Black Friday: Exposed

by Ashley Antoinette, JaQuavis Coleman

All it takes is one murder to change a million lives, and that's exactly what happens to Kasheef Williams on a cold, black Friday. After a reunion with an old friend goes wrong in a Long Island night club, Kasheef is forced to protect himself by any means necessary. The only problem is that prying eyes see everything.

Those eyes belong to Alija Bell. After walking in on a situation she was never meant to see, she runs; but Kasheef sees her face, and he tells her that it's best for her to get temporary amnesia.

Afraid for her life and the safety of her daughters, she keeps her mouth shut--but when a tape of the murder surfaces, the only face that's visible is Alija's. Now the police are looking for their eye witness, and Kasheef has to get to Alija before her day comes to testify against him in court.

In this dramatic, hood savvy tale, things aren't always as they seem. Somebody holds the ticket to the jury's verdict. Lies and truth collide. Everyone has a different angle, but the only question is, who has the most influence over Kasheef's fate?

Genres: Urban, African American, Audiobook

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

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

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

* PLEASE DON'T READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK. I DONT WANT TO RUIN IT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS YET*

I had mixed emotions about this book. I have to say I am very suprised that Alija was able to go through with what was planned. Most women let their hearts get in the way so I have to say I had mad respect for her. She had a plan and she went through with it no matter how hard it was.

On the flip side I did feel bad for Kasheef. I felt bad becasue being in that type of life it is every man for themselves. Its either kill or be killed and lets just say ol boy would still be alive if he had not gotten all shady. So I don't feel bad for Amahad at all. If it wasn't Kasheef it would have been somebody else who took him out.

This was definitely a cat and mouse game so I love the suspense in this book, it kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next. Oh and Norelle, that what she gets!!!!!!

I tried to put myself in Alija shoes and ask myself how would I explain to one of my kids that their dad is dead bc your brother/sister father killed yours......Can you imagine how that would go and how the siblings may/may not get along bc of it? I know it doesn't matter if Kasheef is dead or alive bc that doesn't change the fact that he killed the other kids father and she will have to explain the truth to the kid one day anyway. SMH!!!!!

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOOOWWWWWW, what a twist!!! I loved it!!!

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wooowwww!!!!! The ending was unexpected!!! I knew from previous A&J books that it wouldn’t be a happy ending but I was not expecting this at all. In my opinion Kasheef is the victim in this……. D@m#

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect anything less, and of course I enjoyed the book. As usual there was a crazy ass twist to this whole entire madness and I thought it worked well with the story. I think I felt, at the same damn time, the pain, hurt just disbelief as Kasheef, when we realized Alija's master plan. I mean the photos were just a huge f*ck you and bullet to the heart... it was great, probably the best part about the whole entire book. Usually I just say "oh wow" that's messed up when something shocking happens to a character, but this time I choked up just a little, like damn, I really feel for Kasheef. The title, btw annoys me... just putting it out there lol.

[Queen Rosalind · Rating 5 out of 5]

One helluva twist at the end!!! Didn't expect that one coming at all. These two authors never cease to amazed me. What a dynamic duo!

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out kind of boring to me but got more exciting as it progresses. Really enjoyed the ending. Will probably read more from this couple in the future.

[Fancy Singleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was the first book that I've read that was authored by the duo Ashley&JaQuavis, I am no stranger to Ms. Ashley Antoinette; she never disappoints. I loved every moment in this book…from the beginning to the very twisted and happy/sad and unreal end.

For the most part, without giving away any spoilers, this book details how not only do good girls fall for bad boys, but how bad boys are drawn to good girls. For some reason bad boys are always mesmerized by the big booties, the trophy girlfriends…the ones that they think will bring them clout. But, it’s the good girls that they ultimately crave…that makes them fall in love. Bad boys need love too, I guess.

[Karen Bourne-Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!

[Rayy Flowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, quick read. Mixed emotions on ending.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'M FUCKING PISSED!!!

Fuck Alijah!!! You grimy bitch. Your cruddy ass baby father tried to rob him! That nigga came home acting like he was trying to get put back on. Kasheef was gonna help him and Amad tried to rob him. Alijah saw that nigga. She heard the whole exchange. She knew Kasheef shot him to protect himself. And she set that whole shit up to have him convicted. I'm so mad right now.

I knew it wouldn't be a happy ending. But I'm mad about this one because shit was going so smooth until the last 20 minutes.

He loved her so much and she loved him too. Her baby father got what his hand called for. I'm angry.

That book was good though. But I'm MAD! I was bout to shed real tears for him.

I'm glad that bitch Norell died though.

Update: After reading this again in 2023, my question is why the hell did I do that? This shit was so sad.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kasheef is accused of murder and falls in love with the eyewitness Alija, after attempting to have her killed. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Looking over some of the reviews makes me thankful that I only read them AFTER I've finished the book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I couldn't wait to see what happened next in the book and was very surprised by what happened at the end. I highly recommend it

[Danita Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Unbelievable. What an ending 2 Black Friday. I was really surprise. I was thinking true love, happy ending. I b damed. A GOOD DAM READ!

[Akosua Pinaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

JaQuavis is surely building my peak of interest in this street-lit genre, this is my second book by the author. This left me exclaiming “oh wow!” Exciting and set in realistic environment.

Grew to love the Kasheef character, no doubt!

[Keith Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I’ve read the author I found it a little bit hard going at times a good book but not one of my favourites

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was an okay listen. It had all the usual elements for that make readers fans of the Coleman's work. The characters and plot were developed. The story moved slowly and I felt sometimes I was missing something, but it was decent overall. Honey Jones' narration was good as usual. I rooted for Kasheef. Aliyah's loyalty was misplaced. Norell received her just reward.

Random rant - just once, I would love to see someone have a decent ending. I can't recall any of their characters that have had even a semi-happy ending. There's death and/or jail. Everyone is disloyal. I get that their stories are based on real "street tales", but if I want real life I'll watch the news. I read/listen to books to escape from the despair that is real life and that's portrayed on the news. I might have to let the Coleman's make it for awhile. Their stories are just to depressing.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out kind of boring to me, which was a little unusual because Ashley & JaQuavis' books usually grip me from the very begining. This one however had me doubting if it was going to be good or not and I wasn't even halfway through it yet. Then it began to pick up and I said ok this is cool and then came the ending..wow really? Major disappointment I didn't like it at all. I think ya'll could have done better with the way Kasheef got played. Karma should happen to dirty back stabbing people. Not people like Kasheef. Nice try but this one didn't cut the mustard with me. 3 stars this book I won't be purchasing.. Blah...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending though😟😟😟

This writing duo is the truth and this story was really on point but I'm feeling some kind of way about the ending! Up until the very last page I just knew it was going too well for Kasheef and I thought he and Alija would be ok and then a huge twist was thrown in, although in the back of my mind I kind of thought she was hiding something big! I feel like a sequel is needed but it's been 7 or 8 years. I have to say I was definitely not expecting it to wrap up like that, too many loose ends come on Ashley & JaQuavis finish the story please!

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good book! there has to be a part 2...we can't be left hanging!

[Cicely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book,lots of surprises, however, it just ended. I'm still looking for the ending. I image that there will be a part 2.

[Suzzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never expected that. Very good read.
Ashley did not disappoint :)

[Andrial Durant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man that ending was messed up. I’m starting to notice that A&J don’t believe in happy ending lmao.

[ToniReads_1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duo never lets me down. Definitely a jaw dropper. There has to be a sequel. I'm patiently waiting

[Queen Coop · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! The way the story ends is crazy and very unexpected. Most times I can kind of guess what will happen next but not with this story. Well, at least not how it ended. The treachery is real!

[Verdina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This BOOK right here.......SO GOOD!!!!! A must read!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
Loved the characters and the story. Grabbed me from the first page and did not let up, loved the ending!

[TellsOfABibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

💵

And of course, the husband and wife duo had to end the book off like that! Reading this as an adult had me in my feelings. I don’t remember being this sad when I first read it as a kid. It really does hit different this time around.

😩 Kasheef… I actually feel like he was a good man at heart, but he was a bit gullible in my opinion. A man of his stature should’ve done his homework to a T, because things could’ve turned out way different for him. It’s like he had all the tools but didn’t move smart enough.

Norelle got exactly what she deserved. She was living the life and had to go mess it all up with greed. It’s wild how people will risk everything chasing more.

Now Alijah… I’m honestly shocked. I tried to put myself in her shoes, and I doget it to a certain extent, but she was there. She saw what happened. Kasheef wasn’t wrong, and that’s what makes it so disappointing. The outcome just didn’t sit right with me.

Overall, this was fast-paced, emotional, and full of shocking moments. Ashley & JaQuavis really know how to keep you mad, stressed, and hooked all at once.

✨Nostalgic November Read✨

[Krysta Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets 5 stars because it was fast-paced, kept me on my toes, and had excellent character development. They do a great job of making you fall in love with someone you shouldn't. They'll have you questioning your own morality lol. I absolutely LOVED the ending. The whole book was a quick and easy read. The twist at the end was still a shocker even though Ashley & Jaquavis are notorious for these kinds of gut punches. I'm probably going to reread this several times. It was just that good!

[Dannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thing first I love the story the suspense plot twist the betrayal and all BUT BOOP 🛑 the Narrator her name is honey BUT baby ain’t nothing sweet about her she’s horrible lord no emotions no life nada example sex scene “the girl is having sex with the guy and she said I’M COMING THE GUY REPLIED ME TOO now read that sentence exactly how you see it so there you go the narrator is horrible what kind of sex scene was that oh and THE TITTLE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING IN THR BOOK.

[Carla Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was one those books where you’re like whoa! I didn’t see that plot twist coming! Everybody was playing everybody in this book. The back door’er got back doored & the double crosser got double crossed! It’s crazy how it’s always the one that you least expect, that ends up doing you the dirtiest! All i can say is well played Alija! Well played! This was a good read! I highly recommend this book!