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HEAVY LIFTING: A BBW ROMANCE STANDALONE
After being abandoned by her college sweetheart turned husband, Ny’Airy Buckle walks into Brick & Co determined to lose weight and reclaim her confidence – to snatch her ex-husband back from the woman who took him away from her. With each rep she gets stronger; but what she doesn’t expect is to rediscover herself or find a connection that could change her life forever.
Co-owner of Brick & Co Fitness, Brichelle “Brick” Walker has spent her entire life holding everything together. Fiercely protective of her twin brother, Cozart, Brick is used to fixing everyone’s problems but her own. When suspicious activity begins threatening their business, Brick finds herself losing control for the first time. However, when the handsome new business owner next door walks into her life, he challenges the one thing she’s never been willing to surrender – her heart.
Trallis McDaniel is beautiful, ambitious, and willing to take whatever she wants for the life she believes she deserves. When an affair turns into love, she begins to move reckless; and in her line of work, reckless moving can cost everything.
Three women. Three different journeys. One gym. In this standalone, every workout burns more than calories. Everyone is carrying something; sweat covered lies, steamy affairs and breathless betrayals are heavier than a set of weights. Yet the hardest thing they’ll ever lift… is the truth.
Co-owner of Brick & Co Fitness, Brichelle “Brick” Walker has spent her entire life holding everything together. Fiercely protective of her twin brother, Cozart, Brick is used to fixing everyone’s problems but her own. When suspicious activity begins threatening their business, Brick finds herself losing control for the first time. However, when the handsome new business owner next door walks into her life, he challenges the one thing she’s never been willing to surrender – her heart.
Trallis McDaniel is beautiful, ambitious, and willing to take whatever she wants for the life she believes she deserves. When an affair turns into love, she begins to move reckless; and in her line of work, reckless moving can cost everything.
Three women. Three different journeys. One gym. In this standalone, every workout burns more than calories. Everyone is carrying something; sweat covered lies, steamy affairs and breathless betrayals are heavier than a set of weights. Yet the hardest thing they’ll ever lift… is the truth.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
O'Sharra
51 books131 followersO'sharra Caine is a Georgia State University, Criminal Justice Major that has always held a love for reading and writing.
Taking inspiration from various genres of literature like Horror, Urban, Street-lit, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, and Romance; she plans to create a depth in her books that will reach almost any reader on a personal level.
*Social Media*
Instagram: @authoress_osharra
Facebook:wordsbeforeboys
https://www.facebook.com/Osharra/
Taking inspiration from various genres of literature like Horror, Urban, Street-lit, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, and Romance; she plans to create a depth in her books that will reach almost any reader on a personal level.
*Social Media*
Instagram: @authoress_osharra
Facebook:wordsbeforeboys
https://www.facebook.com/Osharra/
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 7, 2026
okay
This was a good read if you’re looking for foolishness and drama this is it. These characters are silly honestly but it’s entertaining.
This was a good read if you’re looking for foolishness and drama this is it. These characters are silly honestly but it’s entertaining.
July 30, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ Would have loved the males POV’s!
September 7, 2026
This was a new to me author and she did not disappoint! Everyone got what they deserved. I will be picking up more from her catalog.
August 2, 2026
It just wasn’t what I thought it would be about
July 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 Stars | Heavy Lifting by O'Sharra
If you're looking for a Black romance with laughs, chemistry, and just the right amount of drama, Heavy Lifting delivers!
Ny'Airy, a recently divorced BBW, joins a gym hoping to win back her ex-husband but life has other plans. Instead, she finds herself falling for Cozart, the swoon-worthy trainer and co-owner who proves that sometimes the love you're chasing isn't the love you're meant to have.
Meanwhile, Cozart's sister, Brichelle, spends more time trying to outshine the neighboring juice bar than admitting she's catching feelings for its owner, Zumo. Their banter and chemistry added another fun layer to the story.
Now let's talk about Trallis... the delusional, scamming side chick who had me shaking my head! She was perfectly fine with the arrangement until she discovered Cozart wasn't actually a married man. Her lies, manipulation, and schemes eventually caught up with her, and seeing justice served was incredibly satisfying.
One surprise I didn't see coming was Shelly (Michelle), the gym employee, being revealed as an undercover operative working to take Trallis down. That twist added an extra layer of entertainment to the story.
Overall, Heavy Lifting gave me romance, humor, memorable characters, and enough drama to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy Black romance, plus-size representation, family dynamics, and a little karma served to the villain, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
If you're looking for a Black romance with laughs, chemistry, and just the right amount of drama, Heavy Lifting delivers!
Ny'Airy, a recently divorced BBW, joins a gym hoping to win back her ex-husband but life has other plans. Instead, she finds herself falling for Cozart, the swoon-worthy trainer and co-owner who proves that sometimes the love you're chasing isn't the love you're meant to have.
Meanwhile, Cozart's sister, Brichelle, spends more time trying to outshine the neighboring juice bar than admitting she's catching feelings for its owner, Zumo. Their banter and chemistry added another fun layer to the story.
Now let's talk about Trallis... the delusional, scamming side chick who had me shaking my head! She was perfectly fine with the arrangement until she discovered Cozart wasn't actually a married man. Her lies, manipulation, and schemes eventually caught up with her, and seeing justice served was incredibly satisfying.
One surprise I didn't see coming was Shelly (Michelle), the gym employee, being revealed as an undercover operative working to take Trallis down. That twist added an extra layer of entertainment to the story.
Overall, Heavy Lifting gave me romance, humor, memorable characters, and enough drama to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy Black romance, plus-size representation, family dynamics, and a little karma served to the villain, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75/5) More of a 4.
Heavy Lifting was a solid read for me.
What I appreciated most was the plus-size representation. Ny’Airy was a BBW, but that wasn’t her entire personality. The story didn’t constantly remind you of her size or make her the butt of fat jokes. There wasn’t a bunch of fat shaming or insecurity written in just for drama, and I really loved that. She was simply allowed to exist, be desired, and have her own story.
The book had me laughing more than I expected, and the chemistry between the characters felt natural. There was enough drama to keep me interested without it feeling like too much, and I definitely wanted to see how everything was going to play out. I also liked that the villain actually got what was coming to them because whew… they worked my nerves.
My small critique is the writing itself. It wasn’t enough to make me stop reading, but I do think the writing could be a little stronger in some places. It wasn’t bad by any means, but for sure a tiny room for growth. There were moments where I wanted the writing to feel a little more polished or the scenes to have a bit more depth. Overall though, I’d still recommend it if you’re in the mood for a Black romance that’s funny, messy, family dynamics, and a little mess mixed in and centered around a plus-size heroine.
I’d recommend giving this one a try.
⭐ : 4ish /5
Heavy Lifting was a solid read for me.
What I appreciated most was the plus-size representation. Ny’Airy was a BBW, but that wasn’t her entire personality. The story didn’t constantly remind you of her size or make her the butt of fat jokes. There wasn’t a bunch of fat shaming or insecurity written in just for drama, and I really loved that. She was simply allowed to exist, be desired, and have her own story.
The book had me laughing more than I expected, and the chemistry between the characters felt natural. There was enough drama to keep me interested without it feeling like too much, and I definitely wanted to see how everything was going to play out. I also liked that the villain actually got what was coming to them because whew… they worked my nerves.
My small critique is the writing itself. It wasn’t enough to make me stop reading, but I do think the writing could be a little stronger in some places. It wasn’t bad by any means, but for sure a tiny room for growth. There were moments where I wanted the writing to feel a little more polished or the scenes to have a bit more depth. Overall though, I’d still recommend it if you’re in the mood for a Black romance that’s funny, messy, family dynamics, and a little mess mixed in and centered around a plus-size heroine.
I’d recommend giving this one a try.
⭐ : 4ish /5
July 27, 2026
I really wanted to love this one more, and I'm honestly still trying to figure out what was missing for me.
The cheating storyline was a little too heavy for my personal taste, so that made it harder for me to fully connect with the romance. Even after everything was explained and the misunderstanding was cleared up, actually seeing that character involved with other people on the page made it difficult for me to root for them the way I wanted to. I just couldn't get past it.
I also found myself wanting more moments between the couples that showed why they belonged together. Tell me what made them fall in love. Make me believe in the relationship instead of just telling me they're meant to be.
One thing I did absolutely appreciate was the representation. Ny'Airy being a plus-size woman wasn't treated like her entire identity. She wasn't constantly reduced to her body or surrounded by unnecessary insecurities just for the sake of the plot. She was allowed to be loved, desired, and exist as a fully developed character, and I really appreciated that.
Overall, this one had some things I enjoyed, but I never found myself completely invested in the romances. I wanted a little more heart, a little more chemistry, and characters I could fully get behind.
The cheating storyline was a little too heavy for my personal taste, so that made it harder for me to fully connect with the romance. Even after everything was explained and the misunderstanding was cleared up, actually seeing that character involved with other people on the page made it difficult for me to root for them the way I wanted to. I just couldn't get past it.
I also found myself wanting more moments between the couples that showed why they belonged together. Tell me what made them fall in love. Make me believe in the relationship instead of just telling me they're meant to be.
One thing I did absolutely appreciate was the representation. Ny'Airy being a plus-size woman wasn't treated like her entire identity. She wasn't constantly reduced to her body or surrounded by unnecessary insecurities just for the sake of the plot. She was allowed to be loved, desired, and exist as a fully developed character, and I really appreciated that.
Overall, this one had some things I enjoyed, but I never found myself completely invested in the romances. I wanted a little more heart, a little more chemistry, and characters I could fully get behind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2026
Okay but could've been better
This was an okay read. As I was reading this I was kinda ready for it to be over because it was taking too long for me to get into it like I wanted. The reason for my rating is because I felt like Co should've had a chance to tell his side and not have it be rushed at the end because them twins not being his was a shocker. I didn't like how it ended with Ny'Airy on the possibility of things with Co. I also felt like she should've went clean off on Larry ohhhhhhhhh F*@K a$$ for trying her like that, thinking he can come back because the grass wasn't greener on the other side. I also felt like Trailles had the opportunity to say too much with her scamming a$$. Like I said overall this was okay.
This was an okay read. As I was reading this I was kinda ready for it to be over because it was taking too long for me to get into it like I wanted. The reason for my rating is because I felt like Co should've had a chance to tell his side and not have it be rushed at the end because them twins not being his was a shocker. I didn't like how it ended with Ny'Airy on the possibility of things with Co. I also felt like she should've went clean off on Larry ohhhhhhhhh F*@K a$$ for trying her like that, thinking he can come back because the grass wasn't greener on the other side. I also felt like Trailles had the opportunity to say too much with her scamming a$$. Like I said overall this was okay.
August 21, 2026
This book should've been Brick's story because we spent more time on her and the identity theft ring Which could've been a great ensemble story if Ny and Cozart's story was fully developed.
Ny had the potential to be a really specific plus-size heroine rather than simply a heroine who happens to be plus-size. The problem was that the author developed the side character's stories at the expense of the romance I actually picked up the book to read. Why am I reading Trallis' POV before the main male character? Why do I read about Brick's HEA and not Ny's 😤
Ny had the potential to be a really specific plus-size heroine rather than simply a heroine who happens to be plus-size. The problem was that the author developed the side character's stories at the expense of the romance I actually picked up the book to read. Why am I reading Trallis' POV before the main male character? Why do I read about Brick's HEA and not Ny's 😤
July 22, 2026
enjoyed 🔥 🔥
CO’s world was all over the place! He had a lot of heavy life changing obstacles in his way, but he made it out. His twin,Brick, also. Ny’Airy went to the gym for the wrong reason… I’m glad she joined that one though. She needed to come across Co! Trallis was something else. I was so shocked towards the end. Everything worked out the way it should have.
CO’s world was all over the place! He had a lot of heavy life changing obstacles in his way, but he made it out. His twin,Brick, also. Ny’Airy went to the gym for the wrong reason… I’m glad she joined that one though. She needed to come across Co! Trallis was something else. I was so shocked towards the end. Everything worked out the way it should have.
July 26, 2026
This drama filled book was funny to me also. Manu lessons weaved throughout the story. Little Miss Scammer girl, so glad she got caught, but really there were two scammers… ex wifey too with her cheating self. That was a plot twist.
By the end of the book, I was happy how things unfolded. AK got his lick back and I’m actually looking forward to reading about Brick and Zumo’s relationship.
By the end of the book, I was happy how things unfolded. AK got his lick back and I’m actually looking forward to reading about Brick and Zumo’s relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2026
Just okay. It could have used the male POVs to make it better. The ending was rushed and the story just felt unfinished overall. It had great potential and it would definitely need a part 2 to feel complete. I would recommend though. It wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t great either. Like I said just okay
July 21, 2026
Perfection
This was such a good read I literally took it down in one day! The drama was not over the top and the story flowed well. I actually wanted to hop in the pages and pop that scammer in the face. So happy the twins had a good ending!
This was such a good read I literally took it down in one day! The drama was not over the top and the story flowed well. I actually wanted to hop in the pages and pop that scammer in the face. So happy the twins had a good ending!
August 17, 2026
Must read
This Is my first time reading a book by this Author. I must say I’m a fan so far Brick character was making me so mad also as well as trallis I hated her. Was very shocked I love books when I can’t predict the ending
This Is my first time reading a book by this Author. I must say I’m a fan so far Brick character was making me so mad also as well as trallis I hated her. Was very shocked I love books when I can’t predict the ending
July 23, 2026
Power
Weight isn’t just what we carry throughout our lives. Burdens of others, searching for unanswered questions or equity at the end, the load becomes overwhelming
Weight isn’t just what we carry throughout our lives. Burdens of others, searching for unanswered questions or equity at the end, the load becomes overwhelming
August 26, 2026
This was a good read
This book was very interesting 👌🏾. I could relate to the story being plus size. Plus got lost on it for a minute and couldn't stop reading.
This book was very interesting 👌🏾. I could relate to the story being plus size. Plus got lost on it for a minute and couldn't stop reading.
August 28, 2026
I ate this book right on up! Loved how fast paced it was and the story was very entertaining. Great palette cleanser
September 10, 2026
A Good Read!
I liked this book! It had a good amount of messiness/spice to keep me locked in. A part 2 is probably wishful thinking🤣
I liked this book! It had a good amount of messiness/spice to keep me locked in. A part 2 is probably wishful thinking🤣
September 23, 2026
Nice
The book was good. But the ending felt completely rushed. I'd still recommend it. I would've liked to get the male's POV
The book was good. But the ending felt completely rushed. I'd still recommend it. I would've liked to get the male's POV
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews