What do you think?
Rate this book
A Gangster and A Gentleman
National bestselling authors Kiki Swinson and De'nesha Diamond bring you two irresistible novellas about men so bad, they're everything you don't need--and exactly what you want. . .
I Need a Gangsta Kiki Swinson
Melody Goldman isn't about to let her rich, cheating, ungrateful husband walk out and leave her with nothing. Fortunately, ex-con Scotty Harris has no problem disposing of her problems in exchange for plenty of cold, hard cash--and hot, hard sexing. But when Scotty crosses one line too many, Melody's revenge will be a hustle he never saw coming . . .
Gentlemen Prefer Bullets De'Nesha Diamond
Successful publicist Blake Scott survived by playing the Hollywood game. . .and keeping far, far away from her gangsta kingpin father. But now the only person who can protect her is his enforcer, Eli Hardwick. Good thing this thug cleans up real nice--and is even better when he gets down and dirty . . .
"Kiki captures the heat of the streets." --Wahida Clark
"Diamond's hairpin plot twists, snappy dialogue, sultry sex scenes, and colorful, often hilarious characters keep the pages turning." -- Publishers Weekly on Heist
I Need a Gangsta Kiki Swinson
Melody Goldman isn't about to let her rich, cheating, ungrateful husband walk out and leave her with nothing. Fortunately, ex-con Scotty Harris has no problem disposing of her problems in exchange for plenty of cold, hard cash--and hot, hard sexing. But when Scotty crosses one line too many, Melody's revenge will be a hustle he never saw coming . . .
Gentlemen Prefer Bullets De'Nesha Diamond
Successful publicist Blake Scott survived by playing the Hollywood game. . .and keeping far, far away from her gangsta kingpin father. But now the only person who can protect her is his enforcer, Eli Hardwick. Good thing this thug cleans up real nice--and is even better when he gets down and dirty . . .
"Kiki captures the heat of the streets." --Wahida Clark
"Diamond's hairpin plot twists, snappy dialogue, sultry sex scenes, and colorful, often hilarious characters keep the pages turning." -- Publishers Weekly on Heist
- GenresAudiobook
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
20 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Kiki Swinson
85 books933 followersKiki Swinson was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her flair for writing after completing her first novel, Mad Shambles, while serving a five-year sentence at a federal prison.
After being released in December 1996, Kiki later went on to self-publish Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn't stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee hours of the night, she completed her second novel, Wifey, which was published by Melodrama Publishing. After the success of Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I'm Still Wifey and Life After Wifey, as well as The Candy Shop and A Sticky Situation.
After being released in December 1996, Kiki later went on to self-publish Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn't stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee hours of the night, she completed her second novel, Wifey, which was published by Melodrama Publishing. After the success of Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I'm Still Wifey and Life After Wifey, as well as The Candy Shop and A Sticky Situation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 7, 2013
I can't believe a few short years ago I was reading this mess. This is so utterly mediocre it's sad. I've just outgrown urban fiction. Correction - I've outgrown this kind of urban fiction. R.M. Johnson, Dwayne Harris, that type if urban author - the good ones - I'll stick with.
The rest of the unread urban crap is coming off my to-read list. I actually found myself embarrassed to take this out if the house this morning. If anyone else knows how similar this book is to every-single-other-one out there they'd laugh at me! I can't get laughed at people!
The rest of the unread urban crap is coming off my to-read list. I actually found myself embarrassed to take this out if the house this morning. If anyone else knows how similar this book is to every-single-other-one out there they'd laugh at me! I can't get laughed at people!
October 2, 2013
I really enjoyed the first story by Kiki Swinson, I'd rate hers a 4 alone. The second story just had me struggling to get through it (and I was listening on audio), that is why I gave the overall rating a 3. I think the stories should have been reversed in the book, maybe I was on too much of a high from book 1 that I was anticipating something just as good or better. Instead I was left a little deflated. Just my opinion, you'd have to read for yourself and see what you'd think ;-).
November 21, 2023
Enjoyed both stories in this book!!
January 17, 2013
The book opens with I Need a Gangster by Kiki Swinson, author of the popular Wifey series. Melody is married to a highly successful attorney named Richard. On his birthday, Richard decides to leave Melody for his new employee. Melody, like most women being left by their rich husbands, recalls all of the things she gave up to be with her husband and decides to seek revenge. While out on the town with her sister, she meets a gangster by the name of Lil Man. Lil Man is just the man she needs to fulfill her fantasy of revenge. However, the situation doesn’t go as planned, as lives are lost and Melody is fighting to clear her name for several murders.
I enjoyed the first short story. It was entertaining light reading. However, this story has been written before so I knew what to expect. Although the story lacks originality, it didn’t disappoint.
The second story in the book is Gentlemen Prefer Bullets by De’nesha Diamond. Let me just say off the top, I really liked this one.
This story opens with twins Elijah and Ezekiel being awakened by a thunderstorm occurring outside and inside their home. After the bodies are cleared, Elijah is orphaned due to a blackout placed on his family. Twenty years later, Eli is working for the don, making a name for himself in the drug underworld. After a hit is placed on the don’s daughter, Blake, Eli is recruited to protect her. Eli and Blake embark on a journey neither one ever saw coming. Truths are revealed, retribution is distributed, and love is found in this short story.
Again, I really enjoyed this one. It was entertaining and suspenseful. I think this story could have been even better being a longer, stand alone novel.
*edited; full review on my blog
I enjoyed the first short story. It was entertaining light reading. However, this story has been written before so I knew what to expect. Although the story lacks originality, it didn’t disappoint.
The second story in the book is Gentlemen Prefer Bullets by De’nesha Diamond. Let me just say off the top, I really liked this one.
This story opens with twins Elijah and Ezekiel being awakened by a thunderstorm occurring outside and inside their home. After the bodies are cleared, Elijah is orphaned due to a blackout placed on his family. Twenty years later, Eli is working for the don, making a name for himself in the drug underworld. After a hit is placed on the don’s daughter, Blake, Eli is recruited to protect her. Eli and Blake embark on a journey neither one ever saw coming. Truths are revealed, retribution is distributed, and love is found in this short story.
Again, I really enjoyed this one. It was entertaining and suspenseful. I think this story could have been even better being a longer, stand alone novel.
*edited; full review on my blog
January 14, 2017
What would have made A Gangster and a Gentleman better?
Gentleman and Gangsta
Book 1-Was full of drama and a decent listen. Although you definitely did not feel any sympathy toward the heroine. Granted when one marries no one wants to prepare for divorce. Her husband prepared for the event of divorce and like so many his wife blindly went along with whatever he put forth. Her lack of self-preservation left her “a** out” and on trial for murder. As the story unfolded, I kept thinking clearly this is not set in any time after 2000. I can’t imagine a woman that is in this situation, in this millennia will not get her own somehow. At any rate, the wife was not held accountable for her actions and is left to look for her “gangsta.”
Book 2-
This book was extremely slow and uninteresting. There was no chemistry between the 2 primaries. I struggled to complete this story. Over the course of a week, I stopped and started this book a few times. I may go back to it at some point and try to finish, but only got as far as chapter 8.
What do you think your next listen will be?
Denesha Diamonds final installment in the Diva series.
Did the narration match the pace of the story?
Book 1-Simi How is a good narrator and had a good paced book to narrate.
Book 2-Corey Allen worked with a story that was simply slow. He's an excellent narrator.
What character would you cut from A Gangster and a Gentleman?
Book 1-None
Book 2-Eli and Blake. They were an uninteresting dynamic
Gentleman and Gangsta
Book 1-Was full of drama and a decent listen. Although you definitely did not feel any sympathy toward the heroine. Granted when one marries no one wants to prepare for divorce. Her husband prepared for the event of divorce and like so many his wife blindly went along with whatever he put forth. Her lack of self-preservation left her “a** out” and on trial for murder. As the story unfolded, I kept thinking clearly this is not set in any time after 2000. I can’t imagine a woman that is in this situation, in this millennia will not get her own somehow. At any rate, the wife was not held accountable for her actions and is left to look for her “gangsta.”
Book 2-
This book was extremely slow and uninteresting. There was no chemistry between the 2 primaries. I struggled to complete this story. Over the course of a week, I stopped and started this book a few times. I may go back to it at some point and try to finish, but only got as far as chapter 8.
What do you think your next listen will be?
Denesha Diamonds final installment in the Diva series.
Did the narration match the pace of the story?
Book 1-Simi How is a good narrator and had a good paced book to narrate.
Book 2-Corey Allen worked with a story that was simply slow. He's an excellent narrator.
What character would you cut from A Gangster and a Gentleman?
Book 1-None
Book 2-Eli and Blake. They were an uninteresting dynamic
March 21, 2017
I had to have read this book before. Even though I must not have rated it.
If I didn't?And felt like I was reading the same book a second time? I don't know what to say.
I liked the first story better than the second.
The first is about a woman who gets revenge on the lawyer husband that leaves her penniless for his coworker. Creating even more problems for herself.
The second one I skimmed through. It's is about a man who escaped his family's massacre. He then grows up to become an enforcer for the man who raised him. Enter the mans daughter who he has to protect.
Both stories had the prerequisite "fine" woman at the center. In the first story it was the protagonist. The second, the main characters love interest. It gets tedious reading about the same type of woman over and over.
I'm shocked because I'm a De'nesha Diamond fan. But, I guess these things happen.
If I didn't?And felt like I was reading the same book a second time? I don't know what to say.
I liked the first story better than the second.
The first is about a woman who gets revenge on the lawyer husband that leaves her penniless for his coworker. Creating even more problems for herself.
The second one I skimmed through. It's is about a man who escaped his family's massacre. He then grows up to become an enforcer for the man who raised him. Enter the mans daughter who he has to protect.
Both stories had the prerequisite "fine" woman at the center. In the first story it was the protagonist. The second, the main characters love interest. It gets tedious reading about the same type of woman over and over.
I'm shocked because I'm a De'nesha Diamond fan. But, I guess these things happen.
February 14, 2018
I Need A Gangsta
Melody Goldman had it all loving husband and she was rich everything was perfect but when man you thought would protect and love tell you that he don't want or love you and leaving you for somebody else take everything and leave you broke. What's is left REVENGE
Gangsta Prefer Bullets
Dealing with his family dealth Eli found a father figure in his godfather and found love in Blake. Secrets always come out in the end they can make you or break you.
Melody Goldman had it all loving husband and she was rich everything was perfect but when man you thought would protect and love tell you that he don't want or love you and leaving you for somebody else take everything and leave you broke. What's is left REVENGE
Gangsta Prefer Bullets
Dealing with his family dealth Eli found a father figure in his godfather and found love in Blake. Secrets always come out in the end they can make you or break you.
December 2, 2017
I only finished because I don't like to start a book and not end it. When I was younger this would have been a ok read but as a 35 yo woman I need my stories to have more meat. I need the author to build the scene not just talk.
May 9, 2018
Overall a good read...... I was waiting to see if Tanisha made it back home to see her kids and #babydaddy.....
October 25, 2018
Excellent
2 of my favorite authors. Good look to see black women writing great urban fiction books. Had me on the edge of my seat.
2 of my favorite authors. Good look to see black women writing great urban fiction books. Had me on the edge of my seat.
January 18, 2019
I ❤ The first story, the narrators voice is perfect I absolutely Bhani Turpin I will listen to just about anything she narrates. The 2nd story is awful I cant get into it.
September 15, 2019
I enjoyed the 1st book, the Gangster and A Gentleman. No offense to De'nesha Diamond, Gentleman Prefer Bullets just wasn't for me. It's like that sometimes.
March 22, 2021
i think this book is good i just do not like how everything turned out. and it was kinda confusing reading but i quickly caught on.
August 2, 2017
Two stories in one book and what awesome reads. I could not put it down!!!
In I need a Gangsta,
Melody Goldman gets sweet revenge on her rich, cheating, ungrateful husband.
In Gentlemen Prefer Bullets
Publicist Blake Scott is living a gangsta free life far away from her kingpin father until a blackout is orderd on his family. Blake's father sends Eli to watch and protect his daughter.
When things start coming to light, Blake and Eli deal out their own justice.
In I need a Gangsta,
Melody Goldman gets sweet revenge on her rich, cheating, ungrateful husband.
In Gentlemen Prefer Bullets
Publicist Blake Scott is living a gangsta free life far away from her kingpin father until a blackout is orderd on his family. Blake's father sends Eli to watch and protect his daughter.
When things start coming to light, Blake and Eli deal out their own justice.
December 8, 2012
I Need A Gangster was Kiki Swinson's story and it was just okay. Melody Goldman is the housewife of a successful lawyer who has everything until her husband comes home and tells her he is leaving. The story was very predictable and put me in the mind of the movie Waiting to Exhale and The Rich Man's Wife. Melody is left with no money, clothes, or anything to support herself, so she decides she will get her revenge and be set financially. 3 stars
Gentleman Prefer Bullets was De'nesha Diamonds story and I loved it. Honestly this could have been one full novel because it was great. The character Eli was as gangster as they come, but yet he was still a gentleman and oozed sex appeal. Eli's boss sends him to the west coast to protect his daughter Blake because he has an enemy after him. Blake wants nothing to do with her father, so accepting help from Eli is something she doesn't want. When Eli learns some devastating information, it turns his world upside down. This book was full of love, suspense, deceit, and left me wanting more. 5 stars
Gentleman Prefer Bullets was De'nesha Diamonds story and I loved it. Honestly this could have been one full novel because it was great. The character Eli was as gangster as they come, but yet he was still a gentleman and oozed sex appeal. Eli's boss sends him to the west coast to protect his daughter Blake because he has an enemy after him. Blake wants nothing to do with her father, so accepting help from Eli is something she doesn't want. When Eli learns some devastating information, it turns his world upside down. This book was full of love, suspense, deceit, and left me wanting more. 5 stars
December 20, 2016
It was entertaining, fast paced and satisfied everything I look for in this genre.
December 24, 2012
(From Jacket)Melody Goldman isn't about to let her rich, cheating, ungrateful husband walk out and leave her with nothing. Fortunately, ex-con Scotty Harris has no problem disposing of her problems in exchange for plenty of cold, hard cash-and hot, hard sexing. But when Scotty crosses one line too many, Melody's revenge will be a huslte he never saw coming...
"I Need a Gangsta" by Kiki Swinson
Successful publicist Blake Scott survived by playing the Hollywood game...and keeping far, far away from her gangsta kingpin father. But now the only person who can protect her is his enforcer, Eli Hardwick. Good thing this thug cleans up real nice-and is even better when he gets down and dirty...
"Gentle Prefer Bullets" by De'nesha Diamond
"I Need a Gangsta" by Kiki Swinson
Successful publicist Blake Scott survived by playing the Hollywood game...and keeping far, far away from her gangsta kingpin father. But now the only person who can protect her is his enforcer, Eli Hardwick. Good thing this thug cleans up real nice-and is even better when he gets down and dirty...
"Gentle Prefer Bullets" by De'nesha Diamond
February 8, 2013
KiKi...can somebody mix some 'Waiting To Exhale' with some 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman' and stir injust a tad of originality...there u have her story. 2.58
**
DeNesha...a hood legend goes to Beverly Hills at tge request of his drug kingpin boss to protect his daughter that despises him. Get ready for emotional fireworks as well as firepower as these two clash in an explosive introduction of wills. Great read. 4****
**
DeNesha...a hood legend goes to Beverly Hills at tge request of his drug kingpin boss to protect his daughter that despises him. Get ready for emotional fireworks as well as firepower as these two clash in an explosive introduction of wills. Great read. 4****
January 16, 2013
This book is OK. Definitely not one of Ms. Swinson's best. The first story is Ok...took me longer to get through than usual it wasn't a page turner at all. The other story was a little more interesting to me. I saw through the relationship brewing between Blake and Eli but didn't suspect the sudden twist in the story near the end. I would've preferred a more in depth version of the second story. I could've done without the first entirely.
March 2, 2016
Pretty quick read while on a train ride to Hammonton, NJ and back. It was two parts to this story but the title doesn't reveal this. The first part was forgettable. Scorned wife hires ex-con to murder husband and jump off. She then kills ex-con, causes sister's death and gets off easy. Second part goes from Baltimore to Cali. Blake is hot for Eli but the premise is far fetched. Lots of bloodshed but little in the way of plot.
October 19, 2013
This is a collection of two stories, I Need A Gangsta by Kiki Swinson and Gentlemen Prefer Bullets by De'nesha Diamond. The stories were typical for urban lit novellas and held my attention. They were great audiobooks, but I don't know if I would have been able to physically read the short stories.
June 18, 2016
I must say that De'nesha Diamond's story was really good. I truly liked the character of Eli, however I did not really care for KiKi's story it was to predictable, they could have made the second story into it's own book and I would have been very happy.
Read
March 2, 2014I hated this book. I couldn't get the second story because they were killing off kids. Real life is depressing enough for me to spend time and money about "non happier ever after" fiction is not for me. If I cannot learn anything from a book, then I'm not interested.
December 18, 2017
The first story was not good at all. Too any F**K this and MuthaF**K that. I couldn't hear the story because the narrator was horrible. The second story was ok and I understood the characters in the story.
I can't recommend this book or these authors. Overall, I gave it a 2** rating.
I can't recommend this book or these authors. Overall, I gave it a 2** rating.
December 23, 2012
This book was OK. Didn't really get into it like her other books. The beginning and ending of Gentleman prefer bullets was the best part of the short story
October 5, 2012
a great book
Read
December 16, 2012I liked I need a gangsta by KIKI Swinson this story could of been a full story I didn't care for Gentlemen Prefer Bullets by DE'Nesha Diamond I only likedthe Prologue & Chapter 16....
December 31, 2012
I really liked the first story but didnt care for the second story, matter of fact I didnt even finish reading the second story.
January 28, 2013
the first story by liking swinson was slow & didn't hold my attention but I really enjoyed the second story by de'nesha diamond! she's a great author, I really enjoyed her story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews