The Hood Life

by De'nesha Diamond and Meesha Mink

Book Overview

In the third book in 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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416577092
• ISBN13: 9781416577096
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

ANOTHA GOOD ONE!!!!

This book was better than The Young and the Restless!!!!I really love the BENTLEY MANOR series they are PURE FIYAH!!!This time it's men instead of woman and it's just as much drama and backstabbing!!!We have a PIMP,DRUG DEALER,KILLER,and a WHORE!!!!So u can only imagine the drama that's going to unfold!!!

The Brothas (RAW Rating: 4.5)

Mink and Diamond have a way of bringing the entertainment that will keep readers entranced. In their latest offering, THE HOOD LIFE, they weave a tale around the men of Bentley Manor. Currently taking up residence in the hood is Rhackmon, a pretty boy who preys on his female lovers. When he turns on his current love interest, he learns the consequences of biting off the hand that feeds him. Demarcus is recently released from prison after doing time on drug charges. Known on the streets as a killer, he tries hard to live the straight and narrow, but it is hard to fight against his nature. Tavon is a pimp known for pimping his own mother. With a very profitable business in selling flesh, he even has his wife and lovers in his employ. However, when an ex-lover appears with a child he knew nothing about, Tavon has to face reality. Kaseem is not a product of Bentley Manor, he just makes his living off the drug addicts who dwell there. He is the son of a very wealthy and prominent family, he is college educated and well-respected in elite circles. His secret life as a drug dealer starts to affect him when the action get too close to home. THE HOOD LIFE draws you in and does not let you go until the end. The book is plot-driven and moves easily between scenes. Although the book is part of the Bentley Manor Tales, it stands alone well. Additionally, we are blessed with several characters from the previous books. As Mink and Diamond always do, they penned a highly dramatic and entertaining read. Fans won't be disappointed. Reviewed by Paula Henderson of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Boyz in the Hood

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. Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier APOOO BookClub

Welcome to the HoodLife

The 3rd and final book to the series of Bentley Manor? Just like the other two this book was crazy-off the hook with events. We meet new people along the way. Sweets: The local pimp...what happens when he founds out he has a teenage daughter? Demarcus: The Murder...fresh out the pin, can he get away with one more murder? maybe even multiple? Kaseem: The Hustler...he has one love and thats for his wife, Quilla. He's ready to throw in the towel and give up being the drug lord. He might be ready but guess whose not? Will it cost him his life? Rhakmom: The bum...the bum with the good looks and pretty face. He can talk your momma out of her pants. What happens when he talks the only woman to love him unconditionally into doing the unthinkable? This book was really good! I hope there is a part 4!

Return to Bentley Manor with the fellas and mo' DRAMA!

Another 5 star read!!! Bentley Manor is still the same ghetto, low income apartment complex. Behind the wrought iron gates of Bentley Manor the drama is still in full effect!!! Miz Cleo and Miz Osceola are still keeping watch over Bentley Manor with their bats in tow!! LOL! This time we see how it is for the men of Bentley Manor. Kaseem is a drug dealer, but he doesn't believe in resorting to violence to maintain his throne in the hood. What will happen when Kaseem's operation comes under attack? Will he strike back, or get out of the game? Demarcus is home from ten long years in prison.Demarcus is a former gang banger and a certified killer. Upon his release he returns to Bentley Manor to live with his woman Zoey. But can Demarcus resist his old ways, the temptations Bentley Manor has to offer and stay true to his new values and the Holy Quran? Tavon aka Sweet is a pimp who is rumored to have pimped his own mother! Sweet's game is tight, his hoes are faithful and his money is long. But what's a pimp to do when he discovers he has a 15 year old daughter? Will he give up all he knows which is pimpin', which we all know ain't easy. Rhakmon is a hot mess!! A self procaliamed "playa" he will do and say anything in order to manipulate women and take their money. Rhak lives in Bentley Manor with his overweight, naive girlfriend Shaterica. After comitting the ultimate crime Rhak convinces Shaterica to take the blame. While Shaterica is doing time out of love for Rhak, Rhak continues to lie,cheat and be all for himself. Rhak moves on to the next naive chick. But maybe he should take heed to Miz Cleo and Miz Osceola's warnings...karma is a b---h!!! Bentley Manor is still alive and well with drama and I hope this is not the last we read about the pitiful residents of Bentley Manor!!!