Monday, October 25, 2010

Okra Picks Reading Challenge



Four different levels:
1-3 Books: Goober
4-6 Books: Tater
7-9 Books: Peach
10-13 Books: Okra
Details:
The Okra Picks Challenge will run from October 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011. To join this challenge, all you have to do is pick your level of participation (you can always go up levels, but not down.) Then after you read any of the books, write a review to share your thoughts with others!

I'm doing level 1: Goober 1 - 3 books
Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon
I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg (maybe)

Thug Matrimony by Wahida Clark

Thug Matrimony
by Wahida Clark
4 stars

Angel, Jaz, Tasha, and Kyra are four girlfriends pulling themselves out of the ghetto--and trying to bring their hearts up to higher ground with them. Now Angel has started her own law practice and a new life with Kaylin, a drug dealer who's stepped out of the game to run a recycling business and hot new record label. But when an unwanted guest crashes their wedding, all the rage and bloodlust from the hood comes bustin' out--and Angel's gonna need every prayer in heaven to make it to the altar alive...
synopsis from flipkart

This is the third book in the series. I read this book first. This story has it all. Wedding drama, ex boyfriend who use to be a pimp drama, Mexican mafia drama, will man man wake up out of this coma drama, my past is coming back to beat me in the ass drama with heaping handfuls of jealousy, violence, and sex. The characters came to life and Kaylin well...damn need I mention the tied up scene in book two! It's another winner in the series people.

Urban Street Hip Hop Fiction

Urban Street Hip Hop Fiction

Whatever you chose to call it. It is the genre that stirs controversy. At the end of the day, however, it is the readers who matter and us readers say with love the genre. Here is what I have to say about it.

In this genre the reader is taken on a pretty realistic ride of how some women really react to men in this lifestyle. There are so many uncertainties that comes along with dating a man in the "life". Will he go to jail? Will he get shot? Will the police show up at the door wanting to search your home? Will a rival target you as a way to get back at him? Then you have all the regular worries that many women have about their men but amplified because the type of life he's living. Men in the "life" are always out and about. If he's making money than you can bet there are going to be females sniffing around so if being faithful. These types of men can put you on an emotional rollercoster.

I called this types of books hood fairy tales though. I'm sorry but most thugs are not making the kind of paper the men in these books are making. The men in these books always do and say the right things. The men in these books always packing the goods between their legs and know how to turn their women out. Well a man with a good package is not a guarantee for good sex. And I think every woman who has slept with more than one man can tell you that not every man can satisfy let alone throw it down.

So these are fairy tales for woman who like men who's rough around the edges but gentle and sweet when he deals with her. Disney has their Cinderella and Snow White waiting for Prince Charming but us little girls who up in the hood wanted that dude who all the other females wanted. He was the one who always had on the freshest gear. The dope ride. The body that made the panties wet just from looking at him. Besides, who does like the bad boy? The guy you know is no damn good for you and that just makes you want him more. You want to be the one to tame the beast. But ladies remember it's all a fairy tale, you can't tame him until he's ready to be tame.

Every Thug Needs A Lady by Wahida Clark


Every Thug Needs A Lady
By Wahida Clark
4 stars 10/24/2010

Sexy, beautiful Roz has escaped from the hard streets and is on her way to a professional career in physical therapy. She doesn't need to make a U-turn back to the ghetto. But then she meets Trae, who's still after the bling bling and fast money of drugs. He's hard, hot, irresistible--and trouble. Soon Roz is wild for a brother whose world is filled with dark schemes and deadly desire. But blinded by her passion, she can't see the heartbreak ahead where the 'hood has a law of its own--and its own brand of revenge...

synopsis from flipkart

This is the second novel in the Thug series. It hits you with a shocker of a story right at the beginning (page 13) when Roz reveals her past to her friends. The novel focuses mostly of the relationship between Roz (Tash) and Trae. The side couple is the budding romance between Angel and Kaylin. I have not read the first book in the series yet so I can tell you that you can read this series out of order as I have already read the third book. This book does not disappoint as a sequel.

When I was looking for the synopsis I came across some good reviews a couple stood out. One did not understand the reason why Roz was being called Tash. I not Wahida so I can't say why she did it but I can say that I had a boyfriend who called me by my middle name. He said that he did not want to call me by a name that every one else used so maybe that is the same type of thinking Wahida had in mind for Trae's character as well.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Desperate Hoodwives by De'nesha Diamond & Meesha Mink



Desperate Hoodwives

by De'nesha Diamond and Meesha Mink

4 stars 10/16/2010

DREAMS OFTEN DIE IN THE PROJECTS
In the first book of a drama-drenched new series, four unforgettablewomen will do anything to escape the hood.


From their front stoops at Bentley Manor, longtime residents Miz Osceolaand Miz Cleo have seen just about everything and know all too well thatthere's no happily-ever-after in the projects. There's only the desperateneed to get out by any means possible.


Aisha has what every other ghetto girl envies: a loving man whosupplies her with all the fashion, money, and accessories that scream"hood success." Now that her husband's in jail, Aisha may have to putsomething more precious than her designer gear up for sale in order tomaintain her image. The cost may be too high even for her expensive tastes.


Devani knows she's found her way out of the hood when she sleepswith Tyrik, a star pro athlete. When Tyrik's calls get further and furtherapart, Devani's mother suggests the perfect scheme: become his baby momma.Will Devani's plans force her man to commit, or backfire with the worstof consequences?


Molly is so in love with her husband, Junior, that she doesn't care if she's the only white girl in the hood. Blinded by her love, Mollylets everyone walk all over her. But Junior may cross the line, forcing Molly to give back all the abuse she's taken.


Lexi has five children - and four broke baby daddies. Now she ismarried to Luther, Mr. Right in every way but in the bedroom. Determinedto finally provide a good man for her kids, Lexi must struggle to fighther cravings for sex with her ex. Will she stay faithful to her husbandor give in to a passion that may very well prove deadly?

Great book. The story flowed well. There was lots of drama, violence, and of course sex. The sex in this one was mighty good too. The characters were well formed and not only could you picture them, you felt as if you knew them. Like Shameless Hoodwives (which is actually the second novel in the series) the ending has a surprising twist. All I can say is Whoa! This is a MUST read for all you urban/street lit lovers.