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Ethic #5
Ethic 5
Life has never been easy for Ethic. Since he was a young boy he has battled loss after loss while struggling to navigate through a treacherous world. When he met Alani Lenika Hill, he knew that he had met the woman who would love him back to life. They have weathered a storm together, and their love is so fated that neither wants to let it go, but it seems their bubble of happiness is an illusion, because life around them is falling apart.
When Morgan Atkins attempts suicide, their bliss is shattered. So much is on the line. So many things hang in the balance as Morgan fights for her life. Her broken heart has led her to this, but if she dies, the soul of Ethic's family will be buried with her.
In this heart-pounding series fans have been brought into a world of love, lust, anger, sadness, joy, hate, and most of all growth. Hold on tight for another installment of this epic love story told in such a poignant way that it's hard to distinguish the real world from the one in your head. Welcome back to the Ethic Effect.
When Morgan Atkins attempts suicide, their bliss is shattered. So much is on the line. So many things hang in the balance as Morgan fights for her life. Her broken heart has led her to this, but if she dies, the soul of Ethic's family will be buried with her.
In this heart-pounding series fans have been brought into a world of love, lust, anger, sadness, joy, hate, and most of all growth. Hold on tight for another installment of this epic love story told in such a poignant way that it's hard to distinguish the real world from the one in your head. Welcome back to the Ethic Effect.
Audible Audio
Published August 15, 2019
380 people are currently reading
3087 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Antoinette
77 books7,376 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 392 reviews
June 19, 2019
Spoiler alert
Morgan is a selfish brat! Where’s the growth in her!? Everyone around her is growing even little Bella and here she is still selfishly green to love. I hate it. I hate that there are people actually in the world like this. Yayaaaaa I swear she so up and down I don’t care what kind of “bond” you share with somebody you can’t just randomly stake claim especially on a man like Ethic. This book made me like Alani more (she had to grow on me) and when I say like I mean LOVE. She’s so patient and loving that it’s ridiculous
Bella and Hendrix
Morgan and Messiah
Ethic and Raven
Allllll the same love told in different ways I love it!
Nyair lord he is a rooted thug sent from heaven. The aura of a street legend with the mentally and backing of the holy word
Lord Messiah is selfless I can’t deal.
Seeing To be continued broke my damn heart but I’m
Waiting on 6 by far the best series I read from her
Morgan is a selfish brat! Where’s the growth in her!? Everyone around her is growing even little Bella and here she is still selfishly green to love. I hate it. I hate that there are people actually in the world like this. Yayaaaaa I swear she so up and down I don’t care what kind of “bond” you share with somebody you can’t just randomly stake claim especially on a man like Ethic. This book made me like Alani more (she had to grow on me) and when I say like I mean LOVE. She’s so patient and loving that it’s ridiculous
Bella and Hendrix
Morgan and Messiah
Ethic and Raven
Allllll the same love told in different ways I love it!
Nyair lord he is a rooted thug sent from heaven. The aura of a street legend with the mentally and backing of the holy word
Lord Messiah is selfless I can’t deal.
Seeing To be continued broke my damn heart but I’m
Waiting on 6 by far the best series I read from her
January 5, 2020
Now listen, I love a good love story. I always have. And Lord knows the first 3 books of this series gave me butterflies, they were so beautifully written. However... I’m extremely tired of this story.
Alani and Ethic’s love was lovely at first, but now it’s the most annoying relationship I’ve ever had to witness on print. All they seem to do the entire book is fight and have sex. Over, and over, and over again. Sex is great, but they have a harder time simply communicating than they do finding new ways and locations to have sex. Do they even have a connection outside of that? They’re story hasn’t progressed at all, so I don’t care about them anymore after this edition. They could permanently break up and Ethic could just get with Easy’s thirsty teacher for all I care. I liked Alani at first, but now I’m starting to see why so many other readers dislike her. One minute, she’s the most perfect human that’s ever walked Earth, let alone walked into Ethic’s life. And the next minute she’s a hood rat who curses him out, hits him, bosses his children around and lets him perform sexual acts on her - even when his children are present and are subsequently traumatized. Absolutely disgusting. She’s also incredibly childish and jealous, which oddly only turns Ethic on. And instead of Ethic having a spine, and actually demanding she treats him and his home with respect, he lets her do whatever she thinks is best, even when it’s concerning his children that she’s known for roughly 1 year. It’s unrealistic, even with a man as patient as Ethic.
Messiah and Morgan’s relationship is co-dependent, toxic and excruciating at this point. They’re so in sync with eachother, they apparently read eachother’s minds. However, he’s able to sleep with his best friend (who I actually think he’d make a better couple with anyway) and she’s able to flirt with a pastor (though his accreditation seems quite suspect) and they still claim to be eachother’s soulmate. I cannot. And please don’t get me started with the angle in which every single man Morgan comes in contact with wants her. It’s a little played out now. She’s absurdly spoiled, rude and selfish, yet no man cares because she’s attractive. Messiah is crass, possessive and has horrible anger management issues. Neither is fit for a relationship really, they both need intense therapy. I’d rather see more about Aria and Issa than read more about how every man wants Morgan but all she cares about is Messiah. I’m bored.
Lastly, the book was a whole other level of redundancy. Chapter after chapter of the author finding new ways to say the same things continuously was unnecessary. I don’t need a sex scene and several proclamations of unrequited love every chapter. I would’ve enjoyed much more story and MUCH less dialogue. Ashley, I love you but please don’t stretch a series out this long again unless each book can actually stand alone as an entertaining body of work. This is feeling less like a cohesive series and more like an attempt to drain as much money as possible from the readers.
Alani and Ethic’s love was lovely at first, but now it’s the most annoying relationship I’ve ever had to witness on print. All they seem to do the entire book is fight and have sex. Over, and over, and over again. Sex is great, but they have a harder time simply communicating than they do finding new ways and locations to have sex. Do they even have a connection outside of that? They’re story hasn’t progressed at all, so I don’t care about them anymore after this edition. They could permanently break up and Ethic could just get with Easy’s thirsty teacher for all I care. I liked Alani at first, but now I’m starting to see why so many other readers dislike her. One minute, she’s the most perfect human that’s ever walked Earth, let alone walked into Ethic’s life. And the next minute she’s a hood rat who curses him out, hits him, bosses his children around and lets him perform sexual acts on her - even when his children are present and are subsequently traumatized. Absolutely disgusting. She’s also incredibly childish and jealous, which oddly only turns Ethic on. And instead of Ethic having a spine, and actually demanding she treats him and his home with respect, he lets her do whatever she thinks is best, even when it’s concerning his children that she’s known for roughly 1 year. It’s unrealistic, even with a man as patient as Ethic.
Messiah and Morgan’s relationship is co-dependent, toxic and excruciating at this point. They’re so in sync with eachother, they apparently read eachother’s minds. However, he’s able to sleep with his best friend (who I actually think he’d make a better couple with anyway) and she’s able to flirt with a pastor (though his accreditation seems quite suspect) and they still claim to be eachother’s soulmate. I cannot. And please don’t get me started with the angle in which every single man Morgan comes in contact with wants her. It’s a little played out now. She’s absurdly spoiled, rude and selfish, yet no man cares because she’s attractive. Messiah is crass, possessive and has horrible anger management issues. Neither is fit for a relationship really, they both need intense therapy. I’d rather see more about Aria and Issa than read more about how every man wants Morgan but all she cares about is Messiah. I’m bored.
Lastly, the book was a whole other level of redundancy. Chapter after chapter of the author finding new ways to say the same things continuously was unnecessary. I don’t need a sex scene and several proclamations of unrequited love every chapter. I would’ve enjoyed much more story and MUCH less dialogue. Ashley, I love you but please don’t stretch a series out this long again unless each book can actually stand alone as an entertaining body of work. This is feeling less like a cohesive series and more like an attempt to drain as much money as possible from the readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2019
5 books in and I wondered what else could these characters go thru. I mean they have all been at the lowest of lows right? Ashley still got more to give to these guys. Love, laughter, drama, hurt, growth... all of these things were experienced on the pages of Ethic 5. What you thought you knew, you really don't. It's been a couple days and my emotions are still all over the place just looking at the book. 3 was my favorite but 5 stole my heart. By far the best book of the series
December 11, 2019
I think this is a classic case where the author has completely dragged out a series when this could've been done in 3 books instead of 6. Glad to see this installment actually had something going on but not enough. If you look at the where these characters have progressed since wrapping up book 4 most of them are in the same situation pretty much.I am just frustrated as a reader because we have been riding out with this series for a long time only to be strung along. If this doesn't wrap up in book 6 I'm going to have to throw in the towel on Ethic and Alani. There comes a point where you just stop caring. The constant we love each other but there's so many reasons why we shouldn't be together trope is getting old and annoying. I'm also over Morgan's storyline. I'm actually ready for Bella.
June 5, 2019
Just WOW!!! Ashley Antoinette’s ART is beautiful!!! She alerts ALL of your emotions!!! A DEFINITE MUST READ!!!
Read
December 14, 2024Bruh. Idk. I’m exhausted now. The dragging out and no one learned anything new. Everyone is in pain everyone is wallowing. I feel strung along. Can’t even rate this fr. One more to go. Please bring me some resolve lawd hammercy.
May 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
January 25, 2023
Alani has gotten on my nerves once again. Somebody tell me it stops in book 6 !! I love how she loves those kids though.
Morgan worked my last nerves in this one. She act like she wanna give Ethic some ass 😐
I came into this book hating Messiah I hate him a little less now can’t lie. I hope they find this man before he die.
But Not Bleu with the sympathy sex though. 🤦🏽♀️
Morgan worked my last nerves in this one. She act like she wanna give Ethic some ass 😐
I came into this book hating Messiah I hate him a little less now can’t lie. I hope they find this man before he die.
But Not Bleu with the sympathy sex though. 🤦🏽♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
Chapter 15 reminds me of The fault on our Stars by John Green. Tear.. smile.. sigh
May 28, 2023
This one has definitely been my favorite so far.
Fucking Messiah. Jesus Christ I love him so much. He got so much fucking pain that he was able to numb himself from for so long. So much fucking torment from his past. He got to experience love through Morgan. Or he was able to recognize love from Morgan loving him and him being able to love her purely. Yeah, his intentions were initially fucked up, but who he truly was inside wouldn't allow him to go through with his family's shitty plan. That was in the last book. But it just lends to what we see of him in this book.
He was diagnosed with Lymphoma I think the day he picked Morgan up from the club and she got in the Lake. He was telling her it wasn't going to last, before he let himself love her, because he knew the cancer was gonna kill him. And at that time, he didn't care one way or the other. Bleu's Christmas gift to him, in whichever book that was when she came over and Morgan was feeling a little intimidated by their relationship, was that she was paying for his cancer treatments. Their friendship is so deep.
Not only the fuck THAT shit, but it turns out that Mizan is NOT Messiah's brother, although there is a good chance that Messiah don't know that. Bookie pedophile ass was fucking Mizan's mother and was molesting Mizan, and Mixan grew up and the sexual relationship between Mizan and Bookie continued. So while he was abusing Raven, he was fucking this old man everybody thought was his dad. Poor Messiah was being molested by his fucking father, and would go to who he thought his brother for help, and that nigga was beating the fuck out Messiah.
Now, with all that, my heart and soul is DEMANDING for Messiah to have a happy ending. People survive cancer, Ashley Antionette!!!! If Messiah die I'm gonna be so fucking hurt!!!
Ethic knows about his past because he got Zya to look into him. Ethci don't know he's sick, and Messiah don't know Morgan is pregnant. And Messiah don't know Ethic ain't gonna kill him over the Mizan confession. I just need this mother fucking reunion to happen, because I'm losing my shit with Messiah. He's so raw, he cries a lot, he's just feeling so many things, fear, regret, just so many overwhelming emotion, and of course he's still in love with Morgan. He don't want her to see him sick and have to watch him die. But I feel like being with her and knowing he's gonna have a son will make him fight harder.
Alani had a miscarriage. She hasn't told Ethic about the endometriosis, and she's afraid to.
And Bella got a crush on this lil cutie around Nannie way named Henny. We might have met him in 4. But I really like him. He grown as hell. Like he seen too much shit. Ethic would NEVER approve of his daughters messing with street niggas. But he a street nigga. Even though he cleaned up his life, he still a gangster. Why wouldn't his daughters be attracted to gangster?
I'm actually sad it's almost over. I'm so enjoying this series. Even though Ashley Antionette makes me feel worthless and inadequate as a writer.
Fucking Messiah. Jesus Christ I love him so much. He got so much fucking pain that he was able to numb himself from for so long. So much fucking torment from his past. He got to experience love through Morgan. Or he was able to recognize love from Morgan loving him and him being able to love her purely. Yeah, his intentions were initially fucked up, but who he truly was inside wouldn't allow him to go through with his family's shitty plan. That was in the last book. But it just lends to what we see of him in this book.
He was diagnosed with Lymphoma I think the day he picked Morgan up from the club and she got in the Lake. He was telling her it wasn't going to last, before he let himself love her, because he knew the cancer was gonna kill him. And at that time, he didn't care one way or the other. Bleu's Christmas gift to him, in whichever book that was when she came over and Morgan was feeling a little intimidated by their relationship, was that she was paying for his cancer treatments. Their friendship is so deep.
Not only the fuck THAT shit, but it turns out that Mizan is NOT Messiah's brother, although there is a good chance that Messiah don't know that. Bookie pedophile ass was fucking Mizan's mother and was molesting Mizan, and Mixan grew up and the sexual relationship between Mizan and Bookie continued. So while he was abusing Raven, he was fucking this old man everybody thought was his dad. Poor Messiah was being molested by his fucking father, and would go to who he thought his brother for help, and that nigga was beating the fuck out Messiah.
Now, with all that, my heart and soul is DEMANDING for Messiah to have a happy ending. People survive cancer, Ashley Antionette!!!! If Messiah die I'm gonna be so fucking hurt!!!
Ethic knows about his past because he got Zya to look into him. Ethci don't know he's sick, and Messiah don't know Morgan is pregnant. And Messiah don't know Ethic ain't gonna kill him over the Mizan confession. I just need this mother fucking reunion to happen, because I'm losing my shit with Messiah. He's so raw, he cries a lot, he's just feeling so many things, fear, regret, just so many overwhelming emotion, and of course he's still in love with Morgan. He don't want her to see him sick and have to watch him die. But I feel like being with her and knowing he's gonna have a son will make him fight harder.
Alani had a miscarriage. She hasn't told Ethic about the endometriosis, and she's afraid to.
And Bella got a crush on this lil cutie around Nannie way named Henny. We might have met him in 4. But I really like him. He grown as hell. Like he seen too much shit. Ethic would NEVER approve of his daughters messing with street niggas. But he a street nigga. Even though he cleaned up his life, he still a gangster. Why wouldn't his daughters be attracted to gangster?
I'm actually sad it's almost over. I'm so enjoying this series. Even though Ashley Antionette makes me feel worthless and inadequate as a writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
Part five of the Ethic series by Ashley Antoinette may have been the most emotional of the series so far. I laughed, I cried, I was annoyed. It was such an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end.
Still reeling from the events that took place in part four, the characters struggle to figure out their new normal. Alani and Ethic just can’t seem to get it right. Morgan is still coming to terms with a certain somebody’s absence. Speaking of Morgan, I really tried hard to be sympathetic towards her, but she made it hard. Bella is definitely growing up on us. I loved her honesty . And Messiah … no words . In short, these characters were written in a way that only Ashley Antoinette could write them. Flawed but beautiful, nonetheless.
If I’m being honest, I’ve had this book for quite some time. After reading part 4, I needed a breath to prepare me for what came next lol. This book had many layers. Family, grief, mental health, drama,love, sacrifice. A little bit of everything and quite a few shocking revelations. I’m looking forward to reading the final installment but I’m not ready to say goodbye.
Still reeling from the events that took place in part four, the characters struggle to figure out their new normal. Alani and Ethic just can’t seem to get it right. Morgan is still coming to terms with a certain somebody’s absence. Speaking of Morgan, I really tried hard to be sympathetic towards her, but she made it hard. Bella is definitely growing up on us. I loved her honesty . And Messiah … no words . In short, these characters were written in a way that only Ashley Antoinette could write them. Flawed but beautiful, nonetheless.
If I’m being honest, I’ve had this book for quite some time. After reading part 4, I needed a breath to prepare me for what came next lol. This book had many layers. Family, grief, mental health, drama,love, sacrifice. A little bit of everything and quite a few shocking revelations. I’m looking forward to reading the final installment but I’m not ready to say goodbye.
August 27, 2019
This 5th book of the series was just as dramatic and emotional as its predecessors. My heart went out to the characters as difficult decisions were made. These characters seem so real while dealing with their complicated situations. Once I started, I finished in a few hours as this again is one of the best series written and I highly recommend
June 2, 2019
I loved this book
October 4, 2019
Final Installment 😏 Do Not Believe the Hype🤦🏾♀️😂
February 18, 2025
Though I LOVEEE Ethic, I could never have a man do the things he does for the sake of "loyalty" to other women.
This series is absolutely addicting.
This series is absolutely addicting.
June 19, 2019
Wow
This series takes me through so many emotions. The loves that each of them share is so strong and so soulful it’s crazy.
This series takes me through so many emotions. The loves that each of them share is so strong and so soulful it’s crazy.
June 29, 2023
Ashley is an amazing writer, I listened to the audiobook and it was great! I think this book may be the best one. It was so heart felt, and although I was upset with Morgan during some parts, I couldn’t be too upset because I’ve been there. She is at the lowest point in her life right now, I cried for her because just two years ago, I was in the same position she was. I really do need to read Blue’s story, because her friendship with Messiah is amazing. I want to truly understand their dynamic a bit more than I already do, and I want to get to know Blue so much more. Messiah & Morgan are still lost without each other, and I don’t even know how to feel about it anymore. They need each other so bad, and it’s so unhealthy. But it’s even unhealthier for them to be apart. The only joy I got from this book was finally watching Alani, Ethic, Ezra and Bella be a family, because dammit it’s took us so long to get here! Alani is the perfect mother figure for those two, Ethic could not have chosen a better woman. I was rooting for them since day one, so for me, that scene of Bella asking Ethic for a block party, warmed my soul. One more book left, and Ashley… Please. Please don’t raise my blood pressure with the last novel, I nearly went into cardiac arrest by listening to this one 🙏🏾
August 20, 2019
A bit redundant
It was honestly hard to get through this book because i just kept thinking AGAIN!?! I love this author and her story telling but i dont think we needed another book. How many times is Alani going to fake leave Ethic. How many times is she going to experience lost. How many times are they going to put off their relationship. Im ready for Ethic and Alani to wrap their love story up and give Morgan and Messiah their own series.
It was honestly hard to get through this book because i just kept thinking AGAIN!?! I love this author and her story telling but i dont think we needed another book. How many times is Alani going to fake leave Ethic. How many times is she going to experience lost. How many times are they going to put off their relationship. Im ready for Ethic and Alani to wrap their love story up and give Morgan and Messiah their own series.
November 28, 2020
This book was absolutely amazing. I experienced every emotion possible: happiness, sadness, and shock. I laughed, cried and hollered all through out the book.
December 7, 2020
Some parts drag...some parts are EXTRA (we get it they are in love)...but I’m interested in seeing how Messiah & Morgan will play out. Ethic is just too good to be true.
September 29, 2021
Baby what kind of heartache 😫😫😫 I'm all over the place?
November 10, 2023
Whew child!! Not me staying up till 4 am in the morning!! That damn ETHIC!! Then MO !! ETHIC LAND IS NO JOKE!!
September 9, 2023
Spoilers 🤕
Not Messiah lawd !!!
Morgan - definitely acting like a spoiled Brat , I’m confused on why she think ethic , don’t need nobody but her .. while she was booed up with messiah she didn’t even think about ethic & alani.
Girl fight back (Mo) …. Don’t let depression take you out !!
Alani ; just don’t know what she won’t at this point … why not tell ethic about the miscarriage. He’s going to hurt if you keep it from him .
B wanna Hood ???? It’s a repeating pattern 🙃
Wait … & mizan & bookie being lovers ???? What in the world !!!!!!! Poor messiah had a rough life …
Not Messiah lawd !!!
Morgan - definitely acting like a spoiled Brat , I’m confused on why she think ethic , don’t need nobody but her .. while she was booed up with messiah she didn’t even think about ethic & alani.
Girl fight back (Mo) …. Don’t let depression take you out !!
Alani ; just don’t know what she won’t at this point … why not tell ethic about the miscarriage. He’s going to hurt if you keep it from him .
B wanna Hood ???? It’s a repeating pattern 🙃
Wait … & mizan & bookie being lovers ???? What in the world !!!!!!! Poor messiah had a rough life …
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2023
Ok so more like 3.5 b/c I am kinda over the back and fourth but I get it. How can you love a man that took a loved one from you. So of course there will be skepticism. But also Alani knows how she feels about Ethic it’s just her guilty conscience.
I do wish with Alani there was more character development given this was the 5th book. I’m tired of the “black woman struggle.”
Mo and Messiah need to get it together
I do wish with Alani there was more character development given this was the 5th book. I’m tired of the “black woman struggle.”
Mo and Messiah need to get it together
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
Alani continues to piss me the fuck off!! Omg I want Ashley to stop acting like she’s this amazing ass woman when Ethic deserves better!!!!!!!! Morgan.. that’s it. Messiah…. I love him but he pissing me off like ?? The sympathy sex??? Don’t piss me off!!! And Mizan being a down low??? I just can’t lol let me prepare myself for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
Aside from Morgan pissing me off throughout the entire book, I can say that this makes up for Part 3. A lot of secrets were revealed and a lot of tea was clocked, very juicy! Bella is also growing up and standing up for herself. I love that for her.
January 7, 2020
Omg! Ashley has done it again. She always leave me hanging. Another great book!
March 24, 2020
God i loved this one so many emotions. I just want this to work for everyone! Cant wait to see what happens with bella! & wooo that ending!!!!!! I cant wait to finish this series but also sad its ending! 😢
June 7, 2019
She's a phenomenal author! Amazing series!
June 13, 2019
Happy I preordered a physical copy to get it early! I liked this book and am happy to see it was over 300 pages this time. Usually Morgan and messiahs story bores me but I was more interested in them than Ethic and Alani or Bella.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews