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Betting On Us
Officer Jameela Sutton is a single mother fighting to salvage her career after a near fatal stabbing. When her controlling ex, her boss and her daughter’s father, threatens her custody and her badge, she’s forced into an impossible undercover Get close to Nicholas King, the wealthy, charismatic suspect in a multimillion-dollar money laundering case and bring him down.
Nicholas King worked with his uncle to build his empire from the ground up. He flipped an underground gambling business into a legitimate high-stakes casino and resort. As a devoted father, his daughter is the only thing that truly matters to him, until she walks in. After one night, he’s obsessed with staking his claim on the woman he can’t get out of his head.
He was never supposed to be her target. Now she’s wearing a wire while falling in love. What starts as a routine undercover operation, spirals into a forbidden love neither of them can resist. Nicholas doesn’t know the woman he’s falling for carries a badge. When the truth comes out, the betrayal could cut deeper than any indictment ever could.
Nicholas King worked with his uncle to build his empire from the ground up. He flipped an underground gambling business into a legitimate high-stakes casino and resort. As a devoted father, his daughter is the only thing that truly matters to him, until she walks in. After one night, he’s obsessed with staking his claim on the woman he can’t get out of his head.
He was never supposed to be her target. Now she’s wearing a wire while falling in love. What starts as a routine undercover operation, spirals into a forbidden love neither of them can resist. Nicholas doesn’t know the woman he’s falling for carries a badge. When the truth comes out, the betrayal could cut deeper than any indictment ever could.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2026
222 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Tatum James
67 books566 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 39 reviews
March 17, 2026
Yummy
This story was yummy good...
This story was yummy good...
March 22, 2026
Just alright.
This was an okay story, but Jameela as a character just annoyed me a bit because her problems with her ex were entirely self-inflicted. She could have told internal affairs everything and put him on child support, but she chose not to and to let him neglect their daughter and play games with her career because…what? She wanted to protect him? She was embarrassed? I don't know, but it was stupid, especially since he had proven to her that he wasn't worth all that she was sacrificing.
This was an okay story, but Jameela as a character just annoyed me a bit because her problems with her ex were entirely self-inflicted. She could have told internal affairs everything and put him on child support, but she chose not to and to let him neglect their daughter and play games with her career because…what? She wanted to protect him? She was embarrassed? I don't know, but it was stupid, especially since he had proven to her that he wasn't worth all that she was sacrificing.
March 22, 2026
This cute. It took me a second to get in to it. Idk if it was because I was tired or out and about trying to start a new book. But once I was settled in, it was good.
Nicolas knew what he wanted out the gate and Habibi was playing possum.
It would have been nice to read more about her and her friend’s dynamic and Nicolas and his ppl. But this was short sweet and to the point.
Very easy read.
Nicolas knew what he wanted out the gate and Habibi was playing possum.
It would have been nice to read more about her and her friend’s dynamic and Nicolas and his ppl. But this was short sweet and to the point.
Very easy read.
March 24, 2026
Betting
I abhor reading about cops but gave t a go since I love the pen game! The plot was engaging. I really loved the energy Nic came with. Jameela was a a good girl and in the end a good cop.
I abhor reading about cops but gave t a go since I love the pen game! The plot was engaging. I really loved the energy Nic came with. Jameela was a a good girl and in the end a good cop.
March 22, 2026
Nicholas and Jameela!!
Nicholas met Jameela at a time in her life when things weren't going well for her. Her job and home life were a mess. Nicholas was smitten from the beginning and wanted to do things for Jameela to make her life easier. Just when everything was going well between them, here comes her job pulling her back in with an investigation involving Nicholas. Having to be deceitful in her dealings with Nicholas, Jameela was stuck between doing the job she loved or her love for Nicholas. I fell in love with Nicholas from the first because didn't care about the outrageous things that came out of his mouth. 😂😂 Darius got on my last nerve. He let his flawed ambitions take precedence over his own family. I also couldn't stand Tremaine and his treacherous and trashy ways. I was happy when he got what was coming to him. Both of the babies were sooo adorable that I fell in love with them too. All in all, I'm glad that the love that Nicholas and Jameela had for each other won out in the end. Great book with great characters that I highly recommend!!
Nicholas met Jameela at a time in her life when things weren't going well for her. Her job and home life were a mess. Nicholas was smitten from the beginning and wanted to do things for Jameela to make her life easier. Just when everything was going well between them, here comes her job pulling her back in with an investigation involving Nicholas. Having to be deceitful in her dealings with Nicholas, Jameela was stuck between doing the job she loved or her love for Nicholas. I fell in love with Nicholas from the first because didn't care about the outrageous things that came out of his mouth. 😂😂 Darius got on my last nerve. He let his flawed ambitions take precedence over his own family. I also couldn't stand Tremaine and his treacherous and trashy ways. I was happy when he got what was coming to him. Both of the babies were sooo adorable that I fell in love with them too. All in all, I'm glad that the love that Nicholas and Jameela had for each other won out in the end. Great book with great characters that I highly recommend!!
March 18, 2026
Always bet on black!
I was on pins and needles through this whole book. The deceit, jealous exes, secrets, drama, and love having you wondering what’s coming up on the next page. The characters and stories were executed perfectly to the end. Sit back and get your popcorn ready to go on this wild ride with Jameela and Nicholas. Jameela is trying to decide if her career or her newfound love that gives her everything from BFE, peace and joy is the best decision for her life. Her career started out as her passion. Soon Jameela would see, with the help of Nicholas that taking a chance on love could give her so much more. Jameela was caught between love and a threat and does some deceptive things that threaten to upend her whole relationship. When the rubber meets the road she has decide to follow her heart or her childhood dream. 10/10
I was on pins and needles through this whole book. The deceit, jealous exes, secrets, drama, and love having you wondering what’s coming up on the next page. The characters and stories were executed perfectly to the end. Sit back and get your popcorn ready to go on this wild ride with Jameela and Nicholas. Jameela is trying to decide if her career or her newfound love that gives her everything from BFE, peace and joy is the best decision for her life. Her career started out as her passion. Soon Jameela would see, with the help of Nicholas that taking a chance on love could give her so much more. Jameela was caught between love and a threat and does some deceptive things that threaten to upend her whole relationship. When the rubber meets the road she has decide to follow her heart or her childhood dream. 10/10
March 26, 2026
I was already hesitant cus the career choice of our FMC and this just proved I should’ve followed my first mind. The writing is decent it’s just the storyline takes a lil while to get to the action. The FMC is a cop but she lacks situational awareness common sense and just street Savy especially given she’s in the narcotics department. On top of the fact that her motivation to be in law enforcement is paper thin. She’s inspired by her dad but that’s about it. She’s kinda naive and gets finessed by her boss but the fact she doesn’t catch on to him being a loser was very exhausting. MMC is okay he just alternates between too many languages and pet names. He goes 0-100 in a matter of like two chapters. Overall the premise isn’t a bad one the execution just lacked depth, tension and nuance. If you like a man who makes his claim known and a weaker FMC this one will hit.
March 18, 2026
Loved It!!!
I love me a good ole Tatum James book!! She never does me wrong!! Both were single parents out here living different lifestyles but who knew they were exactly what each other needed! I mean Jameela literally gave this man the night of his life and he was ready to lock it down! Her baby daddy a whole clown, his baby mama been drinking the koolaid, the whole cop/criminal trope is cute, the two daughters are amazing but NICHOLAS is EVERYTHING!!! That’s all I have to say and I don’t even under half the shit that I read coming from him lol
I love me a good ole Tatum James book!! She never does me wrong!! Both were single parents out here living different lifestyles but who knew they were exactly what each other needed! I mean Jameela literally gave this man the night of his life and he was ready to lock it down! Her baby daddy a whole clown, his baby mama been drinking the koolaid, the whole cop/criminal trope is cute, the two daughters are amazing but NICHOLAS is EVERYTHING!!! That’s all I have to say and I don’t even under half the shit that I read coming from him lol
March 19, 2026
Nicholas & Jameela✨️✨️❤️❤️💯💯💯
Tatum!!👀..Come to the front...Ok 👏👏I was already in love with the book from the cover. But I wasn't ready. You had me yelling, screaming, and all at Jameela. Then I was like no..Not Nicholas😂😂. I went through it. I loved the storyline. Tremaine was acting like he was. When Darius walked in I was like😳. I loved that Nicholas was firm and confident. I loved his relationship with Amari and his love for Bella. Black Love Rocks❤️Thank you! I'm a fan already. Yes Yes...Loved it!! Didn't want it to end✨️✨️💯❤️❤️
Tatum!!👀..Come to the front...Ok 👏👏I was already in love with the book from the cover. But I wasn't ready. You had me yelling, screaming, and all at Jameela. Then I was like no..Not Nicholas😂😂. I went through it. I loved the storyline. Tremaine was acting like he was. When Darius walked in I was like😳. I loved that Nicholas was firm and confident. I loved his relationship with Amari and his love for Bella. Black Love Rocks❤️Thank you! I'm a fan already. Yes Yes...Loved it!! Didn't want it to end✨️✨️💯❤️❤️
March 19, 2026
Nick was the truth
In a world full of Darius's and Tremaine's be a Nicholas. My boy turned trap into legit and every move was made with his daughter and freedom as focus. Jameela almost messed up a GREAT thing for a legacy that no longer felt like home.
I would say Nick was playing chess and for keeps while everyone else were vengeful and moving off greed and selfishness. He showed them, as he had true allies from his past dealings.
I loved every minute of Nick because he was truthful, applied pressure, and loved with his entire heart.
In a world full of Darius's and Tremaine's be a Nicholas. My boy turned trap into legit and every move was made with his daughter and freedom as focus. Jameela almost messed up a GREAT thing for a legacy that no longer felt like home.
I would say Nick was playing chess and for keeps while everyone else were vengeful and moving off greed and selfishness. He showed them, as he had true allies from his past dealings.
I loved every minute of Nick because he was truthful, applied pressure, and loved with his entire heart.
March 19, 2026
You Had Me Scared!
Tatum you have my heart! I love how my emotions went from wanting to fight Lucy and Hale, oh and I won't forget the slick mouth, flavor of the month sergeant, to fearing Jameela wouldn't have time to fully explain to Nicholas truly how things went down and saving the beautiful relationship and family unit they'd built. I absolutely loved all of them together. I loved how Jameela without hesitation, went and got her big girl Amira. Nicholas was the man he appeared to be and more. Thank you Tatum. You did that with this story fr!
Tatum you have my heart! I love how my emotions went from wanting to fight Lucy and Hale, oh and I won't forget the slick mouth, flavor of the month sergeant, to fearing Jameela wouldn't have time to fully explain to Nicholas truly how things went down and saving the beautiful relationship and family unit they'd built. I absolutely loved all of them together. I loved how Jameela without hesitation, went and got her big girl Amira. Nicholas was the man he appeared to be and more. Thank you Tatum. You did that with this story fr!
March 17, 2026
Great book
I love how the author took us through. Love won in the end.
Nicky and Jamela were a beautiful couple. I love how the plot showed how they could lose each other. I am glad Jamela bet on finding a way to get Nicky out of the situation. Their bound was beautiful.
I would recommend the quick but beautiful read.
I love how the author took us through. Love won in the end.
Nicky and Jamela were a beautiful couple. I love how the plot showed how they could lose each other. I am glad Jamela bet on finding a way to get Nicky out of the situation. Their bound was beautiful.
I would recommend the quick but beautiful read.
March 17, 2026
Jameela had me worried
I wanted her to just tell Nicholas. She let officer Hale get in her head. I’m glad Nicholas was cleared and they were able to get their lives back together. They met unexpectedly, being from 2 different worlds, but they were in love. They had beautiful girls and a beautiful love story! I enjoyed this read!
I wanted her to just tell Nicholas. She let officer Hale get in her head. I’m glad Nicholas was cleared and they were able to get their lives back together. They met unexpectedly, being from 2 different worlds, but they were in love. They had beautiful girls and a beautiful love story! I enjoyed this read!
March 24, 2026
Too cute!!🥰
This love story was too cute!! Jameela had me upset with her at first, because she could have been honest from the jump and avoided alot of things. I loved how intentional Nicholas was with her. He was steady and showed up as well as reinforced with words!! You can't get any better than that!! Five stars Ms. Tatum!!🥰
This love story was too cute!! Jameela had me upset with her at first, because she could have been honest from the jump and avoided alot of things. I loved how intentional Nicholas was with her. He was steady and showed up as well as reinforced with words!! You can't get any better than that!! Five stars Ms. Tatum!!🥰
March 17, 2026
this was goood!!!
I don’t even know what to say. Single mom, single dad, bitter baby momma, secret hater, lies for the best, HEA, a MMC that knows what he wants and stands on business!!!!!
I don’t even know what to say. Single mom, single dad, bitter baby momma, secret hater, lies for the best, HEA, a MMC that knows what he wants and stands on business!!!!!
March 17, 2026
Yes, Nick Nick❤️
I love a good love story! And its well written! Jameela was working my last nerve for awhile but she came to her senses. Nicholas knew what he wanted ,he was all gas and no brakes and wasn't ashamed to shed a tear for the love of his life.
I love a good love story! And its well written! Jameela was working my last nerve for awhile but she came to her senses. Nicholas knew what he wanted ,he was all gas and no brakes and wasn't ashamed to shed a tear for the love of his life.
March 18, 2026
A Perfect Love Story
Tatum this book was everything. The way Nicholas loved Jammel was everything. You had me on the edge of my seat reading this book. Great reading by you as usual.
Tatum this book was everything. The way Nicholas loved Jammel was everything. You had me on the edge of my seat reading this book. Great reading by you as usual.
March 18, 2026
jameela
She pissed me off. I loved everything about this book, but I was mad that it took so long to get some real action. All the drama I shouldn’t have came to close at the very end then it seemed like it a bit quickly. Nicky played no games about his boo
She pissed me off. I loved everything about this book, but I was mad that it took so long to get some real action. All the drama I shouldn’t have came to close at the very end then it seemed like it a bit quickly. Nicky played no games about his boo
March 21, 2026
Great read
Great read from start to finish. Jameela had it hard dealing with Tremaine. Nicholas was a knight in shining armor. I loved Nicholas way of showing love and the Spanish was a plus. Great job Tatum
Great read from start to finish. Jameela had it hard dealing with Tremaine. Nicholas was a knight in shining armor. I loved Nicholas way of showing love and the Spanish was a plus. Great job Tatum
March 21, 2026
A beautiful story loved everythang about it. I was all in from the beginning to the end. I loved how vulnerable Nicholas was when it came to Jameela period. The suspense, deceit, secrets, low down dirty exes and the drama was a grand slam. A fantastic read Ms. Tatum James!! ❤️
March 22, 2026
Nepotism
Helping others is a choice that is made daily. How a person perceives the hand reaching out is usually a matter of personal responsibility. We’re not responsible for the outcome of anyone we helped.
Tatum played on trust, boundaries and intuition.
Helping others is a choice that is made daily. How a person perceives the hand reaching out is usually a matter of personal responsibility. We’re not responsible for the outcome of anyone we helped.
Tatum played on trust, boundaries and intuition.
March 22, 2026
Betting On Us
Here’s to another one! This book gave all of the romantic feels you could want. Nicholas came straight press behind my girl and I absolutely loved that. Your pen game didn’t let me down once again ma’am, I read this book in a day and still wanted more!
Here’s to another one! This book gave all of the romantic feels you could want. Nicholas came straight press behind my girl and I absolutely loved that. Your pen game didn’t let me down once again ma’am, I read this book in a day and still wanted more!
March 22, 2026
you did it again!
I’ve been watching you post about this book for a while and it definitely was worth the wait. I was intrigued when you posted what the story was about and you did not disappoint. I’m so glad it ended the way it did.
I’ve been watching you post about this book for a while and it definitely was worth the wait. I was intrigued when you posted what the story was about and you did not disappoint. I’m so glad it ended the way it did.
March 24, 2026
Great story line. The FMC is a cop who has to go undercover to investigate the man she is in love with. I was really engaged in this story and I loved watching the two main characters fall in love. My only complaint is that I would’ve loved more for the ending. What happened to LT Hale and Darius? I was hoping for those questions to be answered.
March 22, 2026
Great Weekend Read
I needed something quick and fast paced to keep my attention. Each time I paused to tend to my mommy duties, I was guessing what would happen next. My first Tatum James book, not my last.
I needed something quick and fast paced to keep my attention. Each time I paused to tend to my mommy duties, I was guessing what would happen next. My first Tatum James book, not my last.
March 24, 2026
great read
I loved the book but jameela worked my nerves from the beginning of the book but I’m glad she got it together Nicholas was a good man savanna he was just in a bad situation lol loved the book
I loved the book but jameela worked my nerves from the beginning of the book but I’m glad she got it together Nicholas was a good man savanna he was just in a bad situation lol loved the book
March 25, 2026
Great Read
I’m so glad Jameelah allowed Nicholas to get her together cause whew she was a lot to deal with. Nicholas was a great man and knew who he wanted! Loved this story 5 stars
I’m so glad Jameelah allowed Nicholas to get her together cause whew she was a lot to deal with. Nicholas was a great man and knew who he wanted! Loved this story 5 stars
March 19, 2026
Love
They met in the an unconventional place. Though opposites, love always finds a way! A great read from page one to the end!
They met in the an unconventional place. Though opposites, love always finds a way! A great read from page one to the end!
March 20, 2026
Love love love
Jameela had me scared for a minute!! Nicholas was a great man he was intentional from the gate!! He was also funny!! I loved this book!
Jameela had me scared for a minute!! Nicholas was a great man he was intentional from the gate!! He was also funny!! I loved this book!
March 22, 2026
Beautiful
Now I’m not gonna lie Jameelah was a little annoying…..buttttt she redeemed herself…this was a good book that I really enjoyed.
Now I’m not gonna lie Jameelah was a little annoying…..buttttt she redeemed herself…this was a good book that I really enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews