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Giving Good Love to a Bad Boy
Against her controlling father’s protest, Doctor Janelle St. John worked hard to become a veterinarian and open a practice with her best friend. As much as she loves her family, she can’t stomach dealing with her father’s betrayal. While she thought her parents would live happily ever after, he was cheating on her mom and starting a family with one of Janelle’s childhood best friends. Seeing how her parent’s happy marriage was just a fraud gave Janelle the realization that love was a hoax at a young age.
Kross Glover is a rare animal breeder who’s drowning in the grief of losing his wife. After leaving the Marines, he worked as a collector and enforcer for The Force until one of his enemies murdered his wife, sending him into an early retirement. After running into Janelle during a run at the park, Kross has a renewed interest in the wiles of the opposite sex.
When he’s shot in an ambush, he has to balance trying to find the people who tried to kill him with convincing Janelle that true love is worth risking it all. Can the dark, fine, and mysterious dog breeder sweep Janelle off her feet and make her believe in love again, or will his demons from the past catch up with him first? Find out in Giving Good Love to a Bad Boy.
Kross Glover is a rare animal breeder who’s drowning in the grief of losing his wife. After leaving the Marines, he worked as a collector and enforcer for The Force until one of his enemies murdered his wife, sending him into an early retirement. After running into Janelle during a run at the park, Kross has a renewed interest in the wiles of the opposite sex.
When he’s shot in an ambush, he has to balance trying to find the people who tried to kill him with convincing Janelle that true love is worth risking it all. Can the dark, fine, and mysterious dog breeder sweep Janelle off her feet and make her believe in love again, or will his demons from the past catch up with him first? Find out in Giving Good Love to a Bad Boy.
- GenresRomanceAfrican American
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
921 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Tatum James
64 books540 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 123 reviews
April 3, 2025
IKYFL...
Y'all I knew something wasn't right when I got to about 95%...this was a cliffie and I wasn't prepared. That ending was...whew I'm hot!😡 First off, Kross and Janelle...I'm here for them ok. This book had me hooked. Big broody man, lost the love of his life with the thought he'd never be whole again. Until he meets Doc Janelle, the vet who literally jump started his heart. After a wtf moment, Kross applies pressure and doesn't come up. I was definitely here for it. Janelle is apprehensive because she doesn't see love and longevity in her future. All she asks is not be hurt. Kross emphatically states, he doesn't want pieces of her, he wants the whole thing! I just hope this ending doesn't cause too much trouble for my newest favorite couple. Let me get back to my venting...cliffhanger books should come with a warning because I try to at least have 2 books available to read before I start one! I'm not mad I read it...at all, but now I have to wait! You've been warned, happy reading y'all!💋
Y'all I knew something wasn't right when I got to about 95%...this was a cliffie and I wasn't prepared. That ending was...whew I'm hot!😡 First off, Kross and Janelle...I'm here for them ok. This book had me hooked. Big broody man, lost the love of his life with the thought he'd never be whole again. Until he meets Doc Janelle, the vet who literally jump started his heart. After a wtf moment, Kross applies pressure and doesn't come up. I was definitely here for it. Janelle is apprehensive because she doesn't see love and longevity in her future. All she asks is not be hurt. Kross emphatically states, he doesn't want pieces of her, he wants the whole thing! I just hope this ending doesn't cause too much trouble for my newest favorite couple. Let me get back to my venting...cliffhanger books should come with a warning because I try to at least have 2 books available to read before I start one! I'm not mad I read it...at all, but now I have to wait! You've been warned, happy reading y'all!💋
April 5, 2025
ends on a cliffhanger just as it was getting good. So many questions to be answered. can't wait!!
August 28, 2025
Audiobook/ebook 📚🎧
Narrators 3/5
Ends with a cliffhanger but I immediately downloaded book 2 🙃
Narrators 3/5
Ends with a cliffhanger but I immediately downloaded book 2 🙃
May 1, 2025
Well, I was not quite sure what to expect with this read. But I damn sure was not expecting Mr. Kross Glover! Whew lawd!! 😍 I purposely waited to read this one after I heard there was a cliffhanger, and so glad I did. Cause what????? 🤯
Dr. Janelle St. John loved her job as a veterinarian. Not wanting to deal with her judgmental and controlling dad, she distances herself away from family. Cause who needs all that toxic ish they got going on? But family is what you make it right? She and the ladies she works with at the clinic is all the family she needs. When she sees this handsome man while out running, it makes her feel a way, but that doesn’t matter, as love ain’t on the agenda.
Kross!! Chile my heart went out to this man, as you could tell that he adored his wife. He was consumed with grief that it became crippling, and he barely functioned. 💔 However, when he came across Miss Janelle, she jump starts his heart to where he begins to feel again, smile again, maybe even have the ability to love again. But Kross has some unfinished business that pops up and tries to throw a distraction in the way of his pursuit of Janelle. But he is coming with the pressure honey, and she is not ready! I love them together, as they have such an easy vibe when Janelle isn’t being stubborn. 🤣 Now that ending…….. 🤯 So glad I waited to read this, and I’m ready to jump right into book 2. Loved it. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Dr. Janelle St. John loved her job as a veterinarian. Not wanting to deal with her judgmental and controlling dad, she distances herself away from family. Cause who needs all that toxic ish they got going on? But family is what you make it right? She and the ladies she works with at the clinic is all the family she needs. When she sees this handsome man while out running, it makes her feel a way, but that doesn’t matter, as love ain’t on the agenda.
Kross!! Chile my heart went out to this man, as you could tell that he adored his wife. He was consumed with grief that it became crippling, and he barely functioned. 💔 However, when he came across Miss Janelle, she jump starts his heart to where he begins to feel again, smile again, maybe even have the ability to love again. But Kross has some unfinished business that pops up and tries to throw a distraction in the way of his pursuit of Janelle. But he is coming with the pressure honey, and she is not ready! I love them together, as they have such an easy vibe when Janelle isn’t being stubborn. 🤣 Now that ending…….. 🤯 So glad I waited to read this, and I’m ready to jump right into book 2. Loved it. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
April 4, 2025
Good book
Very good read and I can’t wait for the sequel. I am so happy that Janelle finally allowed herself to feel love and be loved. I am also happy Kross started living again and not just existing.
Very good read and I can’t wait for the sequel. I am so happy that Janelle finally allowed herself to feel love and be loved. I am also happy Kross started living again and not just existing.
April 13, 2025
Hmm...
Ms. Tatum you have been in your writing bag and I'm here for it. I had a feeling that this story was building up to a cliffhanger. I just didn't know what. Well, I actually thought that maybe Audrey wasn't dead and she popped into Kross's life once he and Janelle got hot and heavy. However, I was totally to the left. All that is going on in this masterpiece is much deeper than that. It's quite a few unanswered questions that I hope are going to get answered in the next installment. One being who was shot in the outside altercation. The other is did Janelle's father had a heart attack. Either way, I am looking forward to the next installment. I know it has to be because we all are left wondering what's going to happen next. And will Kross and Janelle finally get their happily ever after?
Ms. Tatum you have been in your writing bag and I'm here for it. I had a feeling that this story was building up to a cliffhanger. I just didn't know what. Well, I actually thought that maybe Audrey wasn't dead and she popped into Kross's life once he and Janelle got hot and heavy. However, I was totally to the left. All that is going on in this masterpiece is much deeper than that. It's quite a few unanswered questions that I hope are going to get answered in the next installment. One being who was shot in the outside altercation. The other is did Janelle's father had a heart attack. Either way, I am looking forward to the next installment. I know it has to be because we all are left wondering what's going to happen next. And will Kross and Janelle finally get their happily ever after?
September 16, 2025
Tatum James gave me a story full of heartbreak, healing, and that kind of love you don’t see coming. Janelle has worked too hard to let anyone play with her peace, but Kross slips in at just the right time, carrying his own shadows and pain.
Their connection felt like fire and water, messy but undeniable. I loved how the book didn’t gloss over the weight both of them carried betrayal, grief, mistrust and instead showed what it looks like to try again when love has already burned you. And just when I thought I could exhale, the cliffhanger snatched the ground right from under me.
Their connection felt like fire and water, messy but undeniable. I loved how the book didn’t gloss over the weight both of them carried betrayal, grief, mistrust and instead showed what it looks like to try again when love has already burned you. And just when I thought I could exhale, the cliffhanger snatched the ground right from under me.
April 13, 2025
Kross and Janelle!!
Kross was still going through the grieving process due to his wife's death. Janelle had daddy issues due to her father's actions with her former friend and was not looking for love. Once they meet, there is an immediate connection. It was great to see the growth that Kross went through in order for him to give love a chance again. Janelle brought Kross alive again, and I loved that for him. The way that Kross showed Janelle how a man is supposed to treat a woman was just what she needed. Kross was also determined to protect his new life with Janelle by any means necessary. The story between Kross and Janelle was so good that I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for the second part of Kross and Janelle's story because that cliffhanger left me on the edge of my seat.
Kross was still going through the grieving process due to his wife's death. Janelle had daddy issues due to her father's actions with her former friend and was not looking for love. Once they meet, there is an immediate connection. It was great to see the growth that Kross went through in order for him to give love a chance again. Janelle brought Kross alive again, and I loved that for him. The way that Kross showed Janelle how a man is supposed to treat a woman was just what she needed. Kross was also determined to protect his new life with Janelle by any means necessary. The story between Kross and Janelle was so good that I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for the second part of Kross and Janelle's story because that cliffhanger left me on the edge of my seat.
April 6, 2025
Giving Good Love to a Bad Boy
Baby, I can't wait until April 18th to read the conclusion of this story. I love me some Kross. He is fine and does everything with intention. He says what he means, and means what he says. My guy is definitely a real one.
Janelle is a beautiful veterinarian and considers herself the black sheep of the family because she is not an orthopedic surgeon like the rest. She also has daddy issues because he cheated on her mom with her bestie. So she is good on love.
A chance meeting Kross at the park while out for her morning run changes things. Kross finds himself opening his heart after mourning his wife for ten years. Janelle is trying to take things slow because she has no faith in men.
Just as they are finding their rhythm, to be continued......
Awesome beginning!!!!!
Baby, I can't wait until April 18th to read the conclusion of this story. I love me some Kross. He is fine and does everything with intention. He says what he means, and means what he says. My guy is definitely a real one.
Janelle is a beautiful veterinarian and considers herself the black sheep of the family because she is not an orthopedic surgeon like the rest. She also has daddy issues because he cheated on her mom with her bestie. So she is good on love.
A chance meeting Kross at the park while out for her morning run changes things. Kross finds himself opening his heart after mourning his wife for ten years. Janelle is trying to take things slow because she has no faith in men.
Just as they are finding their rhythm, to be continued......
Awesome beginning!!!!!
April 13, 2025
Completion
Life provides of love at different stages and places we may feel God has given us life of loneliness to live without someone. God has a purpose for everyone trusting her timing will make us prosperous.
Life provides of love at different stages and places we may feel God has given us life of loneliness to live without someone. God has a purpose for everyone trusting her timing will make us prosperous.
April 5, 2025
Kross
I loved me some Kross. He was very multilayered and wasn’t shy about expressing his feelings for Janelle. He definitely fell first and fell hard and was determined to get Janelle to see that not all men were like her father. Now Janelle was a hard nut to crack and wasn’t trying to change her mind about love, but she couldn’t avoid falling for Kross’s charm.
I really liked these two together and I enjoyed this read from beginning to end, but it hurt my feelings ending on a cliffhanger. I’m hoping the rest of their story is released soon so I can swoon over Kross some more.
I loved me some Kross. He was very multilayered and wasn’t shy about expressing his feelings for Janelle. He definitely fell first and fell hard and was determined to get Janelle to see that not all men were like her father. Now Janelle was a hard nut to crack and wasn’t trying to change her mind about love, but she couldn’t avoid falling for Kross’s charm.
I really liked these two together and I enjoyed this read from beginning to end, but it hurt my feelings ending on a cliffhanger. I’m hoping the rest of their story is released soon so I can swoon over Kross some more.
April 4, 2025
Baabyy, I can't wait to get the conclusion to this story. Kross was the alpha male and Doc Janelle, the alpharess female. Love knows no boundaries!
I liked both equally! He was seriously into the Doc. Proving his worthiness, he was determined to tie up loose ends. She was cautious and curious, so she stepped outside of her box, hoping that she didn't get burned.
I'm hoping that these two get their HEA in part 2, without much drama. I want her to stand by him.
I don't particularly care for cliffhangers, and this one had no warning. Typically, they take too long for finalization it makes me happy!
I liked both equally! He was seriously into the Doc. Proving his worthiness, he was determined to tie up loose ends. She was cautious and curious, so she stepped outside of her box, hoping that she didn't get burned.
I'm hoping that these two get their HEA in part 2, without much drama. I want her to stand by him.
I don't particularly care for cliffhangers, and this one had no warning. Typically, they take too long for finalization it makes me happy!
April 5, 2025
so far so good..
I am stressed tf out!
I had actual things to say before the last line of the book short circuited my brain.
I love Kross. He can have my whole heart. I’m proud of him for his growth & efforts to be his best self.
Doc is a beautiful, smart, funny & courageous woman. I feel her & all of her daddy issues, HOWEVER, I need her to cool it.
If she doesn’t release an ounce of control & let my man love her. I’m gonna wanna fight.
Idk where this is headed, but it better be a HEA for Kross (& by default Doc) I don’t care about anything or anyone else.
I am stressed tf out!
I had actual things to say before the last line of the book short circuited my brain.
I love Kross. He can have my whole heart. I’m proud of him for his growth & efforts to be his best self.
Doc is a beautiful, smart, funny & courageous woman. I feel her & all of her daddy issues, HOWEVER, I need her to cool it.
If she doesn’t release an ounce of control & let my man love her. I’m gonna wanna fight.
Idk where this is headed, but it better be a HEA for Kross (& by default Doc) I don’t care about anything or anyone else.
June 21, 2025
Meh... The characters started out ok, and I never disliked either of them, but there wasn't a lot of depth to the backstories, just enough trauma.
This could have been forgiven if there was some nice leadup and some good spicy scenes, but there was only a bit of leadup in the dating, and then the spiciness was super fast and base.
The dialogue tags were a bit atmospheric in writing terms, wish this had had a good editor, because the bones were there.
2 Stars.
This could have been forgiven if there was some nice leadup and some good spicy scenes, but there was only a bit of leadup in the dating, and then the spiciness was super fast and base.
The dialogue tags were a bit atmospheric in writing terms, wish this had had a good editor, because the bones were there.
2 Stars.
April 20, 2025
Attraction to Real Love
This is a very refreshing love story. Two people who both find one another attractive but both have back stories which pauses them moving forward. Kross can’t resist and makes his moves through slick encounters. I’m happy because it works and they both are deserving of what the other has to offer. No messy best friends but outside drama does threaten what they’re building. Doc’s side it’s her family. Kross’ side is old enemies. But now the lines are crossing…oh my!
This is a very refreshing love story. Two people who both find one another attractive but both have back stories which pauses them moving forward. Kross can’t resist and makes his moves through slick encounters. I’m happy because it works and they both are deserving of what the other has to offer. No messy best friends but outside drama does threaten what they’re building. Doc’s side it’s her family. Kross’ side is old enemies. But now the lines are crossing…oh my!
April 20, 2025
Well hot damn
Kross is a man after my own heart. The easy he was fighting the feelings that he had for Kanelle and then just letting go amd going after what he wants...I loved it. My heart def hurt for him and everything that he suffered. The scene of their first date...literally SPICY HOT DAMN!!!! I love the kind of mystery storyline of who is put to get Kross.
I like the fam tension. Didn't expect dsd to be involved with suspect but that was a twist.
This was a great read...highly recommend...onto book 2 I go
Kross is a man after my own heart. The easy he was fighting the feelings that he had for Kanelle and then just letting go amd going after what he wants...I loved it. My heart def hurt for him and everything that he suffered. The scene of their first date...literally SPICY HOT DAMN!!!! I love the kind of mystery storyline of who is put to get Kross.
I like the fam tension. Didn't expect dsd to be involved with suspect but that was a twist.
This was a great read...highly recommend...onto book 2 I go
April 16, 2025
Kross was trying to get over his grief, but when he crossed paths with Janelle, he instantly fell for her. He was definitely standing on business and showing her what a real man does, and was not taking no for an answer. Janelle was trying to push him away because she was scared of being hurt, but I’m glad she gave in. I also enjoyed Kross’s dark side and how his past is trying to catch up with him, can’t wait to read part two.
April 20, 2025
Feels
Kross a widow is immediately captivated when he encounters Janelle. However, Janelle only wants men for one thing and that’s it; she isn’t looking for any type of commitment. This slow-burn was needed to show how two people battling with personal things take a leap and experience something they haven’t in a while. There is suspense and I’m anticipating to know who is on the hunt to end Kross!
Kross a widow is immediately captivated when he encounters Janelle. However, Janelle only wants men for one thing and that’s it; she isn’t looking for any type of commitment. This slow-burn was needed to show how two people battling with personal things take a leap and experience something they haven’t in a while. There is suspense and I’m anticipating to know who is on the hunt to end Kross!
May 8, 2025
decent
I enjoyed the book, but wasn’t enthralled. I feel like there’s something missing for me. Usually I devour a book when it pulls me in, but with this one I’ve been satisfied with only reading a couple chapters a day. Idk, maybe what’s throwing me off is Janelle’s whole idea that her father being a cheat has colored her whole perception of relationships and because of him she doesn’t trust any man.
I enjoyed the book, but wasn’t enthralled. I feel like there’s something missing for me. Usually I devour a book when it pulls me in, but with this one I’ve been satisfied with only reading a couple chapters a day. Idk, maybe what’s throwing me off is Janelle’s whole idea that her father being a cheat has colored her whole perception of relationships and because of him she doesn’t trust any man.
April 20, 2025
Whew Child
This book was interesting and intriguing from the beginning! Kross &Janelle they are truly meant for each other! I love their level of maturity and ability to take things slow, yes Kross has love for his wife whom is no longer amongst the living! Then having to deal with family issues and betrayal, Janelle is smitten by Kross and rightfully so, they sharena.love for animals! I can't wait for the next part...
This book was interesting and intriguing from the beginning! Kross &Janelle they are truly meant for each other! I love their level of maturity and ability to take things slow, yes Kross has love for his wife whom is no longer amongst the living! Then having to deal with family issues and betrayal, Janelle is smitten by Kross and rightfully so, they sharena.love for animals! I can't wait for the next part...
April 22, 2025
Great Read
Kross has found his forever. One look at Janelle, and he he knew that he wanted her forever. Janelle was skeptical because of her daddy issues. She's also afraid of competing with his past. They both have a lot to work through together. Will Janelle still trust Kross after whatever happened at her sister's party? Can't wait for part two!
Kross has found his forever. One look at Janelle, and he he knew that he wanted her forever. Janelle was skeptical because of her daddy issues. She's also afraid of competing with his past. They both have a lot to work through together. Will Janelle still trust Kross after whatever happened at her sister's party? Can't wait for part two!
July 4, 2025
JANELLE & KROSS
This was a good story. A chance encounter between Janelle and Kross is love at first sight. Kross sees Janelle as his one and does everything he can to make her feel special. The attraction is definitely there between these two, and it seems to be going good as the story goes on. But there are just some things that seem to be missing, and it looks like things are starting to go bad as the story ends. Can't wait to read what revelations will come about in part 2.
This was a good story. A chance encounter between Janelle and Kross is love at first sight. Kross sees Janelle as his one and does everything he can to make her feel special. The attraction is definitely there between these two, and it seems to be going good as the story goes on. But there are just some things that seem to be missing, and it looks like things are starting to go bad as the story ends. Can't wait to read what revelations will come about in part 2.
April 3, 2025
Giving Good 🤎
The cliff hanger got me! I was so engaged I didn’t even realize I was at the end. I love Kross and Doc together and how we got to see them build. I’m also glad she stood her ground with her dad and not allowing him in her space just because others let bygones be bygones. Can’t wait for part 2.
The cliff hanger got me! I was so engaged I didn’t even realize I was at the end. I love Kross and Doc together and how we got to see them build. I’m also glad she stood her ground with her dad and not allowing him in her space just because others let bygones be bygones. Can’t wait for part 2.
April 6, 2025
Oh, it is getting real
I know you freaking lying. Tatum James, why would you do that to my soul?
I need to know what the heck just happened.
Kross, my baby, you have so many skeletons it isn't even funny, and Janelle is right there with you. When most women would have run, she came closer. I don't blame her one bit because your honesty is a mutha....
I know you freaking lying. Tatum James, why would you do that to my soul?
I need to know what the heck just happened.
Kross, my baby, you have so many skeletons it isn't even funny, and Janelle is right there with you. When most women would have run, she came closer. I don't blame her one bit because your honesty is a mutha....
April 6, 2025
So good
Whew she left us with a cliffhanger. This was so good. Kross was determined that his late wife was the only one he would love. Until he comes across Dr. Janelle. She also wasn’t fond of love. But they can’t stay away from each other.
Whew she left us with a cliffhanger. This was so good. Kross was determined that his late wife was the only one he would love. Until he comes across Dr. Janelle. She also wasn’t fond of love. But they can’t stay away from each other.
April 6, 2025
When knowing who you want is a man, that man name is Kross. He might have a lot of issues, but he is not letting them get in the way, most times. I'm tired of these books with these heavy cliffhangers, though, geesh. Can't wait for Part 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
kross and doc are a fun read
The book ends as a cliffhanger wtf! I was all into the book and it ended with a cliffhanger. Tatum James when does part 2 come out? I think yall should read this book. Happy reading 📚
The book ends as a cliffhanger wtf! I was all into the book and it ended with a cliffhanger. Tatum James when does part 2 come out? I think yall should read this book. Happy reading 📚
April 3, 2025
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Omgggg this was off the chain ⛓️ yesss it had my attention from beginning to end yessss simply the best my emotions 😢 ♥️ 😭 😁😆😘🤤🥵🫠 this couple was made for each other yesss can't wait for part 2 I loved it yessss
Omgggg this was off the chain ⛓️ yesss it had my attention from beginning to end yessss simply the best my emotions 😢 ♥️ 😭 😁😆😘🤤🥵🫠 this couple was made for each other yesss can't wait for part 2 I loved it yessss
April 6, 2025
🔥
This Story was so good. I love the slow burn of their relationship. Kross knows what he wants and Doc is about to have the time of her life. Can't wait for book 2.
This Story was so good. I love the slow burn of their relationship. Kross knows what he wants and Doc is about to have the time of her life. Can't wait for book 2.
April 10, 2025
😲😲
Uhhhh ma'am!!! What the what?? I'm so confused, I have so many questions idk where to start. Wow!!! Come on with the next part lol
Uhhhh ma'am!!! What the what?? I'm so confused, I have so many questions idk where to start. Wow!!! Come on with the next part lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews