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!!!