Thursday, August 17, 2017

✱✱ Book Review ✱✱ Getting a Grip by M.E. Carter

In between gardening and canning this week, I did get in some read time and a romantic comedy seemed like the perfect choice to relax and unwind after a busy day. I decided to check out new to me author, M.E. Carter and her A #MyNewLife Romantic Comedy series and book one, Getting a Grip kept me entertained for a few hours.

Momma Says: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Getting a Grip is very well-written in first person POV with the story being told from the perspective of main character, Elena. (There is one chapter from Elena's love interest, Greg at the end of the book.) Even from the title, it's listed as a Romantic Comedy and while it is certainly romantic and there are some amusing parts, comedy is a bit of a stretch for me. As far as steam, I would call this one steamy light. There are some intimate scenes and adult subject matter, so use discretion on age appropriateness. The characters are forty-somethings, so the story is geared toward the over thirty age group, in my opinion. 

This isn’t my life. Okay, it *is* my life, but not the way I envisioned it would be. 

I wasn’t supposed to be a divorced mother of three when I turned the big 4-0. Sure, I expected the fine lines, gray hairs and left over baby belly. What I didn’t expect was expanding our family get-togethers by one… my ex-husband’s new child bride. Ok, ok, she’s not young. Maybe.

Did I mention this is not the life I planned? 

It could always be worse, I know. I’m lucky to have a mother who loves to babysit, a best friend who loves sarcasm, and a new friend by the name of Greg who is a child whisperer and tells me my eyes are pretty. 

*Sigh*… Greg. 

The perfect, Adonis-like God of a man who keeps flirting with me. At least I think he’s flirting with me. It’s been so long, I don’t really know. 

Between birthday parties, a few ill-advised bouts with make-up, and a whole slew of gymnastics classes, it’s finally time to take back some control. 

So, while my girls learn all about how to grip the bar, I’m going to learn how to get a grip on my life. And maybe my heart.



While I enjoyed the story immensely, I struggled with rating this one. When I see romantic comedy in a title or blurb, that's what I expect. I didn't exactly get that with this one. There was plenty of snark (something that I love) and some crazy situations, so while it is amusing and there was the occasional chuckle, to call it a comedy is a bit of a stretch, especially with some of the circumstances and the cliffhanger ending. Yes, there is a cliffhanger and it's way up there on the emotional scale. To be fair, I knew going in that there was a second book, so I expected an open ending in this one, but I certainly didn't expect the ending I got. In all honesty, had I not been aware of a second book, my rating probably would've been lower based on the end of this one. 
Once I took some time to think about it, I based my rating on the fact that even though I hated the ending, I genuinely enjoyed the story. These characters are regular people with kids and regular people problems. The dialogue is witty and the banter between characters was quite amusing. Elena has plenty of self-esteem issues, thanks to her ex, and this book is her journey to accepting and liking herself, flaws and all. I didn't quite get Greg's, umm, issue, and really didn't see the point, but maybe that's just me. Callie, Elena's best friend, is a hoot with her speak before you think attitude and rapid fire questions. 
Carter's storytelling did pull me in and I became invested enough in these characters to want to read the next book, so bad ending aside, the book is worth the read - just be prepared to head straight into book two. 
In fact, I was interested enough that my next read is that second book, Balance Check, and I'll be posting that review tomorrow, along with release blitz information.

**Review copy provided by Give Me Books Promotions and the author.

Getting a Grip is available at the following links. 


Thanks for joining me!

Momma😘

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