Gold

by Sarafini

Twenty-year-old Gold Badeaux is living the life of every girl’s dreams. By day, she’s splurging at New York City designer showrooms; by night, she’s wined and dined and frequenting the hottest spots. She’s an it-girl, living the high life, and things couldn’t get any more fabulous. Still, despite her stunning looks and couture closet, Gold’s rise from the gritty streets of Newark has been far from idyllic. With every step she takes forward, her past is over her shoulder. Most times, it’s for the worse, but every blue moon for the better. Though she has a host of eligible bachelors at her feet, only one man can hold her undivided attention. There’s just one he’s off-limits.

Follow Gold on her journey of highs and lows in this urban coming-of-age tale fusing money, friendship, love, sex, and power. This is just the beginning. Welcome to Gold’s world.

Genres: Romance, African American, Fiction, Black Author, Contemporary Romance

743 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2024

About the author

Author Sarafini is a novelist who writes love stories from the Black experience with a simplistic charm. When not writing professionally, she’s daydreaming about her next book. She lives with her husband and calls the South home. Connect with her for updates on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorSarafini and https://ko-fi.com/authorsarafini for exclusive stories, content, character visuals and more!

Reviews

[Erin Rae]

4.5 ⭐️ New to me author. This was goooooood! If you’re a fan of Takerra Allen, I’d say you would like this. Similar writing style to me. Two of the couples had an age gap (10+ years between them. Younger girl, older guy).

This was a LONG book 763 pages! Did it need to be that long? The verdict is still out because I still liked the pacing of the book.

There’s a lot of characters we meet throughout the book. It focuses on Gold & her group of friends who are around 20 but they all are turning 21. And then we have Rich and his group of friends who are in their 30s. Plus Rich’s wife & her group of friends. It’s a lot of people to keep up with lol but their groups mingle together 👀

The ending OMGGG my heart hurt for Gold. Can’t wait for book 2.

[Jahda]

This was a good ass book. Long but good can’t wait for book 2.

Gold was a fun coming-of-age story. I enjoyed the outfits and the buildup of the plot. At first, I was thinking, where is the drama? But wow, did we get it. I will say that I enjoy the romantic and platonic dynamics of every relationship. It's fascinating to observe how grownups make life decisions while choosing their partner. I enjoy reading about the adults in their 30s trying to navigate life and making errors because you are never too old to start living a new life. We all change with age, so will they settle for the life they chose at 20 or take the chance and fight for the life they desire at 30?

I like how India and Gold are mature for their ages of 20-21, yet their age does show at times. I believe their selfishness is normal at their age. I have thoughts about each ship. The age difference between Gold and Rich is interesting, I don't know. I believe she must mature further before the relationship could be truly solid. To be honest, I don't like Tiffany, and it has nothing to do with Gold or Rich. Just the way she moves as a grow woman is EEeeeeYuccck. Also that dumb shit she pulled during the end like, girl... That ego she has is crazy. I loved E and India's relationship. I adore the bubble they're in, but I'm curious what her parents will say. I don't like Kristin or Chucky; uhh get someone else to do it lol...

I'm peeping snakes from both sides and wondering how it will play out in book two. I lowkey want a time jump for the girls. I'd like to see them mature and flourish with their dreams.

[KC]

Gold ✨ I was glued to this story from start to finish and cannot wait until the second book arrives because there are questions. I have a love/hate relationship with long books and this one was 700+ pages of goodness with much left uncovered. It’s filled with drama, age-gap romances, friendship, and betrayal. The fashion??? The fashion was literally on 1000, no room for off-brands. Sarafini is a new to me author and I’m looking forward to more. 🤎

sn: I don’t like Rich for Gold. Kristin is dead wrong. Christian is going to hurt Kristin or vice versa. Bryce is shady - what’s going on in the Sunshine State? Tiffany is a hypocrite. Tamia is a bird. Ryan is trash. Jordan is trash. Denay - I hope characters aren’t on bs and they usually are, we’ll see. E & India … yea, hell yea.

[Ashley]

Odd review because I dnf’d at the second chapter. Let me explain the 4 stars and why I marked it as “read”. I was excited to read this after seeing some reviews on Facebook, then two days ago someone said it ended in a cliffhanger. You can’t pay me to read a book almost 800 pages and it ends on a cliffhanger, I need more breaks in-between so it would have worked as a series(even though I’m not crazy about those either) for me to read it. This is the one of the reasons I dnf’d it and the other is why I know some would love it. This book is full of fashion and a high maintenance FMC, I know some women that would love this so I gave it 4 stars for that even though for me personally I don’t like it, but I’m not about to hate it. I’m not into fashion and I don’t like overly descriptive writing which this book needs for the fashion side of it.

This book is definitely going to be a 5 Star for some.

[Ash]

I really wanted to love this book so bad but it was just cool to me. If you are a fashion girly you will really love all the fashion in this story. This author was very detailed in the clothing & scenery which was fun but my biggest gripe was it being over 700 pages & not much going on with the plot for it to all end on a cliffhanger. Besides that, I enjoyed that even tho the story was about Gold that you get side stories about other characters, and most of the time their stories were way more interesting. I really wanted to know what happened with Kristen & a few other characters that are sprinkled in the book. A lot of unanswered questions but I guess that’s why you have to tune in to book two to see what happens when it comes out. (Simpered, sneered, & tittered was used so much & so many song lyrics). I buddy read this with my sister & she had similar thoughts but hopefully now that the character building is all laid out we can see where it all ends up in book 2.

[Pen Game Confessionals]

Tarnished Gold

If Tracey Ellison and Winter Santiago had a baby, it would be Gold Badeaux. While Tracey and Winter are two of the baddest characters in urban fiction, I’m not sure that’s a compliment here. I usually find myself rooting for the main character, but Gold just wasn’t likable to me. Some might say she had great character development, but I disagree. Gaining a new home and career doesn’t necessarily mean growth; it’s just material. Gold remained selfish, and that made it hard for me to connect. If multiple characters, like Danaya, have to be added to convince us that your main character is a decent person, maybe she’s just not a decent person.

At 763 pages, I was expecting a conclusion, not a setup for a continuation. The length felt like a journey without a payoff.

While I appreciated the nostalgic music references, they often made the book feel stuck in the '90s rather than present day. And instead of listing every designer brand, the story could’ve focused more on building the relationship, which didn’t feel genuine enough to root for.

The end had enough of a hook to keep me curious about the next book though.

[Jenifer]

This was a LOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGGGG book! The author uses the words tittered and simpered way too much! I also wasn't a fan of the song lyrics or the clothing descriptions. It felt as if she was just trying to take up space.

[Terra Robinson]

New one-click author alert!

This book was a hidden gem that I am privileged to have discovered! The story had me captivated from start to finish. The character development was fire and the drama that ensued throughout made it a page-turner that I couldn't put down! So ready for the next book! Cuz believe it or not, there's a lot more story to tell! Gold, Rich, India, E, Chucky, I got questions that need answering! And I'm willing to wager that this author is from Jersey. The in-depth storytelling, heartbreak and drama that spilled onto the pages tracks with a writing style that seems to be synonymous with greatness from the Garden State (If you know you know)! Can't wait for the next installment! This new to me author has won me over periodt!

[martha fountain]

NTMA definitely got my attention!

I came across this book thanks to a recommendation from one of my favorite avid reader friends. She definitely delivered. The page count may intimidate some readers but when you open the pages you find an engaging read that keeps your attention from the beginning all the way to the end. I thought it was a standalone at first but as stories began to unravel for some of the characters I knew more was to come. I need the sequel like yesterday. It was an enjoyable read. The twist and turns, ups and downs plus the character development...whew...this story could easily translate to the screen. The fashion, the many locations, the chemistry made for a formidable reading experience. Looking forward to the sequel.

[Rahel Feerow]

This was so good! 700+pages just wasn't enough.

[KiKi]

Yeah, I need the sequel ASAP. This book was like SATC meets Empire meets Power! I loved this cast of characters and the attention to detail when it came to name dropping all of the fashion designers. Having the characters range from age 20-near 40 gave this novel a fresh feel and I was able to memorize and distinguish between the 15 plus characters. It felt like I was reading the script of a tv show because everything was really well fleshed out. Gold was a good main character and although her love interests were messy and entertaining, I was more interested in the side characters' relationships.

[Jus Dash]

This book is literally the best thing since sliced bread! One thing I especially loved was how the author kept the story engaging by developing the relationships outside of just the MMC and FMC. The supporting characters and their interactions added so much depth to the story, making the world feel richer and keeping me invested from beginning to end. When I tell y’all I am HOOKED on this book, I mean hooked. This might actually be my best read of the year—I’m stamping it. The banter? Elite. The mess? Immaculate. The fashion? Everything. The pacing of every single character’s story is so well done that I’m literally GAGGED. Set in NYC? It feels like Gossip Girl meets Sex and the City with Insecure-level banter, then it add the edge like power! and I ate up every second of it. SARAFINI… you absolutely did your COLOSSAL ONE on this piece of literature, ma’am. I need this turned into a movie STAT.

[Isabelle Toussaint]

Messy people navigating love and youth all while giving it a Sex and the City backdrop? I’m sat. Sarafini, I could kiss you on the mouth all while gearing up to read 700 more pages.

[Landa]

| absolutely loved this book, the Fashion !! and the Designer Brands were on Point! The FMC is a definite Diva! A great read I am patiently awaiting book 2! The storyline was very well written I have to say we learned a lot about India in book one, she and Golds relationship is a strong one because it started off a little rocky when they first met each other in school and India had to show her the love of the Lord and make her come around, I LOVED that! And Gold is just a bit self absorbed but as she is aging she is learning some things from the different obstacles she has been through. I was so excited to read this book and it did NOT disappoint!!! I loved this book! Great Job! Definitely 5 stars!

[Yasmeen Toney]

Although this book is almost 800 pages long… it gives very little character development… it’s like sitting on a front step in the hood, getting glimpses into everybody’s life … we just jump all over the place… we aren’t diving deep… except into fashion and song lyrics. And I love live fashion and 90’s-2000’s R&B and hip hop , but the references to fashion were even too much for me… This book reads like a summary of experiences and honestly I wasn’t given enough to care about these people… I don’t really dislike or like any of these folks. Despite the authors attempt to write clear villains or hero’s ( I think) . It’s like a story you overheard. I’ve read one other 700+ page UFR book (Demon’s Dream) and this one doesn’t compare. At the ending of my reading I thought, Will the continuation of this story also be another 700+ pages with a similar writing style? I’m not sure if I’m really interested in finding out…

[BB]

Good Read

I got this book of a recommendation and I’m glad I read it. It was really good. The author took their time to develop the story. With it being over 600 pgs I thought this would be a standalone, but as I got halfway through I knew it wouldn’t end with just this installment. The author dropped little bread crumbs about a few characters and there is so much more to still be uncovered. I thought E and India were my favorite but Chuck and K are almost tied with them. I can’t wait to read the next installment.

[Deonte Jackson]

BEST BOOK of 2024 !!!!!!!!!

This book was sooooooooooooo good. I can’t wait for the sequel!!!.. the relationships that developed was breath taking.. please don’t take long with part 2 this book was by far one of the best of this year ! Hands down !!!!

[Reading Over Reality (Nikieria)]

good story

I loved the story. I loved all the characters. It was hilarious. Well written. But there was absolutely no plot, just vibes. & I can’t wait to read the sequel.

[KarynReads]

Whew! She is done!✅ My goodness! Took longer than expected! NTMA.

Gold, when you have friends or even one friend who wears nothing but labels you know there are “frenemies” around the corner. Or in Gold’s case right in front of your face. To be 20 going on 21 and spending just to wear it is something my mind couldn’t understand! Lol But, Im not her age anymore. So there’s that.

These cast of characters had me mind blown. The older women who thought they were smart were dumb. And the men who thought they could control the young ones were the ones being controlled. The lessons that were being learned came at hard prices in this book. I heard part 2 is around the corner. Let’s see what these new “Emotions” will have in store for us.

[Jordyn]

3.5/4

Gold definitely gave sexy in the city vibes and was the main character of any space she was in. Miss Gold was something else! I enjoyed reading her story and understanding her and watching the relationships to people closest to her. However this story was very long and it was a lot going on and nothing at the same time. I wish the story had more of a plot and wow factor with some of the scenes in the story. I do feel like it will be a lot to unfold in part two because it was a lot of unanswered questions.

[Kae]

This was a 5 star read for me as I am an empathetic reader. I love to FEEL emotions—more than one—while the writer takes me on a literary journey. The ONLY thing I didn’t care for were the age gaps, but to each their own. The story still flowed amazingly and as a girl who loves a good outfit, Ms. Gold had a taste for fashion! I can actually visualize Gold. I can tell Sarafini took her time to develop the storyline and give us this 700 plus page turner.
I actually felt bad for Tiffany at the end. I am hoping to see Bryce again. And Rich….he need to stay far away lol. India did what she needed to do. And with friends like Tamia, who needs enemies?! Can’t wait for part 2.

[Danielle Marcia]

I loved the storyline, the characters, the fashion, and the music. Someone described it as “no plot, just vibes,” and I couldn’t agree more. Emotions feels like a club I used to frequent in my 20s. Let me see if my friends want to go to Martha's Vinyard. Ugh Tamia is a bird!! I need to know what Maleek is going to do with that information. We need a part two!

[TravelEatRepeat]

I loved everything about this book. I dreamed about the characters when it ended. I truly hope the author does a series for each of the characters. I could also see it as a television show. 10/10

[Melanated and Bookish]

Gold

First book by the author and I was intrigued! I loved the characters and I loved the style of Gold! Didn’t know it would be a part 2 but I’ll definitely be waiting for it!

[Ronnie Renee]

This book was really good. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I so loved Ephriam & India. She was just who he needed. India was girl hands down, a real friend with no alterior motives.
Now Gold & Rich! I had to throw my morals out the window for those two. They were just so hot and matched so well. Honestly, Gold was hot with all the men in her life. lol
But I have to keep in real. The book ends on a cliffhanger. And for a book to be 800 pages, that should not be. It should've ended and wrapped in a bow.
I gave it 5 stars but that may change the more ponder over the ending. It was really disappointing.

[Shawnda]

Simpered. Tittered.

You can tell that the author really does her research down to the minor details in fashion, travel, etc. Sad that it took 700+ pages to end on a cliffhanger.

[Reader]

I really enjoyed this book’ I usually don’t like books that constantly switch POVs after couple of paragraphs or pages. But this book was well written so it worked. It don’t bother me at all. I really really really hope Gold and Rich don’t end up
together. I can’t wait for the second book to come out!

[Melise]

Let me share my thoughts lol Gold is a solid 4.5 read, the biggest gripe I had/ have is for any book greater in length is the focus needs to be honed in. The book is titled Gold and I do feel like we spent a lot of time split amongst the messy juicy and down right wild side characters. While it was well written I feel like so many other things could’ve been better explored or amplified with the page count.
I know it’s said to have a part two in the works and I’m hopefully that we’ll spend more time with Gold growing, learning and healing. It felt like Gold flip flopped a lot and while some of it could be blamed on age and her overall lack of true companionship it felt hard to grasp at times. Gold was touted as this Tough take no nonsense sweetheart (with the people she cared for) but a lot of times it felt like she was going for and doing anything. The relationship with Bryce was one example because she popped all that stuff about him to hang out even though she didn’t really want to or was hesitant. She hung out with the Doctor again she didn’t really like him and wasn’t feeling it. As a reader I needed more examples/reasoning besides desperation for her agreeing to things.
I did love it and was locked in from beginning to end but I just feel like if you can’t tie up one or two loose ends after 600 pages what exactly is this story about. In the end we’re left with question about Gold’s future, Chuck &Kristin, Tiffany and her crimes, Rich’s future. On top of the snakes and the clingers still holding on to proximity. I just feel like at least one of these things should’ve had a completed arc, especially knowing we didn’t unpack Stone & the family, Maleeks new obsession/desperation, the potential villain in Nate and Danay’s significance alongside Tamia’s undercover/blatant hate. I look forward to the next installment and can say it’s a fun, entertaining ride.

[Trellanie Jordan]

Overall, I'd say the story was okay, but there were a few things that really disturbed my reading experience. This book did not have to be so long!! Simpered/Tittered: in the next book please use other words. These two words were used way too much. It was distracting. Stop with the song lyrics. Multiple lines of lyrics?! Why did India and E's story just stop?

Anywho, not sure if I'll read the next book. I think if it's less than 500 pages then maybe.

[Jennifer Santiago]

Wow just wow!!!

I have read so many books between 2024/25 and GOLD by far is the BEST!!! I ate this book up in 2 days. Please I hope we get part 2 ASAP!!

HONESTLY, without any spoilers Gold and Rich are meant to be. I hope in part 2 we get a lot of things answers especially with Bryce.