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Birds
Birds in the Sky
N/A- Confidential only to people who purchased the Book Lovers Box from the Author.
- GenresUrban
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
160 people are currently reading
1181 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Antoinette
77 books7,402 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 14, 2025
Every once in awhile an author writes a very rare storyline called a standalone. Birds in the sky is one of those rare beauties. Coming from an author known for writing 3+ books in a series i was glad to have one where there was no questions left unanswered
Demi and all his quirks is hilarious. Dude a whole Goon out in these streets but he's weird. Charlie on the other hand is his kryptonite. She swarmed in and added balance to all that is weird about Demi.
It wouldn't be an Ashley Antoinette novel uf ut wasn't some drama and bullshyt in the mix and babyeeee there was plenty. In the end i found myself rooting for thus couple.
Demi and all his quirks is hilarious. Dude a whole Goon out in these streets but he's weird. Charlie on the other hand is his kryptonite. She swarmed in and added balance to all that is weird about Demi.
It wouldn't be an Ashley Antoinette novel uf ut wasn't some drama and bullshyt in the mix and babyeeee there was plenty. In the end i found myself rooting for thus couple.
May 8, 2025
What the hell. I've never been so mad at an ending. I literally threw the book when I finished it.
Demi: * is married, pays a girl 10k to sing a song, starts fucking her even though he's married, chokes her out multiple times, chokes her dad out, buys her a condo and moves all her shit out of her apartment that she loves without her permission or knowledge, junks her car (then magically brings it back a year later), buys her a new car without her permission or knowledge, drags her out of the condo he got her by her ankles butt naked and forces her to move out, beats the shit out of her friend because she slept with him when her and Demi broke up, stole her dog, and wouldnt leave the space she was staying at after he kicked her out so she stabbed him*
Charlie: *breaks up with him, gets an abortion, gets her own place, is doing just fine on her own after a year by herself*
Demi: *shows up at her new house with the dog he stole from her and a ring*
Demi: "will you marry me?"
Charlie: "why not?"
Why not? Are you fucking kidding? See every reason why not in the first description of Demi.
Ashley, I'm not sure what message you're trying to convey to your audience. If you're trying to convey that being in an abusive and toxic relationship is normal or should be idealized, then I don't think ill be reading any more of your books.
Demi: * is married, pays a girl 10k to sing a song, starts fucking her even though he's married, chokes her out multiple times, chokes her dad out, buys her a condo and moves all her shit out of her apartment that she loves without her permission or knowledge, junks her car (then magically brings it back a year later), buys her a new car without her permission or knowledge, drags her out of the condo he got her by her ankles butt naked and forces her to move out, beats the shit out of her friend because she slept with him when her and Demi broke up, stole her dog, and wouldnt leave the space she was staying at after he kicked her out so she stabbed him*
Charlie: *breaks up with him, gets an abortion, gets her own place, is doing just fine on her own after a year by herself*
Demi: *shows up at her new house with the dog he stole from her and a ring*
Demi: "will you marry me?"
Charlie: "why not?"
Why not? Are you fucking kidding? See every reason why not in the first description of Demi.
Ashley, I'm not sure what message you're trying to convey to your audience. If you're trying to convey that being in an abusive and toxic relationship is normal or should be idealized, then I don't think ill be reading any more of your books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
When I say this book pulled EVERY emotion out of me……. Just wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It will make you laugh, cry and cause your heart to ache in so many different ways.
February 21, 2021
Birds in the Sky was a quick trip out of Ethicland, but I am ready to return. Demi felt very familiar in the first few chapters, I could see glimpse of my love Ahmeek, a little edginess like Isa and the desire to provide and protect like Ethic. As always, Ashley knows how to pull her audience in and become invested in her characters. I would have liked to see a little more back story into Demi's OCD, Charlie's past relationships and Demi's unhappiness in his marriage. I was shocked that his marriage that he was content was so easily given up on. I also couldn't keep up with the timeline, I hadnt realized that a ton of stuff was packed into a 24 hour span of time. There was a few errors that sometimes forced me to read sections again, character changes or phrases being used back to back within a few paragraphs.
Overall this was a pleasant bonus book
Overall this was a pleasant bonus book
February 20, 2021
This istory held me captive from the beginning and wouldn’t let up until I reached the discussion questions. It had me willing to risk my job because nothing was coming in between me and finishing this tale of an unlikely pair that was destined for each other. Demi & Charlie’s names will be wagging off people’s tongue like couples penned by the author before them. Hopefully this won’t be the last time we see these two if only it’s as a cameo. Ashley Antoinette is in a class of her own. This story is why I’d always recommend her work to new readers looking for an author whose pen game is worth a thousand sumo wrestlers’ weight in gold. Job well done Mrs. Coleman.
February 20, 2022
Demetrius is my second favorite lead male character in a series by Ash. I loved each and every one of his complexities no matter the consequences he might face as a result. Charlie is a full vibe as well. I definitely loved my visit to Charliezonia or what I personally labeled Birdville. I’m hoping for more from them in the future.
September 9, 2021
I love Ashley but I feel like this book glorified toxic relationships and I’m not with that but everything else was good quick read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
Stresssssssed
This book and these characters had me stressed.
What the heck even happened? I was so hoping Charlie girl stood on business and leveled up, but alas, she did not.
Demi is pretty much a terrible person. The looks and money are the only things working in his favor. He has no loyalty, he has no couth, he has no morals. Nothing about him said he's worth the drama, trauma and heartache he puts people through. Although he did show up in unexpected ways that made me swoon a little bit, not enough to negate the physical and emotional abuse he handed out.
Whew! The story was written well and pulled out an incredible amount of emotions but yeah, I definitely did not want a HEA for that train wreck of a man.
This book and these characters had me stressed.
What the heck even happened? I was so hoping Charlie girl stood on business and leveled up, but alas, she did not.
Demi is pretty much a terrible person. The looks and money are the only things working in his favor. He has no loyalty, he has no couth, he has no morals. Nothing about him said he's worth the drama, trauma and heartache he puts people through. Although he did show up in unexpected ways that made me swoon a little bit, not enough to negate the physical and emotional abuse he handed out.
Whew! The story was written well and pulled out an incredible amount of emotions but yeah, I definitely did not want a HEA for that train wreck of a man.
October 11, 2023
I'm kind of annoyed that I paid $30 for this book after finding no synopsis on it, but lots of great reviews. I love the Butterfly series so I trusted that A.A would deliver something street and lovable to fill the Ahmeek Harris void. Birds in the Sky has one of those names and covers where you know that something touching is about to happen in this book. Unfortunately, it didn't. The book is not bad. There's some typos and a ton of contradictions and plot points that don't make sense. Like the author forgot plotlines. But still, it's a decent read. The relationship is toxic as hell. Like Demi is worse than Isa's crazy ass. In the Butterfly series, Isa loves Aria and is just a roughneck ass n**ga, but Demi and Charlie's relationship didn't feel like love ever. It felt like toxicity at its most potent form. Demi was actually really abusive. I loved the OCD aspect and her being the only one to be able to touch him. It's a great way to define their love, but him choking her every five pages didn't help. He actually seemed to love and respect Lauren more than Demi in the bigger picture. Like usually in these stories, I'm always anxious for the character to power through and prevail through adversity and remain together. This was the first time I spent the majority of a book hoping that the main characters DIDN’T stay together. Demi legit assaulted her for sleeping with someone as a result of finding out he was married. Like I mentioned before, the cover and title made me feel like I'd be emotional reading this book, so during a climatic scene involving another round of Demi playing 'Choke the Charlie' and a sharp object, I thought "hmm this could be pretty prolific if they kill each other." But then... the ending happened, and everything was just rushed. Like the author got tired of writing it. The introduction of Shad only for him to be instantly dealt with off scene. The ending was just really rushed.
Despite the many flaws, it was an enjoyable quick read. I don't regret reading because AA has me hooked again with Butterfly. So I'll just sit this on my bookshelf, a happy ending for the characters, as I wait in agony, hoping that I get the Ahmeek happy ending we all deserve in B5. Someone has to break the mold and not choose to end up with the abusive man in the end. I need Mo to choose up better than Charlie lol.
Despite the many flaws, it was an enjoyable quick read. I don't regret reading because AA has me hooked again with Butterfly. So I'll just sit this on my bookshelf, a happy ending for the characters, as I wait in agony, hoping that I get the Ahmeek happy ending we all deserve in B5. Someone has to break the mold and not choose to end up with the abusive man in the end. I need Mo to choose up better than Charlie lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
I enjoyed the story. It was a refreshing trip from Ethicland. Although Demi ain’t my type of guy, whatsoever, the storyline itself was great. I am happy that we’re given closure as this is not expected to turn into a series. It doesn’t leave you with unanswered questions. There are some errors throughout the book, some holes in the plot that are hard to ignore. Characters name change, things are in the setting then not in the setting, the cities mentioned are over an hour apart but only takes minutes to travel back and forth, incorrect pronouns. This book would benefit from a beta reader. Overall, good read.
January 28, 2025
Just messy!
Not my favorite by Ashley but it wasn’t terrible. As usual, it all comes together towards the end! Demi & Bird are something else tho - just as toxic as they wanna be! Loved seeing some of our faves featured in this from Ethicland too!
Not my favorite by Ashley but it wasn’t terrible. As usual, it all comes together towards the end! Demi & Bird are something else tho - just as toxic as they wanna be! Loved seeing some of our faves featured in this from Ethicland too!
Read
September 9, 2025September 2025 - reread
Still don’t like Demi or Lo.
Still don’t like Demi or Lo.
July 16, 2022
Ashley Antoinette never disappoints. All I can say is wow and I have a new love in Demi.
March 24, 2025
This book captured my attention from the first sentence. Beautifully written! I found myself rooting for Demi and Charlie.
March 5, 2022
What do you do when someone unexpectedly comes into your life and adds color to an existence you didn't realize had become bleak? Ashley Antoinette is a master storyteller with a knack for creating characters and stories that captivate you from the very first page. BITS, is no different; the book is an entire “vibe” - a sultry, sexy mood. Demi is a man who thought he had it all until he became enamoured by Charlie's aura and free-spiritedness, resulting in a spontaneous entanglement of epic proportions. I immediately connected with Charlie and Demi from the first page and grappled with several of the questions the book raises on love, commitment, settling, soulmates, etc. Overall, it's a well-written depiction of what can happen when two unsuspecting, tortured, souls collide, and how they ultimately navigate the aftermath of their decisions. Buckle up for this enjoyable, thought-provoking ride!
October 24, 2021
Demi Sky & Charlie “Bird” Woods are polar opposite of each other. However, they formed a strong love connection within 24 hours of meeting and boyyyy they were toxic af. Demi’s life was predictable, he was just going with the motions until Charlie came in like a tornado and changed everything. She made him feel, which was foreign to him. A beautiful escape from EthicLand. Say man, just read the book.
This was an exclusive book that came in Ashley’s Book Lovers box #1.As of now, it won’t be resold . (Hopefully, that changes)
This was an exclusive book that came in Ashley’s Book Lovers box #1.As of now, it won’t be resold . (Hopefully, that changes)
April 10, 2023
Ashley is constantly challenging herself to write unique storylines. The main character having OCD, it’s not something I have read before. I was surprised that she wrote about a married man cheating and falling in love with a side chick. I know that’s not new under the sun. I feel like the majority of her male characters are single and living life, the ones that are married seem committed for the most part. It has its twists and turns, especially the last 25% of the book. It does not disappoint.
March 3, 2021
Man I loved this book. It was a much needed break from the characters of Ethicland which I love. I was glad to read and understand new beings of the bookworld. Charlie's character is so hypnotizing and who could blame Demi. Demi such a complicated soul but one who leaves you wanting more no matter how wrong it is. Come fly in the Sky with Bird!
May 12, 2021
This book was one of the most beautiful stories. The way she made Demi the character so OCD and how Charlie unfolds him. This one here had me in tears. I am so glad that the ending didn't break me...I wish this was one she shared for everyone and not just limited.
July 28, 2021
Demi Demi Demi. Whew it was a nice getaway from EthicLand which we #AshArmy can’t seem to get enough of but I enjoyed Demi and his extra clean crazy tail self.
November 2, 2021
This was a book that you expected it to follow other books from Ashley but it was different! I loved everything about it! Especially the ending! Not that often you get on like this!! Please 100%!!
April 20, 2025
This book pulled out so many emotions. Demi and Charlie with their toxic love!!! Whew! Ashley Antoinette never seems to disappoint. Thoroughly enjoyed this book
November 7, 2023
I was searching for a mature love story. That is not what I found. But I still enjoyed it. Watch my full review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIMhg...
April 4, 2024
Demi needs to go and touch grass or something. Definitely not a fan of his. Also, the grammatical errors pissed me off as well as the many holes in the story. Not this authors best work at all.
March 30, 2025
Birds 🦅
Crafted like only she can, this story lingers and sticks with you long after the last word is read. Demi was so so wrong until he was so so right.
Crafted like only she can, this story lingers and sticks with you long after the last word is read. Demi was so so wrong until he was so so right.
February 18, 2022
Charlie is a boss. She takes charge!! I like her assessment, “Niggas don’t be checking for girls like me.” It’s so true girls like she and I who love a good book, have no friends are not what men are into and usually skip all over us. We are considered the weird, awkward black girls.
So Demi seems to be high on the hog. Almost like he forgot where he came from the ghetto. He don’t like to be touched. Yeah I am not impressed with Demi.
So Demi is into BDSM and wants a submissive.
Charlie is my girl!! And what’s up with Demi has he been abused?it appears that both have been abused and have triggers because when Demi said he feels like hurting her from her touch she spazzed out. Demi is spazzing out when she touches him.
Charlie is so damn confident. “I can do some things to make you comfortable, but I’ma make a mess of your heart.”
I thought I was crazy clean, Demi got some issues.
And now I am upset he got a whole life in Detroit.
Charlie’s has definitely been mishandled. I am loving Charlie because she has definitely been hurt, losing her mom and trying to just make it and continue to make the bad decisions in men because you are looking for love in all the wrong places has happened to so many of us black women.
So Demi got a whole wife at home but Charlie makes him weak. Why would you be even entertaining another woman?
So Demi had red flags of choking her when she first met him, then chokes her in the bathroom. What keeps drawing her to him?
So Charlie fell in love with Demi after one night???
So Demi had Lauren at home and never cheated. Damn what is it about Charlie? Charlie makes him feel alive what about Lauren?
How can Charlie be the one and he got a whole woman at home?
“Don’t judge. Niggas ain’t never had nothing so they want everything when they finally get it.”
Like Stassi said I could care less about a label. Show me something different.
Poor Bird. Young and dumb and don’t know the red flags.
Wow Demi. I just don’t really care for how he handles Bird. Gosh when you are so young you just fall for the sweet bullshit.
I feel Charlie on if you have to say Love you keep it. Don’t ever shorten it. “I want to know your roots, not just the flowers.”
Wow is that what love is when you leave a person it hurts? Do you crave them?
Demi is possessive but got a whole woman at home. WTH and was in the middle of telling his baby mama he wasn’t satisfied but because Bird want give her all so he thinks he is going to continue to try and manage both women.
Dang Lauren is convenience whereas Charlie is everything and controls the situation.
Lauren is comfortable and she is family. It’s all he has known for 15 plus years. She’s convenient. She takes care of him and family. But it isn’t good enough.
Demi wants his cake and eat it too.
So Demi doesn’t believe in cheating and being dishonest to his woman but he has just done that with Charlie. How does he get out of this mess?
What’s the thing in your life that hurt you the most?
Love without labels. Did it ever occur to Demi that she did love him and because he hadn’t put a label on it she was cool without it only because that’s what he wanted. Men are so damn clueless. I mean the girl is telling you she loves you what the hell you think she wants?
Demi is a whole mess. Like a take charge boss. He buys her a condo so he can dictate who comes and goes.
Demi, Demi, Demi!!!. So damn possessive. He wants access without asking and every other guy on freeze.
Why was the intimacy not there for Demi and Lauren? Was it because she followed his rules and this created the lack of intimacy?
Sometimes we stay in unwanted relationships for the kids.
Charlize Woods and Demetrius Sky.
“Giving men a chance to explain after they fucked up was stupid. Women know what it is when they discover the betrayal. Allowing the explanation is merely a chance to allow yourself to find an excuse to believe the lies.
Bird and Demi are so damn toxic for each other.
Charlie just wanted to be someone’s only!!!
Wasn’t feeling Demi with all his fucked up ways but yeah when he put her out because she got revenge when he had a whole wife at home..Yeah not feeling him at all now.
“If a man can’t protect his family, what was he good for?”
What is going on that you have a whole wife at home but you don’t want her to touch you?
I tell people men never forgive cheating. They can do it but you can’t.
Like Lauren said you don’t like to be touched but you cheated with another woman. WTH!!!
Charlie never felt like she belonged when her mother died. Her father didn’t make her feel wanted or like she belonged. He always chose his wife over Charlie and then letting the wife mistreat her is really a damn shame. She had no one to measure love to and no example of what love was supposed to look like.
How many people are walking around half living and half loving?
“I’ma hold your life in my hands and you gon’ hold a nigga heart in yours.
So Demi seems to be high on the hog. Almost like he forgot where he came from the ghetto. He don’t like to be touched. Yeah I am not impressed with Demi.
So Demi is into BDSM and wants a submissive.
Charlie is my girl!! And what’s up with Demi has he been abused?it appears that both have been abused and have triggers because when Demi said he feels like hurting her from her touch she spazzed out. Demi is spazzing out when she touches him.
Charlie is so damn confident. “I can do some things to make you comfortable, but I’ma make a mess of your heart.”
I thought I was crazy clean, Demi got some issues.
And now I am upset he got a whole life in Detroit.
Charlie’s has definitely been mishandled. I am loving Charlie because she has definitely been hurt, losing her mom and trying to just make it and continue to make the bad decisions in men because you are looking for love in all the wrong places has happened to so many of us black women.
So Demi got a whole wife at home but Charlie makes him weak. Why would you be even entertaining another woman?
So Demi had red flags of choking her when she first met him, then chokes her in the bathroom. What keeps drawing her to him?
So Charlie fell in love with Demi after one night???
So Demi had Lauren at home and never cheated. Damn what is it about Charlie? Charlie makes him feel alive what about Lauren?
How can Charlie be the one and he got a whole woman at home?
“Don’t judge. Niggas ain’t never had nothing so they want everything when they finally get it.”
Like Stassi said I could care less about a label. Show me something different.
Poor Bird. Young and dumb and don’t know the red flags.
Wow Demi. I just don’t really care for how he handles Bird. Gosh when you are so young you just fall for the sweet bullshit.
I feel Charlie on if you have to say Love you keep it. Don’t ever shorten it. “I want to know your roots, not just the flowers.”
Wow is that what love is when you leave a person it hurts? Do you crave them?
Demi is possessive but got a whole woman at home. WTH and was in the middle of telling his baby mama he wasn’t satisfied but because Bird want give her all so he thinks he is going to continue to try and manage both women.
Dang Lauren is convenience whereas Charlie is everything and controls the situation.
Lauren is comfortable and she is family. It’s all he has known for 15 plus years. She’s convenient. She takes care of him and family. But it isn’t good enough.
Demi wants his cake and eat it too.
So Demi doesn’t believe in cheating and being dishonest to his woman but he has just done that with Charlie. How does he get out of this mess?
What’s the thing in your life that hurt you the most?
Love without labels. Did it ever occur to Demi that she did love him and because he hadn’t put a label on it she was cool without it only because that’s what he wanted. Men are so damn clueless. I mean the girl is telling you she loves you what the hell you think she wants?
Demi is a whole mess. Like a take charge boss. He buys her a condo so he can dictate who comes and goes.
Demi, Demi, Demi!!!. So damn possessive. He wants access without asking and every other guy on freeze.
Why was the intimacy not there for Demi and Lauren? Was it because she followed his rules and this created the lack of intimacy?
Sometimes we stay in unwanted relationships for the kids.
Charlize Woods and Demetrius Sky.
“Giving men a chance to explain after they fucked up was stupid. Women know what it is when they discover the betrayal. Allowing the explanation is merely a chance to allow yourself to find an excuse to believe the lies.
Bird and Demi are so damn toxic for each other.
Charlie just wanted to be someone’s only!!!
Wasn’t feeling Demi with all his fucked up ways but yeah when he put her out because she got revenge when he had a whole wife at home..Yeah not feeling him at all now.
“If a man can’t protect his family, what was he good for?”
What is going on that you have a whole wife at home but you don’t want her to touch you?
I tell people men never forgive cheating. They can do it but you can’t.
Like Lauren said you don’t like to be touched but you cheated with another woman. WTH!!!
Charlie never felt like she belonged when her mother died. Her father didn’t make her feel wanted or like she belonged. He always chose his wife over Charlie and then letting the wife mistreat her is really a damn shame. She had no one to measure love to and no example of what love was supposed to look like.
How many people are walking around half living and half loving?
“I’ma hold your life in my hands and you gon’ hold a nigga heart in yours.
January 1, 2026
A 4-Star Toxic Roller Coaster
Look, when you pick up an Ashley Antoinette book, you know what you’re getting into and “Birds in the Sky” delivers exactly that kind of intense, chaotic, toxic love story that’ll have you stressed but unable to put it down.
Another one I finished in a day.
Ashley Antoinette + Wesleigh Siobhan as narrator = the perfect pair IMO. this combo is literally my favorite and they didn’t disappoint. The chemistry and storytelling? Absolutely on point.
The love story between Demi and Charli (Bird) is FAST, INTENSE, and WILD. We’re talking 0 to 100 without even touching the gas pedal. These two have every reason not to be together, but nothing and I mean NOTHING can get in their way. And everyone else? Just collateral damage.
Watching Demi with all his order and quirks get his whole world flipped upside down by Charli’s chaos was entertaining as hell. The man ends up living a double life and people close to him nearly pay with their lives because of it.
But, let’s be REAL - Demi is toxic and controlling, period. Yeah, he’s a provider and a fixer, but he loves hard while needing full control of everything. And when he loses that control, what he did to Charli was NOT okay.
Demi was wrong FIRST, and he knew it. but when Charli got her “lick back,” he absolutely could not handle it. And that’s not what she was trying to do but what it could be considered. Then this man took EVERYTHING he had given her - and even what she came with!
I did not like how he did her, at all.
And Charli’s dad? Pissed me all the way off. He’s literally the reason she ended up in the relationships she did. That whole dynamic was frustrating to witness.
This book is a roller coaster of toxic love, and honestly? I expected nothing less from Ash. That said, I have to admit my Ethic series bias is showing. that’s still my favorite work from her, and I’m kinda judging this against that standard. Some of the relationship dynamics here just didn’t sit right with me, even knowing this is Ashley’s signature style.
Solid 4/5 stars. If you’re going into this, definitely get the audiobook version with Wesleigh Siobhan narrating - it makes the experience that much better. Just prepare yourself for the toxicity and strap in for the ride.
Look, when you pick up an Ashley Antoinette book, you know what you’re getting into and “Birds in the Sky” delivers exactly that kind of intense, chaotic, toxic love story that’ll have you stressed but unable to put it down.
Another one I finished in a day.
Ashley Antoinette + Wesleigh Siobhan as narrator = the perfect pair IMO. this combo is literally my favorite and they didn’t disappoint. The chemistry and storytelling? Absolutely on point.
The love story between Demi and Charli (Bird) is FAST, INTENSE, and WILD. We’re talking 0 to 100 without even touching the gas pedal. These two have every reason not to be together, but nothing and I mean NOTHING can get in their way. And everyone else? Just collateral damage.
Watching Demi with all his order and quirks get his whole world flipped upside down by Charli’s chaos was entertaining as hell. The man ends up living a double life and people close to him nearly pay with their lives because of it.
But, let’s be REAL - Demi is toxic and controlling, period. Yeah, he’s a provider and a fixer, but he loves hard while needing full control of everything. And when he loses that control, what he did to Charli was NOT okay.
Demi was wrong FIRST, and he knew it. but when Charli got her “lick back,” he absolutely could not handle it. And that’s not what she was trying to do but what it could be considered. Then this man took EVERYTHING he had given her - and even what she came with!
I did not like how he did her, at all.
And Charli’s dad? Pissed me all the way off. He’s literally the reason she ended up in the relationships she did. That whole dynamic was frustrating to witness.
This book is a roller coaster of toxic love, and honestly? I expected nothing less from Ash. That said, I have to admit my Ethic series bias is showing. that’s still my favorite work from her, and I’m kinda judging this against that standard. Some of the relationship dynamics here just didn’t sit right with me, even knowing this is Ashley’s signature style.
Solid 4/5 stars. If you’re going into this, definitely get the audiobook version with Wesleigh Siobhan narrating - it makes the experience that much better. Just prepare yourself for the toxicity and strap in for the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2025
Not Your Typical Love Story
It’s amazing how Ashley Antoinette can write stories that have you looking at toxic love in a different way. Demi and Charlie’s love story is fast and toxic but mental health problems makes it even more complicated. Demi is not your typical main character, alpha male, sexy gangster, new potential book bae. In the beginning I felt it was something off but when we found out about the wife and kid I said to myself he’s not going on the book bae list! Reading about Demi, Charlie and Lauren’s crazy love triangle was so complex I couldn’t put the book down. I was team Lauren allllll the way through the book until the end. Dang Lauren! She didn’t have to go there BUT I completely undertand. I feel like Lauren had a Tyler Perry Acrimony moment and as a wife I get it. Charlie is the biggest victim in this story and I found myself wishing for a happy ending just for her. Demi isn’t necessarily the bad guy but I would describe him as an unintentional inferno. If this review sounds busy that’s because this story has me sympathizing with each characters toxicity. 5 stars across the board! You’ll love the way this doesn’t read as your typical romance story.
It’s amazing how Ashley Antoinette can write stories that have you looking at toxic love in a different way. Demi and Charlie’s love story is fast and toxic but mental health problems makes it even more complicated. Demi is not your typical main character, alpha male, sexy gangster, new potential book bae. In the beginning I felt it was something off but when we found out about the wife and kid I said to myself he’s not going on the book bae list! Reading about Demi, Charlie and Lauren’s crazy love triangle was so complex I couldn’t put the book down. I was team Lauren allllll the way through the book until the end. Dang Lauren! She didn’t have to go there BUT I completely undertand. I feel like Lauren had a Tyler Perry Acrimony moment and as a wife I get it. Charlie is the biggest victim in this story and I found myself wishing for a happy ending just for her. Demi isn’t necessarily the bad guy but I would describe him as an unintentional inferno. If this review sounds busy that’s because this story has me sympathizing with each characters toxicity. 5 stars across the board! You’ll love the way this doesn’t read as your typical romance story.
March 31, 2025
Demi, Demi, Demi. I had so many feelings reading this book. Demi was going around disturbing these women’s peace because he was unhappy with himself. All of his actions were selfish and both Lauren and Charlie just wanted to and tried to love him. I feel like Demi and Charlie have this unhealthy codependency between them. I think he does love her but he’s so toxic. I glad he let Charlie go in the end so she could “heal”. She needed some therapy during that time and Demi definitely did. And then he’s trying to control her and she keeps telling him she is not to be controlled. Charlie was just young and naive but she should’ve asked more questions in the beginning. She was willing to give so much of herself upfront which should’ve been a red flag to them both.
Ashley Antoinette did her thing with this one as expected! It was well written and kept me interested from the jump.
Ashley Antoinette did her thing with this one as expected! It was well written and kept me interested from the jump.
April 11, 2025
Birds in the Sky by Ashley Antoinette is an intense, emotionally charged read that pulls you into a world filled with chaos, pain, and complicated love. With themes like abuse, mental health, trauma, infidelity, and deep parental wounds, this book doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.
The relationship at the heart of the story is toxic, yet layered in a way that makes you root for both characters to grow, heal, and somehow find their way back to each other. It’s a love story with a twist—you’re not just hoping for a happy ending, you’re hoping for emotional breakthroughs and redemption.
Ashley Antoinette’s writing is raw and real, and by the end of the book, I found myself fully invested in the characters and their journeys. I can’t wait to dive into book two and see how everything unfolds.
The relationship at the heart of the story is toxic, yet layered in a way that makes you root for both characters to grow, heal, and somehow find their way back to each other. It’s a love story with a twist—you’re not just hoping for a happy ending, you’re hoping for emotional breakthroughs and redemption.
Ashley Antoinette’s writing is raw and real, and by the end of the book, I found myself fully invested in the characters and their journeys. I can’t wait to dive into book two and see how everything unfolds.
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