Thirst Kills...WRI After Dark Reviews: Secrets of a Side Bitch by Jessica N. Watkins

@authorjwatkins #bookreview #thatshitcray

Secrets of a Side Bitch
by Jessica N. Watkins
File Size: 2740 KB
Print Length: 264 pages
Publisher: SBR Publications; 1 edition (November 19, 2013)
Rating: 4 stars



Summary:
He’s beautiful with gray eyes, tall, chocolate… and he’s worth fighting for.

Meet Omari a gorgeous, hard working, twenty-eight year old man from the Southside of Chicago. No matter how hard he works at his job at UPS, it is never enough to take care of himself and his long-term girlfriend. After continuous pressure from his older cousin, Ching, Omari finally traded in busting his ass for working under Ching hustling three major blocks on the Westside. All is good as Omari juggles work and the drug game. That is, until Ching involves him in the murder of, who ends up being, the Governor’s nephew. As he dodges homicide detectives, Omari is also trying to dodge getting caught between two loves. He’s been committed to Aeysha for seven years, but is falling each day for Simone, an older more established woman who is at his every beck and call. After years of playing the side chick, Simone finally finds love that she thinks is all her own. Just as she settles into loving Omari, she finds out about Aeysha and her desperate mind begins to plot on how to finally win her man. Simone’s best friend, Tammy, thinks Simone is crazy as she herself is running from an obsessed ex-boyfriend who is persistent in trying to kill her. Tammy lives in hiding for months as she asks herself this burning question; how can a man love a woman with the same hands that he is willing to kill her with?

As the murder investigation leads to arrests, the walls come down on these lovers. Murder, sex, and indictments lead to unforeseen tragedy and unexpected love.

My Review:
Okay so let's get into this. Omari is good looking. He's so good looking that his family calls him pretty boy. Not liking the name he tried to make himself look more "hard". His looks is definitely why he pulls so many women. He has one night stands and then he has his dips (women he see on a more regular basis).

Ayesha has been with Omari for years. She loves him though she knows he cheats. She is also insecure. Her insecurity becomes worse when she loses her job and finds out that she has fertility problems.

Tammy has broken up with her boyfriend. Tired of him not being able to take care of her she thinks it's the best thing to do. He had been physically abusive during the relationship and now that she left he is homicidal. After suffering a grazing shot to the head, Tammy now lives in fear.

Ching is a drug dealer and Omari cousin. Being older Omari looks up to Ching as more of an uncle than a cousin. Not being able to carry the load of bills he often borrows money from Ching. Omari soon begins to work for Ching not realize that he is putting in work and has become deep into the game. After get picked up by the cops Ching and Omari relationship is not the same.

Simone looks like she has it together on the outside. Educated and employed she is a success story. Well, she would be if it wasn't for the fact that she is insecure. She sees the accomplishment that she has made and even brags about them but she still envies other women. Simone doesn't realize that she is what she is because she allows it.

So there you have it. A quick breakdown of the characters. As for the story, it is a urban hood drama. Omari claims to love and respect Ayesha his long time love while disrespecting her with his infidelities. I mean really, how can you love someone and knowingly do them dirty. Love isn't just what you do for me it is also what you want do to me.

Ayesha is like many women from around-the-way. She got herself a decent job. She has a man that many women would love to have. Deep down she is insecure because she isn't who she thinks she can be. Losing her job makes her feel useless and her fertility issues make her feel worthless. When things start looking up for her so does her self-esteem. She never got the chance to understand that going back to school to get the education she lacked would have helped her insecurity problem.

Simone is batshit crazy and hella thirsty. She has never had a boyfriend of her own. She is an example of a 80/20 woman. A man cheats with her because she is what the girlfriends/wives are not when in reality she one dimensional. All along her woman was the 80 and you went jeopardized that for a 20. Simone has it going on on paper. Beautiful, sexy, educated and mad sex skills. However, she is emotionally desperate. She hides it well until eventually the man has enough of her and ends things. That when the cray-cray comes out. The lesson Simone hasn't learned is that if he knows that you are okay with being second string you'll never be varsity in his mind.

Secret of a Side Bitch is full of drama. It has sex. It has crazy stalkers. And it has murder. This is book 1 so it ends with a cliffhanger.

Should you read it? Yes. Who should read it? Fan of street/urban lit. You know, those of you who like Love and Hip Hop.

Buy

AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * KOBO * iBOOKS

Author Info

Jessica N. Watkins was born April 1st in Chicago, Illinois. She obtained a Bachelors of Arts with Focus in Psychology from DePaul University and Masters of Applied Professional Studies with focus in Business Administration from the like institution. Working in Hospital Administration for the majority of her career, Watkins has also been an author of fiction literature since the young age of nine. Eventually, she used writing as an outlet during her freshmen year of high school, after giving birth to her son. At the age of thirty-two, Watkins’ chronicles have matured into steamy, humorous, and gritty tales of urban and women’s fiction.

Jessica's debut novel Jane Doe  spiraled into an engrossing, drama filled, and highly entertaining series. In August 2013, she signed to SBR publications, which ignited her writing career with the Secrets of a Side Bitch series. Click the buttons to the right to view each book in detail!

In 2014, Jessica began to give other inspiring authors the opportunity to become published by lauching Jessica Watkins Presents.

Jessica also speaks to youth concerning topics such as overcoming obstacles, teen pregnancy, being a teenage mom, etc.

Jessica N. Watkins is available for talks, workshops, and book signings. For bookings, please send a request to jessica@femistrypress.net.

Author Links

FACEBOOK * TWITTER * WEBSITE * GOODREADS

*This is NOT an arc. At the time of this post, the book was available for free on Amazon.
**If you would like to support this blog consider purchasing your books through the links provided. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading!
***Book summary and author picture is from Amazon. Author bio is from the author's website.

London Lust by Renee Wyckoff

@ReneeWyckoff #streetlit #urbanfiction

London Lust 
by Renee Wyckoff
Rating 2stars

Description:
Victoria is living the good life that any woman would want and that includes; being the owner of Illinois Soothing Day Spa, and marrying the love of her life who just happens to be the owner of a fortune 500 business called Fine Craft. So where did she go wrong? How did she go from vacationing in London and planning to go to Paris with her husband, to having her heart broken? How far will she go to exact revenge for the hurt and deceit done to her by the very ones she called her friends?

My Review:
Cover - I am a shoulder and upper back girl. The guy in the cover has honey...don't like his elbows though. The girl, sorry but she posing sexy but she looks creepy. It's her eyes.

The good:
The story was juicy. Victoria life was a too good to be true fairy tale. Her husband is the first guy she ever slept with as well as her childhood friend. Although they had one hiccup when they were growing up they were the perfect couple. They loved each and after all those yearsof being together they still was passionate. Then come the trip to London. Unfortunately they both planned to do some dirt. And well...where there is dirt there is drama. The story ends with a few deaths, a new life, and a cliffhanger.

The Bad:
The writing on this was distracting. The were formatting issues and typos. Basically things that basic editing should have caught. The story was often choppy and all over the place. Some times you had to go back to find out who was the main character for the chapter. For a book that has less than 100 pages, one should not have to go back to find who is saying what to whom.

Quote:
“One day, there will come a time when you don’t know your ass from a hole in the ground..” and you start recapping your life and asking yourself should I have made the choices I made, or should I have did things differently?

Should you read it? If you like urban fiction. Who should ad it? See previos answer. If you don't like urban fiction or are new to the genre this is not the book for you.

BUY

AMAZON

The White House by JaQuavis Coleman

@Bunnitaz #read #freestylefriday
Rating 4 stars (3.8)

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Published: 5/27/14
• IBSN: 9781617752612
• e-IBSN: 9781617752889

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• IBSN: 9781617752629

Blurb:
The White House is based on true events, reimagining the dark chronicles of a notorious drug kingpin’s death, and the unfortunate events that followed.

The young heroine Draya lives paycheck to paycheck, laboring as a maid in a luxurious white house. One day, in the course of performing her duties, she is presented with an irresistible opportunity for a quick—and risky—payday. What unfolds in the white house changes the course of her life. Kidnapping, murder, and mayhem lead her—and the reader—through a harrowing and twisting plot to an explosive ending that no one sees coming. Look through the eyes of this young woman and glimpse how a life can forever be altered due to an unfortunate series of events—all touched off in a legendary white house.

My Review:
Great book. It is everything the summary states. Full of twists and turns. The main message of the book is that sooner or later karma will come back to settle things so think carefully about the decisions you make. It's good for those you love street lit. But this is not full of the typical street lit themes. There is a clear direction that this novel takes and the usually drama is avoided as it wouldn't have help this story plot. Also this is a short book. A week at the longest. two days average. One day for a fast reader.

Draya is struggling to raise her little brother June. she did a pretty good job too as he managed to get accepted into college. Unfortunately that good news is where things begin to go from bad to worse. Working 2 jobs she is barely keeping up with the rent never mind paying all the bills. June finished school and did well enough to get accepted but not enough for a scholarship. And in the pursuit to try get to a better place in life leads them into the rocky road of karma. So for those you enjoy getting over on people don't get upset when someone finally get over on you.

Purchase

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes

*this is an ARC
**most links are an affiliate links
-I receive a small percentage of any purchase made through affiliate links

Challenges
2014 Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge

Money is King by Nicety

@Bunnitaz #HumpDay #takecontroltbr
rating 3stars (2.6)

From Barnes and Noble:
A good man is hard to find, especially one with a paycheck who's faithful to his woman. Cesar is not only sexy but he's a rare and hot commodity who's every woman's dream. But he's taken by Mink, a selfish trick who doesn't deserve him and loves money more than her own snatch. When his back's against the wall, Cesar struggles to keep his hands clean. His pride won't allow him not to take care of his son, the one thing tying he and Mink together. Will Mink suck him dry before its all said and done or does Cesar have other tricks up his sleeve?

My Review:

Disclaimer - This is an Urban/Street lit book. There is profanity and explicit sex scenes. This not for those who enjoy subtlety nor is this review. Oh...spoiler alert!!!!!

Ok let's jump in, shall we? Cesar is a good man. While in jail he found out that he was to be a dad so after he got out he vowed to go straight. Cut to 7 years later he is working at Home Depot when they finally decide to get around to running background checks on everyone. Do you know where I'm going with this? That's right. He lied about having a felony on his application and gets fired.

Now on the home-front. His girlfriend Mink is a hoe. Sorry but there's no other way to say it. She has been having sex with other men for years. Not only does she have sex with multiple men over the years, it is unprotected sex. It is questioned whether or not their son is biologically Cesar's. Of course, Mink refuse to agree to a paternity test. Caught once again with another man she has used he last "get out of hot water" cared with Cesar.

Let's not all started to feel so sad for Cesar though. He has caught Mink cheating with several different men. And even though he is smart enough to not to marry her, the same can't be said when it comes to him leaving her. She not a good girlfriend or mother. The only things that kept them together was that she was great at sex and he was comfortable with her.

Finally Cesar has had enough. Losing his job has forced him to go back to the world he was determined to leave behind. This woman, the mother of his child who refuses to keep her legs closed and is only concerned with her next shopping spree. All the times he had been faithful to her. This time is different. He has left for good. Engaged to a woman who made it known that she wanted to be with him. She is the opposite of Mink.

Mink is completely delusional and self centered. Every one is out to get her or jealous of her. She doesn't think that she is to blame for any of the things that happens to her. Her sister is college educated and married to a man that Mink thinks should have been hers. Mink displaces her insecurities, flaws, and bad deeds on to others. She needs to be the envy of everyone in order to feel any kind of worth.

This part 1 of 2. I will read part 2 at some point. Mainly because of the way the book end. How does it end? Well...since you asked. Cesar has taken all of his belongings other than the stuff in the bedroom (being that she was having sex with other men on their bed) stays to tell her that he's leaving, their son is going to leave with him and his new finacee. Mink feels faint as she screams nooo. She not going to let him go that easy and especially not to get married to someone else after she's been asking to be his wife.

Money is King is fast paced. Typical Urban/Street lit book. When you read this you will not have any "I didn't see that coming moments". However, if you are chilling on the beach, at the park, or on your patio and you want a quick read to pass the time then this is the book for ya.

Challenges:

Book Bingo Reading Challenge 2014

Payback With Ya Life by Wahida Clark

Payback With Ya Life by Wahida Clark
Tradeback pgs.302
rating:3.5stars
05/15/2011


From back of book:
She lost her integrity, her best friend…and nearly wound up dead. Now Shan is making her move, far away from Memphis’s mean streets, to wipe the slate clean and start over. But she can’t hold back what she’s feeling for Briggen, a wealthy drug dealer who want her to be his one and only for life. Her brother, Peanut, can’t afford to lose her – or the one shot he has at getting back on top of the drug game. And the ruthless convict who tricked Shan into loving him is out of lockdown…and out to settle lethal scores with her and Peanut. Now, with everything at stake and a vicious turf war taking no prisoners, Shan must put it all on the line to save her future - or die trying.


My Reviews:

This was a good book but it did not hold my attention for long periods of time. Usually I can read these books in 2 to 3 days it took over a week for this one. There was a lot going on. Fans of urban fiction will like this as it gives you all that you've come to expected from these types of books. Clark touched on just about every subject in this book. Miscarrages, infidelty, drug dealing, prison, murder, rape...you name it, it's in here. TBR list#3 *if you are not an urban lit fan this is NOT for you


Challenges:
Clue Board Reading Challenge
2011 Where Are You Reading?
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 2011

The Hood Life by Meesha Mink and De'nesha Diamond

The Hood Life by Meesha Mink and De'nesha Diamond

Tradeback pgs 303

4.5 stars

04/16/2011

From the back of book:

A pimp, a killer, a playa, and a drug dealer struggle to get their game right in a sizzling novel where leaving the life and trying to go straight is a deadly option.

Tavon, better known as "Sweet," would pimp his own mother — and he does. Convinced that the prostitution game chose him, Sweet loves his high-rolling life. But when he unexpectedly becomes a father, will Sweet be able to choose between the family trade and his grown, not-so-innocent daughter?

After ten years in prison, the drive-by Demarcus committed still haunts him. Determined to stay above the law, he's found Allah, promised to change his ways forever, and finally do right by his girl, Zoey. But when an opportunity arises that will set him and Zoey right for life, Demarcus may have more faith in his killah reputation than the Koran....

Kaseem runs every single drug going in and out of Bentley Manor. His empire provides clothes, cash, and his satisfaction of his wifey, Quilla — along with the company of other ladies, of course. But when Kaseem's crew becomes more violent, will he be able to escape the life — and the gangsters — he created?

The best playa on the block, Rhakmon can get a woman to do anything he wants. His latest girlfriend, Shaterica, lets him steal, lie, and cheat — smitten to be under his spell. But when Rhakmon's devious deeds are finally brought to light, the revenge Shaterica plans may ultimately be more horrible than anything he could have imagined....

My Review: Well the ladies have done it again. The book is fast paced. I like that it focuses on four men this time around. There are so many WTF moments. It start right in the first couple of pages. I mean this things that Tavon is make you think what in the world is up with that?! As usually the ladies keep you up on your toes with the twists and turns. This is book three in the trioloyg of the Bentley Manor series though I hope that there will be another.

After all, there are some characters I would love to know what happened after the the drama. Like what are Lexi, WooWoo, and Aisha up to. Apparently WooWoo is visiting Has in jail so what is going on with that. Princess became a singer and we all know there's drama in Hollywood. What happens with Sweet aka Tavon? How about Rhakmon and Kaseem? Come on ladies don't leave us hanging like this. TBR list #1

challenges:

Buy One Book & Read It

Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 2011

Chaser by Miasha

Chaser by Miasha

3stars

03/02/2011

From back of book:

Leah -- Young, beautiful, and in love with the wrong man. Distraught after her boyfriend Kenny sets her up to take the fall in yet another of his schemes, Leah has no choice but to strike a deal with the police. Her world changes overnight, and maintaining her composure while gathering information is no easy task. And then she meets Nasir... Nasir -- All he's ever wanted to do is make his family proud. Ambitious and hardworking, Nasir is a good man, but he owes a debt to a former friend -- and regardless of how many times he's paid it back, Kenny will never let him forget it... Kenny -- Money reigns supreme in Kenny's world and he'll stop at nothing to get more of it. Kenny would lie, cheat, and even kill to protect his empire. There is no such thing as loyalty as far as he's concerned. And he's starting to realize that his girlfriend Leah is standing in his way... Smart, sexy, and undeniably thrilling, Chaser is exactly what Miasha's legions of fans have been waiting for.

My Review:

The title of the book can have two different meanings. Chaser could be the type of work that both of the male characters engaged in. Chaser are the tow truck drivers who show up at car accidents...they chase wrecks. Chaser could also mean paper chaser. One of the main characters, Kenny, is a huge paper chaser. He will do whatever he can to get money be it drugs or an auto insurance scam. Things heat up when Leah and Nasir start to spend time together.

This is a fast paced book. The novel starts off with a bang. Talk about grabbing the reader with the first page. I enjoyed this book. It isn't a favorite but it is a good read. TBR list #3

Sex in the hood by White Chocolate

Sex in the hood by White Chocolate

published: 2005

02/27/2011

pgs 335

1star

From back of book:

SEX IN THE HOOD IS THE WILD, EROTIC TALE OF LOVE, SEX AND GHETTO DREAMS.

Duke Johnson has everything - money, power, and respect. He's the self-proclaimed ruler of Babylon, the sexiest party underworld in Detroit, and he can have anything and every woman he wants. That is, until he meets Victoria.

Victoria has lost both her parents, and now that she;s moved from her upper class home in suburbia into her grandmother's run-down shack in the hood, she's about to lose something else - her virtue.

Join us as White Chocolate, Urban Books' bi-racial sensation, takes you on one of the most pleasurable experiences of all time.

My Review:

***warning contains profanity

What a bunch of bullshit! One of the most pleasurable experience of all time? My ass...this book was painful. So bad that I didn't make it pass page 64. I did skim through the book to see if there were a point where it would get better, yeah right. Duke is a egoistical conceited "ruler" of the sexiest party of Detroit's underworld translation he is a pimp of a big brothel.

The women are called Sluts and the men are Studs. When describing body parts and sex scenes the language is crude. Urban lit is known for explicit sex scenes but this was just ridiculous. The two main character were racist and prejudiced. Duke had everyone called him Massa Duke so it shouldn't be of no surprise that he was colorstruck. Victoria has genitalia that talks to her. I have heard of the term that sex is power but this book took the term literally and not even in a convincing way.

The entire book revolves around Babylon and Duke desire to be it's ruler and grow it. Victoria as his Duchess and the light bright face of the company who speaks the King's English will be the tool he needs to get certain people on board with the expansion. Apparently black women from the ghetto don't know how to speak proper English or if they do they are faking it.

I am glad this is a pass it along book because no one should waste their money on this. I searched and their is a Sex in the hood 2...why? The premise could've worked with a more skilled author but it is clear that White Chocolate just decided to jumped on the Urban Lit bandwagon. TBR list #5 if you are not an Urban Lit fan don't even bother you will just get the wrong idea of what the genre is. For Urban Lit fans, if this is on your tbr list put it on the bottom, the absolute last entry, believe me there is no rush for this.

On Urban/Street Lit Novels

On Urban/Street Lit Novels

Okay, what am I missing? Why would a man want to make a woman who has more men in her than a New York subway car his wifey? Beauty, a crazy body, and good sex? Is that really what would blind a man to what and who a woman really is? It seems in urban/street lit novels that is all the dudes want. Then as soon as the chick flip on him (like her back warned him of) he wants to freak out. Hello! She was all about money when you met her and you knew it.

Then the women in these novels always have impossibly perfect curvy bodies. The men are always chiseled. The drug dealers always have bank and power. Both are shallow and only care about the materialistic aspects of life. I know drug dealers, their wifeys, their kids, their families, and drug users. Not every crack head is noticeable from across the street and for every kingpin you have a hundred low-level, making end meet hustlers. And the wifeys are in all shapes and sizes.

What I want people to understand about these novels is that there is truth in it. People are that shallow. People are that grimy. But at the end of the day these books are fiction. Life is not this way for many people in the hood. Not every little girl is abused. Not every little boy wants to be a pusher. Not everyone is out for money and clothes. And not every man is criminal. These books are entertainment, simply an action movie in a book.

I got this picture from here

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.

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.

Shameless Hoodwives by Meesha Mink and De'neisha Diamond

Shameless Hoodwives

by Meesha Mink and De'neisha Diamond

3stars

finished reading July 2010

There isn't much I can say without giving away the story. If you are looking for a drama filled book than this is right up your alley. The book follows 4 women each with different issues they are facing.

Here's the back over:

Hearts break, lives shatter, and liars prevail at Bentley Manor, where everyone sins shamelessly.
In the second novel from the authors of Desperate Hoodwives, four women will try to escape Bentley Manor — a place no one has ever left unscathed...

• Keisha married the high school basketball star, but now Smokey's addicted to crack. Unable to feed her children, Keisha feels that she's not only hit bottom but has taken her children with her. When Smokey's brother offers to help, will it come at the ultimate price?

• Takiah abruptly fled her pimp husband with her baby. Desperate to start over, she finds a hiding place. Living with Grandma Cleo means returning to church — but Takiah's salvation is the last thing on the pastor's mind...

• Princess is lucky to have found a ride-or-die friend in Lucky, who helps protect her from her mom's abusive ways. With a voice to rival Mary J. and Whitney, at just seventeen Princess holds a ticket out. But when Lucky is gone, will she have the courage to follow her dreams?

• Woo Woo has escaped the projects with her suburban husband — the type of man every woman wants. But she can't resist sneaking back to Bentley Manor for steamy sexcapades with her drug dealer boyfriend. It's not only WooWoo who has a secret...

I read this book out of order so I have to go back with that said though, it was easy to follow so you won't get lost. I'm going to let you all read this story on your own. But I will say this, Woo Woo secret was a shocker. I didn't see it coming and actually said "Oh ish!" out loud when I came to it.

*This is a urban/street novel. If you do not like reading very graphic sex scenes, drugs, and violence this is not the book for you.

Bitch by Deja King

Bitch by Deja King

3.5 stars

196 pages

From bank of the book:

Precious Cummings came from nothing but was determined to have it all. Using her most deadly weapons - undeniable beauty, body and street savvy brains, Precious sets out to change the cards that sheÂ’d been dealt. After meeting Nico Carter, a man who can help her achieve her goals, virtually overnight she is on her way. Precious quickly transforms from Project Chick to Hood Queen and is determined to hold on to her position even if it means crossing the man who made it possible. Set on revenge, Precious gambles it all in her quest to gain everything. Just when she believes the dice have rolled in her favor, Precious has to answer for the web of deceit that she has set in motion.

My Thoughts

This story flows well. Precious is cold-blooded and outright selfish. Unfortunately the personality of Precious is a familiar one. She goes along with the status quo and with her looks she is able to "pull" the higher level thugs. She thinks with her ego and those decision come back to haunt her. The book is entertaining. The characters are believable. The ending was not a surprise. If I did not know that there was a sequel the ending would not have been very satisfying. If you like urban lit then you will enjoy this book. Happy Reading

The Aftermath by Anna J

The Aftermath by Anna J

3 1/2 stars

From back of book:
Jasmine and James have been on rocky ground ever since gorgeous, supersexy Monica joined them for a threesome that quickly got out of hand. Monica isn't the kind of woman to give up on what she wants, and before long she's pulling them all into a web of secrets, lies, and wild, dangerous lust...

Monica from My Woman His Wife is back to show you why even the mere thought of a mge a trios with your spouse and an outsider should never enter your imagination.
It's been three months since the Cinque household has been turned upside down by a sexual tryst gone terribly wrong. Although Jasmine and James are making moves to put their broken home and broken hearts back together, past lies and a lack of trust make it almost impossible to salvage what once was sacred. It's even harder when with a conniving woman like Monica throwing salt in the wounds from the sidelines because she still hasn't gotten what she wants.
Old family secrets are revealed and half truths are exposed as marriage vows are put to the test, painful memories are relived, and revenge is at the top of everyone's list. Drama, betrayal, and lust are all found on the pages of Aftermath -- when once just isn't enough.

My Review

I enjoyed this book. The characters struggled with the decisions that they made and the consequences of those decisions. Even after everything that happen in the first book the characters still was not 100% honest with each other. To start over and start fresh you must be willing to put everything on the table. As the saying goes, what is done in the dark eventually finds its way to the light.

This is not a stand alone book. It would be advisable to read the first book My Woman, His Wife first to truly understand what went down. I would rate the book as 3 stars if read before the fist one. It is entertaining but the first book is more sexually charged.

Hittin' the Bricks by Noire

A to Z Challenge, Book Around the States, Chick Porn Challenge
Hittin' the Bricks by Noire4 stars

Eva Patterson was turned out and turned on to drugs by her mother and her mothers boyfriend Jahden after they held her down and injected her with heroin. Why? So that Jahden could rape her without a fight. Soon her mother got jealous and made her daughter come up with her own money to buy smack. So, barely into her teens, Eva began doing whatever she had to do to get money. After getting kicked out of the house she went looking for a place to shoot up only to have a son inside the industrial size dryer. Leaving the baby in good hands she went to live with her aunt.
Her cousin Fiyah ends up going to jail on a mandatory gun charge for her. While locked up he becomes indebted to King Brody. Brody wants Eva. Knowing the rep that Brody has she wants nothing to do with him. Plus she's in love with her man Mello. Fiyah not wanting to die because he surely knows that if Brody doesn't get what he wants, Fiyah and Eva both are walking targets.
Brody works his own special evil on the family and anyone else he feels like it. When it's all said and done people are murdered, lives are changed forever and those who were able to survive the aftermath is left to deal with the guilt of their part in the tragedy.
If you like urban/street lit then you'll love this book. If you like a happy ending then you will not. I don't usually get emotional over a book or a movie but I really felt empathy for Eva. All I can say is this, no one knows how they will handle certain situations until they are faced with them but talk about a disappointment of a man we are shown in Fiyah.

A Gangster’s Girl

A to Z Challenge
Book Around the States
A Gangster’s Girl
3stars

This story is a pampered young woman who is so accustomed to wearing the latest of everything that she finds herself escorting on the side of her day job. While out on her first “date” she meets Vegas. At first everything is fine, great in fact but Vegas is a drug dealer and as with all drug dealers the life will catch up with you. The fairy tale rapidly becomes a nightmare. This novel has lust, love, fast money, and death. It didn’t end the way I thought it would either. Definitively not a happily ever after.

Street Dreams by K'wan

Street Dreams


by K'wan

rating 4 stars


Description: The son of a singer-turned-alcoholic and the daughter of an abusive father vow to do whatever it takes to make it out of the ghetto. But soon they find their backs against the wall when the streets come to claim their due.



Description: Love, Betrayal and Loyalty on the Streets of Harlem
Daruis, a.k.a. Rio, the only child of a singer turned alcoholic, feels he has nothing to hold on to except the idea of escaping the ghetto. Years ago, he took a gun charge for a friend and did some prison time. Unable to find a job when he gets out, Rio turns to hustling as a way out. In the meantime, Rio finds escape in the arms of his soulmate, Trinity.
When Trinity's mother died, her abusive father looks to her to play the role of house wife and bedmate. Trinity finds strength to endure in Rio's arms. Together they vow to do whatever it takes to make it out of the ghetto. But soon they find their backs against the wall when the streets come to claim their due



My Opinion


Street Dreams is a fast pace book that takes you in to the emotion by the streets. You don't see the characters do their dirt but you find out why and has made them act the way that they do. You find yourself wanting the characters to obtain their dreams. You also feel yourself let down by the stones thrown in path threatening to cut off the direction to those dreams. For those street lit fans this should be in your library.



typos *page 36 line 10; page 86 line 4; page 93 line 19; page 180 line 29; page 248 line 5



Good quote ** Triinity page 142 line 6 "Behind every good man is a cunning woman"



Spoiler!!!The story center around Daruis "Rio" Santana a young kind who after doing a 13 month bid is trying to get a regular 9 to 5 but with a felony gun charge on his record he's having no luck. In the meantime, he's working part-time for the lock kingpin Prince.
Trinity is Rio girlfriend, or should I say, soulmate. She is only nineteen but has been taken care of her family ever since her mother died. And since her mother died her father has been raping her, a dark secret she keeps from everyong including Rio. After trying to committ suicide Trinity little brother reveals her secret to Rio.
In a drunken rage Rio see Baker, Trinity's father, with a young girl. He follows them and while the youngster is serving Baker, Rio pulls out his gun. A fight ensue and the gun goes off shooting Baker. Rio tries the calm the girl down but in his panick of not trying to get found out kills her as well. The first person he thinks to call to help him out of this mess is Prince. Prince is all to willing to help but the price would be Rio's full-time empolyment. Knowing that he could not say no, Rio became a Carpo that night.
Truck is one of Prince's sons. He feels that he is entitled to the throne. He resent the fact that his father is grooming Rio to be his replacement. So he takes matters into his own hands and hires hitmen to take Prince out which is just what happens right along with Prince other son. Rio is wound in the incident. No one can finger Truck just yet but they all suspect him. Soon sides are being taken and all hell breaks out.
In the end, Rio, Trinity, Rio's best friend Shamel, Rio's other friend Cutty, and Truck all loses their lives in one way or another. I won't say who actually dies and who ends up spending the rest of their lives behind bars. You'll have to read that for yourself!

Grindin' by Danielle Santiago

Grindin'

Author: Danielle Santiago
rating 5 stars

Description: .
After partying and "grindin'" in Las Vegas and clearing more than $100,000 and a bag of stolen diamonds, twenty-two-year-old Kennedy Sanchez, a beautiful, street-smart single mom, and her cousin Nina fly back home to New York. Later that night, Kennedy gets a call that Nina is being beaten up by her boyfriend - again. Kennedy rushes over to help, but it's too late: Nina dies in Kennedy's arms after making her promise to take care of her children. Stepping up to the plate, Kennedy becomes the mother of three more kids and moves them into a Harlem brownstone. She knows she needs to refocus her life, and gets her chance when she meets Chaz, a successful hip-hop artist who sees star quality written all over her. She's offered the chance to become a rapper and leave the streets behind - or at least shift to another kind of grind. But once in the music world, Kennedy realizes that the setting may have changed, but the hustle remains the same.

My Opinion:

It was a good quick read. A lot of baby mama drama, chicks getting jumped and cut, death, pain, and love. One of the things that distracted me, was the use of slang. It just felt like too much at times. Overall, for those fans of urban fiction, you will love it.