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For the Love of the Hustle
Precious: A young troubled teen who becomes tremendously infatuated with sex by secretly viewing her mother's sexcapades and triple x movies. After getting caught reenacting what she sees, she runs away from home and seeks refuge in the streets of East Hammond,IN where she becomes vividly exposed to the rugged street life.
Cuz: A focused hustler who's recently released from serving a 5 year sentence. Cuz places Precious under his wings, but only if she agrees to earn her keep by any means necessary. On their rise to power they encounter Shree, LaToya, Sonya, and Neicey. All five women have the same agenda needed for their journey at hand and agrees to live by Cuz's creed. "Never bite the hand that feeds you, unless that hand tries to slap the taste out of your mouth."
Shaunta'e Howard is a new author to the game of books. Although she has been writing all her life this is her first release. She is a very outgoing young woman from Hammond, IN via Chicago, IL. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Devry University and a MBA in business from Keller Graduate School of Management. She is a mother of a 15 year old son and 5 year old daughter. In her spare time she enjoys reading, dancing, and any activity involving family and friends. Look forward to Shaunta'e bringing more your way. This is just the beginning.
Cuz: A focused hustler who's recently released from serving a 5 year sentence. Cuz places Precious under his wings, but only if she agrees to earn her keep by any means necessary. On their rise to power they encounter Shree, LaToya, Sonya, and Neicey. All five women have the same agenda needed for their journey at hand and agrees to live by Cuz's creed. "Never bite the hand that feeds you, unless that hand tries to slap the taste out of your mouth."
Shaunta'e Howard is a new author to the game of books. Although she has been writing all her life this is her first release. She is a very outgoing young woman from Hammond, IN via Chicago, IL. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Devry University and a MBA in business from Keller Graduate School of Management. She is a mother of a 15 year old son and 5 year old daughter. In her spare time she enjoys reading, dancing, and any activity involving family and friends. Look forward to Shaunta'e bringing more your way. This is just the beginning.
103 pages, ebook
First published January 15, 2014
18 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 19, 2014
Part 2 Please!!!
Damn I thought I was watching a movie damn it was real ass hell. I can see now it's about to be some real shit to go down in Part 2 so I need to get my popcorn and drink ready. Straight off back the action was real. This book had you laughing and feeling sad at the same damn time. Cuz is my type of dude straight the fuck up. I need for anybody reading this review to stop forever you are doing and buy this hot read for only $0.99 you can't beat that at all and trust and believe you going to get every penny worth. I approve that message! #BAM
Damn I thought I was watching a movie damn it was real ass hell. I can see now it's about to be some real shit to go down in Part 2 so I need to get my popcorn and drink ready. Straight off back the action was real. This book had you laughing and feeling sad at the same damn time. Cuz is my type of dude straight the fuck up. I need for anybody reading this review to stop forever you are doing and buy this hot read for only $0.99 you can't beat that at all and trust and believe you going to get every penny worth. I approve that message! #BAM
January 17, 2014
I love reading work from new authors. Because I can see where they have room for improvements. As I was reading this book it caught my attention from the beginning to the end. This author surprised me with their style of writing and the whole make up of the book. I have not read a book ever where a guy had many women sexing him and they were all okay with it. I truly cannot wait from the sequel to be published. Great Job!
January 15, 2014
Normally I don't like new authors, but this book was an excellent read. It had me so hooked from the beginning that I didn't want to put it down. The penmanship of the author is phenomenal and I could visualize every scene of the book. Cuz was definitely the man and be left me wanting more. This is a must read. You won't be disappointed.
January 20, 2014
This is my first book I read from this author, but it won't be my last. This book was well written and worth more than it cost. This shows those girls had faith and loyalty in Cuz. These Hustle bunnies didn't know him from Adams cat, but look what they got in the end. Like I said if you love a good urban book with unending drama I dare you to read this.
January 19, 2014
I must say Shaunta'e did her thing! I finished this up in no time. I can't wait for part 2 to see how everything begins to unfold. The Hustle Bunnies along with Cuz ain't no joke!!! Iishia on some other shit trying to help a no good ass mutha*****!!!! Never bite the hand that feeds u!
January 20, 2014
really love this book had me cuddled up in a reading session because I wanted to get to the end than I wanted more can not wait for part two awesome book a must read book if you like action and adventure with drama make a great movie
January 16, 2014
Normally I dont read but this is a great book it has me interested in whats gonna happen next..I cant wait until part 2 comes out!!!! I love the characters in the book!!! CUZ is.my dude I love his style in his realness..Good job Shaunta'e
February 5, 2021
Good
The book got flat stars because it’s a very good storyline however without the storyline this book would have gotten three stars
The book got flat stars because it’s a very good storyline however without the storyline this book would have gotten three stars
January 13, 2022
Excellent Book
This book was great. A lot of unexpected twists and turns. I’m looking forward to part 2. This is a must read. You can thank me later!!!
This book was great. A lot of unexpected twists and turns. I’m looking forward to part 2. This is a must read. You can thank me later!!!
October 22, 2014
While thousands of desperate housewives sit around trying to write Young Adult novels and Harlequinesque romances, every once in a while an author rises above the fray of the mundane and writes something daring and exciting.
Shaunta’e Howard is just such an author and her urban crime story “For the Love of the Hustle” is just such a book, unflinching and honest and unadulterated in the best kind of way. It is authors like Ms. Howard and books like hers that bring back the thrill of reading to what has become a sea of mediocrity, also known as contemporary modern fiction.
I stumbled upon Ms. Howard’s megalopolitan masterwork while reading a Goodreads blog containing authors’ requests for reviews of their novels. I believe she was offering a free e-book version of her book in exchange for reviews. I happen to prefer hardcopy books over e-books, so I investigated the “For the Love of the Hustle” paperback on Amazon. I read the free “Inside the Book” sample and was immediately sold on Ms. Howard’s explicit and explosive raw writing style.
I live as far outside the dark urban setting described in her book as a person can get, but Ms. Howard’s brutal and unabashed prose puts the reader straight into the action, describing a desperate and real world where money and status trumps human lives and self-decency. Women are willing to degrade themselves in strip bars, share a man if he is wealthy and powerful, and even kill to keep themselves from poverty.
But “For the Love of the Hustle” isn’t just basic pulp gangster fiction filled with graphic sex and violence, Ms. Howard writes the individual chapters in the first person perspective of all the main characters. For instance, the first two chapters are from the point of view of teenage runaway Precious, while the third chapter is from her new drug-dealing boyfriend’s perspective. By using this narrative technique, the reader watches the story unfold as told by the various characters, which brings a unique authenticity to both the plot and the characters.
Be forewarned, however, that this novel is not for the squeamish or the prudish. Shaunta’e Howard doesn’t hold back one iota and tells her graphic story of sex, drugs and greed exactly as she wants (or needs) to tell it, without reservation, and knowing full well that portions of the book will shock and offend some readers. But at the same time, knowing that her writing style will produce some die-hard fans too – of which I am now one.
So if you’re considering giving Shauta’e’s hustle a try after reading the reviews or the Amazon preview, I’d suggest you just go ahead and purchase the sequel too because you won’t be disappointed.
Rich Bottles Jr., author of The Manacled.
Shaunta’e Howard is just such an author and her urban crime story “For the Love of the Hustle” is just such a book, unflinching and honest and unadulterated in the best kind of way. It is authors like Ms. Howard and books like hers that bring back the thrill of reading to what has become a sea of mediocrity, also known as contemporary modern fiction.
I stumbled upon Ms. Howard’s megalopolitan masterwork while reading a Goodreads blog containing authors’ requests for reviews of their novels. I believe she was offering a free e-book version of her book in exchange for reviews. I happen to prefer hardcopy books over e-books, so I investigated the “For the Love of the Hustle” paperback on Amazon. I read the free “Inside the Book” sample and was immediately sold on Ms. Howard’s explicit and explosive raw writing style.
I live as far outside the dark urban setting described in her book as a person can get, but Ms. Howard’s brutal and unabashed prose puts the reader straight into the action, describing a desperate and real world where money and status trumps human lives and self-decency. Women are willing to degrade themselves in strip bars, share a man if he is wealthy and powerful, and even kill to keep themselves from poverty.
But “For the Love of the Hustle” isn’t just basic pulp gangster fiction filled with graphic sex and violence, Ms. Howard writes the individual chapters in the first person perspective of all the main characters. For instance, the first two chapters are from the point of view of teenage runaway Precious, while the third chapter is from her new drug-dealing boyfriend’s perspective. By using this narrative technique, the reader watches the story unfold as told by the various characters, which brings a unique authenticity to both the plot and the characters.
Be forewarned, however, that this novel is not for the squeamish or the prudish. Shaunta’e Howard doesn’t hold back one iota and tells her graphic story of sex, drugs and greed exactly as she wants (or needs) to tell it, without reservation, and knowing full well that portions of the book will shock and offend some readers. But at the same time, knowing that her writing style will produce some die-hard fans too – of which I am now one.
So if you’re considering giving Shauta’e’s hustle a try after reading the reviews or the Amazon preview, I’d suggest you just go ahead and purchase the sequel too because you won’t be disappointed.
Rich Bottles Jr., author of The Manacled.
January 29, 2014
It caught me off guard at first...I was uncomfortable at the start of the book. Why? Because this young girl was having all these sexual experiences and it was kind of weird for me. I almost stopped reading the book, but everyone knows I can't stop a book...it bugs the hell out of me.
Anyway I am glad that I kept reading! This was a very well thought out book, and congratulations goes out to Shaunta'e! The entire book just flowed well.
The basics...Precious has to leave home because her mom finds her in a uncompromising situation with her little brother (uncomfortable moment for me). Anyway she finds herself on the street doing whatever she has to do to survive alone. Iishia takes her in and starts to so called "help" her out of her little situation. But we all know you can't trust every hand that tries to help you. Iishia keeps things popping off throughout the book...just when you think you can trust her, she moves another piece of the puzzle and scrambles everything up again.
My LOL Moment...so Precious is stripping now. So Iishia always looking for her next come up, calls Cuz to have him come to the club with hopes of setting up one on the customers in the club. Anyway Cuz gets to the strip club and Precious comes out to dance...the way Cuz described how fast she was dancing had me laughing out loud 'she was bouncing and dropping that ass so hard and fast, I was getting tired just watching her.' Every time I think about this I laugh! Then Cuz has to take a moment to school her because she was twerking so hard but wasn't making a dollar. 'They were giving her the same dollars over and over again by giving it to her then taking it back.'
The Scene that will blow your mind...they were at partying and plotting on Paul, who had tried Cuz not once but twice. So him and his girls (yes I said girls) go to Paul's with a plan. Everybody is pretty much wild at this point...you have to read the scene...I will not spoil it for you! But I have to say when Sonya told Cuz, "I want to taste you and swallow your kids." I looked down at my kindle like say what now...LOL!
You will not be disappointed with 1-clicking this book. So why did I give it only 4 stars...well because it had some grammatical errors. And I think a book this good should not be defined by its mistakes. Although it didn't necessarily take away from the book, anytime I can point it out then it distracts me from the story. But I look forward to reading more from Author Shaunta'e.
Anyway I am glad that I kept reading! This was a very well thought out book, and congratulations goes out to Shaunta'e! The entire book just flowed well.
The basics...Precious has to leave home because her mom finds her in a uncompromising situation with her little brother (uncomfortable moment for me). Anyway she finds herself on the street doing whatever she has to do to survive alone. Iishia takes her in and starts to so called "help" her out of her little situation. But we all know you can't trust every hand that tries to help you. Iishia keeps things popping off throughout the book...just when you think you can trust her, she moves another piece of the puzzle and scrambles everything up again.
My LOL Moment...so Precious is stripping now. So Iishia always looking for her next come up, calls Cuz to have him come to the club with hopes of setting up one on the customers in the club. Anyway Cuz gets to the strip club and Precious comes out to dance...the way Cuz described how fast she was dancing had me laughing out loud 'she was bouncing and dropping that ass so hard and fast, I was getting tired just watching her.' Every time I think about this I laugh! Then Cuz has to take a moment to school her because she was twerking so hard but wasn't making a dollar. 'They were giving her the same dollars over and over again by giving it to her then taking it back.'
The Scene that will blow your mind...they were at partying and plotting on Paul, who had tried Cuz not once but twice. So him and his girls (yes I said girls) go to Paul's with a plan. Everybody is pretty much wild at this point...you have to read the scene...I will not spoil it for you! But I have to say when Sonya told Cuz, "I want to taste you and swallow your kids." I looked down at my kindle like say what now...LOL!
You will not be disappointed with 1-clicking this book. So why did I give it only 4 stars...well because it had some grammatical errors. And I think a book this good should not be defined by its mistakes. Although it didn't necessarily take away from the book, anytime I can point it out then it distracts me from the story. But I look forward to reading more from Author Shaunta'e.
March 31, 2014
For the Love of the Hustle, exposes in a very real way the reality of what too many youths growing up and ending up on the streets have to deal with on a regular basis. A harsh reality that some have been lucky enough to avoid. The streets can be hard for a young child, esp a young girl, and this book exposes that harshness, the sexual encounters and lengths others go to to try and take advantage of the situation. It in the midst of all that is going on is a great read and you'll get a real look at what and how the lead character gets through all they endure. You'll feel for them, cry with them and wish you could take them into your arms, some you'll want to hunt down, the work of a great writer. Well done Shautna'e, I cant wait to read part 2.
April 2, 2015
Woah
ok so I must admit there are some risky parts at the beginning of the book but to be honest so many people actual live this type of life and shaunta'e was brave enough to write it. I was so into this book that I couldn't put it down. the love of money will have you doing things you couldn't even imagine yourself doing. this book clearly shows all aspects of that type of life. being from Chicago I was captured by the reference of places that I grew up around like River Oaks Mall right off Torrence Ave. I graduated from TTHS and we always jumped to Indiana to get the cheap gas so I was familiar with the scenery which made me really get into the book
ok so I must admit there are some risky parts at the beginning of the book but to be honest so many people actual live this type of life and shaunta'e was brave enough to write it. I was so into this book that I couldn't put it down. the love of money will have you doing things you couldn't even imagine yourself doing. this book clearly shows all aspects of that type of life. being from Chicago I was captured by the reference of places that I grew up around like River Oaks Mall right off Torrence Ave. I graduated from TTHS and we always jumped to Indiana to get the cheap gas so I was familiar with the scenery which made me really get into the book
January 27, 2014
A young troubled teen who becomes tremendously infatuated with sex by secretly viewing her mother's sexcapades and triple x movies. After getting caught reenacting what she sees, she runs away from home and seeks refuge in the streets where she becomes exposed to the rugged street life.
For The Love of the Hustle was a excellent book.
The characters and the story line were very well developed
I recommend that you add this book to your list of books to read this year.
Thank you to the author for an excellent story, I look forward to reading more from you.
For The Love of the Hustle was a excellent book.
The characters and the story line were very well developed
I recommend that you add this book to your list of books to read this year.
Thank you to the author for an excellent story, I look forward to reading more from you.
January 26, 2014
Send like Ed ole girl I'd gonna be the down fall of his little empire, he better watch his back. Cuz is home from doing a bid and is determined to make all the blocks do right the old school way, but keep in mind there is always jealousy lurking in the background no matter of everyone is eating good. Fir the love of the hustle gives you drama, twist and turns abd leave you wanting more. Patiently awaiting part 2.
February 28, 2014
All I want to know is when For the Love of the Hustle 2 comes out. I'm ready to read it NOW! This story had something for every reader in it. The characters were real, and well developed. The storyline was easy to follow, without boring the reader. The action was blazin!! Shaunta'e is a Beast on the Hustle with that pen! She truly has the pen game on lock, and I look forward to reading more from her!
March 30, 2014
Cover-5
Title-5
Synopsis-5
(What it takes to sell a book)
This book was truly what Urban Fiction needs...truth and relatable characters. Every new author deserves a little leeway on their first novel but she is already above the curve. The people were real, the places were familiar and the situations are life! I give this book 5 stars and I cannot wait for pt 2, wait it is paperback now! Get yours!
Title-5
Synopsis-5
(What it takes to sell a book)
This book was truly what Urban Fiction needs...truth and relatable characters. Every new author deserves a little leeway on their first novel but she is already above the curve. The people were real, the places were familiar and the situations are life! I give this book 5 stars and I cannot wait for pt 2, wait it is paperback now! Get yours!
November 24, 2014
This book deserves 10 stars!!! I didn't want to put this book down because it's definitely a page turner!!! All I can say is Cuz....omg all the ladies had a thing for him. They loved him so much that they didn't mind sharing him. Shanta'e did a great job with this book!! Can't wait to see what happens in part 2!!
Read
April 9, 2014Cuz Cuz Cuz
all I can say is cuz through this story you can see that everything is not what it seems and who can you really trust everyone seems to be jealous and grimey but the real question is will you give your soul to mess with Cuz? Get the answer to your question I'm this 5 star read
all I can say is cuz through this story you can see that everything is not what it seems and who can you really trust everyone seems to be jealous and grimey but the real question is will you give your soul to mess with Cuz? Get the answer to your question I'm this 5 star read
April 21, 2015
For the love of the hustle
In the beginning precious erked me I was disgusted with her .. She met Iisha sneaky behind I don't trust her I get a bad vibe for her . I love how cuz takes precious in and school her and not give into her advances .. I love cuz period cause he keeps it real and protected of the girls .. I definitely would recommend this book
In the beginning precious erked me I was disgusted with her .. She met Iisha sneaky behind I don't trust her I get a bad vibe for her . I love how cuz takes precious in and school her and not give into her advances .. I love cuz period cause he keeps it real and protected of the girls .. I definitely would recommend this book
March 18, 2014
???
I loved this book. I can't wait for part 2. The ending leaves you hanging. Cuz is the man. this book is truly a must read. I guarantee you will be in suspense as much as I was. She definitely did her thing with this one. I hope for more to come very soon.
I loved this book. I can't wait for part 2. The ending leaves you hanging. Cuz is the man. this book is truly a must read. I guarantee you will be in suspense as much as I was. She definitely did her thing with this one. I hope for more to come very soon.
April 6, 2014
Absolutely a page turner!
Man, I can't even begin to say how good this book was. I loved it from start to finish. It was exciting... left me.wanting more. I can't wait till part two and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read!
Man, I can't even begin to say how good this book was. I loved it from start to finish. It was exciting... left me.wanting more. I can't wait till part two and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read!
April 22, 2014
I really enjoyed reading part 2 of this novel. It kept me interested. Cuz is my favorite character. He makes it do what it do. With that being said no doubts money well spent and can't say I waisted my time cause it was time well spent reading this book.
March 21, 2015
Slow PLOT
Don't know how I really fell bout this READ.the story line was slow and didn't pick up until the end the last two pages.and precious WAS kind of crazy from the beginning to the end she was looking anyone to love and take care HER.this book is crazy to me.
Don't know how I really fell bout this READ.the story line was slow and didn't pick up until the end the last two pages.and precious WAS kind of crazy from the beginning to the end she was looking anyone to love and take care HER.this book is crazy to me.
March 12, 2014
loved this book. can't wait for the next part to come out. Cuz and the girls are off the hook. precious was way out there from the beginning lol Def going to recommend this book to others.
April 1, 2014
This story was a good read I was like damn.I had to keep going back because I didn't want the story to end. ..Kudos Shaunta'e I cant wait till part two drop
April 10, 2014
Bomb ass read
this is a very good book, . I enjoyed the storyline n the characters from the beginning to the end n I'm super excited to see what happens in pt2
this is a very good book, . I enjoyed the storyline n the characters from the beginning to the end n I'm super excited to see what happens in pt2
April 17, 2014
This book was great! A must read.
August 17, 2014
5 Stars!!!
Love it love it love it!!!!!! this book is so Damn good, I read it twice. it had you asking all sorts of questions. One-click it, and see what am talking about.
Love it love it love it!!!!!! this book is so Damn good, I read it twice. it had you asking all sorts of questions. One-click it, and see what am talking about.
August 20, 2014
Fast, paced read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews