Ethic 3

Ethic #3

by Ashley Antoinette

Healing requires separation. When Ethic discovers malice in a woman he thought was perfect, he walks away from their love. Keeping his family safe is his main priority and falling for Alani Lenika Hill is dangerous. The history of their love haunts him however, and getting over her isn't easy.

Alani has beguiled his two youngest children and they crave her presence as much as Ethic. They want a mother. He wants a woman, but with ghosts and lies between them the couple is forced apart yet again.

With love comes pain and Ethic feels all of it. He can't focus on anything and while he is distracted by heartbreak, his eldest daughter, Morgan is caught up in a deceptive affair. With bad boy Messiah, pledging his allegiance to Morgan she is willing to defy everything and anyone to keep his love forever.
The story is a soul-stirring journey of love, loss, and forgiveness. Will Ethic finally receive everything he deserves? Or will karma circle back for him and destroy him for good?

Ashly Antoinette has penned a new classic with the Ethic series. Ride with her as she paints a poignant picture of Ezra "Ethic" Okafor, the imperfect man who gives perfect love.

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

Audiobook

Published June 30, 2019

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

[Keyona · Rating 3 out of 5]

*YAWN*.....this book was complete filler. Honestly, you could just skip this one. NOTHING happened. It was just a bunch of feelings being discussed, internal monologues, and song lyrics.There is zero plot in this installment. I really hope book 4 something actually happens because I'm beginning to get a bit exhausted by Alani and Ethic's whole "hate to love" situation and Messiah and Morgan's "sprung in love" asses. Enough already. Been there done that in book 1 and 2. It was all cute before but now it's getting really repetitive and this book literally DRAGGED. It was nice to see Ya Ya make an appearance for a hot second but that's it. There is one scene where a dance scene was described for an entire chapter. Yes sis we get it. More hate to love. More feelings. And yes I know the words to this song and didn't need them written all the way out. This was a frustrating read for me. However...I am still going to pick up Book 4 so I can find out how this ends.

[Untamed Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the point of it all!

Ethic 3 pulls at your heart in ways you couldn’t even imagine. First, Morgan & Messiah have me on pins and needles! These two have a love so reckless that you have to read it with one eye open. And those love scenes—oh my God! Whew! Although, their love is young and neither is ready, I just want them to win. They are two lost souls who love each other so deeply that you hope somehow and someway, it will work for them.

But Mr. Okafor...this man. The love ties between Ethic and Alani are so potent that you understand completely that Alani was hand plucked from the Garden of Eden just for Ezra. All I’m gonna say is Chapter 6! Baby, I almost dived head first in this book, LOL! I love book 3 because it introduces two very important aspects of forgiving: self-forgiveness and self-healing. They are both broken, but when they each find the strength to be whole again, it’s going to be a FORCE! To me, this book, the whole series, represents the heart and soul of Mrs. Ashley Antoinette as a writer... captivating, exhilarating and powerful. I said it once, I’ll say it again my FAVORITE series by AA!

[Chelsea Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it but irritated too

This novel really pulls at the heart strings and CAN be relatable but at times, I’m just like either stay with him or don’t. I am happy to hear the next installment will be the last.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This muthafuckin installment was e-mo-tion-al!!! So much happened in this one. Ethic killed Cream, they buried Love Ezra Okafor, Alani and Ethic had sex after the debutante pageant - mind you, she literally hates him and loves him so equally that she's tormented - Yaya came to visit with her and Indie's son, Messiah broke down over his feelings for Morgan, and Alani gave Ethic an ultimatum - get to know God or lose me.

WHEW!!!

This book took me on a fucking roller coaster, but the main shit I wanna talk about is a theory I have that if I'm right my feelings are gonna be so fuckin hurt; I am 99.9999% sure that Messiah is Mizan's brother. Yes, the same Mizan who tricked Raven into letting him rob her father, who then called the police and left a brick for them to find so Benny would go to jail for life, leaving the streets open to grimy ass Mizan, which caused Benny to be shot by the police in front of his wife and children in front of their home, which then caused Justine to be arrested as some type of accessory and jailed, where she ended up killing herself, which left Morgan a fucking orphan who Raven had of take care of. The same Mizan who beat the fuck out Raven so regularly, that she had poorly healed broken bones and permanent bruising all over her body. The same Mizan who deserved those bullets that killed Raven and Nicki and almost killed Ethic's son because Raven had his car when the hit was on Mizan was carried out. Ethic ended up killing his fucking ass and he deserved that shit!

It was hinted at that Messiah was hiding something from Morgan that was so bad he knew that WHEN she found out she was going to leave him. So I think in book 2, maybe in this book...I don't remember, Messiah casually mentioned something about something his brother used to tell him. And Morgan was like she didn't even know he had a brother. I ignored that little hint, because it got played off as more of the fact that Morgan didn't know as much about his life as he knew about her life because he never talked about it. But I did peep the fact that he clearly didn't mean to let that piece of information slip out. Then he said something about being on the wrong side or the opposite side of a family war. Then when she got out the shower she over heard him on the phone talking about how he was done, he wasn't doing it, let that beef die with HIM, fuck family, only family I need is under my roof right now (talking about Morgan), and if whoever want it done so bad then they should do it. That's when I started thinking Mizan is his brother and he been infiltrating Ethic's inner circle all this time to get at him for killing his gutter butt, grimy, shitty, snake ass brother!!!!! He going against a real ass nigga, a straight fucking shooter, to avenge that piece of shit.

I still wasn't convinced, because if this shit is true when I say my fucking feelings are going to be so hurt. So then, while him and Morgan were making the most passionate of love - bitch that shit had me feeling like I was intruding, that shit was so emotional, Messiah mean ass was crying and shit...it was a LOT - she start talking about having his baby and how she wants to be in his life forever. He is so overwhelmed by her love for him and the fact that she sees so much good in him, and the fact that he wants a permanent connection to her, he wants her to have his baby. He sees a family and a future with her.

The kicker? He hopes he has a son and he will name him Nazim...THAT'S MIZAN BACKWARD!!!!!

Bitch, I'm done. Because I already know what the fuck it is. I'm so sad about that reveal, I'm not even pressed about reading book 4 right now. Who knows when it's gonna be delivered, but I need some time to get ready for this bullshit. I'm hurt. Messiah is so loyal. How he met Noah, and how he's conducted himself with Ethic, I can't fucking believe this nigga was plotting the whole time. I'm really hurt.

So what the fuck is Morgan gonna do? Because he definitely nutted all up and through her guts. I bet her ass got pregnant immediately. Is she gonna choose Messiah when she finds out what he's doing? Not only because he's going against Ethic, who she slapped the shit of his ass and put her out her place for disrespecting, but he's doing it on behalf of the man who took her entire family away.

I didn't even think about how she was so thrown off by Messiah's sudden disrespect of Ethic. He pulled the gun on Ethic when Ethic tried to get him off Cream after he killed Nish, thinking it was Morgan, then said fuck Ethic, that ain't your daddy to Morgan. I thought it was Morgan being more upset about Messiah scraping at the biggest insecurity she had, which was her not feeling genuinely loved by Ethic - even though he loves her so much.

After this intense ass sex they had (which I'm bout the read again 'cause that shit was GOOD!!!!) Messiah told her he loved her. He rarely says it, and when he does, it's normally in response to her saying it first. So she says she loves him too and for the first time since she lost her family she felt like she finally belonged to someone. She gonna choose that nigga over Ethic? Or she gonna leave him and make his ass go nuts, just like Ethic was worried about when he saw how volatile Messiah was with his temper when his emotions were involved.

With as much as Ashley Antionette makes me feel inadequate as a writer, THIS book literally makes me never want to even think about writing again in my life.

[trina (kenan ross’ wife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen.. this review is going to have spoilers. I can’t reach this far and not have spoilers in this review. Nonetheless, this book was amazing. I’m one hundred percent invested in this series. I fear the huge reading slump I’ll be in once I finish it.. Now.. for the SPOILERSS BABYY


This book was all about healing for Ethic and Alani. I really can’t fathom how some people said Alani needs to stop going back and forth with Ethic, but we have to remember he shattered her soul, literally. He snatched her child away from her. Don’t get it confused, I love Ethic. That is my husband. He didn’t mean to do it, but it doesn’t change the facts. It would be strange if they didn’t experience what happened in this book between them. I hope they heal. I honestly think they’d be so great together, things were so so good before Alani found out what happened. I loveeee themmm soo muchh.

I really do like Messiah yall. Like he is honestly so fine wooyy.. A smile stays on my face when that man speaks. Even when I see his name on a page, I get hype. But I think I have PTSD from Moth to a Flame I can’t help but think what happened to Raven, will happen to Morgan. I don’t know if their love is healthyyyy. I can’t support what’s going on here I can’t lie. Now she’s about to have his baby? What sis? Have you not learned ANYTHING from your sister’s tragic ending? But I really do enjoy them together. They’re definitely cute and I love the kind of man she brings out in Messiah, but this isn’t going to end well. I can smell their tragic ending, and what secrets does Messiah have?? LIKE WHAT IS NEXTTTT ??? But Messiah does not play about Morgan and ugh I love that😫😫

BUTTT ON TO BOOK 4 I AM SO READY

[LaToya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I love the darkest parts of you..the darkest parts.."

2nd read via audiobook.

Listening to Alani continue to push through her grief and shame of loving Ethic pulled at my heartstrings. I felt like a ping pong ball going back and forth between her love and hate for this man but again, this is a woman DEEP in grief. She's entitled to all those feelings. She was told that she can really hold a grudge, but in this situation I feel like it's justified. The trauma between them isn't something you can just get over. Alani did make some annoying decisions that created more devastation. It's like darkness surrounds these two and the place they were walking into together at the end of this book is exactly where they need to be.

In her letter to the fans, Ashley Antoinette says "Never love a Messiah more than you love yourself". We really got to see Morgan getting lost in Messiah in this one. She would do anything to please him - if he said jump, she wanted to know how high. She's willing to give up everything and everyone for him but I'm still not seeing him willing to do the same for her - not in the way that she needs (and without it being sexual). I could feel a storm brewing for these two (even though I already know what happens lol). I'm still amazed at how much my views on everyone have changed.

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story that never ends...

Although I found parts that I was very connected to, I feel unfulfilled. This story is dragging on a bit too far and long for me. Alani and Ezra's connection is a little too over the top for my liking. I am losing interest the more I read. When I think there is going to be a resolve we make yet ANOTHER left turn. Some may like this push and pull type of story telling, but I can only take so much. I am not even sure if I will purchase the last installment. Who am I kidding? Yes I will because although I am VERY frustrated with this Love Story, I have to see it to the end. #PrayForMe

[Anayah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just impulse bought the remaining 4 books and I don't regret it 😭 this series currently has me in a chokehold.

Let's go!

[ChuChi Mone'T · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book as much honestly. Seems length is more important than telling the story. 250 something pgs but I only got about 5 key points out of it, the rest was about Alani's emotional constipation. Someone would make a comment and it would take a little minute before you got to the response. Everything in between was thoughts and feelings someone had about the other either at that time or a time once before.
I’m not pleased with the author's way of defining a gentleman. You can be a gentleman without being so passive and submissive all the time. I also understand ethnic got money for days, but with all his high price spending...seems like the author is trying to make his bank account bottomless. But anyways, Alani would constantly throw daggers and low blows at ethnic as if he had no feelings. So badly I just wanted him to grow a pair and tell her to chill on him. I don't see how she felt so entitled to call the man a liar when she lied about her pregnancy. She found out about Kenzie through his mouth where as he found out about the pregnancy from his daughter, through a secrecy she set up. So who’s really the liar? A withholder maybe, but not a liar. Alani’s episodes were pretty much voided to me after she let ethnic in the second time. The first time she didn’t know, but the second time she sure tf did. At that point either shut up and get over it or stop misleading the man and say what mean and mean what you say by moving on from him.
Why is it that both alani and ethnic can't admit that if someone is to blame for the all the travesties that's transpired, it would in fact be lucas. sure ethnic pulled the trigger, but who really caused the travesty? Thank you Morgan for stressing that out.
Speaking of Morgan, both her and Messiah were annoying af with their reckless, love struck " i'm sprung" asses🙄. I like their love story but it's a bit overbearing. Overall, I don’t think there should even be a follow up book. I would've liked to read more about ethnic catching up with cream instead of the same redundant, prolonging fillers we’ve already read about. With all the skipping I did frankly book 4 could’ve fit in book 3 had it not consisted of so much repetition. and why tf is there a book 5 when it was stated book 4 was the final? Honestly I might not even be interested.

P.S I don't agree with pushing religion onto someone to have your way.

[K2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Give Mi Messiah or Give Mi Nothing At All.....I would like for Good Writers&StoryTellers to stop asking US 2 buy(Purchase&/orBelieve) these sick stories🤭....Good writer&storyteller But Always on some SickShit or just ExtraShit N Every NstallMent

[OhhSlimmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of this series!!! Ethic and Alani are perfect idc idc!! The death of baby Love I think brought them closer and only they can heal one another. Morgan and Messiah will not end well I know that secret will break Morgan and Messiah still withholding it from her only making it worse. Bella and Eazy is so appreciated in this book and I admire the little ones so much. Chapter 6 will bring you to your knees and your soul will definitely feel it. I would like to see more of Ethic background in the finale we only got a snippet in part 3 but it’s much more to him. Excellent series so far can’t wait for the last one

[Breeee Ranae⚜️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dynamic between Alani & Ethic is annoying & understanding at the same time. I understand the hate & the love too.
Ethic is my man in my head lol.
I actually like Morgan & Messiah but also know personally A love like that will be tragic for her just don’t know which book the traffic will come in. 👀& I feel like Bleu has a secret idk or maybe I missed something.
Yeah starting book 4 tomorrow because ain’t no breaks I needs to knowwwwww.

[Donisha Murdock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part 3 was moving a little to slow for me. I actually thought the book was great overall but all the constant detailing of what Ethic and Alani’s love was “like” was getting on my nerves. I wanted more story, more action instead of filler. But still good. I can’t wait for the last installment! Oh and Morgan and Messiah, i absolutely love their story! 😩🙌🏾

[readingsprints_and_chaisips · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to give this installment 3.5 stars.

Chapter 6 is my favorite moment of this book. The words on the page, the song choice, the characters involved, and the emotions that were flowing came together effortlessly.

Let's start with Morgan. Does she not irritate your soul?! So, it's just me? OK. I'll die on that hill because man, the amount of times I rolled my eyes, I was afraid that they either would get stuck or roll on out of my damn head! And I know many would say, "but she's young", "she has to make her own mistakes", or my favorite "don't act like you never did things similar when you were younger". And all of those things are valid. But the non-existent level of self-esteem this girl possess baffles me. Ethic has been nothing but good to her, but she gives him her ass to kiss. Her holding Raven on a pedestal when Raven made her bed. Morgan is the spitting image of ride or die when it is wholly unnecessary. When people who don't really know you like that (Bleu) can clock your tea, its obvious.

Then we have Alani. I love Alani's character but this book irked my nerves. If you have to force yourself to be angry, you're not really angry boo. If you're worried about what grief is supposed to look like to others (you shouldn't be because no one has to live with that pain but you) you could just stay your ass in the house away from prying eyes. Away from Ezra. Throwing your dead children in people's faces every chance you get to propel to be as angry as you are... grief therapy is a thing. Then forcing GOD into someone's life as an ultimatum I don't stand for. Because if he choose "no" as an option you'll still be hurt and without the person YOU are pretending you don't want.

YaYa, just SMH. Nope.

Both Messiah and Ezra need to go see that lady (or man) and have a firm seat on their couches. They need help maneuvering their "demons" and emotions.

I will be moving onto the next installment shortly.

Happy reading.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Whew this series is really heavy. It has this poetic writing style… i haven’t decided if i like it or not.

One thing that kept coming to mind is the constant thought of black women and the plight they experience in life. On one hand i appreciate it being recognized but it also bugged me that it just kept coming up, how hardened life makes black women (for a variety of reasons) is that the expectation? I don’t know how i feel about it. I’ll have to sit with it.

All in all, the series is good so far, it’s deep and touches on things that are so ugly, and honestly i would never forgive Ethic but Ashley’s writing really has me rooting for them and hoping for the best.

MORGAN…. Run!! I’m not sure what’s up with Messiah but it doesn’t feel good, Sweetheart.

[toni powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m Disappointed

I loveeeeeee Ashley but this book was just nothing but words. I wasted my money on this one! It’s the same as book 2 but way more wording that makes you wonder like when will she get to the point... Ethic is to miserable, everyone is to miserable. Ethic series need a new plot, more enemies, more happiness, and some babies. Maybe new characters is needed but it was boring. Hopefully the last book will be way better! Yes I will continue to support Ashley because she’s an amazing author I think this book was just pointless tho nothing happened that made you want to read another one.

[Byron Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethic👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

I love to read a book and see a protagonist to which I can relate. There are parts of Ethic that every man should aspire to, minus the killing of course.😁😁😁😁😁 And even when that occurs I get it. Three books in, with three to go and I'm fully committed to finishing, irrespective of the cost.😁😁

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

[Denise Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was way beyond phenomenal this book showed how Ethic truly loved Alani from the good abs the bad. They both had their trials and tribulations they were going through within themselves. I felt their love throughout these pages omg I shed so many tears I can’t even think right now. I know they loved each other more than they knew. Morgan and Messiah they were a dang hot mess but I love their twist love they shared I just hope Messiah don’t break thAt young girls heart in the process. The kids are wonderful I hope they understand no matter what they will be loved by their father and Alani together or separately. This book was so good I’m definitely on a emotional roller coaster right now. Ashley you did your damn thing with this book. One to book four...,

[⌞giselle⌝ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried 10 times reading this. Ethic sharing his story tore me up. the little flicker of HOPE for Alani & Ethic 😭🤞🏽Messiah… yea, I do not fuck wit him fr. spill his tea, quickly…. in the last few books I feel like there’s generalizing of Black women… “Black women carry the weight of the world on them” & this & that. it hits, but it also felt to me like it was being explained for non-Black readers? making those parts feel stereotypical in way. anyway, I feel redemption is on the way. pls, lawd, let it be! 😩

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

third installment of the Ethic series is just as wonderful as the previous!

I'm stopping at book 3; I feel as if I gain nothing but old thoughts and memories that will not serve me in my future.

I want to always learn and grow and when that is not happening then there is an issue for me personally.

I love the Author just in a new place.

[Queen Rosalind · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG.....Ashley Antionette hasn't failed me yet! A phenomenal Authur!!!!!

[Brandy Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like authors do themselves and their readers a disservice with these long series that drag the hell on and on and on. All you keep on telling us is that they're on and emotional merry go round, and the never ending quotes about love this and hate that. It's old and boring. The first two books were really good but by the third book I find that I'm losing interest. I really wish she had wrapped everything up and ended it here, so I wouldn't have to read spoilers online for the other books because I'm over it.

[Mos Tiff · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't finish. I returned it to Audible. I was so ready to get to this book after reading all the previous books. How many times did they need to talk about how much they wanted each other, but couldn't get past what Ethic did? I mean, good lord. I stopped at Chapter 7 and just couldn't take it anymore. I wonder if I jumped to Ethic 4, would it get the story started again. But this one was exhausting.

[lexiskat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Okok where do I start. I haven’t picked up the Ethic series in a couple years and this man still makes me fall for him every time 🥴. Alani got to really love Ethic bc I don’t know how!! Morgan story just works my nerves. I was thinking a little more drama and a cliffhanger would’ve been chefs kiss bc I know Messiah up to something.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew chile!!! This book started in a sinister manner and ended in an angelic one. It could have had a sub-title of “Love You Past Your Pain” because there was so much pain and so much love wrapped up onto this book. Another great novel by Ashley Antoinette. #AshArmy

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m hooked

Ashley has me hooked and it’s crazy to think I’ve read 3 books in 3 days and I can’t stop until I’ve finished the series so on to book 4 I go.

[RochelleNB · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book draggedddddd!
I really needed Ethic and Alani to wrap it up.
I fear if I take a break for the Ethic series, I won’t pick it back up after.
Really love Ethic as a character though

[Sandra (Book Loves) Atueyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethic 3

Ethic 3 by Ashley Antoinette is a interesting and amazing read. It’s powerful and energetic story. Mrs. Coleman does a good job. I’m happy that she takes time to writing this book.

I believe that Morgan is a weak-minded and fasting woman because she’s giving up her future but she’s a weak for Messiah. Messiah is a controlling and manipulating for Morgan. I hope she wakes up and pay attention to the red flag by Messiah. She needs to focus on school and herself. Alani and Ethic have lot of demons in their life but they’re ready to ask God forgiveness for their sin. I’m happy that Yaya is working on better person and healthy relationship with Indie.

I can’t wait to read part 4 of this series. Ethic is one of my favorite book series.

Good Read :
Sandra

[AlexTRBG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew lord Jesus! The way I’m silently screaming and clutching my chest rn 😭💕😫 I canttttttt! Ashely Antoinette has got me absolutely hooked 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I loved this book. Each one is getting better and better. This is the deepest love story I have ever read. Ethic is all of that and more. I would highly recommend this book.