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Those We Run From
Dulcinea “Sweet” Sterling is an assassin about to retire. That is until she finds out there’s a contract out on someone from her past—Tilly, her high school sweetheart. Determined to stop her first love from being killed, Sweet races to Miami.
Matilda “Tilly” Harper is a boudoir photographer with a passion for pink vintage dresses, high heels, and drag bingo. Far from the threatening type. When her ex from twenty years ago pops up saying someone is trying to kill her, Tilly doesn’t believe it. But it isn’t long before an armed attacker strikes.
Sweet will stop at nothing to protect Tilly. She’ll even put her own life at risk trying to find out who’s after her girl and why. While the two women flee from danger, old feelings come rushing back, catching neither of them by surprise.
Can Sweet save Tilly from the faceless enemy determined to see her six feet under? Or will their second chance at happiness die before it ever has the opportunity to live?
The Sapphic Suspense Nine Romantic Suspense Novels and Novellas
This curated collection brings together nine distinct voices in sapphic romantic suspense. Each book delivers a complete story of passion and peril, featuring protagonists who navigate both danger and desire. Several entries serve as gateways to forthcoming series, offering readers a first glimpse of worlds their creators will soon expand. From gritty city streets to seaside villages harboring secrets, these tales explore the exhilarating intersection of attraction and jeopardy. Each author introduces characters who've never appeared in their previous works, ensuring fresh terrain for both longtime fans and new readers.
Matilda “Tilly” Harper is a boudoir photographer with a passion for pink vintage dresses, high heels, and drag bingo. Far from the threatening type. When her ex from twenty years ago pops up saying someone is trying to kill her, Tilly doesn’t believe it. But it isn’t long before an armed attacker strikes.
Sweet will stop at nothing to protect Tilly. She’ll even put her own life at risk trying to find out who’s after her girl and why. While the two women flee from danger, old feelings come rushing back, catching neither of them by surprise.
Can Sweet save Tilly from the faceless enemy determined to see her six feet under? Or will their second chance at happiness die before it ever has the opportunity to live?
The Sapphic Suspense Nine Romantic Suspense Novels and Novellas
This curated collection brings together nine distinct voices in sapphic romantic suspense. Each book delivers a complete story of passion and peril, featuring protagonists who navigate both danger and desire. Several entries serve as gateways to forthcoming series, offering readers a first glimpse of worlds their creators will soon expand. From gritty city streets to seaside villages harboring secrets, these tales explore the exhilarating intersection of attraction and jeopardy. Each author introduces characters who've never appeared in their previous works, ensuring fresh terrain for both longtime fans and new readers.
- GenresRomance
203 pages, Paperback
Published April 19, 2025
49 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Zedde
56 books409 followersJamaican-born Fiona Zedde is the author of several novellas and novels of lesBiQueer love and desire, including the Lambda Literary Award finalists, Bliss and Every Dark Desire. She loves French pastries, English cars, Jamaican food, and currently lives in Spain.
Her novel, Dangerous Pleasures, received a Publishers Weekly starred review and won an About.com Readers' Choice Award for Best Lesbian Novel/Memoir. Her latest book, Just Like Her, is out now. Find out more about her catalog of 30+ books at www.FionaZedde.com.
Her novel, Dangerous Pleasures, received a Publishers Weekly starred review and won an About.com Readers' Choice Award for Best Lesbian Novel/Memoir. Her latest book, Just Like Her, is out now. Find out more about her catalog of 30+ books at www.FionaZedde.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 14, 2025
Holy Crap! Amazing!
Wow I love it when a story blows me away. This one blew me away in multiple directions. The characters are multifaceted and beautiful (or horrifying) and they had me on the edge of my seat......I couldn't stop reading! The compelling story has an equally compelling ending and I loved it! Please read this one if you need a strong dose of adrenalin followed closely by an awesome romantic dose of love.
Wow I love it when a story blows me away. This one blew me away in multiple directions. The characters are multifaceted and beautiful (or horrifying) and they had me on the edge of my seat......I couldn't stop reading! The compelling story has an equally compelling ending and I loved it! Please read this one if you need a strong dose of adrenalin followed closely by an awesome romantic dose of love.
September 22, 2025
What I liked
It was v. cool to see the diversity in genders and sexualities in most of the characters (including secondary ones.) Also, the fact that nearly everyone was 39+ y.o.!
Finally, the action scenes were well-written. This author has a knack for describing what's happening during a shootout or knife fight. Great sense of timing (which is a boon, IMO.)
What I didn't like
- The worldbuilding was incomplete. So, the bulk of the story takes place in Miami, FL; The Bahamas; southern Georgia. For whatever reason, the author used the "wow, it's so hot/humid!" whenever the story moved to Miami. And that was it. The story never made it clear which part of Miami the characters were at. Same thing for The Bahamas.
- I knew the plot was gonna be, well, goofy based on the premise. And I was OK with that. However, right around the halfway point, when the reason why Tilly (one of the MCs) is being targeted is revealed, the book permanently moved to Deeply Unserious Land. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- Finally (and the reason why I chose to hide this post under spoiler), it turns out that Tilly has a twin sister named Nora. They've never gotten along and it's been a while since they've spoken with each other.
The book never uses words like autistic, autism, etc. However, it's clear that Nora is neurodivergent. The issue is the extremely negative way autism is shown. Especially when the chapter is from Tilly's POV.
Examples from Chapter 21 after Nora shows up. This is 100% from Tilly's POV (Emphasis mine):
It was bizarre seeing her sister again. Hearing her talk. They were identical in looks, but in temperament, in the way they processed things, were as different as dawn and midday. No doctor had been able to explain why. Nora was the analytical and brilliant one their parents never stopped praising. The one who was an ice cube but excelled at everything academic from her very first exam.
They start talking:
Tilly swallowed a few times. "What exactly do you mean by showing up here?"
"I made a gamble I shouldn't have and didn't factor in that I might have been gambling with your life, too." Nora faintly grimaced.
The scream crawled higher in Tilly's throat. "you talking to me like a robot isn't making the situation clearer."
"This is how i talk. There is no other way I can express myself."
That much was true. Tilly let out another sigh. [...]"
And the conversation continues with Nora talking and Tilly being judgy and on the defensive for no reason at all. The book does show Nora interacting with other characters just fine? At best, the way this book approaches a neurodivergent character is quite off-putting and, at worst, is truly worrisome and weird.
On top of that, it simply does not make any sense that Tilly, a 39-y.o. character who works with a variety of clients (she's a boudoir photographer) AND who has a really colorful group of friends AND gives the impression of being quite the worldly character wouldn't know or even consider the existence of autism. Especially in relation to her twin sister. Keep in mind that the story takes place in our world in contemporary times. That's all I'm saying.
Trigger/Content Warnings: Casual discussions of murders; Character is dealing with several bullet wounds (non-lethal); Characters deal with the aftermath of an explosion; Lots of physical assaults (including knife fights and shootouts); Weird reaction from a sibling to her neurodivergent twin.
TL;DR: The only reason I actually finished this novella (which is under 180 pages) was because of the action (which was fun to read.) I wasn't super into the second chance romance (found it cute, but nothing more than that.) Finally, aside from weak worldbuilding and a plot that went off the rails, I was deeply grossed out by the way a character on the autism spectrum was portrayed. Triply so when her sister kept reacting to her angrily for no apparent reason. It all left a bad taste in my mouth.
At this point, I'm unsure if I'll read anything else by this author (which is a shame, but there we are.)
I read this on KU.
It was v. cool to see the diversity in genders and sexualities in most of the characters (including secondary ones.) Also, the fact that nearly everyone was 39+ y.o.!
Finally, the action scenes were well-written. This author has a knack for describing what's happening during a shootout or knife fight. Great sense of timing (which is a boon, IMO.)
What I didn't like
- The worldbuilding was incomplete. So, the bulk of the story takes place in Miami, FL; The Bahamas; southern Georgia. For whatever reason, the author used the "wow, it's so hot/humid!" whenever the story moved to Miami. And that was it. The story never made it clear which part of Miami the characters were at. Same thing for The Bahamas.
- I knew the plot was gonna be, well, goofy based on the premise. And I was OK with that. However, right around the halfway point, when the reason why Tilly (one of the MCs) is being targeted is revealed, the book permanently moved to Deeply Unserious Land. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- Finally (and the reason why I chose to hide this post under spoiler), it turns out that Tilly has a twin sister named Nora. They've never gotten along and it's been a while since they've spoken with each other.
The book never uses words like autistic, autism, etc. However, it's clear that Nora is neurodivergent. The issue is the extremely negative way autism is shown. Especially when the chapter is from Tilly's POV.
Examples from Chapter 21 after Nora shows up. This is 100% from Tilly's POV (Emphasis mine):
It was bizarre seeing her sister again. Hearing her talk. They were identical in looks, but in temperament, in the way they processed things, were as different as dawn and midday. No doctor had been able to explain why. Nora was the analytical and brilliant one their parents never stopped praising. The one who was an ice cube but excelled at everything academic from her very first exam.
They start talking:
Tilly swallowed a few times. "What exactly do you mean by showing up here?"
"I made a gamble I shouldn't have and didn't factor in that I might have been gambling with your life, too." Nora faintly grimaced.
The scream crawled higher in Tilly's throat. "you talking to me like a robot isn't making the situation clearer."
"This is how i talk. There is no other way I can express myself."
That much was true. Tilly let out another sigh. [...]"
And the conversation continues with Nora talking and Tilly being judgy and on the defensive for no reason at all. The book does show Nora interacting with other characters just fine? At best, the way this book approaches a neurodivergent character is quite off-putting and, at worst, is truly worrisome and weird.
On top of that, it simply does not make any sense that Tilly, a 39-y.o. character who works with a variety of clients (she's a boudoir photographer) AND who has a really colorful group of friends AND gives the impression of being quite the worldly character wouldn't know or even consider the existence of autism. Especially in relation to her twin sister. Keep in mind that the story takes place in our world in contemporary times. That's all I'm saying.
Trigger/Content Warnings: Casual discussions of murders; Character is dealing with several bullet wounds (non-lethal); Characters deal with the aftermath of an explosion; Lots of physical assaults (including knife fights and shootouts); Weird reaction from a sibling to her neurodivergent twin.
TL;DR: The only reason I actually finished this novella (which is under 180 pages) was because of the action (which was fun to read.) I wasn't super into the second chance romance (found it cute, but nothing more than that.) Finally, aside from weak worldbuilding and a plot that went off the rails, I was deeply grossed out by the way a character on the autism spectrum was portrayed. Triply so when her sister kept reacting to her angrily for no apparent reason. It all left a bad taste in my mouth.
At this point, I'm unsure if I'll read anything else by this author (which is a shame, but there we are.)
I read this on KU.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
3.5⭐️
June 7, 2025
A wonderful romantic thriller. This is Grosse Pointe Blank meets The Bodyguard but of course it’s sapphic :) I loved it. It is a novella and therefore don’t expect too much complexity of character or intricate plot. What this story does provide is action, suspense, and romance; and it does so with skillful writing and the occasional humorous moments.
This is a fun and (very) sexy read and I highly recommend it.
There is one loose end (possible plot twist?) that isn’t resolved but it is really a tiny thing, something one of the MCs thinks she hears as she falls asleep… However, I am letting it slide as she’s under pain meds and dead tired so it could be her imagination.
If it’s more than that, well, then there is room for a sequel 🙂
Rating: 4.5 stars.
This is a fun and (very) sexy read and I highly recommend it.
There is one loose end (possible plot twist?) that isn’t resolved but it is really a tiny thing, something one of the MCs thinks she hears as she falls asleep… However, I am letting it slide as she’s under pain meds and dead tired so it could be her imagination.
If it’s more than that, well, then there is room for a sequel 🙂
Rating: 4.5 stars.
May 1, 2025
I am sooooo satisfied with this adventure! I received my action and stud dose and my empowered delicious fem dose all in one exciting read. I read it all in one sitting because I could not stop. I am now reading it to my love. This is a worthwhile second-chance action romance novel from my perspective on cultural common sense. I love the characters, their chemistry, and their pace. Most of the supporting characters entertained me as well. Thank you so much, Fiona Zedde, for this enjoyable read.
September 2, 2025
This isn’t Fiona Zedde’s best work, but it’s certainly an improvement from House of Agnes!!! We love a rekindled love story, especially one where the characters don’t spend the first half of the book denying they still have feelings for each other. By contrast, Those We Run From offers its readers lots of longing moments, with a fun (if overly ambitious) backstory for why our eventual lovers need to come back together.
Fair warning, we are missing some of the characteristic 💥 scenes that really make Fiona Zedde’s work so memorable—I think there was only one here? The murder plot could have been spread more evenly across the book, instead of revealed all at once in the final twenty-or-so pages. Aside from that, however, I did mostly appreciate the balance of protection and honesty that Tilly and Sweet were able to strike with each other. There's no gender-based hermeneutical injustice to be found in this mystery novel, and what a gift that is. The male thriller authors could never!!!
I also really enjoyed the realistic stamina of the characters in this book. We have an assassin who actually feels her injuries like a normal human being, and a murder victim who gets tired of the rat race and just wonders whether she should let the people kill her after all. What a breath of fresh air!! In general, Tilly just has such a caring touch with Sweet’s injured and aging body:
In the future, I will definitely be stealing some of her advice to encourage myself and my girlfriend, as we’re currently going ACL tear for ACL tear!!! Overall though, I’d recommend this book for a breezy (though less steamy) beach read. You can definitely finish it within a few hours, and I considered it to be time well spent.
Fair warning, we are missing some of the characteristic 💥 scenes that really make Fiona Zedde’s work so memorable—I think there was only one here? The murder plot could have been spread more evenly across the book, instead of revealed all at once in the final twenty-or-so pages. Aside from that, however, I did mostly appreciate the balance of protection and honesty that Tilly and Sweet were able to strike with each other. There's no gender-based hermeneutical injustice to be found in this mystery novel, and what a gift that is. The male thriller authors could never!!!
I also really enjoyed the realistic stamina of the characters in this book. We have an assassin who actually feels her injuries like a normal human being, and a murder victim who gets tired of the rat race and just wonders whether she should let the people kill her after all. What a breath of fresh air!! In general, Tilly just has such a caring touch with Sweet’s injured and aging body:
“I’m not implying that you’re weak. The last couple of days you’ve done amazing things most people could never do, even at the height of their physical powers.” Her words trailed off. She cleared her throat and put her hand back on Sweet’s shoulder, gently squeezing. “But we’re not as young as we used to be. Just like I can’t stay out partying until six in the morning on a workday anymore, I’m sure you can’t leap tall fences in a single bound with a hole in your leg and expect not to feel it.”(100)
In the future, I will definitely be stealing some of her advice to encourage myself and my girlfriend, as we’re currently going ACL tear for ACL tear!!! Overall though, I’d recommend this book for a breezy (though less steamy) beach read. You can definitely finish it within a few hours, and I considered it to be time well spent.
November 12, 2025
Tilly, you in danger, girl!
Now, who would want to put a hit out on sweet, body positive, boudoir photographer Tilly Harper? But what whoever it was couldn't have known is, Tilly's ex-high school girlfriend is an assassin name Sterling! In the midst of retiring, she stumbles upon the contract on Tilly's life. Even though their relationship is ancient history, Sterling doesn't take too kindly to someone wanting Tilly dead.
Tilly is shocked to see Sterling again. And she definitely doesn't believe someone wants her dead. But when killers start coming after her, she goes on the run with Sterling. Together, they have to figure out who took out the contract. And how to stop it. And those old feelings they use to have... Well, they ever really went away. So if they can survive this, then maybe they can have a second chance???
This is a quick and enjoyable read. It is fast paced, action packed, with likable characters, and snappy dialogue. The two main characters bring the heat and will have you rooting for them. I hope this is the start of a series.
Now, who would want to put a hit out on sweet, body positive, boudoir photographer Tilly Harper? But what whoever it was couldn't have known is, Tilly's ex-high school girlfriend is an assassin name Sterling! In the midst of retiring, she stumbles upon the contract on Tilly's life. Even though their relationship is ancient history, Sterling doesn't take too kindly to someone wanting Tilly dead.
Tilly is shocked to see Sterling again. And she definitely doesn't believe someone wants her dead. But when killers start coming after her, she goes on the run with Sterling. Together, they have to figure out who took out the contract. And how to stop it. And those old feelings they use to have... Well, they ever really went away. So if they can survive this, then maybe they can have a second chance???
This is a quick and enjoyable read. It is fast paced, action packed, with likable characters, and snappy dialogue. The two main characters bring the heat and will have you rooting for them. I hope this is the start of a series.
April 26, 2025
I love action books with some romance on the side. Bliss was my favorite book by Ms. Zedde. I have changed my mind. Those We Run From is that book. The story follows Dulcinea “Sweet” Sterling, a retired assassin, as she races to protect her high school sweetheart, Matilda “Tilly” Harper, from a mysterious threat. Tilly, a boudoir photographer with a flair for vintage fashion, is thrust into a world of peril, forcing her to confront her past and rediscover her connection with Sweet. Fiona masterfully intertwines suspense and romance, creating a tale that kept me on edge while exploring themes of love, redemption, and second chances. The chemistry between Sweet and Tilly is palpable, and their journey is both heart-pounding and emotionally resonant. The novel's vivid descriptions and dynamic characters make it a standout in the genre. Those We Run From is a must-read for fans of romance, action, and suspense.
August 28, 2025
4 stars. Suspenseful but also so much fun. I LOVED Tilly so much. She's such a bad ass. She's bubbly and all pink everything but she knows how to handle business. And then there's her ex girlfriend, Sweet. Swoon! She was sexy as hell and had this intense aura to her that I love. Together the chemistry between them was so damn good. Someone is trying to kill Tilly and Sweet, an assassin, is back to protect her. I loved the plot, the romance was so good and I like how the action amped up by the end. This was a quick and addictive read and I had such a fun time reading it.
October 13, 2025
5/5 because this is probably the 5th book I’ve read from this author, so clearly I enjoy their work!
In reality, I would say 4/5 stars. The writing was good, and I enjoyed the characters. However, I was under the impression that this was a romance novel, and although there was a love story one could definitely argue that the main storyline is the action plot of the assassin world. That being said, the action was definitely fast paced and a page turner, and I would have happily read 100 more pages, so that the characters love story could have been fleshed out even more.
In reality, I would say 4/5 stars. The writing was good, and I enjoyed the characters. However, I was under the impression that this was a romance novel, and although there was a love story one could definitely argue that the main storyline is the action plot of the assassin world. That being said, the action was definitely fast paced and a page turner, and I would have happily read 100 more pages, so that the characters love story could have been fleshed out even more.
July 2, 2025
This book hums, crackles & pops from the start
Sweet through thick & thin thought she had done the right think leaving before Tilly went to college.
Its tough being a hot woman for hire but Tilly was the one that got away. Dream houses, guns, boats, people littered their ride to stay together.
I love it
Sweet through thick & thin thought she had done the right think leaving before Tilly went to college.
Its tough being a hot woman for hire but Tilly was the one that got away. Dream houses, guns, boats, people littered their ride to stay together.
I love it
July 3, 2025
The Best Lost/Found Love
I have to be honest. I’m in love with the characters in this book. The story line is great. After 20 years plus, their love never faded. This is true love with the sacrifice. I had a hard time putting it down. Thank you for sharing, I didn’t expect the villain to be so close.
I have to be honest. I’m in love with the characters in this book. The story line is great. After 20 years plus, their love never faded. This is true love with the sacrifice. I had a hard time putting it down. Thank you for sharing, I didn’t expect the villain to be so close.
September 14, 2025
I love Fiona Zedde writing action/suspense. Nightshade, for example, is one of my favorite books of hers. So here she is at it again, and again I loved it. The romance was also quite good.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews