The Weight of It All by NR Walker - Review

Rudely awoken from that most human of states – contented complacency – by the harsh words of his ex-lover Graham, our beloved hero, Henry rashly closes one door by joining a gym and opens another on his road to rediscovering himself.  The fact that his trainer, Reed, is veritable eye-candy is just a bonus. Right? But a bonus that might turn in to something much more fulfilling.  The fact the man is gay, and that they share an interest - besides that of making Henry’s pudgy figure svelte and fit - in food, a particular obsession that got Henry into trouble in the first place, becomes the starting point for their connection. And it doesn’t hurt that Henry’s non-filter makes the man laugh with his unintended wit and self-deprecation. Henry just opens his mouth and hilarity pops out and has Reed smiling all the way to the treadmill.

NR Walker has an amazing talent, to write wit is far more difficult than to deliver it in person, but the book is full of it and it just flows with such ease and naturalness.  As everybody who has already reviewed it can no doubt attest, the laughs came thick and fast during the reading. This book was a veritable feast of hilarity.

There is but one warning I must give while indulging in this simple but lovely story of our unlikely protagonists, and that is it must not be read while you are on a diet! There are far too many references to lemon tart.  Each time I came across it I actually salivated. Something lemony and sweet, yum. But not knowing what lemon tart actually consisted of it always somehow morphed into a craving for lemon-meringue pie and in the end, I just had to go out and buy it. That, my friends, is not guilt free food.

Despite this little problem the book is a fantastic read peopled with characters that are completely relatable right down to the supporting roles played by Melinda and Anika and her boyfriend Sean.  They all came to feel like friends which in the end made the obligatory sex scene between the new lovers seem slightly intrusive, like walking into the lounge and unexpectedly coming across a family member in a compromising situation on the couch.  You know they indulge but you don’t necessarily need to be confronted with it.

Will I read it again? You betcha. When I’m in need of some sweet mirth and an endearing HEA I will be revisiting Henry and Reed all over again.  I just must finish my diet first.

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Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Refraction: A Ripples in the Status Quo (Episode Six) by R Phoenix

What can I say? The skill R Phoenix wields as she leads us through the story of humanity’s struggle with the injustices and cruelties of the ‘new’ Status Quo is superb to say the least.

To take the very creatures who now run riot through this world and instil in the reader a loyalty for those of them who regret ever lending a helping hand in its instigation shows a talent that offers us all an insight into the thoughts and longings not only of the Supes but those they have come to need and love. They are not all cruel, they do not all revel in the degradation of others. We can understand what they hoped for then; we can understand what they hope for now.

This series is a dark read, there is no denying that, peopled with beings that it would seem have sold their souls long ago for control and greed and a sense of superiority over not only humans but even their own kind.  Take one Elias Ivers, the coldest, most calculating, hated and feared beings in this new regime.  Never have I met a character that I loathed so much, and there have been many of them that have drawn a strong negative reaction from me before.  His ability to read people, find their weakness and cruelly twist every good - or not so good - intention or feeling to his own ends without one jot of sensitivity paints him as the most hideous of men.  There is no chink possible in this armour of loathing he has for the world… or is there?

Refraction offers us insight as never before, allowing us a glimpse into the Ivers’ world, one tiny indicator that the witch does indeed suffer emotions of a nature other than disdain even if the manifestation of these is a perverted attraction and a selfish sense of regret. It is Elias Ivers, and it is dark fantasy, what is to be expected? But it makes him that little bit less godlike, and little more fellable.

This episode is one of the most just and satisfactory episodes to date.  Amidst the darkness there can be hope, there can be purpose and action; and there can be forgiveness and acceptance.

It was a fantastic read, and I am very much looking forward to the next instalment.  All fingers and toes crossed that it takes me further along the path to the Status Quo’s downfall – there are hints the cracks are forming; but knowing R Phoenix’ twisted plots and her villainous Elder, I will not hold my breath that it will be accomplished quickly nor with ease. I can only hope those I am rooting for can stay the course and survive.

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Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!