Bad Girlz 4 Life
by Shannon Holmes

Reviewed by: Cherri Millard

Shannon Holmes extends the Bad Girlz saga with Tonya “Tender” Morris, a Philadelphian stripper. In this sequel Tonya holds a job as a hair stylist—along with her close friend Na’eema—until she gets into an altercation with a coworker which leads to her being fired. Tonya continues to style hair in her apartment by appointment to make ends meet. Behind in rent, she performs sexual favors for her landlord in order to avoid being homeless. Now, she finds herself right back where she started, she begins to strip again and turn tricks for the right price.

Eventually Tonya is evicted by her slum landlord. But not to worry, Tonya has a plan and it’s called: “Dick ‘em Down Productions,” a sex for sale scheme where they hold anything-goes sex parties. She introduces this to her friend Na’eema; in turn she assists with promoting the parties. With her new plan in action it seems that all the right pieces to Tonya’s puzzle are right in place.

Na’eema joins in on the plan, which is right up her alley, with her party promoting past. Tonya focuses on the underground crowd while Na’eema went after the nine to five working-class men. Business is smooth sailing in the beginning but it’s not long before Tonya goes into a rage of fury because a recruited stripper by the name of Cashmere doesn’t want to proceed with the sexual acts and perform for the thirsty men in the crowd. After Na’eema provides some moral support, Tonya realizes her wrongdoing and promotes Cashmere to “cashier” where no stripping is involved, only the counting of money. This is the first sign of Tonya maturing and changing her past ways. Na’eema is proud of the choice Tonya made and with that, they reinvent themselves from Dick ‘em Down Productions to T&N Productions, short for Tonya and Na’eema. As a result of this ordeal, Na’eema gains a new found respect for Tonya’s business mind.

Tonya then runs into Quinton “Q” Phelps, a music mogul and CEO of Prestige Records. They shared a brief sexual affair in the past and their feelings are reignited. Q offers Tonya a job as a marketing consultant with his record company. She brings Na’eema on board and together they head for New York City. Once in the office of Prestige, Tonya and Na’eema are introduced to Karen—Q’s sister—Director of Marketing, who is not happy that Tonya and Na’eema are now on the team and the tension is sparked.

Tonya becomes hopeful after crossing paths with Q again, and has optimistic dreams for them. But with Niecey—Q’s son’s mother—fresh out of prison for murder and willing to stop at nothing to have Q and her family back, Tonya’s dreams may never be realized.

Shannon Holmes’ sequel is a solid roller coaster read with a dramatic twist that you’ll have to read to find out.

What did you like best about this book?
Shannon is a seasoned writer that and I enjoyed that the book got much better as it ended. I was very grateful and appreciative of this. Tonya's character matured and transcended into the woman she was meant to be.

What did you dislike about this book?
In the very beginning of the book, it dragged with nothing happening, except for the opening hook Shannon used. Some of the scenes were predictable and seemed rushed; some of the dialogue early on in the story was choppy and seemed too staged instead of just flowing with the character’s personality, however it did get much better as the story went along. The sex scenes were a bit dry and weak; they mirrored those from Bad Girlz.

How can the author improve this book?
I think some of the narrative could be cut down. This would allow for a faster read, some of the backstory was unnessasary.

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Neen :

Posted 130 days ago

I loved this book! It only took me two days to read it. I was hooked with the story line and couldn't wait to see where Tender's saga would end. Bringing Q back into the storyline was an excellent idea. Shannon is a magnificent story teller and this book proves he's still at the top of his game.

BRANDISS :

Posted 132 days ago

I HATED THIS BOOK IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER AND MORE INTERESTING I LIKE MOST OF HIS/HERS BOOKS BUT THIS ONE WAS 2 THUMBS DOWN..........

Cherri Millard :

Posted 155 days ago

The hook in the beginning grabs you. It slows down then starts to pick up gradually with several scenes that could have been cut out. I'm still a Shannon Holmes fan, but I feel like the seasoned authors have to step it up. There are authors out here with smaller names that are setting the bar where it should be, the veterans need to step it up as well. Anyway just my ten cents. I will continue to be as truthful as I can while reviewing.

Avid Reader :

Posted 155 days ago

I just finished reading this book. It took me about two weeks, which says alot considering I usually finish good books in a day or so. It was a good story line, but it was just too drawn out for my taste. I am a fan of Shannon Holmes and can't wait to read B-More Careful II. But I could have borrowed this book and been satisfied. It was not worth the money I spent.

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