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To Have and Hold: Faking Love
Lyra Hart, a teacher’s assistant working her way through college, lives a simple life. Her sister Natalie is a constant reminder that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. After a lifelong trail of arrests and stints in rehab, Natalie lands on her sister’s doorstep with a promise not to end up like their mother who overdosed just a few years prior. Lyra’s first mistake was trusting her younger sister. Her second was the one-night stand she thought would drown her sorrows.
Jevaughn Graham lives life by his own rules. He’s made quite a living for himself, but it’s nothing compared to the life he could lead if he could only get in on the family business. The illegitimate grandson of Badrick Graham stands to earn a third of his family’s multimillion dollar rum empire if he could only prove that he’s ready to settle down and be a responsible family man. When he reveals that he’s engaged, Jevaughn wins his grandfather’s favor and the chance to finally get a seat at the table. There’s only one thing missing… his fiancée.
A one-night stand brings the two worlds together in a life altering collision. A search for the woman who stole fifteen thousand dollars from him leads Jevaughn to a pregnant Lyra and a plan for a mutually beneficial arrangement. “Join me in Jamaica for my brother’s wedding, and I’ll wipe your debt clean.”
Jevaughn Graham lives life by his own rules. He’s made quite a living for himself, but it’s nothing compared to the life he could lead if he could only get in on the family business. The illegitimate grandson of Badrick Graham stands to earn a third of his family’s multimillion dollar rum empire if he could only prove that he’s ready to settle down and be a responsible family man. When he reveals that he’s engaged, Jevaughn wins his grandfather’s favor and the chance to finally get a seat at the table. There’s only one thing missing… his fiancée.
A one-night stand brings the two worlds together in a life altering collision. A search for the woman who stole fifteen thousand dollars from him leads Jevaughn to a pregnant Lyra and a plan for a mutually beneficial arrangement. “Join me in Jamaica for my brother’s wedding, and I’ll wipe your debt clean.”
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2023
242 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Tatum James
64 books543 followersTatum 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 29, 2023
good job!
I really liked this one. Fake dating trope, oops baby, she stole from him.. one night stand.. whew. It was a lot going on but it kept my attention. I loved the relationship between Lyra and her sister. There was mention of addiction and how it impacts family members and I think that was a good addition to to the story. I enjoyed i!
I really liked this one. Fake dating trope, oops baby, she stole from him.. one night stand.. whew. It was a lot going on but it kept my attention. I loved the relationship between Lyra and her sister. There was mention of addiction and how it impacts family members and I think that was a good addition to to the story. I enjoyed i!
September 10, 2023
Oh my goodness... This story was so good.
September 10, 2023
Vickie J
These two didn't see this happening especially the baby. You steal from someone you don't know and then you see them at a function and all Hell break loose. OK I want my money you took from me or it's going to be on ...... so what she have to do now pretend to be his future wife and look what happened they fell in love
These two didn't see this happening especially the baby. You steal from someone you don't know and then you see them at a function and all Hell break loose. OK I want my money you took from me or it's going to be on ...... so what she have to do now pretend to be his future wife and look what happened they fell in love
September 9, 2023
from fake to real love
This book is sweet and sexy. I enjoyed reading about Lyra and Jevaughn start to finish. They were both good people who had some tough circumstances in life. My favorite part is J rubbing her stomach and cherishing and falling in love with Lyra. The story flowed smoothly and I fell in love with all of the characters except the mean and salty grandpa.
This book is sweet and sexy. I enjoyed reading about Lyra and Jevaughn start to finish. They were both good people who had some tough circumstances in life. My favorite part is J rubbing her stomach and cherishing and falling in love with Lyra. The story flowed smoothly and I fell in love with all of the characters except the mean and salty grandpa.
September 9, 2023
Faking 🩷
Great read! I enjoyed the premise and the plot. My 🩷 went out to Lyra as she fell for him thinking it was unrequited! She was so sweet and forgiving towards her sis I just wanted her to be happy!
Great read! I enjoyed the premise and the plot. My 🩷 went out to Lyra as she fell for him thinking it was unrequited! She was so sweet and forgiving towards her sis I just wanted her to be happy!
Read
September 9, 2023Good read
I really needed this cheesy love story. How did a one night stand and robbery come to blossom into real love? You just have to read to find out. Great job!!!!
I really needed this cheesy love story. How did a one night stand and robbery come to blossom into real love? You just have to read to find out. Great job!!!!
September 16, 2023
This book was short, sexy and hilarious😂😂😂. Lyra and Jevaughn did not meet under the best circumstances (she robbed him while he was sleep after they fucked). When they come face to face months later, he has a way she can repay her debt, and she hopes he isn’t too mad because she’s carrying his child.
I cracked up so much in this books I can always relate to certain “situations” in a black romance, given that I’m a Black woman, so the humor was very welcome.
I loved that these two went from a fake engagement to actually falling in love! They were so cute together!!
I cracked up so much in this books I can always relate to certain “situations” in a black romance, given that I’m a Black woman, so the humor was very welcome.
I loved that these two went from a fake engagement to actually falling in love! They were so cute together!!
November 23, 2024
3.5 stars
This was the trifecta. One night stand turned ooops pregnancy turned relationship of convenience turned HFN.
Took off some stars bc parts of the plot were weak. For instance, he gets fake engaged to show his grandfather he's responsible enough to be added to the business but grandpa isn't even the decision maker? Also, FMC robs him for 15K, which he needs to pay off his connect. Being down 15k puts him in a financial bind but then has enough money for an engagement ring and flight to Jamaica? I'm confusion.
This was the trifecta. One night stand turned ooops pregnancy turned relationship of convenience turned HFN.
Took off some stars bc parts of the plot were weak. For instance, he gets fake engaged to show his grandfather he's responsible enough to be added to the business but grandpa isn't even the decision maker? Also, FMC robs him for 15K, which he needs to pay off his connect. Being down 15k puts him in a financial bind but then has enough money for an engagement ring and flight to Jamaica? I'm confusion.
December 28, 2025
3.5🌟🎧 Imagine you trusting your dope fiend sister to handle paying your bills and then find out she stole from you. Now while you are trying to down your sorrows in liquor you meet a guy, sleep with him and when you are about to dip, you notice some cash and decide you gonna take it and run. Months later you run into him again and he gives you an ultimatum die or be his fake fiancé?
Well that’s where Lyra and Jevaughn find themselves.
This was an enjoyable read.
Well that’s where Lyra and Jevaughn find themselves.
This was an enjoyable read.
July 7, 2025
Thoughts while reading:
Oh dang Natalie foul…why girl?
Not she jacked him🤣
Him feeling the chick who robbed him is sending me lol
Love me a fake relationship 😉
Not break Nene big fine ssa like a fraction.
Wait wait J you went where? With who? Noooooo
Lira gonna be pissed.
His grandfather a mean old man.
Finally dad stood on business.
Oh dang Natalie foul…why girl?
Not she jacked him🤣
Him feeling the chick who robbed him is sending me lol
Love me a fake relationship 😉
Not break Nene big fine ssa like a fraction.
Wait wait J you went where? With who? Noooooo
Lira gonna be pissed.
His grandfather a mean old man.
Finally dad stood on business.
February 6, 2025
Decent listen.
It lacked some character development and I truly didn’t like how fast the FMC folded for the MMC at the end. The lack of accountability for these MMC really takes away from the story sometimes.
It lacked some character development and I truly didn’t like how fast the FMC folded for the MMC at the end. The lack of accountability for these MMC really takes away from the story sometimes.
October 6, 2023
Drastic times turns....
Ms. Tatum, I can depend on you to drop an engaging story. Jevaughn and Lyra had an unusual, unconventional love story. However, these stories are the best ones. Although Jevaughn had his doubts about Lyra he was still respectful to her. He treated her like the Queen she was when they were in Jamaica. He played the doting fiancee so hard until he fell head over heels in love with her. Neither Jevaughn nor Lyra was walloping in money but the hand that Lyra was dealt was disheartening. She had to grow up and become a parent at an early age. It was sad when she had to parent her mother and sister. And then her sister hit rock bottom. Once again Jevaughn was a blessing to Lyra. His mother stepped in and helped Natalie. It was a win-win situation Natalie got a mother figure and Ms. Vivian got her "daughter." Badrick, Jevaughn's grandfather was a piece of work. I was rejoicing when he finally got put into his place. I also loved how Jevaughn's brothers and father brought him into the family business. Jevaughn got to fulfill his dreams in more than one way. This is a magnificent read and you will become attached to the characters quickly. This book shows that in drastic times you have to take extreme measures. Therefore, the back-up-against-the-wall moment turns into a beautiful love story.
Ms. Tatum, I can depend on you to drop an engaging story. Jevaughn and Lyra had an unusual, unconventional love story. However, these stories are the best ones. Although Jevaughn had his doubts about Lyra he was still respectful to her. He treated her like the Queen she was when they were in Jamaica. He played the doting fiancee so hard until he fell head over heels in love with her. Neither Jevaughn nor Lyra was walloping in money but the hand that Lyra was dealt was disheartening. She had to grow up and become a parent at an early age. It was sad when she had to parent her mother and sister. And then her sister hit rock bottom. Once again Jevaughn was a blessing to Lyra. His mother stepped in and helped Natalie. It was a win-win situation Natalie got a mother figure and Ms. Vivian got her "daughter." Badrick, Jevaughn's grandfather was a piece of work. I was rejoicing when he finally got put into his place. I also loved how Jevaughn's brothers and father brought him into the family business. Jevaughn got to fulfill his dreams in more than one way. This is a magnificent read and you will become attached to the characters quickly. This book shows that in drastic times you have to take extreme measures. Therefore, the back-up-against-the-wall moment turns into a beautiful love story.
September 23, 2023
Fake Relationship!!!
Lyra and Javaughn had a one-night stand that ends in an unusual manner. They meet up again months later at a benefit sponsored by Javaughn's family at the school that Lyra works at. Despite his anger in the beginning, Javaughn comes up with a mutually beneficial plan that Lyra agrees to go along with. I loved how they ended up falling for each other despite the way that they first met. I also loved how Javaughn finally allowed himself to get close with his father and his brothers. They really came through for him in the end with that ill-tempered for no good reason granddaddy. I was glad her sister was able to overcome her situation with the help of Lyra and Javaughn's mother who I loved. This book has personal growth, triumphs, love and passion that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Lyra and Javaughn had a one-night stand that ends in an unusual manner. They meet up again months later at a benefit sponsored by Javaughn's family at the school that Lyra works at. Despite his anger in the beginning, Javaughn comes up with a mutually beneficial plan that Lyra agrees to go along with. I loved how they ended up falling for each other despite the way that they first met. I also loved how Javaughn finally allowed himself to get close with his father and his brothers. They really came through for him in the end with that ill-tempered for no good reason granddaddy. I was glad her sister was able to overcome her situation with the help of Lyra and Javaughn's mother who I loved. This book has personal growth, triumphs, love and passion that I thoroughly enjoyed.
June 26, 2024
Absolutely amazing!
Jevaughn and Lyra established this fake relationship for her to pay off her debt to him and for him to win over his grandfather and get a spot in the family business. A trip to Jamaica brought out feelings that were unexpected. These two fell hard for each other Jevaughn not knowing what was happening to him (love) almost ruined his chances and lost his one true love. I’m so happy they made it official. They deserved this happily ever after 🫶🏾
I’m so happy he bonded with his brothers and his father and I loved how they had his back against the grump ass grandpa.
Jevaughn’s mom was literally an earth angel 😇 how kind of her to look after Natalie, get her to her treatments, find her a job and let her live with her after the initial week she was suppose to be there.
If you haven’t read this one you’re missing out a great love story 🫶🏾
Jevaughn and Lyra established this fake relationship for her to pay off her debt to him and for him to win over his grandfather and get a spot in the family business. A trip to Jamaica brought out feelings that were unexpected. These two fell hard for each other Jevaughn not knowing what was happening to him (love) almost ruined his chances and lost his one true love. I’m so happy they made it official. They deserved this happily ever after 🫶🏾
I’m so happy he bonded with his brothers and his father and I loved how they had his back against the grump ass grandpa.
Jevaughn’s mom was literally an earth angel 😇 how kind of her to look after Natalie, get her to her treatments, find her a job and let her live with her after the initial week she was suppose to be there.
If you haven’t read this one you’re missing out a great love story 🫶🏾
February 9, 2025
cute
This was really cute and a good read. I thought the characters had great chemistry, the plot was also great. The fake engagement element was tun, although I wish we got more of that plotting, like maybe more ot them getting to know one another and like coming up with answers to questions many had! The progress of their relationship also flowed well and was realistic. I loved the thoughtfulness on everything from Jevaughn, he was kind and although rough a around the edges he showed a lot of intentionality towards Lyra even though they were fake engaged. 1 also enjoyed Lyra as a character, she was strong willed, kind and also thoughtful. I was worried about her being a fool for taking in her sister but her heart is just kind. All in all this was a cute read!!
This was really cute and a good read. I thought the characters had great chemistry, the plot was also great. The fake engagement element was tun, although I wish we got more of that plotting, like maybe more ot them getting to know one another and like coming up with answers to questions many had! The progress of their relationship also flowed well and was realistic. I loved the thoughtfulness on everything from Jevaughn, he was kind and although rough a around the edges he showed a lot of intentionality towards Lyra even though they were fake engaged. 1 also enjoyed Lyra as a character, she was strong willed, kind and also thoughtful. I was worried about her being a fool for taking in her sister but her heart is just kind. All in all this was a cute read!!
September 10, 2023
To have and hood
This was a very unconventional story but I really enjoyed it. Jevaughn and Lyra got together under false pretenses but their love for each other quickly bloomed after spending time together and getting to know each other better. Lyra was stuck between and rock and a hard place when she met Jevaughn and he was trying to get out the game, but Lyra made it a little harder for him to do. I loved that this couple showed growth and forgiveness and allowed for each other to have a second chance after wronging each other. They were really cute together and I loved that they were able to get past their initial crazy meeting to get to their happily ever after.
This was a very unconventional story but I really enjoyed it. Jevaughn and Lyra got together under false pretenses but their love for each other quickly bloomed after spending time together and getting to know each other better. Lyra was stuck between and rock and a hard place when she met Jevaughn and he was trying to get out the game, but Lyra made it a little harder for him to do. I loved that this couple showed growth and forgiveness and allowed for each other to have a second chance after wronging each other. They were really cute together and I loved that they were able to get past their initial crazy meeting to get to their happily ever after.
October 11, 2023
Good Read 📚 👍🏾 ❣️
Jevaughn and Lyra were funny, spicy and realistic MC. I liked them individually and collectively. They were good for each other and better together in a world that didn't support them originally. The family dynamics for each improved over the course of events and made this sweet. Bradrick was crotchety and mean but the necessary minor villain. Natalie's and Ms. Vivian were good auxiliary characters as well. Jevaughn being stuck on stupid for a minute was aggravating but it all worked out. This was a good read 📚 👍🏾❣️
Jevaughn and Lyra were funny, spicy and realistic MC. I liked them individually and collectively. They were good for each other and better together in a world that didn't support them originally. The family dynamics for each improved over the course of events and made this sweet. Bradrick was crotchety and mean but the necessary minor villain. Natalie's and Ms. Vivian were good auxiliary characters as well. Jevaughn being stuck on stupid for a minute was aggravating but it all worked out. This was a good read 📚 👍🏾❣️
October 23, 2023
Great Read
What a great short, love story!!!…Love can definitely find you in some of most unconventional ways!!!…I loved that JeVan’s mother helped Lyra sister!!!…That was definitely the love of a mother and her sister definitely needed that type of love to help reel her back home!!!…JeVaughan’s grandfather was definitely a piece of work and I’m so glad Je’Vaughan’s father finally stood up to him!!!…Lyra was a very strong and very trusting woman because I would have been scared Je’Vaughan was going to take her out!!!…
What a great short, love story!!!…Love can definitely find you in some of most unconventional ways!!!…I loved that JeVan’s mother helped Lyra sister!!!…That was definitely the love of a mother and her sister definitely needed that type of love to help reel her back home!!!…JeVaughan’s grandfather was definitely a piece of work and I’m so glad Je’Vaughan’s father finally stood up to him!!!…Lyra was a very strong and very trusting woman because I would have been scared Je’Vaughan was going to take her out!!!…
September 16, 2023
Loved this
This was awesome. Short and to the point. Von did what he was thinking was the right thing to do and it ended up being better than he thought. His granddad needed a woman to handle him on his old age. He was so messy. Even though Von’s dad was not so nice he did turn out to be ok in the end. Lyra got a good life because she was such a good person. I would love to have a Lyra in my life. Great story.
Happy Reading‼️
This was awesome. Short and to the point. Von did what he was thinking was the right thing to do and it ended up being better than he thought. His granddad needed a woman to handle him on his old age. He was so messy. Even though Von’s dad was not so nice he did turn out to be ok in the end. Lyra got a good life because she was such a good person. I would love to have a Lyra in my life. Great story.
Happy Reading‼️
October 22, 2023
KR
Awesome collection
Fake Love gave Them something neither was looking for
First time together Stole his money not only that she gotten pregnant to wow a lot to consider never think you will run into the man you robbed
I'm glad he went to Jamaica because he really got the chance to know his father and brothers and still in the end was able to join the family business and fall in love
Collection was good
Awesome collection
Fake Love gave Them something neither was looking for
First time together Stole his money not only that she gotten pregnant to wow a lot to consider never think you will run into the man you robbed
I'm glad he went to Jamaica because he really got the chance to know his father and brothers and still in the end was able to join the family business and fall in love
Collection was good
March 3, 2025
im iffy
Hm im on the fence abt this book. It was cute and all but bruh the mmc was kinda terrible. I didnt like him for even kissing some other girl even if they never had sex i feel like hes weak and whos to say he wont falter later in thwir marriage like look what he did before they were even officially together AND IN FRONT OF HIS FAMILY⁉️⁉️ aw hell naw‼️ whats her name forgave him too easily i woulda co-parented and thats it‼️
Hm im on the fence abt this book. It was cute and all but bruh the mmc was kinda terrible. I didnt like him for even kissing some other girl even if they never had sex i feel like hes weak and whos to say he wont falter later in thwir marriage like look what he did before they were even officially together AND IN FRONT OF HIS FAMILY⁉️⁉️ aw hell naw‼️ whats her name forgave him too easily i woulda co-parented and thats it‼️
September 12, 2023
Jevaughn and Lyra
Fake it til you make it but you're not supposed to fall for them. I loved Jevaughn and Lyra. A one night stand turned robbery only to run into the person you robbed and don't have the money to give back now at their mercy and surprise pregnancy to boot. This was a great read. Can you go from fake love to real love?
Fake it til you make it but you're not supposed to fall for them. I loved Jevaughn and Lyra. A one night stand turned robbery only to run into the person you robbed and don't have the money to give back now at their mercy and surprise pregnancy to boot. This was a great read. Can you go from fake love to real love?
September 27, 2023
Wonderful!!!
This book was great. I love the love they had. Even though it was fake in the beginning, you got to see the changes as it happened in all of a week. I would say b4 the week since you could see them getting closer before they left for Jamaica. But the real changes came in Jamaica. This book is a must-read. If you love fake relationships to love, then this is it.
This book was great. I love the love they had. Even though it was fake in the beginning, you got to see the changes as it happened in all of a week. I would say b4 the week since you could see them getting closer before they left for Jamaica. But the real changes came in Jamaica. This book is a must-read. If you love fake relationships to love, then this is it.
October 22, 2023
No words
This was an absolutely wonderful read. It's my first time reading this author and it won't be my last. I loved how even though they were lying to everyone else, they were honest with each other. I won't even say anything about his father admitting he fell in love with his mother. I need the story there even though I know the ending. Great read
This was an absolutely wonderful read. It's my first time reading this author and it won't be my last. I loved how even though they were lying to everyone else, they were honest with each other. I won't even say anything about his father admitting he fell in love with his mother. I need the story there even though I know the ending. Great read
February 12, 2024
Typical Rushed Problematic Ending
I wish Urban Fiction authors could stop the troupe of quickly forgiving MMC for cheating just for a happy ending. It's overdone and feels kind of lazy to build up to this conflict that immediately gets solved so they can end the book. The author spent more time detailing what they ate than how they resolved the issue.
I wish Urban Fiction authors could stop the troupe of quickly forgiving MMC for cheating just for a happy ending. It's overdone and feels kind of lazy to build up to this conflict that immediately gets solved so they can end the book. The author spent more time detailing what they ate than how they resolved the issue.
July 15, 2024
Real Love
JeVaughn and Lyra were everything. Hilarious from the start and they had you rooting for them the entire time. Their meeting was highly unusual, but it threw them into a whole world of opportunities. That granddaddy worked my nerves every time he walked in a room, but the outcome of this book was beautiful.
JeVaughn and Lyra were everything. Hilarious from the start and they had you rooting for them the entire time. Their meeting was highly unusual, but it threw them into a whole world of opportunities. That granddaddy worked my nerves every time he walked in a room, but the outcome of this book was beautiful.
July 24, 2024
Could have been better
It took to long to get them together if that was the point, the ending is really what messed the book up, why wait until the end to have Jevaughn mess up in thee worst way possible in thee worst place possible knowing what he was trying to do smdh. Then it got easily forgiven, 6 months later they have a baby and the end, smh, not good.
It took to long to get them together if that was the point, the ending is really what messed the book up, why wait until the end to have Jevaughn mess up in thee worst way possible in thee worst place possible knowing what he was trying to do smdh. Then it got easily forgiven, 6 months later they have a baby and the end, smh, not good.
August 21, 2024
What a way to start a love story
Je and Lyra started off on the wrong foot. Boy what a way to start but divine intervention came through in a major way for them. I just love fake relationships because they always end in an unexpected great way.
That grand daddy was an A-hole smh.
This was a great read
Je and Lyra started off on the wrong foot. Boy what a way to start but divine intervention came through in a major way for them. I just love fake relationships because they always end in an unexpected great way.
That grand daddy was an A-hole smh.
This was a great read
September 13, 2023
So sweet
I am so glad that the father put that grandfather in his place. I was happy that her little sister was able to get the help that she needed. It was so sweet how everything feel in place.
I am so glad that the father put that grandfather in his place. I was happy that her little sister was able to get the help that she needed. It was so sweet how everything feel in place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews