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Butterfly #5
Butterfly 5
Morgan and Messiah share many things. Love, hate, lust, trauma, and children. They are bonded forever by the gift of parenthood, but Morgan's attachment to Messiah comes with immense pain. After the discovery of Messiah's condition, Morgan's conflict is intensified. She knows how healing the M&M bubble can be, but she also knows that Messiah has the ability to ruin her. Will Morgan finally take her second chance with her first love? Or will she make the hardest decision of all and let go of the past?
Can Messiah come out clean after the mess he's made? Can he become the man he wants to be without hurting the people he loves? Will he be able to extend the forgiveness he expects everyone else to give him?
Everyone talks about healing, but no one talks about the ugly part of the process; the part that requires separation and accountability. Can M&M restore their magnetic love? Or are they forever lost on the pages?
Join Ashley Antoinette in Ethicland once again as she takes Ash Army on an intense, emotional roller coaster full of angst, love, sacrifice, and family.
Can Messiah come out clean after the mess he's made? Can he become the man he wants to be without hurting the people he loves? Will he be able to extend the forgiveness he expects everyone else to give him?
Everyone talks about healing, but no one talks about the ugly part of the process; the part that requires separation and accountability. Can M&M restore their magnetic love? Or are they forever lost on the pages?
Join Ashley Antoinette in Ethicland once again as she takes Ash Army on an intense, emotional roller coaster full of angst, love, sacrifice, and family.
470 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2024
267 people are currently reading
1842 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Antoinette
77 books7,361 followersASHLEY 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
July 16, 2023
You should be real comfortable after reading this book because there was so much fluff in this story you should feel like you’re laying on clouds at this point! The level of disappointment I feel after reading B5 is unreal!!! 🗣️UNREAL! I really had to sit with this book for a minute because there were very few positives I was able to take away from this story! This series is starting to feel like a money grab (especially since she’s already pushing B6 preorders) and a way for Ashley to manipulate her fans and let me say I was a fan! When MTAF and The Ethic series were created I was obsessed. Til this very day I still listen to The Ethic series regularly so I’m not hating by any means.
When an author leads her readers to believe this is the final book KNOWING it’s not, KNOWING NOTHING will be resolved, KNOWING you’re about to create a whole new set of problems NOBODY asked for nor needed that’s a huge red flag for me!! The authors note at the end was bs because to say that these characters spoke THIS to you is wild!! Ethic told you to do this to him and Alani?! In what world!?!? This fictional áss one?! Haven’t they suffered enough?! Don’t they deserve peace. 🗣️Let them have peace!!
I was NEVER team Messiah, but if you’re still team Messiah after reading this book, you’re delusional and I said what I said! Messiah is one of the most toxic asś characters I’ve ever witnessed in my reading life!! Like the amount of fkd up he had me can pay my bills for the rest of my life! He is self centered and self absorbed and I’ve seen ZERO growth since he’s resurfaced. He’s manipulative and he needs to free Morgan from his web of lies and deceit once and for all!! And Khadeen needs to be fired because I see all type of ethics codes and malpractice shît on the horizon!!
Morgan, sis 🤦🏽♀️ no one can ever dispute that you’re an amazing mom but if she doesn’t get some therapy and FAST she’s doomed and she will never find that self worth that Meek’s constant words of affirmation are trying to pull from her. Morgan is broken! Broken by her trauma and broken by Messiah! She keeps trying to glue these broken pieces together when she needs a fresh start! I need Morgan off this hamster wheel NOW!!
At this point Ahmeek is the butterfly because he’s the ONLY ONE evolving!! If you’ve ever doubted his character or intentions, they were made clear in this book and he honestly saved this depressing aśs story for me! The way he bosses up, his level headedness, his genuine unconditional love for Morgan…. I meannnnn Ahmeek is IT and if I’m being honest, Morgan doesn’t deserve him. Not in her current mental state she doesn’t. Ahmeek deserves all of life’s good things and I hope he gets that in the next book. 😒
Kudos to Aria for seeing the demise of her friends love life and realizing she’s not the one nor the two because Isa will surely ruin her if he doesn’t change! Sis got off that sinking boat and rowed her aśs to shore!!
The highlights & reasons this book got the three stars it didn’t deserve:
1. Miami
2. Messari
3. Ahmeek mf Harris
These three things saved this story for me! That ending was devastating and once again a storyline that we could’ve done without. I am stressed and mentally exhausted after reading this book and who knows when we will get a “resolution”. I guess now, we wait…..
When an author leads her readers to believe this is the final book KNOWING it’s not, KNOWING NOTHING will be resolved, KNOWING you’re about to create a whole new set of problems NOBODY asked for nor needed that’s a huge red flag for me!! The authors note at the end was bs because to say that these characters spoke THIS to you is wild!! Ethic told you to do this to him and Alani?! In what world!?!? This fictional áss one?! Haven’t they suffered enough?! Don’t they deserve peace. 🗣️Let them have peace!!
I was NEVER team Messiah, but if you’re still team Messiah after reading this book, you’re delusional and I said what I said! Messiah is one of the most toxic asś characters I’ve ever witnessed in my reading life!! Like the amount of fkd up he had me can pay my bills for the rest of my life! He is self centered and self absorbed and I’ve seen ZERO growth since he’s resurfaced. He’s manipulative and he needs to free Morgan from his web of lies and deceit once and for all!! And Khadeen needs to be fired because I see all type of ethics codes and malpractice shît on the horizon!!
Morgan, sis 🤦🏽♀️ no one can ever dispute that you’re an amazing mom but if she doesn’t get some therapy and FAST she’s doomed and she will never find that self worth that Meek’s constant words of affirmation are trying to pull from her. Morgan is broken! Broken by her trauma and broken by Messiah! She keeps trying to glue these broken pieces together when she needs a fresh start! I need Morgan off this hamster wheel NOW!!
At this point Ahmeek is the butterfly because he’s the ONLY ONE evolving!! If you’ve ever doubted his character or intentions, they were made clear in this book and he honestly saved this depressing aśs story for me! The way he bosses up, his level headedness, his genuine unconditional love for Morgan…. I meannnnn Ahmeek is IT and if I’m being honest, Morgan doesn’t deserve him. Not in her current mental state she doesn’t. Ahmeek deserves all of life’s good things and I hope he gets that in the next book. 😒
Kudos to Aria for seeing the demise of her friends love life and realizing she’s not the one nor the two because Isa will surely ruin her if he doesn’t change! Sis got off that sinking boat and rowed her aśs to shore!!
The highlights & reasons this book got the three stars it didn’t deserve:
1. Miami
2. Messari
3. Ahmeek mf Harris
These three things saved this story for me! That ending was devastating and once again a storyline that we could’ve done without. I am stressed and mentally exhausted after reading this book and who knows when we will get a “resolution”. I guess now, we wait…..
July 18, 2023
I am not understanding where all the five star ratings are coming from, but here is my unsolicited opinion. If you are a die-hard fan and love this series, maybe you should stop reading now.
This is long, but hear me out.
The biggest issue in this story is the introduction of new problems when the series is supposed to be wrapping up. This is just bad business. Readers can’t trust authors who make moves like this. There is value in closure. Authors should want their readers to come into the story, live in the pages, and walk away. When you take away the readers’ ability to do that, the stories are less enjoyable.
Obviously this story is fiction but what really pulled readers in initially was relating to the characters and the empathy we had for them. When the characters refuse to grow or take 2 steps forward just to take 5 steps back, you start to wonder if your time is being wasted here and your money is better spent somewhere else. I think more than a few readers are starting to feel played - like the author is building all this excitement for these people and only delivering the BARE minimum. Having readers wait 2+ years for this level of writing is absurd. This seems like it was thrown together with no care to the plot already established from the past 13 books (MTAF, E1-6, Christmas, Invitation, B1-4). Anybody who has read all the books up until this point truly deserved more of an effort than this.
Another problem is the repetitiveness. We’ve already seen the surprise pregnancy, kidnapping and cancer plots played out. I don’t think it added anything of value at this point. It was a major SIGH for me.
To wrap it up, I just have a few quick comments:
Messiah: it’s time to grow up. Licking ice cream off the therapists face?! Really?! That’s such a slap in the face to all this so called progress he’s made. What a joke.
Morgan.. sigh. I don’t get how the actual traumatic events are just passed over. Morgan, who was sheltered better than a deadman’s secret, has been raped, beat, shot at, lost a baby, etc.. But let an ex-boyfriend call her a ‘chore’ and all hell breaks loose. Her sneaky link supposedly get a girl pregnant and now she can’t sleep at night? Ok girl.
Morgan + Mo Diamond: pointless. Added nothing to the story. Hopping in a strangers car was STUPID. If you haven’t read Cartel it seems so out of place. And it just brings the Cartel readers back to Money Devils 2 which was promised how long ago and just disappeared? It’s too inconsistent to have any value.
Did the ER doctor really come into a room and drop the ‘cancer’ bomb on young parents/adults because a baby came into the ER with a fever? Hmm.
Was it just me or did Bleu seem completely out of character? I didn’t recognize her at all.
Aria and Isa could have just stayed where they are. What was the value add?? The drama was just DRAINING! For absolutely no reason.
Ethic & Alani: DRAINING! So much so in fact I don’t even have the energy to express my disdain for this mess. One word: closure.
Ahmeek, my forever love. I’m sorry.
This is long, but hear me out.
The biggest issue in this story is the introduction of new problems when the series is supposed to be wrapping up. This is just bad business. Readers can’t trust authors who make moves like this. There is value in closure. Authors should want their readers to come into the story, live in the pages, and walk away. When you take away the readers’ ability to do that, the stories are less enjoyable.
Obviously this story is fiction but what really pulled readers in initially was relating to the characters and the empathy we had for them. When the characters refuse to grow or take 2 steps forward just to take 5 steps back, you start to wonder if your time is being wasted here and your money is better spent somewhere else. I think more than a few readers are starting to feel played - like the author is building all this excitement for these people and only delivering the BARE minimum. Having readers wait 2+ years for this level of writing is absurd. This seems like it was thrown together with no care to the plot already established from the past 13 books (MTAF, E1-6, Christmas, Invitation, B1-4). Anybody who has read all the books up until this point truly deserved more of an effort than this.
Another problem is the repetitiveness. We’ve already seen the surprise pregnancy, kidnapping and cancer plots played out. I don’t think it added anything of value at this point. It was a major SIGH for me.
To wrap it up, I just have a few quick comments:
Messiah: it’s time to grow up. Licking ice cream off the therapists face?! Really?! That’s such a slap in the face to all this so called progress he’s made. What a joke.
Morgan.. sigh. I don’t get how the actual traumatic events are just passed over. Morgan, who was sheltered better than a deadman’s secret, has been raped, beat, shot at, lost a baby, etc.. But let an ex-boyfriend call her a ‘chore’ and all hell breaks loose. Her sneaky link supposedly get a girl pregnant and now she can’t sleep at night? Ok girl.
Morgan + Mo Diamond: pointless. Added nothing to the story. Hopping in a strangers car was STUPID. If you haven’t read Cartel it seems so out of place. And it just brings the Cartel readers back to Money Devils 2 which was promised how long ago and just disappeared? It’s too inconsistent to have any value.
Did the ER doctor really come into a room and drop the ‘cancer’ bomb on young parents/adults because a baby came into the ER with a fever? Hmm.
Was it just me or did Bleu seem completely out of character? I didn’t recognize her at all.
Aria and Isa could have just stayed where they are. What was the value add?? The drama was just DRAINING! For absolutely no reason.
Ethic & Alani: DRAINING! So much so in fact I don’t even have the energy to express my disdain for this mess. One word: closure.
Ahmeek, my forever love. I’m sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
I really had to sit on this review for a few hours before posting. ATP I feel like Ashley is playing in our faces. Why is this story draggginggggg? What was really the point of this book ? Nothing was resolved just more trauma and drama. Mind you I am fairly new to Ethic Land, I didn’t read MTOF until January of this year because I had no interest before that. That authors note really PISSED ME TF OFF. Girl BFFR !!!
ETHIC & ALANI- WHY? Why not let these folks ride off in the sunset and be happy ? Tbh I would’ve preferred if she had died then to have to relive trauma. These two characters have been through enough. I think we should’ve gotten more of Bella & Hennys story line in place of Alani & Ethic. Chapter 13 had me in shambles!!! I put the book down for 2 days after that chapter.
ISA & ARIA- One thing about Aria she is going to ride for her friend periodt. We all need friends like that. @ some point though when will Aria get a shoulder to cry on ? I truly feel like her and Morgan’s friendship is suffocating. As far as Isa as much as I love his character I’m glad Aria stood her ground and walked away. Younger me wouldn’t have understood that‼️
MORGAN🙄- So we 5 books in (not even including Ethic series) and Morgan hasn’t grown up yet ? Still spoiled & stupid. She doesn’t deserve Meekie !!Such a little bxtch !! The only thing Morgan did in this book that I liked was caring for Alani & baby True DASSSSS IT. I was loving it when Nannnie was getting her tf together. 😒 & why did we need that scene with Mo & Mo ? WHAT WAS THE REASON? We Just driving random niggas cars ?😕
MESSIAH🙄- If you look at my past reviews I was Team Messiah real bad 😭After this book I’m definitely NOT. Messiah and Bleu can go to hell Because the audacity of y’all. I’m glad Mo got her licks @ the hospital. I don’t even like Messiah anymore but she was out of line talking to Morgan like that at the funeral home. Second place ass heaux. I digress though. I did love that Messiah is in therapy but I’m not understanding the KD character why are they crossing lines like that.? It’s really not needed.
Meekie🥰- Pls move on from Morgan. You deserve so much better. He is the only character growing!!!! Making boss moves and still protecting Morgan dumb tail self. We all know Livi is lying I hate heauxs like that.
Messari
Aria
Nannie
They are the only reasons this book didn’t get one star. The whole cancer situation and the royal family situation is so unrealistic and Not needed. I don’t know y’all I’m definitely not pre ordering B6. We spending money on this series and not getting shxt in return.
ETHIC & ALANI- WHY? Why not let these folks ride off in the sunset and be happy ? Tbh I would’ve preferred if she had died then to have to relive trauma. These two characters have been through enough. I think we should’ve gotten more of Bella & Hennys story line in place of Alani & Ethic. Chapter 13 had me in shambles!!! I put the book down for 2 days after that chapter.
ISA & ARIA- One thing about Aria she is going to ride for her friend periodt. We all need friends like that. @ some point though when will Aria get a shoulder to cry on ? I truly feel like her and Morgan’s friendship is suffocating. As far as Isa as much as I love his character I’m glad Aria stood her ground and walked away. Younger me wouldn’t have understood that‼️
MORGAN🙄- So we 5 books in (not even including Ethic series) and Morgan hasn’t grown up yet ? Still spoiled & stupid. She doesn’t deserve Meekie !!Such a little bxtch !! The only thing Morgan did in this book that I liked was caring for Alani & baby True DASSSSS IT. I was loving it when Nannnie was getting her tf together. 😒 & why did we need that scene with Mo & Mo ? WHAT WAS THE REASON? We Just driving random niggas cars ?😕
MESSIAH🙄- If you look at my past reviews I was Team Messiah real bad 😭After this book I’m definitely NOT. Messiah and Bleu can go to hell Because the audacity of y’all. I’m glad Mo got her licks @ the hospital. I don’t even like Messiah anymore but she was out of line talking to Morgan like that at the funeral home. Second place ass heaux. I digress though. I did love that Messiah is in therapy but I’m not understanding the KD character why are they crossing lines like that.? It’s really not needed.
Meekie🥰- Pls move on from Morgan. You deserve so much better. He is the only character growing!!!! Making boss moves and still protecting Morgan dumb tail self. We all know Livi is lying I hate heauxs like that.
Messari
Aria
Nannie
They are the only reasons this book didn’t get one star. The whole cancer situation and the royal family situation is so unrealistic and Not needed. I don’t know y’all I’m definitely not pre ordering B6. We spending money on this series and not getting shxt in return.
July 20, 2023
Ashley is really dragging this series out!
This book series could have been wrapped up in 4 books max! Ashley is really just trying to milk this series as much as she can for money because she knows that her readers are invested in these characters.
This book series could have been wrapped up in 4 books max! Ashley is really just trying to milk this series as much as she can for money because she knows that her readers are invested in these characters.
April 3, 2024
Very disappointed in the 5th installment of The Butterfly series. I was looking for closure and was met with nothing but a bunch of back & forth. I’m never been so annoyed with the main characters (Messiah & Morgan) & I’m sick of these idiots. They deserve each other. Now go away!
I love Ahmeek so much & he deserves more than playing second fiddle to the M&M debacle. Everyone knows Livi is lying. He shows love, patience, understanding & receives conditional love from the brat Morgan. Know your worth Meekie!
I’ll say it again & again, Ethic & Alani story was done in the Ethic series. The author is dragging these characters back into the plot for no apparent reason. We could have gone into Bella’s heartbreak or Eazy’s gift (he’s the real foundation to this Okafor family & I love his empathy). But NO, we are subjected to the “beginning” of Ethic’s quest to make his WIFE fall in love again.
I’m not happy & if the author thinks writing this poor will keep her fan base, she’s sadly mistaken. Take some time & focus. Remove the fluff & unnecessary characters. (Isa, Nick, Bleu, the guys in Miami - why is there almost an entire chapter on Morgan meeting this guy & driving his car?!)
SN: I need someone to show me what Morgan looks like dancing “with half a beat off” b/c she been pushing this dancing story for too long for it to make sense to me
I love Ahmeek so much & he deserves more than playing second fiddle to the M&M debacle. Everyone knows Livi is lying. He shows love, patience, understanding & receives conditional love from the brat Morgan. Know your worth Meekie!
I’ll say it again & again, Ethic & Alani story was done in the Ethic series. The author is dragging these characters back into the plot for no apparent reason. We could have gone into Bella’s heartbreak or Eazy’s gift (he’s the real foundation to this Okafor family & I love his empathy). But NO, we are subjected to the “beginning” of Ethic’s quest to make his WIFE fall in love again.
I’m not happy & if the author thinks writing this poor will keep her fan base, she’s sadly mistaken. Take some time & focus. Remove the fluff & unnecessary characters. (Isa, Nick, Bleu, the guys in Miami - why is there almost an entire chapter on Morgan meeting this guy & driving his car?!)
SN: I need someone to show me what Morgan looks like dancing “with half a beat off” b/c she been pushing this dancing story for too long for it to make sense to me
August 10, 2023
This was probably like a 3.5 for me. I spent most of the time feeling annoyed/frustrated which is fine because Ashley wants us to feel SOMETHING. I feel like we spent a lot of time with Ethic and Lani’s situation. Why can’t he have his happily ever after?! Let’s leave them two alone 😩 If he decides to give her the truth (again) about what happened to her daughter - I don’t know that they can survive it a second time. I have been very vocal about my soft spot for Messiah throughout this series but I’ll be damn if him and Morgan didn’t get on my LAST nerve. They talked about nothing. They literally took jabs at each other the entire time. I understood her being upset about him making her believe he was gone but.. he didn’t “pass her off”. He asked his best friend to look out for the woman he loves and Morgan and Meek we’re human- they developed feelings. I’m not mad at that. Messiah and Morgan are toxic. I used to root for them so hard but now there are kids in the picture - they should be first priority. Messiah is doing the work to be better. His walk isn’t perfect but I’m proud of him, man. He’s been through ALOT.
This book did make me feel for Meek. He accepted everything about Morgan and she chose him only to give him up because she didn’t want to deal with what was going to happen with Livi. It’s her choice - but still. I want him to find a good, mature love.
I loved the quick appearance of Mo Diamond 💎 (can we get money devils 2?!)
This book did make me feel for Meek. He accepted everything about Morgan and she chose him only to give him up because she didn’t want to deal with what was going to happen with Livi. It’s her choice - but still. I want him to find a good, mature love.
I loved the quick appearance of Mo Diamond 💎 (can we get money devils 2?!)
August 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️ for messari’s cuteness & morgan’s hands
buckle up bc this is a long one…
i’m convinced the people giving this book 5 stars have
never read anything besides urban fiction OR are her friends/stans that don’t want to tell her the cold hard truth! i too LOVE this genre, but this one is giving prada plan series when we were begging for it to end!
everyone is over exaggerating with the *tear-jerker* reviews. it was a shocker at best because i didn’t think it was possible to add so much unnecessary fluff to a story that’s been going for 4 books. i mostly felt irritated & disappointed because the plot has been LOST.
ashley is a good writer, but this book was definitely forced & dragged out. using the excuse of “characters speaking to you” as a means to give your readers yet another cliffhanger after waiting 2 years is wild! forcing a book 6 just because ethic was 6 books is not good writing. it’s like forcing your readers to stick around because you KNOW we want answers from B4. i think ashley got so enamored by the influx of fans from the storyline that she was scared to wrap it up, thinking she wouldn’t rope people in with a new storyline.
as a teacher, i can attest that the writing STYLE & word choice is great per usual! but the book had NO substance. continuous back & forth between the same 3 characters with no resolutions. messiah holding this same wozi secret since E4?!? & there’s no way 400+ pages only covered 5 days worth of the plot. plus… no questions from 🦋4 were answered. just new problems. ethic 6 was supposed to be the happy ending for ethic & alani. 60% of this book was about them. why? ethic’s story attracted a lot of new readers, but after 16 books (mtaf, pp4-5, e1-6, cwto, the invitation, b1-5) we are tired… wrap it up & let these characters have their happy ending please!
good writing means the story is well put together & makes sense. & this is not making sense anymore because she is trying to connect TOO many books to these characters now. the cartel characters did not need to be in this book! how did they help move the plot along? as well as the ending cliffhanger… why? it’s not good anymore, and this was once my favorite series!
unfortunately i have to read butterfly 6 when (IF) it comes out because i’m still waiting on the same answers from 2 books ago.
AFTERTHOUGHTS: & how is the news claiming mo was the last person to see bash when the last time he was alive was at the school giving a whole lecture??? who told them that if the mama is snatched too?? we gotta make it make sense… the pieces aren’t piecing anymore!
buckle up bc this is a long one…
i’m convinced the people giving this book 5 stars have
never read anything besides urban fiction OR are her friends/stans that don’t want to tell her the cold hard truth! i too LOVE this genre, but this one is giving prada plan series when we were begging for it to end!
everyone is over exaggerating with the *tear-jerker* reviews. it was a shocker at best because i didn’t think it was possible to add so much unnecessary fluff to a story that’s been going for 4 books. i mostly felt irritated & disappointed because the plot has been LOST.
ashley is a good writer, but this book was definitely forced & dragged out. using the excuse of “characters speaking to you” as a means to give your readers yet another cliffhanger after waiting 2 years is wild! forcing a book 6 just because ethic was 6 books is not good writing. it’s like forcing your readers to stick around because you KNOW we want answers from B4. i think ashley got so enamored by the influx of fans from the storyline that she was scared to wrap it up, thinking she wouldn’t rope people in with a new storyline.
as a teacher, i can attest that the writing STYLE & word choice is great per usual! but the book had NO substance. continuous back & forth between the same 3 characters with no resolutions. messiah holding this same wozi secret since E4?!? & there’s no way 400+ pages only covered 5 days worth of the plot. plus… no questions from 🦋4 were answered. just new problems. ethic 6 was supposed to be the happy ending for ethic & alani. 60% of this book was about them. why? ethic’s story attracted a lot of new readers, but after 16 books (mtaf, pp4-5, e1-6, cwto, the invitation, b1-5) we are tired… wrap it up & let these characters have their happy ending please!
good writing means the story is well put together & makes sense. & this is not making sense anymore because she is trying to connect TOO many books to these characters now. the cartel characters did not need to be in this book! how did they help move the plot along? as well as the ending cliffhanger… why? it’s not good anymore, and this was once my favorite series!
unfortunately i have to read butterfly 6 when (IF) it comes out because i’m still waiting on the same answers from 2 books ago.
AFTERTHOUGHTS: & how is the news claiming mo was the last person to see bash when the last time he was alive was at the school giving a whole lecture??? who told them that if the mama is snatched too?? we gotta make it make sense… the pieces aren’t piecing anymore!
July 19, 2023
I am so disappointed with book 5. I was expecting this to be a wrap up, the final book. The book that would finally give us the answers and resolutions that we’ve been waiting on.
First, let me say that we already had a series surrounding Ethic and and Alani, it was 6 books long. I don’t understand how they made their way to the Butterfly series and became the main focal points of B4 & B5. I found myself skimming over their chapters. They should have faded to the back and remained side characters. However they’re still at the forefront with new and repetitive problems.
Secondly, there seems to be no growth or character development with Morgan. She seems to be the same spoiled, selfish, and temper tantrum having ass that she’s always been. Why not let her grow and develop by seeing a counselor, learning from her mistakes and prepare her to receive the love of a real man? Or hell being alone and loving on herself and her kids. Whatever the end but ultimately bringing this series to its conclusion. she’s definitely not ready for a man like Meek.
Messy Messiah, ugh! 🤦🏽♀️ at least he’s seeking professional help. He should have stayed dead but I won’t waste any more words on him.
There was so much we didn’t need in this story. The drama between Isa and Aria, the pregnancy with Livi, the cancer with Yara and the continuous storyline with Ethic. I would have rather read about Nannie and Mr. Larry. What happened to Henny and Bella’s storyline?
The only pros in this book for me was the trip to Miami before Mo lost her grip on reality and flipped TF out over a bird that was a non-factor and little Messari 🥰🥰 who apparently can’t hold water.
A lot of people have been speculating on wether or not this book was a money grab. It does seem to be drawn out and dragging. Seriously makes you wonder 🤔. I will not be pre ordering B6. I think I’ll wait on the reviews before I engage.
First, let me say that we already had a series surrounding Ethic and and Alani, it was 6 books long. I don’t understand how they made their way to the Butterfly series and became the main focal points of B4 & B5. I found myself skimming over their chapters. They should have faded to the back and remained side characters. However they’re still at the forefront with new and repetitive problems.
Secondly, there seems to be no growth or character development with Morgan. She seems to be the same spoiled, selfish, and temper tantrum having ass that she’s always been. Why not let her grow and develop by seeing a counselor, learning from her mistakes and prepare her to receive the love of a real man? Or hell being alone and loving on herself and her kids. Whatever the end but ultimately bringing this series to its conclusion. she’s definitely not ready for a man like Meek.
Messy Messiah, ugh! 🤦🏽♀️ at least he’s seeking professional help. He should have stayed dead but I won’t waste any more words on him.
There was so much we didn’t need in this story. The drama between Isa and Aria, the pregnancy with Livi, the cancer with Yara and the continuous storyline with Ethic. I would have rather read about Nannie and Mr. Larry. What happened to Henny and Bella’s storyline?
The only pros in this book for me was the trip to Miami before Mo lost her grip on reality and flipped TF out over a bird that was a non-factor and little Messari 🥰🥰 who apparently can’t hold water.
A lot of people have been speculating on wether or not this book was a money grab. It does seem to be drawn out and dragging. Seriously makes you wonder 🤔. I will not be pre ordering B6. I think I’ll wait on the reviews before I engage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
This book has been highly anticipated for two whole years and it just didn’t live up to the hype. This story is being dragged out for no reason.
Some constructive criticism:: Ashley should have wrapped up all of the previous storylines and slowly introduced new ones. Readers would be more inclined to want the series to continue with fresh storylines and some resolutions of previous ones.
Let this family be happy. Even if is only for a little while. People don’t only enjoy trauma and sadness. People are rooting for this family and what better way to keep readers engaged than through a little happiness.
A time jump may be necessary. We had a two year jump between Ethic 6 and Butterfly. It’s time for another one with some growth and maturation in both Morgan and Messiah. In 11 books they both have had minimal growth.
Just incorporate the Aria and Isa scenes into the Crew scenes. They don’t need their own scenes. Nothing has really transpired between them. We still don’t know much about either of them or why Aria has nightmares. If we are not going to fully explore them as characters leave their scenes out.
Bella and Henny - we needed more of them.
The “plot twist“ that has been evident all along? I’ll let her live with that. I’m interested.
After reading so many other authors I’m coming to realize that Ashley is an average writer at best. She needs to work on character development and creating a compelling COMPLETE story. Great at marketing. Definitely a 10/10 with creating hype around her books and characters.
Some constructive criticism:: Ashley should have wrapped up all of the previous storylines and slowly introduced new ones. Readers would be more inclined to want the series to continue with fresh storylines and some resolutions of previous ones.
Let this family be happy. Even if is only for a little while. People don’t only enjoy trauma and sadness. People are rooting for this family and what better way to keep readers engaged than through a little happiness.
A time jump may be necessary. We had a two year jump between Ethic 6 and Butterfly. It’s time for another one with some growth and maturation in both Morgan and Messiah. In 11 books they both have had minimal growth.
Just incorporate the Aria and Isa scenes into the Crew scenes. They don’t need their own scenes. Nothing has really transpired between them. We still don’t know much about either of them or why Aria has nightmares. If we are not going to fully explore them as characters leave their scenes out.
Bella and Henny - we needed more of them.
The “plot twist“ that has been evident all along? I’ll let her live with that. I’m interested.
After reading so many other authors I’m coming to realize that Ashley is an average writer at best. She needs to work on character development and creating a compelling COMPLETE story. Great at marketing. Definitely a 10/10 with creating hype around her books and characters.
April 11, 2024
This honestly should've been the last book. It should ended right here. When I say I am DONE with EthicLand, baby.. I am THROUGH! Ms. Antionette, I am not anticipating B6. Please take Ethic, Alani, Eazy, Bella, & Nannie out of their misery. They've gone through so much trauma in the Ethic series alone, why were they dragged into Butterfly series with the same type of mess? This is getting ridiculous. I'm so tired of Morgan & Messiah, they need to be put to rest. If there will be a B6, please make Morgan focus on herself & them kids. Bleu was out of line, & she knew it. She overstepped boundaries that shouldn't have been crossed, but that's exactly why you DON'T have sex with your friends if both of you aren't stable enough to keep it tight. I feel like this series was very much dragged. Every page I flipped in B5 got an eye roll or a smack of the lips because I was over it. What type of therapist is Khadeen? Lmao she went from curving keeping it professional to flirting with Messiah, please take her license 😂 I'm glad the Isa x Aria thing is over with, they were very pointless. Ahmeek needs a better woman, I hope he doesn't end up with Morgan she's way too immature for him. Overall, 2/5 for me. Too much repetition, it was a "we've been here before" type of vibe. Ms. Antionette please make B6 the FINAL book of EthicLand, I don't even want a Bloom series, let Bella & Hendrix go as well. B5 should've been the last foreal. I'm glad I rented this from the library instead of buying it 🤭
July 15, 2023
2.75
I think it’s important for me to say that I’ve been a fan of Ashley for last 3 years. Like many others, the Ethic series was a great escape during the pandemic. I read the Ethic series within a week and caught up just in time for the release of Butterfly 2.
Unfortunately for me, I’ve been disappointed with the last 3 releases. Both Butterfly 4 and 5 were highly anticipated but underwhelming for me. I’m disappointed that we haven’t seen more character development for all the characters, it’s disappointing to have such revolving story lines, and I’ve been anticipating a resolve to any of the conflicts, and there really hasn’t been any. For me, some of the scenes felt thrown in haphazardly and unnecessarily. This series has been so dragged out.
I think it’s important for me to say that I’ve been a fan of Ashley for last 3 years. Like many others, the Ethic series was a great escape during the pandemic. I read the Ethic series within a week and caught up just in time for the release of Butterfly 2.
Unfortunately for me, I’ve been disappointed with the last 3 releases. Both Butterfly 4 and 5 were highly anticipated but underwhelming for me. I’m disappointed that we haven’t seen more character development for all the characters, it’s disappointing to have such revolving story lines, and I’ve been anticipating a resolve to any of the conflicts, and there really hasn’t been any. For me, some of the scenes felt thrown in haphazardly and unnecessarily. This series has been so dragged out.
July 25, 2023
Please understand that I’m a huge fan of Ashley. But that does not negate the fact that I’m a reader who expects better. B5 seems to have an unfortunate case of deja vu throughout the book. Although the premise had potential, the incessant repetition severely hampers the overall reading experience. From the very start, it becomes evident that the story's progression is marred by excessive reiterations, making it a frustrating endeavor for me to want to finish. Meaning…too much FLUFF. It really got to a point where I stopped highlighting and taking notes.
Multiple times we revisit Mo and Messiah which dragged too much. And the story line had soooo much more potential. With Alani and Ethic..at that point I wanted to throw the book, because again WHY? Instead of moving the plot forward, the constant revisiting of the same ideas becomes an obstacle to true engagement.
Moreover, the introduction of new characters feels forced and, unfortunately, unnecessary. While these characters may have had the potential to add depth to the story story line, they end up being a mere “WHY ARE YOU EVEN HERE AT THIS POINT”.
Despite these shortcomings, B5 had a select few redeeming qualities which warrants the 3 stars . I have grown to love these characters to the fullest and want to see how this series ends but this drag is making it hard to stick with it.
Multiple times we revisit Mo and Messiah which dragged too much. And the story line had soooo much more potential. With Alani and Ethic..at that point I wanted to throw the book, because again WHY? Instead of moving the plot forward, the constant revisiting of the same ideas becomes an obstacle to true engagement.
Moreover, the introduction of new characters feels forced and, unfortunately, unnecessary. While these characters may have had the potential to add depth to the story story line, they end up being a mere “WHY ARE YOU EVEN HERE AT THIS POINT”.
Despite these shortcomings, B5 had a select few redeeming qualities which warrants the 3 stars . I have grown to love these characters to the fullest and want to see how this series ends but this drag is making it hard to stick with it.
July 22, 2023
The longer I sit with this, the lower my rating goes. I think I was caught up in the excitement of finally having B5 when I finished it and that boosted my rating.
Im disappointed that neither Morgan nor Messiah has had any real growth throughout the series. They are both extremely selfish and need to get it together for the babies.
I’m bored of Ethic and Alani. Didn’t we suffer with them through 6 books already? Why do they have such a prominent storyline that really adds nothing to the story here?
Ahmeek deserves better.
Im disappointed that neither Morgan nor Messiah has had any real growth throughout the series. They are both extremely selfish and need to get it together for the babies.
I’m bored of Ethic and Alani. Didn’t we suffer with them through 6 books already? Why do they have such a prominent storyline that really adds nothing to the story here?
Ahmeek deserves better.
July 30, 2023
this book was terrible
She made us wait for this boring book. It was boring and only got good at like the last few pages. It had nothing interesting going on and she repeated everything that was already said in the other books! You can literally skip this book and go to the next one cause nothing was interesting. I am extremely disappointed in her. What a waste of time.
She made us wait for this boring book. It was boring and only got good at like the last few pages. It had nothing interesting going on and she repeated everything that was already said in the other books! You can literally skip this book and go to the next one cause nothing was interesting. I am extremely disappointed in her. What a waste of time.
March 22, 2025
Wow. Glad I didn’t give up on this series. HOW could you end a book like this???
I don’t share the sentiment that Ethic and Alani should’ve have been in this book as much, I enjoyed it. They’re all a family and it all began with Ethic (and Raven), so it only fits that Ethic is all over the story and spin-offs.
I have so many opinions and frustrations but overall, the girls show their age and they ALL show their trauma. Can’t expect too much from them but you can still be frustrated and disappointed. My goodness.
If I could say one thing, it’s that I would love for these people to get their HEA.
I don’t share the sentiment that Ethic and Alani should’ve have been in this book as much, I enjoyed it. They’re all a family and it all began with Ethic (and Raven), so it only fits that Ethic is all over the story and spin-offs.
I have so many opinions and frustrations but overall, the girls show their age and they ALL show their trauma. Can’t expect too much from them but you can still be frustrated and disappointed. My goodness.
If I could say one thing, it’s that I would love for these people to get their HEA.
July 20, 2023
I’m all over the place. To wait this long and get no answers is wild. To create new problems for people that shouldn’t even be in this series is even wilder. I’m tired. Save whatever drama you have stored up for new characters. Let these characters die or be happy or get locked up…something!!! This is Ethic book 11. Cuz why we still talking about him???
Nothing in this book felt pertinent to the journey of these characters. Or maybe I should say this didn’t feel like it was worth the wait. And I hate to say that because this is her craft and she puts forth an effort. This author’s writing has grown. I have read earlier books and they don’t compare to what she does now. I do enjoy her work but at this point it’s just money grabbing. Yes other authors do it. But why are we doing what they do? Set a new standard.
I say all this to say, I am anxiously awaiting book 6 aka Ethic 12. :/
Nothing in this book felt pertinent to the journey of these characters. Or maybe I should say this didn’t feel like it was worth the wait. And I hate to say that because this is her craft and she puts forth an effort. This author’s writing has grown. I have read earlier books and they don’t compare to what she does now. I do enjoy her work but at this point it’s just money grabbing. Yes other authors do it. But why are we doing what they do? Set a new standard.
I say all this to say, I am anxiously awaiting book 6 aka Ethic 12. :/
July 21, 2023
I love the Butterfly series but this felt like a different book. Ummmm it was depressing to me more than anything. There was no resolution to issues from B4. Ethic and Alani going through that same break and make up cycle is old. That was annoying, Like didn’t we just spend 8 books on their story. And the page fillers drove me
Crazy! Overly descriptive paragraphs about how he felt 😩Morgan flipping out on Meek and throwing a tantrum was unnecessary and wtf is up with Aria all of a sudden breaking up with Isa like she didn’t know what he did in the streets!? Doesn’t even seem like the same character and I don’t mean that in a good way. Definitely a slow burn until the last 80 pages. And where is Henny? The big reveal at the end wasn’t surprising because A&J believe in nobody is safe even kids. 😭🥴 overall Messari saved the book with his commentary 🤭
Crazy! Overly descriptive paragraphs about how he felt 😩Morgan flipping out on Meek and throwing a tantrum was unnecessary and wtf is up with Aria all of a sudden breaking up with Isa like she didn’t know what he did in the streets!? Doesn’t even seem like the same character and I don’t mean that in a good way. Definitely a slow burn until the last 80 pages. And where is Henny? The big reveal at the end wasn’t surprising because A&J believe in nobody is safe even kids. 😭🥴 overall Messari saved the book with his commentary 🤭
August 29, 2023
This is so repetitive. This should've been the last book. You always have Mo looking weak over Messiah just let that relationship go let him be with Bleu that's who he really loves he is just stringing Mo along in his narcissistic ways. Let Mo find her happiness in Meek and end the book already. I love Ashley books but this series is draining
July 18, 2023
okay
I love me some Ashley but I felt like I was reading another Ethic instead of Butterfly. Nothing happened until the end. The whole book was just words… I was waiting for something else to happen!!! It was like I was reading Butterfly 4 again. It needed a new storyline something that happens in the book besides Alani and Ethic. I usually read Ashley’s book in one day it took me so long cause I was over the storyline. The whole explaining how the characters felt over and over again. We already know how they feel what Morgan feels.
Can new love form!? Can this love triangle be done!!? Ready for more!!! I just read feelings the whole book until the last chapter when it finally got good.
Not one of my favorites at all…
I love me some Ashley but I felt like I was reading another Ethic instead of Butterfly. Nothing happened until the end. The whole book was just words… I was waiting for something else to happen!!! It was like I was reading Butterfly 4 again. It needed a new storyline something that happens in the book besides Alani and Ethic. I usually read Ashley’s book in one day it took me so long cause I was over the storyline. The whole explaining how the characters felt over and over again. We already know how they feel what Morgan feels.
Can new love form!? Can this love triangle be done!!? Ready for more!!! I just read feelings the whole book until the last chapter when it finally got good.
Not one of my favorites at all…
August 1, 2023
Masterpiece of NOTHINGNESS! I should’ve followed my first mind and waited until it was available on kindle unlimited or the library. Ashley is true to it, dragging out a storyline to sell another book. No closure and Morgan’s immaturity makes for a frustrating read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2023
I feel like a nice chunk maybe more than anticipated was related Alani and Ethic still but I understand the need for resolution for the portion of their story that lingered in B4…. Still a goodie and I hope we get all the answers and thrills needed to heal this family… #TEAMMEEK but I don’t like Morgan for Meek. Messiah and Morgan deserve each other bc they are both self centered… I hope that soon enough Morgan can finally understand the power that she holds and carry herself knowing that she that girl … no reason to keep flashing out when she the prize. I’m ready for the thrill of it all and can’t wait to see what’s next because honestly I think emotionally Ashley spared us, there were a few chapters that were like oh wow but collectively I think she showed us some grace. There are definitely other books within this whole saga from MTAF through B5 that hurt!!….. hopefully some closure for somebody, anybody will be granted soon, happy reading!! 🦋🦋🦋
October 31, 2023
Enough already! I’m so tired of Morgan and her spoiled, crying, whining, tantrum throwing a$$, she irritates the heck out of me! What the hell kind of spellbinding f**kery she got going on! Meek needs to break free from her toxic ass and let her & Messiah have their toxic togetherness. They need lifelong therapy together.
The little folks are the best part of this fluffy book.
Narration by Nicole Small saved me from 12hrs of long boring NOTHINGNESS! There was NO resolutions in this book, except Aria wising up and leave Isa. Glad she did before she started drowning under his messy a$$. I was side eyeing her after she started changing to accommodate him, she started losing herself to him. She finally woke!
Please end this series & stop sucking our time, energy & money! 🙏🏾🙏🏾 I love me some ETHIC, but that family has too much drama.. sheesh, let them rest!
It’s also my fault.. I’m reading a series based on a bunch of late teens/early 20s. SMDH, I’m too old for this mess! 🙄
The little folks are the best part of this fluffy book.
Narration by Nicole Small saved me from 12hrs of long boring NOTHINGNESS! There was NO resolutions in this book, except Aria wising up and leave Isa. Glad she did before she started drowning under his messy a$$. I was side eyeing her after she started changing to accommodate him, she started losing herself to him. She finally woke!
Please end this series & stop sucking our time, energy & money! 🙏🏾🙏🏾 I love me some ETHIC, but that family has too much drama.. sheesh, let them rest!
It’s also my fault.. I’m reading a series based on a bunch of late teens/early 20s. SMDH, I’m too old for this mess! 🙄
January 3, 2025
WTF was that!? That was not a romance novel. That was some bull 🤬. I’m officially done with Ashley Antoinette!
July 18, 2023
Holy crap what a journey!!! Everything I was expecting and more. Absolutely beautifully well written. A definite tear jerker. PERFECT IN EVERY WAY. I took my time reading it even though I probably could have devoured it within a day. There were a few typos I noticed throughout but I really don't care. I just always seem to find them while reading. Loved the connections between Ethicland and The Cartel series, that had me so hype! The last two pages had me in tears. Will these characters get their happily ever after? I hope so. Will I be pre ordering Butterfly 6? YOU BET. I need more! So glad I purchased and can add this to my collection!
PS: All these people hating on it being dragged out and not wrapped up when she announced this was going to be the final chapter, shushhhh! I could read a thousand books about these characters with a million different problems. This deserved nothing but five stars!
PS: All these people hating on it being dragged out and not wrapped up when she announced this was going to be the final chapter, shushhhh! I could read a thousand books about these characters with a million different problems. This deserved nothing but five stars!
October 14, 2023
Chileeeeeee as always there is so much going on! I just KNEW Ashley was setting up for book 6 and she sure didn’t disappoint. 😂
July 24, 2023
Sooo Dissatisfied!
We waited forever to get some resolutions to all the questions we were left with from B4, and nothing was resolved. I mean at least wrap up one of the story lines!
What we did get is additional unanswered questions and the announcement of another continuation. I’m sooo ready for the story of Bella and Henny (if they get their own series).
We really didn’t need the setbacks in this book, or the feeling of being back at square one. It’s overkill at this point! Let Ethic and Alani rest and get on with their lives! Let Morgan have some resemblance of happiness and let’s move on already!
We waited forever to get some resolutions to all the questions we were left with from B4, and nothing was resolved. I mean at least wrap up one of the story lines!
What we did get is additional unanswered questions and the announcement of another continuation. I’m sooo ready for the story of Bella and Henny (if they get their own series).
We really didn’t need the setbacks in this book, or the feeling of being back at square one. It’s overkill at this point! Let Ethic and Alani rest and get on with their lives! Let Morgan have some resemblance of happiness and let’s move on already!
Read
August 15, 2023Nah cause why was this so chaotic!!! I’m irritated 😂
July 31, 2023
Crew
I’m a person that can trust the process and I’ve always loved A&J but honestly B5 just didn’t do it for me. I love The Crew, I love the twins, Ethic, Bella, and Easy but I think it’s a little drawn out now. I’m fully invested in the story but honestly feel it could’ve just ended. I don’t want to seem unappreciative or rush the process but Morgan Atkins time is up. I know we as women make some of these same errors but at some point we have to learn an grow. I appreciate you Ash for the story and wish you much success. Blessings.
I’m a person that can trust the process and I’ve always loved A&J but honestly B5 just didn’t do it for me. I love The Crew, I love the twins, Ethic, Bella, and Easy but I think it’s a little drawn out now. I’m fully invested in the story but honestly feel it could’ve just ended. I don’t want to seem unappreciative or rush the process but Morgan Atkins time is up. I know we as women make some of these same errors but at some point we have to learn an grow. I appreciate you Ash for the story and wish you much success. Blessings.
July 18, 2023
I must say, I was disappointed! I thought it was going to be more than it was. I’m invested, so I buy and read the books as soon as they drop, but, why is this dragging on again. Another cliffhanger? Just seems like it’s a recap of the last 13 books. By the time we get to the butterfly series, we are well versed in all that has transpired in moth to a flame, ethic, we don’t need a reminder of one of those books every chapter. Now a new introduction of cancer? Ugh! Just a little annoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
Lord help me!!
Amazing story and as I read I was so unsure of how it was going to end! But I always enjoy the stories of the characters, M&M&M, Ethic & Alani , Isa & Aria, hopefully I wonder have to wait to long for B6!
Amazing story and as I read I was so unsure of how it was going to end! But I always enjoy the stories of the characters, M&M&M, Ethic & Alani , Isa & Aria, hopefully I wonder have to wait to long for B6!
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