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The Weight of It All
(The Weight of It All #1)
by
After being dumped by his long-term boyfriend for being overweight, Henry Beckett decides to make some drastic changes. In a vain attempt at getting his boyfriend back, Henry does the most absurdly frightening thing he can think of.
He joins a gym.
Reed Henske is a personal trainer who isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to date again. He’s sick of guys who are only interested in ...more
He joins a gym.
Reed Henske is a personal trainer who isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to date again. He’s sick of guys who are only interested in ...more
Kindle Edition, 254 pages
Published
September 12th 2016
by BlueHeart Press
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I am a fan of stories about imperfect MCs, and my heart went out to Henry, whose boyfriend of eight years left him, claiming Henry was old (at heart) and fat (250 pounds at 5’10”, which qualifies as obese).
Henry decides to lose weight to get his boyfriend (the One Who Shall Not Be Named) back. He is really whiny and negative when he first begins his workout regime. He complains about EVERYTHING and constantly makes self-deprecating jokes. He puts himself down before others can.
Honestly, bitchi ...more
Henry decides to lose weight to get his boyfriend (the One Who Shall Not Be Named) back. He is really whiny and negative when he first begins his workout regime. He complains about EVERYTHING and constantly makes self-deprecating jokes. He puts himself down before others can.
Honestly, bitchi ...more

It's Friday night and I'm super crabby that I had to miss GRL2016. AND I have to work all weekend too. FML.
BUT, I just finished N.R. Walker's newest piece of perfection and lets just keep this review nice and simple, umkay?



...more
BUT, I just finished N.R. Walker's newest piece of perfection and lets just keep this review nice and simple, umkay?





Once again I found a book that held my attention from beginning to end. I absolutely loved this story and adored the MC and his Thor, Reed.
I like it more and more that authors are putting out books with imperfect characters. Not only is easier for us readers to relate to them, it’s more realistic.
Henry has recently been dumped by his asshole of a boyfriend who claimed Henry as being old and overweight. Of course Henry is heartbroken and took the overweight jab to heart. So in a decision to win ...more
I like it more and more that authors are putting out books with imperfect characters. Not only is easier for us readers to relate to them, it’s more realistic.
Henry has recently been dumped by his asshole of a boyfriend who claimed Henry as being old and overweight. Of course Henry is heartbroken and took the overweight jab to heart. So in a decision to win ...more

5 stars full of laughter
This sweet story went directly to my heart and warmed my soul!
It's my first book by this author and what a discovery this was!!

Henry was such a hilarious character: his whining, his "no filter" conversations made me laugh so hard! It was exactly what I needed right now.
Reed: he was beautiful and smart and funny, had a huge heart and was so sweet - too good to be true! Well he was beautiful on the outside, but on the inside too and that is the most wonderful thing in t ...more
This sweet story went directly to my heart and warmed my soul!
It's my first book by this author and what a discovery this was!!

Henry was such a hilarious character: his whining, his "no filter" conversations made me laugh so hard! It was exactly what I needed right now.
Reed: he was beautiful and smart and funny, had a huge heart and was so sweet - too good to be true! Well he was beautiful on the outside, but on the inside too and that is the most wonderful thing in t ...more

ETA for Audio
Light-hearted story about a man getting his groove back after the end of an eight year relationship.
Joel Leslie shines in his performance. The character voices are great, his timing with the humor is spot on, and the pacing was perfect. 5 Stars for the narration!!
Henry's humorous outlook and how easily and completely he and Reed fit together make this a very sweet romance.
Low angst, humorous romance with a sigh-inducing HEA.
**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~
It was okay, and I do love a go ...more
Light-hearted story about a man getting his groove back after the end of an eight year relationship.
Joel Leslie shines in his performance. The character voices are great, his timing with the humor is spot on, and the pacing was perfect. 5 Stars for the narration!!
Henry's humorous outlook and how easily and completely he and Reed fit together make this a very sweet romance.
Low angst, humorous romance with a sigh-inducing HEA.
**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~
It was okay, and I do love a go ...more

I LOVED THIS BOOK, seriously, I want to grab sparkly pens, write it's name with floating hearts, then write it some horrendous emo poety and plan for future little booklets. Thankfully I'll settle for writing a review-type-thingy here. With gifs.

This book came at the right time for me, that likely has a big effect on my opinion. I'm on the diet and learning to like daily walk/jog/pant/huff/crawls so I fully connected to Henry. Not sure if it would have had as much impact without that. To me Henr ...more

This book came at the right time for me, that likely has a big effect on my opinion. I'm on the diet and learning to like daily walk/jog/pant/huff/crawls so I fully connected to Henry. Not sure if it would have had as much impact without that. To me Henr ...more

What a feel-good story!

I absolutely loved following Henry's path from being an unhappy recently single gay man with a weight problem to becoming a confident man who is happy with his place in life and whose kind character and humor even has his hot personal trainer from the gym he's frequenting after his break-up fall for him.

Hot gym rat Reed is almost too good to be true. I didn't find a single flaw about him, which might literally be the only weakness in this story. Everything else was pure he ...more

I absolutely loved following Henry's path from being an unhappy recently single gay man with a weight problem to becoming a confident man who is happy with his place in life and whose kind character and humor even has his hot personal trainer from the gym he's frequenting after his break-up fall for him.

Hot gym rat Reed is almost too good to be true. I didn't find a single flaw about him, which might literally be the only weakness in this story. Everything else was pure he ...more

It never fails to amaze me the absolute gems I find sitting in my tbr list. Books that for some crazy ass reason I haven't made time for.
The M/M Romance group March Mini Monthly Gang Bang challenge brought this gem to the top of my tbr. Thank you Saturnine for picking this wonderful book for me to read this month.
I have choked, coughed, snorted and cried in an effort to not laugh out loud while reading this book. It was all in vain, the laughter peeled out of my lungs and belly like there was no ...more
The M/M Romance group March Mini Monthly Gang Bang challenge brought this gem to the top of my tbr. Thank you Saturnine for picking this wonderful book for me to read this month.
I have choked, coughed, snorted and cried in an effort to not laugh out loud while reading this book. It was all in vain, the laughter peeled out of my lungs and belly like there was no ...more

4.5 stars!
I really adored this book. I'm always a Walker fan, but there's something to be said when any author writes an MC whom you, personally, can relate to. And I related to Henry all over the place.
Henry's partner of 8 years ups and leaves him with a nice parting shot about how he's gotten fat. Douchebag. Henry takes a good look at himself in the mirror (and later the scale) and realized that he does want to lose some weight and be healthier. Enter Reed - the ripped, smokin' hot, Personal T ...more
I really adored this book. I'm always a Walker fan, but there's something to be said when any author writes an MC whom you, personally, can relate to. And I related to Henry all over the place.
Henry's partner of 8 years ups and leaves him with a nice parting shot about how he's gotten fat. Douchebag. Henry takes a good look at himself in the mirror (and later the scale) and realized that he does want to lose some weight and be healthier. Enter Reed - the ripped, smokin' hot, Personal T ...more

*** Witty, relevant and entertaining ! *** This is an amazing story ! It is so worthwhile and eye-opening.
I loved it ! In Australia, Henry, 30ish, a successful Financial Actuary

is depressed and dejected because he's been dumped by his partner of 8 years. In his despair, he realizes he must find the courage to pull himself up and move on.
Reed, a fitness trainer, is his salvation,
(Cris Hemsworth look-alike)

because he truly understands Henry; he's patient, and helps him.
Henry's journey to heal ...more
I loved it ! In Australia, Henry, 30ish, a successful Financial Actuary

is depressed and dejected because he's been dumped by his partner of 8 years. In his despair, he realizes he must find the courage to pull himself up and move on.
Reed, a fitness trainer, is his salvation,
(Cris Hemsworth look-alike)

because he truly understands Henry; he's patient, and helps him.
Henry's journey to heal ...more

4.5 stars for this read, which put a huge smile on my face throughout. Didn't much care for Henry's whinging when he started the gym, but who doesn't whine when they first start exercising after years of being a couch potato?? I loved Henry's filter-less mouth [which wasn't malicious...mostly 😉], and the ability he had to make his personal trainer Reed smile even when Reed and especially Henry didn't really feel like it. Loved all the secondary characters too, especially Henry's bestie Anika and
...more

So the solution in order to get fit is to find a nice, gorgeous personal trainer
... who likes texting me and calling me to ask me how I feel any time of the day and night, because he is worried about me
….while I whine and KEEP TALKING AND TALKING about the cruelty of life.
Eh… sorry it will never happen, mainly because my husband is a bit aggressive.
So I guess I am doomed. There is no way I will go back to the gym and use all the torture devices without somebody falling in love with me for trying ...more
... who likes texting me and calling me to ask me how I feel any time of the day and night, because he is worried about me
….while I whine and KEEP TALKING AND TALKING about the cruelty of life.
Eh… sorry it will never happen, mainly because my husband is a bit aggressive.
So I guess I am doomed. There is no way I will go back to the gym and use all the torture devices without somebody falling in love with me for trying ...more

3.75 Stars!
This is probably one of my more likable NR Walker reads. Travis and Charlie still remain my favorite couple, but this was a good read.
I liked the humor. A lot.
But Henry was almost too much. Almost. His lack of self-esteem and constant negative thoughts and comments hovered right there on the edge of being annoying. But I get it. I get why he was like that.
Reed was a great character. Almost too great. He was pretty perfect. I would have liked his POV at times.
I loved Henry and Reed ...more
This is probably one of my more likable NR Walker reads. Travis and Charlie still remain my favorite couple, but this was a good read.
I liked the humor. A lot.
But Henry was almost too much. Almost. His lack of self-esteem and constant negative thoughts and comments hovered right there on the edge of being annoying. But I get it. I get why he was like that.
Reed was a great character. Almost too great. He was pretty perfect. I would have liked his POV at times.
I loved Henry and Reed ...more

This has been the best book by NR Walker so far. Absolutely wonderful! Flawless! Total win!
I loved both Henry and Reed. I loved how real Henry was. I loved how Reed helped him rebuild his confidence and not only. Their slow-burn relationship was the best thing that could have happened.
There isn't a single thing I didn't like about this book. It was so so Funny. I laughed so much at what Henry said all the time. He really is a drama queen. His character was amazing. Reed is a sweetheart, too. I l ...more
I loved both Henry and Reed. I loved how real Henry was. I loved how Reed helped him rebuild his confidence and not only. Their slow-burn relationship was the best thing that could have happened.
There isn't a single thing I didn't like about this book. It was so so Funny. I laughed so much at what Henry said all the time. He really is a drama queen. His character was amazing. Reed is a sweetheart, too. I l ...more

4 Stars
I truly enjoyed this story. Although, I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive going in. I've always struggled with my own weight issues and I don't particularly find it a fun topic to read about in my books, but I appreciated the way Walker handled this particular story. For me, this was primarily about self-acceptance and the importance of being your own personal best - screw what anyone else thinks! These are two mentalities I can definitely get on board with.
I adored Henry to pieces. H ...more
I truly enjoyed this story. Although, I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive going in. I've always struggled with my own weight issues and I don't particularly find it a fun topic to read about in my books, but I appreciated the way Walker handled this particular story. For me, this was primarily about self-acceptance and the importance of being your own personal best - screw what anyone else thinks! These are two mentalities I can definitely get on board with.
I adored Henry to pieces. H ...more

Reread December 2020
What a fabulous comfort read! Just what I needed!
Original review:
I think I had a smile on my face all the way through. And the reasons were manifold:
.) great MCs:
Henry is a quirky, funny, extremely likeable guy on the slightly heavier side with a wicked ('TJ Klunish' type) sense of humour. And didn't I love that N.R. Walker touches upon the dreaded subject of weight loss. It was easy to bond with Henry just over that! Not to speak about his love of cooking (and boy, did my ...more
What a fabulous comfort read! Just what I needed!
Original review:
I think I had a smile on my face all the way through. And the reasons were manifold:
.) great MCs:
Henry is a quirky, funny, extremely likeable guy on the slightly heavier side with a wicked ('TJ Klunish' type) sense of humour. And didn't I love that N.R. Walker touches upon the dreaded subject of weight loss. It was easy to bond with Henry just over that! Not to speak about his love of cooking (and boy, did my ...more

This is so far my favorite N. R. Walker's book. The romance is a slow burn and the message behind the story was well delivered. It never felt cheesy. Henry also made me laugh out loud quite a few times. *sigh* such a good comfort read!
...more

4 Stars!
Truly a really, really enjoyable read. I would not be surprised to hear just how many people connected with this. I seriously think Henry is my long lost kindred spirit because I could so relate to every one of his snarky comments towards all things exercise and good health.
So, per the blurb, Henry gets a brutal wake up call and is determined to make some changes. Little does he know what’s in store for him as he is mercilessly tortured by his new trainer Reed. Reed however, is not just ...more
Truly a really, really enjoyable read. I would not be surprised to hear just how many people connected with this. I seriously think Henry is my long lost kindred spirit because I could so relate to every one of his snarky comments towards all things exercise and good health.
So, per the blurb, Henry gets a brutal wake up call and is determined to make some changes. Little does he know what’s in store for him as he is mercilessly tortured by his new trainer Reed. Reed however, is not just ...more

This was one of those little treats that you discover when your Bookbub daily offers email lands in your inbox. A feel good journey of making changes in you life for you and no one else and finding love along the way, it was worth every penny.
"You’re the Disney prince, and I’m Shrek."
It didn't hold any particular surprises, but that mattered not, as it's easy-read, humorous, heartfelt and has two fabulous relatable men who complement each other in the best possible ways, making you smile as ...more
"You’re the Disney prince, and I’m Shrek."
It didn't hold any particular surprises, but that mattered not, as it's easy-read, humorous, heartfelt and has two fabulous relatable men who complement each other in the best possible ways, making you smile as ...more

4.5 Stars
Ok, Why did I wait SOOOOO long to “read” this? I adored The Weight of It All and the narration by Joel Leslie is everything needed to bring Henry and Reed to life. I’m not sure I can go any further without mentioning the epic Harry Potter references. AND. ANDDDDDD, Joel Leslie’s impressions while doing them is on point. *happy dance*
Now, where was I? Oh yes, the story.
Henry- gets dumped by his ex for aging and looking like he’s aging. He's desperate to get hisex life back and heads to
...more
Ok, Why did I wait SOOOOO long to “read” this? I adored The Weight of It All and the narration by Joel Leslie is everything needed to bring Henry and Reed to life. I’m not sure I can go any further without mentioning the epic Harry Potter references. AND. ANDDDDDD, Joel Leslie’s impressions while doing them is on point. *happy dance*
Now, where was I? Oh yes, the story.
Henry- gets dumped by his ex for aging and looking like he’s aging. He's desperate to get his

3.5 stars
"The Weight Of It All" is one of the most motivational books I've ever read! If you want to start working out, but you keep postponing it, pick up this story and by the middle of it you will find yourself running along with the MCs.
There's no preaching about how good exercising can be or what an amazing body it helps you develop, and that's the best part. The positive effects it has on everyday life are simply part of the story, subtly there but not in a lecture kind of way. The MC who ...more
"The Weight Of It All" is one of the most motivational books I've ever read! If you want to start working out, but you keep postponing it, pick up this story and by the middle of it you will find yourself running along with the MCs.
There's no preaching about how good exercising can be or what an amazing body it helps you develop, and that's the best part. The positive effects it has on everyday life are simply part of the story, subtly there but not in a lecture kind of way. The MC who ...more

***5 Stars***
"...we do belong together. Because you get me, and I can talk to you and be with you like it's the easiest thing in the world."
I LOVED THE CRAP OUTTA THIS BOOK!!!

I'm so mad at myself for letting it sit on my kindle for so long. I don't know why I always passed it by when I was looking for something to read. N.R. Walker is one of my favorite authors, and I'm so disappointed in myself.
I read this thing in practially one sitting!!
This book had it all...humor, heart, rela ...more

4.5 Stars
It is no surprise I adored this book, Ms. Walker is one of my favorite writers for a reason. This book was wonderful, I find stories with less than perfect MCs so inspiring, in many books we find such unrealistic "perfect" characters, but here they felt like real people who were searching for personal growth. Having a perfect body and a better body image wasn't where Henry found happiness, but he did find that he was much happier when he worked on himself, for himself. I loved the since ...more
It is no surprise I adored this book, Ms. Walker is one of my favorite writers for a reason. This book was wonderful, I find stories with less than perfect MCs so inspiring, in many books we find such unrealistic "perfect" characters, but here they felt like real people who were searching for personal growth. Having a perfect body and a better body image wasn't where Henry found happiness, but he did find that he was much happier when he worked on himself, for himself. I loved the since ...more

*** 3.5 Stars ***
This story had humour, and heart, and a chubby MC that I could completely relate to (even when he was whinging about working out. Okay, especially when he was whinging about working out!). But as much as I liked the story premise, the writing style, and the characters, I felt as if it was missing that indefinable quality that has made so many of Walker's other books (especially RDH) such standouts for me.
That epilogue was everything, though. ...more
This story had humour, and heart, and a chubby MC that I could completely relate to (even when he was whinging about working out. Okay, especially when he was whinging about working out!). But as much as I liked the story premise, the writing style, and the characters, I felt as if it was missing that indefinable quality that has made so many of Walker's other books (especially RDH) such standouts for me.
That epilogue was everything, though. ...more

Second time around and still a feel good favorite. ;-)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall book rating: 4.5!! - First Read 28 May 2017
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3

This was brilliant! NR Walker, you made my weekend with this little gem.
Sweet
FUNNY
Great characters
Great side characters
So very entertaining and it felt real
Loved it ...more
------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall book rating: 4.5!! - First Read 28 May 2017
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3

This was brilliant! NR Walker, you made my weekend with this little gem.
Sweet
FUNNY
Great characters
Great side characters
So very entertaining and it felt real
Loved it ...more

This was funny and just adorable.
35 year old Henry has just been left by his boyfriend of 8 years. The last thing he told Henry was that he was old and fat. Henry is indeed overweight, and he feels old, even though he’s 35.
So Henry decides to change his life. He goes to the gym to try to perhaps lose some weight. It is there he meets personal trainer, Reed. These men hit it off immediately, but Henry is not sure what a gorgeous man like Reed would ever see in someone like him…
I LOVED Henry. He w ...more
35 year old Henry has just been left by his boyfriend of 8 years. The last thing he told Henry was that he was old and fat. Henry is indeed overweight, and he feels old, even though he’s 35.
So Henry decides to change his life. He goes to the gym to try to perhaps lose some weight. It is there he meets personal trainer, Reed. These men hit it off immediately, but Henry is not sure what a gorgeous man like Reed would ever see in someone like him…
I LOVED Henry. He w ...more

5 AMAZING Funny Stars...more
I loved this book!
I smiled the whole time I read the book. Harry, I love him so much,''He crack me up''. He was so funny, and Reed so sweet.
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Harry's boyfriend leaves him, after eight years together, saying that Harry is fat and old. After that, he decides to lose weight and live more healthy to get his boyfriend back. He joins a gym where he met Reed, who will be his personal trainer.
![]()


The Weight Of It All by N.R. Walker is a delightful, feel good story. It's a simple story about a man who suddenly finds himself alone and overweight. After taking a hard look at himself, he decides to make some changes in his life. He starts working out with a trainer and eating healthier. Reed, his trainer, is kind, encouraging, and patient and their friendship takes a natural progression.
My highlights:
-Reed & Henry. I just loved them. At first glance this would seem like opposites attract st ...more

*3.5 stars*
I felt that first and foremost, this story was about Henry's journey to self-acceptance, and his effort to reach his full potential, and be the best he can be. I loved that part of the story.
The romance part didn't do much for me, I'm afraid. Henry was too much or maybe that's how he looked like compared to Reed who was bland and just too perfect. Obviously, his character had some depth, but without his POV I didn't manage to see it. I didn't feel any particular chemistry or connectio ...more
I felt that first and foremost, this story was about Henry's journey to self-acceptance, and his effort to reach his full potential, and be the best he can be. I loved that part of the story.
The romance part didn't do much for me, I'm afraid. Henry was too much or maybe that's how he looked like compared to Reed who was bland and just too perfect. Obviously, his character had some depth, but without his POV I didn't manage to see it. I didn't feel any particular chemistry or connectio ...more
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The Backlot Gay B...: The Weight of it All, by N.R. Walker | 1 | 17 | Mar 19, 2017 05:41AM |
Author also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fa ...more
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fa ...more
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The Weight of It All
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