The deadliest ride-or-die chicks in Memphis have a new rival. But when all’s said and done, only one gang can reign supreme…
The streets of the Dirty South have never been meaner as the ruthless women of warring hoods are just a few body bags away from total domination. Determined to rain bullets on Shotgun Row, lieutenant Lucifer teams up with Profit, head gangsta of the Vice Lords and a man bent on revenge. Good girl gone bad Ta’shara sets her sights on knocking her evil sister off the throne—but she’s unprepared for what’s ahead. Qiana’s deal with the devil to take ambitious Yolanda out of the picture plants her at the center of a manhunt that will jeopardize her own position. And as Queen G LeShelle’s list of enemies multiplies, the final knockout may come from the last person she expects. While the war zone expands, these gangsta divas take no prisoners for the chance to rule it all…
National bestselling author De’nesha Diamond burst onto the scene as the co-author of the gritty Desperate Hoodwives tales. The Essence magazine recommended series has taken the street-lit game by storm and paved a brand new path for the edgy Memphis native. Understanding that there is a fine line between glorifying thug life and telling it like it is, De’nesha Diamond spins cautionary tales inspired by personal experience and the heartbreaking stories that make our nightly news. In the end, she aims to deliver hope, even if sometimes there are no rides in the golden sunset.
I went into this book expecting not to like it. I repeat, I went into this book expecting not to like it. You see, I had already been told that this book would not bring this series to a close as expected. I am so over authors playing with readers’ money, time and intelligence by taking one played out story and stretching it. This is one time that my expectations weren’t met and I was happy about it.
What prevents “Gangsta Divas” from becoming just another book on a crowded shelf is its writing. Fast-paced and well-plotted, it holds readers captive. Diamond takes the plot over the top at times. But, as always, readers will follow her anyway because she makes her characters memorable and her stories exciting. I must say, however, that some characters were not themselves this go ‘round – a weaker or lesser version of themselves – without a viable explanation. And I had to stop myself from putting the book down after meeting the green/blue-eyed character. C’mon now. Stop the madness! That aside, I enjoyed “Gangsta Divas” and look forward to the next, and hopefully final, book.
Reviewed by: Toni
Is it me, or are the covers getting worse and the series goes on?
De’nesha Diamond did it again! The characters drew me in, like I hadn’t left the series two years ago. The men may be the face of the streets, but the women run them!
What else can the Divas of Memphis get into? Well, they are still up to their old tricks and their habits are even more dangerous in Gangsta Divas by De’nesha Diamond. Ta’shara Murphy has paid her dues for betraying her sister. Ta’shara is released from the mental hospital and sent back to live with her foster parents. Ta’shara wants revenge for everything her sister has taken away from her and this time she wants to make sure her sister is gone for good. LeShelle Murphy is recuperating from her little sister’s attempt to kill her. LeShelle understands that a leader will have to constantly fight to stay on her throne. LeShelle is used to it and will do whatever it takes to keep her sister in line and her man by her side.
Willow “Lucifer” Washington is portrayed as an emotionless and ruthless killer. Willow believes the description fits. She is the right hand to one of the most prominent gang leaders, Fat Ace, and she takes her position seriously. Willow’s loyalty to the game proves true when she has to step into his shoes. She understands that Fat Ace’s shoes are hard to fill and if there is any signs of weakness drastic consequences will soon follow. Qiana “Scar” Barrett is a Vice Lord Flower with hatred in her heart because she wants Ta’shara’s position. Qiana makes a deal with the devil that may cost her more than she is willing to pay.
Shariffa Rodgers is married to Lynch, the leader of the Grape Street Crips. Shariffa is on a mission to make sure her crew takes over. Shariffa does not realize that task may be harder than she thinks. Ja’nay “Trigger” Clark is Shariffa’s back bone and will do anything for her. Ja’nay’s loyalty lands her on the wrong side of the war and on the bad side of the wrong person. Maybelline “Momma Peaches” Carver does not let her old age stop her from acting as a 24-year-old. When a lost relative returns and family secrets are revealed, Momma Peaches will have to fight for everything she has ever known. Alice Carver feels betrayed and thrown away but she has some scores to settle. Alice plans are set in motion and she did not think about karma and that it always comes back.
Gangsta Divas is about the streets fighting back. These women take no prisoners and will give the men in the game a run for their money. This book was exciting, suspenseful and drama-filled which kept me turning the pages. These well-developed characters take readers on another adventure as they have in previous Divas books. I definitely recommend Gangsta Divas to others.
This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
HUSTLIN' DIVAS left readers on life support wondering which characters would be returning and who would be buried. In GANGSTA DIVAS, Diamond drops readers right in the thick of things and as you try to ease off the gas, you collide with action, drama and suspense.
Alice, sister to Momma Peaches, has been silenced by demons that led to addictions. Alice has a laundry list of people that she's harboring a ton of hate towards. Now that she's free, she's decided that it's time for them to feel her wrath. Will this be a happy homecoming?
Shariffa, the former Queen of the Gangster Disciples, has a serious vendetta with her once beloved family. Seeing that the FBI are on a manhunt for Python and LeShelle is incapacitated, she sees this as a chance to allow the Crip Nation to step up. With the Vice Lords also feuding within their ranks as well as the GDs, she decides that it's best to cripple both while declaring Memphis Crips property. Is she prepared to fight to the bitter end?
Qiana, a Flower with the VLs, struck a deal with LeShelle, Queen of the GDs in the name of love. Though at risk, Qiana is ready to prove that she's a big girl in this game. Will she be able to handle the repercussions?
GANGSTA DIVAS is the third book in this series. As with the others, there are tears, bloodshed, bullets, fears and love. Just when you think you know, the plot thickens. I'm so looking forward to the next installment. I love the way this entire series builds and intersects. I also LOVE that this is a series based on women in an urban setting and not just as secondary characters. Diamond truly has a gift as she's been able to weave death, drugs, street wars and love into a story with readers vying to read.
De'nesha Diamond is back with the divas of Memphis' gangs. There's LeShelle is still going after her sister for crossing over with a guy of a rival gang. Lucifer is fighting for the power and loyalty she deserves. While Shariffa is out seeking revenge on GD's. These divas go through the highs and lows that come with being the heads chick in charge. Will it all be worth it in the end?
I'm in love with this series!! There was lots of drama from page 1 all the way to the end, which caused me to not want to put the book down. Twists and turns and quite a bit of background information that helps the readers better understand the action of the characters. There was a very small amount of grammatical errors; however, the errors did not take away from the story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
A lot of questions were answered in this book..... We find out Mason's farther's identity.... Python, finds a heart underneath his Grimey ways! La'shelle is still spitting venom in her sister.... Profit& Tashera are still young& in Love..... Willow faces heartbreak after heartbreak but the one good thing is she is pregnant by Mason.... Now she needs to have several seats because she can't be gangsta with a baby in her stomach.... Momma peaches & Alice will finally meet face to face.The lies of their past will all make sense but it will too late... Cousin Skeet & Smokestack souls should rest in hell together in the next Divas installment..... Great Read a tadbit too long but an overall great book!
This was a fail for me. There was no closure and Ms. Diamond did not recapture the explosive sensationalism that the previous read left the readers with. This only added more info to the plots we were seeking closure in plus another insignificant subplot added. Repetitive sadistic sex scenes, although she softened characters up to show an emotional element that has basically been non existent. murder, mayhem,and maniacal madness basically deaded this read for me and made it a struggle instead of a pleasurable read.
This book was hella good even though it took me some time to read it. I really appreciate a really goid book better yet a great series. De'nesha Diamond did her thang with this series so far. I waited for all the books to come out that way I could just read the series at one time uninterrupted. She definitely showed how the characters where in each situation. She showed how they help down there positions in each situation. This book was a page turned for sure. Read the series you will understand what I'm talking about. On to the next part.
NO NO NO SHE KEEP DOING THIS TO ME I NEED THE NEXT ONE NOW... ;-) I just might hav to drop Ms Diamond a note r two for leaving a sista hanging yet again. Its one of those moments were u cant wait to c who will survive but than again u hate to c the series end either..
In the third book in series AUTHOR give you New character. I just hope Momma peaches make it back home. I really wish yo yo was still around. Book four here I come!!!!!!!!!
The Short of It: Unlike anything I've ever read. I'm hooked!
I found an excerpt of this author online somewhere: a sex scene snippet that references Ben Franklin. Something to do with money? Couldn't tell, but I wanted to read more.
Gangsta Divas is the 3rd book in a series by De'nesha Diamond, centered on the lives of, well, Gangsta Divas living in Memphis. Some are married to gang leaders, others are just their "wifeys". Some are vying for power, leading one of the warring factions, others just want a simple life with a husband and kids. Some of the divas are related, belonging to different gangs. Some gave birth to the leaders of warring gangs. Some live. Some die. Some know each other. Some don't. Gangsta Divas encompasses them all, the way their lives cross, and the way the gang life both brings families (all kinds) together and tears them apart.
I'm not familiar with the gangster fiction, so I can't say whether this series adheres to or deviates from established tropes of the genre. Doesn't really matter. What matters is that I could not put this book down. Told from the perspectives of the divas (and only the divas, no male gangmembers), I was enthralled by these characters, endeared to their personalities, and eager to find out what happened next, which, truth be told, I haven't experienced with a work of fiction in quite a while.
The chapters are short and end on tantalizing cliffhangers. It's a little cheesy, but I think that's part of the novel's charm. Certain story-lines dragged a little in the middle, but otherwise I was riveted from page one.
Gangsta Divas is apparently based on De'nesha Diamond's real-life experiences, but--she makes clear--does not condone the gangster lifestyle. It's . . . I'm not sure how else to describe it. It's just really damn good. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Check it out!
Though I'm still not a supporter of that GANG GANG Lifestyle & I hate what LeShelle ALLOWED TO HAPPEN TO HER LITTLE SISTER Ta'Shara Murphy simply to gain what she believes to be a worthwhile title in Python's world, The series is getting better. Ta'Shara served up a huge pot of revenge to her gloating demonic sister LaShelle even though it will probably cause more harm than good for a traumatized TaShara in the long run It looks like a new mysterious character Diesel, Python's (&Fat Ace's if you don't know.... ) cousin, has been introduced, & he's got his attention on Quiana whom he refers to as "Scar", while wanting Cleo, the older sister of the now-deceased Essence, for more than just business purposes. Make NO MISTAKE, Diesel WILL BE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ALOT OF PEOPLE, RELATED & OTHERWISE, IN THE NEXT FEW BOOKS! He will be the cause of a lot of discord to say the least, not to mention that he will end the life of someone readers have adored the entire series no to mention his aunt the beloved Momma Peaches. Just saying: Diesel AIN'T NOTHING NICE! Bishop will be missed, but he should've known the HOOD CODE:that you NEVER EVER PUT YOUR GUARD DOWN FOR NOBODY, ESPECIALLY NO NEW BODIES! I'M STILL PULLING FOR PROFIT & TA'SHARA, but At this point, while Profit is trying to make amends for crushing OUR(I SAY'OUR' BECAUSE A LOT OF READERS-MYSELF INCLUDED- WERE BOTHERED BY WHAT HE DID TO CAUSE DISLOYALTY WITH TA'SHARA INVOLVING A STUNNED WILLOW) it's looking like Ta'Shara may be her own worst enemy.
IF you enjoy reading street, urban lit, then you may enjoy this read with some strong profanity, killing sprees that can be quite brutal for my tastes, and back stories that come to the light. I get confused who is who with real names vs. nicknames from time to time, this could be me.
I love to read and this was one of the books ordered in the library I work at, and we have some readers who only want to read Urban lit, so I said I would give this series a try. We only got books #3-5 due to the vendors used, and limited with finding or not out of print, to receive in our library/ies.
I am rarely a fan of this type of literature, also took me awhile to finish this one, but I did! It was an okay read for me overall; yet, someone else may love it. Some of the male patrons love hard street literature, not the ones with a Christian, spiritual vibe to it (which we have Urban Christian in our library as well). I prefer the hardness with some spirituality, or coming to Jesus as some would joke.
Disclaimer: I borrowed a copy from our library and giving my honest opinion of the read.
The fact all of these woman are making these silly ass decisions based off a man is soemthing else lol i could have done without Keanya pov in this book. I’m don’t feel like it added anything to the story. And honestly following Alice I thought I’d find some sympathy for her but I think i dislike her more at this point. The ending was wild.
What side or what is loyalty.!? Sisters vs. sisters, brothers vs. brothers, mother vs. mother.! What gangsta-diva will come out on top, w/ the crown & all the duties.!
The saga continues and it is oh so good!!! The two gangs are going hard at each other trying to be on top. The Vice Lords think Python killed Mason and has the body. Two sisters are trying to kill each other and others are dying in the crossfire. Sooo much drama! On to the next one!
The story is action packed and engaging. It gets confusing to keep the family tree and DNA accurate. Every book it changes on who the real father of these gangsters are. Each book you are questioning how these people are related. Other than that frustrating aspect, I enjoy the read.
Gansta Divas….the Bosses of the Street Gangs. These ladies can be just as low down dirty as the Dirty South. At times, these women have more drive than the Leaders of the Gangs….Lol. It’s amazing how messy things can get between the gangs….the reader will be on pins and needles wondering what is next. This book is exciting, full of expense, and drama….
Gangsta Divas picks up right where Street Divas left off. Ta'shara is finally coming home from the mental hospital after being betrayed by her sister Leshelle. Leshelle is actually in the hospital recovering from Ta'shara's attempt to kill her. They both want each other dead. They also have no idea of what has happened with Fat Ace and Python.
Profit wants revenge on Python and Leshelle so bad that it seems to be what drives him. I love Profit's character, he is so in love with Ta'shara. Lucifer is mourning the loss of Fat Ace, while trying to hold on to the throne that she feels is rightfully hers, since she was Fat Ace's right hand. The entire crew doesn't seem to feel that way, so lines are being drawn, especially between her and Bishop (her brother).
With Fat Ace and Python out of the picture, the Crips see this as their time to shine and leading the way is Shariffa, one of Python's exes. Python got rid of her after she cheated and this time she refuses to lose her position, so she is willing to do anything to prove it.
From page one I was glued to the pages waiting to see what could possibly happen next. De'nesha created such in-depth characters and in this book we get to know them even better, by seeing sides of them we haven't before. I really hate that I have to wait a full year to get into the next installment Boss Divas, but there is so much more to tell about these characters that it couldn't possibly end with Gangsta Divas. Get this book ASAP, you will not be disappointed!
The deadliest ride-or-die chicks in Memphis have a news rival. Meet the Cripettes. They're the realest of the real-world raging war with both the Queen Gs and the Flowers. But when all's said and done, only one hand can reign supreme…
The streets of the Dirty South have never been meaner as the ruthless women of warring hoods are just a few body bags away from total domination. Determined to rain bullets on Shotgun Row, lieutenant Lucifer teams up with Profit, head gangsta of the Vice Lords and man bent on revenge. Good girl gone bad Ta'Shara sets her sights on knocking her evil sister off the throne-but she's unprepared for what's ahead. Qiana's deal with the devil to take ambitious Yolanda out of the picture plants her at the center of a manhunt that will jeopardize her own position. And as Queen Get LeShelle's list of enemies multiplies, the final knockout may come from the last person she expects. While the war zone expands, these gangsta divas take no prisoners for the chance to rule it all.
Book #3 of the Diva series picks up where the sequel left off. There is more drama and even more bloodshed. I loved every minute of it and look forward to t next installment… Boss Divas! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️