The Hood Life: A Bentley Manor Tale (Bentley Manor Tales) (Paperback)

by Meesha Mink (Author), De'nesha Diamond (Author)
Key Phrases: fuck the dumb shit, number one girl, gone lie, Meesha Mink, De'nesha Diamond, Bentley Manor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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.

About the Author
Meesha Mink is the national bestselling and award-winning author of eleven previous novels. She lives in New Jersey and South Carolina.

De'nesha Diamond is the award-winning, national bestselling author of more than twenty previous novels. She lives in Georgia.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416577092
• ISBN-13: 978-1416577096
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,440 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Men Of Bentley Manor...Bringing The Drama, December 29, 2008

By	D. Dalton "Sexy Ebony BBW AA Book Club" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Move over ladies of Bentley Manor, the men of Bentley Manor are out to tell their story and it is HOT! Spinning a tale of sex, drugs and drama, Meesha and De'Nesha skillfully lure you into the lives of four men with roots in Bentley Manor. Although this book follows behind the highly acclaimed Desperate Hoodwives and Shameless Hoodwives, The Hood Life as it does not read like a sequel.

Tavon, The Pimp, has made pimping a family business. Taking it to another level as his extravagant lifestyle remains a blend of his business and personal life. His balance is thrown for a tailspin with the unexpected arrival of a bundle of joy...a teen-aged bundle of joy. This leaves Tavon wondering, how does a pimp raise a teenage daughter?

Demarcus, The Killer, fresh from his stint in prison, is out to prove that he is a changed man. Determined to live right, Demarcus starts his day with prayer and hits the streets preaching to others from his Quran. Yet he still struggles to release the demons from his past life. Not able to find a job and tired of feeling like less than a man, the lure of fast, money is around every corner. Will a chance for one quick move to escape The Hood Life be stronger than the will to live a new life?

Kaseem, The Dealer, is fighting a battle of his own. Not your normal dealer, Kaseem finds himself challenged by those around him who want him to come hard. With the unexpected arrival of an infant son, and a baby momma strung out on crack, irony has come knocking on Kaseem's door. Will he leave the game before the game consumes him.

Rhakmon, The Playa, is a character in himself. Getting what he can from women is the name of his game. No woman is safe from his hustling, including his current girlfriend. Determined to use what he has to get what he wants, Rhakmon ask his girlfriend to make the ultimate sacrifice to save himself.You will not be disappointed with this book. It will have you gripping the pages as you watch the story unfold. Get ready to dive into the drama that is fitting of Bentley Manor.

You will be amazed at the lengths these men go through as they strive to live The Hood Life.

Reviewed by Lashonda
For Sexy Ebony Book Club Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Boyz in the Hood, January 28, 2009

By	D. Frazier "Urban Fiction Queen" (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Hood Life Is All We Know..., January 27, 2009

By	Urban-Reviews.com (Urban-Reviews.com) - See all my reviews

Meesha and De'Nesha are back with a pimp, a playa, a killer, and a drug dealer...all major components in the hood, the ghetto, the projects, whichever is your description of choice. They introduce Tavon 'Sweet' Johnson, the infamous pimp that works his moneymakers on poles as well as private parties. He invests his income into lucrative sexually-based businesses. Sex is his business and his business is to sexually pleasure all who seek him and his Diamond trim out for their freakiest fantasies. Then we have the equally wealthy and business savvy Kaseem, who assumed the HNIC title when Maleek, the hoods' predecessor caught a bid and had to vacate the throne. Kaseem luxuriates in the perks with the job, but there's a longing for something other than this lifestyle. An unexpected package shows up with his ex-girl that broke his heart, but it only intensifies his determination to try a different path in life. But will the love of his life, Quilla, be willing to ride or die?

DeMarcus is an ex-gang banger finds forgiveness in Allah and is released from the prison system after 10 years of incarceration. His girlfriend Zoey's allegiance is empowering and reaffirms his commitment to remain legit. Being an ex-convict constantly assassinates any job opportunities for DeMarcus, and it destroys Zoey's career. He also battles a corrupt parole officer and the call of the old life. Rhakmon, the ladies man, hustles fake designer bags, sexes as many women as he can, and takes their money while getting inside their heads for his profit. This is his 'one' game plan. A night of frightening sexual egotism has placed Rhakmon in an awful position which he masterfully turns the table on his latest victim, Shaterica.

The Hood Life is the third installation to Meesha and De'Nesha's Hood series, and it is every bit as wild as the previous two. Of course 'the hood' wouldn't be the same without Ms. Cleo and Ms. Osceola on the front stoop getting it all and then some. This storyline varies as the authors explore another focal point with the story being from the male point of view. They touch on all aspects of these four characters storylines and have you once again rapidly reading from beginning to the very end and more than likely have to do a 'rerun' of another hit novel. The characters have a lot of dark sides which makes this a very different yet dangerously alluring read! Hot sex scenes, a bit of suspenseful and compassionate moments only further enchants the readers. Ms. Meesha Mink and Ms. De'Nesha Diamond are once again on point in their game and have mesmerized their fan base with challenging and mesmerizing stories of life in the hood! Wonderful job ladies!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews