Rhythm's Blues

by Kimberly Brown, Morris Kellswater (Narrator), Charlie L. Wood (Narrator)

Being the girlfriend of a successful rapper isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Rhythm Baker, a successful occupational therapist, held it down for Raheem, her boyfriend of three years, without much complaining. After moving across the country to support his career and their relationship, Rhythm has grown increasingly uncomfortable with Raheem's inappropriate behavior and inflated ego. Feeling disrespected, unappreciated, and unheard, she moves out of the home they share, ending their relationship. Despite his recent moves, Raheem isn’t willing to let her go so easily.

Channing Watson, a renowned music producer, meets Rhythm by chance when he’s called by his mother to change a flat tire at her therapy clinic. With their connection unknown and instant attraction fueled by lust, a one-night stand becomes inevitable. Though she thought it was over, Rhythm and Channing continue to run into each other, and feelings become just as inevitable as the night of passion they shared. Complications arise when they discover that Channing is in fact Raheem’s new producer and Rhythm is his ex.

Though their entanglement is messy, Rhythm and Channing’s connection only grows deeper as they navigate the potential fallout that’s sure to come. With Raheem unwilling to let go or do right, Rhythm is ready to move on and be happy, but will the solace she finds in Channing’s presence be ruined once their relationship comes to the light?

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Audiobook, Urban, Contemporary, African American, Contemporary Romance

1 pages, Audio CD

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

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.

Follow her social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkimber...
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kimbe...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkimbe...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKBrown

Reviews

[Anayah · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. No complaints.

Channing 😭 the MAN you are honey. WHEW. This made me clutch my pearls.

I will be reading this again. I recommend you read it too. It had just the right amount of love, drama, and fun.

Pre-read:

This cover is STUNNING. I am captivated. I can't NOT read it. I have no idea what it's about, but let's dive in anyway 🙃

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

- Had so much fun with this one! The mess and drama had me on the edge of my seat while the romance kept me swooning. Such an easy and quick read!!
- The story did get a bit slower the last 50 pages, but overall it was one of those reads that I will continue to recommend. Channing and Rythym were everyyything!
- If you enjoy Natasha Bishop or Briann Danae’s writing, you’ll really love this one. Can’t wait to read more from this author!

[LexRead · Rating 2 out of 5]

It just wasn’t written well…there was no complexity to the writing and no depth to the characters..the story was very predictable and surface level. Wouldn’t recommend this one…

[Annette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

After dating her rapper boyfriend for three years, Rhythm is quickly learning everything that glitters ain’t gold. Raheem’s ego has suddenly become overinflated and he’s been movin’ real funny lately. He’s stayin’ out later than normal, his studio sessions are runnin’ longer, and he’s being photographed a lil too much for her comfort with his labelmate. Rhythm is pretty sure Raheem is cheating but, she doesn’t have any concrete proof she can confront him with. When Raheem dismisses her concerns then tries to gaslight her, Rhythm has finally had enough and moves out of their home.

Channing is the super producer to the stars and he also happens to be producing Raheem’s new album. When he and Rhythm meet, they have no idea of the multiple connections they have in common. But, what Channing does know is he wants to know more about the sexy Occupational Therapist that has captured his attention. He was intentional from the moment he bumped into Rhythm. Channing was a man who knew what he wanted and he played no games. He wanted him some Rhythm Baker and he intended to have her. “I’m not the type of ninja that waits for somebody to tell me I can have something. If I want it, I get it. So, yo ninja is just gon’ have to take his L in good stride cause I want you.” Whew! Y’all heard that BDE right?!!!

I loved everything about Rhythm’s Blues. I loved the chemistry between Rhythm and Channing. I loved the protective parents. I loved Gram. I loved how Channing loved him some Koda. I loved that KB shined a spotlight on these gossipin’ azz men. Yes, they are just as messy as women. I loved the relationship and girl talk between Rhythm and Monique. If you not tryin’ to move across the country to Cali to help me sooth my broken heart, you can’t be my friend. And, I definitely loved that Daddy Baker was ready to knuck if you buck with Raheem. Cause, what he not gon’ do is play with his baby girl. This book was a good time from start to finish and I could’ve easily read another 100 pages.

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Seriously, I NEED the energy that Channing put into the whole book. WHERE IS MY CHANNING !!! What is that saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure"? Here we have Rhythm, who is the girlfriend of Raheem, a rapper. Despite their tight-lipped lowkey relationship, Raheem is starting to get a bit comfortable with this labelmate, and that's when things take a turn for the worst. Rhythm is not interested in seeing disrespect after making the difficult decision to go from South Carolina to California. She is prepared to move on peacefully. Rhythm, who is recently single, keeps bumping into Channing. They seem destined to be together, and their connection deepens with each encounter. Despite the obvious connection, things become complicated due to Channing's role as Raheem's new album's producer. Rhythm has to decide whether to pursue the potential romance with Channing or to just forgive Raheem and move forward. Everything that transpired and was disclosed in the novel was well-paced, and I enjoyed reading it. As far as audacity goes, Raheem was FULL of it.

[Shae Wills · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was basic. I need BookTok to be so serious.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was too cute. Channing was a mannn honey. And Grams was hilarious.. bless her heart. I forgot how good Kimberly's pen game was😍

[Kameel · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars🎧…..when I read myself…


⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 2nd read was the audiobook….not familiar with the narrators…they were not my cup of tea….not the right fit for these characters to me. Loss a star for the narrators

[eb ✩ · Rating 2 out of 5]

i really tried to enjoy this but i wanted to dnf it at several points. :( the writing was just very basic no complexity, storyline was giving 2015 wattpad.. i just didn’t enjoy it sadly.

[Jahni · Rating 5 out of 5]

damnnn.. i read this shit in one day AND in one sitting. all i can say is that i was very immersed and intrigued by both the characters and plot — shit ain’t overused and dialogues between rhythm & channing was so sweet.. ugh my goddamn heart.

RHYTHM.
now i love this woman so much and i was loving her already first chapter and that’s something coming from me. she don’t take any bs from ANYBODY and knows what she wants. she be talking her shit back and definitely ain’t a doormat. her personality is *chef’s kiss* she’s independent and got goals for herself. the way she has nipple piercings too.. i’m about to pass away.

CHANNING.
first i’m going to start with how this man handles himself and when he mentions he’s attractive.. i took his word for it, not only is he respectful but MOSTLY to his mother, grandma and rhythm?? god knows i need a man like that.

i’m so happy i gave kimberly brown a chance because being a black person and reading about my culture and able to feel comfortable to read, it’s a relief. there would be sayings how black people couldn’t act a certain way or be a certain something but kimberly shut that shit down.

this book shows you what it’s like to be in a healthy relationship between two characters, there were no scenes where rhythm and channing miscommunicated or argued. no breaking up, no nothing. i cried because he realized he was in love with her.. man.

i’ll be honest though because they didn’t really put a label on it but they KNEW they belonged to each other, so with that said.. this book is perfection. i’m sad it is over but i’m also glad i got to read it. i’m looking forward to more books from this author in the future.

[Diamond °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just wanna start this review off with the obvious. If I had the ability to jump through my kindle and slap the fu……. Raheem that’s what you get🫵🏽

Anywho Rhythm (loved her name so much) and Channing was a beautiful couple. I’m so happy Rhythm got what she deserved and that Channing did as well. Such a cute short read🥹

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly Brown can't write a bad book, that's for sure.

I loveeee her writing so much, and how she makes every character feel real. And I love how she writes love, like these two are head over heels for each other and it's been clear from the very beginning.

The romance was perfect, the music inclusion always welcome, the audiobook pretty good (I feel like the narrators fit the characters for the most part) and the storyline engaging. All the Raheem drama made this juicy with a capital J, I don't even mind that he had so much page time.

It may have taken me a while to get to this, but I'm so glad I finally did.

[Brooke ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

October 2025:

4/5 stars!!

OKAY SUCCESSFUL DNF FLIPPPPPPP!!! This proves my theory that sometimes- a book is just better as an audiobook. I won't lie when i tried initially reading this last year it read like...meh to me. Very deep fried very :/ except the cover was beautiful so i was very salty i didnt enjoy it 😭.

HOWEVAAAAAAA when i saw my library had it on audio and it was available on libby? I'll try anything twice!! The narrators SAVEDDDDDDD this omg. They did such a good job!!! Channing>>>>> I also loved that Rhythm finallllyyyy was a FMC who stood on business!!! Like YESSS FINALLY THIS IS WHAT WE LIKE TO SEEE



August 2024:

Oh this is a QUICK DNF lmaooooooooo

Deep fried, high contrast instagram in 2014 picsart collage (with picsart logo) with jays that are too big energy is all i will say.

No rating cause this truly may eat down, but i just could not get through it.

Beautiful cover and title though.

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhythm x Channing

Fun!
Kimberly Brown is one of the very few authors who can grab my attention in a story and keep it the entire book. Rhythm was in a dead-end relationship with rapper Raheem whose ego is getting the best of him. After getting a little more than too chummy with his labelmate too many times, Rhythm said no more and walked…literally into Channing.
These two met at her place of work, but they had no idea how small the degree of separation was between them. Happenstance kept them running into each other. The attraction was there from the get-go, so It was almost inevitable for them. Channing's energy was 🤤 🥰🤤.
I love the chemistry, I love the banter, I love the family, I love the dialogue and I love the sëx̌.
Rhythm and Channing were fun, sex̌y and they matched each other's sëxůal energy.

[Quana (the black regina george) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen… I don’t even care for romance books like that. I usually avoid them because a lot of times, it’s the same tired story—especially when it comes to Black women. But Rhythym’s Blues? This one hit different. I picked it up during my shift at work thinking I’d just read a few chapters to pass the time. Baby, I read the whole thing. Couldn’t put it down.

☆☆☆☆☆ (5 stars)

First off, let’s talk about this cover. Stunning. That deep blue with the beautiful artwork? It’s giving grown, soft, and sexy. It's the kind of book you wanna hold just a little longer because it's that gorgeous. Kimberly Brown knew what she was doing with that.

But what really pulled me in was how this book shows a Black woman being loved right. Not begging for love. Not settling. Not lost in a relationship trying to find herself. She already knows who she is—and that’s the kind of love story I’ve been waiting for. So many of us have been taught we have to shrink or change to be loved, but Kimberly Brown said, “Nah, sis, you’re worthy just as you are.”

Reading this felt personal. It made me feel seen. Like for real. It gave me hope. Hope that real love exists, and that it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your peace or identity. This book reminded me that softness, care, and joy belong to us too.

I also had the chance to talk to Kimberly Brown about this book, and it was such a dope experience. She’s so real and intentional about writing stories that reflect our truths. I’ll definitely be reading more of her work very soon.

If you’re looking for a book where a Black woman is centered, celebrated, and loved on, Rhythym’s Blues is it. Trust me.

[Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars


Firstly, I hated the language in the book the author often described the same things over and over again. I mean if I took a shot for every time I read the words “vibe” and “sensual” I would die from alcohol poisoning. Honestly, there are other words in the English language like please!!!

Second rhythm talks about finding herself when I’m sitting here dumbfounded trying to find when the hell she did that. She spent literally no meaningful time truly by herself. If she was alone she was crying and she rarely was alone. She always had Nique or Channing as company. This is not the issue I have, my issue is the fact that the author is trying to convince us that she went on some type of healing journey trying to find herself when she didn’t. She just went from one man to another which is okayyy but let’s be honest about that. There was nothing that she did for herself, the girl didn’t even live by herself. She had no real internal conflict. If she did then that probably means that I have poor reading comprehension skills but I didn’t recall any.

Thirdly, they always had to bring up sex or something sexual. Then have the nerve to give monologues saying how they “vibe on a deeper level than sex” okay then please stfu about it. In a normal conversation yall wanna bring up pussy juice and dick size like hang it up!!!

Lastly, I didn’t read the blurb so I went in blind, however I read the blurb after and it literally gives away so much of the plot and it spoils things I actually found interesting. Had I read the blurb this would be sitting at a one point five stars

[Yani ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

yikes the writing was awful! this story had such great potential but it just ended up being boring and really horny. couldn’t feel the chemistry between the characters, and none of them were likable. i had to skim through the last 20% bc i honestly couldn’t take anymore

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhythm Baker made the sacrifice and moved cross country to support her man’s rap career. She got her therapy business up and running and things were going well. Until Raheem started moving funny, and Rhythm’s gut was telling her something was off. She did all she could to try to get them back on track, but Raheem’s ego had taken over his life. He was the man and wasn’t trying to hear what Rhythm was talking about. Fed up, she left. I can do bad by my damn self!

Channing, a laid-back man who is excelling in his professional life as a music producer. He has a big heart, and enjoys caring for his mother and granny, as they sacrificed so much for him. When Channing literally bumps into Rhythm at the therapy clinic, sparks fly and the idea is planted, I want her. Unbeknownst to either of them, the connections they have in common.

This had the potential to be soooo messy, but Channing was not going to let anything stand in the way of him and Rhythm taking this to the next level. He was ready to show Raheem how Cali men get down. 😂 Can we talk about those gossiping ass men? Just couldn’t wait to tell it! 👀 Ughh.. 😤

Nique was my girl. We all need a friend/sister like her. Ready to hop a plane and throw hands for you or open those arms and let you booo hooo if you need to. I loved the ease in which Channing and Rhythm’s relationship grew. It could have been awkward and uncomfortable, but they just fit, as if they should have been together all along. The family relationships were great and loved granny. That damn Raheem had the gall of 100 men, with all the ish he was doing. Like really? 🤬Glad he finally got some act right. Really enjoyed this read. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[WellReadRuby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that's was an awkward listening party! LOL

Everyone wants to fall in love and have a happy ever after with their childhood crush. For Rhythm that was Raheem. Unfortunately for Rhythm that reality was fading with Raheem becoming more distant and seen publicly with his label mate. It took Rhythm standing on business and leaving the home they shared for her to meet fine-ass Channing! I just feel like that name gives off fine! Lol, three encounters with Channing made it the charm for a bomb one-night stand! Now there's the messy part….. Channing is producing Raheems new album!! Big yikes! Lol This story unfolded and the drama was just enough to keep you entertained to the HEA. I will admit it wasn't until a certain event that I realized who Rhythm was going to choose. So I loved reading and just not knowing where her heart was going to fall. Also, I loved the small ways Channing and Rhythm realized they were connected! It really was so sweet to read! Don't let the sweetness fool you though because they did get down! 🔥 I definitely would recommend this book and I enjoyed this read by Kimberly Brown!

[Shades N Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I like Rhythm—she is confident and secure in herself and she never felt the need to change herself for a man. Biggest Flex if you ask me. She held the wrong man down and got disrespected in the process. Thankfully, she met Channing and he showed her the real. Ain’t nothing like a man who is intentional with everything that he does. Channing was definitely that man and he knew what he wanted in Rhythm and he played no games.. Things slowed down after Raheem pulled up on Channing and the story started to turn into fluff. Important scenes weren’t fleshed out on page and it just felt like something was missing. Overall this is a solid story but it need more development and a little more angst to take it to the next level

[Adwoa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite impressed with just how terrible this is. Very impressed.

[Bookish Baddie ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberly Brown is officially an auto buy author for me! Loved this book!

[Lyss ꨄ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I love you, Rhythm. Meeting you was by chance, but loving you is by far the best thing I've experienced. You're it for me, baby."

𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 & 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴
Im so conflicted because this couple was soooo fun; Channing and Rhythm were perfect for each other, and I enjoyed the little moments they had together. And though I loveeee drama, the book spent a lot of time focusing on Rhythm’s relationship with her ex, and I wish the story would have focused on her relationship with Channing sooner.

There was still drama with her ex 75% in, I wanted to read the love story between the MC’s and not have so much drama more towards the end of the story, especially because I felt like their relationship still needed developing, and all the continued drama with her ex hindered that.

𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦𝘴
🎵 black romance

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴
💙 he falls first
🎵 one night stand
💙 friends with benefits
🎵 occupational therapist x music producer

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m a bit torn on my rating. On the one hand the errors and misuse of words distracted me, which took away from the story. Especially the lack of consistency with describing the FMC’s eyes. In one chapter they were described as brown and further in the story they’re referenced as being hazel. 🤦🏾‍♀️

Yet, the overall story was decent. I do wish the FMC would’ve stood on business with Raheem sooner than she had. She was too wishy washy for me, even after her friend pressed her for a decision.

All the signs were there, I don’t know why she needed what eventually happened. If you’re asking your sneaky link if he saw something. You know there’s something to see.

I see why others enjoyed it. But all in all this was meh.

I will say I’m curious about the series being raved about on IG. Maybe I’ll check that sooner than later.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4.4 stars for me! I can see why it's beloved. Found just a few of the dialogues and interior monologues to be a bit cringe so that knocked off a couple points, but for the most part I was living and couldn't put this down! Channing is in the neighborhood of my exact flavor of book boyf. and the spicy scenes were hot! Def recommend. <333

[Jass Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY LOVED!

Channing..Channing..Channing is all I say after reading Rhythm's Blues. From the beginning to the end he came all the way correct! There are so many things I loved about him we would be here ALL day. If Rhy thought she could get rid of Chan that easy, life laughed in her face more than once, like four or five different ways to be exact.

5% in, I was on Rhy and Heem's side, I felt like I understood where the both of them were coming from. I made a note that said, "I feel like both of them are right. But also men are embarrassing, so he'll probably prove me dead ass wrong." And BOYYYY did he prove me wrong! Just embarrassing bro.

My favorite parts: the girl talks between Nique and Rhy, Ms. Shay checking behind her son, the cameo from Rhyon and Emerald, and Rhy's daddy was ON GO the whole book! Grams is my absolute favorite, she may have had dementia but her spirit was everything.

Extra favorite part that has nothing to do with nothing: When Ms. Tanya tried, heavy on the tried, to holla at Channing and she said Chocolate can be white too. I HOLLERED for a long time, cause WHAAAAt? lmao.

Baby, Imma just go ahead and read Ms. Kimberly's entire catalog causeeee baby, how fast I read this is crazy! As always, she write it, imma read it. A must read, this is the breath of fresh air I have been looking for.

[Deb Cakes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m so over BookTok and the bad recommendations.

I DNF. I wouldn’t recommend this book, but if you’re going to give it a shot, skip the audio version and just read it. The narrators were completely off—they enunciated every single syllable so perfectly that it actually sound robotic like AI. It was super cringy. Honestly, though, the writing didn’t help—it lacked depth, the dialogue was immature, and overall, it was hard to take seriously.

The constant use of the word “baby” and all the random cursing? Just unnecessary. Bring back romance novels that have a slow burn and more to offer than just spice from the men’s point of view. The spice in this book was just weird and completely over the top. Literally every character was sexualizing someone, like the grandmother for instance. It didn’t add anything to the story because there was no real chemistry between the main characters—just shallow, physical attraction.

[Genel F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wrong Tempo

3.25

Ugh, I really did enjoy Rhythm’s journey. Initially, the story seemed realistic and relatable. Then all of a sudden it just didn’t for me. It became extremely cheesy over-the-top and unnecessary. The increase of details about money, and properties just felt extra to me. I was not a fan of the idea that a basketball player stopped the game to give somebody his number. There were several instances where the timing just didn’t flow, weeks and months were used almost interchangeably.

[Gina Loves 2 Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was messy, but highly entertaining! I was rooting for Rhythm throughout the entire book. I'm glad she got the love that she so greatly deserved. She knew her worth and she refused to settle for less. Her character development made my heart smile!
If you're looking for an engaging book packed with drama, romance and plenty of spice, this one is for you!