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Taming a Menace
What happens when a heartbroken therapist hires a handsome but hot headed private chef for a dinner she was supposed to share with the man who wrecked her in the first place? She ends up being fed more than the three course meal he came to serve. Iyla Fisher thought her solo anniversary dinner would be a quiet night of self-care until, Keywan Glover, a chef with a short fuse and a violent past, strolls into her life and flips the script.
When he walked into Iyla’s life, Keywan knew he was on borrowed time. He didn’t come to save her, but somehow he knows he’s exactly what she needs. She was broken. He was angry. Neither of them believed in fairy tales until the night they spent together changed everything.
When he returns from serving a three-year sentence, Keywan is determined to reconnect with the woman he’s dreamed of every night since their one-night stand. He’s released with a court order for therapy. Thankfully the woman of his dreams is a therapist. Three years apart did little to put out the fire brewing between them. Dive into Taming a Menace, an emotionally intense slow burn full of passion, healing, and second chances, to find out what happens when two damaged souls dare to get too close.
When he walked into Iyla’s life, Keywan knew he was on borrowed time. He didn’t come to save her, but somehow he knows he’s exactly what she needs. She was broken. He was angry. Neither of them believed in fairy tales until the night they spent together changed everything.
When he returns from serving a three-year sentence, Keywan is determined to reconnect with the woman he’s dreamed of every night since their one-night stand. He’s released with a court order for therapy. Thankfully the woman of his dreams is a therapist. Three years apart did little to put out the fire brewing between them. Dive into Taming a Menace, an emotionally intense slow burn full of passion, healing, and second chances, to find out what happens when two damaged souls dare to get too close.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
830 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 7, 2025
excellent
I enjoyed this book so much. I honestly hated putting it down for even a second. Tatum did her thing!
I enjoyed this book so much. I honestly hated putting it down for even a second. Tatum did her thing!
August 9, 2025
This wasn’t romance at all , glad Keyshawn started real therapy but everything else was predictable and pathetic. FMC is a dummy and got played like one at every turn, it’s a HEA but yeah idk yall this wasn’t laid out right for me personally. Forbidden romance is gonna be taboo but something about being willing to lose ya job, titles after all the schooling it takes to be a licensed therapist is CRAZZZZY to me and I can’t justify it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
Trauma
If you don’t deal with trauma then trauma will deal with you. I feel the author did a great job showing anyone can be abused. The characters were good but I would hope a woman reading this would know how to recognize obsessive behavior is not healthy no matter how good it may seem 😏
That’s the only reason I gave a 4 star because I felt the character had an unhealthy obsession even though therapy was shown to help. I know it’s fiction but like songs and movies some people can take fiction as real.
If you don’t deal with trauma then trauma will deal with you. I feel the author did a great job showing anyone can be abused. The characters were good but I would hope a woman reading this would know how to recognize obsessive behavior is not healthy no matter how good it may seem 😏
That’s the only reason I gave a 4 star because I felt the character had an unhealthy obsession even though therapy was shown to help. I know it’s fiction but like songs and movies some people can take fiction as real.
August 9, 2025
THE CHEF WITH A HEATED FUSE:
This Glover brother, Keywan, was crazy hilarious and determined & prepared to do whatever it took to get his girl, Iyla. He was definitely persistent in his pursuit of her. He was an extremely complex man. But there was one thing that could calm him, which was COOKING.I liked the progress he made after 15 weeks of therapy.
There were ethical and moral obstacles on Iyla's side that slowed the process of their coming together. However, I'm happy that she chose herself, especially after all she'd been through with her looser ex's. She was definitely a talented therapist. The measurement I'm using is because she was able to get to the root of Key's most pressing problem, as it related to his anger issues.
Iyla's last man, Wyatt, was just an arsehole. After all the cheating, lying, & other infidelities he inflicted upon her, I felt he needed to go through counseling himself. He acted as if what he did was no big thing! His elevator did not go all the way to the top floor. What a dirty bag!
I was hoping that his brothers were brought in his story a little more for moral support since I glimpsed them from Kross's book.
Overall, I enjoyed Keywan's story and hope the last book is an explosive one.
This Glover brother, Keywan, was crazy hilarious and determined & prepared to do whatever it took to get his girl, Iyla. He was definitely persistent in his pursuit of her. He was an extremely complex man. But there was one thing that could calm him, which was COOKING.I liked the progress he made after 15 weeks of therapy.
There were ethical and moral obstacles on Iyla's side that slowed the process of their coming together. However, I'm happy that she chose herself, especially after all she'd been through with her looser ex's. She was definitely a talented therapist. The measurement I'm using is because she was able to get to the root of Key's most pressing problem, as it related to his anger issues.
Iyla's last man, Wyatt, was just an arsehole. After all the cheating, lying, & other infidelities he inflicted upon her, I felt he needed to go through counseling himself. He acted as if what he did was no big thing! His elevator did not go all the way to the top floor. What a dirty bag!
I was hoping that his brothers were brought in his story a little more for moral support since I glimpsed them from Kross's book.
Overall, I enjoyed Keywan's story and hope the last book is an explosive one.
August 7, 2025
Menace was a mess and too funny. The story was a good read.
August 15, 2025
Unhingement at its best.....
Ms. Tatum James, you have introduced us to the Glover brothers, and boy, do they have a brotherhood. I thought Kross was an interesting individual, but you kindly slid Keywan in our lives. I feel like he may be a tad bit more unhinged than Kross. It doesn't matter because the two of them have the FAFO motto running in their bloodstream. I can only imagine how the middle child Kannon is going to be. My hat goes off to the women in their lives because Janelle and Iyla had to be completely in love with their men to endure some of their actions. Both act first and ask questions later.
I have to say that although Key was determined and very strong-willed when it came to Iyla, he was a sweet man. He ensured Iyla that he would take care of her. The most sweetest gesture was him bringing lunch to every therapy session. Also, he finally realized he needed to seek therapy outside of his woman. He didn't want to burden her with all of his past trauma and triggers. He wanted to heal from the inside out so he could be whole for his lady.
Ladies and gents, this masterpiece is magnificent. It touches on so many underlying topics, from inappropriate behavior towards a minor to infedility. Key had his speed bumps to cross, but he we wasn't the only one. Iyla had quite a few curve balls thrown her way as well. Overall, this novel is worth the download or purchase, so get into it. This series starts with the oldest brother Kross in Giving Good Love to a Bad Boy one and two. So if you haven't read those two books, read them before Taming a Menace so you get the full effect of the Glover brothers.
Ms. Tatum James, you have introduced us to the Glover brothers, and boy, do they have a brotherhood. I thought Kross was an interesting individual, but you kindly slid Keywan in our lives. I feel like he may be a tad bit more unhinged than Kross. It doesn't matter because the two of them have the FAFO motto running in their bloodstream. I can only imagine how the middle child Kannon is going to be. My hat goes off to the women in their lives because Janelle and Iyla had to be completely in love with their men to endure some of their actions. Both act first and ask questions later.
I have to say that although Key was determined and very strong-willed when it came to Iyla, he was a sweet man. He ensured Iyla that he would take care of her. The most sweetest gesture was him bringing lunch to every therapy session. Also, he finally realized he needed to seek therapy outside of his woman. He didn't want to burden her with all of his past trauma and triggers. He wanted to heal from the inside out so he could be whole for his lady.
Ladies and gents, this masterpiece is magnificent. It touches on so many underlying topics, from inappropriate behavior towards a minor to infedility. Key had his speed bumps to cross, but he we wasn't the only one. Iyla had quite a few curve balls thrown her way as well. Overall, this novel is worth the download or purchase, so get into it. This series starts with the oldest brother Kross in Giving Good Love to a Bad Boy one and two. So if you haven't read those two books, read them before Taming a Menace so you get the full effect of the Glover brothers.
August 8, 2025
5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tatum I was hooked from the very first sentence. This book was AMAZING! I need me an unhinged man who is madly and crazily in love with me. Key was all that and more. Ilya was pissing me off trying to be Mrs Rule follower, but I’m glad that was thrown to the wind. This love story was bound to happen from the moment he kissed her in her kitchen 3 years prior. These scenes? OMG! The whole beach scene had my cheeks hurting from smiling so hard. And yal I crieddd so much. Happy tears only. No drama, no real trouble, just love.
Tatum I was hooked from the very first sentence. This book was AMAZING! I need me an unhinged man who is madly and crazily in love with me. Key was all that and more. Ilya was pissing me off trying to be Mrs Rule follower, but I’m glad that was thrown to the wind. This love story was bound to happen from the moment he kissed her in her kitchen 3 years prior. These scenes? OMG! The whole beach scene had my cheeks hurting from smiling so hard. And yal I crieddd so much. Happy tears only. No drama, no real trouble, just love.
August 9, 2025
I need my therapist.
Key was a quiet but load crash out. I mean that with my entire chest. It was in a protective way because he protected everyone and that protection cost him his freedom. However, it also brought him his forever love. One look and taste had him and Moon in a chokehold.
They were a treat of cute and sexy. Hands couldn't stay to themselves. It was him taking her lunch for me.
Read and enjoy everyone.
Key was a quiet but load crash out. I mean that with my entire chest. It was in a protective way because he protected everyone and that protection cost him his freedom. However, it also brought him his forever love. One look and taste had him and Moon in a chokehold.
They were a treat of cute and sexy. Hands couldn't stay to themselves. It was him taking her lunch for me.
Read and enjoy everyone.
August 16, 2025
Miss James Did her thing
I love this story It was very beautiful and lord have mercy arousing honey the way you tell a story and how detail you are with it and how he loved on her I was so mad because his story reminded me of a movie and I'm not gonna say nothing because I won't spoil it for anyone else but thank you so much for sharing your gift to storytelling may god continue to bless and keep you
I love this story It was very beautiful and lord have mercy arousing honey the way you tell a story and how detail you are with it and how he loved on her I was so mad because his story reminded me of a movie and I'm not gonna say nothing because I won't spoil it for anyone else but thank you so much for sharing your gift to storytelling may god continue to bless and keep you
September 24, 2025
This story had me hooked from the first page. Iyla and Keywan’s connection is messy, raw, and magnetic in a way that makes you lean in closer. What starts as a one-night dinner meant for healing turns into a bond that neither of them can shake, even with years and distance between them.
Keywan brought a whole new meaning to consistency, showing up for Iyla in ways that felt tender and steady. The way he made sure she had lunch every day? Yeah… I need a Keywan in my life. He’s got this perfect mix of menace and vulnerability, danger and devotion, that makes him unforgettable.
What I loved most is how the story balanced the emotional depth with just the right amount of spice. It wasn’t over the top, but it definitely kept the pages sizzling while still leaving room for the healing and second chances to shine through.
Passionate, intense, and deeply human, this book gives you a love story that lingers.
Keywan brought a whole new meaning to consistency, showing up for Iyla in ways that felt tender and steady. The way he made sure she had lunch every day? Yeah… I need a Keywan in my life. He’s got this perfect mix of menace and vulnerability, danger and devotion, that makes him unforgettable.
What I loved most is how the story balanced the emotional depth with just the right amount of spice. It wasn’t over the top, but it definitely kept the pages sizzling while still leaving room for the healing and second chances to shine through.
Passionate, intense, and deeply human, this book gives you a love story that lingers.
August 7, 2025
Wow!
I loved this book. It had a therapist and a patient who fell in love. Not your typical prisoner love story. I truly enjoyed this book.
I loved this book. It had a therapist and a patient who fell in love. Not your typical prisoner love story. I truly enjoyed this book.
August 12, 2025
This book was EVERYTHING I didn’t know I wanted!!!
I absolutely loved this book Key and Moon are amazing characters. A GREAT READ !!!!! Mrs. James did her big one with this book !!!!!!
I absolutely loved this book Key and Moon are amazing characters. A GREAT READ !!!!! Mrs. James did her big one with this book !!!!!!
August 8, 2025
Tatum did it again
I read everython Tatum. Key did not dissapoint. He was misunderstood and here comes Iyla and turns this man's life upside down in a good way!!!
I read everython Tatum. Key did not dissapoint. He was misunderstood and here comes Iyla and turns this man's life upside down in a good way!!!
August 15, 2025
Simply Forbidden!!
When Iyla and Keywan first met it was absolutely love at first sight foe Keywan but he was dealing with something and know it was going to be difficult for him to see her again. On top of that she was dealing with heartbreak.
Three years later they see each other again, she is dealing with a new heartbreak and he is dealing with trying to do more then just surviving life, when he goes to an appointment and sees the woman that thoughts of her got him some of his toughest days.
And now they still can’t be together, I absolutely loved this forbidden love story between Iyla and Key!! Tatum did her big one writing this love story and all the twist and turn will have you not wanting to put it down!
If you have not read it yet, it definitely needs to be on your TBR!!
When Iyla and Keywan first met it was absolutely love at first sight foe Keywan but he was dealing with something and know it was going to be difficult for him to see her again. On top of that she was dealing with heartbreak.
Three years later they see each other again, she is dealing with a new heartbreak and he is dealing with trying to do more then just surviving life, when he goes to an appointment and sees the woman that thoughts of her got him some of his toughest days.
And now they still can’t be together, I absolutely loved this forbidden love story between Iyla and Key!! Tatum did her big one writing this love story and all the twist and turn will have you not wanting to put it down!
If you have not read it yet, it definitely needs to be on your TBR!!
September 4, 2025
Yes, yes, yes AND YES! I absolutely loved this book. This was my first time reading Ms. Tatum James and she did NOT disappoint.
This is not your typical urban romance (at least in my opinion). I loved how Keywan knew exactly what he wanted and didn’t hesitate to do whatever it took to get it. I also loved how he was openly a lover boy and wasn’t ashamed of it—my boy was just a little unhinged too, but in the best way 🤏🏾😂.
On the flip side, I hated everything Iyla had to go through—she couldn’t catch a break from these ain’t-shit men. And I hated what Keywan had to endure as well. My heart broke for them both at times.
Overall, this book was a solid 10/10 and definitely deserves 5 stars. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
This is not your typical urban romance (at least in my opinion). I loved how Keywan knew exactly what he wanted and didn’t hesitate to do whatever it took to get it. I also loved how he was openly a lover boy and wasn’t ashamed of it—my boy was just a little unhinged too, but in the best way 🤏🏾😂.
On the flip side, I hated everything Iyla had to go through—she couldn’t catch a break from these ain’t-shit men. And I hated what Keywan had to endure as well. My heart broke for them both at times.
Overall, this book was a solid 10/10 and definitely deserves 5 stars. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
August 10, 2025
loved it
Key was crazy as all hell lol but it was in a good way. I’m glad that he got the help he needed for his past so that it didn’t deter him from having a great future. I’m glad they didn’t let anything stand in between them loving each other. It was a great read.
Key was crazy as all hell lol but it was in a good way. I’m glad that he got the help he needed for his past so that it didn’t deter him from having a great future. I’m glad they didn’t let anything stand in between them loving each other. It was a great read.
August 15, 2025
loved it
This was such a great story about two people finding their way back to each other with certain obstacles in their way. This was a great read about healing, waiting and staying prayerful and knowing what’s meant for you is for you
This was such a great story about two people finding their way back to each other with certain obstacles in their way. This was a great read about healing, waiting and staying prayerful and knowing what’s meant for you is for you
August 9, 2025
A good HEA
I loved this story. This is the kind of story my dreams and wishes are made of. There are sad subjects, which were hard to read, but I love how their story developed and he waited for her.
I loved this story. This is the kind of story my dreams and wishes are made of. There are sad subjects, which were hard to read, but I love how their story developed and he waited for her.
August 10, 2025
There were a lot of ethical and legal lines being crossed in this book. But I’m not mad at it. I was throughly entertained reading this.
August 12, 2025
love it!
I love how Keywan stood 10 toes down for Iyla. She loved him through his trials and tribulations.This was such a good story.
I love how Keywan stood 10 toes down for Iyla. She loved him through his trials and tribulations.This was such a good story.
August 13, 2025
Loved.
A self assured man with the goal of loving a woman is a good story. Adding short temper and quick wit, and I'm sold.
A self assured man with the goal of loving a woman is a good story. Adding short temper and quick wit, and I'm sold.
August 17, 2025
nothing will stand in my way… I want you!
What they both felt for one night, they didn’t imagine they would. Sometimes the timing is wrong. However, 3 years later and Iyla didn’t stand a chance with Keywan. Her being his therapist wasn’t a roadblock in his eyes.; he was coming for her, any means necessary. I was happy Iyla got out of her own way and allowed a man that wanted her, purely and wholly to love her in ALL her fullness! So happy Keywan addressed his childhood trauma and spoke up after all these years!
What they both felt for one night, they didn’t imagine they would. Sometimes the timing is wrong. However, 3 years later and Iyla didn’t stand a chance with Keywan. Her being his therapist wasn’t a roadblock in his eyes.; he was coming for her, any means necessary. I was happy Iyla got out of her own way and allowed a man that wanted her, purely and wholly to love her in ALL her fullness! So happy Keywan addressed his childhood trauma and spoke up after all these years!
August 19, 2025
yesss ma’am
Keyyy my type of crazy 😏 stood on big business about Ilya my girlie so smitten and stubborn but she fits perfectly I loved this read.
Keyyy my type of crazy 😏 stood on big business about Ilya my girlie so smitten and stubborn but she fits perfectly I loved this read.
September 10, 2025
Love the book but the ending left me wanting more !!
August 17, 2025
At this point, I need a Tatum James Stan Card laminated because I am front and center every time she drops. I’ve been holding tight to Kross as my forever book bae, but Keywan just showed up to shake the table and I’m not even mad about it.
This man cooks, he’s got that hot-headed passion, and the minute he met Iyla, she became his newest obsession. Their first encounter? A one-night stand neither of them could forget. And just when it felt like a one-and-done… here we are, three years later, and fate said run it back.
Iyla may know deep down she wants everything Keywan is offering, but she’s trying to keep it cute and professional. But Keywan do not care. The pressure he’s applying? Consistent. Unstoppable. Intentional. He’s made it very clear that he wants her, and nothing, not time or appearances, is gonna get in his way.
These two? Whew. The connection, the banter, the chemistry...it all hits. I was fully invested. Keywan had me locked in, and the way he moved? Respectful but relentless? Yes, sir.
Tatum’s books always get me all the way together, and Taming a Menace is no exception. These kinds of book men remind you loud and clear: don’t accept less than what you deserve. Period.
If you love a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go get it, this one’s for you. Add it to your TBR immediately and thank me later.
This man cooks, he’s got that hot-headed passion, and the minute he met Iyla, she became his newest obsession. Their first encounter? A one-night stand neither of them could forget. And just when it felt like a one-and-done… here we are, three years later, and fate said run it back.
Iyla may know deep down she wants everything Keywan is offering, but she’s trying to keep it cute and professional. But Keywan do not care. The pressure he’s applying? Consistent. Unstoppable. Intentional. He’s made it very clear that he wants her, and nothing, not time or appearances, is gonna get in his way.
These two? Whew. The connection, the banter, the chemistry...it all hits. I was fully invested. Keywan had me locked in, and the way he moved? Respectful but relentless? Yes, sir.
Tatum’s books always get me all the way together, and Taming a Menace is no exception. These kinds of book men remind you loud and clear: don’t accept less than what you deserve. Period.
If you love a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go get it, this one’s for you. Add it to your TBR immediately and thank me later.
September 5, 2025
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
A great read!!! He really wasn't a menace. Hurt people, hurt people!!! Therapy is okay. Y'all just read the damn book.
A great read!!! He really wasn't a menace. Hurt people, hurt people!!! Therapy is okay. Y'all just read the damn book.
August 22, 2025
I haven’t read too many forbidden love troupes and I must say I really enjoyed this book. Now I know why Iyla was working a nerve. This was also my first book by Tatum James.
August 18, 2025
Taming a menace
The therapist/patient relationship trope is always a little cringe to me since ethically it should not happen especially during treatment, but I did like that this couple met prior to him starting therapy with her and feelings had already started to develop prior to as well so that helped reduce the cringiness some to me. I also liked that Iyla tried to get Key switched to another therapist in her office and only continued to treat him when she couldn’t to keep him from potentially being sent back to prison.
In this story Key fell first and fell hard. He loved her something fierce and was willing to do anything for her. Iyla fought against her feelings and their relationship until she couldn’t anymore. I did like that this story ended with a happily ever after despite some of the obstacles that this couple faced.
The therapist/patient relationship trope is always a little cringe to me since ethically it should not happen especially during treatment, but I did like that this couple met prior to him starting therapy with her and feelings had already started to develop prior to as well so that helped reduce the cringiness some to me. I also liked that Iyla tried to get Key switched to another therapist in her office and only continued to treat him when she couldn’t to keep him from potentially being sent back to prison.
In this story Key fell first and fell hard. He loved her something fierce and was willing to do anything for her. Iyla fought against her feelings and their relationship until she couldn’t anymore. I did like that this story ended with a happily ever after despite some of the obstacles that this couple faced.
August 14, 2025
A Man Who Knows What He Wants!!
Baby Glover has that same determination that Big Bro Kross has. Once he decided Iyla aka Moon was who he wanted, he was determined to find her and make her his. He didn’t care who she may have been with. How many women can say after the first glance, one night, they had a man’s mind so gone he read romance books y’all. Key wanted in real life what he read just like us. He also wanted to spoil his wife like his father did his mom. Regulations, ethics and a sappy ex got in the way of their happy ever after. What she worried would ruin her career, livelihood and life, actually turned into the best for her life entirely. Key was a bit much but you can’t help but to be turned on by that pressure he applied.
Baby Glover has that same determination that Big Bro Kross has. Once he decided Iyla aka Moon was who he wanted, he was determined to find her and make her his. He didn’t care who she may have been with. How many women can say after the first glance, one night, they had a man’s mind so gone he read romance books y’all. Key wanted in real life what he read just like us. He also wanted to spoil his wife like his father did his mom. Regulations, ethics and a sappy ex got in the way of their happy ever after. What she worried would ruin her career, livelihood and life, actually turned into the best for her life entirely. Key was a bit much but you can’t help but to be turned on by that pressure he applied.
August 17, 2025
(3.5⭐️) This was a decent read. I love a good “he falls first and falls harder” trope! My man was down bad for his Moonie! lol. Iyla (Moon) was on my nerves a little at times but I understood her internal battle between love and her career. But if it was me I woulda left that job as soon as he walked in my office🤷🏾♀️AND I just started it too? Also I think I was expecting to see Key crash out more since he was painted as this impulsive angry guy. He had maybe two moments of “sir wtf are you doing?” And then he was chill. As always I appreciate any author who brings awareness to men being sexually assaulted because I feel like there’s still a lot of toxic masculinity surrounding these discussions. I also would have liked to see more interactions with Key and his brothers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews