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The Nanny and The Don

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Steel Gray built his empire from the ground up on control. Jaded by loss and betrayal, he spends most of his time looking for ways to grow his wealth. Love is the last thing on his mind. When Devlan Rose, a tall, free-spirited server with a crown of wild curls and a smile that thaws his cold heart drops onto his radar, something in him breaks.

Devlan Rose thought her life was looking up until the night she lost her job. Dating her former boss seems like a step in the right direction, until she’s kidnapped right out of his house in the middle of the night. She soon realizes that her reclusive captor is more than sexiness cloaked in danger. He’s also the reluctant guardian to his niece and nephew, whom she now has been declared the nanny for.

Devlan hated Steel’s guts even before he caused her to lose her job. Now as a prisoner in his home, she’s terrified that her boyfriend’s debt might cost her her life. Except her prison doesn’t exactly feel like a prison. The more time Devlan spends with the mysterious man with scars that run deeper than the eye can see, the less she’s compelled to escape his wrath.

Steel isn’t a man who asks for what he wants, he takes it. His plan was never to take the girl, but after being robbed by his best friend, he seizes the opportunity to get what is rightfully his. Now, he’s determined to claim the woman he fell for at first glance.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

491 people are currently reading
225 people want to read

About the author

Tatum James

63 books512 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
974 (58%)
4 stars
442 (26%)
3 stars
194 (11%)
2 stars
35 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for Yasmine.
336 reviews16 followers
September 2, 2025
I didn't like this book at all. This was not Tatum's best work by any means. Steel was too grown to be hot and cold like he was. I don't mind a grumpy MMC but there's a difference between grumpy and jackass. Steel was just an ass who was stunted emotionally at 36 and didn't know how to communicate his feelings properly.

He was mean to the FMC, Devlan, majority of the book for no reason. He had her fired from her job because he wanted her to himself but when he came back from his meeting in Japan, she was with his business partner/friend Brendan. He was pissed about it but took it on the chin and moved on. At least he did until he found out Brendan was stealing from him and on the run so he kidnapped Devlan, forced her to live in his house and take care of his niece and nephew he took in when his sister went to jail.

Steel is just not well written imo. He's bipolar as hell, literally, a damn sour patch kid. One minute he's sour then he's sweet, he doesn't try to get to know his niece and nephew who are toddlers and already dealing with the trauma of being apart from their mother because he doesn't want to get attached to them in case they leave, forced Devlan to be their nanny and either yells at her when she rightfully asks questions or avoids her completely yet always talking about she's his princess, his wife etc etc even though he hasn't been treating her like a princess or potential wife. Devlan deserved better to be honest.

Maybe if Tatum made the book longer so he could've been fleshed out, this book probably could've been saved for me. Instead, it's 200 pages where our MMC is an insufferable ass with the emotional maturity of a 16 year old boy for majority of it and the "romance" has no buildup and is lackluster. This book could've been left in the drafts because it gave nothing. Especially not Steel.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,988 reviews106 followers
September 7, 2025
A good read. It was a slower paced storyline with characters that got on my last nerves and made me laugh too. Second guessing was their main thing. The naivety shown by the leading lady was unbelievable. The leading man needed someone to check his attitude. His gangsta was level three out of five levels. Overall, the story held my attention.
Profile Image for Cardi Blue.
428 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2025
Steel ugh!

Thought I was gonna have to bop Steel in the head for a minute. He need to go see the lady to handle them emotions. It was a nice slow burn then the pace picked up real fast and threw me off.
Profile Image for Monique.
423 reviews16 followers
September 5, 2025
I wanted to like it because I love a good “kidnapped to love”plot and add in a nanny romance as well? Absolutely, sign me up. HOWEVER, this book gets a low rating from me simply because Steel was not a likable MMC. At all. He was rude, mean, closed off, and wavered too much and too often between sour & sweet. He would yell at her and then literally in the next page he’s like “this is my baby and I love these kids”…that I ignored for most of the book. I didn’t believe their attraction or their love or his connection to his niece & nephew. We saw some softening at times but again in the next moment he was mean and closed off again. I see his reasoning and I think I get what the author attempted to do. But for me, it just didn’t land. **spoiler** When Devlan left, I wanted her to stay gone.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
535 reviews111 followers
October 26, 2025
3.5 🌟!

Steel and Devlan’s romance gave forced proximity, falling in love with your captor, and extreme insta-love on Steel’s part. Devlan was working at a club that Steel’s business associate, Brendan, owned (and wanted Steel to invest in). Steel wasn't investing while his new obsession was working there, and he made a deal with Brendan. That deal didn't go as planned, along with another issue, and Devlan became capital. The love story was a bit rocky due to being kidnapped, but I also felt that the Brendan aspect didn't quite land as well as it could have. All in all, we did reach a sweet HEA. Although this may not have been a fav read for me, I do want to read more from this author, and the drama in this book kept you turning the page, so the read is solid.
Profile Image for Johnne Johnson.
142 reviews15 followers
September 2, 2025
I need a Steel!

I don’t what I just read but I know I’m in love. There is no way I would’ve thought to go with Brendan over Steel, not even a little bit. Everything about Steel screamed boss and everything about Brendan screamed flunky. I lowkey thought Angela would’ve had a different outcome but maybe because I wasn’t optimistic about her after learning what she did to her brother. Everything about Steel is top tier. I love a vulnerable honest man. Tatum gone make me go down the rabbit hole with her books I see.
Profile Image for derrellee.
214 reviews8 followers
September 14, 2025
Five stars

This was so good . It has it all the things I like . A billionaire, He falls first with a little knapping . I enjoyed both characters. I also laughed at a few moments. I read this on my bday and it was just what I needed.
Profile Image for Bug.
310 reviews25 followers
October 12, 2025
from nanny to lover

This book was giving me everything I wanted.. kidnapped to lovers whew what an exciting trope and Tatum James did her big one.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,481 reviews21 followers
September 30, 2025
GREAT READ

I enjoyed this story about two people with a similar background and finding love in the least expected way. Steel gave mean, hard-core, and unapproachable, whereas Devlan was the sweet girl who gave positive energy. The attraction between these two was undeniable, but it was met with a lot of resistance. I loved how Devlan didn't back down from Steel's mean side, which allowed him to open up more to the girl he knew would be his. Their story was amazing with a great happy ending.
Profile Image for KayReads__.
299 reviews4 followers
September 4, 2025
This was for sure a Beauty & the Beast retelling that I liked a lot! Don't get me wrong, Steel was crazy af a few times cuz damn let the girl live. lol but the way he loved King & Evie was so sweet he stepped up to the uncle plate big time. And Devlan, she didn't back down at Steel at all and I loved that! lol I hope we get an update from them. Truly need this in paperback!
Profile Image for Authoress Nadia Nicole.
396 reviews17 followers
September 8, 2025
Sleepless over Steel! 🖤

Ever had a book that kept you up at night because you refused to put it down? The Nanny and the Don did just that for me! It had me all in my feels, and I was addicted to every word. I definitely fell in love with Steel's mean ass, and it made me so happy to see that him and the nanny got their happy ending. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
960 reviews38 followers
September 6, 2025
UncleDaddy

Ms. James has done it AGAIN! This novel is a masterpiece and straight fire. Steel was the grumpy, mean man all about his business. He worked extra hard to obtain the status he did. His childhood wasn't exactly a dazzling dance with the daisies, but he survived it. He may not have had any parental guidance in his life, but he did have his sister Angela. She was all he had. He loved her unconditionally. He did for her what any other sibling would do, and that was take in her kids. He officially became an "UncleDaddy" to his niece and nephew. I have to give it to King, for him to be only 4 years old he was quite intelligent. He kept up with his little sister and tried to take care of her the best he knew how. Let's take a step back and discuss Steel, though. Steel was a man who knew what he wanted and got it in the same breath. He wanted his princess' Devlan, which he obtained by any means necessary. His method of pursuing her wasn't the most ethical, but eventually, it worked. Devlan was the best thing that happened in Steel, King, and Evie life. She was catalyst they needed to build a strong bond in their small family. Steel worked until he won her over and got his forever love.

Oh - oh, Ms. James, when I say I am anticipating your next release, it is not an understatement. You have been on fire with this year releases. The pen and the paper have been mating well. Ladies and gents don't sleep. Stay wide awoke so you can grab this masterpiece. You don't want to miss it.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,398 reviews48 followers
September 2, 2025
This was good.

It be your own buddies. Steel was calm to the sight but ruthless. I hate how his buddy did his, but payback was such a sweet reward. It was kind of hot how he handled Devlan. My old twisted mind self. In hindsight, he was showing her a better life even if his guard was up in the beginning.

Devlan slowly broke down them walls by getting him to speak. Actually, he took interest in the man and educated him on how to be an uncle to the kids that looked up to him. King truly thought he hung the moon. It was cute and heartbreaking at the same time.

I would have loved to get more on when his mother left them before and also, who was in the room at the second gala. There are so many questions, even with a perfect ending.
Profile Image for Ladi Tee Inferno.
111 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2025
Wild or Nah

This book took me on all kinds of emotions. Steel is the first I’m afraid to make a Bae. He’s so conflicted but it comes from so much betrayal that is so undeserving. Devlan was never wrong when she went from loving on this man to questioning everything they were supposedly building together more than once. She was there by kidnapping. I was routing for them because like he said, she brightened his life. She and the kids gave him life. Man was bucked naked proposing. She needed and deserved the love he didn’t feel he was capable of giving again. Tell me that ain’t serious. Happy for all. Applause Tatum…wink.
139 reviews
September 10, 2025
I MADE A MEAN MAN LOVE ME

This was as beautiful story about a man needing love but had not found true love. One of his partners stole some monies from him. The two of them own a strip.club. one of the waitress caught his eye .
He told his friend to fire her because he wanted to meet her but did not.want any of the men visiting the club to touch or bother her. His friend decided to show interest even though his friend and partner wanted her. In the end he disappeared because he knew he owed money and so the friend kidnapped the girl. Beautiful ending, so I recommend the book.
158 reviews
September 3, 2025
Loved it😍

I love forced proximity story lines and this was perfect!! It was love at first sight for Steel and even in all his meaness he still exuded BD energy!!! He claimed Devlan as his wife at first sight and made it came forth!! I loved Devlan's soft lovable spirit. She came in even under the pretense of being held hostage and cared for those kids as her own and her inquisitive nature is what allowed her to see more than just the mean, evil man Steel pretended to be!! Five stars Ms. Tatum you never disappoint!!🥰
448 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2025
The Nanny and The Don

Tatum does it again.

I love Steel. He was crazy as hell, but sweet at the same time. Mothers really mess their children up when they don't properly love them. Steel was a great example of this. He was always used to people leaving him and not loving him.

Devin was his change. Even though he was rough with her and gave mixed signals, she fell in love with him. I'm so happy that things worked out for them because they are all each other had.

Great ending...love this story

Profile Image for Denise Newman.
220 reviews
September 10, 2025
She done it again!!!

Just like that I’m in love with another of Tatum’s books!!! The Nanny and The Don was everything I thought it would be and so much more!!!

It was definitely love a first sight for Steel but Devlyn thought he hated her because he fired her. The push and pull between this couple was simply amazing and I loved reading every single moment of it.

Oh and the drama was just as spicy as the love!! If you haven’t read this book yet you definitely need to add it to your tbr!!!
217 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2025
Beauty and the Beast

THAT MAN LOVED HER DOWN! His hidden desire for Devlan almost drove Steel crazy, but once she let him in, baby it was a wrap. Mr Grey was so grumpy and mysterious, I was so happy when he started to change for the better. I love a good love book and I love how Devlan’s love fairytale was a book within a book. You almost got me for a minute Tatum, but I’m glad it ended just how it needed to.
Profile Image for Ieshia Shephard.
588 reviews
September 7, 2025
Nanny and Don

Okayyy! First off: Brendan was a sneaky, conniving, female dog 🙄 I knew he was the problem when he kept arguing about the investment. Now the relationship between Delvan & Steel was nerve wrecking & loving considering the fact that the both have abandonment issues. He couldn’t communicate & she wouldn’t shut up! King & Evie brought them together & Angela almost pissed me off. I almost thought her friend was on some bull but I was proven wrong! I liked this read
Profile Image for Shunita O.
203 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2025
First allow me to say, Ms. Tatum you ate on this book. This book was so good, I knew Brendon was a piece of 💩. That 🥷🏾 gave f-boy tendencies and he only wanted Devlan because Steel wanted her. That is why he made her that offer. Though Steel kidnapped her and was mean to her, I am glad he confessed his love for her and she did the same. I thought Angela was going to abandon her children but I am glad she stepped up. 5 star read. I wondered if there was going to be a book 2 , but judging by the ending I guess not.
178 reviews
October 12, 2025
Unexpected love story

Steel Gray A man who was broken for many heartbreaks close to his sister. He live in a dark space illness is very important. When you have someone that really truly shows me love you can feel it.delvain Has a pure, hot natural beauty lights, the room, and Mr. steel gray wanted her she saw him from his meanness to his happiest .. She was the light that shine through his dark days Show him what family is all about show her my love is really about second chances for the both of them. I’m happy for them.
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
617 reviews28 followers
September 5, 2025
Steel and Devlan😍

This was so cute. Steel was down bad about Devlan from the moment he saw her, and his so-called friend got in the way of him pursuing her, but Steel saw his opportunity and took it. It just so happened to include kidnapping. This is a really sweet romance that's kind of low-key, with not too much drama, and is fast-paced, so if instalove isn't your thing, you might not like this one.
1,193 reviews9 followers
September 5, 2025
Loved It

I enjoyed from start to finish! Steel and Evie were similar in so many ways! I was glad that Steel, finally let Evie know his feelings for her! Brendan wasn't ish!
Miguel and Cicily were hilarious! Steel taking responsibility for his niece and nephew was on poi t as well, in spite of what his sister did to him,Steel wouldn't allow the kids to be in the system! The epilogue was nice as well!
839 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2025
Steele and Devlan

A great story of two people finding love despite facing many challenges
Steele was an OTT alpha who fell first for Devlan. How he captures her love is what makes the story interesting.
The characters are relatable and the story shows us that two people who experienced childhood trauma were able to overcome and find true happiness
Great job as always Tatum you always bring us stories that can resonate with truth. We can be overcomers.
1,006 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2025
Crying and Smiling

This was such a great story, Tatum James! Steele Gray was SMITTEN with Devlan Rose, and she didn't have a clue. She was so clueless that she started a situationship with Steele's business partner (who knew Steele wanted Devlan), then said business partner stole a whole lot of money, then dipped. Guess who was left holding the bag?
Profile Image for Maia68.
221 reviews
September 3, 2025
Good story

I enjoyed reading this story, it was kinda predictable but still interesting. I enjoyed the development of their relationship. This could be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Profile Image for Tarsha Woods.
1,213 reviews
September 5, 2025
Bait

Ulterior motives is the initiative while playing chess your eyes are to focus on protecting your king. Family priorities should be of importance the people closest to us seem to disappoint us more. Forgiveness is key in moving forward.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews

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