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Beyond Measures

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Ariyanna "Ari" Ramirez has had enough of no love. After a two-year relationship filled with more heartbreak than happiness, she is starting over. When she meets handsome, suave, single father, Simeon "Sime" Cartwright, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever. Their romance is one for the ages, but nothing worth having comes easy and Ari is paying the ultimate price. Her world is slowly crashing all around her as she clings to Sime for love, comfort, and safety.

Simeon Cartwright is a former street dude turned businessman and single father. His life revolves around work, his family, and his six-year-old daughter. Single since his baby mama ran off six years ago, Sime is instantly intrigued by the green-eyed beauty who comes with more than a little bit of baggage. While dealing with Ari’s drama he has a bit of drama of his own with the unexpected return of his estranged baby mama.

From baby mama drama to a deranged ex and murder, Ari and Sime fight to overcome everything thrown at them, all while trying to remain true to each other. Will they be able to make it and live happily ever after, or will they fold under the weight of the world on their shoulders?

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2021

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About the author

Kimberly Brown

43 books997 followers
Kimberly Brown is a South Carolina born and raised author of contemporary/urban romance. She strives to create stories that readers can visualize in their heads as the pages turn. Writing has been a part of her journey since a young age but really became a focal point during her high school years. With the support of her classmates, she began sharing her love of words with others. In 2019 she took her first step towards becoming a serious writer with self-publishing. August of 2021, she made her BLP debut with “Pretty Caged Bird” and is continuing to grow her catalog. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a pending masters in Mental Health Counseling, Kimberly loves to incorporate mental health into her writings as she feels it is not talked about or address enough within the African American community.

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5 stars
1,131 (70%)
4 stars
348 (21%)
3 stars
110 (6%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,226 reviews526 followers
January 11, 2023
I absolutely loved Ari and Sime! LOVED! Their journey was not and easy one! They fought tooth and nails for this HEA. Ari was insecure and suffered from low self esteem and feelings of self worth. She allowed a worthless f*ck boy to play in her face for two years while he lived his best life with every Tasha, Renee and Shanice! After coming face to face with his disrespect, she decides once and for all that she is DONE but Jordan was not going down without a fight. I mean he was next level with his “if I can’t have you, no one can”.

In the process of walking away from Jordan, in walks Sime and he is instantly smitten with Ari. According to him, it was as if their souls were speaking to each other. These two were everything! The way they loved and catered to each other really gave me all the feels. Their relationship was a whole experience and the ending was absolutely beautiful!

This book was a whole movie and I had popcorn on deck from the drama that unfolded. Jordan was in rare form during this book and he really should’ve been handled long before things got out of hand the way they did. Korrine….. sis I’m not convinced! I call total BS when it comes your reason for leaving. If your sister really had that much control over you, ya need to change your name to Pinocchio! Sime really showed growth with this situation because Korrine would’ve never been able to darken my doorstep again. I honestly would have liked to see more of a fight between Sime and Korrine. It’s started out heavy then just fizzled but I guess Sime saw the bigger picture in the situation and did what was best for Kyla. Wouldn’t have been no kiki’n tho! You don’t have a friend in me!

KB knows how to write a best friend and Niecy was a real one! When Ari had no one, she had Niecy. I can’t wait to read about how her young *ss turns out RJ. The family dynamic was everything in this book! Mama Cartwright was with the sh*ts and did not play about her family and those brothers were nothing to play with either. The editing in the book left a lot to be desired 🥴but it was a great story otherwise and I recommend adding it to your tbr list if you haven’t already!
Profile Image for Kameel.
959 reviews214 followers
April 26, 2022
Sime & Ari

This couple had a lot to contend with….his ex, her ex and her ex’s on again off again side piece….this story had a lot going on, but what really stood out to me the most was the family camaraderie….That entire Cartwright family (momma & daddy included) were ready for any and everything….l Absolutely Love the support this couple received from all that was close to them….they had a few obstacles to overcome and it did take a minute to get there…but, the couple finally got their HEA.
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,049 reviews278 followers
April 26, 2022
3.75 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

So, I had some time to sit and think about Beyond Measures before I wrote my review and I’ve had a change of heart on my initial rating. I’m going to preface my review by saying, Ari and Sime were everything! I loved this couple. Their chemistry and attraction were intense from the start. Their only roadblock is Ari’s toxic relationship with Jordan’s crazy azz. For some reason, she just refused to leave him knowing he was a serial cheater. Once Sime entered the chat, Ari started to recognize her worth and finally walked away from Jordan. But, she would quickly find out leaving him would not be so easy. The drama surrounding Ari, Jordan, and Shanice was top tier level messiness. Chiiiiiiiile, when I tell y’all that was some suspenseful and action-packed goodness! I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. When it all finally came to a head, my mind was blown! Now, with that being said, it felt like the book lost a lot of its steam after all of the drama unfolded. Honestly, I thought the storyline could’ve wrapped up a few chapters after everything happened because there was nothing else really going on. I thought there may be something poppin’ off with Korrine but, that kind of ended before it began. With her coming back into Sime and Kyla’s lives, I expected there to be way more drama. It just seemed like everything that happened afterwards was unnecessary repetitive dialogue which made the storyline stagnant. However, I loved the family dynamics and the friendships. The Cartwright clan rode hard for one another and had no problem puttin’ them hands on you if necessary. Niecy is the BFF we all deserve. I can’t wait to read her and RJ’s story. Even with my critical viewpoints, I really did enjoy Beyond Measures. It was an exciting read and the suspense was on point. Definitely add this to your TBR.
Profile Image for Dahyana.
631 reviews68 followers
May 9, 2022
Ari x Sime

**Spolier**
Wow. There's a lot to unpack in this book. 1st thing I'll say is that I was not expecting all this drama in this book. Ari…I'm not gonna say that I didn't like her, but it was hard to like her. Not that anything that happened was her fault, but she had soooo much going on, so much baggage. Even though Sime is reformed, he was a little reckless and behaved as if he didn't have a little girl when he decided to pull up to Jordan's apt with his buddy. BUT he was an amazing father to that little girl. I loved it. I love Kimberly Brown and I think she's an amazing story teller. I really liked this story, but it was heavy..and I mean heavy on the drama. It depicted râpë and assault in detail in the pages and I don't think there was a warning.
But overall, this was pretty good. It definitely kept your attention and the family banter was super cute. The love between Ari and Sime was loud in the book and I was here for all of it. We all know Ms. Brown is the queen of sėx scenes, so you know they were 🔥 🔥.
KB is definitely a favorite of mine. So here I go book 2.
Profile Image for Kami Holt.
796 reviews51 followers
October 1, 2021
❤️❤️❤️

This book was Everything! This was my first time reading a book by this author And it will definitely not be the last. Some unexpected twists and turns but it was so worth it. I loved the chemistry and also the family dynamics. Really good
Profile Image for Emillie.
138 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2024
3.5 stars for me. I’m not sure if it was being I feel myself getting into a book slump or not but I found the ending very cringy. But other than that the book was pretty nice. Although I really am interested in Rj and Niecy so I’m excited for the next book.
October 21, 2021
Love That Couldn't Be Measured

OMG... Simeon is definitely bae!! This was a NTMA & I enjoyed this urban romance so much! There is nothing like a tough hood dude being educated, sexy, legally banking & loving so hard on the women in his life! The story of forgiveness was so beautiful! The healing & blinding of families left me speechless. This was absolutely perfectly reflective of true unconditional love! 🎉🎊💯
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,266 reviews23 followers
June 19, 2023
Such a good read… my heart broke for Ari and been through but Sime was amazing in making her feel loved and cherished. I love the relationship between Ari and Kyla such perfection. I was glad they got their HEA and I can’t wait for more from this gang I love the entire family unit
December 12, 2023
This was a good story a 3.75 star read for sure. It reminded me a little bit of the Illest by M. Monique only the girl in this story had an ex that kept harassing her and physically abusing her and she kept allowing him to be in her space without a gun or a taser.

The only reason this story doesn't get a 4 star rating is that it needs to be edited. It feels like all the author did was a spell check before publishing, but it needed an editor. There were words used that weren't necessary that an editor would have spotted all over this book.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
876 reviews30 followers
September 26, 2021
A MUST READ!

Well, I am going to start this review just like this. We are ✌🏾 books in with Mrs. Brown and she is "coming through" hot. 🔥 This book is a masterpiece. It has touched on every topic from narcissistic personality to absent parents with everything else in between. It is most definitely a page turner and will keep your attention.

Sime and Ari were two broken people that leaned on each other while healing. Their romance took a lot of sharp turns to get where they are. Sime really stepped up big time for Ari. Jordan was two shakes from being admitted to a looney bin. Jordan really showed his true colors, but once the ish hit the fan it all came to a tragic end. Sime was right there to pick up the broken pieces. He also solidifies his love for Ari, the wedding was everything. His romance was on a level ten.

This is an exemplary read, Mrs. Brown executed this plot very well. Her character development, storyline, plot twists were on point. You will thoroughly enjoy this story. You will fall in love with little miss Kayla because she is going to steal your heart. ❤️ I am personally still side-eyeing 😒 Korrine because, "how are you going to let someone convince you to leave your child?" It was dumb on Korrine part especially how her sister Tabitha was moving around Sime. It is a lot that happens in this book, but it's well worth the read. Hold on to your "imaginary pearls" because it does take you through the roller coaster of emotions as well.

P.S. I am low key hoping that RJ and Niecy's story is birthed from this book. It would nice to read about them and updates on everyone else.
Profile Image for Jennifer Clark.
333 reviews11 followers
January 15, 2022
Good read..

What a cute love story! Sime did not
play when it came to his family and child like he said..Sime was a perfect boyfriend and wondee husband.
I am truly surprised that he forgive Korrine so quick. I guess that is what you call growth.😒😒
First time reading this author..
43 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2021
thanks ❤️❤️❤️❤️

👏👏👏👏👏👏😍😍😍❤️😘🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰😍loved it beginning to end. This is just really really good reading. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ definitely worth the time. Bravo to this author
Profile Image for DeNae Sheree.
1,106 reviews16 followers
September 30, 2021
First book by the author but not my last

This was a great well written love story. I was drawn in from the fist page. Sime was just swoon worthy, he was the perfect man for Ari. I could tell from the beginning of the book that Jordan didn’t mean any good for Ari. I’m glad she got her mind together and put herself first.

The only thing I would say is maybe a possible trigger warning…maybe there was one and I just missed it. But there were definitely scenes in the book I would have like to be prepared for. But nothing I would deduct a star for. I was thoroughly entertained and the end of the story had a constant smile on my face. Also I loved Kyla, she was definitely a scene stealer.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,341 reviews20 followers
May 12, 2022
GREAT READ

I really enjoyed this book. Sime and Ari were two broken people trying to move forward from their past and current situations. Who would've thought their chance encounter will result in instant sparks and attraction. Sime was definitely bae in this book. A devoted father, boss, and protector. I loved how he easily went into protective mode when it came to Ari dealing with her ex. Kayla was the cutest and the bond she created with Ari was beautiful. I had my suspicions about Tabitha and after her true character was revealed I didn't like her. She did Korrine so wrong but I'm glad Korrine came back to be a better person and didnt cause too many problems. I love to read when a family is close knit and loving. The Cartwrights are definitely that family and one that will have you wanting to know more about each of them. If your looking for a book with strong family ties, brotherhood and friendships I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Shaunphoo.
1,589 reviews12 followers
October 30, 2022
This was everything!

Very good read! Neicey was a real one! I love how both families just came together with no bs and bonded. Jordan was the worst, he couldn't handle rejection and messed around and found out. I was glad that Korrine came to her senses and dropped the case and handled things the correct way to get to know Kayla.
Profile Image for Denishia.
223 reviews14 followers
September 24, 2021
Wow

This is my first book by this author and I can say hands down she is the bomb.com!! Ari is my boo and Sime is my book bae Lawd!!!! Kyla she is my baby and is a spit fire to be 6!!! This story was good I couldn’t put it down!! I don’t know where to start this book had me in my feelings and exs can’t move on and jealous whew!!! I’m not going to tell the story but read this dog gon book!!!! This will definitely not be my last book I read by this author
62 reviews
September 24, 2021
Virginia is for lovers

I absolutely loved this book. Sime was my guy. Ari had her moments where she annoyed me but through and through I understood. I love when the thuggery out man can be soft as cotton for his women but the way Sime openly expressed hisself for Ari no matter who was around was awesome. Whew Jordan. No words. you definitely will enjoy this rest
Profile Image for  Allegra BourbonStreetBookers .
105 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2021
🥰

This was my first read by Kimberly and won’t be my last! Beyond Measures was engaging, enthralling, and a great read! Great job Ms. Brown!
Profile Image for Neka.
1,257 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2021
loved it

This was my first read by this author I really liked this book. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Angelia Rhodes.
1,432 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2022
The Odds

Kimberly has become one of my favorite authors. I love her views on black love. Let's not forget she shows us BBW's so much love.
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,111 reviews25 followers
May 17, 2024
Ok

It dragged in some parts. Poor Ari, she was catching it. Love me some Sime. That Celia Cartwright is a hoot, lol. Good read
6 reviews
April 15, 2022
So many twists and turns!! This is my favorite book so far by Kimberly Brown. Sime was not the one to be played with when it came to his daughter and the woman he loved. This was one of the few books that made me cry. I hate what happened to Ari but was so glad she had a wonderful support system… and we won’t talk about that ex-boyfriend of hers. Smh…. I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!❤️
Profile Image for Mary Mimi Brown.
104 reviews11 followers
March 10, 2023
This book had me from the jump!! It had a great family dynamics the love the main characters shared I loved!! There are some trigger warnings!! I fell in love with the MMC!! Didn’t realize it was a series onto the next book!
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,130 reviews61 followers
October 13, 2021
I see you Kimberly! You are quickly rising on my favorite author list! I am just emotionally spent! The writing was that good! I loved Sime! His swag and confidence was everything! He knew as soon as he met Ari, that she would be someone special in his life. Learning what he had gone through with Korrine was heartbreaking! But, he manned up and was/is a great father to Kyla. Ari, such a sweet person, who cared too much for the wrong man. After having Sime boss up on her for playing games, their relationship unfolded quickly, and was beautiful to see. They complimented each other well, and the way that Ari nurtured, cared for and loved Kyla was amazing! Then he comes the ish…… What was Korrine thinking that she could walk up on Sime like that? She got just what she asked for, very hurt feelings! And I could not believe Jordan! I was so angry, that my hands shook and tears fell as I read what Ari had to endure! 💔 They needed the love and support of both families, as they rallied around them, to heal and find their normalcy again. What Sime did for Ari toward the end made his bae for real, for real! What a great read! Would love to know more about RJ. Hope he and Niecey get their story next. 👍👍👍
Profile Image for Lisette.
529 reviews33 followers
September 26, 2021
What a beautiful story

I really loved everything about this story. This is a New To Me Author and I am so glad to have found her. This was a full story, told with all the details to keep you from guessing what, where, when, why, or how because she told this story thoroughly. I am in love with the love that Sime has for Ari and vise versa. I loved how his vulnerability was told in a way that didn't seem unrealistic. I loved how the family dynamic wasn't picture perfect but they had a good family unit. This story had all the elements of a really wonderful Black Romance, with just a side of hood, but a lot of drama and trauma(that I was NOT prepared for). I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. I honestly look forward to reading books about Black people that are multidimensional. And she did this beautifully.
Kudos to Kimberly Brown! You definitely have a fan in me!
Profile Image for Naomi.
117 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2022
This was just too fast for me. Same for the 2 other books if Ms Brown that I read. I don’t particularly like slow burns because I don’t like slow. But this was just too fast. On the same night they met she was already telling him about some personal stuff from her relationship with her bf and I was like😕❓❓��why? Why are you already telling him this you don’t know him. 3 days later she broke up with her bf and he invited her to stay at his house ❓❓ uhhh no sir ??
The conversations looked so fake? Is this how African Americans talk? I don’t live in the US so i don’t really know but all the convos just seemed so unnatural and awkward🥴 also the fmc randomly starting to calm her man "daddy" in the middle of the story🥴🥴
No thank you

The 2 stars is for baby Kyla (she was sooo sweet🥹😍), Memphis and Niecy, and also mama Cartwright bc she ain’t messing with nobody 😂😂
406 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2021
Ask boring and so long for no reason!!!!

This started it out so good but became just too long, stagnant and boring that I was just skipping pages to get to the end.
Ari was getting on my nerves and this break she took, if I was Sime, I would have dropped her already…
Too much unnecessary drama for no reason….
419 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2021
Excellent Book!🙌🏾🌟

This book was CRAZY, but SO good!!!! Ari & Sime definitely had a lot of chemistry from the very beginning, but I was not expecting their journey to so full of twists and turns...and janky potholes.😂 But seriously, this was a rollercoaster ride of a book at times. And while, based on the description, I knew the ex was going to bring static, it wasn't the ex I was expecting and I never dreamed it would get as chaotic as it did. One thing that I really liked though was that regardless of how chaotic it got around them, Ari & Sime's connection was unwavering. Sime was 10 toes down for Ari, literally from day 1. And it was their connection, which grew into love, that really held them down through some crazy situations. Kyla was too precious and Ari's love and embracing of her from the beginning was beautiful. I also loved the dynamic of Sime and his brothers. Their love and support was unconditional as was Ari's bestie, Niecy. Some parts of this book were so raw and real that it was almost too hard to read, but Sime and Ari were so raw and real that I think it was necessary. There was a lot of passion, a lot of emotions, a lot of storms, a lot of pain, a lot of healing, a lot of restoration, a lot of love.❤️ Absolutely 5 ⭐️ Stars!
November 20, 2021
No measure to their love

Wooo! This was so good! Got me all emotional and stuff. Throat hurting and watery eyes. These allergies got to be something else while reading this book!

The journey to love ain’t easy especially when you have to learn to love yourself first before loving someone else. Ari didn’t start out loving herself. She was in a relationship with someone who was not meant for her. She didn’t value herself enough to put herself first. We as women put up with so much from men, it ain’t even funny.
Sime had been through his on relationship trauma. His only saving grace from that relationship was his beautiful daughter that he was raising on his own. He put away that life and became a man for a woman who wasn’t ready for him. He vowed to never get caught up in or out there over a woman again unless she was the one.
The trials and tribulations these two went through to get to forever was a lot and my emotions were all over the place. Such a well written book across the board. Far exceeded my expectations. Some was my favorite character because he was a straight fool! Had me cracking up! His mama, Mrs. Celia was a close second because she was slick mouthed too and funny!

One of my favorite parts in the book:
“Sime turned to our guests and pulled his jacket aside. He cleared his throat, showing off the gun in his holster. Everyone started laughing.”
Profile Image for Ebony.
1,107 reviews105 followers
October 24, 2021
Through thick and thin

Sime was everything! Normally urban romances are over the top for me, but I really enjoyed these characters. Sime was a stubborn, hotheaded, finer than all get out business owner reformed street dude. Sime loved deeply and that was evident in the careful way he took care of his daughter and his immediate protection for Ari. His loyalty was unmatched, even if extra at times it was clearly felt.

Ariyanna was beautiful, yet humble, sweet, and caring. She was resilient throughout a terrible ordeal with an abusive, controlling ex boyfriend. With Sime he treated her like the queen she was out the gate. The relationship Ari crafted with Kyla was the sweetest thing.

I really enjoyed the family dynamics and the way they showed up for each other.

There were a lot of grammatical errors which caused me to have to reread several sentences.

Overall I enjoyed this urban romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews

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