Diamonds are Forever

The Cartel #4

by Ashley Antoinette, JaQuavis Coleman

You thought The Cartel was over, but Diamonds are forever. . . .
The Diamond family has survived murder, deceit, and betrayal. Through it all, they're still standing tall, and a new era has begun.
After surviving a failed attempt on her life, Breeze has moved into the queen's position by Zyir's side. Zyir has taken over the empire and locked down Miami's streets. He has the world in his palms, but there is always new blood ready to overthrow the throne.
Young Carter has retired and moved away from the madness—that is, until he gets an unexpected visitor at his home. This person shakes up the whole family, causing chaos that threatens to bring down the Cartel for good.
New York Times bestselling authors Ashley and JaQuavis deliver the highly anticipated fourth installment of the wildly popular Cartel series.

Genres: Urban, Audiobook, Fiction, African American, Crime, Romance, Adult

240 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2012

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

[India Jones-Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all let me say that Ashley and Jacquavis are great writers whether they are writing as a duo or individually. I didn't like the direction that this book went in though. Why you ask? Let me tell you.....

First, the characters were not true to themselves. I don't believe that Carter would have let the "beef" between his two brothers escalate into an all out war. I know that Money's reappearance was shocking, but Carter is a thinker and he would have found a way to appease both Zyir and Money.
Since we are talking about Money, he acted more like Mecca. He popped off without thinking things through and that is not in his character. He would've thought about his finances before he started beefing with Zyir. Zyir was the only male in this book that has been consistently the same throughout the series.

Secondly, too many dead people came back. I had already funeralized the two characters in books one and three respectively. Why did the writers feel a need for their return? If they couldn't write a story without them, maybe the series should have stopped at book three.

Its time for extended sequels to come to a stop, because we start to get books like this. It wasn't bad, but I feel like all the time that I invested in these characters through three books was in vain, because they changed, for the worst, or they were resurrected from the dead. I feel like I wasted my time with reading the other books.

IJS....

[Charlene Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I am not a huge fan of The Cartel series like most people. I loved the first book and I enjoyed the second book until the dream portion. As for the third installment it was just okay, but A&J really killed it for part 4. From the first page I was completely drawn in, never knowing what was going to happen next. They say blood is thicker than water, but blood doesn't always equal loyalty. Carter and Zyir are loyal to one another and they expect the same out of anyone in their crew. One crew member seems to have a different opinion all because he wants to be the one to sit on the throne as the leader of the infamous Cartel and he will stop at nothing to get that title. Cartel 4 was full of murder, sex, and drugs. Everytime I thought the situations were resolved, something else would happen. The way it ended there has got to be more because Diamonds are forever! I can't wait for part 5 La Bella Mafia, I know these chicks are going to bring it!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to sit here and give y'all a long drawn out play by play of everything that went down in this book. However, I will tell you that Ashley JaQuavis did not disappoint in this 4th installment of The Cartel Series. From the very first page, I was pulled in. The Cartel 4: Diamonds Are Forever is full of drama,murder, lies,and deceit. It had so many twists and turns that I definitely did not see coming. I loved the vividness of it all. It was almost as if I was there with the characters, experiencing each and everything they experienced.I laughed, I cried, I was in shock. I've been rocking with Ashley JaQuavis from their very 1st release and they've proven, once again, why they are on the top of my favorite author's list. I can't wait for " La Bella Mafia". 5 stars!

~Black Faithful Sisters and Brothers Bookclub~

[Ykengia]

I was not impressed. Everyone coming back to life was soap operaish. I will read the cartel 5 because the girls will be reigning. Hopefully it will bring something better.

[Danita Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am trying to finish a series that I read years ago. And I think next year will be all about completing series and thers quite a few.

[Erin Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Miamor gets kidnapped one more time!!! Lol damn! No but in all seriousness this was one of the better books out the series?!?!? Sooo the ladies about to take over?!?!?!? 😊

[Jenee Rager · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hold urban fiction to a lower standard than your general fiction books. To me they are fun little escapes that I switch to whenever everything else is just too much. Usually Ashley & JaQuavis are head and shoulders above other urban fiction writers when it comes to plot continum and editing. The first Cartel book is still one of my favorite stories, urban fiction or otherwise. However, in this outing I felt let down. The whole, everyone comes back from the dead, or wasn't really dead in the first place storyline was just plain silly. How many times can you kill off and revive the same characters? It didn't help that I know that the plane crash in the end was just another way to kill the boys and yet in The Cartel 5 they'll be back and it'll all be an elaborate hoax to keep the feds off their case. Another issue that bothered me throughout this story is Monroe Jr. Based on the fact Monroe Sr. had been in a coma for 5 years, the child would have to be at LEAST 4 years old. Yet he is continuously referred to as "the baby" and treated as such. If you didn't put the math together you would think he was a toddler. It's a small detail but for me those type of details matter when I'm expected to withold belief over and over again.

[Anika · Rating 4 out of 5]

While browsing the bookshelves of the library trying to find a quick read, I came across The Cartel 4 by Ashley Antoinette Snell and JaQuavis Coleman. I heard mixed reviews about The Cartel series, so I was unsure if I was going to end up liking the book by the end. Once I got through the first chapter of the book, I couldn’t put it down although I was confused about certain events that may have happened in the previous books of the series.

The Cartel 4 tells the story of Monroe Diamond returning back home after being pronounced dead to his family and enemies and being in a coma after a shootout with his brother. Things have changed within the Diamond family when Monroe returns; He finds out that one of his brother’s friends are running the drug cartel empire and also finds out he has a son with Leena, his deceased brother's girlfriend. Monroe is quickly angered by this, believing the Diamond empire should be a family affair, and instantly plots against Zyir.

Aside from Monroe returning back, Miamor returns back into the Diamond family by appearing on young Carter’s doorstep one night. Carter is instantly happy and angered by this. He thinks Miamor is dead, and has a hard time coping with her death. He is glad that she’s still alive, but still angry because he killed his brother because of her. Regardless of his anger towards Miamor, young Carter takes her back as she promises not to betray him again.

The Cartel 4 bounces around other stories of the characters, but the main one that is the focus is the book is Monroe's beef with Zyir. Monroe resents Zyir because of his position in the Diamond family he takes on while Monroe is gone. Monroe does everything in his power to get rid of Zyir from trying to set him up in Rio, trying to take over the drug cartel with his new empire, and trying to kill him at his own wedding. Young Carter is caught in the middle of Monroe & Zyir's beef, not knowing whether to take his blood brother's side or to take his best friend's side. In an effort to settle the conflict and to get away from the Feds, young Carter flies himself and the men out to the Bermuda Triangle to never be seen again, leaving the ladies of the Diamond empire to take over.

The Cartel 4 was filled with suspense and action about what the characters would do next, making it a great read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series including the next book that should be released in around October/November to find out what happens.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I think I’m falling out of love with the Cartel. I feel like it’s going in circles.

Giving book 5 a try. Let’s see what Miamor, Breeze, and Leena do in this one… and how Carter, Zyir, and Money come back from “the dead.”

[Byron Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!!! The series is so wild it could never really happen in real life, but a book takes you to that fantasy world where all things are possible!!!

Buy it, read it and enjoy!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of A&J...but I want gonna write a review because I didn't want to give anything away in the book...so I will just say this...at first I was little skeptical about reading this book...even tho I love the whole Cartel series...I felt as if the good characters had died off....then I was like...Ok it's been over a year there's noway they can make this story any better...but after reading this...I must admit I love how they orchestrated this whole book...I love the plots, the twists and all...I was truly amazed at a lot of the outcomes...Normally in A&J books some of the main characters that you grow to love dies off....so that sometimes keeps me from rushing to read their books...but this one here was absolutely amazing...I can't wait to read the Cartel 5...#TeamCarter

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was greatly entertained as I expected to be! I am anxiously awaiting Part 5!!! Some how I feel that the ending is not what it appears to be!!!! YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG by selecting the CARTEL Series to read! Great job!!!

[Natasha potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

still reading this I'm just loveing how ashley & jaquavis put there heart soul and passion into this book is so good I just don't want it to end

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to the audiobook. The drama was intense as always. I enjoyed it from beginning to the end. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Giving this series a break for a little while. Nothing makes any sense anymore. I don’t believe anybody is capable of dying. Everything has just been going downhill since the ending of book 2 😒

[Porsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic filled with shockers: Polo eating cheese, Murder going out how he did, Fly Boogie acting like he was on the male version of Set it Off, Estes eating cheese, the damn plane crash…too much

[Tiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew what a ride! Let me go to the next book!

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Money and Zyir eventually had no choice but to squash their ridiculous beef. It was tearing the family apart. Money was so consumed with the fact that Zyir had the place held in Carter's life. He let that jealousy force him into making decisions that made them weaker instead of stronger. But I didn't see how they thought they were going to be able to hurt one another without hurting Breeze who, they both love so much. And Carter was conflicted about letting it go down and feeling forced to choose...because he was going to choose Zyir, even though he loved his brother and wanted them to be a family, including Zyir.

Miamor was fucking kidnapped by Murder. He was going to keep her ass too. She had to kill him, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Coleman's bring his ass back just they they been brining everybody else we thought was dead back. But he had Carter believing that she ran from him and aborted their baby. I'm glad that story line didn't get dragged out.

Carter went to Polo to see if he could get a new connect, since Buttons and Estes boxed him out. Only to find out that Estes snake ass set Polo up when he put him on that row boat after the meeting about plugging young Carter after Money died. So Polo is a federal informant against Estes, but Carter going to see him put him on the Feds radar. When Estes got nabbed, he start fucking singing. He snitched on everybody, including Breeze, who really didn't have anything to do with the Cartel operations. The men allegedly died in a plane crash. But we know that shit ain't happen. Breeze and Lena got arrested, but the Feds are grasping. Thankfully Miamor ain't green and got Carter's lawyer to get them out. I think they know, or at least Miamor knows that the men aren't dead and they have to play it off like they are to stay safe.

Mia decided the women are gonna take over the Cartel to keep the power vacuum that would occur after the leaders are off the scene. They aren't gonna let anyone tak what their men built and maintained. And Miamor is a fucking KILLER!!! It won't take shit for her to jump back into that role to help build their own empire.

I actually can't wait for the next book. But I really don't want an entire book without Carter, Zyir, and now that he got his fucking attitude together, Money.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright back into the Diamond saga oh yeah its been a minute but I do love this series and to know that there is now a Part 5 I had to go through my personal book stash to read Part 4:Diamonds are Forever just to get ready..and I was definitely not disappointed after being away for so long—this series is so like that! Okay so there are numerous flashbacks and retellings that help you remember all these crazy characters and plot lines and my old favorites came back with a vengeance---enter Miamor and Carter the tragic lovers struggling to trust each other and let go of their past and forgive the betrayals and plots…then tragic Breeze and Zyir fresh of her harrowing tale of abduction, addiction and her losing her parents and brother..then there is the twist in the game with the reawakening of Monroe “Money” after being shot and treated as dead since the first book who reemerges as a powerful street presence hellbent on taking back what he missed out on in his five year coma---Add in the drug game, other bit street players (like a new favorite Fly Boogie), international travel and drug connects and just a whole lotta drama..I have to give this book its props for being so readable and twisted, you never see things coming and there are secrets and conspiracies all over and I appreciated it, there is really never a dull moment except for all the scenes with Leena and her unbelievably dependent and quiet child she is always holding despite him being born before Monroe went in a coma and that was a five year stretch LOL I just thought their writing on this child was lame and didn’t fit or add up but despite that this book was a pageturner that makes you hunger for the next book and oh yea I already have it LOL..back to reading because you really cant review this book without giving major spoilers and honestly this is one Urban series I would recommend as if you can get past the hood, the clichés and the sex scenes this story is tight and engaging…Love them Diamonds, sheesh what else can happen in these books and as much as I want to read the fifth one, do I really want it to end? Sigh the mark of a good series when you can envision and fantasize alternate scenarios for each character long after you close the book…….

[Tamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

lines are drawn, guns are drawn, sides have to taken. is family truly family...are diamonds truly forever? resurrected characters appear and decisions have to be made, to accept them back into the fold or will they be left broken hearted in the cold. love and allegiances are strange things,can Carter maintain his gangsters, family and love...or will he fall victim to these emotions?

#4 continues this seemingly never ending saga with no closure, New subplots and the promise of more to come. did I enjoy this read...mos def! does it capture your attention, mesmerize you with each scenario...mos def! the author' s talent is profound, but after riding with them for so long, personally I am looking for fresh storylines,New characters and more creativity showing their consistent growth as vets in this game! Show me whatcha working with!!! that' s all I'm saying.

3.88

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. That is not how I expected the book to end. I was so glad Miamor got away from Murder. He seemed a little obsessed with her. Breeze gace Zyir that ultimatum about the Money problem. I don't think Carter Money or Zyir are dead. Carter knew what he was doing & I just cnt wait for the fifth part to see if they reall are dead. Hated to see that Estes would turn on his family, when he was the main person talking about family was everything. But that just goes to tell that even family will turn on you.

[Jawanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley&Jaquavis really out did them self with this one I finish this book in a hour 1/2 it was very very good now im back on the count down for part 5!!!!!!!! Now i got to see whats next on
my list :)

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seemed a bit rushed and shorter than usual. Perhaps it was used as a transition to a new era in Cartel 5. Overall is was a great read! Loved how one of my favorite characters came back to life!

[Danielle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

cant wait i love em

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #1 and #4 are the best!!!!!

[Cynthia Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the books this one (#4) was the best. It held my attention the whole way through. I know that book #5 will be the best of the best. The Queens are taking over!!!

[Pamela B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can't finish this book. It have characters reincarnating which makes no sense after the violent deaths

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a lot of issues with this book! I did enjoy the read but I feel as though Ashley & JaQuavis won't allow some of their characters to die off. It's like they're superheroes! Always coming back qnd it was annoying. I don't like how Money, Carter and Zyir were beefing and trying to kill each other to having a small fist fight just to become close again. It really made a portion of this book become pointless. I know that Carter, Zyir and Money went to Bermuda to get away from the Feds but they're just leaving their wives and children behind? I really wanted this to sum up better but sadly it was quite disappointing. Hopefully, The Cartel 5 will be better!

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know if the dead is truly dead in this series...
This was another entertaining read. I think the author did a great job of developing characters and re-developing characters throughout the book. There was always something changing in regards to the plot, interactions between characters and just the demeanor of the character themselves. I am shocked that I am actually looking forward to the FIFTH book in this series....yes, the FIFTH book and there are two more after that to go!

[Breyonna Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the series but this one pissed me off … I don’t understand why would they bring money back and have him act like Mecca .. if that’s the case why didn’t they keep Mecca alive and keep money dead ??? Money was about business and keeping shit together no bloodshed unless it had to be. He’s to reckless like Mecca. I didn’t care for Mecca but once he began to change I wanted to see more of him. AND CARTER I don’t know who he is anymore. I hope book 5 is better than this one.