Birds in the Sky (Ashley Antoinette's Book Box Series

Birds

by Ashley Antoinette

Charlie and Demi are the most unlikely of suitors. They are polar opposites in every way, but somehow fate still brought them to one another. After hearing Charlie sing one night in a random smokey bar, Demi finds himself revisiting the hole in the wall just to see her. When given the chance to know her, he realizes that the life he's been living for fifteen years has led him in the wrong direction. With love as their compass, Charlie and Demi must trust themselves enough to get lost in love and in one another as they fight against gravity to let their love fly high.

Birds in the Sky is a love story that takes Ashley Antoinette's fans to a place of nostalgia as they root for a love that conquers all.

Antoinette is a New York Times Bestselling author, television writer, and business maven, who inspires women with her fictional, passion filled writings.

Genres: Urban

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

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

Reviews

[Drenna Gurl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jasmine Cartwright · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Shanika Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[lexiskat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The was Demi pissed me off was insane work. Cuz how and why you can do what you want but she can't. Bird grew wings and flew but childdddddddd.

2nd read pissed me off more!!!! do i want to read the second book, hell yeah

[Matysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Genel F · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Lisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tanira · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[The Book Jawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[KC]

September 2025 - reread

Still don’t like Demi or Lo.

[Teka B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Demi begins as a man ruled by control his life governed by strict routines, obsessive habits, and OCD. At first, the novel itself feels disorienting, almost unclear in its direction, but this confusion mirrors Demi’s rigid, compartmentalized existence. He appears to be living a double life without fully recognizing it himself.

The narrative shifts when Charlie enters the story. She is eccentric, impulsive, and free spirited everything. Demi is not. Her presence disrupts his carefully maintained control, and his growing infatuation with her triggers a gradual unraveling. Their tension feels inevitable, as Charlie awakens emotions and impulses Demi has spent his suppressing.

At its core, the story examines the collapse of control and how one person can destabilize another’s meticulously constructed world. However, the dynamic between the characters feels deeply toxic. Rather than offering growth or insight, the relationship spirals into emotional chaos, and none of the characters are particularly likable or redeemable. What could have been an exploration of obsession and identity instead becomes exhausting to witness, leaving the reader disconnected rather than compelled.

[Kay Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

5Star Read -- Ashley, Ashley, Ashley....gurlll, you showed out with this book. Birds in the Sky is deep, complex, realistic, and draws you in from the beginning. I stayed on the edge of my seat with Demi and Charlie. The songbird Charlie was definitely young but was recovering from an abusive relationship. Demi fell for Charlie the first time he saw her and didnt know what to do with his feelings (germaphobia and all). The marriage betrayal was rough and the book explained each step of how their marriage was already divided and struggling prior to Charlie. I was crushed by Charlie and Stasi's father...she only had one parent left and he couldn't support and love Charlie. The sweetest: restoring her mom's car/home on wheels. The story is heartbreaking and heartwarming. Every emotion is evoked.

[Carissa G · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!

I randomly started this audiobook while working and definitely stumbled into a GREAT book! Now there are some tropes that everyone won’t agree with in this book and it will have you questioning your morals…but this was an excellent read!!! From beginning to the end I have been locked in!!

[LayLay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every single character in this book stressed me out. Demi sucked, Charlie was dumb, & everyone else was just lame. This was extremely instant love that went wrong just as fast. Charlie should’ve left Demi behind

[Danielle Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Antoinette never disappoints. All I can say is wow and I have a new love in Demi.

[Detra Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured my attention from the first sentence. Beautifully written! I found myself rooting for Demi and Charlie.

[DinaLuvsAGoodBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Leslie McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just Ok………

I guess this was an effective story because I felt uncomfortable and on edge the entire time I was reading it. The “love” between Demi and Charlie was so toxic, dysfunctional, and wrong. I’ve never seen two people who needed intensive therapy more than them. I wanted more for Charlie. I wanted her to find her inner Queen and her self-esteem so she could leave Demi alone. And I just wanted Demi to go away and leave that young girl be. I’m glad the book is over but the story will remain in my head for a while. If you like dysfunction and toxicity, this is the book for you.

[Teria · Rating 4 out of 5]

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)

[Porsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Chandra Shinholster · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Carissa Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Unique · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Brittany Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

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%!!

[Kkelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Shay B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

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...

[Shahtia Gay-hairston · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.