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The Cartel #5

The Cartel 5: La Bella Mafia

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When a Boeing 747 drops out of the sky with the men of the Cartel aboard, the women of the family have to step into their own. With the federal government on their heels and the family on the brink of destruction, a female dynasty is born.

After the government's case is thwarted, the ladies plan to take the family legit. They head west to establish a new endeavor, but with new territory comes new problems. The Carter family name doesn't ring as loud as it did in Miami. It's a new set of gangsters, a new set of rules, as the Cartel finds problems with an Arabic millionaire. Even as the new Cartel struggles to go legit, trouble always finds a way into the family's circle. Larceny, deceit, and murder are all in the cards.

The Cartel 5 is a page-turning thriller that promises to deliver. This mafia family tries to go corporate, but the streets won't let them. This is the rise of the female Cartel . . . La Bella Mafia.

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2013

373 people are currently reading
6474 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Antoinette

78 books7,077 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
2,751 (70%)
4 stars
815 (20%)
3 stars
271 (6%)
2 stars
50 (1%)
1 star
37 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
Profile Image for Chanell.
56 reviews20 followers
December 3, 2014
Good book. Hope we don't have to wait 2 years for part 6.
1 review1 follower
Want to read
April 14, 2014
I cant wait till the actual book comes out I'm just dying 2 see what happens
Profile Image for Emquegeeaye.
331 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2014
I think the book was really good but it could've been a lot better. It basically was a recap of C4. And just when it was getting good it ended so abruptly. I like that Aries is back. She was definitely needed. Also Breeze and her stuck-up, baby-fied, entitled self needs to go!!!! I wish they would just killer her off or let her get kidnapped again. She brings absolutely nothing to this series or book with all her whining. If it weren't for Aries she wouldn't have her man back. Leena and Monroe; Im so proud of them. I feel like I know them. Carter!!! Ugh! Carter! Idk where to start with him. I have always loved his character but in this book, not so much. I cant believe he would do Miamor the way he did especially when all she did was hold his lousy ass down & the Cartel. I wish it wasn't going into another book seeing as though C6 is supposed to be about Zyir b/c i need to know what is going on with Carter & Miamor. What Baraka is gonna do. And most importantly is Mecca the real father of Monroe Jr.?
52 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2014
I have read "All" of the Cartel books. As a matter of fact, I have read "All" of Ashley and JaQuavis' books. And let me tell you, the writing is exquisite. I have been reading for many years, and I have read many authors; but, these books are great. I had no knowledge of some of the terminology used in the writing. I didn't realize that these things were happening in our community until I began discussing these books. I say "kudos" to you Ashley and JaQuavis. You make me want to write! Can't wait for you next 2 books... Iluminati and Carter 5.
Profile Image for Melody Reid.
33 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2014
omgoodness....this installment was sooo darn good i dont know who i love more Breeze n Zyir... Leena n Monroe or Miamor n Carter,... the ending will have u stuck on pause...the collabo of Ashley n Jaquavis is amazing 5 stars all across the board
Profile Image for DeTerrius Woods.
84 reviews15 followers
August 15, 2016
Ladies, Now Let's Get In Formation!

Heading into this book, I was little hesitant because I still feel like "The Cartel" series should've ended at book three as the authors claimed it would, and these follow up books should've been spin-offs titled "Diamonds Are Forever" or something. The prologue excited me though. Miamor was back on her ish the way that I fell in love with her, and I liked the whole aspect afterwards. Soon after, I was let down. With the title of this book, I hoped the girls would be the prime (and only) focus of the story, but they weren't. Reading about Carter in Saudi Arabia dragged out the book to me. The book had its moments but those moments were far and few inbetween.

Long story short...the book was okay. I did enjoy the ending the most and envision the greatness of what "The Cartel 6: The Demise" could be, but I know the possibility of that would deter once I intake the repeat of storylines from the previous novels. Out of curiosity--and the fact that I do really like Ashley & JaQuavis--I might read the new installment sooner or later.
Profile Image for Erin Rae.
323 reviews18 followers
September 6, 2024
I want this damn family to GET IT TOGETHER!! They are killing me lmaoooo
Profile Image for Kitani.
1,573 reviews
December 27, 2014
I must say it was well worth the wait! There was one character mix up but it didn't hurt the book. Even though Miamor was the only one built for their situation, her, Leena and Breeze all stepped up when it was needed the most. I didn't like Yasmine at all! She felt as if she could have whatever or whoever she wanted all because of who her father was. I had to give it to her though because she was persistent as hell. Carter should've listened to Monroe and Zyir when it came to Yasmine. Miamor had to call her girl back! They planned everything out and were able to work some things out to not only help their men, but also their family completely. Becoming alliances with Timmy proved to be a good thing. I really liked Fly until everything started being revealed. Yasmine desperate behind went overboard and caused more trouble than she was truly ready for. Really Fly? Even with what he'd done I don't think he would ever have a chance. I swear Miamor let her jealousy get the best of her instead of thinking things through. She's causing Carter more pain all because of a wrong decision. Wait a minute, whew! That ending though. Fly is dealing with who to do what? Ish is about to get real as hell now! Hopefully it won't take much longer for part 6 because I'm ready to learn more about Zyir.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,479 reviews154 followers
July 23, 2018
I'm in the minority with my review. This book was just okay for me. I'm thinking I should have read the 4 books that preceded this one for backstory. Overall though, I just don't think the story line, the characters, and the writing pulled me in enough to enjoy this. So 2 stars.
Profile Image for Sandra (Book Loves) Atueyi.
708 reviews22 followers
December 12, 2015
I don't know why did I wait so long to reading this book. The Cartel 5: La Bella Mafia is a amazing read. It's dealing with drama, murder and revenge. Ashley and JaQuavis did a good job. It is a page turner, and it's always on point.

Ashley & JaQuavis are an amazing writers and they take their time to writing this book. They have a bad and amazing characters in this book. Young Carter and the rest of cast members are business, dangerous, and amazing characters. I felt bad what's happen to Young Carter. Hopefully, Young Carter and Miamor are working out with their issues, This book is five stars. I am looking forward to read part 6 of The Cartel.

Good Job!
Sandra
Profile Image for ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ .
1,512 reviews100 followers
May 22, 2017
I knew I would hate Miamor dusty ass. Lord ham mercy. I hope these dudes don't die in the next book. I don't give a damn about Miamor. And my ass liked Fly Boogie he got me tight for what he did.!!! All this bull poot is the cause of Miamor. That booty must be good or something lol now I gotta wait 2 to 3 years for part 6 to come out ...I think I might have to read Murder Mamas to find out wth is Murder lol I bet he's in that book. But I'm not hip on reading that just yet I'll just leave that in my kindle for another time. #imsleep
Profile Image for Byron Washington.
732 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2021
A & J always do this mess. They build up this ultimate character and the chop 'em down to size. Why?!?! Carter is and always has been that dude, now I'm SMDH!!!! Not to mention old girl ain't nobody to play with!!!⚰⚰⚰ And didn't Zyir fall into the thirst trap in a previous book? Messin' up the connect and causing drama?!?! C'mon Son!!!

Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Profile Image for Aaron.
96 reviews
December 2, 2014
Long live The Cartel & The Murder Mamas. Part 5 of this amazing series pick up where part for 4 left and delivered an amazing storyline. Any fan of the series will enjoy this new addition.
Profile Image for Layeshia.
377 reviews
April 6, 2015
Well this installment was well worth the wait I just hope I don't have to wait too long for part six. WTH Fly boogie!!!
Profile Image for Renee  Bailey.
177 reviews71 followers
August 26, 2015
Carter REALLY? I'm so done but looking forward to what will happen next.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
884 reviews14 followers
November 9, 2020
I was shocked by some of the craziness that happened in this book. It was so good. When you think all that could happen to this family has happened there is something else. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
32 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2024
Meh. Carter did it to himself. I’m not mad at Miamor, but this series exhausting.
Profile Image for Jordan.
448 reviews26 followers
January 9, 2021
Carter fucking Yasmine caused a way bigger problem than he anticipated. That bitch drugged him after he rejected her and end up fucking her a Miamor caught they ass. Yasmine wasn't expecting that ghetto trash black girl to come that hard on her. But NOW they at war with the Arabs. Who invested in the casino Miamor owns.

Murder is back and I feel like he gonna get what he want in this next installment. It's called The Demise. With Carter being down, the leaders of the Cartel dispersed, and the beef with the Arabs, AND a potential problem with the Italians, and now with Murder waiting in the wings, the demise of the Cartel is definitely foreseeable.

I'm gonna be honest...I'm about to be over this series. But I'm gonna keep going. I'm determined to get through the Coleman's entire catalog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review1 follower
June 3, 2014
i read all but ths one
Profile Image for lexi.
197 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2025
the drama in this book hits like a whirlwind—overwhelming in the best way possible! i was on the edge of my seat, feeling every twist and turn that had me turning pages like a madman as if i haven't read this series on numerous occasions!

We pick up with our trio—Carter, Zyir, and Monroe—who are living on the edge after faking their own deaths in Saudi Arabia to evade the feds. Meanwhile, the ladies step up in ways that are nothing short of spectacular. Breeze and Leena may not have the hood spirit as Miamor, but they’ve transformed into powerhouses, orchestrating a bold plan to bring their men back home. And you know Aries wasn't going to leave her girl! She swoops in to help Miamor like only she can, because family is everything, and they prove it when the stakes are sky-high.

Without giving too much away, let’s just say Carter's reckless decisions in Saudi come back to haunt him in the most explosive way—a haunting explosion of unresolved tension that erupts five years later. Look, I might not have taken it as far as Miamor did, but in this wild fiction, Yasmine got what was coming to her. Rule one: STAY AWAY FROM MY MAN!

And the plot thickens with Miamor’s unexpected relationship with Fly Boogie. What starts as a business partnership ignites something deeper on Fly's end and how could he resist her captivating charisma? But just wait until the shocking revelations about Fly’s true alliances come to light—WOW! This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and I can’t get enough!
Profile Image for Marilyn Diamond.
708 reviews44 followers
February 10, 2017
This novel here, if you don't keep up you will be lost. So as the series began the men in the game gone, ghost which leaves the Empire left to the la bell femmes. Not counting the original gansgster Murder is on the prowl for his woman and the whole Empire. Once they get the feds off there case hopefully the men who run the Empire can come home. Danger is never lurking. When a woman is scorned especially a female born of the streets with danger as a middle name there is always trouble. At las, the saga continues when they try to go legit. Power, loyalty, Money, Love, Lust etc. The story line had me hooked for days. Can't wait to read the finale.
Profile Image for Tamara.
271 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2019
This book was "blah" to me because nothing was really going on. Like I've said before, Ashley & JaQuavis do not know when to let their characters go but, I'm intrigued to see what this character is going to do to the Cartel. The next two books are going to be the best in the series.

As far as character development, I want to see more of Breeze and Zyir. I love their relationship and I want to know more of who they are.

Overall, great story. Can't wait to read Book 6!
Profile Image for Amaiyah Griffin.
14 reviews
January 3, 2024
I really tried with this series. In the beginning, it held my attention off of plot twists alone. However, the writing style and plot development are severely impaired, and it’s taken away from the reading experience immensely. Apart of me feels a connection to the characters and wants to see what the rest of the series has in store, but I’m really over the redundancy of these novels. Tapping on out at 5/10 books.
Profile Image for Katina Cooper .
7 reviews
December 2, 2017
OMG!!! As the book started, I was shocked. By the end of the book, I’m shocked multiple times due to the various things that happened. Definitely a mindblower. I can’t wait to start book 6.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews

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