If you’re a lover of urban fiction, you’ve probably come across the name Ashley Antoinette. Her books are known for their gripping plots, raw drama, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re just discovering her work or you’re already a fan, knowing the best order to read her books can make your reading experience even more enjoyable. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Ashley Antoinette’s books in order so you can dive into her world with clarity and excitement.
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Who is Ashley Antoinette?
Ashley Antoinette is a trailblazer in urban fiction. She’s an American author who has made a huge impact in the literary world, especially for her collaborations with her husband, JaQuavis Coleman. Together, they’re known as Ashley & JaQuavis, a dynamic duo responsible for some of the most iconic series in the genre, like The Cartel and Murderville.
Overview of Her Literary Impact
Ashley’s influence on urban fiction is profound. Her books have sold millions of copies and she’s considered one of the most successful African American authors in contemporary publishing. Her stories resonate with readers who crave authenticity, emotional depth, and themes of love, loyalty, and survival.
Why Read Ashley Antoinette’s Books in Order?
Story Continuity and Character Development
One of the most rewarding aspects of Ashley’s writing is how her characters grow and evolve from book to book. Many of her series are interconnected, with storylines that build upon each other. Reading her books in order ensures you don’t miss any important plot twists or character arcs.
Navigating Interconnected Series
Ashley’s bibliography is extensive, and several series have spin-offs and crossovers. Starting in the right place helps you fully appreciate the intricate web she’s woven across her novels.
Complete List of Ashley Antoinette’s Book Series (In Order)
Let’s break down her major series, listing each book in order of publication. For clarity, I’ve included tables for the most popular series.
The Cartel Series
Arguably Ashley’s most famous work, The Cartel series is a must-read for anyone interested in urban fiction. Co-authored with JaQuavis Coleman, this saga follows the lives of Miami’s most notorious crime family.
List of The Cartel Books in Order
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Cartel | 2008 |
| 2 | Tale of the Murda Mamas | 2009 |
| 3 | The Last Chapter | 2010 |
| 4 | Diamonds Are Forever | 2012 |
| 5 | La Bella Mafia | 2013 |
| 6 | The Demise | 2016 |
| 7 | Illuminati | 2017 |
| 8 | Long Live The Cartel | 2020 |
| 9 | Money Devils 1 | 2020 |
| 10 | Cartel Queen: Aries Manifesto | 2023 |
| 11 | Cartel Queen 2: Mother of Murder | 2025 |
Brief Description of the Series
The Cartel series is a rollercoaster of betrayal, love, and power struggles. It’s filled with shocking twists and unforgettable characters that keep you turning the pages.
The Prada Plan Series
This series is perfect for readers who love drama, romance, and a touch of danger.
List of The Prada Plan Books in Order
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Prada Plan | 2009 |
| 2 | The Prada Plan 2: Leah’s Story | 2010 |
| 3 | The Prada Plan 3: Green-Eyed Monster | 2011 |
| 4 | The Prada Plan 4: Love and War | 2014 |
| 5 | The Prada Plan 5 | 2017 |
Series Themes and Highlights
The Prada Plan explores the dark side of ambition, relationships, and survival in the urban jungle. It’s a fan favorite for its fast-paced storytelling and fierce female leads.
Ethic Series
A newer addition to Ashley’s catalog, the Ethic series dives deep into themes of redemption, family, and love.
List of Ethic Books in Order
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ethic | 2018 |
| 2 | Ethic 2 | 2018 |
| 3 | Ethic 3 | 2018 |
| 4 | Ethic 4 | 2019 |
| 5 | Ethic 5 | 2019 |
| 6 | Ethic 6 | 2019 |
Recommended Reading Order (Including Butterfly Spin-Off)
For the best experience, read the Ethic series first, then move on to the Butterfly spin-off, which continues the story from a new perspective.
Butterfly Series
A spin-off from the Ethic universe, the Butterfly series focuses on love, trauma, and healing.
List of Butterfly Books in Order
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butterfly | 2020 |
| 2 | Butterfly 2 | 2020 |
| 3 | Butterfly 3 | 2020 |
| 4 | Butterfly 4 | 2022 |
| 5 | Butterfly 5 | 2023 |
Connection to Ethic Series
Butterfly is best enjoyed after reading Ethic, as it builds on characters and events from the original series.
Murderville Series
If you’re into crime thrillers, the Murderville series is for you. Co-authored with JaQuavis Coleman, it’s a gritty, suspenseful trilogy.
List of Murderville Books in Order
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murderville | 2011 |
| 2 | The Epidemic | 2012 |
| 3 | The Black Dahlia | 2013 |
Series Overview
Murderville is known for its intense plotlines and complex characters, making it a staple in urban crime fiction.
Dirty Money Series
One of Ashley’s earliest series, Dirty Money is all about the hustle, loyalty, and survival in the streets.
List of Dirty Money Books in Order
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dirty Money | 2005 |
| 2 | Diary of a Street Diva | 2005 |
| 3 | Supreme Clientele | 2007 |
Other Notable Series
Ashley Antoinette has written or contributed to several other series worth checking out.
Luxe Series
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luxe | 2015 |
| 2 | Luxe Two | 2016 |
Carter Diamond Series
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carter Diamond | 2012 |
| 2 | Carter Diamond Part 2 | 2013 |
Love Burn Series
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Love Burn | 2014 |
| 2 | Love Burn 2 | 2015 |
| 3 | Love Burn 3 | 2015 |
| 4 | Love Burn 4 | 2016 |
Single Ladies Series
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single Ladies | 2013 |
| 2 | Raquel | 2013 |
| 3 | Keisha | 2013 |
Birds Series
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birds | 2021 |
| 2 | Birds 2 | 2022 |
| 3 | Birds 3 | 2023 |
Standalone Novels by Ashley Antoinette
While Ashley is best known for her series, she’s also penned some powerful standalone novels.
Moth to a Flame
Moth to a Flame is a fan favorite, praised for its emotional intensity and unforgettable protagonist. It’s a great starting point if you want to sample Ashley’s writing style before diving into her series.
Other Popular Standalones
- Trophy Wife (2008)
- Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2009)
- Guilty Gucci (2012)
- Christmas With The Okafors (2019)
Collaborative Works with JaQuavis Coleman
Overview of the Duo’s Partnership
Ashley Antoinette and JaQuavis Coleman are a literary power couple. Together, they’ve co-authored several best-selling series, blending their unique voices into stories that are both thrilling and deeply human.
Key Co-authored Titles
- The Cartel Series
- Murderville Series
- Dirty Money Series
- Carter Diamond Series
Their collaboration has set the standard for urban fiction, and their books are often considered must-reads for fans of the genre.
Recommended Reading Orders for New Readers
Chronological vs. Publication Order
For most readers, publication order is the best way to experience Ashley’s books. This approach ensures you follow character development and plot progression as intended by the author.
Series Crossovers and Spin-offs
Some series, like Butterfly, are spin-offs of Ethic. Reading the original series first provides important context and makes the spin-offs even more enjoyable.
Where to Find Ashley Antoinette’s Books
Online Bookstores and Libraries
You can find Ashley’s books at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. Many public libraries also carry her titles, both in print and digital formats.
Special Editions and Box Sets
Keep an eye out for special editions and box sets, especially for The Cartel and The Prada Plan series. These make great gifts for fans and collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the series connected?
Yes, several of Ashley’s series are interconnected. For example, Butterfly is a spin-off from the Ethic series, and some characters appear in multiple series.
What is the best starting point?
If you love crime sagas, start with The Cartel. For romance and drama, The Prada Plan is a great choice. If you want something standalone, try Moth to a Flame.
Will there be more books in ongoing series?
Ashley Antoinette is known for keeping her fans on their toes with new releases. Check her official website or social media for updates on upcoming books.
Conclusion
Exploring Ashley Antoinette’s books in order is a rewarding journey through the heart of urban fiction. Her stories are rich with drama, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Whether you start with The Cartel, The Prada Plan, or one of her standalones, you’re in for a wild ride. So grab a book, settle in, and prepare to be hooked from the very first page.
