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Stealing a Goon’s Heart
Earning a man’s trust and then setting him up has reluctantly become like second nature to Saylor Finch. After her parents and the father of her unborn baby tragically die, leaving her all alone, she has to do what she can to feed her daughter and put herself through school.
When her boss forces her to set up Preston Wolfe, a known kingpin, things take a sudden shift. Feelings develop, and lies are thrown around, creating a web so tangled Saylor might not make it out alive.
When her boss forces her to set up Preston Wolfe, a known kingpin, things take a sudden shift. Feelings develop, and lies are thrown around, creating a web so tangled Saylor might not make it out alive.
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Published September 12, 2023
210 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Tatum James
63 books529 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 67 reviews
May 13, 2023
An Emotional Rollercoaster.....
This book packed a heavy punch. There was more than enough going on with Saylor, Preston, Bull, and Nakita. I admired Saylor because she pulled up her boot straps and took care of her and Kylie. She was quite naive and green when she became a bartender at the club. It had to be exuding off of her because Bull took advantage of it. He had the upper hand until Preston came into the picture. I was glad he did because Saylor pulled all his gentleman characteristics to the forefront. Once Preston knew about Kylie, he accepted her as his own. He made sure to tell her that he was "daddy," not "stepdaddy." She remembered it and addressed him properly. It was adorable. Now Preston's ex, Nakita, was grimy and money hungry. It was sad how she pretty much sold her child for a few coins because no amount of money will ever pay for a child. They are priceless. Karma met Nakita right at the spot she thought she had gained a win.
Ms. James, you have done it again. This is a magnificent read. It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster but worth every word written. The book takes a healing journey where Preston learned how to love while Saylor opened her heart again for love which spoke volumes. The plot twists were on point. I didn't know what was coming next, but I fully invested in reading to see. I surely hope 🤞🏽 that Quentin and Kim's story is in the lineup. I would love to read their story along with updates on Preston, PJ, Saylor, and Kylie.
This book packed a heavy punch. There was more than enough going on with Saylor, Preston, Bull, and Nakita. I admired Saylor because she pulled up her boot straps and took care of her and Kylie. She was quite naive and green when she became a bartender at the club. It had to be exuding off of her because Bull took advantage of it. He had the upper hand until Preston came into the picture. I was glad he did because Saylor pulled all his gentleman characteristics to the forefront. Once Preston knew about Kylie, he accepted her as his own. He made sure to tell her that he was "daddy," not "stepdaddy." She remembered it and addressed him properly. It was adorable. Now Preston's ex, Nakita, was grimy and money hungry. It was sad how she pretty much sold her child for a few coins because no amount of money will ever pay for a child. They are priceless. Karma met Nakita right at the spot she thought she had gained a win.
Ms. James, you have done it again. This is a magnificent read. It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster but worth every word written. The book takes a healing journey where Preston learned how to love while Saylor opened her heart again for love which spoke volumes. The plot twists were on point. I didn't know what was coming next, but I fully invested in reading to see. I surely hope 🤞🏽 that Quentin and Kim's story is in the lineup. I would love to read their story along with updates on Preston, PJ, Saylor, and Kylie.
May 16, 2023
So, I went into this read on pins and needles, waiting for the other shoe to drop! I felt for Saylor as her entire world was turned upside down in an instant. Although grieving she needed to make a way for herself and her daughter. Falling in bed with that snake ass Bull wasn't it though sis! Bull used her naivety, and desperation to his advantage, so she would do his dirty work. Preston Wolfe! A good man who was forced into the streets to take care of himself and his brother. As this was not his end game, he was planning his exit, when he meets Saylor. Preston for you to be a street dude, you are trusting as hell! No checking into people before allowing them to get close anymore huh? I did love how he was so willing to be vulnerable while getting to know Saylor. Loving on Kylie and just being the perfect mate. Before long they were inseparable, with the secret still lingering! I am yelling at my kindle, Saylor, you betta tell him before things get too far! Girl, what you waiting for? It's not going to end well for you if he finds out on his own! 🤬 Well...... both Saylor and Preston are devastated when the truth emerges! But, that revelation with Bull was mind blowing, and the casualties! Whew! I worried if Preston would ever find it in his heart to forgive such a deception! I was good with the ending, but it felt like just the beginning. I need to know what happens now! There has to be more, right? Good read! 👍👍👍
November 25, 2023
Review to come!
May 11, 2023
Loved the storyline because it held my attention and was not predictable
Kylie was clearly the cuteness that held it all together.
Kylie was clearly the cuteness that held it all together.
May 17, 2023
Preston and Saylor
This was a great book, I loved Preston and Saylor together their were prefect and I was also mad she didn’t say nothing. I love when a author can write kids into a story and steal the show 😍. I want to know will Preston’s brother get a story or not?
This was a great book, I loved Preston and Saylor together their were prefect and I was also mad she didn’t say nothing. I love when a author can write kids into a story and steal the show 😍. I want to know will Preston’s brother get a story or not?
May 11, 2023
great read!
This was a great read. I wanted Saylor to tell him about it before all the drama. I didn’t see the plot twist about bull coming
This was a great read. I wanted Saylor to tell him about it before all the drama. I didn’t see the plot twist about bull coming
May 14, 2023
The story held my interest.
May 17, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
OMG! Tatum James wrote the hell of of this Story. Preston and Saylor took me through it. Saylor really made me want to go in the book and slap some damn sense in to her. Preston was very determined to get to know her and be in her life. Toots had Preston wrapped around her little fingers from day one.Nakita was miserable and money hungry. Bull had just Crazy. Quick was hot headed and Kimbella was a true friend. I really enjoyed this Story. I am glad it all worked out in the end. I hope Quick and Kimbella get a Story. I need more of Preston and Saylor.
OMG! Tatum James wrote the hell of of this Story. Preston and Saylor took me through it. Saylor really made me want to go in the book and slap some damn sense in to her. Preston was very determined to get to know her and be in her life. Toots had Preston wrapped around her little fingers from day one.Nakita was miserable and money hungry. Bull had just Crazy. Quick was hot headed and Kimbella was a true friend. I really enjoyed this Story. I am glad it all worked out in the end. I hope Quick and Kimbella get a Story. I need more of Preston and Saylor.
May 17, 2023
Amazing ❤
👏🏾omggggg this story 🥲🥲🥲😭😭😭was everything it 🙌🏽touched my heart and soul loss forgiveness 💔simply amazing 👏🏾beautiful chemistry between characters loved it ❤ they both needed each other
👏🏾omggggg this story 🥲🥲🥲😭😭😭was everything it 🙌🏽touched my heart and soul loss forgiveness 💔simply amazing 👏🏾beautiful chemistry between characters loved it ❤ they both needed each other
May 15, 2023
This story was good but feel like the ending was rushed a little bit. The beginning had my jaw on the floor cuz WTH!
May 10, 2023
😍😍
I was screaming at Saylor the whole time to let this man know what was going on. Once she knew things were progressing she should’ve at least let him know people was plotting on him. But she ain’t wanna lose him but I’m not sure why procrastinating was the go to move. Loved the way Preston acted with Kylie and I loved his relationship with his son. I couldn’t stand his BM at all.
I was screaming at Saylor the whole time to let this man know what was going on. Once she knew things were progressing she should’ve at least let him know people was plotting on him. But she ain’t wanna lose him but I’m not sure why procrastinating was the go to move. Loved the way Preston acted with Kylie and I loved his relationship with his son. I couldn’t stand his BM at all.
May 10, 2023
Love wins
When I read the first chapter I was like aww hell why you do this to us. Then here enters Preston a thug with a soft spot for saylor and Kylie. The way that man loves Kylie in this book brought such a smile to my face. Saylor and Preston's relationship was so beautiful. I cant wait for this author next book.
When I read the first chapter I was like aww hell why you do this to us. Then here enters Preston a thug with a soft spot for saylor and Kylie. The way that man loves Kylie in this book brought such a smile to my face. Saylor and Preston's relationship was so beautiful. I cant wait for this author next book.
May 10, 2023
🔥🔥
Saylor and Preston took me through it.
Preston was rough when he needed to be but he was so easy to fall in love with. I loved everything about him.
Saylor and Preston took me through it.
Preston was rough when he needed to be but he was so easy to fall in love with. I loved everything about him.
May 13, 2023
Very good.
Saylor and Preston had chemistry and attractions instantly. Preston was about every Saylor from the very beginning. This was a good book about trust, betrayal, love and forgiveness. This was a great read.
Saylor and Preston had chemistry and attractions instantly. Preston was about every Saylor from the very beginning. This was a good book about trust, betrayal, love and forgiveness. This was a great read.
May 27, 2023
Saylor tragically lost her parents and daughters father in a car accident. Saylor is now a bartender and doing stick up work with her boss Bull. Bull used Saylor to his advantage. Here comes BDE Preston; Saylor & Bulls next target. Saylor and Preston never thought they would have fallen for each other but they fell hard. Bull and Nikita got theres. I hope there’s a spin-off with Quick and Kim
May 12, 2023
Stealing a goon’s heart
I enjoyed this story and I loved the energy that Preston put in his pursuit of making Saylor his lady. He applied pressure and didn’t let up until a big secret was overheard and made him question everything he thought he knew about his love. I loved how Saylor owned her mistake even though it took a while for her to speak on it, but I could understand her hesitance with revealing such a big secret. I loved the two of them together and the relationship with the kids just added to it. Saylor had such an innocence to herself and she was only trying to make the best out of a messed up situation after losing her parents and boyfriend and that made me like her character even though I felt she should have told Preston about the plot when she realized she wouldn’t go through with it. There are some inconsistencies with some of the timeline but those inconsistencies do not take away from the enjoyment of the story and are minor enough that the story continues but noticeable enough to make you think twice, at least for me. All in all, I recommend this book and this author has become one that I look forward to seeing what will come next from her.
I enjoyed this story and I loved the energy that Preston put in his pursuit of making Saylor his lady. He applied pressure and didn’t let up until a big secret was overheard and made him question everything he thought he knew about his love. I loved how Saylor owned her mistake even though it took a while for her to speak on it, but I could understand her hesitance with revealing such a big secret. I loved the two of them together and the relationship with the kids just added to it. Saylor had such an innocence to herself and she was only trying to make the best out of a messed up situation after losing her parents and boyfriend and that made me like her character even though I felt she should have told Preston about the plot when she realized she wouldn’t go through with it. There are some inconsistencies with some of the timeline but those inconsistencies do not take away from the enjoyment of the story and are minor enough that the story continues but noticeable enough to make you think twice, at least for me. All in all, I recommend this book and this author has become one that I look forward to seeing what will come next from her.
May 22, 2023
This story was a rollercoaster! After loosing her parents and baby daddy in a car crash, Saylor is struggling to continue through school while taking care of her daughter. In comes Preston and it's lust at first sight for him. With both struggling to let love back in, there are definitely outside forces trying to keep them apart. With Saylor keeping something huge from Preston its a tug and war between telling the truth to the man she's falling in love with and trying to support her family. The story definitely has so many layers with unexpected twists. I love how immediately protective Preston is over Saylor and her daughter. He made his intentions clear while also being vulnerable which made the betrayal so deep for him. Shoutout for the couple therapy sessions that helped them grow from their experience.
May 19, 2023
A Goon's Heart
So many emotions in this novella. I enjoyed this story. My heart bled for Saylor. She had so much going on in her life. I can see how she felt desperate which led her to make the choices she made.
I loved Preston and the energy he brought. His brother Quentin on the other hand, definitely a firecracker.
Forgiveness is a part of healing a hurt heart.
So many emotions in this novella. I enjoyed this story. My heart bled for Saylor. She had so much going on in her life. I can see how she felt desperate which led her to make the choices she made.
I loved Preston and the energy he brought. His brother Quentin on the other hand, definitely a firecracker.
Forgiveness is a part of healing a hurt heart.
May 12, 2023
Love and forgiveness
This is the best example of love and forgiveness. You can want to hate someone who you love so deeply and want to hold on to the hurt they caused you, but sometimes Love wins but forgiveness is the key to unlocking it all
This is the best example of love and forgiveness. You can want to hate someone who you love so deeply and want to hold on to the hurt they caused you, but sometimes Love wins but forgiveness is the key to unlocking it all
May 17, 2023
must read
I loved this book it was different and I loved it . This book touched on real issues of love ,hate and tragedy. And how someone can make mistakes because of the way life hand was written. Overall this book was a great read.
I loved this book it was different and I loved it . This book touched on real issues of love ,hate and tragedy. And how someone can make mistakes because of the way life hand was written. Overall this book was a great read.
May 19, 2023
I can't stop smiling!
OMG! The way that Press loved on Saylor was something else❤ I don't want to say too much but this is a must read. From beginning to the end, it holds you captive! A tear almost dropped when Toots saw her "dada" after so long. I really enjoyed this.
OMG! The way that Press loved on Saylor was something else❤ I don't want to say too much but this is a must read. From beginning to the end, it holds you captive! A tear almost dropped when Toots saw her "dada" after so long. I really enjoyed this.
May 18, 2023
Beautiful Read
This was a great book. A little short but it did what needed to be done. I am glad Saylor and Wolfe got their happily ever after.
This was a great book. A little short but it did what needed to be done. I am glad Saylor and Wolfe got their happily ever after.
May 18, 2023
Tonya
Preston baby mama got on my nerves. Saylor should have came clean in the beginning. Bull was determined Kimbella was a good friend Q didn't play about Preston.
Preston baby mama got on my nerves. Saylor should have came clean in the beginning. Bull was determined Kimbella was a good friend Q didn't play about Preston.
May 11, 2023
it was sweet
It was a sweet story my first time reading from this author but I loved it! I will come back to read more from this author
It was a sweet story my first time reading from this author but I loved it! I will come back to read more from this author
October 15, 2023
I’ll take a goon
Man I truly enjoyed this book. I love seeing a street man find the one who takes them down literally. I love hood, drama, and black love and this delivers on all fronts. Wolfe is just that man.
Man I truly enjoyed this book. I love seeing a street man find the one who takes them down literally. I love hood, drama, and black love and this delivers on all fronts. Wolfe is just that man.
May 23, 2023
Saylor and Preston!!!
Saylor is a single mother going to med school and working as a bartender. She has faced a lot of tragedy but she is determined to keep her childhood home, finish school and take care of her baby girl, Kylie. Saylor has done side jobs for her boss, Bull, before because she needed the money. Preston enters the picture and Bull determines that he will be the next target in his side scheme and wants Saylor to get close to him for nefarious reasons. Once Saylor spends time with Preston and gets to know him, she knows that she is not going along with Bull's plan. Preston and Saylor's relationship was a joy to read. Even though Preston was street, he fell hard for Saylor. I loved the way he included Kylie in whatever he did for Saylor. I was upset with Saylor on how she handled the situation with Preston. She should have told him what was going on from the beginning so Preston could have gotten ahead of Bull's scheme. Unbeknownst to her, Bull had a more hidden, devious plan for Preston from the beginning. Bull and Nakita, Preston's baby mama, got on my nerves and they both got what they deserved even though I felt sorry for PJ. In the end, Preston was able to forgive Saylor because of the love and feelings he had for her and Kylie. It was so cute how Kylie let the cat out of the bag in the store when Preston was trying to be sneaky and catch a glimpse of them. Overall, this is a really good book with drama, love, passion and danger. Ms. James has written an outstanding book once again!!!
Saylor is a single mother going to med school and working as a bartender. She has faced a lot of tragedy but she is determined to keep her childhood home, finish school and take care of her baby girl, Kylie. Saylor has done side jobs for her boss, Bull, before because she needed the money. Preston enters the picture and Bull determines that he will be the next target in his side scheme and wants Saylor to get close to him for nefarious reasons. Once Saylor spends time with Preston and gets to know him, she knows that she is not going along with Bull's plan. Preston and Saylor's relationship was a joy to read. Even though Preston was street, he fell hard for Saylor. I loved the way he included Kylie in whatever he did for Saylor. I was upset with Saylor on how she handled the situation with Preston. She should have told him what was going on from the beginning so Preston could have gotten ahead of Bull's scheme. Unbeknownst to her, Bull had a more hidden, devious plan for Preston from the beginning. Bull and Nakita, Preston's baby mama, got on my nerves and they both got what they deserved even though I felt sorry for PJ. In the end, Preston was able to forgive Saylor because of the love and feelings he had for her and Kylie. It was so cute how Kylie let the cat out of the bag in the store when Preston was trying to be sneaky and catch a glimpse of them. Overall, this is a really good book with drama, love, passion and danger. Ms. James has written an outstanding book once again!!!
December 13, 2024
This is the story of Saylor and Preston. In the blink of an eye, Saylor's life went from sugar to 💩. One moment Saylor's life is perfect. she's the daughter of well off parents who love her. she's also pregnant and in love. The next moment she's alone in the world trying to make ends meet as a single mom raising a beautiful daughter. Unfortunately, her mom, dad, and BD die in a car crash.
Saylor, who was once the daughter of well to do patents, finds herself working as a bartender in a strip club to make ends meet and pay her medical school bills. She can't touch her inheritance until she reaches a certain age.
Saylor is alone in these streets and too naive to be working at a strip club. Her boss plays on her naivete and has Saylor setting dudes up to get robbed for extra money. Enter Preston. Preston is her next mark but Saylor falls for him. They fall in love but Evil Boss isn't having it.
This is where Saylor pissed me off. Open your damn mouth. Instead, she stays mum about Evil Boss's intentions and shit hits the fan. We also have a villainous Ex of Preston who gets what she deserves.
I haven't wanted to smack a character in a long time but Saylor had me itching to give her 5 fingers to the face. Dummy. Very good book.
Saylor, who was once the daughter of well to do patents, finds herself working as a bartender in a strip club to make ends meet and pay her medical school bills. She can't touch her inheritance until she reaches a certain age.
Saylor is alone in these streets and too naive to be working at a strip club. Her boss plays on her naivete and has Saylor setting dudes up to get robbed for extra money. Enter Preston. Preston is her next mark but Saylor falls for him. They fall in love but Evil Boss isn't having it.
This is where Saylor pissed me off. Open your damn mouth. Instead, she stays mum about Evil Boss's intentions and shit hits the fan. We also have a villainous Ex of Preston who gets what she deserves.
I haven't wanted to smack a character in a long time but Saylor had me itching to give her 5 fingers to the face. Dummy. Very good book.
June 3, 2023
She did it again
Bravo Ms. James, this is how you write urban romance. Saylor is dealt a rough hand in life in one fell swoop she loses everything. But she is a fighter and fight she does. Now she's a single mother just trying to do her best, but life is hard, and she gets involved with the wrong people. Preston is at the top but has lost his taste for the game and wants out. Out one night, Preston meets the beautiful and alluring Saylor. There's instant chemistry between the two they are magnets to each other. But outside forces are trying to destroy them. There are secrets in the air. Really good book. I definitely recommend it. Now, let's talk about this man bonding with her daughter. That man said that's my baby and can whatever she wants. The love he showed her was top-tier book boyfriend material. This book was full of emotion, suspense, love, oh, and some good back breaking!
Bravo Ms. James, this is how you write urban romance. Saylor is dealt a rough hand in life in one fell swoop she loses everything. But she is a fighter and fight she does. Now she's a single mother just trying to do her best, but life is hard, and she gets involved with the wrong people. Preston is at the top but has lost his taste for the game and wants out. Out one night, Preston meets the beautiful and alluring Saylor. There's instant chemistry between the two they are magnets to each other. But outside forces are trying to destroy them. There are secrets in the air. Really good book. I definitely recommend it. Now, let's talk about this man bonding with her daughter. That man said that's my baby and can whatever she wants. The love he showed her was top-tier book boyfriend material. This book was full of emotion, suspense, love, oh, and some good back breaking!
February 6, 2025
I’d give it a solid 3.70 stars.
After Sailor losses her parents and Boyfriend/baby father all in one day, she’s not only dealing with grief, raising a few months old baby as a now single and new mother all while being a full-time student she is desperate to find a way to make ends meet financially. Considering the fact that her parents never set up their will in case they both died, she has no access to their funds and she can’t access her trust fund until she is done school.
Currently she has a job as a bartender at a strip club and her manager also has her doing a side job where she makes thousands of dollars to set men up to get robbed. Little does Sailor know her boss has ulterior motives behind his set ups.
Preston is a father and a big time drug dealer in the streets. When he goes to the new strip club in his area he sets eyes on the beautiful Sailor, and let’s just say he is love stuck. The only problem is he doesn’t know that he is Sailors next target.
After Sailor losses her parents and Boyfriend/baby father all in one day, she’s not only dealing with grief, raising a few months old baby as a now single and new mother all while being a full-time student she is desperate to find a way to make ends meet financially. Considering the fact that her parents never set up their will in case they both died, she has no access to their funds and she can’t access her trust fund until she is done school.
Currently she has a job as a bartender at a strip club and her manager also has her doing a side job where she makes thousands of dollars to set men up to get robbed. Little does Sailor know her boss has ulterior motives behind his set ups.
Preston is a father and a big time drug dealer in the streets. When he goes to the new strip club in his area he sets eyes on the beautiful Sailor, and let’s just say he is love stuck. The only problem is he doesn’t know that he is Sailors next target.
May 31, 2023
KR
This was awesome
Wow just to find out that Bull had agenda the hold time he was because they were brothers so greed and because your mom died because She admitted that she killed y'all dad and Preston killed her
But I do feel like she should have told Preston a long time ago instead of letting him find out the way he did but we all know frfr her and him would not even be together because betrayal was real and he did ask for loyalty and she most certainly did not give that ...
And Quinton didn't play no games about his big brother he threatened her to stay away..
But Kimbella was a true friend through and through keeping Kylie for her no matter what and I'm pretty sure her and Quinton is probably still messing around on the low
I recommend this story
This was awesome
Wow just to find out that Bull had agenda the hold time he was because they were brothers so greed and because your mom died because She admitted that she killed y'all dad and Preston killed her
But I do feel like she should have told Preston a long time ago instead of letting him find out the way he did but we all know frfr her and him would not even be together because betrayal was real and he did ask for loyalty and she most certainly did not give that ...
And Quinton didn't play no games about his big brother he threatened her to stay away..
But Kimbella was a true friend through and through keeping Kylie for her no matter what and I'm pretty sure her and Quinton is probably still messing around on the low
I recommend this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews