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Table Topped #7
Balanced Party: Pia's Story Book 2
Emil I’m devastated when growing our family comes with more bumps along the way than expected. Pia and Gregor stick by me through my lowest lows, but infertility has left me struggling with intimacy. I long to reignite our passion. If only I can find the courage to be brave. Gregor When Emil suggests spicing up our love life, I’m not sure what to expect—or if I’m physically up for the challenge. For Pia and Emil, I’m willing to try almost anything, but I worry my limitations will be a burden. Trusting them to take care of me might bring us closer than ever. I just have to speak up and be honest about my needs. Pia If parenthood is the pinnacle of domestic bliss, why does finally achieving our dreams of a growing family leave me empty inside? Staying home with our baby is slowly stripping away every part of my identity, leaving me overwhelmed by the constant demands I can’t meet. It’s too much for me to handle alone, but how can I ask for help when I’m not even sure I deserve it? Balanced Party is an M/M/X nerdy contemporary romance with two trans leads who have different experiences of what that means for them. This is part two of a duology featuring these three characters and it ends with an HEA. This duology can stand alone, but it is also the final installment in the Table Topped series. The CW information for both of Pia, Emil, and Gregor’s books is in the author’s note.
364 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 12, 2023
This is the second book of the duology by Alex Silver that goes alongside the Table stopped series. This duology should be read in order and be sure to read the trigger warnings as there are several topics that may be distressing including infertility, postpartum depression, and dysmorphia.
There is a lot of emotional toll on the three main characters of these books, more so than book one as they work towards having a family of their own. Trying to have a baby is especially important for Emil as he wants to use the one part of his biological body for what it was created. Pia and Gregor are fully supportive but nothing is ever easy but even more so when it includes hormone medications, negative pregnancy tests and body dysmorphia. Pia's struggles come from after having a baby and the strains upon her mental health. Again the throuple rally together to fight their way through and work as a unit to love each other and allow each of them to have their independence whilst being an integral part of their family. Gregor seems a little on the outside for a lot of this, and I worried about him being out to the side as he is the one person in their triad who isn't able to be pregnant but, again, the other two show up and make sure the older man knows just how important he is to them.
It's a story that shows an established relationship and the tolls that can come down on them during a journey to get on the parenthood train. There are so many lows experienced that my heart broke right along with them but when the joy comes, it eclipses everything that came before. It's also great that they make the time to still be together and explore more of what they like and might be interested in. It's definitely not all hearts and roses but their HEA is hard earned, well deserved and I love how everything turns out for them, together, individually and with both their blood and found families.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
There is a lot of emotional toll on the three main characters of these books, more so than book one as they work towards having a family of their own. Trying to have a baby is especially important for Emil as he wants to use the one part of his biological body for what it was created. Pia and Gregor are fully supportive but nothing is ever easy but even more so when it includes hormone medications, negative pregnancy tests and body dysmorphia. Pia's struggles come from after having a baby and the strains upon her mental health. Again the throuple rally together to fight their way through and work as a unit to love each other and allow each of them to have their independence whilst being an integral part of their family. Gregor seems a little on the outside for a lot of this, and I worried about him being out to the side as he is the one person in their triad who isn't able to be pregnant but, again, the other two show up and make sure the older man knows just how important he is to them.
It's a story that shows an established relationship and the tolls that can come down on them during a journey to get on the parenthood train. There are so many lows experienced that my heart broke right along with them but when the joy comes, it eclipses everything that came before. It's also great that they make the time to still be together and explore more of what they like and might be interested in. It's definitely not all hearts and roses but their HEA is hard earned, well deserved and I love how everything turns out for them, together, individually and with both their blood and found families.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 16, 2023
Balanced Party is the continuation of Party Of Three, and this book was just as good as the first one! In this book we went on a journey of self growth, the trials and tribulations of trying to conceive, along with admitting when things are not okay.
This book was definitely filled with heavier topics than Party Of Three was, but the topic matter was handled so beautifully. This book was well written, the characters continued to grow and develop, we got to learn more about Emil's religion and his and Pia's experience with trying to conceive and grow their family. I felt bad for these three cause you could feel the pain and sadness of these characters while reading this book, I just kept wishing things would turn out for them. And you know what? It did. Maybe not the way they wanted, or intended but they were able to grow their family, and what a spectacular family these three created. They not only had their babies and doggo to grow their family but they also had friends they surrounded themselves with that became family. I love the found family aspect of these books! Cause sometimes just because you're related by blood doesn't make people family, you can choose to surround yourselves with those that love, support, and accept you.
I'm so sad that Gregor, Emil, and Pia's story is all over, but I'm excited to see who's story is yet to come. I'm looking forward to the Seahorse Shoal series, I think that series is going to be fantastic!
Another aspect of this story I enjoyed was all of the characters that were involved! Rain, Rowan, River, Nick, Theo, Harrison, Rene, Mo, Errol.. all of the characters added that found family feeling that this book evoked.
This book is NOT a standalone, you need to read Party Of Three before you read this one.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
This book was definitely filled with heavier topics than Party Of Three was, but the topic matter was handled so beautifully. This book was well written, the characters continued to grow and develop, we got to learn more about Emil's religion and his and Pia's experience with trying to conceive and grow their family. I felt bad for these three cause you could feel the pain and sadness of these characters while reading this book, I just kept wishing things would turn out for them. And you know what? It did. Maybe not the way they wanted, or intended but they were able to grow their family, and what a spectacular family these three created. They not only had their babies and doggo to grow their family but they also had friends they surrounded themselves with that became family. I love the found family aspect of these books! Cause sometimes just because you're related by blood doesn't make people family, you can choose to surround yourselves with those that love, support, and accept you.
I'm so sad that Gregor, Emil, and Pia's story is all over, but I'm excited to see who's story is yet to come. I'm looking forward to the Seahorse Shoal series, I think that series is going to be fantastic!
Another aspect of this story I enjoyed was all of the characters that were involved! Rain, Rowan, River, Nick, Theo, Harrison, Rene, Mo, Errol.. all of the characters added that found family feeling that this book evoked.
This book is NOT a standalone, you need to read Party Of Three before you read this one.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
August 9, 2023
A Perfect Adventure in Love and Found Family
Balanced Party : Pia's Book part two
Alex Silver
This isn't just a romance, it's a complete found family love story.
Without revealing too much, book 1 of Pia's story (6 of Table Topped) dealt with Gregor, Emil and Pia finding each other and seeing their friendship develop into more.
In this book, Emil wants to start growing their family, but faces lots of challenges along the way from dysphoria as a trans man, infertility,
and polycystic ovary syndrome.
A large part of Emil's identity is also centred around his Jewish heritage.
Gregor and Pia embrace that side of him, taking part in Shabbos, and other traditions. Emil wants to give his future children the same traditions that his brothers and he grew up with, and names that are gender neutral, whilst honouring the memory of his family.
As he states,
"The Nonbinary Hebrew Project gave me words that make room for me."
Meanwhile Emil is struggling with intimacy with his partners following events within the novels, but when he suggests to Gregor they try spicing things up, it might just be the glue that brings the triad back together.
For Pia, as enby, dysphoria is also an issue, and they face mental health issues as a result.
Whilst there's a lot of drama and emotional scenes in this book, there's a wealth of love and a whole shed load of humour and sexy times.
As they all become closer, a kinky side of Emil emerges as well as the other two.
There were times I couldn't catch my breath worrying about this family. I felt as if I've met them IRL and grown to know them through both books and yes, it's been an emotional rollercoaster, but it's filled with joy, warmth, depth, seahorse dads and strength.
A truly great love story of a wonderful polyfam.
Balanced Party : Pia's Book part two
Alex Silver
This isn't just a romance, it's a complete found family love story.
Without revealing too much, book 1 of Pia's story (6 of Table Topped) dealt with Gregor, Emil and Pia finding each other and seeing their friendship develop into more.
In this book, Emil wants to start growing their family, but faces lots of challenges along the way from dysphoria as a trans man, infertility,
and polycystic ovary syndrome.
A large part of Emil's identity is also centred around his Jewish heritage.
Gregor and Pia embrace that side of him, taking part in Shabbos, and other traditions. Emil wants to give his future children the same traditions that his brothers and he grew up with, and names that are gender neutral, whilst honouring the memory of his family.
As he states,
"The Nonbinary Hebrew Project gave me words that make room for me."
Meanwhile Emil is struggling with intimacy with his partners following events within the novels, but when he suggests to Gregor they try spicing things up, it might just be the glue that brings the triad back together.
For Pia, as enby, dysphoria is also an issue, and they face mental health issues as a result.
Whilst there's a lot of drama and emotional scenes in this book, there's a wealth of love and a whole shed load of humour and sexy times.
As they all become closer, a kinky side of Emil emerges as well as the other two.
There were times I couldn't catch my breath worrying about this family. I felt as if I've met them IRL and grown to know them through both books and yes, it's been an emotional rollercoaster, but it's filled with joy, warmth, depth, seahorse dads and strength.
A truly great love story of a wonderful polyfam.
July 13, 2023
This is book two of a duology, so you’ll want to start with the previous book, if you haven’t already. In this one, we see the dynamics of Emil, Pia, and Gregor’s established relationship as they navigate challenges and hardships associated with growing their family. It’s not an easy process— it feels hard and messy and deeply real, and the HEA here is hard won, doggedly fought for, and the result of work from all the characters— and it makes for a seriously impactful read. It’s so easy to want the best for these characters, to respect them and empathize with them and to value the bonds they share with each other.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 14, 2023
The author has suggested that people read the author's note if they have questions regarding triggers, and I encourage that, because there is a lot to unpack in the final Table Topped story. While I read the entire thing, I had to take breaks and reflect, which is something I don't normally do with books - I usually devour and power through, but there was a lot of emotions, a lot of transitions and a lot of learning to balance and shift...
I'm glad I read it through and got to Pia, Emil and Gregor's HEA, but be prepared for a lot!
I'm glad I read it through and got to Pia, Emil and Gregor's HEA, but be prepared for a lot!
July 7, 2023
An absolutely fantastic ending to this series. Completely heart felt, honest, sometimes scary story of life, love, disappointment and finally getting you dreams fulfilled even if not exactly how they were envisioned. This story is so true to life for Emil, Pia and Gregors characters and an absolute fitting end for this series.
July 12, 2023
This is the second part of Pia, Emil and Gregor’s story and should definitely be read in order. I absolutely loved this story. There were so many things in this story that were written with so much emotion and care. This book talks about a lot of different subjects but ultimately it’s a story of found family and love. I really recommend this very emotional and extremely wonderful story.
August 24, 2023
A Perfect Adventure in Love and Found Family
Balanced Party : Pia's Book part two
Alex Silver
This isn't just a romance, it's a complete found family love story.
Without revealing too much, book 1 of Pia's story (6 of Table Topped) dealt with Gregor, Emil and Pia finding each other and seeing their friendship develop into more.
In this book, Emil wants to start growing their family, but faces lots of challenges along the way from dysphoria as a trans man, infertility,
and polycystic ovary syndrome.
A large part of Emil's identity is also centred around his Jewish heritage.
Gregor and Pia embrace that side of him, taking part in Shabbos, and other traditions. Emil wants to give his future children the same traditions that his brothers and he grew up with, and names that are gender neutral, whilst honouring the memory of his family.
As he states,
"The Nonbinary Hebrew Project gave me words that make room for me."
Meanwhile Emil is struggling with intimacy with his partners following events within the novels, but when he suggests to Gregor they try spicing things up, it might just be the glue that brings the triad back together.
For Pia, as enby, dysphoria is also an issue, and they face mental health issues as a result.
Whilst there's a lot of drama and emotional scenes in this book, there's a wealth of love and a whole shed load of humour and sexy times.
As they all become closer, a kinky side of Emil emerges as well as the other two.
There were times I couldn't catch my breath worrying about this family. I felt as if I've met them IRL and grown to know them through both books and yes, it's been an emotional rollercoaster, but it's filled with joy, warmth, depth, seahorse dads and strength.
A truly great love story of a wonderful polyfam.
Balanced Party : Pia's Book part two
Alex Silver
This isn't just a romance, it's a complete found family love story.
Without revealing too much, book 1 of Pia's story (6 of Table Topped) dealt with Gregor, Emil and Pia finding each other and seeing their friendship develop into more.
In this book, Emil wants to start growing their family, but faces lots of challenges along the way from dysphoria as a trans man, infertility,
and polycystic ovary syndrome.
A large part of Emil's identity is also centred around his Jewish heritage.
Gregor and Pia embrace that side of him, taking part in Shabbos, and other traditions. Emil wants to give his future children the same traditions that his brothers and he grew up with, and names that are gender neutral, whilst honouring the memory of his family.
As he states,
"The Nonbinary Hebrew Project gave me words that make room for me."
Meanwhile Emil is struggling with intimacy with his partners following events within the novels, but when he suggests to Gregor they try spicing things up, it might just be the glue that brings the triad back together.
For Pia, as enby, dysphoria is also an issue, and they face mental health issues as a result.
Whilst there's a lot of drama and emotional scenes in this book, there's a wealth of love and a whole shed load of humour and sexy times.
As they all become closer, a kinky side of Emil emerges as well as the other two.
There were times I couldn't catch my breath worrying about this family. I felt as if I've met them IRL and grown to know them through both books and yes, it's been an emotional rollercoaster, but it's filled with joy, warmth, depth, seahorse dads and strength.
A truly great love story of a wonderful polyfam.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews