Guilty Gucci

by Ashley Antoinette

The Red Bottom Bandits may be the world's most fashion-forward gang of masked outlaws. They're the talk of D.C. for their daring robberies and fly gear. And their latest caper is penned by Ashley Antoinette (of Ashley & JaQuavis) at her sultry, streetwise best.

When the innocent, naïve Gucci recognizes ringleader Sunny Raegan during a holdup, that's her "in" with the Bandits. Knowing she's got a lot more beauty than brains, Gucci sees the gang as her meal ticket. More likely, they'll be her ticket to the morgue!

The Bandits may be lawless, but they play by a few simple rules: Get in and get out. . .shoot first and ask questions later. . .never leave without the money. . .and innocent people don't get hurt. But it's only a matter of time before all these rules get broken--and that's when Gucci gets caught!

If there's one thing a girl needs, it's a little help from her friends. But her "friends" have skipped town without giving her a second thought. And Sunny is distracted by her new baby and her violent ex-lover. So Gucci's on her own. She's on trial for her life, and she must decide whether to snitch on the girls--or take the fall all by herself. Whichever she chooses, it may be her death sentence.

Genres: Urban, Audiobook, African American

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

ASHLEY ANTOINETTE COLEMAN is one of the most successful female writers of her time. The feminine half of the popular married duo, Ashley and JaQuavis, she has co-written over 40 novels, including the bestselling Cartel series. Several of her titles have hit The New York Times bestsellers list, but she is most widely regarded for her continuing racy saga, The Prada Plan. Born in Flint, MI, she was bred with an innate street sense that she uses as motivation in her crime filled writings.

Picking up a deal with publishing powerhouse St. Martin's Press while simultaneously inking deals at Warner Brothers Studios and NBC/Universal, Ashley shows no signs of slowing down. She is currently hard at work on a new book series and two television pilots.

To keep up with everything Ashley Antoinette follow her...
twitter @novelista
Instagram @ashleyantoinette

Reviews

[Fran Frazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was reviewed by library staff due to a patron's complaint about its content. Although I was skeptical of what I'd find inside, I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself very interested in both the characters and in the story. The book's main theme is friendship and all that being a true friend entails. The language is sometimes colorful, but that fits in with the setting and I simply overlooked it as a necessary part of the story. I would have liked a glossary at the end because there were a few 'street' phrases for which I just didn't know the meaning. I won't be hesitant to pick up another urban fiction story and give it a try, particularly by this author.

[Kimberley Jasper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Guilty Gucci,it held my attention and it was very well written. I will say that the title Guilty Gucci is a little confusing since Gucci was more like a supporting character. I can also agree with a few other readers that stated that it was a bit too much like Set It Off, there were a lot of similarities towards the end.

All in all, a good read is a good read no matter what the title is and this was still a good read. I would recommend this book, I have recommended it. I hope there is a follow up so that the readers can get some closure on some of the characters and story lines. Four stars.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book but with a few things.... First the bad: 1. The title DOES NOT REALLY FIT WELL. 2. It was too perfect or too much of a coincidence that Reagan and her lawyer at the end, meet before they knew they would cross paths again. 3. I kept mixing up Reagan and Revenge's name while reading too fast, trying to get to the next page -_- (lol) 4. Revenge's torture scene was just over the top, I had to skip that smh, my heart went out to her tho. and 5. The ending felt rushed, it took some time to build up this great plot and get the characters to connect and then 1,2,3 the end, maybe a next book? && Now the good: Overall I thought this was a pretty good read, I enjoyed it, I loved the characters, of course Nah my thug with a heart lol, and I hope there is a second part to finish what was kind of left to guess and wonder about. People always snap on Ashley when she writes her books without her husband, but I think she did a good job on this one!

[Audrey ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a silly book but I was entertained. Three stars.

[southern_bookbabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

First! WTH did I just read?!!! Second! Why is this the title and it has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BOOK! Gucci was a subpar co-star! This was the Reagan show! And I need the rest of the story!!!!!

[Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good I love me a good urban fiction book, and this book delivered. I do like how the author focused on the Contant of the characters in the plot in the story without all of the sexual scenes involved this book is about three women who meet each other all by chance, and they form a bond that is unbreakable and strong, there friendship will come to the greatest test of all when one friend find themselves in true love due to situation that have occurred these friends turn to a life of crime, and we all know how the saying goes. Once you do the crime you have to do the time and pay what consequences out of all the books I’ve read I’ve never disliked a character as much as reason, that person got on my nerves and I just really wanted to choke him through the audiobook, but the author did an amazing job of writing about a character that you strongly dislike I recommend this book for anyone who wants a nice fast paced story with all the twist interns that one can handle.

[WENDY SUE · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOY OH BOY!!!! This was such an amazing book. I cant lie though, all of the books By Ashley are amazing. I read this while at work. I hated that I had to put this book down to assist my Clients, I'm in love with each of the characters. I've read many comments about how the name does not match the storyline, however I believe it does. There were some points I had to put this book down to take a deep breath because of being so nervous about what I was about to read. PRAYING FOR A SEQUEL!!!! "lawd let there be light" ----- WENDYSUE

[Quan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even though it did put me in mind of Set if Off. A lot of people were complaining that this story was already out in another book, but I never read it before so everything was new to me. I do have one complaint though, I wish they would change their ending up a little. I hate that Reagan got the low end of the stick while the other two is living happily ever after.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner from the first to last page. The story was thoroughly entertaining. Chanel, Gucci, and Reagan were literally lunatics. Everything they did was so shocking that I didn't know what they were going to next. Every grimey thing they did was worst than the previous. I loved Nahvid's character. He was really a bright spot in the book, and I was rooting for him and Nahvid to make it. Not sure where the title of this book came from since Gucci's role was really not that big in this book. Looking forward to see what happens to these characters, it should be interesting.

[Keisha‼️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't wait to get to the end, the build up was too much and when I got to the end..... Smh. Wish it would've ended better. The title of the book is all wrong makes u think the story is mainly about Gucci which is isn't. Could've been way better

[Danita Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!, WOW! What a read. I couldn't put it down.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish it was a part2. I want to know what's going to happen to Reagan👀

[Joi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of having me guessing. The end really threw me for a loop. The only thing about it, the title of the book doesn't really match what the book is about. The author could have picked a more fitting title, but other than that I have no complaints. I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a great read. It was more about friendship or sisterhood under unfavorable circumstances. This book was also about greed, disloyalty and consequences. I had issue with the way the book ended. It sort of left you hanging. I hope there will be another book. I want to see Regan get a happy ending with her son.

[Dione Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a speedy read.. it went from 0-60 quickly. Chanel.. From the door was grimey.. for all that was going on, it seems like the book should have had a different title. I am wondering will there be a part 2.. we were just left hanging.. Those guards had to see what happened to Gucci as she was about to go meet Her Lawyer to go.. smh.. I just wasn't feeling that ending too much.

[Be Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book worked my nerves!!!! Omg! It was one thing after another and it left me hanging. I wish she would have wrapped things up because I'm not sure if I want to continue the story 😫. But that small part of me knows dang well I'll be reading the next one.

[Dana Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book I just couldn’t stomach the 17 year old having sex with her stepfather while calling him “daddy” (yuck).
I like how Chanel and Sunny formed a bond. Those ladies were crazy. Sunny went through alot and at the end caught a bad deal. I don’t like how the book ended with such a cliffhanger.

[J-maa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It hurts knowing there’s not a part 2😫 But, I loved how fast paced the book was. When I tell you was I locked in, I was locked in.

SB this may be the same Nahvid from the Butterfly series that’s Arias brother

[Madlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was unrealistic and too trashy.

[kiriahsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wild and let’s be clear this was Reagan show! And that ending????? Ashley come to the front!

[Erin Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now why did the book have to end like that?!?!?!?! 🤯😩

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Guilty Gucci" is a tale of loyalty. It centers around three girls: Reagan, Chanel, and Gucci. All three come from diffrent walks of life but come together to form a tight circle of friendship. Reagan is just a single mother, trying everything in her power to gain back custody of her son. Chanel once had it all but what goes up must come down and she finds herself jumping from man to man trying to make a come up. Gucci's sole purpose in life is to take care of her mother, with little to no money left to properly care for her, she is left with no choice but get it by any means. With the three of them together, the Red Bottom Bandits are formed.

The Good: Like most A&J novels, this one was fast paced and engaging. I loved the characters, especially the bond with Reagan and Nahvid. I read it in less than two days.

The Bad: The title " Guilty Gucci" really didn't fit the book as Gucci was more of a minor character while Reagan was the lead. There were also a few indiscrepancies with the characters.

The Ugly: The ending to me was a little rushed. I feel like we can never get a happy ending...ever! I loved the fact that Moth to A Flame was a stand alone book and wish that we could have gotten one complete novel with this one as well.

~Black Faithful Sisters and Brothers Book Club~

[Aiyana Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been trying to figure out how I can rate this book. It's kind of hard to, because it wasn't terrible, it was actually a good story..it was just...too much? Misleading? For example, the beginning focuses on Chanel, and the story with her and her stepfather, so you think this is setting the foundation for the story..not at all, while it was a good background, it was very misleading and maybe could have came in later in the story as a flashback, not so early on. Another reason, the title is "Guilty GUCCI", while Gucci was a character in the book, the main character was obviously Raegan, and we had more of a back story on Chanel than we did Gucci. The title is completely off! It took me a while to get through this book, I usually finish a book within a day or 2. I was just ready for the story to all come together. From Chanel's stepfather, and where Gucci was so important that her name is in the title...never happened. The ending was horrible. Good read but not a favorite.

[De'anna ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4/5 stars. Its Set It Off (Modern Version).

Guilty Gucci shouldn't be the title. It was more about all three ladies. It should of been called Red Bottom Bandits or something along those lines.

I also felt like the the ending was rushed. The final chapter should of been omitted and carried the story into another book because I really need a part two to this.

I wanna know what happened to Chanel and her stepfather/lover?
Will Reagan ever see her Micah and Nah?
What's going to happen to Reason?
How will Gucci live without seeing her mom?
What's going on with Berlin & Reagan?

Just so many questions.

[Brittney G · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the short story in Girls From Da Hood 6, I was stoked. I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I waited a long time too! so I must say although, the story is very good! I am quite disappointed that the story was practically word for word. I expected much more detail from Ashley, because she is one of the top authors in the game right now!! however, it was still good!

[missyayareadit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chanel betrays her mother in the worst way.......leaving her suffering the consequences

Gucci is struggling to take care of herself and her disabled mother

Raegan cant catch a break after having a baby by a no good man

These women bond together in hopes of getting the fabulous life they desire

[Storhmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annoyed with this booked!! LoL that’s all I can say!

[S. Reid]

I read this book nearly 12 years ago & didn't really connect to any of the RED BOTTOM clique Sunny Raegan, Chanel, or Gucci- the latter chick was the least, or second to last person talked about in the book, despite part of her name being in the book's title.
NONE OF THE CHICKS moved me. I wanted to know more about NAHVEED/NAHVID, who had featured in Butterfly 2 & 3 for his connection to Aria. His inner action with Aria's a**hole bf Isa in Butterfly 2/3 IS WHAT SPARKED MY INTEREST in NAHVID again. He found himself falling for one of the RED BOTTOM robbers: Sunny Raegan, & before knowing what role she'd played in his being victimized by her crew. I didn't like REVENGE's character so I won't focus this review on his trife a** much.
While I was listening to Aria talk to her brother NAHVEED/NAHVID in BUTTERFLY 2/3 brought back memories of the GG book he's featured in as the love interest of one of the girls in the RB clique.
After NAH didn't flinch one bit at the stupid antics of Isa while visiting his sister at that diner in Flint, it had me wondering if NAH was ever going to return Raegan's son back to her.
Now that Aria foolishly picked being with that rude asshole Isa over her own brother in Butterfly 3 it had me wondering what NAH had been up to since I last heard from him in GUILTY GUCCI.
Don't get me wrong; I didn't feel anything for NAHVID/NAHVEED in GG when I read it. I only got the book when I was trying to support Ashley Antoinette's solo work before she had a chance to mess up beloved characters while she was on her re-write characters to better fit her own narrative & expand her bank account by putting out crappy storylines BS.
No, at the time I had purchased the GG book I was just biding time until she & JaQuavis Coleman had gotten back to the business of their BREAD N BUTTER storytelling: THE Cartel SERIES so I could find out what became of CARTER & MIAMOR JONES!
Chanel Gucci & Raegan along with NAH were just something to read to tide me over until another THE CARTYEL book had been released.
That being said, I felt that a ping of re-interest into NAHVID when it had been revealed in B2/3 that he is ARIA's protective brother. It made think back on when the author made stories for story-telling purposes & not to line up her pockets putting out BS fluff stories after BS fluff stories dragging out a series for money-making purposes instead of caring what she put out for her supporting readers. I sincerely miss those days when the CARTERS, MIAMORS, ARIES, ANARIS, ZYAS, THE REAL DIASAYA YAYA MORGAN WERE WRITTEN WITH A BIT OF ADORATION & CARE by this author.
I wasn't necessarily a fan or a non fan of GG perse. I just reveled in allowing myself to go back down memory lane, as the late great Minnie Riperton would sing (God, I truly miss that woman & her voice-RIP, MS. RIPERTON), when I recognized a name from a book I had read sometime ago & decided to write a review on parts of the book the character of NAHVID came from.
One would wonder: if NAHVID/NAHVEED had been that much of THE MAN in D.C./BALTIMORE- THE INFAMOUS DMV area, you would think that Isa's ignorant behaving ass would've heard of him before he met Aria. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Just something for the author to think of for the next time she "invites" a character from one of her other novels for a quick visit in/to the series she's dragging on through Hell & back (BUTTERFLY/ETHIC)

[Elizabeth Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ending!!!!

Lessons of Love and loyalty are strong. Sunny rae has not been able to find a moment of pc since the birth of micah. Nahvid Is 1 of the kindest Characters I've read it a while The love of his mother was so touching. It's a canal alone time to grow up butter growth showed up but it counted the little spoiled brat she got on my nerves from the beginning of the book Selfish this paid off in the end. I hope that Reagan and nahvid find their way back to one another.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is NOT what I expected. First of all, I hate the use of racial slurs so the N word almost made me put the book down right out of the hate. However, I gave it another chance and chalked it up to part of the image being portrayed. I put this out there for anyone else who is offended by that word.

This novel was graphic. I skipped some parts due to the sexual nature but that's a personal choice. The story was what I got caught in. Women who have been wronged by men or life in general taking charge but unfortunately winding up in a whole lot of trouble.