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The Weight Of Us
Love doesn’t always come wrapped in peace. Sometimes it appears amidst chaos.
Niyah Evans is a registered nurse with a bleeding heart and a backbone built from survival. After raising her younger brother on her own and grinding her way through nursing school, she thought she finally had things under control. But one night changes everything, ripping away the last piece of family she had and shattering the illusion of safety.
Sintonio Jackson never asked to feel anything. Running the streets kept him numb, until a tragedy connects him to a woman who should’ve been off-limits. He’s loyal to his crew, haunted by guilt, and struggling to protect a love he never saw coming.
As grief collides with desire and the lines between right and wrong blur, Niyah and Sintonio find themselves bound by pain, passion, and secrets that cut deep. But healing ain’t easy when the streets are still watching and the past refuses to stay buried.
The Weight of Us is a gritty, emotional debut that explores love in its rawest form, flawed, fierce, and unforgiving. Camille V delivers a powerful story of trauma, redemption, and what it means to choose each other, even when the world says not to.
Niyah Evans is a registered nurse with a bleeding heart and a backbone built from survival. After raising her younger brother on her own and grinding her way through nursing school, she thought she finally had things under control. But one night changes everything, ripping away the last piece of family she had and shattering the illusion of safety.
Sintonio Jackson never asked to feel anything. Running the streets kept him numb, until a tragedy connects him to a woman who should’ve been off-limits. He’s loyal to his crew, haunted by guilt, and struggling to protect a love he never saw coming.
As grief collides with desire and the lines between right and wrong blur, Niyah and Sintonio find themselves bound by pain, passion, and secrets that cut deep. But healing ain’t easy when the streets are still watching and the past refuses to stay buried.
The Weight of Us is a gritty, emotional debut that explores love in its rawest form, flawed, fierce, and unforgiving. Camille V delivers a powerful story of trauma, redemption, and what it means to choose each other, even when the world says not to.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2025
729 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
October 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ A good debut novel 👍🏽 There were a few big jaw dropping moments in the book that had me floored. Also moments where I was skimming the book because it dragged a little bit for me. Overall I think people will enjoy this book.
P.s. Check the triggers. There’s a whole page she lists them on don’t skip that part! lol
P.s. Check the triggers. There’s a whole page she lists them on don’t skip that part! lol
October 25, 2025
The story was raw…..definitely make sure to read the trigger warnings first. Niyah and Sintonio were truly fated; the way they met 🤯. Around 30% in, my jaw dropped! The author wrote the hell out of Derrick, Whew!!! For this to be the author’s debut, she’s got a promising career ahead. I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
November 17, 2025
Oh this was sooo good gave me all the feels I didn’t know I needed!
November 4, 2025
Good writing just an underwhelming tale that had potential. The basis for the plot was incredible and it was interesting to see Sintonio and Niyah fall in love. I could’ve done without the story villain cus I feel like even if the intention is good the execution matters. Like basically you are telling us this man went off the deep end because unresolved childhood trauma that led to some confusion for the rest of his life. I get that things shape people but I think the narrative is still kinda harmful. The whole thing with the Jamaicans was lacking cus where was the real resolution who was the man who showed up and is he dead now? Who was the other person in the room during Niyah’s assault and where did he come from? All of this because someone couldn’t live in their truth idk it just felt off to me, I personally don’t even think we needed the DL storyline the story would’ve still hit if he was just a controlling jealous man. I also get we need comedic relief but eagerly listening to ya friends fuck is weird to me, and sorry after the second time it stopped being funny especially in the hospital room like relax.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
My good sis did her big one with this debut novel. I am happy to say I am here from the beginning. She did such a wonderful job layering pain, love and comedic moments in a very well written romance. This was exactly everything she said it was it was not an easy love, it was messy, beautiful, and complicated by Sin and Niyah def beat the odds and come out on top. There were so many ups and downs and things that they each had to overcome but seeing them be open to healing especially with each other was beautiful. I can't wait to see how Camille grows as an author. YALL GO SHOW HER SOME LOVE BY READING, I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT REGRET!!
P.S - IT IS FOREVER FUCK DERRICK...MAY HE REST IN SHIT!!!😡
P.S - IT IS FOREVER FUCK DERRICK...MAY HE REST IN SHIT!!!😡
November 21, 2025
I absolutely hate rating á book below three stars so for me to rate this book at two stars is really saying something. The plot on this book made absolutely no sense whatsoever in my opinion. Derrick and Niyah are in a relationship that she feels that they’ve grown out of but she still tries to hold on to the relationship until she sees a used cóndom hanging out his béhind. Like you mean to tell me that he didn’t feel it hanging. The book hints at Derrick being SA’d but never really gave the specifics which left me wanting to know more about what happened to him. Niyah ends up in a relationship with Sintonio who ended up being the person who unalived her 15yr old bother and she stays with him. It ain’t that much love in the world to stay with, marry, and have kids by her brother’s múrderer. Derrick’s character was all over the place. He was stalking and harassing Niyah but he was also being a top and bottom with other men was just too all over the place. He supposedly loved Niyah so much and wanted them back together but he allowed her to be ráped by the other men when they kídnapped her really didn’t make any sense in my opinion. The kídnapping scene didn’t make sense because one minute she’s in her car and then the next second the dude kídnapping her was grabbing her then she just dropped her keys instead of using them as a weapon. Tasha is her best friend but she drives off before Niyah is secure in her car knowing that Derrick is harassing her. I don’t understand why Sintonio didn’t unalive Derrick the first time that they went to his house. I almost DNF the book about three or four times especially when scenes were inconsistent like when they were on the couch séxing but then the headboard was hitting up against the wall….Tasha is a nurse but wants a nail salon and a booth so when exactly is she supposed to work there exactly? Sintonio named their son Zion after Niyah’s brother supposedly but his name was Isaiah nicknamed Zay so how is he named after him?
October 26, 2025
First things first, this definitely didn’t give debut novel. This was well written and the story had lots of depth. The characters were flawed, layered, and you wanted to route for them and cuss them out at the same time. Despite a few of the side characters adding in some comedy, this was a very heavy read to me simply because of all that Niyah (FMC) had to experience. It starts off with a gut punch and just as she gets her footing, the rug is ripped from under her again. And then about 70% in….SWEET BABY JESUS. Let’s just say that despite the trigger warnings “preparing you”, you’re not prepared. There are a couple of very graphic scenes and I do wish the author added that one little word in to clarify because that could make the difference between someone choosing to read it.
I do feel as though it dragged on in some places and felt a bit repetitive at some points. Like we get it, y’all looking for peace and this feels different. You don’t have to say it at the end of every chapter lol.
With that said though this was overall a good read that would be perfect for a book club. There’s lots of material for conversation (should the MCs have ended up together? When should the MMC have shared his secret? Do you have sympathy for the villain?)
I do feel as though it dragged on in some places and felt a bit repetitive at some points. Like we get it, y’all looking for peace and this feels different. You don’t have to say it at the end of every chapter lol.
With that said though this was overall a good read that would be perfect for a book club. There’s lots of material for conversation (should the MCs have ended up together? When should the MMC have shared his secret? Do you have sympathy for the villain?)
October 29, 2025
This book was EVERYTHING!
Wow! This was toooo good!! Easily one of my top reads this year!!!! I was pulled in from the very first chapter & every chapter that followed kept me wanting more! The unexpected twist & turns, the suspense watching things unravel & wondering just how far they would go… whew!!! From beginning to end it will keep you on your toes!!!
My heart ached for Niyah!!! She went through so much & it seemed never ending!!! The hurt, betrayal & all from the people closest to her.. You really felt all of the emotions she was battling with throughout the entire book!
Sintonio… He was a good guy in a bad position! A split second decision left him with a lifetime of guilt! I enjoyed seeing his character grow & make the necessary changes to not only say he wanted better but actually go out & make it happen for his family!
Juelz & Tasha were HILARIOUS!!!!! They literally had me dying laughing the entire book! They were unhinged & meant for each other 😂
This book dealt with some HEAVY topics so read your trigger warnings, but this was an amazing read!!! I look forward to seeing more from this author!
Wow! This was toooo good!! Easily one of my top reads this year!!!! I was pulled in from the very first chapter & every chapter that followed kept me wanting more! The unexpected twist & turns, the suspense watching things unravel & wondering just how far they would go… whew!!! From beginning to end it will keep you on your toes!!!
My heart ached for Niyah!!! She went through so much & it seemed never ending!!! The hurt, betrayal & all from the people closest to her.. You really felt all of the emotions she was battling with throughout the entire book!
Sintonio… He was a good guy in a bad position! A split second decision left him with a lifetime of guilt! I enjoyed seeing his character grow & make the necessary changes to not only say he wanted better but actually go out & make it happen for his family!
Juelz & Tasha were HILARIOUS!!!!! They literally had me dying laughing the entire book! They were unhinged & meant for each other 😂
This book dealt with some HEAVY topics so read your trigger warnings, but this was an amazing read!!! I look forward to seeing more from this author!
January 25, 2026
The Weight Was Definitely Weightin’
OMG😱!!, I have never cried and laughed (sometimes at the same time) so hard reading a book. I mean this book came with trigger warnings, but got dang it, I didn’t expect what I read to hit me and I was really triggered. Like for real, I wanted to jump in this book and be the living daylights out of Derrick. He was so trifling and just down right nasty and disrespectful. I had no hopes for him whatsoever. The way he did my girl Niyah, aw man I was ready to go to actual war, I was so mad I was talking trash and it had my daughter looking at me sideways with that look that said “Hoe Is You Cool”🤣. I felt this book on so many levels with all the raw emotions and the situations that Niyah had to go through to make it out in one piece. I’m however grateful that she looked beyond what Sintonio did (by mistake) and gave him a chance to prove himself.
Sintonio quickly understood where he went wrong and tried to correct it, but some things you just have to let it go and hopefully it will come back the right way. Sintonio was a no nonsense type of guy with a hood character and a soft spot for Niyah so much that he got out the game and went all the way legit.
The Weight of Us was definitely an emotional rollercoaster filled with laughter, saddness, quirky moments, family, and togetherness. Good read, would give 1000 out of 5 stars.
OMG😱!!, I have never cried and laughed (sometimes at the same time) so hard reading a book. I mean this book came with trigger warnings, but got dang it, I didn’t expect what I read to hit me and I was really triggered. Like for real, I wanted to jump in this book and be the living daylights out of Derrick. He was so trifling and just down right nasty and disrespectful. I had no hopes for him whatsoever. The way he did my girl Niyah, aw man I was ready to go to actual war, I was so mad I was talking trash and it had my daughter looking at me sideways with that look that said “Hoe Is You Cool”🤣. I felt this book on so many levels with all the raw emotions and the situations that Niyah had to go through to make it out in one piece. I’m however grateful that she looked beyond what Sintonio did (by mistake) and gave him a chance to prove himself.
Sintonio quickly understood where he went wrong and tried to correct it, but some things you just have to let it go and hopefully it will come back the right way. Sintonio was a no nonsense type of guy with a hood character and a soft spot for Niyah so much that he got out the game and went all the way legit.
The Weight of Us was definitely an emotional rollercoaster filled with laughter, saddness, quirky moments, family, and togetherness. Good read, would give 1000 out of 5 stars.
October 26, 2025
Thank you to Camille V for my advance reader copy. For this to be her debut, she came out swinging. The Weight of Us was raw, emotional, and beautifully painful in all the right ways.
Sintonio and Niyah’s story isn’t your typical love story it’s messy, passionate, and full of heartbreak that lingers. Niyah couldn’t catch a break, and I felt every ounce of her exhaustion and strength. She’s the kind of woman life keeps testing, but she still shows up with heart. And Sintonio? Trouble and tenderness all in one, the kind of man you shouldn’t love but do anyway.
Camille V captured the ache of loving someone in your brokenness, and the way heartbreak and healing can happen in the same breath. The story felt so real flawed, complicated, and unforgettable.
For a debut, this was heavy, soulful, and full of emotion. Camille V definitely has a voice worth watching.
Sintonio and Niyah’s story isn’t your typical love story it’s messy, passionate, and full of heartbreak that lingers. Niyah couldn’t catch a break, and I felt every ounce of her exhaustion and strength. She’s the kind of woman life keeps testing, but she still shows up with heart. And Sintonio? Trouble and tenderness all in one, the kind of man you shouldn’t love but do anyway.
Camille V captured the ache of loving someone in your brokenness, and the way heartbreak and healing can happen in the same breath. The story felt so real flawed, complicated, and unforgettable.
For a debut, this was heavy, soulful, and full of emotion. Camille V definitely has a voice worth watching.
October 24, 2025
first time writer where?
Was it a great read, yes! Do I recommend, yes!
But I really wanted to sit with this read so I could articulate my thoughts- this book was so dynamic and well written.
My hope is that I express that opinion properly.
Spoiler- I still don’t think I have properly but here’s my “attempt”.
——
Plot/storyline: second chance/hidden truth
Chemistry: from initial encounter, connected but it does feel like a little a slow burn. Not fully but has some components
spice: spice scene were spicy
Drama: heavy. check the trigger warnings! AGAIN, check your trigger warnings!!!!! I do think the author did a great job incorporating the use of therapy at the end of the story.
——
The depth and symbolism of this story- whew!
The use of the word “weight” throughout this story…not only literally but figuratively.
Using imagery, tense moments, and POV’s - this “weight” was implemented and carried so well throughout the story.
—
Now, let’s code switch the review tone:
Putting on my glasses for a more professional approach 🤓🤓🤓
⬇️
——
“pen game 🔏✅” moment:
So many things to highlight in this read but I think my favorite- the way the author wrote Derrick.
He is our antagonist in this story but I think he’s my favorite written character.
Not only did we see his cruel/selfish actions but the author gave us an insight of the internal drive throughout.
Without exposing the plot twist, sometimes authors write preferences and “unconventional” behaviors with a hint of humor. Nothing wrong with that but I absolutely love the DEPTH this author explored with this character.
The last couple of paragraphs in Chapter 27- absolutely powerful to me.
I don’t sympathize with Derrick AT ALL but the insight and POV the author gives us added depth and understanding to his actions.
His behavior wasn’t just used to push the story/drama along but to explore trauma response from a victim to a predator perspective.
_____
The symbolism of that hoodie- from the act of shame at the beginning to later being used as covering/protection at the end of the story… Again, powerful…
Yeah, so much I could say about this story.
Now this story is NOT for everybody but I highly recommend this read IF the listed trigger warnings allow you to.
I am absolutely looking forward to reading more from this author!
Was it a great read, yes! Do I recommend, yes!
But I really wanted to sit with this read so I could articulate my thoughts- this book was so dynamic and well written.
My hope is that I express that opinion properly.
Spoiler- I still don’t think I have properly but here’s my “attempt”.
——
Plot/storyline: second chance/hidden truth
Chemistry: from initial encounter, connected but it does feel like a little a slow burn. Not fully but has some components
spice: spice scene were spicy
Drama: heavy. check the trigger warnings! AGAIN, check your trigger warnings!!!!! I do think the author did a great job incorporating the use of therapy at the end of the story.
——
The depth and symbolism of this story- whew!
The use of the word “weight” throughout this story…not only literally but figuratively.
Using imagery, tense moments, and POV’s - this “weight” was implemented and carried so well throughout the story.
—
Now, let’s code switch the review tone:
Putting on my glasses for a more professional approach 🤓🤓🤓
⬇️
——
“pen game 🔏✅” moment:
So many things to highlight in this read but I think my favorite- the way the author wrote Derrick.
He is our antagonist in this story but I think he’s my favorite written character.
Not only did we see his cruel/selfish actions but the author gave us an insight of the internal drive throughout.
Without exposing the plot twist, sometimes authors write preferences and “unconventional” behaviors with a hint of humor. Nothing wrong with that but I absolutely love the DEPTH this author explored with this character.
The last couple of paragraphs in Chapter 27- absolutely powerful to me.
I don’t sympathize with Derrick AT ALL but the insight and POV the author gives us added depth and understanding to his actions.
His behavior wasn’t just used to push the story/drama along but to explore trauma response from a victim to a predator perspective.
_____
The symbolism of that hoodie- from the act of shame at the beginning to later being used as covering/protection at the end of the story… Again, powerful…
Yeah, so much I could say about this story.
Now this story is NOT for everybody but I highly recommend this read IF the listed trigger warnings allow you to.
I am absolutely looking forward to reading more from this author!
November 7, 2025
Two stars
If you’ve read Ashley Antoinette’s books from moth to a flame through the butterfly series …this book is literally those books in one, and I mean even down to the fact that the story takes place in Detroit. There were some differences, but not enough for me to say this was something completely different than Ashley Antoinette’s books I listed above. It’s almost too exact. It’s not to say that stories can’t be similar, because we’ve all heard similar stories. However, this was just a bit too similar and didn’t feel authentic.
Although I gave this story two stars, I would still recommend anyone to read this story to create your own review of this work.
If you’ve read Ashley Antoinette’s books from moth to a flame through the butterfly series …this book is literally those books in one, and I mean even down to the fact that the story takes place in Detroit. There were some differences, but not enough for me to say this was something completely different than Ashley Antoinette’s books I listed above. It’s almost too exact. It’s not to say that stories can’t be similar, because we’ve all heard similar stories. However, this was just a bit too similar and didn’t feel authentic.
Although I gave this story two stars, I would still recommend anyone to read this story to create your own review of this work.
December 22, 2025
Damn!!!! This book was an emotional experience.
It had me screaming, crying, laughing so hard and smiling ear to ear!
This was raw, emotional and gave all the feels..
For this to be Camille first debut, it was written so good and captured my attention from the beginning to the very last page.
This was a powerful redemption story and i loved it!
It had me screaming, crying, laughing so hard and smiling ear to ear!
This was raw, emotional and gave all the feels..
For this to be Camille first debut, it was written so good and captured my attention from the beginning to the very last page.
This was a powerful redemption story and i loved it!
November 15, 2025
A frustrating read
I got tired of torturing myself so I had to DNF this book. This book has A LOT of issues. SPOILER ALER!
First it takes forever for things to happen in the beginning. Like the main characters don’t even interact until chapter 6 and for books like this it doesn’t need to take that long. This book is 57 chapters and it really doesn’t need to be. The second pacing issue is that some story lines feel drawn out for no reason than to keep the drama going. Like I don’t understand why Niyah stayed with Derrick for so long after realizing the relationship is dead. Also don’t understand why Sintonio spared Derrick twice after he made it clear he was a threat to Niyah’s safety. It makes no sense and it feels like Niyah was just traumatized to make the book longer. And then Derrick is killed OFF SCREEN, in the most anti-climactic way possible. It was genuinely infuriating to read. It’s like watching Diary of a Mad black woman but Helen never gets her get back and Charles dies off screen. It’s unsatisfying.
This ties directly into the second issue the unnecessary trauma and excruciating details. I get the wanting to be a detailed writer but MULTIPLE, DETAILED chapters of rape and sexual abuse were just too much. I don’t think the trigger warning in the beginning is enough for how many times and how detailed these scenes are. I would even go as far as to label it dark romance with how it tortures its characters, more specifically it’s female main character. It is absolutely infuriated me when Niyah was kidnapped and raped ,in extreme detail, because for one it’s the second time she is sexually assaulted in the book. And secondly IT DIDN’T NEED TO HAPPEN. Sintonio LITERALLY could’ve killed Derrick a chapter earlier BUT CHOSE NOT TOO FOR NO REASON. IT MAKES NO SENSE. The first time he spared him it didn’t make much sense either but that the second time was just way too idiotic that it took me completely out of the book.
I want to be nicer since this is the author’s first book but she has a LONG way to go. There is a balance that has to be had in hood romance that accounts for a juicy plot line without feeling like shit is just happening so the book can keep going. Going back to the first issue of pacing, this book could’ve been a nice clean 26 chapters if we cut out the drawn out storylines. Maybe the author needs to fill a page count and that’s why she had to have storylines be drawn out, but if you’re going to do that for god sake make it make sense. And traumatize your FMC less, especially because as a black woman I don’t want to read trauma porn of other black women. Especially not in such excruciating detail. And if you’re going to with this writing style switch to dark romance, and make you’re trigger warning MUCH MORE clear about the amount of details. Cause it was too much.
I got tired of torturing myself so I had to DNF this book. This book has A LOT of issues. SPOILER ALER!
First it takes forever for things to happen in the beginning. Like the main characters don’t even interact until chapter 6 and for books like this it doesn’t need to take that long. This book is 57 chapters and it really doesn’t need to be. The second pacing issue is that some story lines feel drawn out for no reason than to keep the drama going. Like I don’t understand why Niyah stayed with Derrick for so long after realizing the relationship is dead. Also don’t understand why Sintonio spared Derrick twice after he made it clear he was a threat to Niyah’s safety. It makes no sense and it feels like Niyah was just traumatized to make the book longer. And then Derrick is killed OFF SCREEN, in the most anti-climactic way possible. It was genuinely infuriating to read. It’s like watching Diary of a Mad black woman but Helen never gets her get back and Charles dies off screen. It’s unsatisfying.
This ties directly into the second issue the unnecessary trauma and excruciating details. I get the wanting to be a detailed writer but MULTIPLE, DETAILED chapters of rape and sexual abuse were just too much. I don’t think the trigger warning in the beginning is enough for how many times and how detailed these scenes are. I would even go as far as to label it dark romance with how it tortures its characters, more specifically it’s female main character. It is absolutely infuriated me when Niyah was kidnapped and raped ,in extreme detail, because for one it’s the second time she is sexually assaulted in the book. And secondly IT DIDN’T NEED TO HAPPEN. Sintonio LITERALLY could’ve killed Derrick a chapter earlier BUT CHOSE NOT TOO FOR NO REASON. IT MAKES NO SENSE. The first time he spared him it didn’t make much sense either but that the second time was just way too idiotic that it took me completely out of the book.
I want to be nicer since this is the author’s first book but she has a LONG way to go. There is a balance that has to be had in hood romance that accounts for a juicy plot line without feeling like shit is just happening so the book can keep going. Going back to the first issue of pacing, this book could’ve been a nice clean 26 chapters if we cut out the drawn out storylines. Maybe the author needs to fill a page count and that’s why she had to have storylines be drawn out, but if you’re going to do that for god sake make it make sense. And traumatize your FMC less, especially because as a black woman I don’t want to read trauma porn of other black women. Especially not in such excruciating detail. And if you’re going to with this writing style switch to dark romance, and make you’re trigger warning MUCH MORE clear about the amount of details. Cause it was too much.
October 25, 2025
Story of Loss, Grief, Love and Renewal...Must Read
Camille V. absolutely blew me away with her debut novel The Weight if Us. The story was engaging, entertaining, and just unputdownable. I felt like I was watching a movie that I did not want to end.
Let’s talk about the MMC, Sintonio. I will say this over and over again…get you a man like Sintonio! A man that will carry the weight when it gets too heavy. A man that will pray over you, speak life into you and will not only support your goals and dreams, but will move heaven and earth to make them a reality. Sintonio was the ultimate MMC and I loved his character.
Niyah was the sweetest soul. Life did its ultimate best to leave her jaded, hateful, and loss but she persevered and came out on top! Her story was so inspiring, and I was happy to see her get her happy ending.
Now to one of the themes of the story that stole my heart…the found family theme. Before Sintonio, Niyah was alone in the world, save for her bestie Tasha. But once she met and fell in love with Sintonio, she gained not only a partner, but she was also able to form friendships and familial bonds that really gave her a new lease on life. One of the people that exemplified this in the story was Sintonio’s mom. She was so wise and full of love and was always there with kind words and amazing life lessons. She took Niyah in as her own and I loved that aspect of the story.
I also want to point out that I really enjoyed Tasha and Juelz’ relationship. These two brought so much comedic relief to the story! They just could not keep their hands off of each other; that scene at the hospital in the maternity ward, the bounce house scene, what they did at Sintonio’s mom’s house, these two characters were a trip, and I think they need their own book!!
Overall, this was a great read. It will take you on an emotional journey. I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I rejoiced, and I walked away with lessons I will carry with me. When I turned the last page, I immediately missed the characters. I cannot wait to see what Camille V. has in store for us in the future!
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
🩵 Urban Romance
🩵 Forbidden Love
🩵 Hidden Truths
🩵 Found Family
🩵 Trauma Bond
🩵 Grumpy + Sunshine
🩵 Protector Hero
🩵 He Falls First but Tries to Fight It
🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂
🩵 “He didn’t say anything right away. Just looked at me like he wasn’t judging me for the cracks in my armor. Maybe he saw them and thought I was strong anyway.”
🩵 “It’s okay to break, Nurse Niyah. I’ll catch you. Real talk.”
🩵 “I ain’t perfect, but I love you in a way that scares me sometimes.”
🩵 “Every single day. I wanna show you that you still safe with me. That nothin’ like that will ever touch you again, not as long as I’m breathin.’”
🩵 “You ain’t meant to carry it by yourself. That’s why He gave you me. When it feels too heavy, let me shoulder some of it. We gon’ make it through – one step, one breath at a time. You stronger than you think, and you ain’t in this alone.”
🩵 Don’t you ever think you weak for breaking down. Even flowers gotta be buried before they bloom. Sometimes pain is just the soil, baby, don’t mean you stuck in it forever.”
Camille V. absolutely blew me away with her debut novel The Weight if Us. The story was engaging, entertaining, and just unputdownable. I felt like I was watching a movie that I did not want to end.
Let’s talk about the MMC, Sintonio. I will say this over and over again…get you a man like Sintonio! A man that will carry the weight when it gets too heavy. A man that will pray over you, speak life into you and will not only support your goals and dreams, but will move heaven and earth to make them a reality. Sintonio was the ultimate MMC and I loved his character.
Niyah was the sweetest soul. Life did its ultimate best to leave her jaded, hateful, and loss but she persevered and came out on top! Her story was so inspiring, and I was happy to see her get her happy ending.
Now to one of the themes of the story that stole my heart…the found family theme. Before Sintonio, Niyah was alone in the world, save for her bestie Tasha. But once she met and fell in love with Sintonio, she gained not only a partner, but she was also able to form friendships and familial bonds that really gave her a new lease on life. One of the people that exemplified this in the story was Sintonio’s mom. She was so wise and full of love and was always there with kind words and amazing life lessons. She took Niyah in as her own and I loved that aspect of the story.
I also want to point out that I really enjoyed Tasha and Juelz’ relationship. These two brought so much comedic relief to the story! They just could not keep their hands off of each other; that scene at the hospital in the maternity ward, the bounce house scene, what they did at Sintonio’s mom’s house, these two characters were a trip, and I think they need their own book!!
Overall, this was a great read. It will take you on an emotional journey. I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I rejoiced, and I walked away with lessons I will carry with me. When I turned the last page, I immediately missed the characters. I cannot wait to see what Camille V. has in store for us in the future!
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
🩵 Urban Romance
🩵 Forbidden Love
🩵 Hidden Truths
🩵 Found Family
🩵 Trauma Bond
🩵 Grumpy + Sunshine
🩵 Protector Hero
🩵 He Falls First but Tries to Fight It
🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂
🩵 “He didn’t say anything right away. Just looked at me like he wasn’t judging me for the cracks in my armor. Maybe he saw them and thought I was strong anyway.”
🩵 “It’s okay to break, Nurse Niyah. I’ll catch you. Real talk.”
🩵 “I ain’t perfect, but I love you in a way that scares me sometimes.”
🩵 “Every single day. I wanna show you that you still safe with me. That nothin’ like that will ever touch you again, not as long as I’m breathin.’”
🩵 “You ain’t meant to carry it by yourself. That’s why He gave you me. When it feels too heavy, let me shoulder some of it. We gon’ make it through – one step, one breath at a time. You stronger than you think, and you ain’t in this alone.”
🩵 Don’t you ever think you weak for breaking down. Even flowers gotta be buried before they bloom. Sometimes pain is just the soil, baby, don’t mean you stuck in it forever.”
November 30, 2025
This book grabbed me from page one and never let up. The writing felt so vivid that I didn’t just read the story, I lived it. The emotions, the tension, the secrets, the humor, all of it came together in a way that kept me fully locked in from beginning to end.
Niyah’s journey was the heart of the book for me. Watching her navigate so much pain, confusion, and betrayal made her easy to connect with. She’s written in such a raw, honest way that you can’t help but root for her through every moment. Her strength, even in her weakest points, was powerful to read.
Sintonio was another standout. He’s complicated in the best way, flawed but trying to do better, and his growth added so much depth to the story. I loved seeing how his decisions shaped everything around him and how he fought to clean up the pieces.
And Derrick? His storyline had my jaw on the floor from start to finish. The twists in his arc were wild. Every time I thought I understood where his story was going, something else happened that had me staring at the page like “wait… WHAT?” He brought a whole different layer of shock and intensity to the book.
The supporting cast also added so much personality. The humor, the chaos, the unfiltered moments had me laughing out loud right when I needed a break from the heavier scenes. It made the story feel balanced and real.
For this to be the author’s debut is honestly impressive. She didn’t hold back at all. The pacing was tight, the characters were layered, and the emotional moments hit exactly how they were supposed to. This was absolutely a page-turner and easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever she writes next.
Niyah’s journey was the heart of the book for me. Watching her navigate so much pain, confusion, and betrayal made her easy to connect with. She’s written in such a raw, honest way that you can’t help but root for her through every moment. Her strength, even in her weakest points, was powerful to read.
Sintonio was another standout. He’s complicated in the best way, flawed but trying to do better, and his growth added so much depth to the story. I loved seeing how his decisions shaped everything around him and how he fought to clean up the pieces.
And Derrick? His storyline had my jaw on the floor from start to finish. The twists in his arc were wild. Every time I thought I understood where his story was going, something else happened that had me staring at the page like “wait… WHAT?” He brought a whole different layer of shock and intensity to the book.
The supporting cast also added so much personality. The humor, the chaos, the unfiltered moments had me laughing out loud right when I needed a break from the heavier scenes. It made the story feel balanced and real.
For this to be the author’s debut is honestly impressive. She didn’t hold back at all. The pacing was tight, the characters were layered, and the emotional moments hit exactly how they were supposed to. This was absolutely a page-turner and easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever she writes next.
October 30, 2025
Mixed Feelings…
Let me start by saying that the bones that create good writing are present in this author’s debut. You will experience a variety of emotions which means that the author did her job. You’ll feel like you’re right there with Niyah, Sin, Derrick, and the supporting characters. Now, let’s get to the review…light spoilers ahead.
This is a very dark romance. The author lists her triggers and she hits all of them. There is a graphic rape scene involving the FMC character where she is violently raped by more than one man. None include the MMC. I usually check the reviews for this because that’s a no for me but none of the reviews mentioned it and the trigger warning just says “rape”. Most dark romance authors will elaborate in more detail, some even include the page so you can skip it. I didn’t take stars away for this, just wanted to let other readers know.
Sin’s character in the beginning was interpreted as cold, calculating, and dominant. But the way he moves doesn’t fit those character traits and may a love like Sin’s never find me. I don’t want to give too much away but most of Niyah’s trauma is 100% his fault. I wanted to throw my Kindle when she was attacked because I don’t know one man that thinks that you can damn near beat someone to death and think that man will let it slide. Derrick should’ve been 10 feet under before this book got to 50%. Sin didn’t protect her. He broke her from Day 1. Niyah should’ve moved far away from Derrick and Sin.
My review may seem as if I didn’t enjoy the book but that was certainly not the case. Yes, I was angry at Sin and Derrick but that lets you know that the writing was solid. There were a few errors and inconsistencies but the ones that stuck were Sin’s note to Niyah and a contradiction of when Sin found out who Niyah was in relation to Zay. There should’ve also been a health check up before Niyah became intimate with Sin. Other than that, I look forward to reading more from the author!
Let me start by saying that the bones that create good writing are present in this author’s debut. You will experience a variety of emotions which means that the author did her job. You’ll feel like you’re right there with Niyah, Sin, Derrick, and the supporting characters. Now, let’s get to the review…light spoilers ahead.
This is a very dark romance. The author lists her triggers and she hits all of them. There is a graphic rape scene involving the FMC character where she is violently raped by more than one man. None include the MMC. I usually check the reviews for this because that’s a no for me but none of the reviews mentioned it and the trigger warning just says “rape”. Most dark romance authors will elaborate in more detail, some even include the page so you can skip it. I didn’t take stars away for this, just wanted to let other readers know.
Sin’s character in the beginning was interpreted as cold, calculating, and dominant. But the way he moves doesn’t fit those character traits and may a love like Sin’s never find me. I don’t want to give too much away but most of Niyah’s trauma is 100% his fault. I wanted to throw my Kindle when she was attacked because I don’t know one man that thinks that you can damn near beat someone to death and think that man will let it slide. Derrick should’ve been 10 feet under before this book got to 50%. Sin didn’t protect her. He broke her from Day 1. Niyah should’ve moved far away from Derrick and Sin.
My review may seem as if I didn’t enjoy the book but that was certainly not the case. Yes, I was angry at Sin and Derrick but that lets you know that the writing was solid. There were a few errors and inconsistencies but the ones that stuck were Sin’s note to Niyah and a contradiction of when Sin found out who Niyah was in relation to Zay. There should’ve also been a health check up before Niyah became intimate with Sin. Other than that, I look forward to reading more from the author!
December 27, 2025
not for me
I’m just writing this review so that when I’m skimming through my list to see what I wouldn’t mind reading again. I’ll know this ain’t one.
Started off too heavy, there was no where to go. Super predictable from the very start. The very first action was unforgivable imo. Doesn’t matter if it’s an accident or not and then based on this author’s trigger warnings this doesn’t get better or at least not for a long time.
Not for me I’m not into heavy reads orrrr if it’s gonna be a heavy read I don’t need it to be 500 triggers in one read. That’s too much to come back from.
I’m just writing this review so that when I’m skimming through my list to see what I wouldn’t mind reading again. I’ll know this ain’t one.
Started off too heavy, there was no where to go. Super predictable from the very start. The very first action was unforgivable imo. Doesn’t matter if it’s an accident or not and then based on this author’s trigger warnings this doesn’t get better or at least not for a long time.
Not for me I’m not into heavy reads orrrr if it’s gonna be a heavy read I don’t need it to be 500 triggers in one read. That’s too much to come back from.
November 9, 2025
This book kept me on edge. There wasn’t a chapter I wasn’t anxious for what’s next. I loved it from start to finish: the only reason I didn’t give 5 stars was because there wasn’t a huge overuse of metaphors and similes that didn’t really fit. I’d definitely add this to my physical book shelf.
November 18, 2025
3.5
I was crying for the first few chapters because of how the book began. This was a little heavy, but there were a few things that didn't feel completely flushed out.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I did find myself skimming sections.
I was crying for the first few chapters because of how the book began. This was a little heavy, but there were a few things that didn't feel completely flushed out.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I did find myself skimming sections.
November 1, 2025
A complex story of love and forgiveness. With plenty of cameos from your classic f*ck guy! This lady deserved happiness and love not the bare minimum homie was giving .. then she found love and passion from the last place she expected. Whew ! When you as the reader know all the secrets the characters don’t , it created great suspense.
January 28, 2026
A JOURNEY
Listen I paused this book back in November because it was too much for me emotionally. Finally decided to pick it up 2 months later and I’m so glad I did. Niyah and Sin, their journey. Beautiful.
Listen I paused this book back in November because it was too much for me emotionally. Finally decided to pick it up 2 months later and I’m so glad I did. Niyah and Sin, their journey. Beautiful.
October 29, 2025
This was raw and very emotional. i was shedding tears in the beginning. For her to go through all that she went through and have the level of grace and forgiveness towards Sintonio was inspiring. And to see them get to heal each other was so sweet 🥰I really enjoyed this family ❤️ Juelz and Mama Jackson were my fav people. Although I kinda wish I got a smidge bit more seriousness between Juelz and Tasha's relationship.. they were always hunching like rabbits. I felt like there couldve been more there🤣 I only knocked 1 star off because it started to get a little repetitive towards the end but i still loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
Seriously why was this book so long, we could have been 1/2 length for the same outcome and might have made it enjoyable.
November 11, 2025
I knew this was a 5 ⭐️ read 21 pages in. Tears, laughs, sadness - Niyah and Sintonio went through so much start to finish. This doesn’t read as a debut novel, Camille V’s pen is AMAZING!
November 7, 2025
sooo, this book was not my cup of tea. when I saw the trigger warnings I should've just left the book alone (none of them were triggering to me, but they were some heavy ass warnings). There definitely should've been an additional warning right before that *one* scene where a bunch goes down....... I only finished it bc I really hate DNF'ing books and hope they get better. But I didn't like anything about the plot here lol, and I don't think the main characters should've ended up together either💀 this book was just a lot, like a bad tubi movie & Tyler Perry crossover😭 the writing was good but just the overall storyline and events was not for meeeeeeee
January 1, 2026
Original and Unique; too long
The author is a great author and I am surprised that she is a first time author. She does a great job with each character’s personality although I wasn’t quite convinced why and how Sin became “street” and while there’s references of Niyah being a variant of street/hood, the only hood thing about her was her association to the men in the book and the idea of Detroit as hood. While I love the originality/creativity of the story it simply was not realistic. In no way would someone ever remain “in love” with someone knowing they were the catalyst to never ending trauma for to throughout the book, especially the circumstances involving her brother who is darn near her son! On principle and just pure human nature you would hate the person. That said, I loved how the author showed the camaraderie in their relationship. Derrick… so his trauma was activated in jail again and again post jail? I was curious about possible signs prior in their relationship cause from teens to their current age Im not sure how it was missed. His story is the most developed one and my favorite, and the author did a phenomenal job of showing us what was in his head and a lot of the trauma associated with jail. I loved how this author took her time developing the supporting cast without us needing to know everything, yet giving us enough to feel like we knew them. Last, the story was overdrawn! It became redundant and much of the scenes could have been left out and just implied. The book could have been cut down to half and still been a phenomenal read. I hope this is not seen as a negative review as I genuinely look forward to the author’s next book and how she continues to develop her obvious God-given talent. It’s a great read and you will genuinely enjoy it and laugh throughout even though you’ll experience the other emotions as well due to the heaviness of different trauma. I just didn’t like or believe that love could happen like this and also felt the book was drawn-out, but it wasn’t hard to stick to the book as it was a great read!
The author is a great author and I am surprised that she is a first time author. She does a great job with each character’s personality although I wasn’t quite convinced why and how Sin became “street” and while there’s references of Niyah being a variant of street/hood, the only hood thing about her was her association to the men in the book and the idea of Detroit as hood. While I love the originality/creativity of the story it simply was not realistic. In no way would someone ever remain “in love” with someone knowing they were the catalyst to never ending trauma for to throughout the book, especially the circumstances involving her brother who is darn near her son! On principle and just pure human nature you would hate the person. That said, I loved how the author showed the camaraderie in their relationship. Derrick… so his trauma was activated in jail again and again post jail? I was curious about possible signs prior in their relationship cause from teens to their current age Im not sure how it was missed. His story is the most developed one and my favorite, and the author did a phenomenal job of showing us what was in his head and a lot of the trauma associated with jail. I loved how this author took her time developing the supporting cast without us needing to know everything, yet giving us enough to feel like we knew them. Last, the story was overdrawn! It became redundant and much of the scenes could have been left out and just implied. The book could have been cut down to half and still been a phenomenal read. I hope this is not seen as a negative review as I genuinely look forward to the author’s next book and how she continues to develop her obvious God-given talent. It’s a great read and you will genuinely enjoy it and laugh throughout even though you’ll experience the other emotions as well due to the heaviness of different trauma. I just didn’t like or believe that love could happen like this and also felt the book was drawn-out, but it wasn’t hard to stick to the book as it was a great read!
November 1, 2025
3.5 I believe this was the authors debut novel so there’s a lot of grace! For it to be a debut, this author has a lot of potential. The intended storyline & plot was intriguing. I also think the author did well at giving most of the characters substance and layers. There were some moments where it wasn’t fleshed out flawlessly but again, there’s grace!
I did find that there were some inconsistencies and gaps in the plot. There were some jumps in the timeline skimming over pretty big things that were introduced. And there were a few other times when something was mentioned that happened, I’m assuming, ‘off page’ because it wasn’t explained at all. So it did get a little confusing.
At times, it felt like the conflict between Derrick & Niyah was a little dragged out for no reason. The characters were going in circles, it didn’t feel very productive. They were constantly having the same conversations within themselves and with each other but it wasn’t really progressing the story in anyway. She was hung up on him but we never fully got to understand why.. it was hinted at and even mentioned but still didn’t quite make sense.
Niyah & Sin’s budding romance felt similarly dragged out and kind of sporadic. We come to know how they felt about each other, kind of, but there was still a bit of a disconnect. I don’t feel like we got an understanding of how they got there. They were strangers and then somehow they were spending time together, Sin saying she was his future wife, she felt ‘seen’ by him but was still hung up elsewhere. I couldn’t quite grasp it.
These are all purely constructive things because I truly believe as this author continues to grow she will be an EXCEPTIONAL writer. If this book is re-released with edits in the future it could be really amazing and I’d come back and read it again.
I did find that there were some inconsistencies and gaps in the plot. There were some jumps in the timeline skimming over pretty big things that were introduced. And there were a few other times when something was mentioned that happened, I’m assuming, ‘off page’ because it wasn’t explained at all. So it did get a little confusing.
At times, it felt like the conflict between Derrick & Niyah was a little dragged out for no reason. The characters were going in circles, it didn’t feel very productive. They were constantly having the same conversations within themselves and with each other but it wasn’t really progressing the story in anyway. She was hung up on him but we never fully got to understand why.. it was hinted at and even mentioned but still didn’t quite make sense.
Niyah & Sin’s budding romance felt similarly dragged out and kind of sporadic. We come to know how they felt about each other, kind of, but there was still a bit of a disconnect. I don’t feel like we got an understanding of how they got there. They were strangers and then somehow they were spending time together, Sin saying she was his future wife, she felt ‘seen’ by him but was still hung up elsewhere. I couldn’t quite grasp it.
These are all purely constructive things because I truly believe as this author continues to grow she will be an EXCEPTIONAL writer. If this book is re-released with edits in the future it could be really amazing and I’d come back and read it again.
October 27, 2025
Decent
Ok so I believe this is the author’s first debut and I’ll keep that in mind for this review. This books was decent I don’t know it just felt like something was missing. After what happened with Niyah’s brother I honestly didn’t know how her and Sin were gonna come back from that. Yes it was a mistake but a lot of people would not have been able to move past that. But in the end they got their happy ending which Niyah deserved because a lot of sh*t happened to her in this book. Thankfully after suffering a major lost she wasn’t alone and discovered she wasn’t alone and had plenty of people standing in her corner. Now Sin after what happened he felt remorseful right away. And I loved that he held himself accountable and there were no excuses. I liked that even though Niyah pushed him away he was in her corner as much as she allowed him to be. I do wish he would have gotten rid of the EX sooner. Now DERRICK I know the author was trying to stay out sympathy for this character by sharing his past. But let tell you I felt nothing for him. Honestly thought his death could have been worst. What he did to Niyah was disgusting. I don’t even want to talk about him because he made so upset. Anyway this story was a decent. Now the pacing was confusing, one min they are sitting on the couch then the next they are in the bed, or it’s one day and instantly the next. These things aren’t explained clearly enough because literally the next scene is in the next sentence with no explanation. Also there were plenty of grammatical errors. Idk this book was missing something I’m still tryna figure out what that something is .
Ok so I believe this is the author’s first debut and I’ll keep that in mind for this review. This books was decent I don’t know it just felt like something was missing. After what happened with Niyah’s brother I honestly didn’t know how her and Sin were gonna come back from that. Yes it was a mistake but a lot of people would not have been able to move past that. But in the end they got their happy ending which Niyah deserved because a lot of sh*t happened to her in this book. Thankfully after suffering a major lost she wasn’t alone and discovered she wasn’t alone and had plenty of people standing in her corner. Now Sin after what happened he felt remorseful right away. And I loved that he held himself accountable and there were no excuses. I liked that even though Niyah pushed him away he was in her corner as much as she allowed him to be. I do wish he would have gotten rid of the EX sooner. Now DERRICK I know the author was trying to stay out sympathy for this character by sharing his past. But let tell you I felt nothing for him. Honestly thought his death could have been worst. What he did to Niyah was disgusting. I don’t even want to talk about him because he made so upset. Anyway this story was a decent. Now the pacing was confusing, one min they are sitting on the couch then the next they are in the bed, or it’s one day and instantly the next. These things aren’t explained clearly enough because literally the next scene is in the next sentence with no explanation. Also there were plenty of grammatical errors. Idk this book was missing something I’m still tryna figure out what that something is .
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