooth storyline, well plotted conflicts, and some smoking hot romance. Strong characters will sweep you up and break your heart as you follow their tremulous love story.
Georgia King is bipolar. She spent a year spiraling down the rabbit hole in a dark destructive haze of drugs, alcohol, sex, and an eventual suicide attempt. When she is able to bring herself out of the darkness, with the help of her brother, medication, and a small stint in a recovery facility, she finds herself finally feeling like she may survive the fall. That is until she meets Ben Lancaster.
Ben is a newly signed hockey player for the Philadelphia Flyers; the team her brother coaches. Gorgeous, hot, and undeniably sweet, he is instantly smitten the first time he lays eyes on Georgia. Georgia also feels an instant connection with him yet struggles to keep him at arms length. She is not in a good place and knows that it wouldn’t take much for her to fall again and she refuses to drag him down with her.
Told in alternating voices, it’s interesting and heartfelt as we see Georgia through her own eyes and Ben’s. She sees herself as broken and potentially dangerous while Ben sees a beautiful seductive young lady with whom he wants to build a life. While the romance is sensual and hot with some pretty sexy scenes, it’s Georgia’s journey that speaks to your heart. Georgia carries around a lot of guilt and self loathing. Her childhood set the stage for her destructive nature and a tragic event is the catalyst that tears her world apart. As she begins her path towards wellness, she is unable to match the person Ben sees with the person she feels she is.
My heart overflowed with emotion for Georgia. I am intimate with bipolar disorders and it’s a hard disease for everyone involved. She is trying her best to reconcile her past behavior and find the necessary tools to lead a productive well balanced life. Her increasing feelings for Ben scare her to death. She is sure once he meets the real Georgia, he will leave her. And she feels she deserves that. She refuses to share all of herself with Ben and this causes most of the conflict in their relationship.
I ruined things. I ruined people. I was my mother’s daughter through and through.
Ben is fantastic with Georgia. He keeps digging and holding on; trying to get to the heart of her and constantly reassures her that he is there for the long haul. His love for her is a shining star in her bleak outlook on her life and their relationship. His own happy childhood doesn’t give him the knowledge to completely understand Georgia and her issues but he tries so hard. When he is finally privy to all of Georgia’s secret, I wanted to kiss him all over for his reaction.
“You’re wrong you know. I love you. All of you, even the pieces that you won’t show because all that stuff makes up that circle and I don’t give a flying fuck if it’s broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you.”
The ending isn’t traditional for a romance; there is no resolution. We are left with a strong feeling that Ben and Georgia’s relationship stands a strong chance if they are both willing to try. I thoroughly enjoyed The Stillness Of You and look forward to the next book in the series-The Chaos In Me which is slated to release Spring/Summer 2013.
Overall Rating: B+
Favorite Quote: “Ben Lancaster was going to break me and I didn’t care. I didn’t care at all “
The Stillness of you is a raw, emotional, turbulent, and honest contemporary romance that addresses mental illness and the stigma that unfortunately follows it. Well written with a smooth storyline, well plotted conflicts, and some smoking hot romance. Strong characters will sweep you up and break your heart as you follow their tremulous love story.
Georgia King is bipolar. She spent a year spiraling down the rabbit hole in a dark destructive haze of drugs, alcohol, sex, and an eventual suicide attempt. When she is able to bring herself out of the darkness, with the help of her brother, medication, and a small stint in a recovery facility, she finds herself finally feeling like she may survive the fall. That is until she meets Ben Lancaster.
Ben is a newly signed hockey player for the Philadelphia Flyers; the team her brother coaches. Gorgeous, hot, and undeniably sweet, he is instantly smitten the first time he lays eyes on Georgia. Georgia also feels an instant connection with him yet struggles to keep him at arms length. She is not in a good place and knows that it wouldn’t take much for her to fall again and she refuses to drag him down with her.
Told in alternating voices, it’s interesting and heartfelt as we see Georgia through her own eyes and Ben’s. She sees herself as broken and potentially dangerous while Ben sees a beautiful seductive young lady with whom he wants to build a life. While the romance is sensual and hot with some pretty sexy scenes, it’s Georgia’s journey that speaks to your heart. Georgia carries around a lot of guilt and self loathing. Her childhood set the stage for her destructive nature and a tragic event is the catalyst that tears her world apart. As she begins her path towards wellness, she is unable to match the person Ben sees with the person she feels she is.
My heart overflowed with emotion for Georgia. I am intimate with bipolar disorders and it’s a hard disease for everyone involved. She is trying her best to reconcile her past behavior and find the necessary tools to lead a productive well balanced life. Her increasing feelings for Ben scare her to death. She is sure once he meets the real Georgia, he will leave her. And she feels she deserves that. She refuses to share all of herself with Ben and this causes most of the conflict in their relationship.
I ruined things. I ruined people. I was my mother’s daughter through and through.
Ben is fantastic with Georgia. He keeps digging and holding on; trying to get to the heart of her and constantly reassures her that he is there for the long haul. His love for her is a shining star in her bleak outlook on her life and their relationship. His own happy childhood doesn’t give him the knowledge to completely understand Georgia and her issues but he tries so hard. When he is finally privy to all of Georgia’s secret, I wanted to kiss him all over for his reaction.
“You’re wrong you know. I love you. All of you, even the pieces that you won’t show because all that stuff makes up that circle and I don’t give a flying fuck if it’s broken. I love every cracked and fragmented piece of you.”
The ending isn’t traditional for a romance; there is no resolution. We are left with a strong feeling that Ben and Georgia’s relationship stands a strong chance if they are both willing to try. I thoroughly enjoyed The Stillness Of You and look forward to the next book in the series-The Chaos In Me which is slated to release Spring/Summer 2013.
Overall Rating: B+
March 21, 2013
This review was first posted at Reading Between the Wines!
This book should come with a warning label. Something that says, "Beware to reader: Consumption of this book may cause your heart to skip a beat, before it subsequently stops in your chest anyways, then promptly shatters into a million pieces, for which you will need industrial strength duct tape to try and put it back together. Use of an emotional defibrillator may be needed".
The use of the word "consumption" in the warning listed above is very deliberate, I assure you. I chose that word because once you start this book you will be sucked into Georgia's state of mind, and therefore, the story. Georgia King is struggling after a recent release from a mental hospital. She was there for six months for on-going treatment of her Bipolar Disorder. Upon leaving the facility, she moved in with her older brother, who worries about her. In some ways, Georgia is much better than when she went into the hospital. In other ways, Georgia still struggles with her diagnosis, the medicine she has to take to keep her balanced, and the way all of it makes her feel like she's less than whole. In her mind, she's very much damaged goods.
Enter the swoon worthy Ben Lancaster, who is the new addition to the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team. He was born to slap a puck around the ice. He's practically God's gift to hockey. He's also drop dead gorgeous and immediately intrigued by Georgia. He knows instantly that she's different than the other girls he's dealt with, or the puck bunnies he's bedded. Why does he know she's different? Because the first time he sees her is in the apartment of one of his new team's coaches, where she is standing in her undies and a tank top contemplating the canvas before her. She's not just artistically talented, but she's also beautiful, and there's something about her that makes him want to get to know her a whole lot more. The problem with trying to get to know her? She's the little sister of that coach I just mentioned, and big brother has told Georgia, not Ben, hands off.
The chemistry between these two characters is so hot it'll scorch your retinas. The story line is beyond engaging, so much so that it feels almost soul sucking at times. You will read this book and root for Georgia in a way that you've never rooted for another character. It will also make you love Ben, not just because he's a hot, dreamy guy that is into Georgia in a way most girls only dream of, but because he's a fighter. He'll fight anyone and everyone to have this relationship with her. Even if it means fighting Georgia herself.
So, I think that's enough said. Go buy this book right now, because it's more than worth it! 5 Wines Glasses and a HUGE kudos to Julie Bale's debut book!
This book should come with a warning label. Something that says, "Beware to reader: Consumption of this book may cause your heart to skip a beat, before it subsequently stops in your chest anyways, then promptly shatters into a million pieces, for which you will need industrial strength duct tape to try and put it back together. Use of an emotional defibrillator may be needed".
The use of the word "consumption" in the warning listed above is very deliberate, I assure you. I chose that word because once you start this book you will be sucked into Georgia's state of mind, and therefore, the story. Georgia King is struggling after a recent release from a mental hospital. She was there for six months for on-going treatment of her Bipolar Disorder. Upon leaving the facility, she moved in with her older brother, who worries about her. In some ways, Georgia is much better than when she went into the hospital. In other ways, Georgia still struggles with her diagnosis, the medicine she has to take to keep her balanced, and the way all of it makes her feel like she's less than whole. In her mind, she's very much damaged goods.
Enter the swoon worthy Ben Lancaster, who is the new addition to the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team. He was born to slap a puck around the ice. He's practically God's gift to hockey. He's also drop dead gorgeous and immediately intrigued by Georgia. He knows instantly that she's different than the other girls he's dealt with, or the puck bunnies he's bedded. Why does he know she's different? Because the first time he sees her is in the apartment of one of his new team's coaches, where she is standing in her undies and a tank top contemplating the canvas before her. She's not just artistically talented, but she's also beautiful, and there's something about her that makes him want to get to know her a whole lot more. The problem with trying to get to know her? She's the little sister of that coach I just mentioned, and big brother has told Georgia, not Ben, hands off.
The chemistry between these two characters is so hot it'll scorch your retinas. The story line is beyond engaging, so much so that it feels almost soul sucking at times. You will read this book and root for Georgia in a way that you've never rooted for another character. It will also make you love Ben, not just because he's a hot, dreamy guy that is into Georgia in a way most girls only dream of, but because he's a fighter. He'll fight anyone and everyone to have this relationship with her. Even if it means fighting Georgia herself.
So, I think that's enough said. Go buy this book right now, because it's more than worth it! 5 Wines Glasses and a HUGE kudos to Julie Bale's debut book!
March 18, 2013
3.75 stars
DRATS! I devoured this book like a super tasty Scooby Snack only to get to the end and find out it is to be continued...grrr. I have been avoiding still to be released series because I cannot stand to wait for the next installment. I am getting tired of losing the story's mojo and needing to reread the first book to get back into it. And, of course waiting on pins and needles for more (and closure) is a major buzz kill. Don’t get me wrong; I am glad there will be more but I would rather be behind a series instead of in front. Okay, enough complaining.
I am always looking for a good sports romance and was so excited to start this book. From the blurb I could tell it would be sprinkled with all of my favorite toppings. Once I got further into the story, I found it was even more than I expected. The subject matter is heavy. I don’t want to give anything away but will say that I personally felt the author did an amazing job of portraying the reality of the heroine’s struggle. Because of the authenticity and sad truth of this storyline, I found myself hurting for our heroine and feeling her pain & fear. About half way through I realized there would be no waving of a magic wand and/or quick fix; I started to really feel worried that this book would be heartbreaking.
Although there was definitely a melancholy vibe throughout the story the author was also able to seriously bring the smexy. You would think one would take away from the other but in the case the angst plus hotness was a winning combo for my reading taste. I loved the chemistry between Ben & Georgia. There was plenty of steamy passion but also an incredible amount of tenderness. The alternate POV was the icing on the cake for me and probably the best way to help guide the reader through this emotional journey. Ben and Georgia were so in the dark about each other but their inner dialogue helped us understand their connection and maintain a thread of hope.
So as much as I groaned about Julie Bale leaving me hanging, in the end I am relieved. This book scratched the surface of this couple’s journey. Before I knew it was to be continued, I was getting a tad bit worried that I was being rushed through emotions. Now that I know there will be more, I totally understand the pace and the lack of more depth within the past of our two characters. I feel I understand what Georgia is ultimately facing, fearing and longing for but need to understand more about Ben. Ben Lancaster is about as good as a hero gets so I need to understand the pull Georgia has over him and believe he understands what he and Georgia will be up against. Because of these missing pieces, I am incredibly anxious for book two (and more Ben Lancaster).
DRATS! I devoured this book like a super tasty Scooby Snack only to get to the end and find out it is to be continued...grrr. I have been avoiding still to be released series because I cannot stand to wait for the next installment. I am getting tired of losing the story's mojo and needing to reread the first book to get back into it. And, of course waiting on pins and needles for more (and closure) is a major buzz kill. Don’t get me wrong; I am glad there will be more but I would rather be behind a series instead of in front. Okay, enough complaining.
I am always looking for a good sports romance and was so excited to start this book. From the blurb I could tell it would be sprinkled with all of my favorite toppings. Once I got further into the story, I found it was even more than I expected. The subject matter is heavy. I don’t want to give anything away but will say that I personally felt the author did an amazing job of portraying the reality of the heroine’s struggle. Because of the authenticity and sad truth of this storyline, I found myself hurting for our heroine and feeling her pain & fear. About half way through I realized there would be no waving of a magic wand and/or quick fix; I started to really feel worried that this book would be heartbreaking.
Although there was definitely a melancholy vibe throughout the story the author was also able to seriously bring the smexy. You would think one would take away from the other but in the case the angst plus hotness was a winning combo for my reading taste. I loved the chemistry between Ben & Georgia. There was plenty of steamy passion but also an incredible amount of tenderness. The alternate POV was the icing on the cake for me and probably the best way to help guide the reader through this emotional journey. Ben and Georgia were so in the dark about each other but their inner dialogue helped us understand their connection and maintain a thread of hope.
So as much as I groaned about Julie Bale leaving me hanging, in the end I am relieved. This book scratched the surface of this couple’s journey. Before I knew it was to be continued, I was getting a tad bit worried that I was being rushed through emotions. Now that I know there will be more, I totally understand the pace and the lack of more depth within the past of our two characters. I feel I understand what Georgia is ultimately facing, fearing and longing for but need to understand more about Ben. Ben Lancaster is about as good as a hero gets so I need to understand the pull Georgia has over him and believe he understands what he and Georgia will be up against. Because of these missing pieces, I am incredibly anxious for book two (and more Ben Lancaster).
January 18, 2018
"Ben Lancaster had just tattooed himself onto my soul and the thing about tattoos? They’re painful to remove."--Georgia King
Georgia WAS a party girl, free sex, drugs addict...just to forget voices in her head....6 months in a mental health institution for her Bipolar Disorder. Life was hard for her. She's fucked up. Until her brother brought her back to life, to stay away from all she had been through.
And she met Ben Lancaster, a hottie, rising star Hockey player. And fall in love with him.Hard. So was Ben.
I love their chemistry from the beginning, and how Ben ignored everything just to be with her.
But Georgia had to deal with her illness, her past (parents death and what caused it, her life back before Ben).
She'd to deal with her insecurity, about who she is, and what she wanted in life. She'd to deal with her self, and answer so many questions and some "what ifs" in her head about her togetherness with Ben.
If only she knew from the beginning that Ben is an easy going guy, and loved her for what she is and what she was, didn't matter to him. Well, yes, he was shocked at first,but, then he knew what he wanted in life is to be with Georgia. Forever.
“I thought that maybe I could be someone else. I thought that maybe I
could be with someone like you but that’s just a fantasy. A stupid,
immature fantasy. Wecan’t change who we are Ben and what I am
isn’t something you want. I can see it in your eyes. The real me is
a monster. The real me is in those fucking paintings.”
But people like Georgia, with Bipolar issue,can't be just like that. She have to cope with her self confident first. She had to know that Ben is really loved her and want to be with her, whatever they would face in the future.
It's a great story. But I'm a sucker for an epilogue and cliffhanger hatter (how I felt this one is a cliff when most of readers didn't feel like one). I'm still curious about what next in their fragile relationship.
Long distance love is never an easy job. And that what will happen in their next journey. Will their love strong enough? Will Georgia and Ben survive the future and get their HEA?
It's still a big question in my head.
Cannot wait to read the next step of Ben and Georgia's life ahead.
Recommended!
April 17, 2013
I can't decide between 3.5 and 4 stars
This was a good book with very likeable characters. Ben is the next big thing in NHL. Georgia is damaged. Given her condition, Georgia doesn't think she can do normal nor does she deserve anything happy. There is a strong attraction with Ben. But Ben is on his way up and everybody, including herself, thinks that Georgia is trouble for Ben. She is afraid that she is no good for him and will only drag him down.
The first half of the book was all about the sexual tension between the two. I liked that Georgia was feisty. I also enjoyed Ben and his funny inner monologues. Although at one point, he said "Holy hell." Really?! Anastasia Steele's line?
This was a very well-written book. But I couldn't get myself that invested in the first portion of the book which was instant attraction followed by page after page of sexual tension. (Think Real by Katy Evans but considerably toned down).
At around 76%, this book started to border on greatness. Cue sequel.
This could have been a great book. What did not work for me?
1. Lack of originality. I could've written this in a review for every other book out there. Sadly, most books nowadays follow a common template of instant attraction/sexual chemistry and tortured souls. I AM DYING FOR A FRESH PLOTLINE HERE.
2. The story was so short. We go from sexual wanting to intense love. The middle part was quite thin. We read their thoughts when they realize that they could be falling in love but we don't get to see the falling bit. There were parts that were glossed over - a brief mention that they spent days together and it was great and that was that.
This was a good book with very likeable characters. Ben is the next big thing in NHL. Georgia is damaged. Given her condition, Georgia doesn't think she can do normal nor does she deserve anything happy. There is a strong attraction with Ben. But Ben is on his way up and everybody, including herself, thinks that Georgia is trouble for Ben. She is afraid that she is no good for him and will only drag him down.
The first half of the book was all about the sexual tension between the two. I liked that Georgia was feisty. I also enjoyed Ben and his funny inner monologues. Although at one point, he said "Holy hell." Really?! Anastasia Steele's line?
This was a very well-written book. But I couldn't get myself that invested in the first portion of the book which was instant attraction followed by page after page of sexual tension. (Think Real by Katy Evans but considerably toned down).
At around 76%, this book started to border on greatness. Cue sequel.
This could have been a great book. What did not work for me?
1. Lack of originality. I could've written this in a review for every other book out there. Sadly, most books nowadays follow a common template of instant attraction/sexual chemistry and tortured souls. I AM DYING FOR A FRESH PLOTLINE HERE.
2. The story was so short. We go from sexual wanting to intense love. The middle part was quite thin. We read their thoughts when they realize that they could be falling in love but we don't get to see the falling bit. There were parts that were glossed over - a brief mention that they spent days together and it was great and that was that.
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