Moth to a Flame

by Ashley Antoinette, Nicole Small (Narrator )

From bestselling author Antoinette comes the gritty, harrowing tale of a young woman who finds herself drawn to a seductive street hustler who will be the death of her.

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

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2009

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

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raven we met you as a airhead and I think we left you with you having a pea brain. So to that I say Congrats 🫡.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I didn't already have plans for what my reading needs to look like for the rest of the month...I'm telling ya'll I would have already picked up Ethic. This book was wilddddddd. Trigger Warnings: death, abuse, violence, miscarriage, drugs, strong language

So, this isn't my first time reading Ashley Antoinette. I started the Cartel series a while ago and I've really enjoyed it. I wanted to pick up this specific book up because I've been wanting to read Ethic and Butterfly and I found out that it would be best for me to read this one first. This definitely was a fast paced book and like all of Antoinette's books there seems to be a few words of caution. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I wasn't expecting it to be this wild. Every new chapter felt like I was getting a crazy reveal. And while I was frustrated with Raven and her inability to make good decisions, I can't lie and say that a small part of me wasn't rooting for her to get out of her predicament. This definitely isn't a book to pick up if you expecting beautiful endings. It has romantic elements, but it definitely isn't a romance book. Moth to a Flame is definitely a book that is focused on a young woman's attempt to break free from her father without necessarily understanding all of the things that come with such a drastic move. Raven is both young and naïve and because she thinks she "knows it all" she runs into a lot of problems quickly. Her father is involved in the drug game and Raven can't seem to understand that there are people that would use her to get to him. This book also deals heavily with domestic abuse and I want to warn people from using the phrase "why doesn't she just leave." I think that Antoinette reminds us all and does a good job in reiterating that situations involving domestic abuse are much more complicated and as readers we definitely get to see the complexity behind Raven's situation.

This novel was well put together and it's honestly quite difficult to describe the plot without spoiling some of the surprises. One thing that I had to adjust to was Antoinette's use of voice in some situations. She writes in a omnipresent voice that does a little bit more telling than showing. It wasn't always a problem, but it felt like we had a narrator that frequently broke the fourth wall. There were also some various plot holes that left out vital information to the story as hole. Regardless, I definitely will be picking up Ethic soon and I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series.

[Umamah W. Zia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't like this book. The only positive thing about it was that the plot was quick so it wasn't dragging on or boring.
I am honestly so confused by the amount of rave reviews it has received. The writing is mediocre and the cliches made me cringe.
For instance, this is an actual sentence describing a kiss: "It was rare like a full moon, a beautiful sunset, and she cherished it like an exquisite diamond." Ew.
This in contrast with all the "booty" "fly as hell" "best bitch" comments made little to no sense. It gave this vague feeling of too much effort and too little effect.
It's not that I had a problem with the language of the characters though. The ghetto language made perfect sense, obviously, and actually made the story come alive. It was the terrible writing and terrible characters and gah, I don't even know.
One of the things that really bothered me was the constant "tell" factor of the narrative. For instance, Raven will probably lower her gaze or something in the middle of a conversation. This is enough of a hint to the reader that Raven is embarrassed or uncomfortable. However, the writer then proceeds to explain that she lowered her gaze because she was embarrassed/uncomfortable. Cue tiny backstory/recap as to why she feels this way. Cue me screaming at the page.
You don't have to tell me everything!!! I am reading a book, I possess some basic (if limited) powers of deduction. I'm not... I'm so angry. okay. that's it.
The worst part is probably the potential this book had. I mean, exploring topics like domestic abuse, blackmail, drugs, gangs, family issues etc, but all it comes across as is a poorly written compilation of the life of a whiny unfortunate girl.
The real tragedy, then, is not the ending - but all that could have been.

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

My emotions were on 10 reading this book 😭 Raven irked my nerves because of how naive she was but my girl deserved so much better 🥹

Mizan can burn in the hottest parts of🔥.

I need a break before I start Ethics book * that ending wrecked me*

[Kris Book Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️- NOBODY TOLD ME NOTHING!! 🥺 I am not okay. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I’m honestly at a loss for words... but yes, I do recommend it. Just prepare yourself because it will leave a mark. This was my first time reading a book by AA, and now I feel like I need to explore her entire catalog.

[Danita Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! This was an awesome read. Sad but good. Which it could have been a happy ending 4 Raven and I'm glad Mizan got his.

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRIEF SUMMARY

Raven grew up the princess of Flint, MI. With her father being Benjamin Atkins, no one touched her, until her path crosses with Mizan, an up and coming hustler. Mizan manipulates everything around him to get what he wants and what he wants is Raven and her father’s thorn as the top kingpin in Flint.

THOUGHTS

A great novel, but I cringe and detest the ending because selfishly it’s not what I wanted. I felt that I went through so many different stages of emotions with Raven, that I can’t grasp the ending. I thought this book was well thought out and put together with each character leaving you riled up, excited, happy, sad or disappointed. I can’t begin to explain how evil I found Mizan. I think he’s the devil’s reject put on this planet to make everyone’s life miserable. Raven’s life was that of a naïve teenager/woman who was easy to manipulate. Her decisions will frustrate you but her intentions were good but misplaced. The path she chose in her life left a domino effect in her path that involved her family and everyone around her. Rich, Mizan’s friend is sick a deranged; Nikki, Raven’s best friend is a great friend and Ethic, he has a big heart.

I would definitely recommend this book; it is storytelling at its best.

Length: 4010
Storyline: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Intimacy Level: GOOD

Romance Novel Junkies

[trina (kenan ross’ wife) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY FUCK!!!!! (Check trigger warnings, I don’t get triggered easily, but I wish I checked it before reading this. My heart hurts so bad)
I DON’T CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS, THE SYNOPSIS OF THIS BOOK LITERALLY DOES NOT PREPARE YOU
FOR WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK. THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK SHOULD BE ILLEGAL, THIS IS A CRIME!!!!!

This was a page turner I finished this in a DAY! I could not put this down. I WENT THROUGH SOOO MANY EMOTIONS READING THIS. Very easy read, I was hooked from page one! Man, I’m telling you I was so hooked I was actually talking to these damn characters. Ugh I just don’t know how to feel right now I’m so sad Raven couldn’t have a better life… I was so angry about her but she was so young and naive. Ethic, poor ethic. Morgan… ugh I hope she doesn’t fall into this life like her sister did. I’m scared to start the Ethic series. I’m not ready. I want to, but I physically can’t. I need time to recover from this.

[Tadasia 🫧 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you my mouth DROPPED???

[tre be · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moth to a flame was GREAT! So juicy, shocking twists and turns, dumb decisions, and a shattering ending. I enjoyed the narration with the sound effects. When the gun shots went off I was ducking in my car seat like a fool. 🤣Hood fiction gold!
⠀
I almost compared this book to Coldest Winter Ever, but Winter would NEVAAA!!
⠀
Listen Raven, I know how it is when you go from being a daddy’s girl, to DADDY’s girl, but sis, no ma’am. No excuses for your BS!
⠀

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too far fetched for me!

I've read a lot of Ashley as well as JaQuavis ' books so I never look for a happy ending but this one right here really got on my nerves! First off druglords don't roll like Ethic nor Benjamin, they protect their families at all costs, always have muscle around and normally aren't caught slipping when they are the main man! I have to agree it started off like The Coldest winter Ever, Raven was silly just like Wynter and this one was very unrealistic. I struggled through it only because I'm told Ethic wb much better although I know there won't be a happy ending in those either! I think I will read something else first. This one didn't do it for me Ashley! Not understanding all the hype!

[Kim’s Kindle Reads. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This last 24 hours have been emotional af. Ashley, why on earth would you put me through all of THAT???? I have never in my life hated a fictional character as much as I hate Mizan. I’m afraid of what the next book has in store but ima read it tho 😂😂😂

Ethic is a good man Savannah, a GOOD man 😭

[Minerva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book (not really interested), but reading the first chapter got me so hooked. From beginning to end, it was a real page turner. I give this book 5 stars because I LOVED IT. books>>. I wish there was a movie, to show my parents because they don't have time to read it, but it's SO GOOD. It's full of suspense, and it almost made me cry at the end. It honestly taught me not all things are what they seem to be, and to be careful (not be naive) and not trust anyone. I really recommend this book. It is a MUST READ! and it is only 474 pages so it's not too long.

Moth to a Flame is about the daughter of the main hustler (Benny Atkins) - Raven. She is the princess of town, when a bad intentioned hustler (Mizan) comes into her life and provokes her to leave. This later turns into an abusive relationship she can't get away from.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every step of the way I found myself rooting for Raven. So young, trying to live a fast life and getting caught up with people who didnt have her best interest at heart. A lot of tragedy went down in this book. I did love the girlfriend relationship between Raven and Nikki, always there for one another. And who couldn't love Ethic, he oozed swag and charisma as well as being street smart. This was definitely a good listen. The ending got me, didn't expect what was coming until the last minute. I guess the epilougue made me feel a little better about it lol.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS FUCKIN UNHINGED FROM BEGINNING TO THE END! This was the EPITOME of urban fiction

[Destiny “ Dee” · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I rate it a 4.5. A real page turner. Raven was the daughter of a kingpin in Flint, MI. He kept his family removed from the lifestyle and danger by residing in a suburb of Flint. As Raven grew up, she wanted all eyes on her and she wanted to be older than she actually was. She was very pretty and had a nice body. Well she caught the attention of the wrong man, Mizan. Mizan was a stick up man. From their initial encounter I had a bad feeling. You will see the wheels turn and several decisions she made change her life forever. Ethic was a kingpin as well, who was low key. He had much respect from those who knew him. He was a man focused on family and a man of few words. He was my favorite character in this book. He was the bomb.com. I couldn't get enough of Ethic.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Holy Crap Stars



This book was recommended to me by a fellow reader. I thought she liked me. But apparently not. I like a bad boy book. I like hard to love characters. But these people. They take that to a whole new level. They are mean. And the girl...Raven. I want to slap her. She caused so many problems. OMG. She gets a gold medal in naïve and stupid. And it hurts everyone around her.

Raven is the daughter of a very successful drug dealer. That makes her feel special, important and privileged. Her parents love her and want to protect her from the world they live in. But she can't help but want to get into the world of drugs, guns, and danger. She is drawn to it. Like a....that's right...moth to a flame.

She had no idea that her past was just waiting for the right time to sneak up on her. No matter how hard she tried she would never be able to run from her past; sooner than later she was going to have to face it...

Mizen is a bad guy. Not one redeeming quality. Normally I love these guys. But Mizen is also mean to Raven. He wants her so he can have control and power over her and her family. Raven is just a pawn. And she brings a world of hurt of everyone.

Ethic is also a bad guy. He lives in the same world of guns and drugs. But he wants to keep Raven away because he knows she is more trouble than any woman is worth. He sees the trouble she is bringing to her family. He suffers for his sense of right and wrong.

They all collide in a big bang of HOLY CRAP. The story starts with the end, so when things start to go right, you know they are going to go back to bad. So bad. Holy Crap Bad. And you can not stop reading.

[chasc.taylor_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

You have to suspend all belief to truly be able to enjoy this book. Many aspects are extremely far fetched. Also, this book may be a product of its time, as it was released 14-15 years ago (other urban fiction books released around that time feel the same way to me). 17 year old me would’ve eaten this up without a second thought.

The plot was very interesting and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

With that being said, I really liked Ethic’s character and will pick up the next one. I can see why the series has so many people in a chokehold!

[StacyAmanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible from the child abuse of a 17 year old. The drug use. The cursing and horrific events happened non stop. I hated it. This felt like I was watching a tubi TV movie or a blackbuster on BET.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

SIX MF STARS!!!!!! OMG! WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST CONSUME?!

I picked up this book purely because people were talking about it on TikTok and everyone… I mean… EVERYONE said it was a wild ride. But I HAD NO IDEA!!!!!!!

I put it on hold on Libby and the wait was so long that I ended up just doing it as an audiobook because it’s free with my audible subscription and it was meant to be.

THE AUDIOBOOK WAS AMAZING.

I LITERALLY WAS IN THE EDGE OF MY SEAT AND LISTENED TO THIS IN PRETTY MUCH ONE SITTING.

This book was a HARD read just because MIZAN was the absolute DEVIL. The biggest P.O.S I’ve read in a book, honestly in I think ever (as it pertains to humans — not monsters and supernatural beings lol). And Raven… whew… “Hurricane Raven” is right.

I literally… LITERALLY screamed at the end.

What… a… ride.

Do it as an audiobook. Hands down.

[✿Bettina✿ ~BOoK FieNd ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
The story hooked me and had me truly invested in the characters. I really liked the book for the most part; however, can the woman catch a break!!!…
I mean what a Freakin’ Disaster…Don’t lead me down such a Traaagic path only to end it in such a cruel way…I felt cheated.

There were so many chance's for this story to change for the better, one should've been taken....This book should teach you not to shelter your kids to much, because they'll end up idiots.

[Kiarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too good!!

As someone who used to read urban fiction a lot as a kid, I’m so glad I discovered this book! The plot was interesting and well-paced. I loved the character development and the way the author revealed each character’s perspective and how they came to make certain decisions! This read definitely felt like watching a movie 🍿 Can’t wait to read the Ethic series!

[Sunshine Summaries · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this for the most part. Kinda like watching a car crash. You just can’t look away. I wasn’t a fan of ppl constantly having a gut feeling but absolutely never putting 2 and 2 together until it was too late.

[K2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

CrazyGood

[Breeee Ranae⚜️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. So many emotions reading this. I’ll have to take a break before I start the Ethic series.

[stellareadit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not okay! I can’t even think of the words. 😭

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I’m taking off a star for inconsistencies in the story

Wow 😲 This was a wild ride. I read this all in one sitting. Mizan, Ethic and Raven had my anxiety on high. Mizan is a psychopath and I hope to find out why. Raven was a clueless spoiled girl without a brain. She’s completely THE SAYING, if you don’t know who you are then people will tell you who you are. She had me sighing out loud. I’m sad 😢 for all the chaos that dummy set in motion. Morgan poor Morgan that little girl has been through the ringer. She’s seen a whole lot. If you want to see into a world where the ruthless live then here’s your chance.

Quick late night thoughts RTC

[janekareadss · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me super long to read this book but that’s not because it wasn’t good…this story was sooooooooooooooo freaking good!!!!!!!!!! At first Raven annoyed me & I could tell Mizan was up to no good but as the story went on I knew that Raven was just a lost soul desperately in search of someone to accept her & love her. This was my 1st book by Ashley Antoinette but it won’t be my last… Starting the next book in this series ASAP!!

[Erin Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does AA not do HEA?!?!?!? 😩😩😩😩 before I go jumping into the series somebody let me know.

*****SPOILERS****

I just newwww Raven & Ethic were gonna ride off into the sunset together. Boyyyy was I wrong. & poor Nikki mannn 🥺

I wanted to read on paper exactly how Ethic was gon f*ck up Mizan ass 😡 we got that weak ass chapter at the end!

[Jessica Felix · Rating 1 out of 5]

My first DNF of 2024….. This girl got on my nerves and I could not finish reading it. I’m not sure why this book is so big right now.