mommasaystoread's review
4.0
Much like the first book, Getting a Grip, I hesitate to call this one a comedy. It is full of wit and snark. Elena and Callie's one-liners were good for a smile and a few chuckles and even though some of the situations that these characters get themselves into were a bit over the top, they did keep the story moving at a nice pace and kept me turning pages to see what they would get in to next. It is a good story and I love that these characters are just regular people trying to find their way. It was also refreshing to read about forty-something adults as opposed to the new adult romances that are so prevalent right now. Elena and Greg face some of the same problems that many of us face or have faced in our own lives - juggling kids and visitation, dealing with difficult exes, and making a happy home for a blended family. The author writes beautifully and tells a story that pulls a reader in and I truly enjoyed this second half of Elena and Greg's love story. I would easily recommend this one to anyone who likes a good everyday romance with some crazy thrown in.
bookedandbusybookblog's review
5.0
I absolutely fell in love with M.E. Carter’s book, Getting a Grip. Although I just recently read it, I’ve been dying for the continuation of Elena and Greg’s story.
If you haven’t read Getting A Grip, please do not read this post as it will contain spoilers!!!
Greg had to leave the love of his life, Elena, behind to follow his crazy ex-wife and their daughter to a new city. Greg is a father who wants to be present in his daughter’s life no matter what the cost.
Elena is completely and utterly heartbroken but understands Greg’s reason for leaving. However, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and Elena is back in full force. Recently hired as a secretary at her kids’ elementary school with more self-esteem than before, things are looking up for her. Hell, even the hot, young teacher Tripp is interested in going out to dinner with her.
But Elena’s not sure if she’s ready. And just when she thinks she is...Greg is home and ready to get back to the relationship they once had.
I loved Balance Check. Elena understood Greg’s leaving but was hesitant when he returned. Greg is doing everything he can for his daughter, Elena and her girls. I love that this relationship isn’t perfect. Flaws, self doubt, and life just get in the way. I truly appreciate the way
“A balance check is a way of taking a pause in the middle of your routine so you can readjust so you don’t fall.”
I adore M.E. Carter’s work. It’s made me laugh, I’ve cried my eyes out and I have a little more of an understanding of life with each book I read of hers.
If you haven’t read Getting A Grip, please do not read this post as it will contain spoilers!!!
Greg had to leave the love of his life, Elena, behind to follow his crazy ex-wife and their daughter to a new city. Greg is a father who wants to be present in his daughter’s life no matter what the cost.
Elena is completely and utterly heartbroken but understands Greg’s reason for leaving. However, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and Elena is back in full force. Recently hired as a secretary at her kids’ elementary school with more self-esteem than before, things are looking up for her. Hell, even the hot, young teacher Tripp is interested in going out to dinner with her.
But Elena’s not sure if she’s ready. And just when she thinks she is...Greg is home and ready to get back to the relationship they once had.
I loved Balance Check. Elena understood Greg’s leaving but was hesitant when he returned. Greg is doing everything he can for his daughter, Elena and her girls. I love that this relationship isn’t perfect. Flaws, self doubt, and life just get in the way. I truly appreciate the way
“A balance check is a way of taking a pause in the middle of your routine so you can readjust so you don’t fall.”
I adore M.E. Carter’s work. It’s made me laugh, I’ve cried my eyes out and I have a little more of an understanding of life with each book I read of hers.
sbauer16's review
5.0
I was so UNBELIEVABLY excited to read Balance Check once I finished Getting a Grip. It was one of THE BEST romantic comedies I've EVER read. Balance Check DEFINITELY held it's own. I laughed and swooned JUST AS MUCH as the first time around. I NEVER wanted it to end, but since it had to, it ended PERFECTLY. I will FOR SURE miss these characters!!!
apagetoturn's review
4.0
First off, if you haven’t read Getting a Grip, do that FIRST! It’s a requirement. You will be LOST if you don’t. This is a series, and the books must be read in order. So run, go read it, then come back and read Balance Check right away!
Getting a Grip left us with sort of a low-key cliffhanger… and Balance Check kicks off months after the first book ended, and Elena and Greg’s story gets to continue on. I honestly wasn't sure how to feel going into this book, I wanted things to be better, happier... and it's a big dose of reality, dealing with blended families. I can only imagine the struggles that come with blending two families, and this book brings a lot of that to light, in a beautiful way.
This book was beautifully emotional, and devastatingly real. I was left raw, and broken after Getting a grip ended. ME Carter has a way of evoking emotions from me that I didn’t even know existed. She knows how to make me throw my hands up in the air, and then want to smack a character in the face with their own story! A fabulous follow up, and a quick read; Balance Check will make you take stock of your own relationships, making sure you don’t need any readjustments.
Getting a Grip left us with sort of a low-key cliffhanger… and Balance Check kicks off months after the first book ended, and Elena and Greg’s story gets to continue on. I honestly wasn't sure how to feel going into this book, I wanted things to be better, happier... and it's a big dose of reality, dealing with blended families. I can only imagine the struggles that come with blending two families, and this book brings a lot of that to light, in a beautiful way.
This book was beautifully emotional, and devastatingly real. I was left raw, and broken after Getting a grip ended. ME Carter has a way of evoking emotions from me that I didn’t even know existed. She knows how to make me throw my hands up in the air, and then want to smack a character in the face with their own story! A fabulous follow up, and a quick read; Balance Check will make you take stock of your own relationships, making sure you don’t need any readjustments.
debs_shelves's review
5.0
I loved Getting a Grip, but not gonna lie ..... I was SOOOO pissed off at M.E. Carter at the way she ended it (yeah, M.E., I'm looking at you girl!).
Was so excited at the end to see a 2nd book would be coming. Cause I needed MORE Elena and Greg!
First of all, Elena working at a school and the way she talks about the gossip and such is SO spot on it made me laugh. And her cougar moment ..... rawr!! LOL
I don't want to give away too much, but I loved this book as much as the first! Greg & Elena were still great, despite all the everyday issues they both had to deal with. Callie - oh that girl just is someone you want to go for a drink with. Loved the addition of Deborah (which I pronounce "Deb-ORRRR-ah" in my head throughout the book) and the dynamic she added to the friendship. And Libby was still a big ol' BIOTCH (but really, could we have her any other way?).
And Greg fighting for his baby girl .... every girl needs a daddy like him. Even if I didn't already love him (and I *did*), that would have won me over.
I still want to know more about Callie & Ben!
And I liked meeting Joie and look forward to getting to know more about her and Coach Pride!
Was so excited at the end to see a 2nd book would be coming. Cause I needed MORE Elena and Greg!
First of all, Elena working at a school and the way she talks about the gossip and such is SO spot on it made me laugh. And her cougar moment ..... rawr!! LOL
I don't want to give away too much, but I loved this book as much as the first! Greg & Elena were still great, despite all the everyday issues they both had to deal with. Callie - oh that girl just is someone you want to go for a drink with. Loved the addition of Deborah (which I pronounce "Deb-ORRRR-ah" in my head throughout the book) and the dynamic she added to the friendship. And Libby was still a big ol' BIOTCH (but really, could we have her any other way?).
And Greg fighting for his baby girl .... every girl needs a daddy like him. Even if I didn't already love him (and I *did*), that would have won me over.
I still want to know more about Callie & Ben!
And I liked meeting Joie and look forward to getting to know more about her and Coach Pride!
izziede's review
4.0
Book 2 of the duet.
Must read book 1 first.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Ex drama.
Really well written.
Very funny at times.
Secondary characters introduced for future books in series.
Amazing Hero, no mention of others during separation of 9 months.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Must read book 1 first.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Ex drama.
Really well written.
Very funny at times.
Secondary characters introduced for future books in series.
Amazing Hero, no mention of others during separation of 9 months.
HEA.
Epilogue.
bookaholicmommy's review
5.0
I love this series. Characters are "real" and very relatable. Appreciate the fact that neither the hero or heroin is depicted as being perfect.
fryemomma05's review
5.0
I loved reading this book! The first book was amazing and I was really looking forward to where the characters would go afterwards! Balance check is a quick read that will consume you!
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