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Thug #1
Thugs and the Women Who Love Them
New York Times best-selling author Wahida Clark is all too familiar with the terrifying truths of ghetto life. The first novel in her gritty, gripping Thug Series takes you into a world where a wrong choice can be the last choice a person ever makes. In a 'hood boiling over with sex, brutality, and crime, three friends are at a turning point. They can surrender to the streets and the murderous men who rule there, or walk a totally different path. But nothing is simple for women addicted to life on the edge. And everything has consequences. Angel, Jaz, and Kyra are all leading double lives, torn between working hard to leave the ghetto behind--and being dragged back in by the lying, pimping, drug-dealing men they can't seem to let go. From jealous rampages to bloody turf wars to rage-fueled vendettas, a tangled web of sex and violence binds these women to the very place that can destroy them. Get ready to enter a heart-pounding world of danger and eroticism mixed with a glimmer of hope.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
587 people are currently reading
8165 people want to read
About the author
Wahida Clark
74 books1,448 followersWahida Clark was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey. She decided to start writing fiction while incarcerated at a women's federal camp in Lexington, KY. Her style is street, raw, and she has an imagination that's in overdrive. When you read her novels they are so real you are convinced of one of three things: that you are inside the book, you know the characters, or you just have to meet them.
Her first novel, Thugs And The Women Who Love Them and the sequel, Every Thug Needs A Lady appeared on the Essence Best Sellers List.
Her first novel, Thugs And The Women Who Love Them and the sequel, Every Thug Needs A Lady appeared on the Essence Best Sellers List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
June 28, 2017
Loved! well defined and developed characters,good storytelling about urban life and tales..recommend (paperback!)
February 6, 2009
The title of the book I am reading is called Thugs And The Women Who Love Them.By Wahida Clark. This book is fiction it have a lot to do with the real world it relate to everyday life.
The central idea of this book is a hustler who works on street and who has a young girl on the side who he loves but turns her into the streets and drugs. One of the lines they use in the book the girls say they are not going to let the ghetto turn them out as in make them change the way they game and turn into girls with no class.
Important character are Angel,Kyra,Jaz,and Marvin. Kayra and Marvin its about life how they did wrong in the being and as it got to the end they got there life together there.
The book is very interesting because everything you read you can picture because it seem like it happen in everyday life when you live the street. Life.
The book was very descriptive because you can picture everything in your mind . I'm still wondering why did Marvin talk to Kayra when she was only 14years old and he was a grown man?
I agree with a lot of thing the author says in the book because your not suppose to let anyone or anything get you down. This book didn't affect me in anyway."Kyra an aspiring psychologist is also going to school to get herself out the ghetto". "But she's continually pulled back into the life by the two drug dealing men she loves, Ty and Marvin". I think young boy who think they live the street life will enjoy it and young ladies who talk to guys that are into the street.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoy reading about the hood.I have read the little Ghetto Girl and its similar to the book. If you like book about people life and the street you would like this boo because that's wat its basically about. This book is great I did enjoy reading it and I made a lot of connection to the world. I can also make a text to text because I have read true to the game and it something like this.
The central idea of this book is a hustler who works on street and who has a young girl on the side who he loves but turns her into the streets and drugs. One of the lines they use in the book the girls say they are not going to let the ghetto turn them out as in make them change the way they game and turn into girls with no class.
Important character are Angel,Kyra,Jaz,and Marvin. Kayra and Marvin its about life how they did wrong in the being and as it got to the end they got there life together there.
The book is very interesting because everything you read you can picture because it seem like it happen in everyday life when you live the street. Life.
The book was very descriptive because you can picture everything in your mind . I'm still wondering why did Marvin talk to Kayra when she was only 14years old and he was a grown man?
I agree with a lot of thing the author says in the book because your not suppose to let anyone or anything get you down. This book didn't affect me in anyway."Kyra an aspiring psychologist is also going to school to get herself out the ghetto". "But she's continually pulled back into the life by the two drug dealing men she loves, Ty and Marvin". I think young boy who think they live the street life will enjoy it and young ladies who talk to guys that are into the street.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoy reading about the hood.I have read the little Ghetto Girl and its similar to the book. If you like book about people life and the street you would like this boo because that's wat its basically about. This book is great I did enjoy reading it and I made a lot of connection to the world. I can also make a text to text because I have read true to the game and it something like this.
October 5, 2012
Once again I write this review with the caveat that I am not the target population for this type of novel. I read this for a class.
On one hand I am glad I read this. These books are somewhat popular at my library, but I've worked in other libraries where urban fiction is highly popular and I needed to be well versed in urban authors. And I guess I can understand the appeal - the brand name clothing, fragrance, going to the clubs, driving the fancy cars, dating New Jersey Nets stars and living life on the edge. Appealing, right?
But the reality of the drugs and violence make this incredibly hard to read. The violence against women and domestic abuse is horrific. Just because a girlfriend fights back, it doesn't make domestic violence acceptable. At all.
Content aside, the characterization in this book is non-existent. Both the female and male characters are completely interchangeable. No development distinguishes anyone from anyone else.
There is a lot of sex in this book, which save for the violent encounter in the first story is detailed but also generally loving and generous.
On one hand I am glad I read this. These books are somewhat popular at my library, but I've worked in other libraries where urban fiction is highly popular and I needed to be well versed in urban authors. And I guess I can understand the appeal - the brand name clothing, fragrance, going to the clubs, driving the fancy cars, dating New Jersey Nets stars and living life on the edge. Appealing, right?
But the reality of the drugs and violence make this incredibly hard to read. The violence against women and domestic abuse is horrific. Just because a girlfriend fights back, it doesn't make domestic violence acceptable. At all.
Content aside, the characterization in this book is non-existent. Both the female and male characters are completely interchangeable. No development distinguishes anyone from anyone else.
There is a lot of sex in this book, which save for the violent encounter in the first story is detailed but also generally loving and generous.
November 4, 2025
I swear books from the early 2000s be good af!
Kyra story frustrated the hell out of me!!
Jaz story was just stupid!!! SHE ONLY HAD TO FOCUS ON ONE FUCKING THING!!!!! SCHOOL!!!!
Can’t wait to start the next book! This series is
Kyra story frustrated the hell out of me!!
Jaz story was just stupid!!! SHE ONLY HAD TO FOCUS ON ONE FUCKING THING!!!!! SCHOOL!!!!
Can’t wait to start the next book! This series is
March 14, 2024
I didn't like the ending
January 8, 2009
It should have been titled girls who love anybody
Some interesting characters and it might have been a good book had it been a little more detailed. I guess she wrote it fast or had some difficulties because the back cover and story have the characters mixed up. It's 4 friends you only hear from 3 what's up with that?
A whole lot of dysfuction for all of these girls. One is dating a pimp (YUCK!) A drug dealer who turns her out, and a hustler who turns legit! It tells each individual story but as you read it isn't clear because their endings aren't revealed so you're like what in the hell is going on!
Maybe in part 2 she'll tell you what happened but then wouldn't that lead to a part 3?
I think that this book with more time, and better editors could be a good read, the last half does get kind of interesting.
Some interesting characters and it might have been a good book had it been a little more detailed. I guess she wrote it fast or had some difficulties because the back cover and story have the characters mixed up. It's 4 friends you only hear from 3 what's up with that?
A whole lot of dysfuction for all of these girls. One is dating a pimp (YUCK!) A drug dealer who turns her out, and a hustler who turns legit! It tells each individual story but as you read it isn't clear because their endings aren't revealed so you're like what in the hell is going on!
Maybe in part 2 she'll tell you what happened but then wouldn't that lead to a part 3?
I think that this book with more time, and better editors could be a good read, the last half does get kind of interesting.
December 15, 2008
I've been putting on hold reading any of Wahida Clark books due that I never knew what book was first second or third but, after doing a little research I found out. So I read this one I have to give it 4 stars. This book was good/ok but, could of had more. I guess I have to read the others to get more details of all the characters. Angel she is a woman that is going to school but, is in a crazy relationship with a pimp that she turely love. Kyra couldn't figure out who she want to be with between two different men. When she finally picked she becamed hooked on drugs with her man Marvin who ends up shoot by her ex boyfriend that she left to be with Marvin. Jaz is another women that is going to school trying to do good with herself. She dealing with cooking up drugs on the side to make extra money she talks her man Kaheem out of selling drugs to be with her. She ends up locked up for getting caught cooking up drugs with a school friend. All the characters has something to talk about and they all have a crazy life they living behind doors. Good book overall.
April 18, 2019
I am not sure what to say about this book. I left it feeling stunned because I had ideas in my head on how it was going to be and it didn't end up that way.
I read it as I would any novel but as I went along there were pauses to think about the lifestyle and the implications of each character's actions and how all the work the women were doing to further their lives and to get out of the situations they were in were challenged by men, money and lifestyles. There always seemed to be hope and possibility throughout those challenges and I began to really root for the women characters.
There were a lot of shocks and the casual life taking that were so normal in this book that could clearly mimic some of the life circumstances that people are born into or choose to live and this is where book versus real life made the pauses come in. It seemed the entertainment value of this book and some people's actual real lives became one and as in life, things don't always work out the way you think they should or they way you want them to.
I read it as I would any novel but as I went along there were pauses to think about the lifestyle and the implications of each character's actions and how all the work the women were doing to further their lives and to get out of the situations they were in were challenged by men, money and lifestyles. There always seemed to be hope and possibility throughout those challenges and I began to really root for the women characters.
There were a lot of shocks and the casual life taking that were so normal in this book that could clearly mimic some of the life circumstances that people are born into or choose to live and this is where book versus real life made the pauses come in. It seemed the entertainment value of this book and some people's actual real lives became one and as in life, things don't always work out the way you think they should or they way you want them to.
December 6, 2019
I would have been done with this book the first day if not for two 12 hour Shifts at work in between. I could not put this book down! There was one point when the house was nearly pitch black dark because my family was asleep and so as not to wake them, and too lazy to go to another room, I was depending on little pockets of moonlight to continue reading this book! Every page had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was next, the scenarios that happened were believable, relatable and not over/ exaggerated. The sex scenes were like reality and not overdone to the point that you would be like, “yeah that’s steamy, but only in books and movies”, and I was able to connect with all the characters and their emotions, rooting for some and saying, “that’s what you get”, when it came to others. I can not wait to go cop Book 2 in a few minutes, “Every Thug Needs a Lady”. 5 stars was the highest allowed rating, but I would give it 100 starts! Definitely a must-read. Wahida Clark has earned a new reading fan! She has earned her rightful spot on my list of favorite authors! ❤️
May 6, 2012
The book i just finished reading is Thugs and the women that love them by Wahida Clark. THe main idea of this book in talking about trying to make a better a better life for yourself and the obstacles you run into along the way. This book is a must read and will have your attention from the 1st page to the last. This is a fiction book but it portrays real life situations that many people can relate too. The story takes place in the inner city or the ghetto. The main characters are 4 bestfrriend an the men they are involved with. There are a few other characters mentioned in the book in the are not main characters but play an important role at one time or another in the story. The author use alot of vivid details and when creates an image in your mind while reading. She makes you feel like you know the characters or that you are there while its happening.
May 24, 2020
Wheww!!! This book took me through so many emotions. I really enjoyed reading through the lenses of multiple characters. Though they were all different in their own ways, they shared qualities that made their friendship very realistic. The ending also made me want to continue and read the rest of the series because I am that interested in the characters. The only thing close to negative I would say is the amount of sex scenes in the book was slightly under overkill. If there were one more though, I probably would have rolled my eyes. Other than that, the plot was great and I will be reading on in the future.
March 1, 2009
ok if this book didn't have drama, i don't know what drama is, this book was the bomb. I would love a thug but only in my dreams. big ups to ms clark. all of the books i have read by her are very good.
December 3, 2013
I want to read this book . Whenever I get the chance ima get it.
January 12, 2009
THUGS AND THE WOMEN THAT LOVE THEM
The book is called Thugs and Women that Love them by Wahida Clark. The type of genre is fiction. And the theme is to not give up on something that you are trying to accomplish for love; because in the end you will you will regret it.
The book I read is called THUGS and the WOMEN THAT LOVE THEM by Wahida Clark. She expresses a number of different thugs that have things happen to them in the book. All of the thugs just so happen to have females in their lives. Which are the three main characters’s that lives are being told. One of the main character’s names is Angel. She is in love with a pimp and he just so happens to pay her bills, and her rent. Her boyfriend’s name is “Snake”, not to mention he paid her college tuition. He is a big time pimp and owns at least 5-7 females. Angel attends Rutgers College and she wants to become a lawyer. Then we have another main character named Kyrah who is in love from the age of 14 with a boy named Tyler WHO SAVES HER LIFE .Until she ends up in a serious relationship with a 22year old. His name is Marvin and he is a drug dealer. Later in the book Tyler end’s up taking revenge out on Marvin because Tyler feels like Marvin stole his girl. After that drama there is Jazz who is another main character in the book. Jazz is also in college Princeton to be exact and is also in love with a thug named Faheem. He owns a number of liquor stores and treats her right .During this world of events these young ladies experience so much drama. They all fall in love and they all love expensive things, not to mention they are trying to make it out of the “hood”.
This is a good book if you would want to learn about thugs and the life style they want to live. I feel like this book has opened up my eye’s to make me want to follow my dreams. One of my favorite scene’s was when Jazz which is one of the main characters’ boyfriends’ was playing hard to get, and at the last minute he came through for her. Wahida Clark expressed herself well and really made the reader want to know what would happen next. To me she showed pain, love and excitement through words .she really put her characters out there, and did that by explaining there life. Throughout the book the girls express how they want to get out of the hood .I applied that to me. A question that I would ask is why she ended the book the way she did? But if you want to get into something that will show you a different aspect in life this book gives you good insight. If I could relate the book to something else it would be The coldest Winter ever by Sistah souljah. I would relate the character’s attitudes, and also the settings of each book. This book affected me as to how I look at any male. One of the main characters was angel she was about 22 and had a good head on her shoulder’s she was about 5’10 and was also light skinned. She had a brother that killed by the cops and also lost her father to the system.
In conclusion I loved the book for the exspence, drama and the characters. Someone who would enjoy the book is Jocelyn. She would enjoy it because she loves the same type of genre of books’ would recommend it for teenagers and the youth in general. Mostly females should read the book so that they can see an example. If you like “Coldest Winter Ever” you would like this book because they are similar
The book is called Thugs and Women that Love them by Wahida Clark. The type of genre is fiction. And the theme is to not give up on something that you are trying to accomplish for love; because in the end you will you will regret it.
The book I read is called THUGS and the WOMEN THAT LOVE THEM by Wahida Clark. She expresses a number of different thugs that have things happen to them in the book. All of the thugs just so happen to have females in their lives. Which are the three main characters’s that lives are being told. One of the main character’s names is Angel. She is in love with a pimp and he just so happens to pay her bills, and her rent. Her boyfriend’s name is “Snake”, not to mention he paid her college tuition. He is a big time pimp and owns at least 5-7 females. Angel attends Rutgers College and she wants to become a lawyer. Then we have another main character named Kyrah who is in love from the age of 14 with a boy named Tyler WHO SAVES HER LIFE .Until she ends up in a serious relationship with a 22year old. His name is Marvin and he is a drug dealer. Later in the book Tyler end’s up taking revenge out on Marvin because Tyler feels like Marvin stole his girl. After that drama there is Jazz who is another main character in the book. Jazz is also in college Princeton to be exact and is also in love with a thug named Faheem. He owns a number of liquor stores and treats her right .During this world of events these young ladies experience so much drama. They all fall in love and they all love expensive things, not to mention they are trying to make it out of the “hood”.
This is a good book if you would want to learn about thugs and the life style they want to live. I feel like this book has opened up my eye’s to make me want to follow my dreams. One of my favorite scene’s was when Jazz which is one of the main characters’ boyfriends’ was playing hard to get, and at the last minute he came through for her. Wahida Clark expressed herself well and really made the reader want to know what would happen next. To me she showed pain, love and excitement through words .she really put her characters out there, and did that by explaining there life. Throughout the book the girls express how they want to get out of the hood .I applied that to me. A question that I would ask is why she ended the book the way she did? But if you want to get into something that will show you a different aspect in life this book gives you good insight. If I could relate the book to something else it would be The coldest Winter ever by Sistah souljah. I would relate the character’s attitudes, and also the settings of each book. This book affected me as to how I look at any male. One of the main characters was angel she was about 22 and had a good head on her shoulder’s she was about 5’10 and was also light skinned. She had a brother that killed by the cops and also lost her father to the system.
In conclusion I loved the book for the exspence, drama and the characters. Someone who would enjoy the book is Jocelyn. She would enjoy it because she loves the same type of genre of books’ would recommend it for teenagers and the youth in general. Mostly females should read the book so that they can see an example. If you like “Coldest Winter Ever” you would like this book because they are similar
July 18, 2013
Excellent read! I am excited to find out what happens next in the lives of Kyra, Angel, Jazmine & Roz. Very motivated ladies getting ahead in life while yet trying to be in a relationship with their thug boyfriends. A lot was going on in this novel. The storyline is fast moving keps you guessing what will happen next and anticipating who's going to be taken out next! I am really enjoying this series and will definitely finish this series. The author really had to have a drive to start this series while incarcerated! I must say this is not my normal genre but since the author will be at an event I plan to attend later on this year I was curious as to what she was about. Though the choice of men the ladies choose, this story is really true to street life and hustling and probably happens more than we care to admit and the ladies are trying to do better for themselves, my question is how will they break free from the thug life if they love a bad boy too much to walk away? I felt like the author told it like it is so I say hats off to you Wahida Clark keep up the great work! I am anticipating much more in the future books in this series and I am anticipating better for each of the ladies as their stories unfold!
October 8, 2021
A decent read . But Every Thug Needs A Lady will go down in history as one of my favorite thug books. Yes , this was okay - some parts were far fetched if i didn't read Every Thug needs a lady first this one would've been good to me.The main problem I had with this story was the disjointed way in which it which the plot was presented, I thought this was going to tell a little of each woman's story, and it does...but it fails to connect them in any coherent way. Also, the whole thing is written in third person, and then in Jaz's section, there are a couple of random chapters where it switches to first person for a little bit. That was very jarring and didn't fit with the rest of the book. Also, Jaz's whole section felt really rushed and incomplete. All of a sudden, there was the news about Micki thrown in almost as an afterthought, and Jaz's section (and the story) ends quite abruptly. It goes beyond even a cliffhanger ending. It's like the last sentence was just thrown in there.
I'm giving this three stars mainly on the strength of Kyra's story, which seemed to be the most thought-out and developed. ~! I MUST ADMIT~! The whole series kept me wanting more the characters were very intense and they made you kind of visualize while you were reading especially Tre & Tasha
I'm giving this three stars mainly on the strength of Kyra's story, which seemed to be the most thought-out and developed. ~! I MUST ADMIT~! The whole series kept me wanting more the characters were very intense and they made you kind of visualize while you were reading especially Tre & Tasha
April 23, 2024
So good!
Man I took it all the way back with this one!! These girls were in all kinds of stuff 😂 Angel and Snake were.... I don't even know, but I think the best thing that happened to her is what Big Nell did! I can't lie at first I was disgusted with Marvin, I felt he was way too old for her and he also introduced her to their habit. As much as I was annoyed by him, I couldn't stand Tyler! He was doing wayyyy too much. I was kind of happy that Marvin came for her after all those years and the way he did it was bold af!!! Loved it, I hope they stay together and stay on the right track. Jaz got on my nerves!!! Girl you had so many expectations of Faheem and you were basically doing what you told him not to do! Then you bought ol boy to his house!?! She was just moving all wrong! I couldn't believe her sentence! her Micki and the kids almost broke me down 😥I can't wait to get into part 2!
Man I took it all the way back with this one!! These girls were in all kinds of stuff 😂 Angel and Snake were.... I don't even know, but I think the best thing that happened to her is what Big Nell did! I can't lie at first I was disgusted with Marvin, I felt he was way too old for her and he also introduced her to their habit. As much as I was annoyed by him, I couldn't stand Tyler! He was doing wayyyy too much. I was kind of happy that Marvin came for her after all those years and the way he did it was bold af!!! Loved it, I hope they stay together and stay on the right track. Jaz got on my nerves!!! Girl you had so many expectations of Faheem and you were basically doing what you told him not to do! Then you bought ol boy to his house!?! She was just moving all wrong! I couldn't believe her sentence! her Micki and the kids almost broke me down 😥I can't wait to get into part 2!
May 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Angel was doing way too much and Snake was the worse decision she could've made. He got everything and deserved far more than what he got from Nell. Kyra, what in the world was going on with her and Marvin. First he was way too old for her and she was just as out of control as she could get. Ty was a surprise, I thought he'd walk away quietly but he came with it. I'm surprised she got herself together and didn't end up od'ing. I can't believe she left him like she did and Marvin really did get the last laugh. Jaz and Faheem seemed to be the most solid, for her to flip the script was crazy. He really did hold her down but I have a feeling he's not as clean as he comes off. I can't wait to see what problems Roz has.
September 17, 2013
This book falls short...it does not end and leaves reader thoroughly dissatisfied (at least that's how I felt). I find it mind boggling that Clark would publish such a half assed work. The storyline for each character was fascinating and the novel could have been even better had Clark taken the time to actually write and not just present a flurry of unexplored ideas and situations on paper. I'm very disappointed and grateful I did not purchase this book. I suppose there is more to this line of books but I won't be reading them. Clark will have to find another sucker.
March 21, 2014
I've been reading Wahida Clarks books for years and I must say this Woman is wicked with a pen her books are great very interesting and once you start one of her books you cant put them down its like an Addiction Honestly but i must say very relaxing and Intisipating and always keeps ya wanting more im so hooked on her books im building my own library and to you Ms.Clark your Amazing keep up the great work looking forward to any new ones coming out.....
March 18, 2019
wow! very intense read I really can't comment on any of the situations because they were so deep. I can say with Kyra, I'm not as mad as I feel others may be. she tried her best to make it work with Tyler and tried her best to let him down with ease. but then it's like wow, what a bitch. Faheem was definitely a drama queen if you ask me. I think his ego got the best of him but he's still a good dude. I'm just gonna leave it at that. please let there be a good sequel for me somewhere.
July 12, 2019
One of the best series out I promise!
I’ve been rereading this series over 5 years it’s my favorite series. This was the first series that got me in to reading heavy, and it has become my favorite. I think it will grab anyone’s attention and make them want to read the entire series. Lol I literally finished this series in one week. Lol if you judging just read it yourself and see🤷🏾♀️😂
I’ve been rereading this series over 5 years it’s my favorite series. This was the first series that got me in to reading heavy, and it has become my favorite. I think it will grab anyone’s attention and make them want to read the entire series. Lol I literally finished this series in one week. Lol if you judging just read it yourself and see🤷🏾♀️😂
July 15, 2011
I didn't give it much more than a cursory pass-through because there was too much meaningless sex, language, and it really didn't go anywhere. The cover alone is enough to question the content and while it serves its purpose for urban street-lit/hip hop fans, it really is nothing more than a harlequin.
August 22, 2014
Not at all what I normally read, but it was entertaining. It’s not very well written, but the character development is great and I ended the book wanting to know more about what will happen to these characters.
August 15, 2017
So good
Loved all the stories and how we found out about each of the ladies lives, it made it feel like each of them could be your friends. Loved how each story lead up to the next story, can't wait to read book 2.
Loved all the stories and how we found out about each of the ladies lives, it made it feel like each of them could be your friends. Loved how each story lead up to the next story, can't wait to read book 2.
November 5, 2010
Loved the female characters and the plot.
Read
July 2, 2020Story following a group of women trying to get by in their neighborhood and make something of themselves.
I don't think I'll be shocking anybody when I say this isn't exactly my usual genre (read for my urban fiction requirement for RA class).
Pros: plot moved quickly, definitely not boring, some surprises I didn't see coming, respect for the author writing and getting this published from prison
Cons: relationship (and graphic sex scenes) between a 14 year old girl and a 22 year old man. No. no. no. felt super gross reading what was basically child porn?? gross. also these characters end up together in the end? so it's not like it was a plot point about how the guy was terrible. Also this book is really violent.
I don't think I'll be shocking anybody when I say this isn't exactly my usual genre (read for my urban fiction requirement for RA class).
Pros: plot moved quickly, definitely not boring, some surprises I didn't see coming, respect for the author writing and getting this published from prison
Cons: relationship (and graphic sex scenes) between a 14 year old girl and a 22 year old man. No. no. no. felt super gross reading what was basically child porn?? gross. also these characters end up together in the end? so it's not like it was a plot point about how the guy was terrible. Also this book is really violent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
Was able to snatch this up on audible for free. I did not know this was a series. I decided to give it a listen while I had some free time. This is definitely an old school urban fiction book. Three friends trying to navigate life while living double life’s is hard. The ending definitely leaves you for wanting more bc WOW.
July 12, 2013
I read this book for a genre study my department is doing next month. While it is outside my regular genre choice, it was a quick read and I can certainly see the appeal of this author. I don't, however, understand the choices these characters make. The story revolves around three girls in their early 20s who say they are determined to make a better life for themselves and get out of their neighborhood in New Jersey. They are each in college but I can't see how they are going to stay that way. Angel finances college through writing bad checks for expensive clothes that she then sells. Her pimp boyfriend Snake pays for most of her expenses. Snake and Angel regularly beat each other up and Snake nearly kills at least one of his whores. Kyra is studying to be a doctor but she is involved with two different men who sell drugs and herself nearly died from a heroin overdose. Jaz has a "great" guy that takes good care of her. He used to sell drugs but now makes his living in counterfeit money. Jaz pays for college by secretly working with a college friend to make meth. Wow, with these choices and the thugs these women get involved with, I don't see how they are going to leave this life behind. Though, maybe they don't really want to.
March 21, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. For me it was a chance to dive back into some of the urban fiction that I read a lot more of when i was in high school. Sadly this one didn’t do it for me though. I can see that it gets great reviews on average so I can simply accept that this one just wasn’t for me.
At a high level, I appreciated the story line. The scenarios are not far fetched and are very detailed which allows you to truly enter into their world. In some ways this did make it hard for me to read at times given some of the brutality, especially against women.
But even setting that aside I just struggled a bit with some of the writing. The dialogue felt forced and like it stretched between the slang / verbiage of 2-3 different decades. It just didn’t feel natural. All of the designer mentions were a little annoying but i suppose that was necessary to paint the picture.
I didn’t hate it. And it kept my interest, i just didn’t love it.
At a high level, I appreciated the story line. The scenarios are not far fetched and are very detailed which allows you to truly enter into their world. In some ways this did make it hard for me to read at times given some of the brutality, especially against women.
But even setting that aside I just struggled a bit with some of the writing. The dialogue felt forced and like it stretched between the slang / verbiage of 2-3 different decades. It just didn’t feel natural. All of the designer mentions were a little annoying but i suppose that was necessary to paint the picture.
I didn’t hate it. And it kept my interest, i just didn’t love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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