MENACE

by Taisha S. Ryan

Tormented psychologist Josiah Miller hasn’t been the same since his daughter’s death. He swore to himself that those responsible would suffer. Even if it means taking matters into his own hands. His marriage, destroyed. Family, gone. He buries himself in his work to keep sane. That’s until Anya Brown walks into his office. The beautiful, recently divorcee who’s searching to heal from her broken past. She is unlike any client he’s ever counseled. Her radiance captivates him. And he begins to question everything he’s ever learned about love.
But can love survive turmoil?
The warpath of revenge is a vicious one. And Josiah won’t rest until he destroys every soul that crossed him. Will Josiah ever learn to move on and find peace within himself? Or will the thirst for revenge spiral him down a path of self-destruction?

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2023

About the author

Taisha Ryan is a writer and artist from New York. Writing has been her passion since the age of 12, allowing her to express her wild imagination through words. Taisha has written short stories, novels, poems, songs, and screenplays. In March 2014, she published her debut novel, Cuffed. And since then, has published three additional novels. She would describe her stories as raw, creatively uninhibited, and true to life. Words are power. And her intent is to take readers on an emotional journey as they experience the world through her mind's eye, while also providing them with a sense of purpose with each word that drips from the page. And with her gift, she believes she can do just that.

Look out for more of her projects in the future!

Reviews

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

Always watch the messenger

The story was another well-told story with so much angst and emotions to fill an ocean. A large portion of the story I wanted to hug Josiah for the turmoil he endured because he blamed himself for his daughter’s death. The fact that a person was able to steal his daughter right under his watchful eye was the baffling part. The distraught way he dealt with his loss was unreal. I hated the way he spiraled so low before climbing out of the trenches. His friend Messiah always gave me pause, there was something about him that did not connect all the dots as to where he fit in Josiah’s life. He was a red flag for me. Messiah always seemed to manipulate Josiah by reminding him he was the one who took him in and cared for him. I wanted to tell that old man to go chuck and close his decrepit mouth and sit in his cell and be quiet.
Josiah getting a referral for Anya for counseling, I quickly observed the chemistry between the doctor and patient. Did I mention that Josiah was a Psychologist? I have one small complaint in that regard. Having Josiah constantly mentioning his fear of loosing his license was too much. We got it... He needed to stop what he was doing if he was really afraid. Anya’s talks were repetitive about her low self-esteem in relations to her husband excessively, but overall, I really enjoyed this couple and the way their relationship developed over the course of the story. The ending was just what was needed to balance the storyline. 4.85 Stars...

[Lindaisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried writing a review for this 3 times and my tablet keeps deleting it so i'm going to keep it short and sweet now.

I had expectations going into Menace, that I would get to read an interesting and engaging story about a man who was struggling with the demons of his past and trying to work through the turmoil of having lost his daughter in a very vile and heinous way. Only what I got was just a regular run of the mill romance between two "damaged" people with the daughter storyline playing a pretty heavy backseat. Almost an afterthought or adendum to the romance.

I felt like there was a lost opportunity to really explore the pain and struggle Josiah was going through in how he lost his daughter and the responsibility he felt he played in her death...but thats not what Menace turned out to be. So...I guess thats what happens when you have expectations based on a synopsis or premise of a story. Disappointment.

This is the 4th book I've read by Taisha Ryan after reading my FAVORITE book of 2020 by her "IMPACT" and unfortunately for me, the magic of that book has just not been topped or matched.

[Rise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menace is a deeply emotional ride. Josiah is a man consumed by grief and vengeance after the tragic loss of his daughter, and watching him unravel was both painful and compelling. When Anya enters his life—first as a client, then something more—her presence brings light into his darkest moments.

Their chemistry is undeniable. Taisha S. Ryan writes complex, layered characters that feel raw and real. I loved how the story explored healing through connection, even when it felt messy or uncomfortable.

My only critique is that I wanted a deeper exploration of Josiah’s grief and accountability—it sometimes felt like the romance took center stage when I was still craving emotional closure. Still, this was a powerful story about love, loss, and the fight to move forward.

Definitely recommended if you like emotionally charged romances with damaged but redeemable characters.

[LaKyshia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who can I run too?

This man needed a therapist! Why did he not think he needed the same thing he provided. He needed to unleash some of that pinned up anger guilt and shame. But the truth did set him free.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Read

The story with Josiah and Anya was dark and not what I expected, but it was very good. The suspense was everything and had me turning the page. Look forward to reading more this author.

[Jackie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8! I’m really loving this author’s work