Thug Lovin by Wahida Clark

Grand Central Publishing: August, 2009
9780446178099
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 4.5

Readers have been through a lot over the years with Tasha and Trae, Kyra and Marvin, Angel and Kaylin, and Jaz and Faheem. Author Wahida Clark does not disappoint with book four of her Thug series. “Thug Lovin’” finds married couple Tasha and Trae now living in California . Out of the game for good, Trae is looking forward to this new phase in life with Tasha and their three sons. They may have left their lifestyle behind, but drama has followed them clear across the county. Naïve mistakes create major problems. Tasha and Trae dared to dream big, but are they equipped to handle the consequences?

Clark writes well, has an ear for dialogue and has concocted yet another lively tale for her rich, memorable characters. And let’s not forget plenty of Clark ’s signature thug lovin’. Initially I wasn’t sure where I was at as I began the novel because of the lapse in time since the release of “Thug Matrimony.” And with little to no reference to how that novel ended, I fumbled through the beginning but quickly caught on. Even so, “Thug Lovin’ is an enjoyable page-turner. There were a few questions left unanswered but I’m sure we’ll get those answers in another installment.

Let’s hope Clark has more novels in her. Any author who can make readers love thugs has talent to spare!

Payback With Ya Life by Wahida Clark

Grand Central Publishing: May 2008
978-0446178082
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 3

Reeling from the suicide of her best friend, Shan is at a crossroads. She wants to move clear across the country and start over while her brother, her only family left, doesn’t want her to leave. A blast from the past convinces her to stay, but with her decision comes consequences. Will she pay the ultimate price and payback with her life?

No doubt about it, Wahida Clark is wicked with her pen game. But I can’t help but be a little disappointed with this novel. A fan of Clark ’s customary style, something just seemed to be missing here – the power that vaulted her to the top. “Payback With Ya Life” has its moments but not enough. Despite not living up to my expectations, I look forward to her next release.