Don B is the owner and headliner of a successful, yet notorious, record label called "Big Dawg Entertainment" where all it's stars seem to meet with unfortunate ends under mysterious circumstances. Don B made his fortune off music and his name from the trail of broken lives he's left in his wake. He is a predator in every sense of the word. Don B's wealth and power make him believe he's untouchable, but all this changes during a business trip to Miami and a chance meeting with a stranger who calls herself Reign. She is cold, cunning and beautiful...a perfect match for the self proclaimed Don of Harlem. He is determined to have her for his own at all costs, but soon finds that the price to be with Reign is a steep one, even for a man as wealthy as Don B. In his pursuit of Reign Don B finds himself caught up in twisted plot of sex, secrets and murder, where the predator now finds himself the prey.
In 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas. After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow. Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc. K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
I love K'wan. So as I await his next full length novel... I'll settle for shorts and novellas I haven't read before. This one was good. Some payback for Don B and his horrible predatory ways. Maybe not enough. But, still satisfying. I was kind of rooting for Reign. I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority. The editing wasn't like it usually is. But, it was just this once. So no biggie. His character descriptions, and backstories are always very engaging. 3.5 stars.
This book was great! It ties in some characters from the Animal series so it becomes a nice surprise when you hear some names from that book and get an even greater insight into their character and how they fit in the puzzle. In one of the Animal books, Zo sees Nicky somewhere and has a “where do I know her from?” moment… I had several AHA moments listening to this Purple City series!! K’wan keeps delivering and satisfying!…. On to the next book.
I chose 5 stars because no matter what book I pick up, it's always worth more than I paid.
K'wan is one of the best crime fiction writers in my lifetime! The character that I loved in this book was Star. She is dealing with the cards dealt, same as Nikki.
Ngl this didn’t even feel like a short. There seems to be some characters from previous books mentioned that I gotta get into to close the loop hole. But this was good. Reign was off-kilter but she was my favorite. Don B wasn’t $h*t. I’m more so curious about G. I’m hoping to see more of him in book two.
Reign is that chick that could had it all but she let things from her pass keep her blindside. I can understand that when something like this happens you going to want to get even, but always keep eyes on the prize!!!
I enjoyed this novella by Kwan. He doesn't disappoint. Reading about the Don again and his mishap and that Reign was off the chart. We had drama, drugs, murder, deceit and that bathroom scene was priceless. Waiting to read book 2.
Rehab was a true hustler just help vent on revenge. Don v sound like a real piece of work.Wow he killed that transgender man in the bathroom was crazy.
Don B. Been Doing Females Wrong From Day One, But He Finally Met His Match By The Name Of REIGN! Don B. Troubles Has Yet To Begin.... Great Read 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
A strip club called Purple City which have new and old characters from previous story Animal. Reign wanted revenge from the death of her sister that took place in Love and Play.
5.0 out of 5 stars K'wan's writing is like McDonald's...."I'm Loving It", August 2, 2013
By Siren "Hear my voice, feel my wrath" (Houston, TX)
This review is from: Purple Reign: A novella (Purple City Tales) (Kindle Edition)
K'wan be going to work with the pen!!! I do not think he even knows how to write anything bad. It amazes me, but not really, how he continues to drop urban lit that is so full of life and intricate details.
At long last, Reign makes a strong debut. The cameo in Love and Gunplay gave a foreshadowing introduction to the woman, but this book brought it home. I loved her character and was hoping for more. Reign had a chip on her shoulder and with good reason. But the way she carried herself made her one tough broad. The way she handled Don B. will FOREVER be etched in my memory. If you are a fan of the Hoodrat series, then you know the Don is as grimey and greasy as they come. His dance with the devil's wife was long overdue. I just wished Reign would have acted on less impulse and been more strategic about some of her moves, towards the end. Crazy thing is, I knew how it would play out but I was so stimulated while reading about Reign's work. I savored those pages and read them multiple times, while squealing like a pig in fresh mud!
Lord Scientific.....my, my, my....Lord is right. I was CTFU at his situation and that was a shocker. K'wan is known for unexpected twists and he delivered BIG TIME. That was a hot mess if I ever read about one and I believe that chicken is going ot come home to roost. THAT will be a moment, I cannot wait to read about.
Now..what woman doesn't like Diamonds? This dude was too cool for me and I was loving me some him. His demeanor and attitude got me a lil excited! There is one line he says, that still has me ROTFL. It was so classic; I had to post it on my FB. I hope K'wan decides to dip into the swamp waters of the boot and give us a taste of Diamonds history and the cold-blooded Minister. Men of few words are the most intriguing and Minister is that dude.
DON B!!!!!! LMAO!!! I cannot stop laughing. This dude is all bark and no bite. And when I really put my mind to it; he has always been that way. I mean, he is about blasting people and talking down because his lap dog, Devil will put in work. Funny how Devil didn't step in when he was slapped TWICE by Zo-Pound and Devil was not present for the Reign Games! Don B got a SMIDGEON of what he deserves and I hope to read about more in Animal II. At this point, killing him is not necessary. I do not think another character can carry as much hate as Don B does from the fans! I can finally admit, the Don is a necessary evil. I think embarrassment and shame will serve as a better death for him.
Not sure what G is up to but I can't wait to read all about it. I also want to find out the connection between him and Devil.
K'wan delivers work that is 1. Worth the wait, and 2. Vernacular brilliance. He truly writes every book with a hunger that lets readers know he is about this life. K'wan is not just writing because it's a hobby or a way to make money. No, K'wan is writing because it's his passion and his fingers have been blessed by the writing Gods.
Reviewed by Lizzy Linh K for Urban Grapevine Magazine
Welcome to Purple City, a well known strip club in Miami. There is plenty of drama and tons of drugs, sex and alcohol. We have been introduced to most of the characters before, but now we get more information about them. As is the norm, there are many surprises, and sightings of those presumed dead.
I enjoyed this novelette, and would recommend it to all of K'wan's readers.
This book was really good. I wish Reign would've put that dildo in Don B butt lol swear I can't stand him. And im tryna figure out who her sister Unique is can't really remember. And hopefully Star don't get off on I liked her. And Tone ... But other then that this was a good book short but good (:
I always love the intricacies interwoven into a story by K'wan and he did not disappoint on this one. There was action from the beginning to the end of this story and the actions of Don B., the one everyone loves to hate, are what we have grown to expect.
In my eyes, k'wan can do no wrong. I love his creativity and how he is always able to connect the dots and link stories together without losing his characters or his audience with just one event and create an entirely new story for us from it.
Don B & members of his entourage from Big Dog go to Miami & mix with Diamonds & his sketchy crew at Purple City. Ever the thirsty one, the Don has a romp with vengeful Reign. Will he make it out safe?