Before the Streetlights Come On

by Ashley Antoinette

Ellie, Sloan, Courtney, and Shy have been friends since they were teenage girls, and they have seen each other through many seasons of womanhood.

They are now entering their 40s, and they have experienced everything together. They have gossiped over their first kiss. They have jumped bi$%@$ and been jumped on. They've survived college. They've been each other's bridesmaids. They've consoled each other through divorces. They've experienced childbirth together. They have even done drive-bys when trying to catch cheating boyfriends. The one thing they've learned over the years is that good friends will see you through the rain until the sun shines again.

As mothers, wives, and career women, it hasn't been easy for them to stay connected, but when the holidays roll around it's the perfect excuse for their foursome to reunite. Friendsmas is the occasion and Ellie is returning home to celebrate. When the reunion opens old wounds, they are forced to face one another and to also look in the mirror and face themselves.

Before the Street Lights Come On is a book of true friendship. When the men in their lives switch up. When their children act up. When their jobs are fucked up. When the universe seems like it's cutting up: Ellie, Sloane, Courtney, and Shy tap into the power of their girl tribe to see them through when they feel like giving up.

New York Times Bestselling Author Ashley Antoinette crafts a relatable, endearing, and refreshing feel good story that empowers and reflects the very brand she has built with Ash Army.

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

Hardcover

First published November 1, 2024

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

[Kameel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read from this author….BECAUSE of the narrator….Typically, I’m not into her writing style…But, this was great women’s fiction….a heartwarming story of true friendship.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start! I can’t think of a single thing that I didn’t like about this book. I loved seeing Ellie, Shy, Sloan & Courtney’s stories evolve throughout this book. It exuded true sisterhood, friendship, loyalty & love. Very lovable characters, with the exception of Cairo lol, but Cassidy & Loyal were the epitome of good men! It was nice to see these ladies’ vulnerability amongst each other & how they held each other up when someone was down. I hope there’s a book 2, to see more of these ladies. This is a book that I can read over & over again.

[LaShaun’s Literary Lounge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a book by Ashley Antoinette in years but, when I saw the cover of this book I just had to read it. Before the Street Lights Come On was a really good read. It catapulted me back to 1992 and gave me all the Waiting To Exhale feels. I loved it. 🥰

[*Ebony I* · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been years since I read anything by Ms. Antoinette, and this book reminded me of why The Cartel had me in a chokehold all those years ago. This was just beautifully written. It was a story of sisterhood, self acceptance, and vulnerability. The love was present too. There were some much needed ending of chapters, love at first sight, and delayed love. I was happy that they all were starting new chapters of their lives despite being in their 40s. I loved every bit of the story telling. I'm not a huge fan of audiobooks, but Wesleigh killed this. She brought every character to life, including the men. She gave this story so much life and I loved it.

[Castina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
This was the perfect read. Friendship, family, and finding new love. I felt like I was right there living every moment with them. I really hope we get an update because I’d love to see what’s changed. Ashley finally gave us an HEA!

Highly recommend! This was a reread now that the audio dropped. Wesleigh’s narration was absolute perfection!!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Friends were your secret keepers, your hitters, your moral advisors, your spirit lifters, your insecurity destroyer, your worry mitigator, and your intuition confirmer.“

I loved the loyalty and strength of Elliot’s friend group. One of the most heartfelt moments in the book was their prayer time.
They supported each other through several different types of losses and hard truths.

The book seemed to center around siblings, Cassidy and Elliot. The whirlwind romance in the book felt unrealistic at times but it also added to the magic of Christmas. Cassidy's character stood out to me, embodying qualities I admired. He was my favorite!!
I had some issues with Elliot having difficulties with starting a new relationship but having no qualms reaping the benefits.

The book had a lot of wise quotes and great steamy scenes that kept the pages turning.

[Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley did her big ONE with this . I love the ETHIC/BUTTERFLY Series but this was a breath of fresh air and this was so GOOD I loved everything about this story .I laugh , I cried , got angry with these characters this story just gave me all the feels . Waiting To Exhale was one of my favorite movies growing up and that is definitely what this story reminded just in Ashley Antionette POV. I recommend everyone to read this !

[Lysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 Stars. Beautifully written, having friends that love you through the good and bad is a wonderful thing. I cried and laughed. This was very refreshing.

[Darcy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ “Before the Streetlights Come On.”

Ellie, Shy, Sloane, and Courtney. 🩵
The way Ashley Antoinette crafted these stories individually and into one was amazing and made for a great reading experience. I don’t know that I have a favorite friend because I liked them equally. I’m satisfied with the way it ended, HOWEVER, lol...there is so much more story that could be explored with each friend.

It’s Christmastime and Ellie is heading to Michigan for family and friend holiday activities. I’m already sold. Yall know MI is my second home. There’s an itinerary and the girls are going to do all the holiday things with each other and sometimes with their kids.

My notes for these men in this book might be a little unhinged because I was here for Loyal...until I gave him a hard side-eye. Cassidy is my man, my man. I love the way he connected to the friend group through his sister. His redemption song was strong and mighty. And Cairo...well, you’ll see my spoiler-ish notes about him.

The way the ladies poured into each other and were there for each other through these heavy life decisions and situations they were going through made me emotional. We all need friends like that. Community. There are just some things in life that are easier to get through with with friends who genuinely love you. Whether it’s divorce, raising kids, taking care of parents, etc.

Shy’s backstory is one I want to know more about. I loved her energy to be the friend who is not afraid to say what needs to be said and address the elephant in the room. Sloan’s pain controlled her future but what a beautiful result life can hand you when you just let. it. go! And surrender to love. Courtney...oh Courtney. I am just so proud of you. And my girl Ellie...her situation can be so beautiful but I need clarification on Loyal because he was “my man, my man,” until he wasn’t.

Before the Streetlights Come On is a book I would absolutely reread at Christmastime or anytime! It’s feel-good. It’s Black. It’s love. It’s Christmas. It’s family.
✨Found Family / Friend Group
✨Closeknit Family
✨Insta-Love

[Dominique Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendsmas must read

Ashley Antoinette “Before the Street lights Come On” 📚❤️ I really enjoyed this story of these 4 childhood friends who grow up and lid separate lives between starting families, building careers, moving away, love, lost, finding their self worth they still remained friends through it all. This was a true story about friendship/ sisterhood.

True sisterhood means lifting one another, offering a helping hand in times of trouble, celebrating each others victories, deep supportive love, mutual encouragement, and unity in faith, emphasizing compassion, bearing with each other in love, confessing sins and praying for healing.

I definitely give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I wasn't expecting to be wrecked by this, but here we are. This story was an amazing example of friendship, perseverance, love, loyalty, and strength. Each and every character showed how love truly conquers all. I can't say which of the friend group learned the most valuable lesson, because in each season that the friends were in, their lesson was valuable. I'm so glad to see Black women being loved out loud. And loving each other through all the ups and downs of life. This was an incredible journey and I'm excited to see where this friend/sister group goes. Lifetime, we need this on the screen for next Christmas season!

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved. I don’t usually read the author’s books, but once I saw the description, I decided to buy it and so glad I did. I loved the friendship and love between these ladies and let’s not talk about Loyal (what a perfect name) and Cassidy. The spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️. I did want to slap some sense into Sloan at times, but definitely understood her reasoning. Reminded me of my 43 year and counting friendship with my 3 besties. Sounds like there will be a part 2, which I will definitely read.

[Ineshia ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

absorbed via audiobook 🎧

i believe this is my first book by the author & i absolutely loved it! very living single, girlfriends, waiting to exhale coded. wesleigh siobhan brings life into every single narration!

[Keiera A · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨📚 Before the Street Lights Come On — Ashley Antoinette 📚✨
What I loved most about this book was the friendship! It was so real, layered, imperfect, and deeply loving.
Ellie was wrapped in community in the most beautiful way. From friends sharing clothes, love, and space. Her dad? Absolute gem 👏🏾 And watching her navigate motherhood during a tough separation felt tender and grounding.
Sloan… whew. Successful OBGYN, no man, no kids, life on repeat and somehow the most emotionally present friend. Her trauma ran deep, and the way she connected with Ellie (even from a distance) spoke volumes. I related to her heavy. Her conversations especially the one with Brooklyn were necessary, honest, and healing.
Shy brought the boldness, the unapologetic energy, and the reminder that joy still matters. She also gave a reminder it’s ok to be true to you & your circle .
Courtney broke my heart. A teen pregnancy, unresolved grief, postpartum struggles, and a marriage carrying too much unspoken pain. Watching her choose therapy felt like watching someone I know in real life finally exhale. (And yes… I hated James.)
The kids Tessa & Brooklyn in my opinion added so much depth. Conversations no child should have to have, but handled with so much care. Sloan stepping in when it mattered? That’s real friendship. And Loyal’s genuine care for wounds he did not create 🥹.
Cassidy coming home, trying to rebuild, and his bond with Sloan was one of my favorite dynamics. And Loyal? I loved the type of man he was to Ellie patient, steady, protective, and intentional. Quiet support, no ego, just showing up the way it matters.
Baby Papa’s meals had me wanting a seat at that table every chapter!
This book was funny, emotional, nostalgic, heartbreaking, and warm all at once. It reminded me that healing doesn’t happen alone , it happens in kitchens, group chats, therapy sessions, late-night talks, and friendships that truly show up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A story about growing up, loving hard, and finding yourself even after life changes the plan.

[Jessica Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ if you have a sister circle this is for you! If you want a sister circle this is for you! I loved everything about this book. Ashley gave us a true genuine story of the ups and downs of friendships and relationships and how they can overcome. I loved everything the tough conversations that happened, yet the delivery of them was just right. GO READ IT!

Oh and Wesleigh narrated this thang dowwnnnn!

[TellsOfABibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕🎄♾️

This book was different from what Ashley typically writes. The story was rooted in sisterhood, growth, and trying to figure life out when nothing feels clear yet.

This wasn’t about the usual chaos or drama we’re used to. It felt more reflective. More real. It touched on that in between stage of life where you’re just trying to find yourself, your purpose, and your people while navigating relationships, mistakes, and emotions that don’t come with a manual.

I had the physical copy of this book for a while, but if I’m being honest, it was hard for me to sit down and finish it. Once the audiobook dropped I’m like yeahhhh time to immersive read 😈.

Overall, this was a soft Christmas holiday read. Not in an over the top festive way, but in that quiet, reflective sense warm, nostalgic, and perfect for slower days when you just want something chill.

Btw… Cassidy is MINES 👩🏾‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏾

[Mariah Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives such a reminder that having a circle of people you can trust is needed. Realizing that carrying all the weight isn’t needed for one person. Before the streetlights come on tells that story of even though life is busy and all the things are happening, taking time to breathe and see family and hone in on what’s important is what really matters. The friendship that Elle, Shy, Courtney and Sloan have was something to cherish. This book gave Yasmin,Hendrix, and Soledad ( Skyland series) vibes but during the holidays. I loved this hands down. Definitely something to read and discuss with your best friends.

[tre be · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Ashley Antoinette book in YEARS! I listened to the audiobook and it was pretty good. I’ll share the things I enjoyed:

❥The beautiful wintry cover
❥The lifelong bond of friendship/sisterhood between these women
❥Cassidy
❥Cassidy and Ellie’s dad
❥The scene where Sloan leaves right out without question to help Brooklyn
❥The concept behind “before the street lights come on” - looking out for your friends and making sure they are good and safe ❣︎

There was so much that happened within the span of 1-2 weeks that much of it was so unrealistic! This is a very well-loved urban fiction so definitely check it out for yourself!!

[The Urban Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Antoinette really knows how to write women in a way that feels raw, honest, emotional, and deeply relatable.

Before the Streetlights Come On completely pulled me in from the start, and listening to it on audio made the experience even better because Wesleigh Siobhan absolutely brought these women to life. At this point, if Wesleigh is narrating, I’m already interested. But paired with Ashley Antoinette’s storytelling? Immediate win.

What stood out to me most about this book was the emotional depth within the friendships. This story is rooted in sisterhood and the complicated reality of loving people through their flaws, mistakes, trauma, growth, and changing seasons. Each woman carried her own pain, secrets, desires, and insecurities, but none of it felt overly dramatic or unrealistic. Their struggles felt familiar in a way that made the story hit harder emotionally.

This book beautifully explores motherhood, healing, friendship, heartbreak, intimacy, loyalty, and the different ways love can both damage and restore us. There’s romance and spice woven throughout the story, but what really stayed with me was the emotional connection between these women and how they continued showing up for each other despite everything life threw at them.

There were moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud, moments that had me emotional, and moments where I was talking back to the characters because I was so invested in their choices. Ashley has a way of making characters feel like people you know in real life.

Honestly, this gave me modern Waiting to Exhale energy. Four women trying to navigate relationships, life, motherhood, and personal healing while carrying years of love, secrets, and emotional baggage.

By the end, I felt completely connected to these characters and honestly didn’t want the story to end.

Another Ashley Antoinette win for me.

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 5 out of 5]

A round of applause for Before The Streetlights Come On! It was absolutely worth the extra Audible credit! The sheer joy I feel for this story is indescribable, and I find myself wishing I could be best friends with Shy, Sloan, Ellie, and Courtney! This tale is the ultimate blueprint for true friendship! And let’s not forget the beautiful romance woven throughout—it simply takes the experience to another level! Finishing this gem on Christmas Day gave me all the feels—such a bittersweet moment!

Side Note—Ashley Antoinette mentioned this might be her new fave book, and she even joked about not killing anyone in the story—well, I definitely had two people in mind who would’ve been perfect candidates!😇

[Hanna Egorova · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf 25%
why the relationships are moving so fast?

[Akilah King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Antoinette delivers an emotional, unforgettable story about the kind of friendship that lasts decades. The bond between these characters is beautiful, 20 years of love, loyalty, and showing up for each other through every trial and triumph. Their support feels real, raw, and deeply moving.

The audiobook, narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan, takes it to another level. Her performance brings every emotion to life and pulls you even deeper into their world.

A powerful, heartfelt story that proves friendship can be the greatest love of all.

[Sharika Sellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG !!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I truly felt like I was watching a movie the entire time. The friendship that these women have was amazing . Being in all walks of life and still making time for one another is true friendship! If you are looking for a story about true friendship and love definitely give this book a read.

I hope we will get a part 2 this year because I need to see what happens in the new year !

[kiriahsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything! This is what friendship is about! AA pen is unmatched! This story made me laugh, teary eyed, happy, mad and sad! 5 stars!

Glad it’s the end for now. Because I have questions about the characters 😂😂😂

[Breeee Ranae⚜️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhh this was really good !!

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! It’s such a feel-good story about true friendship and sisterhood, with a sprinkle of swoon-worthy romance. It’s almost reminiscent of Waiting to Exhale.

[T.Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! I thought about my friend group the whole time I was reading. I love the relationship the women have with one another in the story, made me appreciate my relationship with my girls even more. Hoping we get another book about them!

[Kaitlyn C Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looooooove! This book had me HOOKED. I feel like I haven’t read a good book in so long and this was a breath of fresh air. 10s all around !!!!!

[Myra Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in 1 sitting. I loved how relatable all the characters were. My favorites were Sloan and Cassidy. Ashley you did your big one with this feel good holiday read.