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, Fiction, African American Romance, Audiobook, Friendship, Holiday

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. 🥰

[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.

[*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.

[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.

[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 !

[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!

[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!

[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!!

[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!😇

[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.

[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 !!

[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 Cayette 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.

[Krissy’s Korner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no notes! Truly such an amazing read about true friendship, love and more! Baby Loyal and Cassidy, ugh I love them read bad! The friend group was amazing, each woman had something I can relate to and understand why they were feeling the way they were!!! I am so happy I read this! Highly recommend!

[Teka B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️I didn’t really care for the character Ellie. She had her own issues but judged others just as harshly, which felt contradictory. However, I did like how the story revealed everyone’s secrets. The gradual revelations made the story engaging and well done overall.

[Brisace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley did a phenomenal job on this book, definitely recommend it

[Hotmess Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

"They were best friends, but sometimes your friends could be your soulmate too."

A group of 40 year old childhood friends coming back together for the holidays, SIGN ME UP! Everyone was going through itttt, but they had each other💕 There were some men that come into the picture, but the author did a great job of centering the friends and their relationship with themselves and each other. 

But...yes Loyal is HIM and that is the pressure and carrying on required. 

Okay back to my girlies! Sloan, my hyper independent queen. Sometimes she came off a little bitter, but I understood where she was coming from and enjoyed her journey. Ellie had me tired hahaha, but her energy was so fun. Happy Courtney leaned on her girls because absolutely not! Shy...I have the softest spot for her! She's nuts but in the best way! 

I enjoyed this book, even though there were times when the author would weave in some beliefs that I know can be popular, but just not my vibe. We still love our problematic aunties, so we keep it pushing. 

Adulting is hard, but how blessed our we who have a tribe! This book perfectly captures that soul-reviving feeling that comes after time with the girls 💕

"Loneliness was impossible, however, because her friends had been right there, every single time, without judgment and always coming with wine. Lots and lots of wine."

[Erica MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo good! I loved everything about this book except for the timespan of when it took place. Like wait all this happened in 2 weeks nahhhhh. But despite that nothing can take away my love for these characters and the story line. I loved that the women were my age and going through real life situations that I could relate to in a sense. I connected with each and every character in some way. I loved how the friends really supported one another and came to the others side Always! The scene with Sloan coming to Brooklyn’s rescue was everything!! I loved how she checked Brooklyns father as only a true friend can. I loved how Sloan was vulnerable with Cassidy and called him before that surgery. That scene made me cry! I was too through! I loved the ups and downs of this book. I loved the male main characters. I even loved Loyal even though he seemed a little too rushed with his love. Cassidy was EVERYTHING!! Like EVERYTHING! Sloan was pissing me off even though I understood her tug of war in her heart. I love how their story played out. I love how once Courtney went with her friends she ultimately did what she needed to do for herself. Her friends really saved her and helped her take that first step. The only one I didn’t really connect with is Chi but still liked her.

And Ashley…..who is delivering diapers and formula to someone’s house unannounced after midnight?!? Some parts of the story were really fit in to meet the rushed timeframe.

I need and want more of these characters. I really love how Ashley incorporates the kids in to her stories to the point that they are just as essential to the story line. I loved how the trusted adults were there for the kids.

Loved this book down to the point that I was rubbing my feet together from excitement at some points. Please read this book for the holidays. It really gives you all the feels!

[Courtney Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️s

- I loved the girlfriend’s aspect of the book. I was laughing, crying, and praying along with the tribe.
- Puts you in the holiday spirit.
- I was hurting for Brooklyn and Tessa. I’m so happy they get a fresh start back in Michigan around family and loved ones that care about them.
- I didn’t enjoy how unrealistic Loyal and Ellie’s love connection was conjured and fast tracked.
- Sloan grew on my nerves with her attempt to overcome her fear of Cassidy. You knew this man your whole life and automatically assumed he was guilty of his crime?
- If this story continues, I would love to see Shy and Court find their happy ending.

[Love BookReviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Ashley Antoinette, for this breath of fresh air. This story embodies friendship and love for the emotionally mature. I enjoyed healthy friendship, even when things were rocky, the loyalty was always there and that is something to hold on to. There was a mutual respect and adoration between the women that I just loved all around. The love and growth for each character was beautifully written. When friends become family, it’s everything!

The representation of Black family men being open and vulnerable, and deserving of real love was also a highlight for me.

I feel a book 2 coming!

[Queenkeevs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. It gave me waiting to exhale vibes, but more modern more relatable and this is a friend group, all women wish we could all have. I love a good story with grown women with real life issues, expectations, and goals that support each other.

This one met every expectation I didn’t even know I had and I would happily reread or listen to it again I did this one on audio, and it was worth it. If you’re looking for something that feels good, right, funny, emotional, and joyful all in one this is definitely a highly recommended book.

[Zipporah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect holiday read! It took me through all the emotions and once the story developed I was eager to finish. Haven’t been the biggest fan of some of her previous books but Ashley Antoinette got me with this one! I had so many lines I wanted to write down but “my soul knows you” took the cake!

[bookheauxtales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! The writing was amazing, Ashley Antoinette really brought the characters and their circumstances to life. Wesleigh's narration was also amazing! She gave each character different energy and did it well!

[Ashley Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

love a good romance, but the friendship in this book stole the show. Watching these characters show up for each other despite conflict and personal struggles was top tier. I definitely shed a tear. A solid 5-star read and possibly my favorite book of 2025.