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The Invitation

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A new baby is on the way for Ethic and Alani, but the stress of her high-risk pregnancy is weighing on the couple heavily. When the routine of their love changes, Alani's hormones send them on an emotional roller coaster filled with suspicion and miscommunication. With challenges from the children they have already on the horizon and Ethic's involvement with Nyair's city council run, things in the Okafor household are in disarray. Glimpse into the everyday life of Ashley Antoinette's favorite literary family while you wait on the highly anticipated sequel to her hit novel Butterfly.

They're inviting Ash Army to their baby shower, but expect some bumps along the way. Be sure to RSVP by one-clicking your copy today.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2020

195 people are currently reading
876 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Antoinette

77 books7,545 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
1,255 (80%)
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51 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
Profile Image for Diamond.
102 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2023
I Miss the Okafors ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Carla.
511 reviews203 followers
May 4, 2020
Without warning in the late-night hours of April 29th, Ashley Antoinette announced a new “story time”, a term her #AshArmy and subscribers have become very familiar with. So, I hurried to my email to check it out .Imagine my surprise when it was a link to a new novella!

“The Invitation” bridges the gap between Butterfly and Butterfly 2. The Okafors are preparing for the arrival of their new bundle of joy. But if you know the Okafors, then you know it could never be that simple lol. As always, Ashley Antoinette has such a way with words. Even though this was a short, it was not without drama, laughs, and action. It was so great to catch up with these characters again .I enjoyed the alternating storylines. And I must say that little Bella is definitely not so little anymore. So glad I was invited. The countdown to Butterfly 2 is on!
Profile Image for Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte'.
403 reviews175 followers
October 3, 2021
Absolutely adored this one

I just can’t get enough of this family and Ashley is a genius! I’m so ready to go on to Butterfly 2 and see where this heads😏
Profile Image for Breeee Ranae⚜️.
281 reviews73 followers
February 24, 2023
This was so cute. 🥰
I just can’t get enough of this family.

Alani still insecure I see. I don’t blame her though Ethic is that ni$$a. Periodt.

Now Bella you & Henny didn’t have no business 😒That made me so mad.

That baby shower was everything 😍I need to find me a Ethic but not in the way he found Alani. 😣

I feel like Ashley dragging this so much though. I’m #TeamMessiah idc idc 🙉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jordan.
448 reviews29 followers
June 27, 2023
All I can say is that I canNOT get enough of these fucking people! I love these characters so much!

This was a cute lil pause to celebrate the impending arrival of the newest Okafor, but a lot of shit is brewing. It was pretty calm. Which means Butterfly 2 ain't gonna do shit but stress me out.
Profile Image for Diane Rembert.
1,275 reviews46 followers
September 16, 2022
Okay, I definitely was not ready for all of the drama in this novella. From Alani going thru a dick drought, to accusing Ethic of infidelity, to having a health scare, to spoiling the surprise…I just wanted to scream "Lenika, please!" As if that wasn't enough, Ethic has come completely soft and I don't know how to take that.

When I tell you that little Miss Bella is not so little anymore, I couldn't believe the lengths that she went to in order to see Hendrix. But, sometimes little girls learn grown lessons real quick, and thank God she has a big sister to come to her rescue.

Speaking of Morgan…she is definitely playing with fire in this one. Not only is her connection with Ahmeek getting stronger, but now her kids are involved. Meanwhile, Bash is somewhere looking like a simp and his mother is watching it all. This love triangle is about to get even worse. Stay tuned.

As much as I tried to savor this one, I found myself totally caught up. This was the perfect in-between 💎💎💎💎💎story by New York Times bestseller @ashleyantoinette. Go grab your copy today.
Profile Image for Telia Teanna.
Author 5 books19 followers
May 1, 2020
Just what I needed to hold me off until June 16th when Butterfly 2 is released.

I hadn't realized just how much I missed Ethic and his family until I started reading this again. I have been so in love with Ahmeek since reading Butterfly that I forgot just how much Ethic was that nigga. I love that man so much. Alani needs to get her shit together, because Ethic is a good man and won't dishonor their marriage. He's a one woman kind of man, but I'm gonna give home girl a pass because she's preggo and I know them hormones got her head all crazy.

The whole situation with Morgan and Meek stressing me the hell out. I love how they are with one another, but I know shit is about to get ugly real soon, and I am NOT prepared for that shit. Morgan is still spoiled as hell, but she's growing so I will deal with it lol. She did make me proud af when she had to throw hands on them young bitches lmao!

My favorite about this series was hands down the Bella and Henny storyline! I love them so fucking much. Henny is quickly winning over my heart and I'm not mad about it. He's growing into a fine young man and I just hope Ethic doesn't kill him first. Bella is still trying to find out who she is, about herself, and learning about her body. Needless to say, I am super excited for Bloom (Bella's story).

So perfect. I'm glad Ashley gave us this.
Profile Image for Dee.
175 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2025
I don’t know...I just feel like I’m part of the family! I love how Ethic shows up for his loved ones. I enjoy the way he’s guiding Hendrix and teaching him how to be a man. They really did my girl Bella dirty in this one though! And who invited Bash’s mama? I still can’t stand her. Five stars!
Profile Image for J-maa.
140 reviews
May 22, 2025
Short and cute 🥰 also my first audiobook 🎧
Profile Image for Tomekia James.
44 reviews
May 1, 2020
I can never get enough of my favorite family. I find myself praying for them as the are real people. I found myself rooting for love, the ease of growing pains and I love the heart to heart talks.
Profile Image for Tasha Milteer.
Author 1 book19 followers
May 5, 2020
How can you not love Ethic. OMG, this book here. I loved it, Morgan wasn't even getting on my nerves. Bella and Henny were too cute and I hope they get to have a series of their own one day!!
Profile Image for EricaLenise.
326 reviews30 followers
May 2, 2020
The Men of Ethicland

I love each man represented in this trip into Ethicland. From Eazy such a sweet baby boy, Hendrix that baby need someone to love him and believe in him so bad, Ahmeek MF Harris my goodness that young man is attempting to discover love with someone that may not be ready and the man himself Ezra “Ethic” Okafor is going to be a daddy again and it is scarring him to death but he is still love in action. 5 stars Mrs. Coleman!!!
Profile Image for TheBookJunkie.
107 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2023
Simply beautiful. Love the Okafors and I’ll miss their story. But I wish them well and I’m glad their lives are coming together. I can now continue with the rest of the Butterfly series. I’m truly nervous for Meek.
Profile Image for Danielle Vaughan.
671 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2022
Any chance I get to read about Ethic and my other husbands I’m taking. I really love these characters and everything they bring.
Profile Image for Rhina M. Finley.
1,282 reviews20 followers
June 17, 2023
This novella was a perfect interlude to Butterfly 🦋 2. Can’t get enough of the Okafors’ family saga. I hope this one day becomes a TV series it would be epic!!
Profile Image for Danielle Wilson.
155 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2025
I'm so invested in this family. Ethicland just brings me loy, lol.
Profile Image for Lauren Morris.
193 reviews8 followers
December 29, 2022
My library didn’t have a hard copy of this one so I listened to it through YouTube. Such a beautiful short story! Alani and Ethic are preparing for their new addition. Bella is battling identity issues. Morgan and Ahmeek need to make some decisions ASAP! I loved listening to this through YouTube. It definitely makes me want to try audiobooks. Ashley Antoinette is gifted with her words! Ready for Butterfly 2!
Profile Image for Racquel Nycole .
287 reviews15 followers
May 3, 2020
Ashley did it once again

This little novella was greatly appreciated . I can read about the Okafors & crew forever. (Patiently waiting for Butterly 2) This is basically a story of the weeks leading up to Baby Okafors baby shower. Ethic is dealing with one daughter who is just coasting through life, getting engage when she really doesn’t want to and doing whatever it is she’s doing with Meek while still suffering from the loss of Messiah (no matter how much she tries to ignore it) & still not opening up to Ethic. His other daughter Bella is falling in love with young Henny who Ethic has now taken under his wing and she’s going through the teenage motions of love, jealousy, & heartbreak and becoming a young lady. And he has a pregnant, hormonal wife who’s insecurities are going always going to be her biggest downfall. This little novella is packed with some drama and rather funny moments that all lead up to the most important day.. celebrating baby Okafor. Glad I got the invite!
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,488 reviews22 followers
June 1, 2020
LOVED IT

Can't get enough of The Okafors. I enjoyed every moment of this read. It was great catching up with these characters that I've grown to love. Bella is growing up and experiencing her very first heartache. I hope her and Henny get back on track. They are so cute together. I love how motherly and caring Alani is with Bella, Eazy and even Morgan. Who would've thought they would get along. Morgan has a lot of decisions to make and I can't wait to read how things play out when her past comes back. Overall great read and refreshing to catch up with the Okafors.
Profile Image for ChloeShondra Robertson.
175 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2022
Alani thought Ezra was cheating but he was still on the past about their son Love and he was planning her baby shower. Morgan and Meek needs to make a decision no matter what they facing cause they’re in love with one another. It was nice to know more about Bella and Henny relationship. I really thought the baby would be born in this novella but I guess it will be known in one of Butterfly series to see if the baby will arrived and I hope it’s a boy due to them losing love.
1,175 reviews4 followers
Read
March 26, 2023
Though I'm NOT a member of the ASHARMY, I was STILL able to read this book from my friend Asha's device once she completed it & I thought that it was typical, but began to wonder as I read the goings on if Ashley Antoinette was gonna actually allow Alani to have a baby by the man who had killed the only other child she'd carried to term: Ezra ETHIC Okafor.
So as I 'd read Butterfly series & the Holiday book where Alani was prepping her body for implantation of a embryos so that she can have a baby by her child Kenzie's killer ETHIC I realized that Alani may carry the baby to term BUT MAY NOT SURVIVE THE BIRTHING OF SAID CHILD.
This is something that I had first thought A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO as I read THE INVITATION THEN HAVING NO EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT MY THEORY OTHER THAN IT WOULD GRAB THE ATTENTION OF HER READERS/SUPPORTERS.
Then COMES THAT HEARTBREAKING (FOR THOSE WHO LOVED ALANI LENIKA HILL-OKAFOR) ENDING IN BUTTERFLY 4 WHERE MY ORIGINAL THOUGHT THAT THE AUTHOR MAY HAVE FINALLY TIRED HERSELF OF LENIKA & MAY OFF, HER SENDING THE OKAFORS INTO YET ANOTHER DEPTH FULL OF SORROWS & ETHIC WITH NOW (POSSIBLY) 3 DEAD BABY MAMAS WITH THE DESIRE TO SEND ETHIC INTO ANOTHER DIRECTION FOR LOVE. I PONDERED IF THIS IS THE DIRECTION THAT AA WANTS TO SEND ETHIC & HIS FAMILY IN IN ORDER TO START A NEW BOOK SERIES. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....................
Side Note: I thought it oddly sweet that ZYA & SNOW would jeopardize their freedoms to attend the baby shower for the baby of ETHIC & his Wife. But, it was good to read about them!
Profile Image for Nyeka.
35 reviews
August 9, 2025
Ethic and them stay in that hospital at this point they might as well own it or something. 😂 (Kidding…kinda.) But seriously, I’m so obsessed with these characters, even when they drive me absolutely insane! The only one who doesn’t is Eazy and I’m so glad the reassured him when he had his doubts about who he is as a black boy and then having the bay. His joy has been the highlight throughout this entire series so I hope we as readers never lose that.

Alanie and Morgan’s connection has come such a long way, and seeing Morgan show up for everyone is refreshing, especially knowing how selfish she used to be. But I hate how she’s dimming her own light to be with Bash just because he’s the “safe” option. Can’t trust that man or his sneaky a$$ mama.

And listen… I need Ethic to get over this disdain he has for Ahmeek. Team Meek all the way! I wish Morgan had met him before Messiah’s possessive behind. But what’s meant to be will be. I just hope she chooses right and follows her heart truly. She was never this way with Messiah, and it’s clear she and Meek are in love.

This story had me worried for Ethic and Alani, but of course, they came out on top in the end. Not every relationship is perfect, and theirs has never been. This was just a reminder that even after you get what you want, there will still be trials to face.

Now it’s time to dive deeper into Ethicland!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Antoinette.
3 reviews
May 10, 2024
**CONTAINS SPOILERS**









Honestly, this information could've been included in one of the other books and I believe some bits and pieces are. Yes, it was a good read as Ash's books normally are but wasn't absolutely necessary. The only new information here was Bella getting jumped by the girl Hendrix was previously seeing and her friends. This is one of the few times I actually liked Morgan as I typically cannot stand her character. Here is where you also learn how EZ initially feels about the new baby but this information is actually repeated in the next book anyway. Finding out Ethic has some resentment towards Alani for the loss of Love which is why he won't have sex with her while she's pregnant which makes an already insecure Alani even more insecure was short lived because they eventually have sex anyway after a scare. I find myself continuously frustrated by the amount of insecurity in Alani, Morgan and Bella. Bella I can understand because she's a 15 year old. As a woman and a human being, I too have insecurities but with the amount of conflict that occurs as a result of their insecurity, it makes their characters less likeable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bee.
30 reviews
March 18, 2025
This novella was a great break from the drama that we are all used to in Ethic land. Alani is suspicious that Ethic is cheating on her because they have not had sex in a while and she saw a message in his phone from a woman named Nicole. Turns out, he’s planning a surprise baby shower for her and Nicole is the planner. Ethic also admits that he blames Alani for the death of their son Love. Bella lies to her dad and sneaks off to be with Hendrix. They come close to having sex but she stopped him. Some girls from Nannies neighborhood jump Bella over Hendrix and Bella is upset with Hendrix for sharing what was supposed to be their secret. Morgan is a hot mess as always. She finally tells Ethic that she and Bash are engaged, while still hiding the connection she and Meek have. Ethic tells Alani that Messiah is still alive. Morgan still doesn’t know. I really wish we would have gotten the birth or even a little more post the baby shower, but the story ends with Meek talking to his mom about he and Morgan’s complicated relationship. His mom likes Morgan but warns Meek about this sticky situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Untamed  Publishing.
176 reviews5 followers
May 5, 2020
These Okafors

At some point, you would think we’d grow tired of the Okafors but we’ve finally accepted it’s not happening! In this small bite, the King and Queen Okafor are manning their throne though their clan is driving them crazy. Bella’s maturity even in her mistakes is a nice breath of fresh air. We love the budding relationship between her and Henny. It feels like we are watching the makings of Ethic 2.0 with him. It was good to see the full crew come out with Zya & Snow, Noni & Merci, and of course our favorite pastor Nyair. One person who could’ve stayed away was that old scheming Christiana. But Ahmeek MF Harris... swoon. He is all gas pedals and no brakes and we are doting over him just as much as Alani. But now, we are more fearful for Ahmeek with the secret behind Messiah hanging in the balance and the anger of Bash and his family. We thought this novella would quench our thirst for Butterfly 2 and it only enhanced it! Can’t wait for June 16th!
12 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2020
Absolutely LOVED it!
Thank you SO much for giving us more of the Okafors! I LOVE this family! At first I wanted to be Alani's competition and go take Ethic from her, LOL! Every woman needs a man like Ethic. Now, I just want the opportunity to hang out with them, be around them, learn from them and love on them! I don't remember being so intertwined in any other fictional family as I am with them! I was so emotional, following Alani through her thought process and disappointed in Ethic that he would cheat on her! NOT Ethic!! NOT with the substance their love is made of!! Thanks for working out THAT situation!
You are going to have to write about this family for years to come! I'm sure your real fans (not the haters) feel the same way! AND we are going to need a spin-off of Bella and Henny!!!!! Yassssss! LOL!
I would love to keep up with them to find out if their situation ever blossoms.
Can't wait for Butterfly 2!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,960 reviews13 followers
June 13, 2020
How sweet it is to be loved!

This novel was so good! It dealt with a lot of things, the insecurities, the forbidden love, puppy love, bullying and the hormonal imbalance of pregnancy! Sweet Alani always concerned about her family and willing to hide her emotions but always there to insert wisdom when needed. Someone is going to get hurt of this I am sure. Messiah, Ahmeek whew a train wreck waiting to happen! Bash a non-factor who I feel along with Christiana needs to let it go, they are pushing much too hard and a blind man can see Morgan is not in love with him, just grateful for his friendship. She should not be made to be in a relationship with someone because of what they did for her at such a low point in her life. It won't end well! I can hardly wait to see what happens next! Ashley Antoinette Davis you did your thing, I just hope it won't be too long before it hurts less for Mo!
2 reviews
September 9, 2020
So Annoyed...So in love!!!

When is this baby coming??? Mo can't have Meek. She doesn't deserve him. Hell at this point, he's mine, and I'll fight all ya'll literary type heifers over him. I said what I said. Ms. Ashley you have got to stop making me wait so long between books. Aria's been kidnapped; who in the hell is her brother and when is that book coming out?; Miamor is out bout to raise all kind of hell in Money Devils and I have bought and read all these books since before kindle and Messiah still don't know about these babies. Btw... when did C.J. lose a fight? Must've missed that. Got me over here acting like Kathy Bates in Misery. Don't change the storyline. So, I know this was supposed to be a review about the invitation but I just invited ya'll into my world. Free Meek!!! I'm on that right now. Oh yeah, I read Girl Behind the Wall, too. I may not be in the "Ash Army", but I am a super fan.
Profile Image for Shamona Thomas.
13 reviews
October 12, 2020
Listen!!! I was ready because I didn't know that this book was out until I read Butterfly 2. But it was a good in between, short and straight to the point. I love catching with everyone. As hard a Morgan is she is a suckered for love, poor girl...just don't know what to do! Bella is growing up and into her own. A lot of her decision making is coming from not k owing her body, the embrassment of it, some of her vows. I think she will be better a making choices versus Morgan. It was sooooo sweet of Ashley to throw Alani a baby shower. Has anyone ever noticed that Alani has no girlafriends. I know her story has passed but I would love to see a good friend pop in for her. Ok, so I thought thay Ethic was cheating, I guess I need get my own mind right and realize this man is everything for Alani!!!
215 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2020
I love this family!

I was checking for something to read and saw this book was out. I love the One for family. This was well written and connects us to Butterfly 2. Can't wait for it.
I love Ethic and Alana, Bella,, Easy , definitely Nanna, Kendrick and Ahmeed.
Couldn't stand Bash mother who wants to take over and plan a wedding. Bash
was disrespectful in not asking Ethic for Mo's hand in marriage His family is so bougie. Bianca and Lyric aren't Bella's true friends. Ahora and her friends did not
need to fight Bella but No saved the day because she went postal on them and kicked Ahora and her sister 's butt. That Alana can change to Lenika in no time.
I love the author and this series is the best including Rev Zy.


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