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The Cartel Deluxe Edition: Books 1-3

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The port of Miami brings in millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine every year, and the Cartel controls eighty percent of it. The Diamond family is a force to be reckoned with, but all hell breaks loose when they lose their leader. The most ruthless gangster Miami has ever seen, Carter Diamond, leaves behind a wife, twin sons, a daughter, and a secret. The secret is his illegitimate son, Carter Jones. When young Carter learns of his father’s death, he comes to town and is introduced to the legacy of the CartelMiamor is a woman who uses her beauty to enhance her skill as a contract killer. She is the leader of The Murder Mamas. When her crew is hired to take down the Cartel, they get caught slipping, and Miamor loses her sister in the process. She is determined to get revenge. Unknowingly, she meets the son of Carter Diamond, and he immediately catches her heart. She is sleeping with the enemy, and when she finds out, she is torn between love and revenge. Thus begins the saga of the Cartel, the New York Times bestselling series by street lit superstars Ashley & Jaquavis. Every book in the series is full of their trademark fast-paced drama, deceit, and plot twists that will leave you shocked. Now fans can relive the story of the Diamond family in this deluxe edition, with books one through three all under one cover.

610 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2018

402 people are currently reading
507 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Antoinette

77 books7,383 followers
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

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5 stars
581 (81%)
4 stars
92 (12%)
3 stars
24 (3%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Kiyah Jones.
19 reviews
December 28, 2024
This series here .. this book took me through so many emotions. Every time I turn a page it’s SOMETHING. I had to take a break bcuz I was getting too sad but once I finished I don’t know how I feel still. 😭
Profile Image for A'Leisha Simpson.
1 review2 followers
April 19, 2018
Great Series!!!

I loved everything about it! The story line was really good and I couldn’t put it down. I will be reading the rest of the books
Profile Image for Anthony Oquendo.
4 reviews
September 6, 2023
Normally I would not read a story like this but I was told to give it a chance by a friend. The way this series is written is almost like you are watching a movie. You can see everything playing out as you are reading. The only thing I was having problems with is trying to figure out what actors would play what parts. This is a very well written book series. It keeps you wanting more.
Profile Image for robyn.
2 reviews
March 6, 2019
Good start bad ending

I started off liking the book but at every turn it he beet characters are getting killed and there isn’t a good ending for any of them.
Profile Image for Tracey Adams.
3 reviews
October 30, 2019
I could not put this book down! This is a “must read” book. I was so into this book I started neglecting my housework. I ordered takeout food instead of cooking. The list goes on.........
224 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2022
It’s like the story’s good so you keep reading but it’s all just so depressing!! Why can’t anyone be happy?
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,520 reviews24 followers
June 27, 2020
Ashley and Jaquavis are good writers. Together and solo. They find a way to flesh their characters out with alternating POV's. I've read one or two in this series. But not in order... So now that I'm all caught up, the first three are filled with secrets, and a twist and turn every so often. Not all of the characters are likable. Breeze, Taryn, and Money might be the only three. Carter is nuanced. So is Miamor. So while I didn't exactly like them. I didn't dislike them either. Breeze getting put through the wringer was a lot. Zyir... So, you realize that getting involved with a young woman with family ties to a cartel is dangerous. But do it anyway? OK.
That being said, Haitian people, Jamaican people and Bajans don't all sound alike. Which nationality says "chu"?? Haitian people speak Creole/French.
All Haitian people do not have locs... Dominicans and Haitian people share the island of Hispaniola. Dominicans can be Black. One of the other books that I read in this series had the same inconsistencies.
I'll still read part 4-5.
Profile Image for Corynn.
72 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2025
Books 1-3 is messy, triggering, depressing, and entertaining all in one. My nerves are shot . I hate that every character died. There was no happy ending. Mecca pissed me off the most. He was part of the reason the ENTIRE DIAMOND FAMILY was killed. Poor Breeze she couldn’t catch a break. Monroe deserved better. His brother failed him. He was dead wrong for sleeping with his brother’s girl. Leena was stupid. Young Cater would have been fine if he took his time to find out who Miamor was. I’m glad he avenged Miamors death. He moved to fast and got caught up. Miamor should have been honest from the jump. I’m certain Carter would have been on her side. She was gold though. She could hold her own as long as Carter wasn’t involved.Overall this book gets 3 stars. I’m highly disappointed that the book has no tigger warnings. Some of the scenes and topics described were too much. I will be reading the whole series. I need to know what this it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Verna BF.
10 reviews
May 7, 2021
Compelling Page Turner!!

The story line was very interesting and the characters were complex and engaging. I could not put this trilogy down; I was fully invested in the story and was disappointed when I got to the end. I throated for more.

The only criticism I have is that the proof reading should have been tighter. There were grammatical errors and in several instances where the character names were switched so you had to mentally make the correction for the situation being narrated made sense.
Profile Image for Ari.
4 reviews
October 21, 2025
Reading this series again now during my adulthood vs teen years I can relate a LOT to this book now 😭… I felt all the emotions the Diamond family were going through hell even Miamor’s pain and Mecca’s anger… I definitely cried a little when his time had ended BUT I also understand why Carter did what he did and don’t get me started on Zyir, that little 💩 stay putting Breeze’s in harm’s way IDC what Carter thinks; Breeze’s situation was all on Zyir stay putting that girl in harm’s way 🙄… But overall it’s still a 10 OUT OF 10 in my book 🔥, can’t wait to start Book 4 🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Demetrica Boling.
366 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2018
Heartfelt

I just don't know... The Cartel is amazing! I've been on edge and on an emotional roller coaster the entire time. Though book two missed me off, it was good as well. I was mad T the last paragraph then I laughed. That's how caught up I was. I can't even imagine whAt their is left to write abt well maybe I'll take that back cause they never say what happened to the uncle in the ocean well off to book 4! Hope the new readers enjoy this series as much as I am.
446 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2022
Different and mind blowing

My mind will never be the same. I’m trying to process how to feel this story. It’s a really good read and I truly enjoyed it. It was very captivating, interesting and unpredictable. It has great plots, twists and sadness. The storyline floated good but I did get a little a confused from book 2 to book 3, it seems like there are 2 different scenarios. First time reading authors work and I like it and will be reading other books by these authors.
Profile Image for Hyacinth.
2,074 reviews16 followers
April 10, 2025
These books knocked me off my feet. I was introduced to them years ago but didn't get around to reading them. At the first of the year, we did a group read. I'll be the first to admit, I was not ready. From Big Carter all the way to Breeze, it was blow after blow. Every protocol that you may think you have in place was blown to smithereens! No body was safe, no place was safe. I'm the books in and I'm weak. Well I make it to book 10? Help!
Profile Image for Sonja Kemp.
1 review
September 9, 2018
Amazing!

So I read these books years and years ago, only to find out books 5-7 had been released and I just had to re-read to refresh my memory. I finished all 3 in less than 3 days.. they’re that good! If you’re into urban fiction, this is a must read. My eyes were stuck to the pages like glue
23 reviews
October 28, 2023
Amazing World Building

The way that these two authors built this world up was simply amazing! What an amazing story told through 3 books! I would say the age range for this book is between 18+ some of the scenes are... very detailed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You can't go wrong with this one.
2 reviews
November 21, 2024
An slightly better than average read

I liked the characters but didn't care for Mecca's demise. Why make Young Carter seem like he had turned over a new leaf when he was simply delaying the process? Why make Zyir so ill-prepared in his final days? It was too easy and felt rushed in the end.
10 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2019
A very good read. These authors are the best. Thanks for all you do

I recommend this book. Yes I can't wait to read the rest of the Cartels. I think I have the next episode to read on hold
20 reviews
May 31, 2022
Dont waste your money! 1-3 in series r ok. After that forget it! Soooo farfetched n ridiculous. Its the walking dead. Wont give it away but beware - i guess cartel money buys u reincarnation! 4-5 r good for a laugh if nothing else. Id luv to get my purchase price back. Live n learn.
6 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2022
BREATH TAKING

I have always been a fan on Ashley and Jaquavis. I’ve heard so much about The Cartel, Butterfly and Ethic series that it was a must for me to read. I am so glad I read these books because they are definitely worth every twist and turn.
22 reviews
February 7, 2024
The Cartel 1-3

This book sent me on so many emotions. So many twists and turns. It was a real page turner. Im hooked. I cant wait to read book 4. It was excellent, grabbed my attention from beginning to end.
1,160 reviews4 followers
Read
March 19, 2025
COPPED THIS WHEN I WAS A DIEHARD FAN OF THE COLEMANS & A HUGE SUPPORTER OF CARTER/MIAMOR JONES' LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.

STILL HAVE THE BOOK & CHECK IT OUT FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN I WANT TO REMINISCE ABOUT THE PASSION THE WRITERS HAD FOR STORY-TELLING BACK THEN.
1 review
July 26, 2018
Great Read!

Exciting and great read. Cant wait to read boik 4&5. I couldn't stop reading and finished the entrire first three series in two days!
2 reviews
December 22, 2018
Amazing

This book was outstanding. The more i read the more i got entangled in its web of seduction. I would recommend this this series of books to all avid readers.
3 reviews
May 10, 2019
Wow

I loved everything about this, and can't wait to read the others!!! Ashley and JaQuavis done an amazing job! Must read
3 reviews
May 31, 2019
Page turner

Excellent series! I can't wait to continue with the series. It is absolutely a page Turner. Continue to produce many more good reads!
18 reviews
June 13, 2019
Wow

One or the lost thrilling book to grasp my full attention. There is a twist in every chapter to keep the pages turning.
1 review
June 16, 2019
Awesome read

I really enjoyed this series so far. This story line is so crazy it definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat
1 review
August 12, 2019
Just amazing

You’ll never want to put the book down ! So many plot twist and heart aching moments you’ll just have to finish the series
Profile Image for Heather Robinson.
2 reviews
August 28, 2019
Caught me off guard

This was a very good read with a ton of things going on at once. Very dark at times. I have to read the next book now.
1 review
October 26, 2019
Good read

Two thumbs up very good read It’s an emotional roller coaster ride though I loved the intimacy and love stories I can’t wait to read the 4th series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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