What's Really Hood! by Wahida Clark GIVEAWAY

Life in the streets take on a whole new meaning in this urban anthology of "hood" tales compiled by New York Times bestselling author Wahida Clark

WHAT'S REALLY HOOD!

Black Is Blue by Victor L. Martin delves into the life of a corporate woman who falls in love with a thug and finds out just how easy it is to stray from the straight and narrow.

Eighteen and hungry Wiz's only addiction to drugs is the money it made. But Crystal changed all of that and shows him just how powerful a woman can be in The P is Free by LaShonda Teague.

In The LastLaugh by Bonta, Bobo, a member of the infamous Eight-Trey street gang, learns that gang life isn't all it's cracked up to be as "street wars" take on a whole new meaning.

Shawn "Jihad" Trump tells the story of loyalty, love and honor, when The Point Blank Mob is brought to its knees leaving the crew fighting for their lives and freedom in All for Nothing.

And New York Times bestselling author, Wahida Clark, introduces Nina, a woman tired of being disrespected by men who takes revenge to the ultimate level in Makin' Endz Meet.

About the Author

Wahida Clark was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey. She began writing fiction while incarcerated at a woman's federal camp in Lexington, Kentucky. Her first novel, Thugs and the Women Who Love Them, and the sequel, Every Thug Needs a Lady, appeared on the Essence bestsellers list. Since her release, Wahida has achieved much success with her follow-up of Thug Matrimony. Payback With Ya Life, made its way onto the prestigious New York Times bestseller's list. Wahida is working hard on her next novel in East Orange, New Jersey.

Victor L. Martin is the author of four published novels: A Hood Legend, Menage's Way, For the Strength of You, and Unique's Ending. He is currently incarcerated in a North Carolina prison.

LaShonda "L.L.Dasher" Sidberry-Teague is a Wilmington, North Carolina native, coming into her own as an up-and-coming author. She is the wife of author Kwame "DUTCH" Teague, one of the hottest street writers, and the mother of five children. She has found her calling in writing, and has her first novel coming soon, entitled Kiss. LaShonda lives by the motto...be a blessing and you will be blessed.

Bonta was born and raised on the mean streets of Chicago's southeast side. After graduating high school and a brief stay in the U.S. Army, he answered the streets' calling. His cost of chasing the mirage of fame and fortune was a 151-month federal sentence. While there, the legendary Joe Black inspired him to get serious about writing. Since then, he has written two novels and a few short stories.

Shawn "Jihad" Trump was born in Pennsylvania. In November 1999, Shawn was arrested and subsequently indicted by the federal government and sentenced to 84 months in prison. During his time there he learned to channel his emotions through writing. Since being released, Shawn continues to write and is also the partner of an up and coming indie label, South of the Burgh Entertainment. Shawn is married with two daughters.

Urban Lit is still in its infancy and the genre is diverse. This collection of short stories consistently speaks the same language. The language is extremely strong. First, the word choice is all 'hood. It's a new vocabulary that the reader quickly shifts language gears and understands but it does take a few pages.

Did I mention the language is strong? I am not providing a review for this book. I tried to read it but the language was too distracting. Other reviewers have given positive feedback for content. The authors take the reader firmly by the shoulders and thrusts her into urban life - a life very different from my suburban semi-charmed kind of life. The characters daily deal with sex, drugs, violence, and conversation you'd rarely hear on any given day. 

With language warning firmly in place, a giveaway opportunity is here! One winner will take this book home!  Want it? Let me know with a comment and email address. Want it bad? Become a follower and let me know with a separate comment. Want it really, really bad? Facebook it, tweet it, blog it, or tell your best friend and let me know with a separate comment. 5 comment limit for entries.

-Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win
-No P.O. Boxes, please.

Contest ends June 25, 2010

Thanks to Anna at Hatchette Book Group for offering this giveaway!