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Married to a Rich Gangster

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Kenya Higgs has the perfect life, at least from the outside looking in. Her husband Boston is handsome, wealthy, and he showers her with extravagant gifts like every day is Christmas. Kenya gets to rub elbows with the most affluent people in the community and take vacations at the drop of a dime.

Kenya’s life is perfect, that’s if you don’t consider the unspeakable things going on behind the arched doors of their breathtaking mansion. Under the threat of violence from the very hands that promised to love and protect her, Kenya is forced to watch her husband parade beautiful women in and out of their home, even bringing them along on their vacations. When Boston reveals his plan to move his pregnant girlfriend into their home, Kenya draws the line and decides to run away from her abusive husband.

Rowan Ford, affectionately known as the platinum rapper Death Row, fell in love with his best friend’s wife the first time he laid eyes on her. For years, he’s watched the woman he loved be with another man in silence. When Rowan find’s out just how deep Boston’s reign of terror goes, he knows the only thing he can do is go up against his mentor and friend. When he finally gets the chance to free Kenya from her husband’s shackles, he vows not to take it lightly.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2023

333 people are currently reading
238 people want to read

About the author

Tatum James

64 books514 followers
Tatum James is a passionate author of romance, urban fiction, and women’s fiction. Since publishing her debut novella Identical Sins in 2018, she has written more than 30 titles—each one known for its unique storylines, unpredictable twists, and vivid characters. A true storyteller at heart, Tatum loves painting pictures with words, weaving emotion, tension, and passion into every page.

A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.

Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.

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5 stars
391 (51%)
4 stars
252 (33%)
3 stars
94 (12%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,873 reviews737 followers
January 4, 2024
“I love you in every tense and in every sense of the word, Kenya Shante Jones.”

This read was pure perfection, chef's kiss, I was hooked from the start. If all other Tatum James books are this good, well, I think I found a new favourite author. I'm literally adding the paperbacks for part one and two to my wishlist as we speak, I need them okay!!

I just love the way this author writes her characters, how developed they are and how real they seem. I need Kenya, Row, Gigi and Cher in my life.

Speaking of Gigi, she's hilarious. Her relationship with her grandkids, and Row in particular is so precious. It's probably my favourite thing in the book (other than Row and Kenya of course).

As for Boston...he had me fooled at the start. I downloaded this a while ago and haven't reread the blurb so I was totally falling for his charms until we skipped to 10 years later and saw what kind of man he really was. It just shows you can never know what someone is like behind closed doors.

The cliffhanger ending was so good, and I'm glad part two is already available so I don't have to wait to jump into it. This is my first five star read of the year, so thank you Tatum James for writing such a brilliant book.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,989 reviews106 followers
August 22, 2023
What in the is that it?

I am checking my pages to see what happened to the rest of this story. I'm enjoying this music industry story about an artist and music mogul. And then the secrets only the wife knew about came into view. I tried to overlook the bad husband vibe, the thirsty women, and the abuse... But...The ending threw me all the way off kilter.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
961 reviews38 followers
August 19, 2023
A Protector!

I knew the minute I would start reading this masterpiece I would be sucked in like a vacuum. Ms. James did her thing on this one, it may not be her typical art piece but it is still well-written. Cue the drama! Whew, Boston was entirely too much and did way more than any one man should have been involved in. It was hard to believe all the women he were "sharing" his time with. I could tell that her mother was a poor excuse for a mother before the concert but the mere fact she was intimate with her daughter's husband was the lowest of the low. I have to applaud Row because he was THAT dude. A man that puts his own life on the line to protect a woman he has been in love with for years but has never been in a relationship with is a real man. Rowan went the extra mile to take care of Kenya. He literally built her up when she was down. He pretty much nursed her back to health. After all, Kenya went through under Boston's "ruling" she was still blessed. She gained her independence and someone in her life that no one can take away from her. Rowan is still protecting, providing, and living in her heart even in his absence. Kenya loves him and Rowan loves her.

This is a masterpiece! Ms. James' penmanship ✍🏽 is on point. Grab your copy today you don't want to sleep on this one.
Profile Image for Kay Dupree.
162 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2023
First what that just a cliffhanger? Because…

Kenya’s mother is one of the worst mothers’ I’ve read about. She needs hands ASAP. I feel bad for Kenya she too young to see the signs, too young to know better and she finally did it was too late.

Rowan deserves the world. And he fought so hard knowing that he may never get his happily ever after. He’s really what a man should be.…

Boston is an awful man just straight awful. He never loved Kenya. He had nothing but audacity. He wasn’t a good friend nor husband. Just selfish and ignorant.
Profile Image for Ebony.
273 reviews34 followers
August 23, 2023
3.5-3.75ish⭐️
Okay so where do I start?

Boston and Kenya’s mom are HORRIBLE HORRIBLE PEOPLE!!!

Rowan had a heart of gold but some of his methods to keep Kenya safe were sloppy(in my opinion).

I felt so bad for Kenya. I just want her to be truly free.

This book ended of a cliffhanger (I think) but I feel like it could’ve been one really good standalone.

Who sent the birthday gift? Will we ever find out?

Happily Ever after me, please. I can’t take another book of this mess lol
784 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2023
Rowan

Rowan was the hottest rapper alive! His best friend Boston was the owner of the record company. Kenya was Bostons’s wife of 10 years . She met Rowan 1st but Boston charmed her away! Rowan thought she was too young over the years he tried to fight his feelings until she needed him to save her! Boston was a cheater and an abuser! Rowan couldn’t let Kenya go back and offered her shelter. Now there was a bounty on both of their heads! A good read!
Profile Image for Aeriell.
220 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2023
My first book from this author and I ate this book right on up. First off Kenya momma trash 🙄 along with Boss who’s super duper trash. The connection between Row and Kenya gives all the feels and if only that night went different I’m sure Kenya’s life would’ve been totally different.
The audacity men be having because Boss definitely had all of it and the way his character ends up I am not sad about it…tuhhh 🤷🏾‍♀️. The way Row showed up and showed out once he found out was going on and how he protected Kenya was everything.
This was a great read. Make sure you check trigger warning before you read. 10/10 would recommend.
1,061 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2023
Married to a rich gangster

Wow! This book took me through a lot of different feelings but I enjoyed it even though I wanted an epilogue or update on Kenya and Row. From the first page, I couldn’t stand Kenya’s mother. She was trash and I could already tell what type of time she would be on in this story. Kenya was a sweetheart and pretty naive but she only wanted to be loved unconditionally but from her mother’s influence, the love Kenya endured came with lots of pain. Boston was a predator and I didn’t like him from the time he was introduced in the story and I think he got what was coming to him in the end. I liked Row’s character and how he was determined to protect Kenya by any means necessary.

This book was definitely a different read from this author but I liked the change up and I hope she provides us with more from Kenya and Row.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,482 reviews21 followers
November 25, 2024
GREAT READ

This is my first time reading this author's work, and I really enjoyed this story. The story was very well written, with a great storyline and character development. I really felt for Kenya, having a money hungry mother and a tyrant for a husband. She had no independence and became dependent on her husband. Rowan was her savior and willing to risk his life, so Kenya could have her independence. I was hoping for the best with these two, but after that cliffhanger, it had me wondering who it could be. Can't wait to read what happens in part 2.
3 reviews
August 7, 2023
♥️♥️♥️

Boston was selfish, controlling and just evil. He didn’t truly care about the people close to him like he portrayed. He hurt his wife in so many ways. For the love of money and control he was planning to kill because he couldn’t control how others wanted to live their lives. Rowan said he loved Kenya and told her he would keep her safe. In the end he took care of her and it’s looking like he gave up his freedom for her. I was hoping for Rowan and Kenya to have a beautiful life together. I’m hoping for a part 2.
Profile Image for DOMINIQUE Davis.
495 reviews29 followers
August 18, 2023
Row or Boston🤔🤔🤔

This one was soooo good. I felt so sorry for Kenya. Her mother basically sold her off to this highest bidder. Had me thinking Boston intercepted Kenya to save her from being used and abused. Then come to find out he is the one she needs to be saved from. Now I’m left wondering is it Row or Boston. It couldn’t be Boston. Could it?
Profile Image for Lisa Mayers-McGruder.
1,158 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2023
married to a rich gangster

Wow this was quite different indeed. It had my attention from the very beginning to the very last sentence. I have questions!!! I hope we get a happy ending soon!!!
Profile Image for Books & Locs.
577 reviews13 followers
January 9, 2025
This book was so good! I ate it up , the fmc momma really had to fkd up because girl you failed your baby terribly. I love Row , i really wanted him to be her HEA 🫠
Profile Image for shawanda Woods.
1,567 reviews35 followers
August 7, 2023
Good read

That can't be the end. I need a novella book 2 something. Too many unanswered questions. Boston was a monster. Whew it was good plot. I need more Row though.
86 reviews
August 14, 2023
Disappointed 😞

This had the makings to be good, but it was such a disappointment. The feelings that Kenya and Row had for each other in the beginning should have been developed, they were referenced to help develop the relationship in the presence sense but it wasn't enough to create the depth love and longing ten years should have manifested. The last 20 minutes of the book were disjointed and chaotic. It feels like it was thrown together to finish up. Row NOT having his own security is laughable at best....her trusting her mother is just dumb, she's naive not stupid. The ending was dreadful, and I feel like I wasted time and energy. The framework was good and could have made this an epic success, but unfortunately, the experience was unfulfilling.
Profile Image for Ondria  Bacon.
554 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2023
Whoa😱

I truly enjoyed this. Am I ok that with the last sentence? Umm NO. Kenya had a hard life. She had a horrible “mother” and a hateful husband. I can’t imagine going through anything like it. The savior Death Row was heaven sent. He was the MAN. Thank goodness for him. Very riveting story line. Easy to read and stay with the story. But….. “see you soon” has me itching for more.

Happy Reading‼️
Profile Image for NeiNey.ThaReadinDoula.
293 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2025
This story had me pacing my living room like I was watching my own cousin go through it. Tatum James did not come to play. From the first page, I was deep in Kenya’s world- that woman’s pain, growth, and love felt too real. The writing had this rhythm, this pulse that made me feel every heartbeat, every betrayal, every tender moment.

Rowan? Lord. That man is a sermon all by himself. The quiet strength, the loyalty, the way he held Kenya up when the world tried to tear her down...that’s the kind of love story we don’t see enough of. He didn’t need to announce himself as her protector; he just was. That’s grown-man energy right there.

Boston had me fooled at first! I was bamboozled...he was smooth, charming, the kind of man who says all the right things but does every wrong one behind closed doors. When his true colors came out? I was ready to square up for Kenya myself. And don’t even get me started on that mother. Some wounds don’t come from strangers, and this book reminded me just how deep betrayal can cut when it comes from blood.

Still, there’s beauty in watching a woman reclaim her power. Kenya walked through fire and came out shining, not perfect, but present. The love she shares with Row isn’t built on fantasy- it’s built on survival, understanding, and that sacred kind of connection that doesn’t fade, even in absence.

And then there’s Gigi...loud, lovable, funny, and full of wisdom that comes dressed up in attitude. She’s the balance to all that heaviness, the family we all wish we had when life gets ugly.

The ending left me screaming “now why would you end it there?” but in the best way. I closed this book wanting more...not because it lacked anything, but because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

Tatum James, you’ve officially earned a spot on my must-read list.
1,060 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2024
Premise: Kenya is trapped in a mentally and physically abusive marriage to a record executive. When she decides to leave him, he finds her and puts her in the hospital. Record Executive's best friend, Ro, helps Kenya escape from the hospital and hides her.

I loved the premise. Loved the idea of Ro and the evil Record Executive being best friends and both wanting Kenya.

What I didn't like was how quickly Kenya and Ro became a couple. It only took 6 days. Also didn't like how quickly Ro was ready to risk his life to kill his friend. These two had been friends for YEARS so I'd think some of that would've given him pause. Lastly, I didn't like how the Record Executive's character was written. Rarely are people all good or all bad. This dude didn't have any redeeming qualities. Nothing about his description endeared loyalty or fear. Someone that evil should've been brought out more.
Profile Image for Ruby.
626 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2023
Drama Filled!!!

This book was filled with drama from the beginning to the end. Poor Kenya went through a lot from her gold-digging, trifling so-called mother to Boston. Her mammy was all about a dollar and was pure trash. Boston was just pure evil and I was happy for him in the end. I was glad Row stepped up and helped Kendra get out of her situation. Even though Boston was Row's "best friend," Row did what was necessary in order to protect Kenya. Row was in love with Kenya from the jump and he finally got to show her a pure and unconditional love that Kenya had never experienced. I loved that they prayed and meditated together. You definitely need to pick up this "on the edge of your seat" book. You won't be able to put it down.
197 reviews3 followers
Read
August 15, 2023
Great read

This was a really good read. I do feel like there were some questions unanswered and some things left untouched, but by the way it ended I'm assuming that there will at least be an novella (update) to bring this story some closure. What happened with the pregnant girlfriend? What happened to the label and all the artists? Where the heck is row, does she ever find out the depths of her moms deception? Why didn't she tell her mom what was going on? Also, it was mentioned that Ken barely knew how to cook and clean , but baby girl was making braised ginger short ribs?Did a test at the end confirm differently, or was row just staking his claim.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,075 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2023
🔥🔥🔥

Wow now this story was truly a hit. Kenya's mother gave the terrible mother a new low she was indeed a true gold digger selling out her daughter and then turn around and sleep with the man. Boston never loved Kenya he wanted control and didn't want Rowan to have her he was a dirty man and deserved what he got but after that ending I'm not too sure . With all the bruises Rowan substaned I'm not sure why they even arrested him it was clearly self defense, hopefully there's a book 2 because their were a lot of unanswered questions.
20 reviews
August 24, 2023
You won’t be disappointed !!

There has to be a part two or a novella to follow up on that ending. I know she’s not leaving us hanging like that. Sis didn’t do an epilogue so I’m assuming there will be a part two. Ro was protecting her with his life and in the even that something happened to him. Unlike that coward of a husband Iwant to beat him like he did her. I’m glad she found something to call her own and to help her gain her independence. Great read. I’m still yelling for part 2!
Profile Image for Charmy Reads.
425 reviews15 followers
January 6, 2025
I gave this a 3.75/5. The main character does go through an abusive and manipulative marriage (so, you should really check your triggers). I did find myself yelling at the FMC a few times because she was so naive. People that obviously didn't have her best interest at heart (her mother, in particular) she continued to trust and it made me so mad. I finished it fairly quickly and immediately picked up the second one. It didn't end on a cliffhanger but the ending was open enough to leave you curious as to what was going to happen next.
Profile Image for Goddess’ Smut Library 🩷.
477 reviews21 followers
July 18, 2025
2.75⭐️🌶️ First of all, I would like to say that the villain of the story is the FMC‘s mother. Not for nothing, she’s the reason that the FMC ended up in the predicament that she was in. I can say that Rowan is a better man than I know. But I can’t say I’m going to play devils advocate and say that she should’ve left him with the clothes that were on her back the first time that he put her in the hospital. I understand that people better end domestic violence situations sometimes I’m literally trapped, but she was about to be dead. And the cliffhanger at the end has me pissed off.
161 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2023
Unanswered Questions

I really hope part two is coming soon. There are so many issues to be resolved and it’s not just the mystery gift sender.

I loved watching the building of Kenya and Rowan’s relationship. I’m glad she didn’t lit Boston break her. Boston deserved everything that happens to him. Yolanda isn’t deserving of the title mother. No mother she use their child the way she used Kenya.
1,207 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2023
Awesome Read

Boston was nothing but a coward, and I despise the day Kenya's mom pawned her off. Kenya deserved so much better out of life. How could a mother be so trifling! Not only do you pimp your daughter out, but you sleep with the man. Rowan was definitely her knight. He loved her wholeheartedly. He would give her the world and more. He knew Boston didn't deserve her and he would have died protecting her. I can't wait to read the next series.
932 reviews13 followers
August 13, 2023
Loved it

Uh no ma’am Tatum James I just know you did not leave my mind in limbo like that I am totally floored right now with that ending. I will say this was definitely a different lane than your normal books that I have read but you did not disappoint me at all. I would love to hear more from these characters because I would love to see if Kenya and Row ever get their happy ending..
Profile Image for Cat E..
Author 3 books64 followers
August 13, 2023
Respectfully, not for me

I have to start by saying that the book was well-written in terms of editing, but the storyline was not for me. I almost DNF because of the heaviness of the abuse and things, although I knew going in with the trigger warnings. The ending surprised me with the promise of Boss being alive, but I won't be reading it. Also, what happened to Row, and how long did he get?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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