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Plot Summary

Courtroom Drama and Family Ties

Carter Diamond faces courtroom tension

Carter Diamond, the charismatic leader of Miami's infamous Cartel, finds himself in a courtroom, accused of heinous crimes. Despite the gravity of the charges, Carter exudes confidence, having manipulated the jury and judge to his favor. His family—wife Taryn, daughter Breeze, and twin sons Mecca and Monroe—stand by him, showcasing their unwavering loyalty. The verdict is not guilty, and Carter celebrates with his family. However, their joy is short-lived as a violent attack by Haitian rivals erupts outside the courthouse, leaving Carter dead and his family in disarray.

The Cartel's Power Struggle

Polo steps up amidst chaos

With Carter's sudden death, his right-hand man, Polo, steps up to maintain order within The Cartel. The family is devastated, particularly Breeze, who struggles with her father's loss. Polo encourages the twins, Mecca and Monroe, to be strong and protect their family. Meanwhile, Carter's illegitimate son, Young Carter, arrives, adding tension and potential leadership to the mix. The Cartel faces threats from the Haitians, and a fragile truce is proposed, but trust remains elusive.

A New Leader Emerges

Young Carter's reluctant leadership

Initially hesitant, Young Carter is drawn into the family's world, learning about his father's secret support and the complex dynamics of The Cartel. Despite his resentment, he feels a connection to his siblings and the responsibility to protect them. As he navigates this new life, he begins to assert his influence, earning respect and preparing to fill the void left by his father. The Cartel's future hangs in the balance as they strategize against their enemies.

Love and Betrayal Unfold

Monroe's secret love triangle

Monroe, the more reserved twin, takes over the family's legitimate business, Diamond Realty, while secretly involved with Mecca's girlfriend, Leena. Torn between loyalty to his brother and his love for Leena, Monroe struggles with the deception. Leena, caught between the two brothers, desires a future with Monroe, but the truth threatens to tear the family apart. As tensions rise, Monroe must decide where his loyalties truly lie.

The Murder Mamas' Deadly Game

A hit gone wrong

Miamor, a contract killer, leads the Murder Mamas, a group responsible for numerous hits in Miami. Their latest job involves a gruesome task—killing a man and cutting off his manhood. The plan goes awry, and the target escapes, leaving the Murder Mamas in a precarious position. Miamor, dealing with personal loss and guilt over her sister's death, is determined to succeed, but the failed hit complicates their standing in the criminal underworld.

Secrets, Seduction, and Survival

Carter and Miamor's intense connection

Carter and Miamor's paths cross unexpectedly, sparking a passionate and complicated relationship. Both harbor secrets—Carter's involvement with The Cartel and Miamor's life as a hitwoman. Their chemistry is undeniable, but trust is fragile. As they navigate their feelings, external threats loom, and their connection becomes both a source of strength and vulnerability. In a world of crime and betrayal, love becomes a dangerous game.

Love's Dangerous Dance Begins

Miamor and Carter's romance deepens

Miamor and Carter's relationship intensifies as they spend intimate moments together, despite the looming threat of The Cartel's enemies. Carter, unaware of Miamor's true identity as a Murder Mama, is captivated by her charm and beauty. Miamor, torn between her mission and her growing feelings for Carter, struggles with her conscience. She is supposed to kill him, but his genuine affection makes her question her loyalty to her past. As they share tender moments, Miamor realizes that her heart is at war with her mind, and she must decide whether to follow her heart or fulfill her deadly mission.

Secrets and Lies Unravel

Miamor's true identity is exposed

As Miamor grapples with her feelings for Carter, her past as a Murder Mama begins to catch up with her. Mecca, Carter's brother, discovers her true identity and confronts her, revealing that he knows about her connection to Ma'tee and the plot against The Cartel. Miamor is forced to confront the reality of her situation and the danger she poses to Carter and his family. The tension between her love for Carter and her loyalty to her past reaches a breaking point, and she must decide whether to come clean or continue living a lie.

The Cartel's Deadly Game

A kidnapping shakes The Cartel

The Cartel is thrown into chaos when Breeze, Carter's sister, is kidnapped by Ma'tee and the Murder Mamas. The family is devastated, and Carter is determined to rescue her at any cost. As they scramble to gather the ransom, tensions rise within The Cartel, and trust is tested. Mecca's reckless actions during the ransom exchange lead to a tragic outcome, leaving the family shattered. The kidnapping sets off a chain of events that will change the course of The Cartel forever, as alliances are tested and enemies close in.

A Betrayal's Bitter Consequence

Carter's world crumbles around him

As Carter deals with the fallout from Breeze's kidnapping, he is blindsided by betrayal from within his own ranks. Ace, his trusted friend, is revealed to be an informant, leading to a massive police raid on The Cartel's operations. Carter is arrested, and his empire begins to crumble. Miamor, caught in the crossfire, is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the role she played in the chaos. As Carter faces the reality of his situation, he must decide whether to fight for his freedom or accept his fate.

The Final Showdown Unfolds

Miamor and Mecca's deadly confrontation

In a dramatic showdown, Miamor and Mecca face off in a battle of wills. Mecca, seeking revenge for his family's suffering, captures Miamor and subjects her to a brutal interrogation. Miamor, determined to survive, refuses to break under pressure. As the tension reaches its peak, Miamor's resilience and cunning are put to the test. The confrontation between the two reveals the depths of their hatred and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their goals. In the end, only one will emerge victorious, and the outcome will have lasting repercussions for The Cartel.

A New Dawn, A New Threat

The Cartel faces an uncertain future

With Carter in jail and The Cartel in disarray, the family must regroup and find a way to rebuild. Taryn, devastated by the loss of her children, decides to leave Miami and start anew. Mecca, now the de facto leader, is determined to restore The Cartel's power and seek revenge on those who wronged them. As the dust settles, a new threat emerges, and The Cartel must prepare for the challenges ahead. The story ends with a sense of uncertainty, as the characters face an uncertain future and the promise of new conflicts on the horizon.

Characters

Carter Diamond

Charismatic and powerful kingpin

Carter Diamond is the head of The Cartel, a crime organization in Miami. Confident and manipulative, he controls the courtroom and his family with ease. Despite his criminal activities, he is a devoted family man, admired by his wife and children. His death leaves a power vacuum and ignites a war with Haitian rivals, setting the stage for a tumultuous struggle for control.

Taryn Diamond

Loyal and resilient matriarch

Taryn is Carter's wife, a strong and beautiful woman who stands by her husband despite his criminal life. She is the emotional anchor for her children, especially after Carter's death. Her Dominican heritage and unwavering support make her a respected figure within The Cartel. Taryn's strength is tested as she navigates the dangers threatening her family.

Breeze Diamond

Grieving daughter seeking normalcy

Breeze, Carter's daughter, is deeply affected by her father's death. She struggles with the loss and the chaos that follows, longing for a return to normal life. Her relationship with her newfound brother, Young Carter, offers a glimmer of hope and stability. Breeze's journey is one of resilience and adaptation in the face of family turmoil.

Mecca Diamond

Reckless and ambitious twin

Mecca, one of Carter's twin sons, is impulsive and eager to prove himself. He idolizes his father and seeks to emulate his power and influence. Mecca's hotheaded nature often leads to conflict, both within the family and with external threats. His actions are driven by a desire for respect and revenge, making him a volatile force within The Cartel.

Monroe Diamond

Strategic and conflicted twin

Monroe, the more reserved twin, takes on the family's legitimate business, Diamond Realty. He is torn between his duty to the family and his secret love for Leena, Mecca's girlfriend. Monroe's calculated approach contrasts with Mecca's impulsiveness, but his internal conflict threatens to unravel the family's unity. His decisions will have lasting consequences for The Cartel.

Young Carter

Reluctant heir to The Cartel

Young Carter, Carter's illegitimate son, is drawn into the family's world after his father's death. Initially resentful, he discovers his father's secret support and feels a connection to his siblings. As he navigates this new life, Young Carter emerges as a potential leader, balancing his own ambitions with the responsibility to protect his family.

Polo

Loyal right-hand man

Polo is Carter's trusted confidant and the interim leader of The Cartel after Carter's death. He is dedicated to maintaining order and protecting the family. Polo's strategic mind and loyalty make him a stabilizing force, but the challenges of leadership test his resolve. He plays a crucial role in guiding the family through the power struggle.

Miamor

Conflicted assassin torn by love

Miamor is a member of the Murder Mamas, a group of deadly female assassins. Her mission to infiltrate and destroy The Cartel is complicated by her growing feelings for Carter. As she navigates the dangerous world of crime and betrayal, Miamor is forced to confront her past and the choices she has made. Her internal struggle between love and loyalty drives much of the narrative, and her ultimate decision will have far-reaching consequences for everyone involved.

Leena

Caught in a love triangle

Leena is Mecca's girlfriend, but her heart belongs to Monroe. Torn between the two brothers, she desires a future with Monroe but struggles with the deception. Leena's presence complicates the family dynamics, and her choices have the potential to either unite or divide the Diamond family.

Ace

Trusted friend turned traitor

Ace is Carter's right-hand man and a key member of The Cartel. His betrayal is a shocking twist in the story, as he is revealed to be an informant working with the police. Ace's actions lead to

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Review Summary

4.54 out of 5
Average of 10k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Cartel received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 4.54 out of 5. Many readers praised its gripping plot, intense action, and complex characters, particularly enjoying the family dynamics and unexpected twists. Critics noted the graphic violence and sex scenes, as well as issues with writing quality and character development. Some found it predictable and stereotypical, while others appreciated its raw portrayal of street life. Despite its flaws, the book's cliff-hanger ending left many readers eager to continue the series.

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About the Author

Ashley Antoinette Coleman is a successful author known for co-writing over 40 novels with her husband as the duo Ashley and JaQuavis. Born in Flint, MI, she draws on her street sense to create crime-filled stories. Her works include the bestselling Cartel series and The Prada Plan saga. Coleman has achieved New York Times bestseller status and secured deals with major publishers and studios. She continues to work on new book series and television pilots, maintaining an active presence on social media to connect with fans.

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