The Dead Don't Run

Dead Generations

by Anne Russo

Sequel to The Dead Don’t Fall.

As malevolent forces close in, Ian and Adam’s desperate hope for a future together is threatened by their most ruthless adversary yet.

In El Paso, Ian faces a series of shocking betrayals that derail his quest to reunite with Adam, forcing him and his newly reunited group to journey to New Orleans to confront the culprit. Meanwhile, longing for Ian’s return, Adam forges a new life in Colombia, cultivating new friendships while battling the lingering scars of his past.

Their hard-won reunion propels them and their friends from the lively streets of Bogota into the wild, shadow-drenched jungles of Bolivia. Here they must rely on each other as they never have before, building a home and steeling themselves for a confrontation with an adversary determined to stalk them to the ends of the earth.

Clinging to each other in a treacherous and uncertain world, Ian and Adam must make their last stand. As together they face an unstoppable foe and a past that refuses to die in an epic showdown that will determine their fate and the fate of everyone they hold dear.

Note: This book ends on a cliffhanger and contains strong violence and dark, mature themes, including characters dealing with past trauma.

235 pages, ebook

Published August 23, 2025

About the author

Anne makes her home in Connecticut with her wonderful and ever-so-patient partner—a lifelong reader, writer, and curious student, Anne hopes to create exciting multi-dimensional characters and worlds with a queer sensibility. She is the author of the Dead Generations series, including the recently released The Dead Don’t Run.

When she’s not dreaming of or writing romantic suspense thrillers, you’ll find Anne reading (biographies being her favorite), and whenever she can, spending time outdoors in nature. Anne also enjoys baking, listening to podcasts, discovering new music, and exploring museums, bookstores, and flea markets.

To learn more, visit her website at annerusso.com.

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I ever mention I won books 1-3 during the m/m romance group anniversary celebrations?
I never won anything in my life and got those books.
I was hooked and devoured them one after another. I was an emotional MESS after finishing book 3 and for reasons (I had to put my feelings somewhere) composed an email to the author. And she took the time and replied to my rambling thoughts.
That just shows what an awesome person Anne Russo is!
Her writing is exceptional, and I am amazed how she is able to create a saga like this.
There are so many mind blowing twists and turns and the story spans several generations (ha!) and I am mystified how she keeps coming up with all of those and never looses the big picture.
This being said- it took me quite a while to find back into the story (I blame my monkey mind and reading a lot in between book #4 and #5) and I'm planning a re-read with all books as soon as #6 is available (no pressure Anne!!!)
Back to the story:
I liked that Ian and Adam finally got to spend some time together, I liked how they continue to grow as a couple, how they both fight for their love and how they (sloooooowly) crack their emotional walls and holy shit...Ian being vulnerable had me smile like an idiot.
The side characters, their chosen family made me happy as well (even though they are a bunch of savage assassins) and I love Rose and even Gael grew on me.
Although I was happy to get my Ian/Adam fix- I think this book is a little weaker than the rest.
It felt like the calm before the storm and I lost a little patience with my boy Ian (being in his mind and witnessing his guilt is exhausting).
And of course the ending is another huge cliffie AND NOW I CAN'T WAIT for the next book and the grand finale.
3.5 rounded up stars

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for (Dead Generations-5) The Dead Don't Run by Anne Russo

This story keeps getting better and better. The connection and desperation that Ian & Adam have is beautiful. As I knew the end was near, I was so like, No, I want to read what happens next lol. Now I can't wait for the next one in this series to come out. I loved hearing about Colombia; it was great to read since it is a place I would love to see someday. I was one of the lucky ones to have found and to be offered an ARC by the wonderful Anne Russo, and I haven't stopped. Anne Russo is a fantastic author, and you should run and download any of her books; really, you won't be sorry. What these two go through is rough at times, but having each other helps them keep going and live the lives they deserve. Just know, Anne Russo, I am so there when the next one comes out, i need to see what happens next.

Nicole Harvey
I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to dive into this, and I was so excited to see Ian open up a bit more in this installment. That said, the cliffhanger, was once again, my least favorite part of the story! Ian and Adam have grown so much both as individuals and as a couple over the course of the series, and this installment really showcases that as things seem to both slow down, yet intensify at the same time. As much as I would love to see them finally get their happy ending, a guilty part of me will also be sad to see them go, I've gotten so wrapped up in the high-stakes world they exist in. Russo has once again shown off her prowess with keeping up the high-stakes emotional tension, even when the action isn't high. Although you do need to start at the beginning of the series, I promise it's worth it if you enjoy complex, thrilling, steamy romances that will get your heart racing and have you invested in both MCs and supporting characters alike!

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 5 of this really suspenseful series, where the MCs are still literally fighting for their lives in various battles and locations. I will admit that, like in the previous book, I am finding myself increasingly irritated by Ian's constant guilt, I really hope he will lose a bit of that in the last book. This ends in another very painful cliffhanger, and I really hope that there will finally be some peace for them at the end of the series.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been avidly awaiting this book after the amazing previous ones and was not disappointed with this really suspenseful continuation. So much going on that you really need to read for yourself so not giving away spoilers. Such a cliffhanger ending has now left me avidly awaiting the next one! Really need to find out!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book and you must read what comes before.
The saga continues with no good news, just one problem after another.
This is a very gritty series, very emotionally charged. It’s well written and you do get invested in the story. There is lots of action, with lots of twists and turns.
I hope they do get their HEA but this ends on another cliff hanger.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this series.
We're back with Ian, Adam and the rest of the gang.
It was wonderful to see Ian and Adam together again.
Slowly, they're learning how to be in a relationship and it's great to see some growth between them.
The big showdown is coming and I can't wait.