I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

After reading A Moth to a Flame as well as the Ethic books I knew I’d love this series. I wasn’t completely ready for the range of emotions this book would cause! I yelled at the characters, shed a tear or two and cheered during other pages. I paced the floor, started sweating and threatened to put the book down unfinished several times. All signs that the book was GOOD! 👍🏽
I’d suggest at the least reading the Ethic series before starting this Butterfly series. If you start with this book you won’t understand all the reminiscing but I do think you’ll still enjoy reading Butterfly. As you continue the series things will become clearer and clearer until you’re all caught up.
I’ve always liked Ashley Antoinette’s books. This one included.

I enjoyed this read Good storyline and plausible. Per the ending, it seems there will be a part 2. I will definitely be looking forward to it. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.

In reading the author's note, it clearly suggests that the reader go back and read the other books that came before this one to catch up. I did not read the other books. This book can stand alone but the other reading would be helpful in having a deeper undestanding and a connection to what is happening. he writing style is immediately engaging and holds the reader's attention. Creative in the fact that it has humor, suspense, romance, and of course drama. In addition, it continues a series already started which is great for readers who love to engage in multi-book series. I am not sure if I will go back and read the other series but I just may read the next book in this series. Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mourning the loss of her first love, Morgan tries to move on with her life a few years after heartbreak in London with her twin toddlers, and a wonderfully caring, affectionate and wealthy man who willingly stepped up for the role as their father. She has been blessed with remarkable beauty and Morgan couldn’t hope or ask for a better life. But she isn’t happy.

She knows she should be but cannot seem to put her heart into anything but her children even after being publicly and adoringly proposed to by her boyfriend, Bash. That is until old friends from her past life and neighborhood show up and almost as if a switch is flipped, Morgan begins to question everything about her new life.

Butterfly was my first read by Ashley Antoinette, so I didn’t know what to expect to read with this book. And I have to say it was a unique experience. The premise of the book was intriguing and gave me the impression that I was going into a story of a woman showing this huge struggle emotionally between an old love and a new one but the further I went into the book the more I realized that my assumption was off base. And it left me with a perplexed reaction to the story and Morgan’s character.

While I am certain there is a BIG audience for this story style, I do not think I fit the mold. Morgan’s character has a lot of flaws, which is usually what makes a character so interesting and entertaining. But Morgan’s actions and thoughts remained in a state of constant contradiction. Not only with matters of the heart but with her children and her struggle to just be honest with herself.

Morgan claimed in the beginning that she put her children first because they were all she had in life that mattered and because they were the last real connection she had with her the love of her life and the kids’ father, Messiah.

Yet it was this detail I felt her character never actually lived up to in the narrative. I don’t mind self-involved characters but since I had such a hard time figuring her character out I was hoping to feel a connection with her based on the bond she had with her kids while her love-life was all in over the place but the connection wasn’t there.

Moreover, because of her repression and indecisiveness, I wasn’t convinced that her feelings came from a real place unlike that of Meek’s as the two grew closer.

In everyone else’s eyes, Morgan seemed to be interpreted as this delicate, fragile and frail thing that was hanging on by a thread. This may be in connection with the series this book is a spin-off from but from where I stand Morgan’s character was anything but that. Morgan acted the way she wanted and always came across as honest and upfront outside of the first few chapters when we are introduced to her “new life”. If this was a sign of her character moving towards a different arc, then THAT would be something I would stand for.

Overall, yes, Morgan’s character was hard to figure out in this book. But more than that, the urban colloquialisms, and at times, the abrasive syntax and tone of the book put up so many red flags while I was reading.

Nevertheless, as Butterfly is connected to an earlier series by Antoinette, I want to look into her other books to see if my first impression changes in the future.

Describing the book Butterfly the best I can as an urban romance/drama, I am sure readers and fans of these genres will quickly pick up this new release by Ashley Antoinette.

**Reviewer note: I would like to mention a warning to readers about the contents of the book: some might be triggering. As the context includes strong adult language and mature material.**


The full review goes live on G. Jacks Writes 2/15/2020.

Beautifully written! Butterfly's angst-ridden storyline forced me to feel each of Morgan's emotions, from the painful memories to the quite vivid sex scenes.

There were scenes and dialogue that made me sit there and cry. Or laugh, especially when Aria stepped in. Or cheer, when Morgan gave her mother-in-law the real deal. This character-driven the plot drove this first installment to a satisfying conclusion, and left me (1) wanting more and (2) wondering how & why I haven't read the Ethic series.

Keeping me spell bound, I was compelled to keep reading. As a proud member of the Ash Army (even though I missed the Ethic series), here smooth writing made each scene flow smoothly from one to the next.

Per her usual, Ashley provided gripping glimpse of how the Morgan "Mo" Atkins lived in this well-developed world (partly in London and Flint), and the action was heart-pounding and effortless to visualize.

Even if you have not read Ethic 1 –5, you can still enjoy this story!

Highly recommended reading for fans of African-American urban fiction, especially those who read Naleighna Kai and Cydney Rax.

We were first introduced to Morgan Atkins in Moth To A Flame. We watched her mature and experience love and heartache in The Ethic series. Now we can see Morgan's journey continue in Butterfly .
Morgan moves to London with Bash. He's a handsome and wealthy professor. She is going to college and his family is helping her with her twins. Messiah is their father but they let everyone believe that
Bash fathered them.
When Morgan's best friend Aria and the crew visit London she gets homesick for Flint. MI. When Mo returns home the things that unfold will change her life forever. This book was
emotional for me. I could feel Morgan's pain and indecision. Do you make decisions that will make you happy or what may be seen as the smart thing to do? Will this Butterfly finally be able to spread her wings and fly freely? I can't wait for the next book. Ashley Antoinette has done it again.

Morgan has been through so much and settled into a safe and comfortable like but when someone from her past comes back, she starts an affair. She is drawn to him like no other should she risk everything for him and possibly get hurt or stay safe and comfortable? Fast-paced read with lots of emotion and drama. An entertaining read.

I am a longtime fan of Ashley Antoinette’s writing style and I must say that Butterfly as a whole did not disappoint. Butterfly is the sister series to Ashley’s Ethic. It follows Morgan Atkins life as she is trying to figure out motherhood, school and finding her voice after a devastating lost. This story is one of should she take the safe stable path or the one that will give her butterflies.
I will maintain the 5 star rating however I was bit disappointed in one of the major plot twist because of what occurred in the previous series. As a fan of this author I knew that this twist was possible as she (and her husband and writing partner) have done this before. All in all this is a great read. I cannot wait for part 2. *I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin in exchange for an honest review.*

So I will have to be a party pooper here. I saw rave reviews about this book and was really looking forward to reading it but I just couldn't connect to it. I haven't read anything else by the author and I believe this is a spinoff from a very popular series and maybe that is the problem. It is also not my favourite genre so that might be part of the problem as well. I struggled with the style of writing and keep losing focus. I will try the book again at a later stage.

If you’ve read the Ethic series, then I know you have been waiting on Butterfly to be released, right?

Morgan is the butterfly in this aptly titled book. Morgan, the child we first met in Moth to a Flame, is all grown up and has a major conundrum. Should she embrace this new safe, comfortable life she’s been given, or should she return to her past and start over with someone who knew her and her history? While Morgan is facing these life choices, someone close to her is deciding whether to face the music of their past and clean up the mess they’ve made. But coming back may not be as easy as they think.

Butterfly is a quick read, one that Ethic lovers should read. Yes, our man, Ethic, is in this book, doing what he does best, which is passing along wisdom that he learned over the years. I just love him.

Aria, Morgan’s bestie, is also featured in this book. I just had to include her. She’s my kinda girl!

While this book is entertaining, I have to confess a few things. My behind is getting old. Read the book and you’ll know what I mean. Those of us who started out with A&J many moons ago have grown. At least I have. Although I liked this book, I had to remind myself that I am older now, and the things the young folk do annoy me. LOL! Nevertheless, read past the filler material and get to the issue at hand, that Morgan, as a young woman with responsibilities, has to make the right choices now. It’s not all about her any longer. She has to be that butterfly.

I am looking forward to book 2. Yes, there’s a book 2. Hopefully, we readers will get some closure. If anything, at least we get more Ethic. Ethic is forever bae.

Butterfly is set to be released in January. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for granting me an advanced reader copy to read and review.

Predictable and a little slow for this author’s norm. You will get more out of the story if you read the ethic series, the books before this one. This book was filled with a blend of suspense, steamy scenes, humor, lots of drama and betrayal. All the makings of a good book. The playlist for the book was a nice touch.

“Butterfly” is the first installment in the all new spinoff series by Ashley Antoinette. If you have not read “Moth to a Flame” & the Ethic series( which contains six parts), you may want to go back, get acquainted with them and then check this book out. If you have read all of those, carry on reading this review lol.
It has been two years since the devastating events of Ethic 6 and Morgan “ Mo” Atkins , is still trying to find her new normal. She’s adjusting to motherhood, in a loveless relationship, and finishing up school. When a blast from her past resurfaces, Morgan must ultimately decide if she is ready to finally mend her broken heart.
I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that I loved seeing the growth in Morgan. I also loved getting updates on characters that I have grown to love. The story was fast paced, and I really enjoyed the alternating viewpoints. It was very easy to follow along with. The characters were all well-developed. I absolutely adore Meek. There were so many layers to this book. The title fits it perfectly. It fits her perfectly.
I have been a longtime fan of Ashley Antoinette. Her writing is just phenomenal. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. I am on edge and ready to see how things play out. Now to wait on book two!

*I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin in exchange for an honest review.*

Wow!! This book is excellent! One of the best I’ve read this year. A real rollercoaster ride and so well written. This book was full of apprehension, tension, intensity, pain, humor, drama, and betrayal. If you want to experience laughter and love and passion and drama, then this is the book for you. I loved the characters, I loved this book and I highly recommend it. My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was my first read by Ashley Antoinette. I have admired the Ashley and JaQuavis novels from a distance over the years. Recently, I have seen several book bloggers post about Antoinette’s Ethic series. I was intrigued by the premise of that series. Butterfly is a follow up to the Ethic series and follows the story of Morgan Atkins. The author cautions readers to read the Ethic series before reading Butterfly. I did not follow the author’s advice and I was able to follow the novel with no problem. Antoinette gives enough back story from the Ethic series to keep new readers engaged. The author’s word usage is like a well-crafted rap song. Instead giving the story in 16 bars she gives it to the reader in 21 chapters. The author includes a playlist for the book, I listened to it while reading and that enhanced my reading experience. I was gifted this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Whew!! One of the best book rollercoaster rides of 2019! Picking up 2 years after Ethic book 6, Butterfly is a page turning, good read!! The book is so well written that you have not read Ethic, you would not be lost. Ashley’s writing are entertaining, interesting, page & pearl gripping, and will have you either yelling & laughing out loud. This book is enjoyable!

I read the uncorrected galley copy of this ebook. My review remains a 5 star because even though there are a few mistakes, they do not take seat from the storyline and I'm sure will be fixed before the release date. With that being said....

Oh my goodness! I have been an Ashley Antoinette fan for about 10 years and the growth and passion of her work has only gotten better over the years . Butterfly picks up 2 years after book 6 of the Ethic series. And I might add that it was so well written that if you didn't read the Ethic series, you wouldn't be lost, although you would be intrigued to read the backstory to the characters.

Morgan. I absolutely loved her growth. She still has some growing and soul searching to do but she is blossoming beautifully.

Aria. That little firecracker is a ball of energy and fun. A true blue friend. I want more of her. She is one of my faves.

Ahmed aka Meek. Sexy. Quiet. Intriguing. Sexy. Protective. I love everything about this dude. He was one I wanted to know more about from Ethic but geez I wasn't prepared for all that I learned from him today. I. Need. More. Meek!!!

Isa. Still a complete nut but I love that about him. He is another character who we are some growth with and still has more growing to do but I must admit I love the layers that were peeled back and exposed.

Bash. I just honestly don't have a connection with him. Nothing about him gives me warm and fuzzy feelings or makes me want him and Morgan to be together.

Messari and Yara. First I love their names! I love the Nick names that Morgan calls them throughout the book too. They are the best parts of their parents in toddler form. Messari also gives me Eazy vibes too. Gotta love his little cute self. Yara is quieter and more shy. But she loves who she loves and is not afraid to express that love.

There are other characters in this book too who bring love, joy, and even some drama but they are all really key characters for this book. It was a rollercoaster ride that I am sad it has to end for now but I will be happy to have this one on my shelves. If you want a "coming into my own self, love, laughter, drama, and passion" type of read, you want this book in your library!

This is the first book I've read from this author and let me just say, it will not be my last. I'm about to purchase every book she has ever written based on this book I've read. I'm not sure how I've never crossed paths with this authors books until now but this story was absolutely amazing!!! I devoured this book in one sitting. Morgan, Aria, Isa, Ahmeek, Bash, Ethic, Messiah, Yara and Messari will have you loving them all in very different ways. This book was full of angst, suspense, steam, passion, pain, laughs, drama, betrayal and so much more. I loved these characters and I cannot wait to get more of them. It's hard to write a review for a book without giving anything away but trust me when I say you do not want to sleep on this book. I cannot wait for Butterfly II to come out because I'm beyond ready for it now. This book WAS EVERYTHING and HAS EVERYTHING I look for in a romance read and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

If I had to give this novel a rating, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. Because I am a fan of both Ashley Antoinette and JaQuavis, I pretty much predicted what would happen. It was all just a matter of when it would happen. For me, the novel was a bit slow. All I kept saying was, “What’s taking him so long?” All in all, it was a good read. Minimal errors. The ones that were there were just omitted letters in certain words and omitted words in certain sentence. I also appreciated that you don’t actually have to read the Ethic series in it’s entirety to have an idea of what’s going on. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy! I am extremely grateful!