I'm not really a fan of slow burns, so it took me a long time to get through it. It started well, but I kind of got bored; I don't think this was the book for me.

DNF. I really wanted to love this one. I think the chemistry between the main characters was really warm and the story has potential. But. There were were so many side characters I couldn't keep them straight, and it felt like reading the third book in a series. The timeline kept jumping forward or locations changing abruptly. And the plot holes... I've read less than a day of the timeline, and the characters have somehow gone to university for the first time, had an intro series (are somehow still deciding whether to attend that school, is it Accepted Students Day?), and one of them has met a professor for the the first time, asked her to be his advisor, and been invited to coauthor a paper with her. I'm not steeped academia but I do have a masters degree, and it definitely doesn't work like that where I've been. And maybe give me a little more description of the characters' cars than the model number if you want it to say something about their personality--even the brand would help. I really liked the Nigerian culture and I cold tell there were going to be more international student characters, and I wanted to read about them. It feels a lot like a first draft that needs edits and rewrites. I hope the author will go back through and improve on some of these things. Right now it's just not there yet.

All it took was one day for me to read through the whole thing. Oh it was such a great read! I might be biased though because Ade and Stefan's love remind me of my wife and I, and that's the first time I've ever experienced being represented in that way, and that's not something I'll ever forget. Thank you for creating and sharing this story. I think it captures the reality for a lot of queer people; in different ways. It's raw, it's honest, it's transparent, and i appreciated that. I was hooked from start to finish and I can't wait to read more from you. Your writing is brilliant .

Overall an enjoyable book and a lovely time. I liked so many moments in this book and I wanted just a tiny bit more. So many little details in this were great.

A crash meeting at the airport– the good kind and not the kind you see every time you turn on the news these days. Ade Adeowo and Stefan Wickstrom run into each other, literally, at the airport, and it is basically love at first sight. They meet again a few weeks later when they start grad school, and they become inseparable. However, the trauma they have both experienced lingers over each of them like a storm cloud. Maybe just maybe, they can ease each other's burdens, stopping the rain, and create a double rainbow instead.

The sheer trauma these characters have faced is unfathomable but unfortunately happens every day. The moments recapping the events that led Ade and Stefan to where they are now are some of the best written parts of the book. The sheer pain that must be fought and the resilience they have to get up everyday and just keep moving (one may say running) and fighting is something that makes us human. The author makes it a point to ensure the reader knows the characters are bettering themselves for themselves and not solely for another person.

While the essence of the story is great, this book could use another round of editing. The number of descriptions of things gets tedious and boring to read through. While some moments like saying “I love you” in 23 different languages are sweet and have meaning to the story, listing ten different songs that are playing at a party or in the car- not so much. Also, the references to the Shadowhunters series by Cassandra Clare is entirely too excessive. I find it hard to believe that a group of grad students AND professors are reading a series intended for pre-teens and teenangers and making it their entire personality. The book series is mentioned at least once a chapter and someone even used it in their proposal to their girlfriend.

As this series continues, I expect great strides will be made between this book as a debut and the next.

#netgalley #runninnomore

DNF Chapter 2

There’s heavy Harry Potter references which I don’t appreciate being in any books published currently (I especially hate it in queer books as J.K. Rowling harms the trans community) so I didn’t want to continue on.

This captivating novel explores the tender blossoming of first love, the exhilarating power of queer joy, and the unwavering strength of love in the face of adversity. It's a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that will resonate deeply with readers who crave emotional, character-driven stories. With its nuanced exploration of complex characters and their intertwining relationships, the book delves into the transformative power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. The author's evocative prose and masterful storytelling will stay with readers long after they turn the final page, making this a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a poignant and uplifting tale of love, loss, and redemption.

I loved the premise and the intent of the book. The MCs both had interesting stories, but the writing didn't live up to the potential of the book. I felt like I was being told vs shown and didn't feel the emotional connection I wanted to.

3.5 on StoryGraph

I liked the overall story (the premise of it), but the writing style felt a little choppy to me. A lot of telling me things instead of showing me. However, I appreciated the story and particularly the main characters’ backstories as those events are still affecting them during the events in this book. I liked some of the side characters, but others were only brought up a few times (and I sometimes had to remind myself who some of them were).

I’m not sure if I’ll read the next book, but I appreciated learning more about what LGBTQ individuals in other parts of the world go through, plus the love story overall was cute.

Thank you to NetGalley and GT Dipe for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

**e-ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**

This book sounded so intriguing, and it definitely lived up to the expectations!. I love the exploration of healthy versus dysfunctional relationships and the profound impact our communities have on our lives.

The relationship between Ade and Stefan was super cute! Despite meeting in crisis, they supported and uplifted each other in such a positive and inspiring way. They worked through a lot of miscommunications, hardships, and struggles, to create a strong and beautiful relationship. This book was an emotional rollercoaster, but one I thoroughly enjoyed!

Wasnt for me. The book could not get my attention and I struggled with it. Not maybe the target audience but I can see it being good for some people.

This story was a beautiful surprise. Despite both main characters carrying heavy pasts, the author handled their journey with care and realism. The ending tied everything together perfectly, leaving no questions unanswered.

Runnin' No More is a stunning debut. The author’s writing is captivating, and the symbolism added richness to the story. Ade’s kindness and love for music, paired with Stefan’s fiery determination, made them an unforgettable pair. Their struggles and growth felt authentic, and their resilience as a couple was inspiring.

This book is a heartfelt testament to love’s ability to heal and endure.

This was a wonderful, captivating read set in two different countries on two different continents. The book does a great job of expressing the struggles that LGBTQ+ people in Nigerian face. This story follows one such young man, as he moves to a new country to try to find safety.

Ade and Stefan are beautifully written characters that capture the reader’s attention as the story progresses.

The story has some time jumps so the reader can get the full understanding of what our boys have been through. Will they be able to find love in the end? Check this one out and see.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

Slow burn perfection! This book had me screaming but in a good way. It’s an emotional ride with deep characters and a beautiful show of brother and sister relationship. Ade and Stefan’s story is everything. It’s raw and real. Overall I loved this book and couldn’t recommend it enough

Runnin' No More by G.T. DÍPÈ is a gripping and emotional romance that delves into themes of personal growth, overcoming past trauma, and finding redemption through love. The story follows a protagonist who is confronting the ghosts of their past while navigating a complicated romantic relationship that challenges their emotional walls. DÍPÈ's writing is powerful and evocative, creating an intense connection between the characters and capturing their emotional journey. The book explores themes of vulnerability, healing, and the courage to embrace love without running away from the difficult parts of life. Runnin' No More is an impactful and heartfelt read for fans of romances with deep emotional layers and personal transformation.

This book was beautiful The characters show so much emotion and I loved seeing them interact with one another as their relationship builds. The story is one that a lot of queer people can relate to as they flee from those who want to do them harm and try to find love in places where they are accepted. This story was beautiful and touching.