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Giving Good Love to a Bad Boy 2

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After years of mourning his late wife, Kross is finally ready to open his heart to love. There is only one man standing in the way of him having the freedom to love without worrying about looking over his shoulder. Fortunately, he happens to be in the right place at the right time. In order to live happily ever after with the woman who captivated him at first glance, this bad boy had to leave his past life of crime behind. Unfortunately, he has to resort to his old ways to ensure both their safety.

Janelle spent too many years being angry with her father. An unexpected crisis makes her regret losing so much time with him. Will she use that newfound wisdom to embrace the love that Kross has for her, or will her trust issues cause her to push him away? Once the smoke has settled, everyone shares a common interest in keeping what happened that night from ever getting out, but at what cost?

A gunshot? A heart attack? In Giving Good Love to a Bad Boy, we were left with questions that needed to be answered.

Audible Audio

Published August 12, 2025

332 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Tatum James

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

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

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

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5 stars
906 (69%)
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275 (21%)
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102 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Sha Sha.
244 reviews17 followers
September 1, 2025
This book(2nd) was better than the first. Although it was good too!! I enjoyed this one way more!! Talk about emotions whew this one took me throw it. The ending was my favorite. I love Kross & Janelle ❤️😍🥰

Loving on each other the way they did even through their own personal struggles of finding love again.

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Monique.
428 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2025
(2.5⭐️) So part 2 actually made me like the FMC Janelle a lot less. I feel like she was never really settled in her feelings/what she wanted from Kross and was kind of looking for a reason to back out of things. One sentence she loved him, the next she was waiting for the ball to drop, the sentence after she’s leaning to his love. He made his intentions known & always backed them up. I’m glad they pushed through their issue in the 3rd act but she kinda did the most about it. Otherwise this was a little boring & unmemorable🫠
Profile Image for Gennel’s Book World.
25 reviews
April 20, 2025
Quote: “I’ll be anything I need to be for you, Doctor St. John-Glover.”

Not going to lie, I had this release written in my book journal, just anticipating! This is a part 2 and before you read this please go back and catch-up first. I love me some Tatum James and everything I read from her slaps. DISCLAIMER: 95% of the things I read have a trigger warning and I love it. Protect your peace and mental health at all cost!!!

Just like all of my reviews, I won’t spoil it for you, but what I can say is this was worth the wait!!We are picking up right where we left off in book one. We have my man and MMC Kross 😂 and our FMC Janelle. (Extra points for having a variation of my name in the book. It made it more personal 😂) We left off in the complete chaos of a gunshot and a heart attack. When I tell you the plot just keeps twisting and twisting in book 2. You do not want to miss out on this read. There are so many events that occur that have your jaw on the ground. Our MMC is still so sure about his love for our FMC, but after revealing some shocking secrets, will Janelle still be or board?

Overall, this is just great writing. It had all the things I love in a book and gave me all the feels. I love when the author writes the supporting characters just as well as the main characters and this book is no exception. Can I just say I loved both characters mothers 😂😂. The way I cackled. I have to applaud Tatum for answering all of my questions from book one in what felt like such a quick read.

You will love this book if you love black romance, plot, spice, and of course this genre Urban Fiction.IYKYK! Again, check your trigger warnings. Happy reading!

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️(based on my own delu lu scale)
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,992 reviews107 followers
April 22, 2025
Yes, this was a good read. Yes, you should read it.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn.
210 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2025
I'm so glad that there wasn't a long wait for this thriller of love, sugar, and spice. What a story! Kross left no stone unturned as he poured into Doc (his wife), which he claimed early in the story.

The piece of detail (Saleen) that he should have gotten rid of in part one, came later to be a problem that needed to be handled. Unbelievable that she was that greedy b****, that she attempted to kill her husband.

There was an even amount of love and drama twist, where the story theme didn't get lost. The mothers of both were hilarious. They acted up at brunch, but we're serious about their children silling the deal of marriage and grand kids. Doc's dad wasn't so lucky in love, but he did listen to her about not living in misery. I'm so glad that they were able to repair their father/daughter relationship.

The one obstacle that could have ended their bond turned out not breaking them. But I appreciated Doc putting both her father and Kross in check. "If we're together, we're together, PERIODT!

The surprise wedding orchestrated by Doc was a beautiful ending to their perfect love story. Kross was so full and overcome that he couldn't believe he was getting married. She brought Kross to his knees! It was the gift he never saw coming and prayed for.
Profile Image for She Reads What She Wants.
373 reviews13 followers
April 23, 2025
Whew! Tatum James wasted no time snatching us right back into the madness with Kross and Janelle. After that cliffhanger from book one? I was already tense, but baby... this sequel had me hooked from the jump.

Let’s start with that woman in the car with Rashad—yeah, her. Now that we know who she is, I’m side-eyeing Kross just a little for not handling it more... directly. But, I get it—he was thinking about Janelle’s peace, trying to protect her from the mess. And that’s why we love him, right? That man will do whatever to keep her safe, even if it means carrying burdens on his own.

Watching him try to clean up all the loose ends before fully bringing Janelle into his world? Loved that. He’s trying to give her the choice, and he’s doing it in the most Kross way possible—quiet, calculated, and protective AF.

And Janelle? I was so proud of my girl in this one. The growth was beautiful. Realizing that her fear of love came from witnessing her parents’ toxic dynamic? That was such a real and relatable moment. And then the fact that her daddy might be teaming up with Kross to close a few chapters? I hollered. I was locked in like it was a series finale!

Tatum James never misses, y’all. These characters feel real, the emotions hit deep, and the drama stays premium. Go ahead and grab this series. You’ll thank me later.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
962 reviews38 followers
May 4, 2025
A heart of gold.

Ms. Tatum, I knew the minute I started to read this final installment of the series that Kross was that guy. He may have had the mentality of an assassin or bounty hunter, but he also had a heart of gold. He loved Janelle out loud. He didn't care who knew it and would challenge anyone who tried to block their blossoming love. He was also quite intentional and knew Janelle was his wife. He often referred to her as such. The part that made me want to say "he is a good man Savannah" was the name issue after marriage. He said that he knew Janelle worked hard for her medical degree, and if she wanted to hyphenate her last name, he understood. That alone is huge for a man to recognize his woman accomplishments before he met her, and it doesn't intimidate him. He instead wants to make sure she is always recognized for it.

Ladies and gents, this is a well-written romance that just lures you in from the first page. You need to download today and get into it. Ms. Tatum, I hope that this wasn't the last we see or hear of them. I would love to read more on the other siblings and possibly an extension on Kross and Janelle little family.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,648 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2025
I'm so happy!

Janelle and Kross got their hea! I loved that I didn't have to wait long for book 2 and it was more about mending fences and Janelle getting on Kross's time. Doc was moving, but she just wasn't sure if she was moving too fast...I understand that, but that man was beyond ready to give her his last name. The dog was such a cute gift! Their moms together was hilarious and her dad wasn't so bad after all. That friend, turned step mama was a mess though. She was really out her trying to creep on a come up. I don't even think her own child cared too much for her. I liked that the "misunderstanding" didn't drag and they were back like nothing happened. I really hope the author revisits this group because their is much potential for our minor characters. Happy Reading Y'all!💋 Thank you Ms. James for not making me wait months for part 2.
154 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2025
Girl… who wrote this book do you hear me!!!

This was so beautifully written! I love Kross and Doc’s love story. She got the relationship she wanted with her dad. That Salean was straight garbage. She should’ve just left that old man alone. Tried to take Jason out and was jealous of Doc. I love how both moms became instant friends. They wanted grand babies and both of their kids married off lol. The ending was chefs kiss!!! It’s usually the men surprising the woman with a wedding… not with Doc though. She surprised her man with the wedding! He was claiming her as his wife all that time and she made it happen! Great read!!!
Profile Image for Lisareadsromance.
629 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2025
Baby when I tell you this was such a fun good time. I loved how fast the relationship tween Doc and Kross was, and I like that Kross was so sure of himself and the feelings for Doc. My man was out here my wife my wife, my wife even before they really got together. Not to mention the fact that he broke into her house basically. But I loved their love. I think with her ex-friend being a shady bitch, I would have been ok with her being casket ready, but it is all good. The dogs were too cute and the family interactions were great. Overall, this was a whirlwind read, and I would highly recommend, especially if you like a fast insta love with some unalivements sprinkled in.
Profile Image for _dulcekk.
619 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2025
A Time!!

4.5 ⭐️ WAIT A MIN. The twist that came out!? Listen, that Saleen is a hot mess. Kross had me cheesin’ with his deranged self! He went from being hesitant to being SURE! He played NO games! Janelle was at a loss for words, in disbelief that she fell for a snatcher upper LOL! These two were meant to be and that one run in, in book one set the tone for the emotional turmoil and action that unfolded but in the end led to their bond being stronger. LOVED!
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,483 reviews21 followers
July 6, 2025
PERFECT ENDING

Great conclusion to Janelle and Kross's story. Janelle was not ready for a relationship, but a chance encounter with Kross would change all that. Kross was so attracted to the good doctor that he was immediately attached to her like a bee to honey. The little drama that ensued was nothing Kross couldn't handle in order to keep Janelle safe. I was happy that Janelle and her father were able to repair their relationship. Great HEA for Janelle and Kross.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,643 reviews51 followers
July 9, 2025

So glad this laugh out loud page turner redeemed itself from that first book. Kross and Janelle had to dig real deep to figure out just what was really going on!

Their mothers are hilarious and the wedding was a hell of surprise to the groom. Janelle forgave him in the best way.
Profile Image for Amore' Brynae.
27 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2025
Such a great semi ending!!!

I say semi because I'm praying that theirs a part 3. As ALWAYS, you did a great job. I loved the soft ending to this story. I totally wasn't expecting Kross's guy trip to actually be their Destination Wedding, so that was such a nice turn of events. I loved every moment of this book.
Profile Image for Brisace.
475 reviews
September 17, 2025
This sequel had me hooked from the start. The balance between danger and devotion made every scene feel high stakes. The tension, the secrets, the family ties everything builds to a moment that leaves you turning pages quickly, needing to know what really happened that night. This isn’t just about loving a bad boy; it’s about whether love can truly outlast the shadows of the past.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,425 reviews26 followers
April 19, 2025
2

I almost sounded the violins 🎻 during the kumbaya moment with Janelle and her dad🙄 I guess a good health scare can make the most stubborn people forgive and move forward. Kross was relentless in speaking wife into existence and I live it!
555 reviews
April 19, 2025
Yass

Whew baby they were giving each other a run for their money!!! Part 2 was even better. So many secrets. So many twists and turns. We needed it all!!!

Love Kross and Janelle ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
88 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2025
Book 2 was bomb!

Kross and Dr. J's love was strong and I'm glad she was his peace. He trusted her enough to be honest. And that surprise wedding was icing on the cake.. She did great planning that and getting everyone there!
Profile Image for Tarsha Woods.
1,214 reviews
April 21, 2025
Completion

Protect and Serve took on a different definition for Kross he patiently awaiting Doc to confess her love. He put her first above his wants and obligation to protect his freedom.

Doc accepted Kross flaws and crazy was the greatest gift of unconditional love.
1,194 reviews9 followers
April 21, 2025
Loved It

Great ending too a beautiful love story! Kross and Janelle were meat for each other,though there we're some concerns, they managed to get through them! I love how n family and friends were a part of their love story as well! Great ending!
Profile Image for Denise Newman.
228 reviews
April 27, 2025
LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!

Part 2 was everything I wanted and so much more!!!! Kross and Doc’s love for each other was so nice to see. They both have been through a lot and it was good seeing them heal and grow together.

Their relationship wasn’t perfect but their love for each other is. Tatum did her big one with this story!
1,063 reviews8 followers
April 20, 2025
Book 2

Kross and Janelle finally got to their happily ever after but it didn’t come without some drama and some secrets being revealed. I enjoyed this conclusion to their story. I love the way they love on each other and the ending was chef’s kiss.
Profile Image for Danita.
88 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2025
A praying killer who loves.

This book had me in tears. Laughing, crying, and swooning. Tatum finished this in such a beautiful way! I really enjoyed this series.
9 reviews
April 22, 2025
This story was beautifully done. Ain't nothing like a great love story and that was Janelle & Kross. He couldn't hardly breathe without her. His love ran deep. The drama, secrets and family was very intriguing. Part 2 gave me everythang I needed and more!! Grand slam Tatum James❤️
121 reviews
April 21, 2025
cute

So happy with the way this played out! I def could read more about this family! Perfect about of drama, conflict and spice
1,208 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2025
Amazing Read

Kross went out of his way to make life perfect for Janelle. Janelle was skeptical at first, but love found her fast. There were definitely some bumps along the way. Janelle felt great because she had her family back as well as a new man. The surprise wedding was beautiful! Job well done!
824 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2025
good read

Wow seems like I was trying to get through this for some time. So much happened in this book for sure. That man is definitely one of a kind.
24 reviews
April 27, 2025
Good read

Oh my, this book was the bomb. Ie was feel with drama. I love
drama and plot twist.Job week done
Profile Image for Melise.
504 reviews54 followers
May 14, 2025
2.5

3rd act breakup over some dumb stuff, sorry I initially kinda liked Janelle but here in this one she was annoying like she did a lot of waffling and looking for an exit and the whole “he’s a killer” just blew me cus girl how many lovely gentleman pull up to ya home shot?? Like LETS BFFR. She was too invested in her mama and daddy business and wasn’t living her life . Like girl MIND IT let the two grown ass people handle their business. Kross wasn’t playing and he made that clear, I just don’t like any story where one character is locked in ready to give and receive love and the other is hot and cold like please girl moveeee.
Profile Image for Ari the Creative.
95 reviews13 followers
June 18, 2025
Who do I bill for my time back?
Legit don’t even know what the plot was anymore. There’s so much background noise I forgot what I was reading about.

The “problem” is handled by 13% then it’s fluff until 90%-95% then back to fluff. & I don’t like FMC that are one leg in one leg out about the MMC. If Doc was going to have daddy issues it seemed like it should have stemmed from spending time apart since her dad said he worked a lot…

📕 Him being an exotic animal breeder is brought up several times but holds no substance in the book.
📕 in book one mama talking about Warren/Winston (idk his name) it does get brought back up but he’s no player in the story
📕 meeting the families was dragged out across each book =fluff it didn’t build the story.. there’s no takeaway
📕 she went too hard about her parents divorce she was already an adult away at college when it happened.. it doesn’t make sense.

💡 it’s like the big moments that COULD drag out were over in 2 seconds. I.e. Rashad… he spilled all that tea & nothing came of it. EVEN with the predicament he was caught in.. flat.. nothing.
💡 when he finished Leo… it was just over… Leo didn’t have no boys for him that knew he gave the info?
💡 nobody tested pops blood ? One of the kids asked for it
💡he got shot in broad daylight & didn’t activate the troops? Like it was a quiet cleanup nobody was worried
💡 …he gave her a dog
💡 then he just asks him to handle his divorce problem .. & she just agrees… like the parts that could have blown up into big scenes were all fizzled out to nothing

THEN IT JUST ENDS! I flipped back to see if pages were stuck together.

Like she saw him and was mad.. they went on a date and she gave him some in the lounge then she’s runs out the car and disappears and to her friends… but that same night she’s over it and he drives her back home next page he’s in Jamaica celebrating.

📢 AND WHERE IS DOCTOR STACY

It’s a NO for me dawg.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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