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Full Figured

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Age is just a number, and whoever said that full-figured women don’t know how to bring fire to a relationship was sadly mistaken.
Carl Weber brings together two popular Urban Books divas to give readers what they’ve been asking passionate, empowering stories about the lives and loves of big, beautiful women.
Newly divorced, 40-year-old Desa Rae finds herself alone now that her son has gone away to college. She’s taken to her bed, watching life pass her by—until Roc, a 24-year-old with a jaw-dropping body comes along. Desa Rae can’t keep her eyes open or legs closed to a man who excites her like no other man has. But can she really be serious about a man who is almost the same age as her son?
Avery Belmont is a diva in her own right. Smart, sassy, and successful, she has always had it going on; so much so that not only did the full-figured beauty catch the eye of Duke, the sexiest dude on the block, but she encouraged him to leave the dope game and become legit. Now, seven years later, Avery is working hard and trying to move ahead, but it seems that Duke isn't feeling the same way. Working with Kurt, her attractive coworker, isn't helping her situation. Is the love between Avery and Duke strong enough to keep them together, or will the strength of that love make them realize it's time to let go?

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

71 people are currently reading
815 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Hampton

95 books448 followers
Hampton is a native St. Louis, with a gift and passion for writing. She maintained journals for several years, but it wasn’t until she read Terry McMillan’s Disappearing Acts that she considered taking her writing adventures to another level.



In 2002, Hampton completed her memoir, along with two fiction novels: Two's Enough Three's a Crowd and How Can I Be Down? The following year, she completed thrilling sequels to both novels and additional bestselling novels followed thereafter.



Hampton is known for bringing the heat to readers, and her literary career is filled with many accomplishments. She is an Essence Magazine Bestselling Author, she was named a Favorite Female Fiction writer in Upscale Magazine by O.O.S.A., she is a 2009 African American Literary Award Nominee for her mystery novel, The Dirty Truth, and was awarded Best Female Writer by Infini Promoters. Her dedication to her career lead to a multi-book deal through Urban/Kensington Books in New York City, a publishing house that she refers to as her literary home.



In addition to writing, and having an entrepreneur spirit, Hampton manages her own insurance business where she works as an Insurance Broker for many customers throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. She is also the founder of VOICES Books & Publishing, VOICES Books on Wheels and VOICES Magazine. VOICES is the place where every voice can be heard, and Hampton uses her publishing company to assist writers through the POD process. Her goal has been to work with motivated writers who deserve a chance in this very challenging book industry. She’s been referred to as the “go to person” by many aspiring writers, and works as a literary representative for some of the most talented, upcoming and established authors today. Including, National Bestselling author, Keisha Ervin (Urban Books/Kensington), 2007’s Best Male Writer, Darrin Lowery (Urban Books/Kensington), OASIS (Strebor/Simon & Schuster), Silhouettes (Urban Books/Kensington), Curtis Alcutt (Strebor/Simon & Schuster) and E.V. Adams (Strebor/Simon & Schuster), Tia Hines (Urban/Kensington) and Kaya Henderson (Urban/Kensington).





Hampton's latest releases are: Don't Even Go There, Full Figured 1, The Dirty Truth and Book 6 of the Naughty Series. Naughty includes Hampton’s most loveable, desired, and outrageous character, Jaylin Rogers. Readers can’t get enough of this “bad boy” and his continued drama goes on in Naughty No More. Other novels include: Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right, SLICK, How Can I Be Down?, No Justice No Peace, a Girls from Da Hood collaboration with Brenda Hampton, Keisha Ervin and Ed McNair, and Who or What is in that Closet?!, a children's chapter book that Hampton wrote with her son, Aaron Littlejohn.

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5 stars
330 (41%)
4 stars
252 (31%)
3 stars
142 (17%)
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43 (5%)
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25 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for JBucky.
451 reviews32 followers
May 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Wheeewwww, I’m 38 hot !!! Was this how they were doing it back in the day? Giving us teasers for books.!??

Both these stories were SUCH great makings of PERFECT stories, but they were cut short! I’m SO sick 😷 🥴😬😭😩..!
2 reviews
September 16, 2017
I wish the stories had centered more of the trials and triumphs of plus sized black women as advertised and less of the whims of troubled black men "caught up in the game." (Picture me with a Bechdel test, red pen and furrowed brow.)

Aside from the unchallenged insinuation that short-tempered, misogynistic man-children and criminals are the best fat black women can hope to do, weight seems to be a forgotten footnote both in the characters' existences and in the stories themselves. "Who Ya Wit" was particularly difficult to get through due to its heavy-handed over-compensation for having to make its main character fat. The repeated Halle Berry references and Pantene product placement (!!) used to perpetuate the tired light-skin-long-hair-big-butt-baddie trope were cringeworthy and bizarre, as was much of the inauthentic and unnecessary "urban" dialogue. When Desa Rae described the appearance of ex-husband Reggie's new flame as "just okay," citing her short hair and slightly darker skin tone, it was truly a test of will not to return the e-book right then and there.

All in all, this story largely seemed to serve as the author's attempt to convince black men that fat women are as worthy of urban fantasy-esque objectification as slim ones. After all, they aren't *all* dark and bald.

While "Seven Year Itch" was the easier read of the two stories in that it was comparably less inane, I nonetheless found myself internally screaming at Avery to leave Duke and was no less disappointed by her seeming failure to learn her worth by the end of the story. Her internal dialogue indicating her preference for men in "jerseys and Timbs" rather than suits and ties made me groan inwardly, though I came to resolve this in light of her background and the message the story appeared to convey (if only its main character heeded said message). The fairytale-like favor bestowed upon Avery despite her entrenchment in and conflicting loyalty to her working class upbringing did, however, ring a bit unrealistic at points, although in context I consider this a minor quibble rather than a glaring gripe.

Despite the questionable characterization and rushed, clunky handling of the LGBT character toward the end, I did finish the story with some level of investment and interest in the characters' lives. While I was certainly angry with Avery for the way she approached her relationship with Duke--and believe there were some missed opportunities to explore the role of her weight in this pattern--I experienced the sort of mixed sympathy and frustration I feel when listening to my friends' relationship woes. I can't say I'd mind reading more, if for no other reason than to ascertain whether Avery's personal growth is indeed stagnated by her past or instead by the author's expectation that readers will actually root for a hood-spun "happily ever after" with Duke. (I'm more primed for a spin-off novel starring Demi as I found her character more interesting than Avery's, however.)

While I acknowledge I'm likely overrating its relative readability, "Seven Year Itch"--certainly not without its flaws--saved this book from the one-star rating I was inclined to give upon finishing "Who Ya Wit." I suppose "good girl meets drug-dealing bad boy" stories are as real as any other, even if they aren't my own. I do wonder, however, how many times this particular story must masquerade as a heroine's tale while its women are led on puppet strings by their own "supporting" characters. (2 1/4 stars)
Profile Image for Nardsbaby Reader.
415 reviews74 followers
July 27, 2010
Significant Others,

‘Who Ya Wit’ by Brenda Hampton

At 40, Desa Rae, a divorcee whose only son has just left for college has become a recluse. Lonely and still in love with the ex, she spends her free time reading or watching TV. When she accidentally meets Roc, a 24-year-old thug, she can’t help the naughty thoughts. It’s not long before the two are tearing up the sheets. Age is not the biggest difference between the two. Desa finds herself smothering Roc with her mothering. Used to having it his way all the time, can Roc and Desa work things out?

‘Seven Year Itch’ by La Jill Hunt

Avery Belmont is working hard, while trying to attain her masters degree and keep the love flowing between her and boo, Duke. A rehabilitated street dude, Duke found a 9 to 5 and is happy to live in the very neighborhood they grew up in. While she loves Duke dearly, she yearns for more. When subtle changes are made, will Avery and Duke find themselves on opposite sides?

After reading ‘Full Figured’ I’m sure that these pages didn’t belong with this cover. Though both protagonists are plus size women, the book centers more on the relationships they are involved in with men who seem very different from the women’s scope. A size was tossed in here and there, more like an afterthought instead of the focal point of the stories.

I liked both stories. If you got cougar instincts, get your grown woman ON! Though I should remind ‘grown’ women, bed responsibly. You can’t be out here calling yourself a cougar with someone who is underage; that’s still a crime! My biggest issue is with the poor product that URBAN BOOKS/Carl Weber presented. I’ve read Urban Books before and mentioned the editing and here it is again, the editing. Might I suggest the pink slip approach? I didn’t bother with the synopsis beforehand, but I see that La Jill’s characters names changed and the cover does not reflect that. In La Jill’s story the word ‘coworkers’ has been misused in lieu of the word ‘fine.’ I can’t even fathom how that is possible.

OOSA Online Book Club BOTM
75 reviews
July 12, 2016
I typically don't set high expectations for urban fiction but Who Ya Wit was especially awful. Like, really, really bad.

I hated Desa Rae. She talked out of both sides of her mouth for the entire book and the only thing that kept me reading until the end was the hope that she would wake up and find her backbone—she never does. She's whiny, makes piss poor decisions and blames everybody but herself for the bad outcomes...she's dependent on men who don't even respect her and she has no respect for herself. The worst thing about her is she swears she has it all together. Judgemental and childish throughout.

And then there's Roc. This guy has exactly zero redeeming qualities. NONE. He's an asshole from the start and only gets worse over time. And all the women in the book fight over him rather than taking his sorry ass to task! The "love story" in this book is downright pathetic and I worry that it's not meant to be seen that way. I hope this trash isn't what people aspire to in their real life relationships.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Crystal.
522 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2025
This book contains two stories and the first one was a hot mess! The second story was really good, but much shorter than the first, so my review is mainly based off the first story.
Desa Rae is supposed to be so secure and confident in herself, but she is thirsting after a disrespectful drug pusher….not feeling it. Not only is he disrespectful, he tells her that she doesn’t need to know everything about his life after she finds out he has a kid and girlfriend, and he flat out raped her and she still rolls with him.
After 40 you usually know what you want, have standards and have little time for other people bs. The picture that is painted of her in the beginning is not who she really is and I had no sympathy for her outcome. She was not relatable to me.
What really threw me was she pushed “her man”to hang out with her college student son, just weeks after being in a car with him where there was a shootout, and he’s a drug runner. Many parents try to steer their kids away from people like this and you are encouraging him to hang out with him because he is sexing you good, really. “Side eye” but had a problem with her son dating a white girl. She claims to be struggling, received alimony, but goes on shopping sprees. Then try to tell her young juvenile lover how to get his life on track and stop selling drugs when her own life is not on track. This over forty year old woman is a midlife crisis.
Profile Image for Carmen Blalock.
262 reviews15 followers
October 15, 2010
Carl Weber is an awesome author and this book Carl Weber Presents is an accurate representation of his knowledge of good, attention-getting writing in a writer! The authors in this particular book are Brenda Hampton (Naughty series) and LaJill Hunt (Around the Way Girls series) and these two women are totally awesome writers!!!!!!!! Brenda and LaJill write a novella a piece designed around full figured women being the heros (aren't they supposed to be?)and these stories keep your attention from the first page to the last! I am recommending that everyone purchase this book and from what I can see, there is a second full figured books coming out. Lets hear it for the Full Figured Women!
Profile Image for Andrea.
256 reviews
March 10, 2022
The book focused on two different stories with a full-figured woman as the main character. I think the premise of the stories was good, but the audio version lacked something for me. I did like that the female leads were smart women who were professionals trying to make good choices. They were women of substance with positive body images. The stories did not center around losing weight. That in itself was a positive for me.
Profile Image for Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚.
511 reviews26 followers
November 16, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down ! I enjoyed how the author allowed both of the stories to be told separately! It helped with keeping up with the complexity of the book. This book had it all love , drama and secrets ! Definitely into this series ! Will be reading book 2.
Profile Image for ✿Bettina✿ ~BOoK FieNd ~.
388 reviews10 followers
December 27, 2021
Audible freebie

Racist much. This lost me right at the beginning. You get what you pay for, and the narrator was too much for me..
Profile Image for Chichilovestoread.
470 reviews
October 6, 2024
THOUGHTS WHILE READING:


That’s right Desa Rae-what man don’t want a woman with some meat on her bones?

Desa Rae funniest moments:
Not sucker😂
Yummy and dummy 😂😂😂
Not Somebody Loves you baby by Pattie
Snookems😂
Stand up and do the stinky leg😂

Rock huh.. rock hard 😂😂

Oh hell no Latrell.. you ain’t too old for this belt.

It’s giving thickianna got her groove back! Until it didn’t 😐

Monica singing stranger in the night out the blue was hilarious 😂

Shake rattle and roll😂😂😂 I can’t

The door bell rang and hunny I was sweating for Desa Rae .. but honey was like think fast and did 😂😂😂😂

Rock not wrong.. if it’s done it’s done why Reggie stopping over unannounced.
But also boy that little temper tantrum ain’t it. 😂

Reggie I know you wasn’t about to hit her?
Dude fuck you and gtfoh, w-tf you think you are Reggie?

That’s right Rock, I say what I feel and feel what I want!!!

Rock said Imma mover and shaker😂 babe
Desa Rae was like boy if you don’t get yo…..tf that mean 😂

Oh shit… shots fired. Moving and shaking huh 😂

I feel like presenting those photos was divisive Rock.. Desa Rae, you ain’t see that?

Who Chile … 🌬️need to cool down.

Rock and DesRae is such a bad idea 🤦🏾‍♀️

I mean I’m all for you getting some Mac n cheese sis, but ole boy too immature imo and obviously don’t have a mind of his own and an abuser.

This book gave what it was supposed to give .. messy at any age and any stage..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bianca.
982 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2021
I’m mad that I didn’t do this review when my exasperation with this book was fresh. I got that feeling when part of the leading ladies description of herself included mentioning that Pantene makes he long beautiful hair shine. I seriously wondered if there was a sponsorship deal in this with her multiple mentions of the product. I don’t know what kind of romance this novel was supposed to be but after the leading males treatment of her started going down the drain I can’t say I was feeling this book. Also, her overlooking his bullshit really irked my nerves and when he mentioned her being Christian and therefore she should forgive him for his crap made me feel like he needed a kick in the balls.

This books only reinforced the idea that if a person is attractive then they can constantly fling shit around and still be given multiple chances. The scene where they argue, he hits her, then mainly forces sex on her and doesn’t use protection and she takes a couple of weeks to “get over it” finds out he impregnated her and it’s just oh well, now I’m pregnant. Guess what, she also went back to screwing him and cried when he took the rap for his uncle and went to prison. Then this muthafucka gets out and comes to her house talking about where are the going from there 😳🤯

I’m made I even wasted my time with this one.

P.S. I don’t know what was really supposed to be plus sized about this novel other than her ass and tits
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Love_lost_black_rose.
18 reviews
August 2, 2010
I loved this book nd like previous post the back of the book didn't fit with the second half.

The second story didn't match up, regardless it was a good read, finished the first story in one day, the other in a few hours, due to the short chapters.


I loved "Who Ya Wit" , it kind of reminded me of some of the drama going on with my boyfriend nd the way Roc acts lmao yea they r so a like.. But I don't have any kids lol, nd I'm only 18. But the lifestyle match ups and some other book events made me think of my life, nd really think about how much I love my crazy ass bf..



"Seven year itch" ok I'm sorry but the story kind of didn't make sense.. The prologue shouldn't have been there.. Maybe then the story would have been a little better.. Because after I finished it I was like, WTH?? I had to go back and read the prologue.. That could just be the affects of reading from 4-6 in the morning.. That's how long it took me 2 finish the very short second story
Profile Image for Laveda Joseph.
5 reviews
April 29, 2023
Disconnected storyline. Trigger warning needed. Negative 80s/90s Stereotype.

Two different stories in one book. Both play into the negative stereotypes of the black man and woman. Felt like I was reliving the glamorized drug dealer persona of the 80s/90s.

Needed a trigger warning. The first story clearly had a rape and was not dealt with properly. I was already disgusted by both characters persona well before that scene occurred.

Positive: 1. The second story character, Avery is striving to better herself and I liked that her thesis focused on the various issues that have impacted black communities and neighborhoods. 2. The voiceover artist was well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yvette.
176 reviews
December 31, 2011
Let me say once again that I LOVE Brenda Hampton. She pens the most interesting stories and her male characters just ooze off the pages...lol!!! This as a very good read. I ordered the next part of this story on my Kindle (got it for Xmas) because this couple was just too hot together!!!
Profile Image for Favorite.
30 reviews
March 20, 2023
This book needs to have trigger warnings. I stopped listening when he r@ped her. Nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ayesha Depay.
5 reviews
November 8, 2024
Trigger warning this book has SA as part of the final act with the male romantic interest. No thank you. I wished someone warned me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Monique.
369 reviews22 followers
October 25, 2019
I swear have walked by the shelves at Walmart and have seen this book several time. I always wanted to pick it up and buy it but I knew was not going to have time to read it. My commute is long and Audiobooks is all I have time for. So, I was excited to see it on My Hoopla app.

The book was a great read. I really enjoyed the first story. If you’re in my same age group like Desa Rae this book will be easy to understand. Desa Rae at first couldn’t get over how Rock a 24 year old could fall for a full figured 40 year old woman like her. They go through their ups and downs only to find out if their relationship will survive or not. Going from a grown man to a young man is a real roller coaster for Desa Rae. I think it was worth the ride. I just wonder if they do get back together how long, will it last?
The second part of the book was short but it was also good. Avery was a very smart lady and was a full figured queen. She worked hard to get to where she was in life and was still working hard while balancing school, work, and of course her man Duke who really loves her but is stuck in his ways. You will meet Avery’s friends and her bosses. This reminds me of me and My Boo. Some of you may feel the same way.
I recommend reading Full Figured by Brenda Hampton and La Jill Hunt
Profile Image for Shreeta Ashley.
3 reviews
March 14, 2024
The first story, "Who Ya Wit?" was a 1 star, and the second story,"Seven Year Itch, " was a 2.5 star, so I gave the book as a whole 2 stars.

The first story is the longer of the two and includes lots of dated, cringy, and unnatural dialogue. The female lead makes many nonsensical choices, and the male lead is insufferable. It also seems to glorify many harmful stereotypes of black men and black relationships. It includes an unexpected rape scene that is handled very poorly in the aftermath by the author. It was treated as if it was just another disagreement that this incompatible couple needed to overcome. The message seemed to be that this type of violation is just part of the package when in a relationship with a black man, and that outlook disgusted me. As a result, I skipped the rest of the story and learned how it ended through reviews here on Goodreads. Based on those reviews, I don't feel I'm missing anything by dnf-ing this story.

The second story was fine. That's it. It was fine.

If struggle love is your preferred genre, you'll probably enjoy this book. If you're looking for an actual romance novel centered on black characters, this is probably not the book for you. It just makes me sad that when I searched black romance in my library app, these were the kind of stories suggested to me. 😢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
911 reviews13 followers
November 7, 2022
This compilation was a nice read/listen. Both stories felt like they ended on a cliff hanger. I reviewed Who You With by Brenda Jackson in a separate review. This review is for Seven Year Itch by LaJill Hunt. It starts out interesting with some real Suspense…what happened to Avery? With the back story you see the tension building in Avery and Duke’s relationship, the growing pains of life. One is evolving and the other is happy and content. When we get to the plot and what happened to Avery I’m confused. I knew Demi was plotting against someone but I didn’t expect that. Then the epilogue doesn’t cover how she got to the end and then it ended??? I feel like I missed a lot.
Profile Image for Ta.
381 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2020
Full Figured #1
I learned that people who weigh just as much as I do have issues and insecurities. I can honestly say I have never viewed my weight negatively.
"Who Ya Wit" reminds me of my life. Really, the parallels humored me. Unlike her, I do not turn down money. Kudos for the attempt at a happy ending. My imagination says the transition of "being his peace" would be a challenge.
"Seven Year Itch" was entertaining. The author definitely convinced me of their love. I found the phases of their growth a realistic portrayal. Urban love.
1 review
October 6, 2022
There are two stories in the one book. Im giving 3 stars because the first book by Brenda Hampton I really enjoyed. I enjoyed it so much that I ordered the second book because I need to know what’s gonna happen between Desa Rae and Roc lol. The second book I couldn’t get into at all! I read 4 chapters and I feel like it just jumps from one event to the next event and it just wasn’t for me. Save yourself some money and just got by the original Who You Wit Brenda Hampton Book. I will be sure to check out more books by Brenda Hampton
Profile Image for Shonika.
142 reviews
June 6, 2025
I love a good love story but Rock and Desi took me threw it. I love that Desi got her groove back after a draining marriage but I had conflicting feelings for Rock. They were nostalgic together but, he acted his age. She put him onto a new way of life and he loves her for it but his past had a hold on him. In the end, it all worked out.
Avery needs to move on from Duke. He's not down 0ng her back from her full potential. Sometimes love just isn't enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,010 reviews154 followers
November 14, 2021
Urban fabulous life for the young trying to be grown and the more mature trying to live a new life. Both women are working to keep what they have and make things better for themselves. Something a little different a bit more ratchet then I like, but was something to sprinkle some spice. Not a love story in either of them. Sex yes, lust yes, connection kinda. Life most certainly.
Profile Image for PrincessofthePage.
322 reviews8 followers
December 9, 2024
Smdh. The decisions and behaviors. Whew. An unlikely love match story of a woman in her next stage of life after marriage turned into more than a fun fling. The characters frustrated and angered me for their bad decisions. There was no growth by the end and they ended up worse off than when they began. She accepted so much crap as so many women in real life do, which made me sad.

The second story seemed random and days after reading it was forgettable.
Profile Image for Coco Nelson .
70 reviews
August 7, 2025
This has two separate stories, the first story of a 40 year old woman and a 24 year old man who have not only age challenges but exes and other people in their lives. The biggest challenge is his occupation. But I did enjoy Des and Rock. It is spicy as all heck but I'm grown. The second story was cute and short.
Profile Image for Diva Dina.
566 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2025
I was not as impressed as I thought I would be. In the first novella, the main character seemed desperate and when things went from bad to worse, she was still trying to hold on. I just couldn't take that. The second novella was a little better, but the ending was lackluster and felt rushed. I probably wouldn't read more by these authors. Not my cup of tea.
43 reviews
January 22, 2018
The cover makes you want to read it and I was pleased with the first part “who ya wit” but the second story had nothing to do with the first! I’m not much of a reader of many short stories! I like one book at a time! I love Carl Webber books though so I was a little disappointed.
Profile Image for LaRhonda.
596 reviews18 followers
July 10, 2019
I've been trying to start this series for awhile now. Glad that I finally did. Both stories are good. I enjoyed the 2nd more that the 1st. I really like when a book have to "I didn't see that coming" moment! I thought I had it all figured out and I didn't. WOW! Hope there's a sequel to story 2.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
67 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2021
Though this book had some interesting parts, it was way too raunchy for me. The language is very vulgar. If all the raunchiness was taken out, this actually could’ve been a book I loved. There were quite a few twists and turns once the slow start was over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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