In the third and final installment of the Desperate Hoodwives trilogy, a pimp, a killer, a playa, and a drug dealer struggle to get their game right in a sizzling novel where leaving the life and trying to go straight is a deadly option.Tavon, better known as “Sweet,” would pimp his own mother—and he does. Convinced that the prostitution game chose him, Sweet loves his high-rolling life. But when he unexpectedly becomes a father, will Sweet be able to choose between the family trade and his grown, not-so-innocent daughter? After ten years in prison, the drive-by Demarcus committed still haunts him. Determined to stay above the law, he’s found Allah, promised to change his ways forever, and finally do right by his girl, Zoey. But when an opportunity arises that will set him and Zoey right for life, Demarcus may have more faith in his killah reputation than the Koran...Kaseem runs every single drug going in and out of Bentley Manor. His empire provides clothes, cash, and his satisfaction of his wifey, Quilla—along with the company of other ladies, of course. But when Kaseem’s crew becomes more violent, will he be able to escape the life—and the gangsters—he created? The best playa on the block, Rhakmon can get a woman to do anything he wants. His latest girlfriend, Shaterica, lets him steal, lie, and cheat—smitten to be under his spell. But when Rhakmon’s devious deeds are finally brought to light, the revenge Shaterica plans may ultimately be more horrible than anything he could have imagined...From the ladies who brought you Desperate Hoodwives and Shameless Hoodwives, the streets of Atlanta are hotter than ever with drama, sex, and danger—profilin’ four men desperate for anything but their hood life.
Meesha Mink is the popular pseudonym of Niobia Bryant, the award winning and national bestselling author of more than forty works of romance and commercial mainstream fiction. Twice she has won RT Magazine's Best African-American/Multicultural Romance Award, "Kiss the Ring"--written as Meesha Mink--was listed as one of the Library Journal's Best Books, and her books have appeared in Ebony, Essence, The New York Post, The Star Ledger, The Dallas Morning News and many other national publications. One of her bestselling book has been adapted to film and broadcast on Centric/BETHer.
This is definitely a five star for me. I was waiting and waiting for this to be released and when I finally got it and started reading- I was disappointed. I thought The Hood Life was going to be more about the Bentley Manor men from the previous two books, the ones that lived to the end of Shameless Hoodwives anyway. But this is about an entirely new set of men. I guess it's obvious, by my five star rating that I got past my sadness about the characters and fell in love with the new ones. There were numerous nods to the others which was a nice touch and for anyone who hasn't read Desperate Hoodwives and Shameless Hoodwives you really don't have to read them before you read this. I'm happy that I read them in order but that's just me- you wouldn't miss out on anything story-line wise by reading this first or second. The main characters are Tavon, Demarcus, Kas, and Rhakmon. They all have their own story and they all have their own hustle. They also all have their own drama that comes with their stories and hustles. Their chicks play a pretty heavy part in the story as well, even though the fella's were the main characters. The drama is off the hook, which is just what readers have come to expect from Mink and Diamond. I'm seriously hoping they're working on something else together right now- just NOT a fourth Benley Manor tale. This can be read VERY fast- it could definitely be done in a few hours- it took me a day and a half because I didn't have my usual reading time. The things that happen, especially towards the end rival some of the more crazy urban fiction out there in my opinion- it's not just the same old s*&% that happens in every single book being written. There are some new situations and some old that have a unique spin put to them. I wouldn't recommend missing it.
There is nothing as interesting as other people’s lives, especially when it’s filled with drama. And drama best describes Bentley Manor. In this Bentley Manor edition, the lives of four males are chronicled.
Pimping came naturally to Tavon “Sweet Diamondtrim” Johnson. Can the same be said for his parenting skills when he learns he has a teenage daughter?
Kaseem became the man after his best friend, Maleek (DESPERATE HOODWIVES), caught a federal bid. Is Kaseem built for the treachery and violence that comes with drug dealing?
With his gray eyes, good hair, rip body and big…shut yo’ mouth…Rhakmon can talk any female out of her panties and her wallet. But when what goes around comes around, can Rhakmon handle it?
Demarcus “Killer” Jones did the crime and did the time. Home after ten years, he’s a changed man. Or is he?
An ambitious project (a three-book series), this third book was the weakest. The drama was definitely there, but at times THE HOOD LIFE seems to be overreaching – as if to live up to its title. That’s not to say THE HOOD LIFE is not worth reading. There is a solid story, good pacing, melodrama, and a few twists. THE HOOD LIFE won’t take your breath away, but it will take you on an interesting ride.
Everybody knows there’s hella drama up in Bentley Manor. Them Hoodwives alone had enough drama to last until the twenty-second century. But the dudes…Oh my Lawd! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: nobody does Hood tales better than Mink and Diamond. Hood tales are a Dime A Dozen these days, with trite storylines featuring Pimps and Ho’s practically jumping off the shelves begging to be bought. Unfortunately, most of the stories these days make me holla for my money back. Even the ones I’ve won in contests.
But not the Bentley Manor series. Mink and Diamond take the same ole boring @$$ Hood standbys: the Pimp, the Playa, the Killa and the Drug Dealer and breathe new life into them through creative twists and turns. The pimp with the porno star wife? Yes, we Heard It All Before. The pimp has a daughter who drops in out of the sky? Been There, Done That. But the pimp with the transsexual best friend/lover??? Stop Playin! And Tavon Wonders Why the wife is jealous. Like all pimps everywhere Tavon is blissfully unconcerned with his wife’s feelings. He’s got it under control. After all, like every good pimp Tavon keeps his ho’s in check, right? As the Black Philosopher Martin used to say: she can Get To Steppin. What Tavon doesn’t know is you can never really control another person’s emotions, and personally…I think Tavon got Way More than his Hand called for.
Demarcus, the Killa, went to jail not for the many murders he actually committed but for trying to kill his girl Zoey, yet she stood by him those ten long years he was in the pen. Now he’s found God in the form of Allah, but can’t find a job. How long will Zoey stand by Demarcus when the bills pile up and she can’t work because she’s pregnant? Does his faith hold him up or will the problems of life choke the fragile seeds of religion planted in prison? Circumstances show Demarcus just who he really is. Or is that just who he thinks he is? And does he get what he really deserves in the end???
Babies are raining out the sky all over the Hood, and Kaseem’s baby happens to be a boy. For this suburban boy from a Fine Middle Class Home, dealing drugs gets everything Kas has ever wanted, but was afraid to work for. The horrors of drug abuse hit too close to home when the woman Kas once loved offers to sell him their son for ten thousand dollars. And a “cookie.” (a portion of crack that resembles its name). When his baby’s-moms dies from the crack he gave her Kas wants out of the game. He shoulda Told Somebody though, cause Somebody wants Kas out the game too: enough to kill him. And Kas is a Peaceful Drug Dealer. Who does THAT??? Does he make it out alive? How about his girl, whom he loves? And why can’t that fool see who’s gunnin for him when I knew right away???
Finally there’s Rhakmon, the so-called Playa of the set. This had to be the weakest story of them all. If you ask me Rhak is bout as Low Budget a Playa as it gets. The Fat Chicks Rhak??? The toothless old woman??? That ain’t Playin, that’s Ho’in: Crack Ho’in. You supposedta get more than a Burger & Fries with all that d!ck you throwin around. And how he talked that simple chick into…I ain’t gon’ spoil it for you, but she Made Me Mad. Anyway, trust that Rhak gets what he deserves too. In more ways than one.
Is there a happy ending in the Hood Life? I ain’t gon’ tell you that either. I will tell you that the end of this book made me tremble for the future of the franchise. And left me Wanting More…
Over the years, drugs, gang violence and neglect created terrible conditions for the residents of Bentley Manor. In fact, Bentley Manor has become synonymous with the problems associated with public housing. A pimp, a killer, a player and a drug dealer utilize this to their advantage.
Davon Taylor, the pimp, learned early on the importance of supply and demand. As a kid growing up in Bentley Manor with a mother who sold herself to afford a better way, he soon just took over the reins of the family business. When he learns about Corrine, a 15-year-old daughter he never knew, his lifestyle may be too much for her. Is he willing to make adjustments for her?
The difference with Kaseem, the dealer, and other dealers is, Kaseem comes from a good home and family and is educated. Yes he’s had a good run in the streets. But like most, his induction into the game was merely to come up with chicks. Due to Maleek’s downfall, he’s at the top of his game. Organized and a pretty powerful dude, he’s never really had to result to intimidation tactics to maintain his spot. Now someone is trying to test his gangster. When pushed does he rise to the occasion?
Demarcus Jones, the killer, earned his name as he took to the streets in hopes of finally finding a family. As a newborn he was tossed in the trash. Finally the Disciples, his gang, welcomed him with open arms. That is only after he pledged his undying allegiance on the street killing others. Once incarcerated, he no longer desired to live that way and gave his life to Allah. Freed from jail, with plans of never returning, he believes that people can change. Can he fight the urge?
Rhakmon Reynolds, the player, is fine. His mother taught him early on that he had to make it do what it do and he’s been hustlin’ women since he was twelve. Driving this one’s car, get money from that one and laying up with this one, Rhak, is a player’s player. All of the girls love him. When a past beef is resolved, Rhak realizes too late the error in his ways. However, there just may be a way out. When Shaterica, his girl, takes on his time, Rhak feels free to do whatever he pleases. Too bad he forgot to re-up with some new chick to keep him laced. Will Rhakmon come to regret his decisions?
THE HOOD LIFE installment three in The Bentley Manor Tale reversed the roles profilin’ four men and the decisions they’ve made to keep, live and attain what their hearts desired, money, power and respect. While I enjoyed the stories, I don’t think that it was the same as when the highlight reel featured women. As always the characters are hilarious, drama is on tap and the decisions made by a few changes the lives of many.
This was a pretty ok book, but I'm getting tired of all the different characters. Just too many to keep up with. Maybe I'm slow. I don't know. It took me longer than I wanted to read it too which meant it wasn't that much of a page turner, but it still was a decent read. I must admit, all of the main characters endings were not to my liking, but that still makes for a good book. I don't think this is the last of Bentley Manor.
Move over ladies of Bentley Manor! The men have definitely taken over in The Hood Life by Meesah Mink and De'Nesha Diamond.
Tavon (the Pimp) was born to pimp if you let him tell it. As a child, he had to get up close and personal with the oldest profession in the book for survival. How else could he make sure his prostitute mother fed them when she got strung out on crack? So his career choice was a no-brainer, but when he is faced with being a father to a teenage girl, can his mind really stay on his Benjamins? Or will he be forced to retire his pimp cane and raise his little woman the right way?
Demarcus (the Killer) was a changed man when he was released from prison. He had his ride-or-die chick by his side and decided he would do right by her. But what happens when a convicted felon is faced with very few job options? How can he provide for his woman without swallowing his pride? With very few places to turn, the streets call for him. Will he answer? Or will he be able to overcome the temptation to engage in the behaviors that got him is first ten-year bid?
Kaseem (the Dealer) is not the average drug dealer. He lived a privileged life and never wanted for a thing. He is also the type of brother who does not believe violence has to be a part of the drug game, so he discourages violent acts from his crew. When tempers mount, Kaseem finds himself being drawn to the idea of leaving the fast life. And this urge to leave only worsens when he finds out he is the father of an infant son. Will he successfully leave? Or will he become another casualty of the game; making his son another statistic?
Rhakmon (the Playa) has a wicked sex game. So much so, he loves nothing more than using what he has to get what he needs. If that means sexing the neighborhood halitosis-ridden, alcoholic so he can take care of financial needs, he is all for it. When he finds himself in a situation that can lead to a prison sentence, his ride-or-die chick steps-up and plays her position. But how long can playas play without karma catching up to them?
The Hood Life is another explosive tale of the Bentley Manor chronicles. These four men personify the saying "go hard or go home." I was instantly taken into their stories and each of them was surprising and unpredictable. I read an unproofed advance review copy, and editing was still needed but the twists and turns were worth the distraction. The ending definitely leaves questions of the saga continuing though. My hope is that it will. If you are a fan of this series, you will not be disappointed. I recommend The Hood Life to all street-lit connoisseurs. But be warned. This book is not easy to put down so be prepared to read it in one sitting.
This book was good it's about 4 men living there life in Bentlye Manor.
Sweet is a well known pimp that makes his money pimping women even his own mom. Sweet try to live life with his wife that is welling to try to let him have his own downlow life from time to time with one of his prostituts. Sweet then try to do the daddy thing when his daughter after fifteen years pops in his life for the first time.
Demarcus is a killer. He leaves jail thinking postive about starting over and getting on the straight and narrow but, things like no job, money and his girl taking care of him gets the worst in him to go back to beeing the killer he was well known to be.
Kaseem is the big time drug dealer. He takes care of his girl but, he also find himself messing around with other women from time to time. When his old girlfriend pops up strug out on crack with his now baby in her hands he has to pay her to get his son away from her. Then all hell brakes loose with he finds out that he is set up by one of the people he thought he could trust.
Rhakmon he has it made using women to get by. He used sex to get all he needs. He even talks he main girl in taking a murder rap for me in exchange for him to marry her but, while she in jail he is laying around having sex with on gods know who but, then his main girl finally tells the truth and Rhakmon gets what he deserve.
This book was good. Like that now that Bentley Manor had some lead male characters thoughtout the book. These 2 authors done it again. Great book. Had me at the edge of the bed. :)
The final Bentley Manor Tale that deals with the men of Bentley Manor. A pimp, a playa, a drug dealer, a recent parolee out of prison are the principles of the this last installment of the The Hood Life. I have enjoyed the books, and I know that there's a million sad stories from the hood. I know I have seen it for myself, but dang, does it have to be ALL BAD?? although the brothers here are rough, the authors did a great job bringing their stories to light and how they have come to that point. but I guess I am tired of hearing one more brother not making it in this country story. No, I know I am.
These authors are now writing from male perspectives in this newest Bentley Manor tale. In my opinion, the second one was the best. I wasn't impressed with this one very much. Yes, there was drama of course but it was not exciting and it felt forced. Just because the authors switched it up this time bringing the men, they still should have brought the same creative energy they had with the other two books.
They always say the 1st is always better. I agree in most parts. But the hood life by these 2 authors was the last installment of the Bentley Manor tale. The 1st two where about the ladies of Bentley Manor and they did the damn thing with all the drama they had going on. The 3rd part, the men had 2 put their bid in and did a good job with the drama in 1 projects in ATL. And who can 4get Ms. Cleo & Ms. Osceola telling us this story.
this book was better then i thought it would be my favorite person is sweets the last chapter of his story is mind blowing i been thinking about it for two days so if you want to read a fast paced story about the ins and outs of the hood for black men then read the hood life one of the best books i have read in a long time
This book was OK. Not great. It was like they were under contract to write this book. It was not near as good as the other Bentley Manor books. The characters were lacking in depth. Overall the writers half assed this book.
This was a wonderful way to end the series. Like if you ever wonder what's going on in n****'s minds this is the book to read. And whatever you thought it is it actually was. But what I really love about this book was how the author wrapped up the series with basically burning down Bentley Manor in a way it read symbolically.
Another great series. Bentley Manor Projects always have something going on. The residents keep drama in their lives. A lot goes on behind closed doors but 2 of the oldest residents, Osceola and Cleo seem to know everybody's business. Read this page turner to see what goes on.
I loved this book so much I read it at least 3 times. I like the way Nikki had all the characters connected to each other. Excellent jobjob this is one of my favorite books.
This book was definitely a good read. I've read Hoodwives, Shameless Hoodwives, and Desperate Hoodwives all of these book were page turners. The authors are definitely one of a kind!
I'm from Bankhead highway and something.. Ill take that back everything about this book is all to familiar to me!!! BentleyManor sounds identical to the housing projects Bowen homes even some of the people are familier, example Junior in the first desperate house wives book has the same story as real life Carlos Bka shanty lo, the rapper and maleek has the same story as BMF president big Meech, this book is not so great, the stories are real not fiction and bring back painful memories of the now torn down housing projects Bowen homes, so not cool, Meesha Mink ?????????????? Some thing in this milk ain't fucking clean.
this book is about a whole bunch of people point of veiws and storys and there life in the hood.where they grew up , were there were shootings and crime.were people die and people do drug's.Its something like the slumps of america.this book is reality , theres so many people who lives are really like this and theres the pimp , the hoe , the drug dealer the crackhead.
I really like this because its real and i can relate to it.I like this because im from the hood doe like the hood doe like really , really , really from the hood doe.I like it because is true.i really cna
Take a bad soap opera, a bad porno, mix them together, and convert them into book form, and this is what you get. I wish there was a rating lower than one star. I wish I could un-read this book. If you want to read in great detail what "Tavon" does in bed with twins "Suga" and "Spyce," and how his girlfriend is all jealous of his best-friend/transvestite lover, thenthis might be the book for you.
Meesha Mink the author of some of my favorite series A Bentley Manor Tale. This particular book is about 4 different men. One had a rough child hood and all he knew was money, even if that meant pimping his mother. This book is a page turner it’s really hard to put down once you pick it up. I recommend this to everyone.
This is Book #3 of the Bentley Manor Tales and I LOVED it. From the ladies who brought you Desperate Hoodwives and Shameless Hoodwives, they can bring it some more. LOVED all these stories.....they were fast paced and interesting always ending with a TWIST!!!!
it took me a little longer to read it. overall it was still a good book. i do prefer the first 2 books the women were more interesting. i am also looking forward to them writing a new book to continue this series.
I truly enjoyed this book. It kept me very engaged from the beginning to the end. It has a lot of surprises but it ends with the burning down of Bentley Manor, which is where the main characters grew up. I loved this book and I truly recommend it to everyone.
Another great book by Meesha Mink and Diamond. I mean, they have worked this series so well that I am very impressed with their writing. I loved this one, and these two need to keep on writing together because they have a special connection.