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Ethic #2
Ethic II
Love should burn slow, but with Ezra "Ethic" Okafor it is always fast and fleeting. After an accidental killing affects Alani, the woman he loves, she thinks he's a monster. Separated by tragedy, the pair endure a loss like nothing they have ever felt, and their connection is impossible to repair.
Ethic is reduced to misery and raising his children alone once again. With Morgan in the throes of a passionate love affair and Bella in need of guidance that he can't provide, Ethic is in turmoil. He's failing as a man, and the fingerprint he is leaving on the world is a bloody one.
In this second book of this epic love story, Ashley Antoinette taps into the soul of her listeners as she explores the limits of love and forgiveness. Is anything truly unforgivable? Or is Ethic the one man who can love a woman back from the edge of madness?
Ethic is reduced to misery and raising his children alone once again. With Morgan in the throes of a passionate love affair and Bella in need of guidance that he can't provide, Ethic is in turmoil. He's failing as a man, and the fingerprint he is leaving on the world is a bloody one.
In this second book of this epic love story, Ashley Antoinette taps into the soul of her listeners as she explores the limits of love and forgiveness. Is anything truly unforgivable? Or is Ethic the one man who can love a woman back from the edge of madness?
Audible Audio
Published November 6, 2018
434 people are currently reading
3562 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Antoinette
77 books7,553 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 648 reviews
January 11, 2020
Done!
Done. Period. The end! I honestly don't think I have the emotional strength to make it thru a third book! Don't get me wrong, Ethic and Alani have a beautiful love story. But I am drained emotionally! I am feeling so bipolar right now. I want them to get past all of the hurt, but I feel like there really is no getting past everything that has happened in these two books.
I love how all of the characters have blossomed and grown into their own skin. Bella is my girl. Not quite a child, yet so much mature than most girls her age. I was so happy to see her evolve in this book! Easy is still just as cute as ever.
Morgan and Messiah.... Lord i want them both to let their balls hang and tell Ethic what's really good! They make me feel bipolar too! Can't wait for the next one but if it's as emotional as the past 2....
Done. Period. The end! I honestly don't think I have the emotional strength to make it thru a third book! Don't get me wrong, Ethic and Alani have a beautiful love story. But I am drained emotionally! I am feeling so bipolar right now. I want them to get past all of the hurt, but I feel like there really is no getting past everything that has happened in these two books.
I love how all of the characters have blossomed and grown into their own skin. Bella is my girl. Not quite a child, yet so much mature than most girls her age. I was so happy to see her evolve in this book! Easy is still just as cute as ever.
Morgan and Messiah.... Lord i want them both to let their balls hang and tell Ethic what's really good! They make me feel bipolar too! Can't wait for the next one but if it's as emotional as the past 2....
June 13, 2019
Okay so this is where Ashley turns it up a few notches. This installment was filled with so much pain it was hard to listen to at times. I really wanted to shake BOTH Ethic and Alani. Alani turned into someone we hadn't met before but grief can certainly do that to you. Ethic's daughter Bella really came into her own in this one. My favorite part of this book is when Alani introduces Bella to reading. That really warmed my heart. It's these moments when I recognize how much Ashley is in her own lane as an urban fiction author. Yes there's shooting and sex but there's also other moments too where her characters show their vulnerability. Ethic became that standup dude I always knew he was in this. I honestly can't stop reading this series if I tried. I'm already halfway in Book 3.
September 26, 2021
I’m broke all the way down
Ashley does it again. It is 4:06 a.m. and I just finished this book. I started yesterday. I am in awe!
Ashley does it again. It is 4:06 a.m. and I just finished this book. I started yesterday. I am in awe!
December 21, 2024
my 2nd read via audiobook this time. The audiobook was ok. I forgot how dark Ethic 2 was.
What a f*cking rollercoaster!!!!!! That’s all I gotta say lol running to book 3.
What a f*cking rollercoaster!!!!!! That’s all I gotta say lol running to book 3.
October 11, 2024
I am forever changed.
August 21, 2024
2nd read. Still making my way through the audiobooks.
I still can't believe that I let Messiah trick me on to his team during my first read. Was I not paying attention? Whenever Morgan wants to bring up an issue or have a serious talk - he goes into her pants. That's literally all these two did. I also just noticed how he would call Bleu "Shorty Doo-Wop" as well..sir...SIR?!
I still can't believe that I let Messiah trick me on to his team during my first read. Was I not paying attention? Whenever Morgan wants to bring up an issue or have a serious talk - he goes into her pants. That's literally all these two did. I also just noticed how he would call Bleu "Shorty Doo-Wop" as well..sir...SIR?!
December 23, 2018
Half way through I began to lose patience with Ethic and Alani. I love the Messiah and Morgan love story.
April 26, 2023
I’m actually so emotionally drained just give me like 5 hours for a great review 😭
2 days later:
no thoughts, just tears
2 days later:
no thoughts, just tears
December 30, 2025
I didn't think this story could get any crazier, but I was so wrong omgggg!
December 10, 2024
Man this one was tough. These characters love so hard. To their own detriment. And tragedy after tragedy my heart hurt for them. But it was so well written that there was a movie playing in my head. I love that feeling. Even at the sad parts I couldn’t look away. I just felt it with them.
January 8, 2025
“Ethic’s love knew no limits and Alani was floored. she led Bella out of the church and to her car, in complete disbelief of how Ethic could be so dreadful but so incredible all at the same time. she wishes she could love like that, without boundaries, but boundaries were necessary.”
“Alani had pulled Ethic in with her spirit, attracting him to her alter like she was godly. perhaps, that had been the sin that made them so tragic. Ethic worshipped her, and God’s jealousy had sabotaged them from the start.”
I love tragedy & Ethic II was nothing short of that. it just kept getting worse & WORSA. Morgan & Messiah get on my damn nerves. I’m only here for Alani & her redemption/happiness, because she surely has to win at some point? right??
“Alani had pulled Ethic in with her spirit, attracting him to her alter like she was godly. perhaps, that had been the sin that made them so tragic. Ethic worshipped her, and God’s jealousy had sabotaged them from the start.”
I love tragedy & Ethic II was nothing short of that. it just kept getting worse & WORSA. Morgan & Messiah get on my damn nerves. I’m only here for Alani & her redemption/happiness, because she surely has to win at some point? right??
July 21, 2025
I'm emotionally drained .. but every time I finish one, I pick the next one up.
The ending didn't even have to end like that. . . mannnnn I want Ethic and Alani to forgive each ther and move forward because they both deserve the love their longing for but will it ever happen now? Bella is very wise for her age but I'm mad as hell at her and feel soooo sorry for her at the same time.
The ending didn't even have to end like that. . . mannnnn I want Ethic and Alani to forgive each ther and move forward because they both deserve the love their longing for but will it ever happen now? Bella is very wise for her age but I'm mad as hell at her and feel soooo sorry for her at the same time.
December 11, 2020
GoodRead!! Definitely my fav book by Antoinette tho there are things I did not like this One was good.
May 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
The second book begins with Alani being pregnant by Ethic and she’s struggling to decide whether to keep it or not.
… Alani still can’t catch a break 😭😭. I loved her and Bella’s relationship, like she finally got a bit of comfort in the midst of her turmoil.
Babyyyy… Cream has got to die! Because why would you do that?!?!
I’m very curious to know what Messiah is hiding. Am i morbid for actually appreciating his Christmas gifts to Morgan?!? 😬
The second book begins with Alani being pregnant by Ethic and she’s struggling to decide whether to keep it or not.
… Alani still can’t catch a break 😭😭. I loved her and Bella’s relationship, like she finally got a bit of comfort in the midst of her turmoil.
Babyyyy… Cream has got to die! Because why would you do that?!?!
I’m very curious to know what Messiah is hiding. Am i morbid for actually appreciating his Christmas gifts to Morgan?!? 😬
November 18, 2020
Sad 😞
So much sadness and heartbreak my goodness! This was just exhausting.
I know the 4 stars and the way I began the review is a contradiction but my emotions are everywhere. Like dam one child wasn’t enough?? We gotta have one per book now? 🗣Uugghhh!!!
I love Ethic & Alani and I want so badly for them to get their ish together!
Messiah & Morgan are still annoying the hell out of me. In this book they seem more like background noise. Morgan’s still so insecure and now I find out that Messiah has a secret too??!!! Jesus take the wheel!!
Bella was the only good thing that happened in this story! And hell she was sad, and lonely for 80% of the dam book. SMH 🤦🏾♀️ I keep telling myself it’s a series you have to keep reading, the HEA is on the way but I KNOW BETTER. 🤷🏽♀️ my heart is going to get broken 💔
SHESHHHH I’m all in my feelings... I need to shut this long arse rant down! Like who am I kidding?? I’m counting down the days until the December 1st release date for Ethic 3!! I need a drink 🥃 and I need to send Ashley Antoinette my damn therapy bill!!!
As always great writing man, & great character development; God, when a book evokes this much emotion how can you not love the author. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Go get this book & thank me later 😉
So much sadness and heartbreak my goodness! This was just exhausting.
I know the 4 stars and the way I began the review is a contradiction but my emotions are everywhere. Like dam one child wasn’t enough?? We gotta have one per book now? 🗣Uugghhh!!!
I love Ethic & Alani and I want so badly for them to get their ish together!
Messiah & Morgan are still annoying the hell out of me. In this book they seem more like background noise. Morgan’s still so insecure and now I find out that Messiah has a secret too??!!! Jesus take the wheel!!
Bella was the only good thing that happened in this story! And hell she was sad, and lonely for 80% of the dam book. SMH 🤦🏾♀️ I keep telling myself it’s a series you have to keep reading, the HEA is on the way but I KNOW BETTER. 🤷🏽♀️ my heart is going to get broken 💔
SHESHHHH I’m all in my feelings... I need to shut this long arse rant down! Like who am I kidding?? I’m counting down the days until the December 1st release date for Ethic 3!! I need a drink 🥃 and I need to send Ashley Antoinette my damn therapy bill!!!
As always great writing man, & great character development; God, when a book evokes this much emotion how can you not love the author. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Go get this book & thank me later 😉
December 11, 2022
⠀
𝑬𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝑰𝑰 read like a high school hood struggle love. Morgan’s fascination with Messiah was a repeat of Ethic and Raven. It was basically the exact same storyline between Ethic and Alani, with one huge callous twist. Highly Predictable!! The danger and thrill from book 1 was gone, vanished. The writing was elementary. It went all the way off the rails. I lost total interest in the series. Over the top toxicity! I did like how Alani introduced Bella to reading!
What I ordered: Tupac - Ambitionz az a Ridah
What I got: a no name mumble rapper
𝑬𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝑰𝑰 read like a high school hood struggle love. Morgan’s fascination with Messiah was a repeat of Ethic and Raven. It was basically the exact same storyline between Ethic and Alani, with one huge callous twist. Highly Predictable!! The danger and thrill from book 1 was gone, vanished. The writing was elementary. It went all the way off the rails. I lost total interest in the series. Over the top toxicity! I did like how Alani introduced Bella to reading!
What I ordered: Tupac - Ambitionz az a Ridah
What I got: a no name mumble rapper
October 21, 2024
It’s 6a and I am in tears 😭
April 6, 2024
Alani really just have me gasping this go round. Girl why in the heck .. just nvm.
Just know I blew my breath a lot in this book. Nonetheless I was very intrigued. I guess you can say “Welcome to Ethicland” haha.
I’m so glad to see how Bella is maturing. She’s growing on me for Alani.
Just know I blew my breath a lot in this book. Nonetheless I was very intrigued. I guess you can say “Welcome to Ethicland” haha.
I’m so glad to see how Bella is maturing. She’s growing on me for Alani.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
This particular book dragged in my opinion. It focused more on Alani and Ethic. I feel as if Alani could a prevented her late daughter’s Kenzie’s father’s mayhem. This man physically abused her twice through the book and she was still telling Ethic to let him live. She pretty much whined and cried through this entire book. I also didn’t like the fact that she didn’t tell this man she was pregnant. I despise when women take the knowledge of men knowing about their child away from him. I’m sure she he was responsible for the death of her daughter but if she was in that much turmoil she should had just had an abortion. I’m not sure how I feel about the Morgan and Messiah thing. I feel like he is way out of her league and I am not too fond of him as of yet. As for Bella, I do not feel as if Ethic should had been allowing her to be around Alani as much as he has, especially with the several encounters with Cream there. That part is just unrealistic. He was supposed to be in jail, then suddenly he gets out although he is already an ex-con (I guess that isn’t too far-fetched with today’s justice system. I just feel as if something was missing in this book. I may need to take a little break for this series before moving on to book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
OMG...I could read 20 books in a row about Ethic. Ashley knows how to manipulate my emotions with this character. He is just amazing and I just can’t understand why he can’t just get his happy ending...damn.
January 26, 2026
Ashley Antionette did not come to play with Ethic II. This sequel is raw, emotional, and completely consuming. The character development goes deeper, the stakes are higher, and the emotional pull is relentless. Every decision feels heavy, every relationship complicated, and every chapter leaves you needing one more.
If you enjoy gritty romance, morally gray characters, and stories that stay with you long after the last page, Ethic II delivers on every level. An absolute 5-star read. 🔥📚
If you enjoy gritty romance, morally gray characters, and stories that stay with you long after the last page, Ethic II delivers on every level. An absolute 5-star read. 🔥📚
May 22, 2023
I love love loved this!!!! Although Alani was annoying me and pissing me off half the time it’s understandable but at some point baby… you got cut the whole family off if you wanna be so dramatic!!! But anyway I hope Ethic gets his happy ending he deserves it more than anyone 🥺 & I love Messiah and Morgan together so cute!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
Wow. WOW!!!
December 6, 2025
Omfg my heart! 😫😭 That was a whole lot and I’m feeling so many things!!!
October 20, 2019
4.25🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 18, 2018
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. One thing I love about Ashley is her way with words. Everything is described into details. She puts so much into words you have no choice but to feel it. Reading this I felt love, anger & sorrow. Throughout the story Bella was that fresh energy that both Ethic & Alani needed. Bella didn’t realize how much of an impact she had. Such a thoughtful and caring spirit she has. Deep down I want Ethic & Alani to work out but deep down I know it will never be true. They have to much damage in between them to ever truly work. Alani struggles to get out of the dark place she was in and just when she was almost to the door a tragedy forced her right back to that dark hole she was in. The last few pages of the book was where I felt the most emotions. It was as if I could feel the heartbreak and regret. Ashley out did her self with this one.
July 27, 2020
Maaaaan!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This book was so dark, so painful. You spend half of the book with tears trying not to fall and the other half willing to destroy the world. The dichotomy of being a man, lover and protector. Warrior and nurturer. Gladiator and lover. The best of us find that balance between the two. Ethic struggles to find that place in every book of this series. This is some really good writing.
Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
This book was so dark, so painful. You spend half of the book with tears trying not to fall and the other half willing to destroy the world. The dichotomy of being a man, lover and protector. Warrior and nurturer. Gladiator and lover. The best of us find that balance between the two. Ethic struggles to find that place in every book of this series. This is some really good writing.
Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
October 23, 2020
My fav so far in the series. Let's keep going.
June 21, 2023
Chile 😒😒
December 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5
Y’all… this book had me all the way in my feelings. I went through phases of annoyance with Alani–like, how long you gon’ be so hard on Ethic after everything? Yes, she lost a child, I get it, but Ethic? That man owned his wrongs. He was out here being vulnerable, admitting his faults, and she… she waited too long to love, too long to let herself be open. And hiding her pregnancy? Girl… he could’ve kept her safe. My heart. 💔
Ashley’s writing hits different... you feel every heartbreak, all the anger, every ounce of love. Ethic’s love for Alani is real, it’s deep, it’s messy. But the damage? Y’all, it’s too much. Alani trying to claw her way outta the dark only to be pulled back in by tragedy? I felt it in my chest.
Morgan & Messiah. Lord, these two got me bipolar. I need them to just tell Ethic what’s up! Their love is undeniable, but the secrecy? It’s killing me. Messiah… what you hiding, boo? 🤔 I’m on the edge of my seat, living and dying with these men.
Bella was that bright, healing energy they didn’t even know they needed. She’s thoughtful, caring, mature beyond her age, and seeing her shine made me so happy. She’s small but mighty.
And BABY OKAFOR. 😭 The last few pages? I was sobbing internally. Regret, heartbreak, love… all tangled up. Ethic & Alani’s love story is beautiful, messy, and real.
This book left me drained. Ethic & Alani have a connection that’s breathtaking, but I don’t know if my heart can survive book three. I want them to heal… but the weight of all that’s happened? It might just be too much.
Ashley, took me on a rollercoaster I wasn’t ready for. No neat, happy ending here, but the love… the love they all share? Unmatched.
Y’all… this book had me all the way in my feelings. I went through phases of annoyance with Alani–like, how long you gon’ be so hard on Ethic after everything? Yes, she lost a child, I get it, but Ethic? That man owned his wrongs. He was out here being vulnerable, admitting his faults, and she… she waited too long to love, too long to let herself be open. And hiding her pregnancy? Girl… he could’ve kept her safe. My heart. 💔
Ashley’s writing hits different... you feel every heartbreak, all the anger, every ounce of love. Ethic’s love for Alani is real, it’s deep, it’s messy. But the damage? Y’all, it’s too much. Alani trying to claw her way outta the dark only to be pulled back in by tragedy? I felt it in my chest.
Morgan & Messiah. Lord, these two got me bipolar. I need them to just tell Ethic what’s up! Their love is undeniable, but the secrecy? It’s killing me. Messiah… what you hiding, boo? 🤔 I’m on the edge of my seat, living and dying with these men.
Bella was that bright, healing energy they didn’t even know they needed. She’s thoughtful, caring, mature beyond her age, and seeing her shine made me so happy. She’s small but mighty.
And BABY OKAFOR. 😭 The last few pages? I was sobbing internally. Regret, heartbreak, love… all tangled up. Ethic & Alani’s love story is beautiful, messy, and real.
This book left me drained. Ethic & Alani have a connection that’s breathtaking, but I don’t know if my heart can survive book three. I want them to heal… but the weight of all that’s happened? It might just be too much.
Ashley, took me on a rollercoaster I wasn’t ready for. No neat, happy ending here, but the love… the love they all share? Unmatched.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 648 reviews