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Hood Rat #6
No Shade
No Shade: No offense (as defined by the Urban Dictionary).
Ex: “Don’t tell her I told you, but your little cousin is a ho, no Shade.”
Every little girl dreams of a happy ending to their stories; a home, children and a man who loves her enough to share his life and last name. When Billy’s longtime boyfriend Marcus finally pops the question, it’s one of the happiest moments of her life.
To stand with her on her special day, Billy calls on her childhood friends Reese and Yoshi. Several years passing since they’d last all come together, and some unresolved issues have driven a wedge between the girls, but they agree to put their difference aside for the sake of Billy’s wedding. The truce is a short one when Billy has to decide on a Maid of Honor and both her friends expect the position to fall to them. Just when things seem to be coming together they quickly begin to fall apart, and at a time when Billy is supposed to be basking in the sunshine of her approaching wedding she finds herself the target of shade being thrown from the most unlikely places.
While Billy is going through her drama, Marcus is dealing with issues of his own. An old crime partner of his blows into town unexpectedly and his presence threatens to destroy the legitimate life Marcus has worked so hard to build.
Even with the universe seemingly working against them, Billy and Marcus are determined to have their dream wedding, but first they have to survive the nightmare of planning it.
There goes the neighborhood...again.
Ex: “Don’t tell her I told you, but your little cousin is a ho, no Shade.”
Every little girl dreams of a happy ending to their stories; a home, children and a man who loves her enough to share his life and last name. When Billy’s longtime boyfriend Marcus finally pops the question, it’s one of the happiest moments of her life.
To stand with her on her special day, Billy calls on her childhood friends Reese and Yoshi. Several years passing since they’d last all come together, and some unresolved issues have driven a wedge between the girls, but they agree to put their difference aside for the sake of Billy’s wedding. The truce is a short one when Billy has to decide on a Maid of Honor and both her friends expect the position to fall to them. Just when things seem to be coming together they quickly begin to fall apart, and at a time when Billy is supposed to be basking in the sunshine of her approaching wedding she finds herself the target of shade being thrown from the most unlikely places.
While Billy is going through her drama, Marcus is dealing with issues of his own. An old crime partner of his blows into town unexpectedly and his presence threatens to destroy the legitimate life Marcus has worked so hard to build.
Even with the universe seemingly working against them, Billy and Marcus are determined to have their dream wedding, but first they have to survive the nightmare of planning it.
There goes the neighborhood...again.
- GenresAudiobook
Audible Audio
First published June 17, 2015
87 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
K'wan
84 books1,520 followersIn 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas.
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 25, 2016
Where do I begin? This book had to be written by an impostor. There is no way K'Wan wrote this book. The plot was suppose to center around Billie and Marcus's wedding, but there were many subplots that were not connected to Billie or Marcus. The ending...I was like WTH, and not in a good way. I listen to the audio book and the narrator's voice lacked enthusiasm, and she kept mispronouncing Shai's name. Where is Carey Hite when you need him? I don't want to read or listen to the next book in this series. Read at your own risk!!!!
February 23, 2017
Good story but the narrator and sounds effects took away from it
April 27, 2024
A brawl at the wedding rehearsal is rather wild 🤣🤣
I'm going to miss reading about Yoshi, Billy, and Reese 😭
I'm going to miss reading about Yoshi, Billy, and Reese 😭
July 28, 2015
BOOK REVIEW: NO SHADE by K'wan
I recently finished reading No Shade by K'wan which is a part of the Hood Rat series. Let me just say, it connected perfectly with the previous stories. Oh was this book filled with so many valuable lessons! Like the trollop who was playing with the man's emotions over and over again, when he had given her his all until he has nothing left to give only to realize she had been playing him for a fool the entire time! When the realization sinks in that everyone knew the deal except him he crosses that thin line from sanity into insanity and does the unthinkable! Then you have Billie (one of my favorites) going through all kinds of doubt and turmoil as she gets ready to walk down the aisle with her beloved Marcus! Billie almost got a cursing out from me for allowing her friends to interfere in her relationship. You don't take relationship advice from people who are not in relationships, but they stayed loyal to end when it counted! Then there was Marcus who definitely surprised me with some of his actions as he was supposed to be the wavy business man! There is no such thing as a favor with some people. That one favor could mean a lifetime contract if not handled properly! In everything he went through, he still loved himself some Billie and that love took them to the next level! Then we have disgusting azz Don B! What can I say.... It was great to see someone come into the picture that Don B was intimidated by! Juicy! juicy! juicy! What's the saying, what goes around comes back around and it did! New characters and old characters all woven into a nicely told tale! I enjoyed this segment so much (5 star read) until I will continue to read this series as long as the author writes it. The realistic storylines make you look as some of the people you know and say "that's your azz he's writing about"! LOL. Seriously, K'wan's pen game is very impressive as it gets better and stronger with each novel! If you have not gotten to know this author through his books let me introduce you! His name is K'wan Foye and his books are available in all bookstores and on Amazon, so go ahead and introduce yourself while you one click!
I recently finished reading No Shade by K'wan which is a part of the Hood Rat series. Let me just say, it connected perfectly with the previous stories. Oh was this book filled with so many valuable lessons! Like the trollop who was playing with the man's emotions over and over again, when he had given her his all until he has nothing left to give only to realize she had been playing him for a fool the entire time! When the realization sinks in that everyone knew the deal except him he crosses that thin line from sanity into insanity and does the unthinkable! Then you have Billie (one of my favorites) going through all kinds of doubt and turmoil as she gets ready to walk down the aisle with her beloved Marcus! Billie almost got a cursing out from me for allowing her friends to interfere in her relationship. You don't take relationship advice from people who are not in relationships, but they stayed loyal to end when it counted! Then there was Marcus who definitely surprised me with some of his actions as he was supposed to be the wavy business man! There is no such thing as a favor with some people. That one favor could mean a lifetime contract if not handled properly! In everything he went through, he still loved himself some Billie and that love took them to the next level! Then we have disgusting azz Don B! What can I say.... It was great to see someone come into the picture that Don B was intimidated by! Juicy! juicy! juicy! What's the saying, what goes around comes back around and it did! New characters and old characters all woven into a nicely told tale! I enjoyed this segment so much (5 star read) until I will continue to read this series as long as the author writes it. The realistic storylines make you look as some of the people you know and say "that's your azz he's writing about"! LOL. Seriously, K'wan's pen game is very impressive as it gets better and stronger with each novel! If you have not gotten to know this author through his books let me introduce you! His name is K'wan Foye and his books are available in all bookstores and on Amazon, so go ahead and introduce yourself while you one click!
May 29, 2020
This book has me thinking that I spoke too soon about Eviction Notice being my favorite hood rat book. No Shade just might be my favorite. I really do not want to choose. I will say that my favorite lies between these 2. This book was EVERYTHING. We got people surfacing in this book that was only names in Hood Rat (remember Boo?). We got Boots still on her BS, I wish her story had ended cuz she is triflin. And Bernie, man that was crazy! The new people in this book has me infatuated with them. Rocky and Turk make my heart flutter. Baby Doc still got a heart lowkey and I enjoy that. Yoshi has a promising love with the first guy since losing Jah. I truly wanted to hate her new boo but I’ll let him live for now. This book was funny and addictive. I literally wanted to drag the book out because I didn’t want it to end. The book is called No Shade but by the end of the book you will discover that it’s some shady stuff that is about to transpire. That Clark reunion...as K’wan says...there goes the neighborhood, AGAIN!
October 29, 2018
Book #6 of the Hood Rat Series finds Billy and Marcus planning a wedding. Billy has requested the presence of her girlfriends Reese and Yoshi, who are still beefing over a guy named Gary. Can they put their differences to the side for their friend's special day?
Marcus has promised Billy that he has left the streets alone, but certain circumstances have pulled him back in. He's trying his hardest to keep it from Billy, because he knows that she will kill him.
Shai Clark is planning the birthday party of a lifetime for his wife. What started out as a perfect evening, turned into the beginning of a war.
And of course, what would a Hood Rat novel be without the presence of Don B and his crew.
It's been a while since I've read a novel by Crime Novelist @kwan_iamlegend, and I realized this was exactly what I needed. Due to a few errors, I give this book 💎💎💎💎, but I highly recommend that you read it for yourself.
Marcus has promised Billy that he has left the streets alone, but certain circumstances have pulled him back in. He's trying his hardest to keep it from Billy, because he knows that she will kill him.
Shai Clark is planning the birthday party of a lifetime for his wife. What started out as a perfect evening, turned into the beginning of a war.
And of course, what would a Hood Rat novel be without the presence of Don B and his crew.
It's been a while since I've read a novel by Crime Novelist @kwan_iamlegend, and I realized this was exactly what I needed. Due to a few errors, I give this book 💎💎💎💎, but I highly recommend that you read it for yourself.
January 6, 2019
This one was disappointing for Mi. The short of it....K’wan has more than enough characters as well as imagination to create chasos in the lives of his already maniacal characters, so Y then take the good or relatively decent characters and make them stupid or go backwards in life😳 I never like when writers do this. I understand we make bad choices and/or poor decisions sometimes no matter how good our heads are on our shoulders but this series had more than enough drama running thru it, it did not need any more stupidity to add to it🤦🏾♀️🤷🏽♀️ No Shade lol.
Read
August 30, 2018I LOVE THE ANIMAL! ♥
He is my absolute favorite character. While I thoroughly enjoy K'wan's books, I am especially excited when I get to one and Animal is present.
He is my absolute favorite character. While I thoroughly enjoy K'wan's books, I am especially excited when I get to one and Animal is present.
January 3, 2017
I listened to this book on audible. I won't stress how talented K'wan is when it comes to this genre. OR how Cary Hite and K'wan go hand in hand when it comes to any audio version of his books. I'll just let you know how the book was received upon listening to it as opposed to reading. I'll be in the minority and that's okay. This is just my two cents. Bring on the new series BBC(Billionaire Boys Club), Gator & Trap.(no there' s no confirmation, but if these series are not in the works, they should be)
Pros
• Update on some of the girls from previous books in the series
• Turk, Turk and did I say Turk
Cons
• To many subplots
o I didn’t care about the primary storyline in this edition
• Narrator’s disinterested/flat delivery will turn off many listeners
o Where was Cary Hite? Or Honey Jones?
• Story didn’t have the same fire, grit and passion that K’wan's books hold i.e. the first book in this series
o Where’s the K’wan of book 1?
• Impact of the few “wow” moments dulled by narrator’s delivery
• Lacked character development
• cliffhange
Pros
• Update on some of the girls from previous books in the series
• Turk, Turk and did I say Turk
Cons
• To many subplots
o I didn’t care about the primary storyline in this edition
• Narrator’s disinterested/flat delivery will turn off many listeners
o Where was Cary Hite? Or Honey Jones?
• Story didn’t have the same fire, grit and passion that K’wan's books hold i.e. the first book in this series
o Where’s the K’wan of book 1?
• Impact of the few “wow” moments dulled by narrator’s delivery
• Lacked character development
• cliffhange
December 24, 2015
No Shade: A Hood Rat Novel
A very great read. However, there has to be a sequel. I hope we don't have to wait years for the next book. This book ended with more then one cliffhanger. How will the relationship between Turk & Rocky play out. Will Boots survive being in critical condition. How about Trap & Yoshi? Of course Marcus & Billy. Many other characters have unresolved story lines.
A very great read. However, there has to be a sequel. I hope we don't have to wait years for the next book. This book ended with more then one cliffhanger. How will the relationship between Turk & Rocky play out. Will Boots survive being in critical condition. How about Trap & Yoshi? Of course Marcus & Billy. Many other characters have unresolved story lines.
January 25, 2019
Not one of K’wan best work. This would of been better as a collection of short stories. Just wasn’t as enjoyable as some of the other books I have read from him. The character of Ms. Pat is hilarious.
May 23, 2016
All over the place. I couldn't finish it.
August 1, 2017
I didn't realize that this was book 6. I just happened to pick this up because I knew K'wan was good.
K'wan is a great character developer. I always fall for his game because of that. You get real comfy with the characters real quick.
This book has way too many plots. Call them sub plots if you may, but it was all over the place. I say plot because the main characters varied and each of them has a story. The problem was that K'wan didn't really bring this together in a great way.
Just when you get to like a character and become involved in their story, he doesn't finish it. There were so many ways to wrap it up and yet leave it open for what I assume will be book 7.
What I have noticed in being a K'wan reader is that there is a trend. K'wan has great material and several installments weakens his brilliance. I liked Animal and Animal 2 and then the third one was weak.
What I do know is that when you are signed the publishers have a big say in what you write because of the number of sales. Obviously they wanted him to keep at it with this.
K'wan is a great character developer. I always fall for his game because of that. You get real comfy with the characters real quick.
This book has way too many plots. Call them sub plots if you may, but it was all over the place. I say plot because the main characters varied and each of them has a story. The problem was that K'wan didn't really bring this together in a great way.
Just when you get to like a character and become involved in their story, he doesn't finish it. There were so many ways to wrap it up and yet leave it open for what I assume will be book 7.
What I have noticed in being a K'wan reader is that there is a trend. K'wan has great material and several installments weakens his brilliance. I liked Animal and Animal 2 and then the third one was weak.
What I do know is that when you are signed the publishers have a big say in what you write because of the number of sales. Obviously they wanted him to keep at it with this.
Read
November 6, 2023I just checked this one out via audible.
TWO THINGS:
NOT K'WAN'S BEST WORK BY A LONG SHOT.
THE NARRATOR KIM JOHNSON KEPT REFERRING TO SHAI CARTER AS (SHAY) NOT SHAI(PRONOUNCED CHI), WHICH WAS QUITE ANNOYING!
THE MOST INTRIGUING THING WAS THAT THIS BOOK APPEARS TO COME AFTER PURPLE REIGN; I ACTUALLY LIKED KIM JOHNSON'S NARRATION OF LOVE & GUNPLAY BETTER, EVEN THOUGH HER NARRATION SEEMS MONOTONED TO SAY THE LEAST.
TWO THINGS:
NOT K'WAN'S BEST WORK BY A LONG SHOT.
THE NARRATOR KIM JOHNSON KEPT REFERRING TO SHAI CARTER AS (SHAY) NOT SHAI(PRONOUNCED CHI), WHICH WAS QUITE ANNOYING!
THE MOST INTRIGUING THING WAS THAT THIS BOOK APPEARS TO COME AFTER PURPLE REIGN; I ACTUALLY LIKED KIM JOHNSON'S NARRATION OF LOVE & GUNPLAY BETTER, EVEN THOUGH HER NARRATION SEEMS MONOTONED TO SAY THE LEAST.
May 24, 2020
Amazing story
I love how this book brought back a lot of characters from the previous books and different series connecting them, I only gave it 4 stars because I kept getting confused on some of things that were a bit inconsistent, and a few things that made me have to reread but other than that this storyline did not disappoint as usual thumbs up
I love how this book brought back a lot of characters from the previous books and different series connecting them, I only gave it 4 stars because I kept getting confused on some of things that were a bit inconsistent, and a few things that made me have to reread but other than that this storyline did not disappoint as usual thumbs up
December 15, 2021
This is the last book of the hoodrat series. One of the best books in the series! It finished up a bunch of previous story lines. However on one part it mentioned that tionna was dead....when did that happen? Also it didn't finish animals story line but maybe that's were the animal series comes in? I'm so sad this series is over. I'll definitely be reading more books from kwan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
I absolutely love this series!!! I really hope the Marcus and Billy can have that happily ever after, it's probably not gonna happen because of Tammy and Trap's thug ass. Bout to order the next 2 books!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2019
I can't to know what happened with Marcus
January 21, 2020
The ending dont pissed me off
February 5, 2020
great book need to get the rest of the series.
March 27, 2022
Great Story! What a CLIFFHANGER!! There’s so much twists and turns to this story I had to rewind to keep up at times. Great writing!! On to the next….
August 18, 2024
Wow
That ending was something else. Claudette is some kind of special. I wonder if Shai will accept Gator after everything he did. Good story
That ending was something else. Claudette is some kind of special. I wonder if Shai will accept Gator after everything he did. Good story
September 8, 2019
The storyline is ok but too much murder for me.
April 14, 2021
The book lacked class and substance.
January 4, 2017
K'wan is a master storyteller.
I feel like fangirling. I'll refrain.
But, I always (over zealously) look forward to reading his books.
This book is no different. Interesting fleshed out group of characters (some we know: Yoshi, Reese, Don B) etc. Some we don't: Rocky, Turk,) backstories, and surprises.
I must have missed this one. Looking forward to the next one with this group of characters.
4.5 stars
I feel like fangirling. I'll refrain.
But, I always (over zealously) look forward to reading his books.
This book is no different. Interesting fleshed out group of characters (some we know: Yoshi, Reese, Don B) etc. Some we don't: Rocky, Turk,) backstories, and surprises.
I must have missed this one. Looking forward to the next one with this group of characters.
4.5 stars
Want to read
November 29, 2015
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The correct order to read the Hood Rat Novel series is: Hood Rat, Still Hood, Section 8, Welfare Wifeys, Eviction Notice, & Animal. FYI readers: "The Leak" is a prequel of "Welfare Wifeys"; "The First & Fifteenth" is intro to "No Shade"; "No Shade" is a prequel to "Eviction Notice"; "Ghetto Bastard is the beginning of the Animal series. This is why the books are listed in such order.
In my opinion, The Leak should be a prequel to Section 8.
October 23, 2015
The King Delivered !!!!!
As expected K'wan came through yet again! Omg I missed Yoshi, Reese and Billy. The are classic characters that EVERYBODY should know. I so happy for Billy and Marcus. Marcus will never be able to get away with nothing with Billy lol. Yoshi and Trap the jury still out on that humph...he ain't Jah but he might do lol. Hopefully Reese finally get it together smh. I liked Rocky she just need to choose better friends. Claudette smh no comment expect out of all the girls that landed in Don B presence she the only one that didn't care what happen apparently. That man will never change I'm sick of him.....The Turk is definitely one of my new favorites. He a twisted something but I like him. Job well done K'wan.
As expected K'wan came through yet again! Omg I missed Yoshi, Reese and Billy. The are classic characters that EVERYBODY should know. I so happy for Billy and Marcus. Marcus will never be able to get away with nothing with Billy lol. Yoshi and Trap the jury still out on that humph...he ain't Jah but he might do lol. Hopefully Reese finally get it together smh. I liked Rocky she just need to choose better friends. Claudette smh no comment expect out of all the girls that landed in Don B presence she the only one that didn't care what happen apparently. That man will never change I'm sick of him.....The Turk is definitely one of my new favorites. He a twisted something but I like him. Job well done K'wan.
August 19, 2016
Urban fiction has long been one of my hidden pleasures and K'Wan didn't let me down on this one. I listened as I walked and wasn't disappointed with the drama that follows his characters. His books feed my need for that drama. I hadn't read a hood rat novel in a while so my problem was remembering who the players were and their connections to each other.
Billie and Marcus seem to be surrounded by trouble as they plan for their wedding. It was good to see Yoshi again although disappointing to learn that Yah is now dead. The narrator did an adequate job. Although some of the reviewers thought she was dull or boring, I was not let down with her rendition of this work.
Billie and Marcus seem to be surrounded by trouble as they plan for their wedding. It was good to see Yoshi again although disappointing to learn that Yah is now dead. The narrator did an adequate job. Although some of the reviewers thought she was dull or boring, I was not let down with her rendition of this work.
February 6, 2017
Was looking forward to reading this new installment from K'wan with great anticipation. Finished reading with disappointments. I started to develop a liking toward the characters, but as the story continued with introductions to added characters I lost focus. The other factor was the introduction to Turk and Trap. To keep these two separate was difficult. I am use to more solid plots by K'wan and this was a surprise. The ending pointed to more possible installments which might develop the other characters.
August 22, 2015
Not my favorite
It took me a while to finish this book, I usually read a Kwan novel in 2-3 days but not this time. This book had so much going on, it was characters from various books...I had a hard time remembering who was who and what happened with what character previously. I would love to hear more about Rocky and Turk. Not my favorite book from here but I look forward to the next book on the series.
It took me a while to finish this book, I usually read a Kwan novel in 2-3 days but not this time. This book had so much going on, it was characters from various books...I had a hard time remembering who was who and what happened with what character previously. I would love to hear more about Rocky and Turk. Not my favorite book from here but I look forward to the next book on the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews