Butterfly 2

Butterfly #2

by Ashley Antoinette

“One of the biggest names in Urban-fiction, Ashley Antoinette, is back … An intense start to this new series with characters that are real and genuine. It’s a story about love, trying to put the past behind and moving on with your life” - Red Carpet Crash on Butterfly

Morgan Atkins is used to losing, but losing Messiah Williams was the most tragic of them all. Surely, after Messiah, no other man could compare. Settling with Sebastian Fredrick didn't seem like such an impossible task. He treated her well enough, he accepted her children, and he offered her entrance into a well-connected world. There was only one he wanted to change her into someone else. The rules that went along with his lifestyle suffocated her and when Morgan reconnected with Messiah's crew, she no longer wanted to play by Bash’s rules. When she falls in love with Messiah's best friend, Ahmeek Harris, she knows she's headed for trouble. His presence heals her in a way that no man has ever been able to do before. Their love affair is electric. Morgan is uncertain about many thing but one thing she's sure of is that she can't let this feeling go. She goes out on a limb and risks it all just to be with Meek, but when Messiah reveals that he's still alive, the battle for one girl's heart just may lead to the demise of them all.

She can only be queen to one man. Which one has the true key to her heart? Can Messiah make up for his mistakes or is it too late to save what they once had? Is Ahmeek a rebound or does he offer her something more? Does Bash even stand a chance? This second installment of the Butterfly series will leave you breathless.

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

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2020

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

[Jordyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll be honest this book was highly anticipated and for
Me it was a 3 star read. To break it down it was so
Much back and forth with the main characters it got irritating. I feel as though this book was draining and a lot of the chapters was redundant. It was a cycle that repeated its self with Morgan, Meek, and bash it was sickening. I hope the series will be wrapped up in the next book because anything more than three books will be too much.

I was given a copy for a honest review from Netgalley

[Chris Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just wasn't for me. I couldn't stand Morgan Atkins. AT. ALL. I hate weak, ridiculously indecisive, whiny female characters and she was the epitome of one. She cries the entire book. I was just over it.

There's an "it's me not you" situation with this book. Butterfly 2 is in keeping with the writing style of the other books in the brand. So if you enjoy Ashley Antoinette's writing then you will most likely enjoy this as well. I LOVED The Prada Plan series, The Cartel series, etc. But surprisingly with this I just got bored. The relationships, drama and violence did nothing for me. I'm not invested enough to care what will happen next in book #3.

**Please note I won an ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway (Thank You!). This review is my own honest opinion.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butterfly 2 is the highly anticipated follow-up to Butterfly ( spinoff of Moth to a Flame + The Ethic Series) by Ashley Antoinette. It picks up shortly after the events of book one. Morgan is a woman torn between two men. If that wasn’t hard enough…well, you’ll see. This book was a rollercoaster of a ride. I could not get enough of Isa and Aria. They definitely cut through some of the tension that this book had.

Ashley Antoinette has once again crafted an emotional story that will leave you on the edge of your seat the entire time while reading. I went into this book torn about who was right for Morgan… I closed the book with one name in mind . The pacing of this book was perfect. It didn’t feel rushed or slow paced. The characters were well developed. I loved seeing the characters from Ethic make appearances throughout the book, not to mention a blast from the past! I cannot wait to discuss this book in-depth. I cried, laughed, got angry, and more. It was definitely an unpredictable story and I cannot wait to read the third installment. The playlist Ashley provided fits perfectly with everything that happened within the pages of this book.

[Bookish Baddie ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeaaaaaaa .. i have to take a break from the Butterfly series cos what in the entire f***? Everybody pissing me off. Messiah pissing me off. Bash pissing me off. & Morgan just pissed me tf off so baddddddddd! like how can you even make that decision knowing you got hittas? 😭 fckkkkkkk .. im a hitta in my mind cos Bash ass gotta GOOOO! I can’t take it ..

[Punkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book dragged for me

[Drenna Gurl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Antoinette did it again!

Picking up where book 1 dropped off, Butterfly 2 is a modern day romance full of love, pain, drama, passion. Laughter, hurt, love. The crew is all back and baby I'm here for it! With everything that goes on within these pages, the things that sticks out the most is the life lessons and the love, pure unadulterated love is what made my heart swell the most.

We all know our boy is back. But what does this mean? Is his return a good or bad thing? Will Mo tell him her secrets? Will he tell her his? What does this mean for Ahmeek and Bash??? If I am being completely honest, this book had me feeling ALL the emotions.

Isa is a damn fool but bruh is 10 toes down for the crew.

Aria is still a true blue friend. I love how her and Isa's relationship is developing and would love to see where they grow from here.

Bash... I can't give my true feelings for him without going into detail as to why, but I hate him with a passion.

Ethic is still the goat.

Alani is still the mother hen. Still loving and nurturing her family.

Messiah... Baby boy got a lot of growing to do.

Ahmeek daddy is a whole vibe. I love him!

And the best for last... Morgan. She has grown so much but baby girl has a lot of finding of herself to do. I love her. I love the woman she has grown and is growing to be. But she has to learn to be free for herself and her babies first!

I'm excited to see others opinions on this one and for the next book to drop

[readchapterFree · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read several books and series by Ashley.... this is the first book that really disappointed me. It basically takes you in pointless circles with Morgan, Messiah, Meek, & Bash....

Morgan is weak.... definitely not what I was expecting in this book but I’m okay with that. You think one of these men will be her knight in shining armor or she saves herself. But neither happens. I’m not really understanding why Bash is still here. Butterfly 2 takes you on an emotional roller coaster FOR NOTHING! It builds up your anticipation for NOTHING! This story could have concluded with the book but it’s being drawn out. I love Ashley but she’s starting to play on readers emotions and intelligence with this series. . If you can wait for book 3, just wait.

Best part: Messiah and Meek throw hands and come to an understanding.... may the best man win!

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart 💔. I need more info on the brother of Messiah. Bash turned out to be a gangster of a different kind. Can’t use and not expect.... Meek Meek! 🥺 Dude can’t catch a break. Messiah is just one whole mess. Need to go back and learn about Epic and Alani WTH? Who wants them dead 💀. Kidnapping and shooting... who’s behind it? I have an idea.

I read this in one sitting. I couldn’t look away. A page-turner for sure. Ashley is a writing beast. While reading Butterfly 2 I see the growth from her earlier books. Her words just flow. I felt like I was watching an episode of a television series. I highly recommend if this is your type of reading. Even if it isn’t give it a go. There are graphic sex scenes and if that’s not your thing, you may want to skip those sections, but definitely not the story.

I was given this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

[Qiana Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Butterfly 2 has to be urban fiction's most anticipated release this summer. There isn't a conversation happening without this series or these characters being mentioned and that speaks volumes of Ashley's work. These characters initially appear in her Ethic series and if you haven't at least heard of it, you have to be living under a rock.

This sequel picks right back up where book one left off with Morgan Atkins' sordid love affair. Sis isn't in a love triangle but rather a love box with three suitors vying for her attention. "Three men loved her. Why couldn't she find it in her to love herself?" Messiah, Ahmeek and Sebastian all filled some kind of void in Morgan's life. The old adage "boring versus butterflies" is very much prevalent in Morgan's decisions on who she should be with.

Messiah has hurt Morgan in more ways than one. As a damaged soul that was never supposed to experience love, he could never truly understand how love should be conveyed. But one thing that can never be questioned is his utter love for Morgan Atkins. "No one made her heart race like Messiah Williams. She couldn't ever take that away from him. He lit her soul on fire." Because Messiah went missing for 2 years he's missed so much in everyone's life, especially Morgan's. But he doesn't let that stop his quest to getting his one true love back. I'll be the first to say that Messiah is an imperfect character, but that's what made most of his fans fall in love with him. In this installment I feel his mistakes were amplified to make the readers see how much of a loose cannon he really is. Hopefully he'll get it together by the end of the series so he can get his "Shorty Doo Wop" back.

Ahmeek appears to be the perfect thug gentleman. But is there such a thing as perfect? Even Morgan has to question it. "Ahmeek would feel good until one day he didn't , and Morgan couldn't put all her eggs in his basket." That basket would grow weak and when it broke she didn't want her soul cracked." Meek is exactly what the doctor ordered for Morgan, he's compassionate and giving, always putting her needs in front of his. Everything Messiah didn't do, he does. But will that ever be enough for her? Even though Ahmeek's character holds his own, he is constantly living in Messiah's shadow. "You got a bad habit of comparing me to niggas, Mo." Hurt people hurt people. I personally feel this relationship was doomed from the very start, but those damn butterflies keep Morgan chasing the high.

Sebastian is the perfect "good on paper" guy. To sum it up, he's safe."Bash had been consistent for two years. He had stood by her through the birth of her babies that didn't belong to him, claimed them, supported them." Bash was the polar opposite from Messiah and Ahmeek, which is what Morgan felt she needed to help her get over Messiah, but that just wasn't enough. "She was doing a bid with Bash. A lifetime sentence. His wife to be. She was betrothed to him and she couldn't figure out how to escape." Her disloyalty to Bash provoked him to do things that, quite frankly, I never imagined he would do. I won't spoil it for you guys but I will say, reading certain parts about him gave me a sense of deja vu.

"You don't know who you are. Are you his Shorty? My love? Your fiance's future wife? Who are you? Without niggas telling you who they want to turn you into?" This one quote pretty much sums it up. No matter who she ends up with, I'm rooting for Morgan Jacqueline Atkins. You guys don't need me to tell you there's another installment, so stay tuned.

[Shontay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mann all In gone say is I love my baby murder Meek he's definitely bae😍 He deserved so much better at this point... Oh and y'all king Messiah is definitely giving me snake vibes 🐍 in this book here 🤷 Mo needs some growing to do she's acting selfish she's working my nerves... Oh and Bash is a piece of work I didn't see that coming.... 🗣OH AND ALANI MIND YOUR BUSINESS DAMN

[Channell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m tired of Morgan at this point. I love Ashley’s writing but I wish the series ended in a couple books I was bored on some parts.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

the last 30% was CHAOS. BAD. i actually didn’t enjoy the end at all 😭 but i love this series down and i need to get that third book

[✿Bettina✿ ~BOoK FieNd ~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was nothing like what I expected. The Author directed the way you should feel about the characters instead of letting Mo, Meek, Messiah, etc. speak for themselves. In one book, Ms. Antoinette butchered the men we've grown to love and respect over the YEARS from character development; then made them become new spiteful individuals. Now, I am definitely "Team Meek", but I think he deserves a better woman. Beauty alone does not make 3 men bend like this. Oh, and why is Bash even in this mix. Morgan has no grit, she is a selfish, weak woman. She is barely a good mother and I can't stand this drawn-out, almost silly affair. I really liked book 1 but I'm very disappointed with this storyline and I won't be wasting my money on book 3.

[Corlinda Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Ashley has done it again!!! I was in my feelings since chapter 1. December is such a long time to wait!!! Again, this book is amazing. A must read!

[Jerricka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series. So much drama and raw emotion.

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD!!!! This book had me all up in my feelings. It was full of angst, suspense, surprises, laughs, steamy scenes and everything in between. Honestly, I feel there is no way for me to even justify how freaking fantastic and real this book is. I have to start by saying I love Ethic! I haven't read Ethic's story yet, so I feel like I'm still getting to know his wife Alani but I'm liking her a lot. Ethic keeps it real. I loved his relationship with Messiah and the tough and deadly love he shows him. Isa & Ali is a trip!!! I love them together because not only do you feel the love between them but it feels real and they are funny as hell. Isa is funny as hell! Now here is were I get to Mo, Bash, Meek and Messiah. Mo still carries hurt, pain, doubt and has insecurities due to her past but I will need baby girl to get herself together, like yesterday. There's no doubt who I want her with but it might just be wishful thinking on my part and I'll have to wait and see. However, I'm ready for her to be happy and do what's best for her and her twins. I hate Bash and his sad ass excuses, and his mom is no better. I wanted to throat punch him so many times. He really had me in my feelings. He needs to disappear Ethic style. Meek is the fantastic!!! I love him almost as much as I love Ethic, so he's definitely pulling some heart strings. This book will have you out here looking for a guy like Meek. I'm still trying to feel out Messiah. My head has him going in a different direction but you won't understand why I'm saying this until you read the story. My heart goes out to him but boy his secret had me twisted. Don't sleep on this book!!! This author has a way of pulling you into the story and making you a part of the crew. That takes skills and I have to give credit where credit is do. Ashley Antoinette is AMAZING at what she does when it comes to writing. I can't wait for more. #ThisIsAMustRead #DontDropTheBall #SimplyAmazing

[Tara D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an advanced reader copy from St. Martin’s Press as part of a Good Reads giveaway*

So many emotions. Ashley definitely did her thing! Ashley has written the book so flawlessly that she took one man but wrote different him in three stages of his life in 3 different characters.

Stage one is the lovesick soldier who found solace in a woman. I have a soft spot for Messiah so when he came back in book one I couldn’t wait to see what would unfold in his story. I want so much for him and I want his story to continue to grow after this. I need him to continue to grow. I think he made some baby steps but he’s just not there yet. We all know he loves Mo but he needs to find himself. He has so much hurt that he doesn’t know how to handle on his own.

Stage two is Bash. He has power. A different kind of power. However powerful nonetheless. He’s a man trying to fix a broken girl but using his power to do it. All I can say is watch out for him.

The final stage is Ahmeek and he is definitely a great catch. He is proving to be a lot like Ethic (In my opinion. Please don’t come for me). He’s rough like Ethic and Messiah but he had a good woman raising him and guiding him and it shows. He doesn’t use words but instead he shows his affection by soft actions.

The butterfly...just wow! Morgan Atkins...I don’t want to speak much on her for fear of spoilers. She needs to be by herself. She needs to belong to no one. She needs to love herself. I feel she has only known what it’s like to be with a protector and never learned to protect her own spirit.

Pre-order this book. Read this book. Read it again. I plan to read it again. I will take all of the emotions all over again. I was so in love with the words.

[Stacy Boddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not happy with this one.

This wasn't one of my favorite. It comes a time when you stop making a Morgan so weak and change the story line up a little, it like you like making her miserable and dont want to see her find herself or happiness. Bash is another Mizan, Messiah is bat shit crazy. Hopeful Butterfly 3 is better because I don't know how much more torcher a person can take. I love Ashley Antoinette books but this was not one of my favorites.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morgan needs to mature, no character growth yet. Playing dangerous game with grown powerful men someone is going to get hurt! Hoping the author does not draw this story out too long, it's getting to be too much. With Ethic being who is not to mention Ahmeek and Messiah, why would you entertain Bash? Not realistic enough for me. Not sure if I'll continue reading this too much money for a lot of fluff!

[Miss Renyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whewwww. This book stressed me DF out but it’s a good read overall. You’d get to see what Morgan go through. What she decided to do and who she picked and who she love. Ashley’s pen game strong. Cop you a copy!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the characters, as always, but I’m really starting to dislike the storytelling... this book was so drawn out, and I kept feeling like I was reading and imagining the same scenes over and over. The next book has GOT to be better!

[wndrwtch_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mannnnn Morgan is pissing me the hell off. 90% of her problems would be solved if she would just stop keeping secrets

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butterfly 🦋 2 met every expectation with all the intensity, heartbreak, and love triangle drama through every page!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hurt so much! As much as Morgan gets on my nerves I’m rooting for her to find her way. I’m still Team Meek all the way though. That man’s love for her is refreshing and GOOD!

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

can’t get enough

Meekie is bae. The rest of them are side ni@@az. The series is getting better and better. Definitely apart to start part 3

[Porsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will make you burst in laughter, it will make you sad, it will definitely make you mad, and it may give you a stroke or run your blood pressure up. This is a highly anticipated read and it is an adrenaline rush. We are stepping back into Mo’s world to find out if Messiah will be able to win her back, what his presence means for her and Meek, for Mo and Bash, for Bleu, for the twins. Ashley covered a lot of ground in this book. You will get answers to all of that but new questions will surface which will make Butterfly 3 highly anticipated as well. I gave this book 4 stars because some areas of the plot for example Morgan and Meek’s roller coaster of emotions about their situation and Mo’s feelings of entrapment towards Bash and Bash feeling like Mo’s behavior is trashy was stated many times but different ways which made the storyline repetitive. I believe Ash has to make sure she stretches the story out to satisfy a publishing deal but I think she can successfully wrap the Butterfly series after Book 3. Then, she can set her sights on Bloom or another novel trapped inside her mind. Can’t wait for you all to see how the events unfolded in this read.

* I received an advanced copy of this book from Goodreads and St. Martin’s press in exchange for my honest review.*

[KERI MEREDITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the books leading to Butterfly 2 has allowed me to be completely invested in every character, especially Morgan. Some readers may mention their frustration with Morgan, but one must consideration her development from way back in Moth to a Flame. Morgan's come a long way. She became a mom at the young age of 18 and so far had done an impeccable job in raising her kids and putting them first. She's moved from being self-centered and bratty to becoming a caring young woman whose stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to love. This 21-year-old girl has not two, but three men vying for her. When I was 21, I made so many mistakes in that area, so I can just imagine how Morgan's head and heart are all over the place as she has to make an incredibly huge decision. And within making such a decision, the end game to chose is either starting over with her first love, making a life with new love, or settling for a loveless life within a powerful, yet dangerous family. Each heart-wrenching choice will come with a consequence, and that makes Morgan's decision that much tougher. I truly loved this well-written book, as it left me wanting more with its cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the next installment in December.

[ReadMeAlone · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of mixed reviews on this series but I’m honestly enjoying it. I can say the indecisiveness is killing me, I’m tired of Morgan going back & forth but I’m trying my hardest not to be judgmental. Ashley’s writing style has tremendously grown since the Ethic series and I’m enjoying it. I do hope the forth book wraps up the series because at this point I feel like it’s being dragged out. I also enjoyed Ethic & Alani appearance even though Alani works my nerves sometimes. Overall, I can’t wait to start book 3!

[Breeee Ranae⚜️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chileeeeee I don’t even know where to begin. 😱
Am I toxic because I’m still Team Messiah after finishing this?🙊

Morgan is so STUPID. All she had to do was tell Ethic that Bash had her trapped. She didn’t have to do Meek like that. I know Ashley gonna drag this in book 3.

Why would Issa leave Aria like that though? Smh If she dies Issa will kill everybody & self destruct.

I’m so stressed let me read something else before reading Butterfly 3😭
& another thing Why Alani still pregnant girl 🙄

[Tip Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Now I have to wait until December to read Book 3.... This book was full of emotions. The confusion of the heart and mind is a mf. Hopefully in Book 3 we can see how this how entanglement goes. Lol!! Just read it!! You won't be disappointed.