After All is Said and Done

Against All Odds #3

by Kimberly Brown

Can a friendship survive turning into a relationship?

Memphis Cartwright knows all too well what it’s like being in love with your best friend. Lovey Lavias has been the object of his affection for twenty years and now she’s finally his. With new love and the birth of their son, Memphis tries to settle into the life he’s always dreamed of with the woman he’s always loved. That proves to be no easy task if her now ex-husband has anything to do with it.

Lovey Lavias is no stranger to heartbreak. Coming out of a toxic marriage where love and loyalty kept her enslaved, she enters a relationship with her best friend of twenty years. Finally receiving all the love and happiness she deserves, she is elated.

When a near fatal accident almost claims the life of her ex-husband, loyalty is tested and lines are crossed. Can Memphis and Lovey weather the storm brewing or were they better off as friends?

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2022

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.

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Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baaaaaaabbbbyyyyy, when I tell y’all I wanted to pull up on Lovey Lavias something fierce! Lovey pissed me TF off! How dare she be so willfully ignorant to Carson’s behavior! A blind man could see the shyt he was pulling from a mile away but, all of a sudden, he’s a changed man?!!! I don’t fault Lovey for wanting a peaceful coexistence with her ex-husband but, she was well aware that Carson was a master manipulator and, yet, she still allowed him to manipulate her. She literally risked it all trying to keep the peace with her trash azz ex. Then had the audacity to get pissed off when Memphis said he didn’t trust her after the shyt he walked in on! Really heffa?!!! Lovey’s naiveté put a bad taste in my mouth and earned her a temporary spot on my shyt list. Memphis already knew what time it was and, for the sake of the kids, tried to be as patient as he could about the entire situation. But, Carson just kept poking the bear and testing his gangsta. Memphis had to put them hands on him more than once for him to see the light. You gotta love his audacity though. Carson was on some Ken level audacity the way he kept steppin’ the Memphis but, after that last azz whoopin’ he put on him, Carson finally realized he was not getting his ex-wife back. I’m just happy Memphis and Lovey were able to have a conversation, resolve their issues, and get back to being happy. They’ve been waiting 20 years for each other. Ain’t nobody tryin’ to let Carson’s petty azz tear them apart. After All Is Said and Done was a damn good read. I devoured this book in a few hours and I’m a slow reader so, that’s saying a lot. I can’t believe we have to say goodbye to the Cartwright clan. I have enjoyed this family immensely and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an update on all of them.

[LaShaun’s Literary Lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good afternoon to everybody but Lovey. Good Lord, she tap danced on my last nerve! 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW....This couple Lovey & Memphis really went through a lot to get to their HEA...This was a friends to lovers story...childhood best friends...Memphis was always in love with Lovey...Lovey married her high school sweetheart who basically dogged her out...the couple had a set of twins and Memphis was the godfather...he helped her get through countless issues with her husband to include other women...as her best friend he was definitely there for Lovey....One day the two of them finally go up the courage to tell one anther how they really felt....which resulted in a relationship, a baby and an engagement...Thus the trouble begins....this first 2 years of their relationship was extremely rocky...including a break-up....but after a real conversation the couple decided to put the work in to get back on the right track....

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the record show *in my Claire Huxtable voice* 🗣️I DID NOT LIKE LOVEY!!! IDC IDC IDC!!! She is one female character that never changed how I felt about her. Memphis and Lovey had been friends since they were 12 and 20 years later after her many failed relationships, a failed marriage and constant heartbreak she finally realizes that with Memphis was were she belonged the entire time?! I call BS! If you ask me Memphis was too good for Lovey and friends is where they should’ve left things. I understand that Memphis was madly in love with her, so much so that he never allowed himself to take another woman seriously and I honestly hated that for him. While she was out there living her best life he was waiting in the sidelines. So now where at the point where Memphis and Lovey have been together for a few years and even have a baby and just when it seems like Memphis had the life he’s craved with the woman he’s always loved, here comes b*tch @$$ Carson! But I don’t even blame him because a manipulator is only going to do what he was born to do! Like Richard Sr. said, when you entertain a clown, what does he do? More clownish shit. It baffled me how easy Carson was able to slime his way between Memph and Lovey and she not see what type of time he was on. From the very first lunch, even her assistant knew he was on bs and said she didn’t trust him as far as she could throw him. Everyone saw Carson’s bs but you Lovey?! Nah sis! You were straddling that fence something tough. Even when Carson said say you don’t love me and mean it you were quiet as a church mouse. Had Lovey actually put her foot down and meant what she said I would’ve felt differently about her but nah!! THEN!! Then you had the unmitigated gall to get mad at Memph when he said he didn’t trust you!!! Memphis was not wrong and shouldn’t have been the one apologizing first. I really wish he would’ve stood his ground but us women sure do know how to flip the script and guilt trip a n*gga 🫣 Memphis deserved better and I wouldn’t have minded Lovey getting a taste of her own medicine seeing Memphis be loved on by another woman. I really enjoyed this family and it was good catching up on Sime, RJ, their women and even the kids with SJ bad @ss 🤣. Reading KB is a guaranteed good time!

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovey x Memphis

Wow, Lovey was something else. Although I understand where she’s coming from, her behavior and naivety was still frustrating. Sis wanted peace in her family, so I get it. But the entire time I was screaming at her, girl, don’t do it. Memphis was 😍😍. Everything he does was just so damn hot to me. I'm not a smoker, I don't care for it, but when Memphis talks about rolling one smokinģ that shît, filling his lungs...😍 his daddy skills😍😍…nothing hotter.
I loved loved loved this series. These characters Ms. Brown created managed to get under your skin, but they’re so lovable. You just can’t help it. These brothers are everything. Their bonds and camaraderie just put such a smile on your face. RJ and Memphis’ stories are my favorite, but the entire series is really good because K.B. just doesn’t miss. Love her work. 

[Emillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful. This is a perfect representation on how couple relationships aren’t always perfect. The love they had for each other was beautiful.

[Naomi'sBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I👏🏾did👏🏾not👏🏾like👏🏾Lovey!!!! That is all.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovey had the Wrong Name!

Lovey-Dovey had the wrong name. How could she be so gullible? I have some swamp land in a warzone I could sell her... Sheesh! At one point, I wanted Memphis to head to Texas to see if he could find his woman's sense. Lovey fell for her ex-husband's okay doke, time after time. She'd known Memphis for twenty years and still did not trust her heart. So when he'd had enough of her shenanigans with her ex Carson, I was ready for him to move on. But somehow, things worked in her favor. Lovey is lucky I did not write her story; Missy would be miserable right now. So readers, If you can tolerate Lovey's wishy-washy side, this is a good story. Memphis will make it worth the trip.

[Camisha Crisp · Rating 5 out of 5]

All there is trust

I have tried to write this review several times. I don’t have all the words to describe to you how damn good this book is. You want to hug and fight Memphis and Lovey several times throughout this book. If you’ve read Kimberly Brown’s books before you already know you are in for a top tier romance . If this is your first time, buckle up!! Read This!!

[DeNae Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This story was so good. I’m glad that Memphis and Lovey got their love story. Memphis was the perfect partner and father. Lovey definitely almost fumbled a good man. I’m glad she got it together cause she was on my last nerve.

[Eri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovey was irritating me so bad throughout the book. I didn’t understand how she could be so naive after everything she went through. I’m glad her and Memphis got their happy ending. This was a nice series!

[Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD READ

I enjoyed reading Memphis and Lovey's story. After a twenty year friendship and mutual feelings for each other, they finally decide to take the next step and officially become a couple. Memphis was a good respectable man but he could only take so much disrespect from Carson. Lovey's naivete towards Carson was enough to make me want to shake her and say wake up. You've been with a witness to this man's manipulative ways so why are you falling for it again. Lovey and Memphis relationship was really tested in this story at times wondering will this be the end for them or can their love for each other outweigh the problems. I was happy love prevailed, mutual understandings were made and they got their happily ever after with a new blessing to the family.

[Pamela session · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing ❤

I was intrigued by this story it had me on my feet shouting for joy rooting for them lovey and Memphis was thee couple yesssss 😘😘😍😍😍😍 the way it flowed was simply amazing I so love this series ❤book bae yesssssss Kimberly brown is thee best ❤💖💕

[Verlana Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember When A Person Shows You Who They Are Believe Them

Kimberly Brown good read. I was all in my feelings with this read. I don't know why we just want to believe a person when everything they have done has been underhanded. When I say I love these brothers Memphis is such a giver, he thinks first usually. I feel he had every right to act as he did.
I get why Lovey responded as she did with Carson but she had to learn to lead with her head and not her heart. I was so glad when she finally woke up. A great series🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[Girl Truss Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🔥🔥

It was really nice to see Memphis and Lovely, but that da*n Lovely made me want to slap her. Like how can you trust someone like Carson so easily and defend him because you want to play nice for the kids. I’m all for co-parenting but with a ex like Carson you have to move with caution and make sure your current man is always there never put yourself in positions that cause unnecessary situations and Lovely learned first hand she could have lost her soulmate for a F-boy!

That conversation with Carson at the end should have been done in the beginning to avoid those good ol a** beatings he got 🤣🤣🤣

Kimberly Brown you have given us another awesome book and I am looking for more like a Cartwright 2.0 🤣🤣🤣

[Stacey Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Now THAT was a good book! Just wow... Memphis and Lovey went through a lot to get back to just them. I really hated that Lovey didn't trust and believe Memphis' initial thoughts on Carson. He was right about Carson from jump... But I really enjoyed the ending. I mean, a few more chapters wouldn't have hurt lol, but that's because I thoroughly enjoy reading books by this author. This is another MUST READ!

[Q. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-years!

Mrs. Brown, you are on a hot streak and I'm here for it. I had been anticipating Memphis and Lovey's story for what seemed like forever. It was well executed and you did not disappoint. It was past time for Memphis and Lovey to live in their ecstasy. A love that had been built for over twenty years is a love that will never wither no matter the obstacles. Their happily ever after did not come without any drama. Their drama came in human form from a man named Carson.

My heart went out to Memphis and Lovey. I could understand both sides of the disagreement over Carson's actions. There were parts in the novel where Lovey got on my nerves being so naive and gullible over a master manipulator. It's hard for a zebra to change his stripes and Carson's intentions stayed the same. Carson realized he lost a good woman once Memphis claimed Lovey. He was trying every route to get Lovey back. He tried but wasn't successful. I couldn't imagine being in a twenty-year friendship with the love of my life and having to witness her being played in her face. That is exactly what Memphis experience with that clown 🤡 named Carson. Memphis was a patient man and waited twenty years for his forever. He made sure it was known because he didn't mind laying hands over any disrespect towards Lovey. Memphis had to gut-check Carson a few times. Memphis and Lovey's love withstood through it all. They have the house, kids, and businesses to prove it.

Mrs. Kim, you had done it again. It was wonderful to catch up with the family. Mama Cartwright is still the same she doesn't take any mess. Sime needs prayer and a few parenting tips. 🤣 If you ever feel like giving us some updates through a novella or novel, I will take it. I am hoping this isn't the last we read about this family. If by any chance you have not got into this series, I recommend you do. However, please start with Sime's story in Beyond Measures: An Urban Romance and just keep reading. All three brothers are the other's keepers. You will be highly entertained.

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

You did it again Kimberly, but that damn Lovey grated on my nerves! Had to pop some pain pills and everything! 😂 Okay Lovey, I get wanting to get along with your ex for the sake of the kids, but this ain't that! You set no boundaries and let him run things like you don't know him! How did you not see what that 🤡 was doing? You allowed him to manipulate you yet again and put your relationship in jeopardy! Poor Memphis! He loved the hell out of Lovey, and was finally realizing his dream of being with her. But, she was pushing him to his limit, by not heeding his warnings about Carson's intentions! Memphis is yo man! A man can see what another man is up to, especially with a track record like his! Ughhhhh...... I was so worried that they wouldn't make it due to Lovey's numerous mistakes, but Memphis allowed her some grace! So, sis you got a good one, cause there are many Memphis' out here! Good read! 👍👍👍

[Sheena Quilens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Omg this story was fire!!! Memphis was a good man and had loved Lovey for years. I loved how good of a father and man that Memphis was. Lovey had a good heart but in the mist of it she put her relationship in a bad place.Carson couldn't see pass what he wanted. Carson was a great father but a messed up man. I'm so glad that Lovey and Memphis got it together.

[Milcah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love wins

I really liked this story. However, I was over Lovey’s naïveté when it came to Carson. Her behavior, though it came from a good place, allowed too much room for mixed signals. Memphis’s feelings were warranted, and I didn’t feel an ounce of sympathy for Lovey when it blew up in her face. I’m
glad they found their way back to one another though.

[Marsha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a man loves a woman

Wow! That’s what I was left with after this book. I couldn’t put it down because Lovey was a lot. It was very nice to read about a positive brother. It’s a beautiful story of love and confusion. The blended families and breaking strong ties.

Anyone hanging on to the past should read this book. It’s not that long and it’s never boring.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Memphis and Lovey's story was good although she was on my nerves with how she was behaving with Carson. I Think they were meant to be, I enjoyed the family bonds in this series it warms my heart to Read about strong supportive black families. I really enjoyed reading these books. Great series!

[Alantaye Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovey was very annoying and dismissive of Memphis’ feelings about her trying to be cordial with her ex who had made it clear multiple times that he wanted to get back with her. The fact that she had to basically sneak and have lunch with him proves that she had no business doing it. She was cooking food and bringing it to his job; she was playing a dangerous game.

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

After All

Lovey found a piece of happiness but Carson wanted a second chance. Too little too late but he certainly stirred up a mess. I honestly didn’t know if they would make it or not!

[Jimette J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Those Cartwright Men

Lovey made me hot! Why girl are you so stupid?
Memphis….loved him and he did the right thing to step back. Damn woman!
Carter could go to hell!
I couldn’t put this book down; read it straight through. Can you tell?
Now I need an update on all the brothers

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series

With the way lovey was acting, I was not expecting her to get a happy ending. She emotionally put Memphis through it. However, I enjoyed reading about the siblings. Great series.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot💗🤦🏽‍♀️

Ok Lovey and Memphis wore me out☺️. Their love was truly something special and after twenty years of situations I figured short f death nothing could separate them. Especially seeing the depth of Memphis’ love for Lovey and the twins.
Well, Lovey’s empathy toward her ex-husband and Memphis’s fear of losing her had me holding my breath and gasping for the majority of the book.🤦🏽‍♀️
It’s a good read just hold on to you glass of whatever you enjoy drinking ,because trust me this book will make you want to take a drink 😂😂😂
Thanks Ms. Kimberly Brown❤️

[Lisa Mayers-McGruder · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Friends to Lovers

Loved it. So glad the main characters worked out their problems. This friend to lovers story was everything. Their love was 20 years in the making!!!

[Hazel Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Goodness

This was fantastic, I love Friends To Lovers romance. This is the story of Memphis and Lovey. Friends for 20 years, when her ex husband Carson broke her heart..Guess who was there to help put her back together, Memphis. Now Carson wants another chance, he has changed his cheating ways. Do you believe him? I don't. Kudos to the author,👏👏👏👏👏

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mannn...

I wanted to knock Lovely upside her head a few times until she opened her eyes to Carson's bs. Memphis waited long enough for her to see him & the forever love that only he can give. It's always pleasure when the other Cartwrights appear, especially Simeon 😂