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Luxe Series #1
Luxe
From the New York Times bestseller Ashley Antoinette, author of the Prada Plan series comes a boldly fierce and strikingly dramatic novel, Luxe.Bleu Montclair knew as a young girl that she would one day escape the hard, unrelenting streets of Flint, Michigan, and when her desperate prayers are answered in the form of a scholarship to UCLA, Bleu knows she's struck gold. But soon after arriving, all her beautiful, bright dreams begin to fall apart. Endless temptations abound in the form of cars, clothes, booze, drugs, and Bleu cannot keep up. When her roommate gives her the opportunity to make a lot of money fast, Bleu goes all in-and heads straight down a path of violence and addiction that only her newest protector, Iman, can save her from.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
258 people are currently reading
2221 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Antoinette
77 books7,367 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 257 reviews
May 7, 2023
Loved it. Really felt 4 Blue. Can't wait 2 read part 2.
This is a re-read for me. I wanted to catch up on what happened before I begin part 2.
This is a re-read for me. I wanted to catch up on what happened before I begin part 2.
August 27, 2015
Wow! Not sure how to start with this one. First, it's definitely a book that is far different from my normal reading. It's dark - very dark, intense, and raw. The writing was incredible, it pulled me in and made me feel part of the culture even though my life experiences are far different. The characters come to life and you feel every emotion with them. This is a story of addiction, drugs, rape, and abuse. It's a difficult eye opening read that will pull at every emotion you possess. I would definitely recommend it.
January 22, 2018
This story is raw & real. Antoinette draws readers deep into this world, chock full of dark undertones. But it is the realism of the story that drew me in. The realities of rape and drug addiction are prominent through. At the same time, Luxe is full of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. The novel itself was well written, allowing readers to flow through the story.
The characters that Antoinette creates are so emotional. Their stories are hard hitting. They’re the type of people that you can’t look away from, even if they live worlds away from you. Seeing Bleu fight and rise above her past was quite intriguing. The in depth development of her character, as well as her relationships was all encompassing. I definitely had mixed feelings about her decisions and actions, but that made Bleu all the more real for me.
This was definitely a captivating and hard hitting novel. It was full of the darkness of life and the hard hitting realities that many of us choose to ignore on a daily basis. Antoinette brings it all to life in a big and un-ignorable way.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The characters that Antoinette creates are so emotional. Their stories are hard hitting. They’re the type of people that you can’t look away from, even if they live worlds away from you. Seeing Bleu fight and rise above her past was quite intriguing. The in depth development of her character, as well as her relationships was all encompassing. I definitely had mixed feelings about her decisions and actions, but that made Bleu all the more real for me.
This was definitely a captivating and hard hitting novel. It was full of the darkness of life and the hard hitting realities that many of us choose to ignore on a daily basis. Antoinette brings it all to life in a big and un-ignorable way.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2023
Where to fucking start?
***SPOILER ALERT!!! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!!***
Bleu was not strong. She wasn't necessarily weak. But she wasn't built for the life she was born into, or the one she stupidly chose to step into. She was completely naive. Her lack of caution and her desire to emulate what she saw around her was her downfall. Being in the care of, or lack thereof, of her crackhead ass mother didn't harden her. Seeing her father murdered in her face didn't, being shot didn't, being raped by her mother's husband didn't. She didn't adapt to any of those experiences. They just caused damage to her emotional state. She was never able to cope with her life. She just ran. But she couldn't run from herself.
She was very susceptible to peer pressure. The consequences were never considered. She chose the wrong people to emulate because she envied those kinds of people. Not the ones whose goals were similar to hers. But if she had been around THOSE kinds of people, instead of people like China, Iesha, and Bre, maybe they would have influenced her. She really shouldn't have been so green with everything she witnessed. She was naive and fearful and on top of that wanted to be something she was not.
If Noah hadn't gotten arrested, he would have taken care of her. Even all the way from Flint. He would have had access to her and would have been able to school her. But when he got locked up and cut all contact, thinking he was doing the right thing for her, it left her lost. She needed someone to take care of her. She never had it, and never figured out how to take care of herself.
Iman would have taken care of her. She was so emotional and felt so unworthy on the inside, that it never dawned on her to trust how she felt and what he said. It was definitely fucked up that he was married that whole time and didn't tell her. He likely didn't think he would fall in love with her. And she was too emotional of a person to play the shit cool when she found out. Instead, she runs off, and let's the snake nigga who slipped her E and raped her turn her out on crack.
I get why she didn't immediately tell Iman about Cinco. When she found out he was Cartel and was married to the bosses daughter, AND that Cinco was the bosses son, Iman's brother in law, she reasonably thought he would side with his family and hurt her. She was afraid. But she had leverage against Cinco, not only with the conversation of the plot to rob and kill Iman, but with the evidence of her injuries when he tried to kill her to keep her from going back to tell Iman. But then, the embarrassment of what she had done by smoking crack stopped her.
Now, she should have made sure that nigga was dead when Bre and China came up in there to rob him. They shouldn't have left any question as to whether or not he was dead. That was fucking dumb. I knew that nigga survived.
Just one sad ass turn of events after another. Iman got her clean and loved her through her recovery, and she still didn't believe he loved her because he was still married. Like...girl. Noah is risking his freedom and now his life by coming to Iman's house to get her. And she does fucking what? Runs away.
I want to feel bad for her, but at this point I'm sick of her. Shit keeps happening to her. She isn't making decisions anymore. And when she was, they were all fucking stupid. She bout to be back on skid row sucking dick for crack rock, just like her mother.
Of course, Ashley Antoinette wrote the shit out this book. There were times where I had to pause because I was too stressed out. I still don't know why I put myself through the Coleman's torture.
Ps...the narrator fucking SUCKS! I'm gonna listen to part 2. After that I'm gonna avoid any audio book she narrates.
***SPOILER ALERT!!! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!!***
Bleu was not strong. She wasn't necessarily weak. But she wasn't built for the life she was born into, or the one she stupidly chose to step into. She was completely naive. Her lack of caution and her desire to emulate what she saw around her was her downfall. Being in the care of, or lack thereof, of her crackhead ass mother didn't harden her. Seeing her father murdered in her face didn't, being shot didn't, being raped by her mother's husband didn't. She didn't adapt to any of those experiences. They just caused damage to her emotional state. She was never able to cope with her life. She just ran. But she couldn't run from herself.
She was very susceptible to peer pressure. The consequences were never considered. She chose the wrong people to emulate because she envied those kinds of people. Not the ones whose goals were similar to hers. But if she had been around THOSE kinds of people, instead of people like China, Iesha, and Bre, maybe they would have influenced her. She really shouldn't have been so green with everything she witnessed. She was naive and fearful and on top of that wanted to be something she was not.
If Noah hadn't gotten arrested, he would have taken care of her. Even all the way from Flint. He would have had access to her and would have been able to school her. But when he got locked up and cut all contact, thinking he was doing the right thing for her, it left her lost. She needed someone to take care of her. She never had it, and never figured out how to take care of herself.
Iman would have taken care of her. She was so emotional and felt so unworthy on the inside, that it never dawned on her to trust how she felt and what he said. It was definitely fucked up that he was married that whole time and didn't tell her. He likely didn't think he would fall in love with her. And she was too emotional of a person to play the shit cool when she found out. Instead, she runs off, and let's the snake nigga who slipped her E and raped her turn her out on crack.
I get why she didn't immediately tell Iman about Cinco. When she found out he was Cartel and was married to the bosses daughter, AND that Cinco was the bosses son, Iman's brother in law, she reasonably thought he would side with his family and hurt her. She was afraid. But she had leverage against Cinco, not only with the conversation of the plot to rob and kill Iman, but with the evidence of her injuries when he tried to kill her to keep her from going back to tell Iman. But then, the embarrassment of what she had done by smoking crack stopped her.
Now, she should have made sure that nigga was dead when Bre and China came up in there to rob him. They shouldn't have left any question as to whether or not he was dead. That was fucking dumb. I knew that nigga survived.
Just one sad ass turn of events after another. Iman got her clean and loved her through her recovery, and she still didn't believe he loved her because he was still married. Like...girl. Noah is risking his freedom and now his life by coming to Iman's house to get her. And she does fucking what? Runs away.
I want to feel bad for her, but at this point I'm sick of her. Shit keeps happening to her. She isn't making decisions anymore. And when she was, they were all fucking stupid. She bout to be back on skid row sucking dick for crack rock, just like her mother.
Of course, Ashley Antoinette wrote the shit out this book. There were times where I had to pause because I was too stressed out. I still don't know why I put myself through the Coleman's torture.
Ps...the narrator fucking SUCKS! I'm gonna listen to part 2. After that I'm gonna avoid any audio book she narrates.
April 26, 2016
OMG! I can't remember the last time I read a book from start to finish in a matter of hours. I couldn't stop reading. I had to know. I knew I wouldn't get any rest. Is this book without flaws? NO, but the fact that it was so engrossing and took over my day, it deserves 5 stars for entertainment.
Insight.
I haven't read Street Lit in over a year. I know it can become stale and redundant but Ashley always brings it. I have yet to read a book by her that was lower than 4 stars.
Insight.
I haven't read Street Lit in over a year. I know it can become stale and redundant but Ashley always brings it. I have yet to read a book by her that was lower than 4 stars.
January 17, 2021
I don't know what I just read but I'm about to start the second one ASAP lol
October 24, 2024
This book was good, poor Bleu went through hell and back!! She was dealt a bad hand regardless of the circumstances. China was the original shit stater of it all just jealous. She was a true frenemy. I am so glad that Noah is out and back. Bleu is in some shit she just can’t get out of. The ending was just to much!! I hope she finds the will to stay clean. I cant wait to start part two.
August 31, 2015
Review to come!
April 26, 2024
Such a great story. Love a good gripping romance. This story had me from the beginning and didn’t let me go.
September 2, 2015
Received via publisher in exchange for an honest review
Bleu, raised in poor conditions by her addict parents, grew up depending mostly on herself. She dreamed of getting out of the dangerous city of Flint, Michigan and moving to Los Angeles to attend UCLA. By senior year, her dreams were at the tips of her fingers. She'd graduated from high school as valedictorian and received a scholarship to attend UCLA but a robbery at her job caused her dreams and everything she'd worked so hard for to seemingly plummet. Bleu's already difficult life became even more complicated as she struggled to get to LA, stay there, and become a better person than her circumstances wanted her to be. Noah, Bleu's childhood best friend, wanted the best for her. He'd do what he had to make sure that she made it out of Flint safely and alive and stayed out.
Luxe is a well-rounded, gritty novel that ventures into action, crime, and romance. Its main character, Bleu thinks she's running from her life, her neglecting mother, and her disturbing past only to end up in a similar position across the country in LA. It's a story about allowing perception and greed ruin your life. I expected the usual from Ashley Antoinette: excitement, drama, danger, sexiness, and glamour and that's exactly what I got. Most of the characters are flawed individuals, some of whom make terrible choices with not so terrible intentions and other's who's intentions are much more questionable.
I can't wait to find out what happens to Bleu in part 2 of Luxe.
Warning: This novel is apart of a series and ends in a cliff-hanger.
Overall: 5/5 | Hawtness: 4/5
November 3, 2015
What can I say about this book......Bleu Bleu what a hard time she had from the start. This book kept me wanting to read from the first page. I couldn't believe how things turned out and I am really looking forward to the sequel "Luxe 2" If you haven't read this book I suggest it. Some much drama, lies and hurt. This book will having you screaming at the characters and shaking your head. I don't do spoilers so you'll just have to read it for yourself.
March 29, 2018
I just wanna take Bleu and shake her!!!!!!!
February 23, 2025
I have to give 3 stars because I am just so confused as to what I am supposed to do with this?
I am left with so many questions and disappointments.
Also, I hated that there was so much information detailing how to use drugs?? Especially hard drugs. Definitely could have gone without that information.
For that, idk if I would recommend anyone to read this.
I am left with so many questions and disappointments.
Also, I hated that there was so much information detailing how to use drugs?? Especially hard drugs. Definitely could have gone without that information.
For that, idk if I would recommend anyone to read this.
September 9, 2015
This book was very well written. I'm so disappointed with Bleu though! I wanted more from and felt she was way smarter than she showed to be during this novel. Good read!
January 17, 2021
Such a sad and jolting storyline...onward to book 2.
March 16, 2024
I DNF’d this book. Absolutely was not for me. Every single person in this book made bad choices. There were no redeeming qualities to any of the characters.
September 30, 2016
After I first read the book description of ‘Luxe’, I was immediately intrigued by this story. A book about a struggling young woman who worked hard to achieve her dreams, that’s definitely a story I love to read. And after I saw the beautiful cover, I was even more convinced this book needed to be read by me. LOL!! And as soon as I could I started reading.
‘Luxe’ was from the beginning a very gripping story. The author did a great job with making her readers want to keep on going, until the very end of the book. No slow start, no not at all! Right from the very first page this book hooked it’s claws in me and I just couldn’t stop until I read every single page.
But ‘Luxe’ isn’t a book I would tell you to read when you’re looking for a nice, feel-good, romantic story. Not at all. This book is hard, tough and main character Bleu Montclair’s life is just brutal a lot of the time. And honestly, I didn’t really expect that. Maybe that’s naive of me after reading so many Contemporary Romance stories lately.
But there were definitely a view moments when I just did not like reading this book because it was just so hard to read about Bleu’s life. I think that says a lot about this authors talent. It’s not often that I find the writing so good I just have to keep on going, but don’t really particular like what I’m reading.
At first I admired Bleu’s character for her strength and how hard she worked to get a better life. But Bleu made some very bad decisions that I just really didn’t understand. And after getting to know her character I just didn’t get how she could make those bad decisions. It just didn’t seem to fit her character. And I was really disappointed in Blue.
What I really did not like about this book was all the ‘street talk’. Although it fitted the story perfectly, I found it very irritating. For me this book would have been just as good without all the slang.
Overall, I give this book three stars. The writing was very good, but I just didn’t get the main character at all and I was just so disappointed in her. ‘Luxe’ is just such a dark read, definitely one of the darkest ones I read. But I still would like to read the next book in the series, because I really hope life will get better for Bleu. And I’m definitely a fan of Ashley Antoinette now.
‘Luxe’ was from the beginning a very gripping story. The author did a great job with making her readers want to keep on going, until the very end of the book. No slow start, no not at all! Right from the very first page this book hooked it’s claws in me and I just couldn’t stop until I read every single page.
But ‘Luxe’ isn’t a book I would tell you to read when you’re looking for a nice, feel-good, romantic story. Not at all. This book is hard, tough and main character Bleu Montclair’s life is just brutal a lot of the time. And honestly, I didn’t really expect that. Maybe that’s naive of me after reading so many Contemporary Romance stories lately.
But there were definitely a view moments when I just did not like reading this book because it was just so hard to read about Bleu’s life. I think that says a lot about this authors talent. It’s not often that I find the writing so good I just have to keep on going, but don’t really particular like what I’m reading.
At first I admired Bleu’s character for her strength and how hard she worked to get a better life. But Bleu made some very bad decisions that I just really didn’t understand. And after getting to know her character I just didn’t get how she could make those bad decisions. It just didn’t seem to fit her character. And I was really disappointed in Blue.
What I really did not like about this book was all the ‘street talk’. Although it fitted the story perfectly, I found it very irritating. For me this book would have been just as good without all the slang.
Overall, I give this book three stars. The writing was very good, but I just didn’t get the main character at all and I was just so disappointed in her. ‘Luxe’ is just such a dark read, definitely one of the darkest ones I read. But I still would like to read the next book in the series, because I really hope life will get better for Bleu. And I’m definitely a fan of Ashley Antoinette now.
September 3, 2015
3 stars Major Cliffhanger!
It was time for Bleu Montclair to make something of herself. She may have grown up in the projects but she was smart and had gotten a scholarship to attend UCLA in Las Angeles. She’s ready to leave the streets of Flint, Michigan for the bigger and better things that life is finally offering her but things don’t always go as planned. By the time that Bleu finally does make it to L.A, she broken, behind in her studies, not a friend in the world nor a penny to her name. It doesn’t take her long though to find her calling and she’s living large but money isn’t always the answer to your prayers and everything comes with a price. What will Bleu’s price be?
This book, while others have loved it, just wasn’t for me. My heart broke for Bleu and I wanted her to succeed because she was a young girl that had defied the odds in the streets of Flint, MI only to succumb to them when she finally made it out. While the story line itself was good, it was the constant slang and use of the N word that turned me off. Also this is not a stand-alone novel, it ends on major cliff hanger and because of how much I hated parts of this book I will not be reading the second book.
I was given an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
It was time for Bleu Montclair to make something of herself. She may have grown up in the projects but she was smart and had gotten a scholarship to attend UCLA in Las Angeles. She’s ready to leave the streets of Flint, Michigan for the bigger and better things that life is finally offering her but things don’t always go as planned. By the time that Bleu finally does make it to L.A, she broken, behind in her studies, not a friend in the world nor a penny to her name. It doesn’t take her long though to find her calling and she’s living large but money isn’t always the answer to your prayers and everything comes with a price. What will Bleu’s price be?
This book, while others have loved it, just wasn’t for me. My heart broke for Bleu and I wanted her to succeed because she was a young girl that had defied the odds in the streets of Flint, MI only to succumb to them when she finally made it out. While the story line itself was good, it was the constant slang and use of the N word that turned me off. Also this is not a stand-alone novel, it ends on major cliff hanger and because of how much I hated parts of this book I will not be reading the second book.
I was given an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
April 10, 2016
The Three Loves of Her Life...
Bleu Montclair, a soon-to-be college student, just wanted to get away from her hard life in Flint, Michigan and attend UCLA. A dream she always had. Leaving behind one love of her life in Flint, Bleu arrived at UCLA and things didn't go as she planned. Finding two more loves could cause her life to be over if she doesn't choose the right one.
I really liked this book. Ashley Antoinette is one of my favorite authors. Her writing skills are on point and this story is what I like to read, a true love story. I couldn't put the book down, wishing it would not end.
I recommend “Luxe” to all readers who enjoy a great urban love story. I can't wait to read part 2.
Reviewed by: Alice
Bleu Montclair, a soon-to-be college student, just wanted to get away from her hard life in Flint, Michigan and attend UCLA. A dream she always had. Leaving behind one love of her life in Flint, Bleu arrived at UCLA and things didn't go as she planned. Finding two more loves could cause her life to be over if she doesn't choose the right one.
I really liked this book. Ashley Antoinette is one of my favorite authors. Her writing skills are on point and this story is what I like to read, a true love story. I couldn't put the book down, wishing it would not end.
I recommend “Luxe” to all readers who enjoy a great urban love story. I can't wait to read part 2.
Reviewed by: Alice
December 4, 2015
Ashley Antoinette never disappoints! I know exactly what I’m going to get each time I pick up one of her novels. Although this novel wasn’t as fast-paced as the previous ones, it still held my attention. I really didn’t want Bleu to fall as hard in the lifestyle as she did, but it is an honest interpretation of what can happen when you enter the drug game. From drug selling to drug use, from freedom to prison, this book encompasses every element of street life. Mix that with a fire love story and you have an awesome read!
Natalie Carter
AAMBC Reviewer
Natalie Carter
AAMBC Reviewer
September 10, 2015
She did it again!!!!
She has and will always be one of my favorite authors! Her pen game is amazing! Anytime I read a book and I become captured by the very first sentence I know it's a hit! This was great from start to finish and I cannot wait to read part 2!!!
She has and will always be one of my favorite authors! Her pen game is amazing! Anytime I read a book and I become captured by the very first sentence I know it's a hit! This was great from start to finish and I cannot wait to read part 2!!!
October 20, 2015
can't wait for the next book just when you think blu had it all figured out the ending though
November 1, 2015
I have no words to describe the feeling of this book. I'm speechless. I loved this book from the beginning to the end.
August 10, 2023
Bleu’s story was more stressful than watching a Tubi movie 😰
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
April 6, 2017
My first read of a book labeled urban fiction but it won't be my last. Antoinette brings the gritty underbelly of the drug world to life with a flair for the violent monster this world is controlled by and the people who run the streets
Bleu has just been buying her time surviving the projects of Flint, Michigan, saving her every dollar and keeping her grades on track to get a scholarship. With one week to go, she is about to escape the streets and make it to UCLA when she is shot in a robbery. After weeks of recovering she returns home only to find her best friend Noah wants her gone to California ASAP. There is a bounty on her head since she is a witness so her awful stepfather brings the goons to her location Mayhem happens and Noah is off to jail and she is on a plane to California
Only she is not prepared for the lifestyle and demands LA and school bring to her door. WHile trying to balance college classes, a job and keeping up appearances it all spirals out of control. While she has escaped the streets of Flint, they find her in LA and she is in and can't find her way out
She becomes a drug mule and quickly becomes addicted to money. When things quickly escalate out of control, the drugs she once controlled begin to control her and the life she escaped becomes her reality.
The ending left me breathless and wondering her what choice she will make when all her worlds explode unto each other.
Bleu has just been buying her time surviving the projects of Flint, Michigan, saving her every dollar and keeping her grades on track to get a scholarship. With one week to go, she is about to escape the streets and make it to UCLA when she is shot in a robbery. After weeks of recovering she returns home only to find her best friend Noah wants her gone to California ASAP. There is a bounty on her head since she is a witness so her awful stepfather brings the goons to her location Mayhem happens and Noah is off to jail and she is on a plane to California
Only she is not prepared for the lifestyle and demands LA and school bring to her door. WHile trying to balance college classes, a job and keeping up appearances it all spirals out of control. While she has escaped the streets of Flint, they find her in LA and she is in and can't find her way out
She becomes a drug mule and quickly becomes addicted to money. When things quickly escalate out of control, the drugs she once controlled begin to control her and the life she escaped becomes her reality.
The ending left me breathless and wondering her what choice she will make when all her worlds explode unto each other.
January 12, 2024
Wow Bleu’s story was a breath of fresh air compared to the Prada plan but it also has some heavy parental shit in this too. Straight A student Bleu born to the wrong parents does everything in her power to try to make it out of Flint Michigan gets accepted on a partial scholarship to UCLA but before she attends she is faced with a traumatic and life threatening event that almost cost her her life. Once in college she is influenced by the fast life and finds herself in some deep crazy shit.
August 27, 2023
I don’t even know what to say because Bleu was definitely wilding but she also got dealt a terrible hand from the very beginning. I still need her to take some accountability though , we were all rooting for you 😅😅
February 13, 2024
I just don’t think this book was for me. Bleu got on my nerves 🤣 and I was just happy when it was over. She ran away from the life she hated and basically got wrapped up in the life she hated. I couldn’t take it anymore!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews