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THE RUNNIN' SERIES
RUNNIN' FROM GUILT
On a fateful evening, Jolade Adeowo wakes up in a world she doesn’t recognise. One where she’s convinced her fiancé is still alive. Except he died three years ago. And the man at her bedside, calling her ‘love,’ is a stranger.
Three years after Diego’s sudden death, Jolade has finally begun to heal, until an accident erases everything she’s built, including the love she found again. Benjamin Brown, the man who helped her rediscover joy, is now someone she no longer remembers. Yet she can’t shake the feeling that her heart knows him, even if her mind doesn’t. Jolade is grieving a man she already lost while feeling inexplicably drawn to a stranger who swears he loves her. As Ben gently tries to reconnect with her, Jolade is torn between the past and an unfamiliar present. She must decide whether moving forward means betraying the love she lost or embracing the one she has forgotten.
As for Ben, he finds himself in the most bizarre love triangle imaginable, except his competition is a ghost. And If he cannot help Jolade remember him, he will lose the only woman he has ever dared to love.
RUNNIN' FROM GUILT is a standalone character-driven contemporary romance about memory, grief and the spaces in between. Blending amnesia, second chances, slow-burn romance, and a love that refuses to fade, this story explores what it truly means to love when everything else is forgotten.
Three years after Diego’s sudden death, Jolade has finally begun to heal, until an accident erases everything she’s built, including the love she found again. Benjamin Brown, the man who helped her rediscover joy, is now someone she no longer remembers. Yet she can’t shake the feeling that her heart knows him, even if her mind doesn’t. Jolade is grieving a man she already lost while feeling inexplicably drawn to a stranger who swears he loves her. As Ben gently tries to reconnect with her, Jolade is torn between the past and an unfamiliar present. She must decide whether moving forward means betraying the love she lost or embracing the one she has forgotten.
As for Ben, he finds himself in the most bizarre love triangle imaginable, except his competition is a ghost. And If he cannot help Jolade remember him, he will lose the only woman he has ever dared to love.
RUNNIN' FROM GUILT is a standalone character-driven contemporary romance about memory, grief and the spaces in between. Blending amnesia, second chances, slow-burn romance, and a love that refuses to fade, this story explores what it truly means to love when everything else is forgotten.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
13 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
G.T. Dípè
6 books68 followersG.T. Dípè is a doctoral student in environmental science who spends more time watching TV shows and reading novels than she probably should. When she’s not traveling across Europe, juggling her two kids or pranking her husband, she’s dreaming up stories that blend emotion, humour, and a touch of chaos. A lifelong lover of words, she finds joy in crafting characters readers can root for and worlds they can escape into.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
November 13, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was attracted to this book because the plot reminded of a film I watched, where the wife had been in an accident and lost her memory and her family because they didn’t like her husband, used that as an opportunity to split them up. She never got her memory back but they did get back together. I really enjoyed this book, I can’t imagine what it would be like to wake up after an accident and discover you’ve lost years of your life, I really felt for Jola as she didn’t remember that her fiancé Diego had died and she didn’t remember the man she loves Ben. I loved Jola’s family, she has a huge family and friendship group but I felt it through the pages how much they love her. I loved her protective older brothers and her found family and how determined they were to help her try and remember. Ben was so sweet and so patient with Jola despite how hard it must have been that she didn’t remember him, even though it felt like he was competing with a ghost at times.
I felt moved to tears at points as the story was so touching, this was more than a book about a women regaining her memory after an accident, it was a book about family, friendships and a second chance at love. I’m so glad I paused reading the book I was meant to start and read this instead as I’ve come away with a warm glowy feeling inside.
I was attracted to this book because the plot reminded of a film I watched, where the wife had been in an accident and lost her memory and her family because they didn’t like her husband, used that as an opportunity to split them up. She never got her memory back but they did get back together. I really enjoyed this book, I can’t imagine what it would be like to wake up after an accident and discover you’ve lost years of your life, I really felt for Jola as she didn’t remember that her fiancé Diego had died and she didn’t remember the man she loves Ben. I loved Jola’s family, she has a huge family and friendship group but I felt it through the pages how much they love her. I loved her protective older brothers and her found family and how determined they were to help her try and remember. Ben was so sweet and so patient with Jola despite how hard it must have been that she didn’t remember him, even though it felt like he was competing with a ghost at times.
I felt moved to tears at points as the story was so touching, this was more than a book about a women regaining her memory after an accident, it was a book about family, friendships and a second chance at love. I’m so glad I paused reading the book I was meant to start and read this instead as I’ve come away with a warm glowy feeling inside.
November 16, 2025
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting my request to read this book and provide my honest opinion.
Some books just crash into you with the certainty that they will imprint their storyline into your soul—books you will continually think about… this right here is that book!!!!!
At 30% in, I knew this was going to be a five-star read. I was that certain, and it didn’t disappoint. One of the things I loved was the writing—the way the words were crafted, the fluidity in which they move and settle deep into my bones. The way this book was written sounded like a lyric to a song (I know, I know 😅).
Another thing I loved was how the author perfectly captured grief in its purest form. Grief doesn’t go away overnight; some days you’re good, and some days you’re not. This book shows that everyone is allowed to grieve in their own way. It shows that you don’t just “get over” grief. It also perfectly captured love—particularly love after loss. Love doesn’t cancel out love, and this book emphasizes that point!!! It isn’t a betrayal to the one you lost.
The sense of community in this book!!! Friends, family, solid support systems!!!!
And more importantly, can we give it up for Ben’s proposal!!!! I must admit I got a little teary-eyed (in public). I had to pause and gather myself before continuing reading.
Overall, this was a book I didn’t want to end. I wanted to stay with Ben’s and Jola’s love story for a while, to really soak myself in their reality!!!! This book was amazing, if I do say so myself!!!
Thank you once again for the e-ARC!
Some books just crash into you with the certainty that they will imprint their storyline into your soul—books you will continually think about… this right here is that book!!!!!
At 30% in, I knew this was going to be a five-star read. I was that certain, and it didn’t disappoint. One of the things I loved was the writing—the way the words were crafted, the fluidity in which they move and settle deep into my bones. The way this book was written sounded like a lyric to a song (I know, I know 😅).
Another thing I loved was how the author perfectly captured grief in its purest form. Grief doesn’t go away overnight; some days you’re good, and some days you’re not. This book shows that everyone is allowed to grieve in their own way. It shows that you don’t just “get over” grief. It also perfectly captured love—particularly love after loss. Love doesn’t cancel out love, and this book emphasizes that point!!! It isn’t a betrayal to the one you lost.
The sense of community in this book!!! Friends, family, solid support systems!!!!
And more importantly, can we give it up for Ben’s proposal!!!! I must admit I got a little teary-eyed (in public). I had to pause and gather myself before continuing reading.
Overall, this was a book I didn’t want to end. I wanted to stay with Ben’s and Jola’s love story for a while, to really soak myself in their reality!!!! This book was amazing, if I do say so myself!!!
Thank you once again for the e-ARC!
February 9, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book.
The author did a good job depicting grief and the guilt that comes with losing a loved one and moving on. There are parts in this book that were emotional and moved me to tears.
I really felt for Jola. I understood her struggles with recovering her memories, her pain, grief and her guilt.Despite all these she was still a good and present friend (she is a better person than me lol).
I really liked Ben’s patience, he was more concerned about her getting better than her remembering him. I also loved how his character had depth and personal demons.
I liked the other characters- friends and families, they felt like a community and good support system probably because I was already introduced to them in the first book.
This was a really good read and atp G.T. Dipe books are auto-read for me.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy
The author did a good job depicting grief and the guilt that comes with losing a loved one and moving on. There are parts in this book that were emotional and moved me to tears.
I really felt for Jola. I understood her struggles with recovering her memories, her pain, grief and her guilt.Despite all these she was still a good and present friend (she is a better person than me lol).
I really liked Ben’s patience, he was more concerned about her getting better than her remembering him. I also loved how his character had depth and personal demons.
I liked the other characters- friends and families, they felt like a community and good support system probably because I was already introduced to them in the first book.
This was a really good read and atp G.T. Dipe books are auto-read for me.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy
February 12, 2026
Can we first give it up for the friendship in this book? While the story centers on Ben and Jola, they are surrounded by friends who truly showed up, stood their ground, and held one another accountable. That sense of community added so much depth, and I genuinely loved it.
The story follows Jola, who is involved in an accident that causes her to lose three years of her memory. In that gap, she remembers only her late fiancé. Meanwhile, Ben, a CEO and the man she has been dating, suddenly becomes a stranger to her. Watching him navigate loving someone who cannot remember him was both heartbreaking and compelling.
What stood out most for me was the journey through grief and love. The author handled these emotions with so much care and honesty, making the story feel real and deeply human.
I cannot wait for you to read Ben and Jola’s story. Runnin’ from Guilt is out on 14th February (Valentine’s Day).
You can preorder with my code BOOKSXWINE for 15% off.
Big thanks to the author for the ARC ❤️
The story follows Jola, who is involved in an accident that causes her to lose three years of her memory. In that gap, she remembers only her late fiancé. Meanwhile, Ben, a CEO and the man she has been dating, suddenly becomes a stranger to her. Watching him navigate loving someone who cannot remember him was both heartbreaking and compelling.
What stood out most for me was the journey through grief and love. The author handled these emotions with so much care and honesty, making the story feel real and deeply human.
I cannot wait for you to read Ben and Jola’s story. Runnin’ from Guilt is out on 14th February (Valentine’s Day).
You can preorder with my code BOOKSXWINE for 15% off.
Big thanks to the author for the ARC ❤️
February 28, 2026
Runnin' from Guilt is a contemporary romance novel that blends themes of grief, amnesia, second chances, slow-burn romance, and healing from guilt.
After an accident erases three years of her memory, Jolade wakes up convinced her late fiancé, Diego, is still alive—except he died years ago. The man by her bedside, Ben, is now a stranger she doesn't remember loving. As Ben tries to help her reclaim their life together, Jolade grapples with grief for a past she can't let go of and a present she doesn't recognize.
The idea I had of this book was totally different from what it actually is. I thought it was going to be about helping a woman regain her memory with a sprinkle of romance, but it is way deeper and more emotional than that. What I appreciated most is how the author wrote about grief, how intense and setback-inducing it can be. Most people believe one should just get over loss and continue with life, but grief isn't something you get over, it's about managing it, living with the what-ifs, and the self-doubt that guilt brings. How can someone who lost her fiancé truly get over that kind of loss? This shows that grief isn't something to just move past. I love how the author was able to explore these topics so thoughtfully.
I also loved the main characters. Ben is patient, calm and a composed man, He knew he couldn't compete with a ghost, he's not possessive or dramatic, he just wanted to love Jolade for who she really is, even without her remembering anything about him. That shows how he handled the situation with maturity and respect.
Jolade is a strong woman. She went through a lot... Imagine forgetting the last three years of your life, where once, familiar faces become unfamiliar and you wonder if you'll ever regain your memory. Despite the disorientation and fear of never regaining those years, she still shows up as the group's emotional anchor and advisor.
As for the side characters, I truly loved the support system they created, they added real depth to the book. My only critique is that we were introduced to a lot of them, and it was sometimes hard to keep track of who was who. At times, they almost overshadowed the main characters.
The author's writing is easy to understand and flows beautifully, and I will definitely be reading more from her. I highly recommend this book. Thank you, G.T. Dípè, for my review copy!
After an accident erases three years of her memory, Jolade wakes up convinced her late fiancé, Diego, is still alive—except he died years ago. The man by her bedside, Ben, is now a stranger she doesn't remember loving. As Ben tries to help her reclaim their life together, Jolade grapples with grief for a past she can't let go of and a present she doesn't recognize.
The idea I had of this book was totally different from what it actually is. I thought it was going to be about helping a woman regain her memory with a sprinkle of romance, but it is way deeper and more emotional than that. What I appreciated most is how the author wrote about grief, how intense and setback-inducing it can be. Most people believe one should just get over loss and continue with life, but grief isn't something you get over, it's about managing it, living with the what-ifs, and the self-doubt that guilt brings. How can someone who lost her fiancé truly get over that kind of loss? This shows that grief isn't something to just move past. I love how the author was able to explore these topics so thoughtfully.
I also loved the main characters. Ben is patient, calm and a composed man, He knew he couldn't compete with a ghost, he's not possessive or dramatic, he just wanted to love Jolade for who she really is, even without her remembering anything about him. That shows how he handled the situation with maturity and respect.
Jolade is a strong woman. She went through a lot... Imagine forgetting the last three years of your life, where once, familiar faces become unfamiliar and you wonder if you'll ever regain your memory. Despite the disorientation and fear of never regaining those years, she still shows up as the group's emotional anchor and advisor.
As for the side characters, I truly loved the support system they created, they added real depth to the book. My only critique is that we were introduced to a lot of them, and it was sometimes hard to keep track of who was who. At times, they almost overshadowed the main characters.
The author's writing is easy to understand and flows beautifully, and I will definitely be reading more from her. I highly recommend this book. Thank you, G.T. Dípè, for my review copy!
February 16, 2026
I need you to understand that reading a story with a Nigerian FMC and queer positivity is incredibly rare. This is like a unicorn for me and on top of it all to have such beautiful writing is bliss. The story follows Jola, who is recovering from a bad car accident and has lost her memory of the last three years. She remembers her fiancée, Diego, and thinks he’s still alive but he died during Covid. I need you to know this book is staunchly in the reality of grief and loss. It’s almost brutal how Jola is forced to remember her loss again due to this accident. She doesn’t remember Ben, who has come into her life and is healing her. Ben, who ADORES and WORSHIPS her. He’s also dealing with guilt and loss from his past too. This book has such emotional damage but the payout is worth it. The ending was nonstop heat and love and adoration so stick with it. It will be hard but the journey is sweet. The author, was also so poetic and the writing impressed me a lot. I only had issues with a few continuity issues that I think an editor could help with. For example, she had on shorts and then she wore a skirt with no outfit change mentioned. Another issue was the setting of her being in one room and then somehow it shifts to another with no walking. It threw me off a few times but it wasn’t jarring. It was only a few times. I also know that this book is part of a series and I was told it could be read as a standalone but there is a lot of backstory and characters that I did get confused. The community of people in this book are amazing and even if I don’t know how to place them I loved them and would want people like them on my side.
I really think this author should be more well known because this wasn’t some fluke of a book. It was deep, rich, and filled with such flavorful diversity that I felt enriched. I got a copy of this book from Olive Press Publishing and the thoughts are all my own.
I really think this author should be more well known because this wasn’t some fluke of a book. It was deep, rich, and filled with such flavorful diversity that I felt enriched. I got a copy of this book from Olive Press Publishing and the thoughts are all my own.
November 19, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this books, however overall I did enjoy it.
Jola gets into a car accident, and once she gets into the hospital, her and her family realize her head injury resulted from some memory loss. Specifically the last three years of her life. Not only does she not remember some people who she met in those years, she also doesn't remember losing her fiancé Diego. Jola has a lot of family and friends for support, yet navigating her memory loss is something only she can deal with.
Ben is someone who Jola met in those three years, and although she is friendly with him, and she sees how her friends and family have embraced him, she doesn't remember falling in love with him. Ben is a nice guy, who care about Jola very much, and he is there for her each and every day.
I felt like the energy or flow of the book was off at times. I was bored reading some sections, and some sections made me hold my breath. There are a couple scenes that are just gut wrenching, and depict life in such powerful ways.
There are a lot of characters in this book to keep track of, and it wasn't until after I read this book that I saw there is a previous book that introduces these characters.
This book is definitely about grief, family, friends and love.
Jola gets into a car accident, and once she gets into the hospital, her and her family realize her head injury resulted from some memory loss. Specifically the last three years of her life. Not only does she not remember some people who she met in those years, she also doesn't remember losing her fiancé Diego. Jola has a lot of family and friends for support, yet navigating her memory loss is something only she can deal with.
Ben is someone who Jola met in those three years, and although she is friendly with him, and she sees how her friends and family have embraced him, she doesn't remember falling in love with him. Ben is a nice guy, who care about Jola very much, and he is there for her each and every day.
I felt like the energy or flow of the book was off at times. I was bored reading some sections, and some sections made me hold my breath. There are a couple scenes that are just gut wrenching, and depict life in such powerful ways.
There are a lot of characters in this book to keep track of, and it wasn't until after I read this book that I saw there is a previous book that introduces these characters.
This book is definitely about grief, family, friends and love.
February 14, 2026
As I mentioned earlier, I truly appreciate the trope of falling first and more deeply. The patience and longing expressed in this book resonate with me. This is my first time reading from this author, and I have already been thoroughly enjoying the experience.
February 17, 2026
This book is so beautiful. It's a story about love, grief, heartbreak and friendship. I have to admit that the book wasn't for me but i would still recommend it to someone else.
There were so many names in this book that i was very confused most of the time. But over all the story was actually really beautiful and real!
There were so many names in this book that i was very confused most of the time. But over all the story was actually really beautiful and real!
Review of advance copy
Tropes: Amnesia, Second Chance, Mental Health, Found Family, Slow Burn
RUNNIN' FROM GUILT by G. T. DÍPÈ uses the tropes of Amnesia, mental health issues, second chance, found family and slow burn. The use of amnesia in a storyline can be extremely heartbreaking and traumatic as readers place themselves empathetically in the characters’ places. Imagine waking up disoriented and not recognizing the people surrounding you. Are these strangers, family, enemies or lovers? What a difficult landscape to maneuver! This book is the second book in Ms. Dípè’s Runnin’ Series. Her first book, RUNNIN' NO MORE, is a MM romance featuring relatives and friends from our current story.
When Jolade (Jola) Adeowo regains consciousness after a horrific accident, she is happy to be alive and eager to see family, friends but especially her fiancé Diego. However, Diego does not appear to be present but there is an attentive man waiting for her, a stunningly handsome man with kind eyes, Ben. Ben is beyond grateful that his beloved Jola is out of danger, but the blankness in her eyes hints that she is a long way from being back to her old self. Jola has an extremely extensive group of family and friends (sometimes it was hard to keep them straight in terms of who belonged with whom), and they rally around her to support and nurture her as she tires to make sense of her memory loss….three years have disappeared, children have aged, and Diego is gone. Ben is there but what is their relationship? Are they friends, lovers, committed, or just starting out? And if Diego is truly gone, how can she have replaced him so easily?
Conclusion:
Ms. Dípè’s depiction of Jola and Ben’s journey is a master class in demonstrating unselfish love, caregiving and personal sacrifice. Ben is aware of the ravages of loss and guilt in the past, and he allows Jola to heal on her own time and in her own way, never rushing her or demanding that she acknowledge his place in her life. He just remains PRESENT even when it looks like she has made the decision to push him away (le sigh). Some of the plot elements in this story are directly related to the first book but it is possible to follow the ensuing action easily. I greatly enjoyed this gentle, yet passionate story and look forward to the next book in the series.
Favorite Lines
The universe, it seems, enjoys a good, cruel irony.
His heart swells in his chest, filling every inch of him until it feels as if it might burst
She has the pieces. Now she just has to figure out how they fit.
He is important to her. And yet, he is a stranger.
She prides herself on being an extrovert, yet she can’t quite fathom how she’s found herself in such a sprawling web of people, surrounded by so many faces, each carrying a story, a connection she’s still working to untangle.
And more to the point, how is he interested in her? She must have saved a village in a past life.
There’s something reassuring about the way his presence settles into the room, like the final note of a song that lingers in the air.
Jola doesn’t need to be told what sacrifice looks like.
That she will always be a stranger to her own life.
….the kind of handsome that should be illegal or, at the very least, taxed.
The movement is effortless, like she was born to be admired in this way. But only by him.
But Diego. Him, she remembers in obsessive detail.
“Jola. He loves you. That’s the whole story. That’s the only thing that matters.
Shhh, baby. Don’t apologise. It’s okay to miss him
“I would marry her on the moon if that’s what she wants,” Ben replies, straight-faced.
The man she loved. The man she loves now.
Guilt is a house he’s lived in most of his life, the kind that loops through the mind, frame by aching frame.
“To me,” he leans in, brushing a kiss to her cheek, “every day is about you.”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/runnin...
RUNNIN' FROM GUILT by G. T. DÍPÈ uses the tropes of Amnesia, mental health issues, second chance, found family and slow burn. The use of amnesia in a storyline can be extremely heartbreaking and traumatic as readers place themselves empathetically in the characters’ places. Imagine waking up disoriented and not recognizing the people surrounding you. Are these strangers, family, enemies or lovers? What a difficult landscape to maneuver! This book is the second book in Ms. Dípè’s Runnin’ Series. Her first book, RUNNIN' NO MORE, is a MM romance featuring relatives and friends from our current story.
When Jolade (Jola) Adeowo regains consciousness after a horrific accident, she is happy to be alive and eager to see family, friends but especially her fiancé Diego. However, Diego does not appear to be present but there is an attentive man waiting for her, a stunningly handsome man with kind eyes, Ben. Ben is beyond grateful that his beloved Jola is out of danger, but the blankness in her eyes hints that she is a long way from being back to her old self. Jola has an extremely extensive group of family and friends (sometimes it was hard to keep them straight in terms of who belonged with whom), and they rally around her to support and nurture her as she tires to make sense of her memory loss….three years have disappeared, children have aged, and Diego is gone. Ben is there but what is their relationship? Are they friends, lovers, committed, or just starting out? And if Diego is truly gone, how can she have replaced him so easily?
Conclusion:
Ms. Dípè’s depiction of Jola and Ben’s journey is a master class in demonstrating unselfish love, caregiving and personal sacrifice. Ben is aware of the ravages of loss and guilt in the past, and he allows Jola to heal on her own time and in her own way, never rushing her or demanding that she acknowledge his place in her life. He just remains PRESENT even when it looks like she has made the decision to push him away (le sigh). Some of the plot elements in this story are directly related to the first book but it is possible to follow the ensuing action easily. I greatly enjoyed this gentle, yet passionate story and look forward to the next book in the series.
Favorite Lines
The universe, it seems, enjoys a good, cruel irony.
His heart swells in his chest, filling every inch of him until it feels as if it might burst
She has the pieces. Now she just has to figure out how they fit.
He is important to her. And yet, he is a stranger.
She prides herself on being an extrovert, yet she can’t quite fathom how she’s found herself in such a sprawling web of people, surrounded by so many faces, each carrying a story, a connection she’s still working to untangle.
And more to the point, how is he interested in her? She must have saved a village in a past life.
There’s something reassuring about the way his presence settles into the room, like the final note of a song that lingers in the air.
Jola doesn’t need to be told what sacrifice looks like.
That she will always be a stranger to her own life.
….the kind of handsome that should be illegal or, at the very least, taxed.
The movement is effortless, like she was born to be admired in this way. But only by him.
But Diego. Him, she remembers in obsessive detail.
“Jola. He loves you. That’s the whole story. That’s the only thing that matters.
Shhh, baby. Don’t apologise. It’s okay to miss him
“I would marry her on the moon if that’s what she wants,” Ben replies, straight-faced.
The man she loved. The man she loves now.
Guilt is a house he’s lived in most of his life, the kind that loops through the mind, frame by aching frame.
“To me,” he leans in, brushing a kiss to her cheek, “every day is about you.”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/runnin...
Review of advance copy
Strong story but distant POV
First off, a huge thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC copy of Runnin’ from Guilt. I always appreciate the chance to dive into a new interracial & multicultural romance early.
I’m settling on a solid 3 stars for this one. I really wanted to rate it higher because the plot has a real page-turner vibe. It starts right in the middle of the action, with Jola immediately losing her memories. I was curious where it was going, who each person was, and what the deal was with the side characters. I think that has to do with book #1.
There are things this book does well. The story makes the stakes clear early on, and it does not hold back on heavy themes like trauma, memory loss, fear, and protectiveness. The romance also leans hard into admiration and devotion, especially when Ben thinks about Jola. I also appreciated the setting and cultural specificity. The Newcastle and London grounding felt real, and details like Jola’s Yoruba and British blend in her accent add a nice detail to the story.
However, I hit a wall with the writing style, especially the POV, and it created a distance between me and Jola and Ben that I could not bridge.
The book is written in third-person limited, and that can absolutely work in romance. For me, though, it often felt like I was standing a step back, watching the story instead of living inside it. I wanted to experience their pain, love, and fear in a more immediate way.
A big part of that was the narration occasionally drifting out of the character’s moment and into a broader narrator voice. For example, there are places where the narration makes big, definitive judgments about a character instead of letting that impression form through scene and behavior, like when Ben is described in a “top ten gentleman” kind of way. Moments like that pulled me out because it felt less like Ben’s lived perspective and more like the narrator stepping in to summarize.
I also struggled with the balance of telling versus showing. There are strong scenes where the emotion comes through clearly, like Jola’s confusion and panic after the accident, and I wanted more of that rawness throughout-albeit repetive. Sometimes, though, instead of letting guilt or grief unfold through messy reactions, dialogue, and action, the narration explains the emotion more directly. That made it harder for me to
feel deeply connected to the characters.
Lastly, I felt some of the attraction descriptions ran long in the same emotional lane. The writing is vivid, but repeating the same beat in several lines/paragraphs, which unfortunately softened the impact instead of sharpening it.
Overall, I think readers who enjoy high-stakes romance that leans into devotion and protectiveness may really enjoy this. If you prefer a very intimate, deep POV where you feel there is no filter between you and the characters, you might experience the same distance I did.
First off, a huge thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC copy of Runnin’ from Guilt. I always appreciate the chance to dive into a new interracial & multicultural romance early.
I’m settling on a solid 3 stars for this one. I really wanted to rate it higher because the plot has a real page-turner vibe. It starts right in the middle of the action, with Jola immediately losing her memories. I was curious where it was going, who each person was, and what the deal was with the side characters. I think that has to do with book #1.
There are things this book does well. The story makes the stakes clear early on, and it does not hold back on heavy themes like trauma, memory loss, fear, and protectiveness. The romance also leans hard into admiration and devotion, especially when Ben thinks about Jola. I also appreciated the setting and cultural specificity. The Newcastle and London grounding felt real, and details like Jola’s Yoruba and British blend in her accent add a nice detail to the story.
However, I hit a wall with the writing style, especially the POV, and it created a distance between me and Jola and Ben that I could not bridge.
The book is written in third-person limited, and that can absolutely work in romance. For me, though, it often felt like I was standing a step back, watching the story instead of living inside it. I wanted to experience their pain, love, and fear in a more immediate way.
A big part of that was the narration occasionally drifting out of the character’s moment and into a broader narrator voice. For example, there are places where the narration makes big, definitive judgments about a character instead of letting that impression form through scene and behavior, like when Ben is described in a “top ten gentleman” kind of way. Moments like that pulled me out because it felt less like Ben’s lived perspective and more like the narrator stepping in to summarize.
I also struggled with the balance of telling versus showing. There are strong scenes where the emotion comes through clearly, like Jola’s confusion and panic after the accident, and I wanted more of that rawness throughout-albeit repetive. Sometimes, though, instead of letting guilt or grief unfold through messy reactions, dialogue, and action, the narration explains the emotion more directly. That made it harder for me to
feel deeply connected to the characters.
Lastly, I felt some of the attraction descriptions ran long in the same emotional lane. The writing is vivid, but repeating the same beat in several lines/paragraphs, which unfortunately softened the impact instead of sharpening it.
Overall, I think readers who enjoy high-stakes romance that leans into devotion and protectiveness may really enjoy this. If you prefer a very intimate, deep POV where you feel there is no filter between you and the characters, you might experience the same distance I did.
February 17, 2026
Not all books will crash into you and settle somewhere deep in your chest. The kind you know will linger long after the last page. Runnin’ from Guilt was that book for me.
After the first five chapters, I already knew I was hooked. I could feel it in my bones and it absolutely did not disappoint.
The writing? Stunning. There’s a fluidity to it: the way the words move, the way they were woven beautifully together.. At times it read like a love song that featured Simi and Asa😂😂The prose doesn’t just narrate events; it seeps into you. It makes you pause, you will first stop to think and then feel.
What truly stood out, though, was how grief was depicted. Not the polished, rushed, “and then she healed” version. The real kind. The messy kind. The kind where some days you’re okay and other days you’re absolutely not. The kind I understand because I’ve been there.This story understands that grief doesn’t disappear just because time passes. It also beautifully captures the guilt that comes with surviving, with remembering, with moving forward. Jola’s struggles with her fractured memories, her pain, her internal battle between love and loyalty to Diego felt raw and very honest. I felt for her deeply. And despite everything she was carrying, she remained a present, loving friend (honestly, she’s a better person than me).
Then there’s love after loss. This book makes it clear: love doesn’t cancel out love. Moving forward is not betrayal. Healing is not disloyalty. That theme was handled with so much care and emotional intelligence.
Ben — the man that you are🥹 His patience was unmatched. The fact that he cared more about Jola’s well-being than about whether she remembered him? That kind of love is rare. I appreciated how he wasn’t written as perfect. Man had his personal demons and that’s part of what made him human in my eyes.
The icing on the cake was that proposal. I was in public trying not to cry(certified cry baby by the way)🥹😂😂I had to pause and collect myself before continuing.
But what truly elevates this story is the sense of community. The friends. The family. The support system. No one was grieving or loving in isolation. There’s something so powerful about a story where people don’t just survive because of romantic love, but because of friendship, family, and shared history. That foundation made everything feel richer and more believable.
By the end, I didn’t want it to be over. I wanted to stay in Ben and Jola’s world a little longer. To sit with their love. To sit with their healing. To sit with that community and
just know I’m loved unconditionally
This book was emotional, layered, beautifully written, and deeply human. I laughed, I teared up (in public, unfortunately), and I closed it feeling full.
Truly an amazing read. 💛
February 14, 2026
Runnin from Guilt is an emotionally rich story about grief, memory, and the quiet bravery it takes to love again.
The book opens with Jolade waking up after a car accident, convinced she’s still in 2020. To her, the world is still in the middle of the pandemic. When she realizes it’s actually 2023, she’s forced to relive the worst loss of her life all over again: her fiancé Diego is dead, and she has no memory of the years that followed his death or the people who became her family during that time.
One of those people is Ben. He remembers everything. She remembers nothing about him.
Ben is deeply in love with Jolade, yet his love is patient, respectful, and gentle. Despite their relationship before the accident, he never crosses boundaries, never pressures her, and gives her space to rediscover herself at her own pace. Their dynamic is slow, tender, and filled with longing, especially because Jolade’s Nigerian background and traditional values add another layer to her vulnerability and choices.
What truly stood out to me was the found family aspect. Jolade’s friends suffer alongside her when she loses her memory, loving her fiercely and helping her piece herself back together. The sense of community, warmth, and unconditional support is one of the strongest elements of this story.
The guilt in this book is multifaceted. Jolade struggles with loving someone new while feeling like she’s betraying a promise she made to Diego. Ben, on the other hand, carries a lifelong guilt over the tragic death of his sister something he keeps buried deep inside. Their emotional wounds mirror each other beautifully.
When Jolade finally regains her memories, the healing doesn’t feel rushed or unreal. Instead, it feels earned. Their second chance at love is soft, intentional, and deeply emotional.
This book touched me personally, especially in how it handled loss during COVID. As someone who also lost a loved one during the pandemic, Jolade’s grief felt raw, honest, and painfully real.
A beautiful story about love after loss, chosen family, and learning that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
The book opens with Jolade waking up after a car accident, convinced she’s still in 2020. To her, the world is still in the middle of the pandemic. When she realizes it’s actually 2023, she’s forced to relive the worst loss of her life all over again: her fiancé Diego is dead, and she has no memory of the years that followed his death or the people who became her family during that time.
One of those people is Ben. He remembers everything. She remembers nothing about him.
Ben is deeply in love with Jolade, yet his love is patient, respectful, and gentle. Despite their relationship before the accident, he never crosses boundaries, never pressures her, and gives her space to rediscover herself at her own pace. Their dynamic is slow, tender, and filled with longing, especially because Jolade’s Nigerian background and traditional values add another layer to her vulnerability and choices.
What truly stood out to me was the found family aspect. Jolade’s friends suffer alongside her when she loses her memory, loving her fiercely and helping her piece herself back together. The sense of community, warmth, and unconditional support is one of the strongest elements of this story.
The guilt in this book is multifaceted. Jolade struggles with loving someone new while feeling like she’s betraying a promise she made to Diego. Ben, on the other hand, carries a lifelong guilt over the tragic death of his sister something he keeps buried deep inside. Their emotional wounds mirror each other beautifully.
When Jolade finally regains her memories, the healing doesn’t feel rushed or unreal. Instead, it feels earned. Their second chance at love is soft, intentional, and deeply emotional.
This book touched me personally, especially in how it handled loss during COVID. As someone who also lost a loved one during the pandemic, Jolade’s grief felt raw, honest, and painfully real.
A beautiful story about love after loss, chosen family, and learning that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
February 19, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Runnin from Guilt, a reminder that love comes in many forms and is never a bad thing.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. There were slice of life moments, some drama, tons of things that made me bawl, and a lot of cuteness. Through it all, the main characters were very loveable.
Still, I definitely recommend this book for it's emotional depth, loving ensemble, and relevant message
Runnin from Guilt, a reminder that love comes in many forms and is never a bad thing.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. There were slice of life moments, some drama, tons of things that made me bawl, and a lot of cuteness. Through it all, the main characters were very loveable.
Still, I definitely recommend this book for it's emotional depth, loving ensemble, and relevant message
February 15, 2026
Let’s Talk about this book over coffee! Loved it!
Okay wait — you have to read Runnin’ From Guilt by G.T. Dípè because I was NOT emotionally prepared for this one.
Friend: What’s it about?
Me: Amnesia. Second chance romance. Mental health. Found family. Slow burn. Like… the kind of slow burn where you’re just staring at the pages whispering, please just kiss already but also don’t rush it.
So Jola wakes up after a horrific accident and three years of her life are just… gone. Vanished. She doesn’t recognize where she is emotionally, and the people around her feel like strangers. Her fiancé Diego? Missing. But there’s this insanely handsome, gentle man named Ben at her bedside acting like she’s his whole world.
Friend: Wait. WHO is Ben then?!
Me: EXACTLY. That’s the tension. Is he a friend? A rebound? The love of her life? Did she move on? Did something happen to Diego? And she remembers Diego in obsessive detail, which makes everything even more complicated.
And the found family? Massive. Supportive. Loving. Slightly overwhelming (I won’t lie, I needed a flowchart at moments). But the way they rally around her while she tries to piece her life back together? Beautiful.
Friend: And Ben?
Me: Ben is… unselfish love personified. He doesn’t pressure her. Doesn’t guilt her. Doesn’t demand she remember him. He just stays. Present. Steady. Even when she pushes him away. The man literally says he’d marry her on the moon if that’s what she wanted. I mean???
It’s such a tender exploration of guilt, grief, identity, and what it means to fall in love with someone twice — or maybe for the first time in a completely different way.
It’s soft but passionate. Heartbreaking but hopeful. And that emotional line between the man she loved and the man she loves now? Whew.
Friend: So I’m going to cry?
Me: Yes. But in a quiet, healing, slow-burn kind of way. And you’ll probably close the book just sitting there like… wow.
I genuinely loved it and now I need the next book immediately.
Okay wait — you have to read Runnin’ From Guilt by G.T. Dípè because I was NOT emotionally prepared for this one.
Friend: What’s it about?
Me: Amnesia. Second chance romance. Mental health. Found family. Slow burn. Like… the kind of slow burn where you’re just staring at the pages whispering, please just kiss already but also don’t rush it.
So Jola wakes up after a horrific accident and three years of her life are just… gone. Vanished. She doesn’t recognize where she is emotionally, and the people around her feel like strangers. Her fiancé Diego? Missing. But there’s this insanely handsome, gentle man named Ben at her bedside acting like she’s his whole world.
Friend: Wait. WHO is Ben then?!
Me: EXACTLY. That’s the tension. Is he a friend? A rebound? The love of her life? Did she move on? Did something happen to Diego? And she remembers Diego in obsessive detail, which makes everything even more complicated.
And the found family? Massive. Supportive. Loving. Slightly overwhelming (I won’t lie, I needed a flowchart at moments). But the way they rally around her while she tries to piece her life back together? Beautiful.
Friend: And Ben?
Me: Ben is… unselfish love personified. He doesn’t pressure her. Doesn’t guilt her. Doesn’t demand she remember him. He just stays. Present. Steady. Even when she pushes him away. The man literally says he’d marry her on the moon if that’s what she wanted. I mean???
It’s such a tender exploration of guilt, grief, identity, and what it means to fall in love with someone twice — or maybe for the first time in a completely different way.
It’s soft but passionate. Heartbreaking but hopeful. And that emotional line between the man she loved and the man she loves now? Whew.
Friend: So I’m going to cry?
Me: Yes. But in a quiet, healing, slow-burn kind of way. And you’ll probably close the book just sitting there like… wow.
I genuinely loved it and now I need the next book immediately.
February 19, 2026
This was my first time reading a book from this author, and I completely fell in love. It was also my first time reading an amnesia romance trope, and i totally enjoyed it.
The story follows Jolade Adeowo, who wakes up after an accident to a life she doesn’t recognise. She remembers everything from years ago , including her fiancé, Diego, who died three years earlier but she completely forgets the life she built after his death, especially Benjamin Brown, the man who loves her and stood by her.
Watching Jolade try to make sense of her reality was so emotional. Imagine mourning someone you already lost while feeling drawn to someone your heart seems to recognise but your mind cannot remember. Her confusion, her pain, the silent emotional struggle… it all felt very real. I found myself really feeling for her.
One thing that warmed my heart so much was the love and support she received from her family and friends. The strong sense of family in this book was beautiful. Yes, there were many characters. I later realized this was influenced by the kind of family background the author came from a large circle of both family and close friends. Seeing people stand by Jola during such a difficult time was truly touching , her family and friends were Amazing.
And Ben, honestly completely stole my heart loving someone who cannot even remember you, yet choosing to stay, to be patient, to keep showing up that kind of love is rare. He was gentle, understanding, and selfless, even while dealing with his own pain and grief. The way he stood by Jola throughout everything is so beautiful.
Even though Diego is no longer alive, his presence in the story was still powerful. He raised The standard so high, he was competing with the living .
The book really shows how complicated love can be how the heart can hold onto the past while trying to move forward.
This is a soft, amnesia, slow burn, second chance romance that's absolutely worth your time.
I truly enjoyed this book, and I totally recommend 💯, please go grab your copy!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review :
So to start, I find that this book has flaws: There are far too many useless characters, which unnecessarily lengthens the story and adds nothing to the plot.
Furthermore, for a book whose plot revolves around the character's amnesia, she remembers a lot, and it doesn't necessarily correspond to what one expects. I also find her quite naive in her reflections, even rather awkward when she speaks to other characters,and i also think, that she is not a very well writen character.
Also, the story is frankly too long for what it actually tells and not very well organized.
For example, there are flashbacks and dates written for certain chapters that don't seem to match up, which greatly confuses the reader. In my case, it makes me roll my eyes and makes us lose track of the narrative arc; we no longer know if we're in 2023 or in another period before or after the accident, we can't properly situate ourselves.
I do think, however, that there are some positive points, particularly regarding the main character's Nigerian culture, which is well presented. and adds depth to his character; you can tell the author knows this subject well.
I expected Ben's character to be good, but honestly, I found him rather bland, even though he had potential. As for the stalker storyline, the police procedural aspect is really poorly done, and the romance is very messy.but the most important thing is that it remains readable, but it's not necessarily a very good book.
There are still some a few good moments of romance, even if they are infrequent.
Even the ending of the novel feels a bit rushed.
To finished, I want to say that this is my own opinion and that opinions differ from reader to reader. In my case, I didn't really like this book, but I hope the author's next book will be better, more organized, and more entertaining.
So to start, I find that this book has flaws: There are far too many useless characters, which unnecessarily lengthens the story and adds nothing to the plot.
Furthermore, for a book whose plot revolves around the character's amnesia, she remembers a lot, and it doesn't necessarily correspond to what one expects. I also find her quite naive in her reflections, even rather awkward when she speaks to other characters,and i also think, that she is not a very well writen character.
Also, the story is frankly too long for what it actually tells and not very well organized.
For example, there are flashbacks and dates written for certain chapters that don't seem to match up, which greatly confuses the reader. In my case, it makes me roll my eyes and makes us lose track of the narrative arc; we no longer know if we're in 2023 or in another period before or after the accident, we can't properly situate ourselves.
I do think, however, that there are some positive points, particularly regarding the main character's Nigerian culture, which is well presented. and adds depth to his character; you can tell the author knows this subject well.
I expected Ben's character to be good, but honestly, I found him rather bland, even though he had potential. As for the stalker storyline, the police procedural aspect is really poorly done, and the romance is very messy.but the most important thing is that it remains readable, but it's not necessarily a very good book.
There are still some a few good moments of romance, even if they are infrequent.
Even the ending of the novel feels a bit rushed.
To finished, I want to say that this is my own opinion and that opinions differ from reader to reader. In my case, I didn't really like this book, but I hope the author's next book will be better, more organized, and more entertaining.
February 22, 2026
Review of an Advanced Readers Copy
Triggering topics:
Grief and loss
Trauma and emotional recovery
Amnesia and memory loss
Emotional distress and confusion
References to mental health struggles
You know what…I really wanted to like this book I really did but it just didn’t do it for me. The story immediately starts off with our FMC Jola involved in a car accident. And what immediately set me off was the fact that it stated that she was wheeled into the ED on a gurney but then transported to radiology for an MRI in a wheelchair? I work in the hospital setting so this instantly had me questioning everything. I literally went back and read from the start again because I thought I missed something. This was the feeling throughout the book for me.
From chapter one as soon as it started I’m not sure if it was intentional on the authors behave with the accident and the amnesia Jola has but it all made it seemed like I was missing something as well. Like lost. When requesting the ARC it stated it can be read as a standalone but it was the second book of a series. I have to say that I don’t agree. I read something that said the characters mentioned (and there were A LOT of them) were mentioned in the first book. So I wish I had read that one previously but starting this one. I might just have to do that.
So yeah.
Why were there SO many characters? And! They were all pretty much introduced to us in the first two or three chapter it was WAY too much at once. There were so many to keep track of it was very confusing.
I really enjoyed reading how Jola and Ben reignites their relationship. And I love his character very patient, sweet, and doting. There were some powerfully messages in the book as well. Close knit family and friendships. Also really enjoyed the song list in the beginning and the songs associated with each chapter.
Triggering topics:
Grief and loss
Trauma and emotional recovery
Amnesia and memory loss
Emotional distress and confusion
References to mental health struggles
You know what…I really wanted to like this book I really did but it just didn’t do it for me. The story immediately starts off with our FMC Jola involved in a car accident. And what immediately set me off was the fact that it stated that she was wheeled into the ED on a gurney but then transported to radiology for an MRI in a wheelchair? I work in the hospital setting so this instantly had me questioning everything. I literally went back and read from the start again because I thought I missed something. This was the feeling throughout the book for me.
From chapter one as soon as it started I’m not sure if it was intentional on the authors behave with the accident and the amnesia Jola has but it all made it seemed like I was missing something as well. Like lost. When requesting the ARC it stated it can be read as a standalone but it was the second book of a series. I have to say that I don’t agree. I read something that said the characters mentioned (and there were A LOT of them) were mentioned in the first book. So I wish I had read that one previously but starting this one. I might just have to do that.
So yeah.
Why were there SO many characters? And! They were all pretty much introduced to us in the first two or three chapter it was WAY too much at once. There were so many to keep track of it was very confusing.
I really enjoyed reading how Jola and Ben reignites their relationship. And I love his character very patient, sweet, and doting. There were some powerfully messages in the book as well. Close knit family and friendships. Also really enjoyed the song list in the beginning and the songs associated with each chapter.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC from the author for their upcoming book. It follows Jolade, a university professor who gets into an accident and part of her memory goes missing. She can’t remember the last past three years of her life, and this poses a serious challenge.
And there’s Benjamin Brown, her current boyfriend, but Jolade doesn’t remember him. She remembers her ex who died from the coronavirus, and we’re plunged into examining the mystery of loving a person when you don’t seem to remember.
This book takes us on the journey of what it means to lose memories of your past, and the pain of not remembering the people you love, especially when they’re around you, trying their best to help you remember.
Jolade is one character that goes through various stages of loss, grief, amnesia, and depression. Ben, on the other hand, has to battle with the ghost of another man who loved Jolade, as well as confronting guilt, shame, and self blame for his past mistakes and actions early in life.
First, I love how this book is so wholesome. The relationship between the characters feels very real and intimate, and I love it. The interaction is so genuine, and it makes me hopeful about how good people still exists.
Both characters have their various struggles, and the author did a good job of describing it in the most honest but brutal manner. I couldn’t help but take a moment to ponder on what it means to lose someone close to me.
I like the book, and it made me feel emotional at some point. If you’re in for an interracial romance story that delves into love, loss, grief, guilt, and memories, Runnin’ From Guilt should be added to your reading list.
And there’s Benjamin Brown, her current boyfriend, but Jolade doesn’t remember him. She remembers her ex who died from the coronavirus, and we’re plunged into examining the mystery of loving a person when you don’t seem to remember.
This book takes us on the journey of what it means to lose memories of your past, and the pain of not remembering the people you love, especially when they’re around you, trying their best to help you remember.
Jolade is one character that goes through various stages of loss, grief, amnesia, and depression. Ben, on the other hand, has to battle with the ghost of another man who loved Jolade, as well as confronting guilt, shame, and self blame for his past mistakes and actions early in life.
First, I love how this book is so wholesome. The relationship between the characters feels very real and intimate, and I love it. The interaction is so genuine, and it makes me hopeful about how good people still exists.
Both characters have their various struggles, and the author did a good job of describing it in the most honest but brutal manner. I couldn’t help but take a moment to ponder on what it means to lose someone close to me.
I like the book, and it made me feel emotional at some point. If you’re in for an interracial romance story that delves into love, loss, grief, guilt, and memories, Runnin’ From Guilt should be added to your reading list.
February 14, 2026
Happy publication day!!!
In all honesty, I prepared myself to be heartbroken with the blurb of this book and it pleasantly surprised me how wholesome the book was instead.
Jola Adeowo finds herself with partial amnesia after an accident caused by a “very foolish goat”
She wakes up not remembering anything from three years ago and somehow the death of the love of her life and a new relationship is amongst those lost memories
Talk about drama!
You would think everything in this book borders on Jola trying to get her memory back and maybe angst between herself and the “forgotten boyfriend” and memory of the “dead fiancé” but it doesn’t.
We are introduced to side characters and their own issues which Jola inherently assists in solving even with her brain not being fully intact.
Honestly, at some point the side characters annoyed me!
Like, let a girl get her bloody memory first nau.
Go away!… shoo…
Turned my girl to a full on therapist and relationship advisor.
I loved the full on focus on the reason for this book name both in the life of Ben (new boyfriend since forgotten). He had his own personal struggles and not all of his problems revolved around Jola.
And as much as I expected more drama (blame it on the traumatized part of my brain)
Because I wanted this girl to fling Ben away from the onset so we can have a solid “chase her down” x “Get away from me” drama 😩
And when I thought we were going to get that… boom… there is “missus memories” coming back to ruin it!.
But like I said, it was wholesome even though the friends and family did not let us see road with the couple.
In all honesty, I prepared myself to be heartbroken with the blurb of this book and it pleasantly surprised me how wholesome the book was instead.
Jola Adeowo finds herself with partial amnesia after an accident caused by a “very foolish goat”
She wakes up not remembering anything from three years ago and somehow the death of the love of her life and a new relationship is amongst those lost memories
Talk about drama!
You would think everything in this book borders on Jola trying to get her memory back and maybe angst between herself and the “forgotten boyfriend” and memory of the “dead fiancé” but it doesn’t.
We are introduced to side characters and their own issues which Jola inherently assists in solving even with her brain not being fully intact.
Honestly, at some point the side characters annoyed me!
Like, let a girl get her bloody memory first nau.
Go away!… shoo…
Turned my girl to a full on therapist and relationship advisor.
I loved the full on focus on the reason for this book name both in the life of Ben (new boyfriend since forgotten). He had his own personal struggles and not all of his problems revolved around Jola.
And as much as I expected more drama (blame it on the traumatized part of my brain)
Because I wanted this girl to fling Ben away from the onset so we can have a solid “chase her down” x “Get away from me” drama 😩
And when I thought we were going to get that… boom… there is “missus memories” coming back to ruin it!.
But like I said, it was wholesome even though the friends and family did not let us see road with the couple.
February 14, 2026
There’s something so satisfying about finishing a book and immediately thinking, “Yeah… I need to read everything this author has ever written.” That’s exactly how I felt here.
Runnin’ From Guilt centers on Jolade Adeowo, who loses her memory after an accident and can’t remember the last three years of her life. Imagine grieving your late fiancé all over again while also trying to understand the man currently in your life who helped you heal. The emotional confusion?? Insane.
This book stressed me. In a good way. I gasped. I paused. I side-eyed. At some point I just sat there like… life is really something.
Now let’s talk about Ben. Because wow. That man??? The effort. The patience. The intentional love. I don’t even know how many times I melted. Please, if the love is not intentional, I don’t want it. The way he shows up for Jola? That’s the standard. I’m not negotiating.
But then there’s Diego. And see, that’s the problem. Because he wasn’t lacking either. Love is actually complicated, and this book proves it. I genuinely didn’t know who to root for at some points.
Jola herself? Strong, but hurting. The way she tries to keep it together while feeling lost inside felt very real. Memory loss isn’t just forgetting things — it’s losing pieces of yourself. And that part hit.
The writing pulled me in. It didn’t feel rushed or shallow. Everything had weight. My only small issue was keeping up with all the characters at first, but it also made the story feel full — like real life with friends, family, community.
Overall? I enjoyed this so much. Emotional, messy, beautiful.
Runnin’ From Guilt centers on Jolade Adeowo, who loses her memory after an accident and can’t remember the last three years of her life. Imagine grieving your late fiancé all over again while also trying to understand the man currently in your life who helped you heal. The emotional confusion?? Insane.
This book stressed me. In a good way. I gasped. I paused. I side-eyed. At some point I just sat there like… life is really something.
Now let’s talk about Ben. Because wow. That man??? The effort. The patience. The intentional love. I don’t even know how many times I melted. Please, if the love is not intentional, I don’t want it. The way he shows up for Jola? That’s the standard. I’m not negotiating.
But then there’s Diego. And see, that’s the problem. Because he wasn’t lacking either. Love is actually complicated, and this book proves it. I genuinely didn’t know who to root for at some points.
Jola herself? Strong, but hurting. The way she tries to keep it together while feeling lost inside felt very real. Memory loss isn’t just forgetting things — it’s losing pieces of yourself. And that part hit.
The writing pulled me in. It didn’t feel rushed or shallow. Everything had weight. My only small issue was keeping up with all the characters at first, but it also made the story feel full — like real life with friends, family, community.
Overall? I enjoyed this so much. Emotional, messy, beautiful.
March 3, 2026
3.7/4 ⭐️
I liked the writing in this book. Those moments where Ben or Jola would describe something (for example, their love or how she felt about her past) hit so hard. I knew I was going to like their relationship after the first book (shoutout to Ade and Stefan I missed them). It was honestly heartbreaking when I found out what happened to her fiancé and his sister.
Now,
There were a lot of characters. I couldn’t keep track and that kind of ruined the experience for me. The characters didn’t really have depth so there was nothing connecting me to them. They were just there to move the plot but not in a way that made them memorable (not talking about my beautiful husband temmy of course). Also that fight between Stefan and Ade? It pissed me offffff. And it was never addressed! Spoiler:
Stefan literally ended their relationship and the next chapter it’s them together again? A lot of scenes moved to fast without exploring it.
Unfortunately, I got bored at some point. That’s why I took so long to finish it even though I have had some free time for a while now. The scenes I wanted were easily brushed aside while we were stuck on different parties and outings and other stuff without building on the characters. Some scenes kept me interested and I had fun (probably cried too).
Anyway,
There is a specific image of Jola I have in my head that I’m obsessed it lol. I genuinely loved her and Ben even though I was still crying over her late fiancé.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review. This is still a series i would recommend to someone and I enjoyed myself (and my husband, Temmy).
I liked the writing in this book. Those moments where Ben or Jola would describe something (for example, their love or how she felt about her past) hit so hard. I knew I was going to like their relationship after the first book (shoutout to Ade and Stefan I missed them). It was honestly heartbreaking when I found out what happened to her fiancé and his sister.
Now,
There were a lot of characters. I couldn’t keep track and that kind of ruined the experience for me. The characters didn’t really have depth so there was nothing connecting me to them. They were just there to move the plot but not in a way that made them memorable (not talking about my beautiful husband temmy of course). Also that fight between Stefan and Ade? It pissed me offffff. And it was never addressed! Spoiler:
Stefan literally ended their relationship and the next chapter it’s them together again? A lot of scenes moved to fast without exploring it.
Unfortunately, I got bored at some point. That’s why I took so long to finish it even though I have had some free time for a while now. The scenes I wanted were easily brushed aside while we were stuck on different parties and outings and other stuff without building on the characters. Some scenes kept me interested and I had fun (probably cried too).
Anyway,
There is a specific image of Jola I have in my head that I’m obsessed it lol. I genuinely loved her and Ben even though I was still crying over her late fiancé.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review. This is still a series i would recommend to someone and I enjoyed myself (and my husband, Temmy).
February 10, 2026
4.5🌟
"Runnin' From Guilt" is a book that explores the themes of grief, guilt, love, friendship and trust in their truest and rawest forms. It portrayed vulnerability not as a weakness but as something that makes us human, it also subtly tells us that it's absolutely okay to seek profession help(therapy) to help us unpack our feelings and get in touch with our emotions.
The past and present writing style gives the book an emotional feel/depth, that give us insight into the Main Characters' past and what led to their guilt, grief or loss.
Jola and Ben's relationship dynamic is something that I haven't really seen in books, yes, I've read books that had the delicate themes of grief but none like this where the character had no memory of the man they are in live with and their partner gets to watch them actively grief their past dead lover while he's desperately and completely gone for her. From Ben's POV, it must be painful and hard but from Jola's POV it's even more disheartening—grieving someone that one has already grieved in the past, having to relive all those memories like they are off the present. 😔
The friendship between the MCs and their friendship is so beautiful to read but NGL, it fell too wholesome at some point, like they were doing too much.
I found myself annotating all the descriptions of sceneries and the characters just to go back to it, the way Ben's green eyes was described(I've got goosebumps everywhere) GT Dipe really knows her onions🤭
I absolutely loved this book and I'm happy the author felt me worth of the book, it's a masterpiece.
"Runnin' From Guilt" is a book that explores the themes of grief, guilt, love, friendship and trust in their truest and rawest forms. It portrayed vulnerability not as a weakness but as something that makes us human, it also subtly tells us that it's absolutely okay to seek profession help(therapy) to help us unpack our feelings and get in touch with our emotions.
The past and present writing style gives the book an emotional feel/depth, that give us insight into the Main Characters' past and what led to their guilt, grief or loss.
Jola and Ben's relationship dynamic is something that I haven't really seen in books, yes, I've read books that had the delicate themes of grief but none like this where the character had no memory of the man they are in live with and their partner gets to watch them actively grief their past dead lover while he's desperately and completely gone for her. From Ben's POV, it must be painful and hard but from Jola's POV it's even more disheartening—grieving someone that one has already grieved in the past, having to relive all those memories like they are off the present. 😔
The friendship between the MCs and their friendship is so beautiful to read but NGL, it fell too wholesome at some point, like they were doing too much.
I found myself annotating all the descriptions of sceneries and the characters just to go back to it, the way Ben's green eyes was described(I've got goosebumps everywhere) GT Dipe really knows her onions🤭
I absolutely loved this book and I'm happy the author felt me worth of the book, it's a masterpiece.
February 14, 2026
After an accident erases three years of her memory, Jola wakes up believing she’s still engaged to the man she once loved - except he passed away years ago. The man now calling her “love,” Benjamin, is someone she doesn’t remember at all.
Now let me be honest… I really thought this premise was going to stress me out 😭 I was ready to be frustrated.
But I wasn’t.
This was such an easy book to love.
Jola surprised me in the best way. She was confused, grieving, trying to hold onto something that felt safe… but she was never cruel. Watching her slowly navigate a life she didn’t remember felt so human and so tender.
And Ben? Oh Ben. Green flag from beginning to end. Patient. Gentle. Intentional. The way he loved her without forcing her to remember him… without pressuring her… that kind of love is rare. Quiet but powerful. The kind that chooses you over and over again.
I love when a book reminds me what love truly is — and this one did exactly that.
The interracial relationship was written so beautifully. Cultural differences were acknowledged but blended naturally. Nothing felt exaggerated. It just felt real.
And the found family? So well done. There were so many characters, yet I was never confused…. and that speaks volumes about the clarity of the writing. Everything felt intentional.
Thank you so much @thegtdipe and @hawthorn.and.aster.services for the gifted eARC 🤍
Tropes:
• Second Chance
• Billionaire Romance
• Interracial Romance
• Slow Burn
• Hurt & Comfort
• Amnesia
• Found Family
Now let me be honest… I really thought this premise was going to stress me out 😭 I was ready to be frustrated.
But I wasn’t.
This was such an easy book to love.
Jola surprised me in the best way. She was confused, grieving, trying to hold onto something that felt safe… but she was never cruel. Watching her slowly navigate a life she didn’t remember felt so human and so tender.
And Ben? Oh Ben. Green flag from beginning to end. Patient. Gentle. Intentional. The way he loved her without forcing her to remember him… without pressuring her… that kind of love is rare. Quiet but powerful. The kind that chooses you over and over again.
I love when a book reminds me what love truly is — and this one did exactly that.
The interracial relationship was written so beautifully. Cultural differences were acknowledged but blended naturally. Nothing felt exaggerated. It just felt real.
And the found family? So well done. There were so many characters, yet I was never confused…. and that speaks volumes about the clarity of the writing. Everything felt intentional.
Thank you so much @thegtdipe and @hawthorn.and.aster.services for the gifted eARC 🤍
Tropes:
• Second Chance
• Billionaire Romance
• Interracial Romance
• Slow Burn
• Hurt & Comfort
• Amnesia
• Found Family
February 14, 2026
Runnin From Guilt took me on such an emotional ride😭✨
It's a second chance romance, a billionaire love story
and a found family journey all wrapped in one beautiful heartbreak or should i say heartbeat?
The story follows Jola Adeowo who lost three years of her memory, and the only people she could remember were her family,some of her friends and her dead fiance,The pain that cames with that? Unimaginable
Benjamin Brown her new love interest never gave up on her. He stayed, even when she didn’t remember his face, his love, or their shared memories together. She was present yet absent due to the memories she had lost
I felt bad for Ben when he asked his mum if there was something wrong with him, because everyone close to him always seemed to meet disaster. That line broke me, Ben was just too good!! A perfect example of a chalant man
The love, The yearning,the patience,the way Ben looks at Jola the way he makes her his priority he was so willing and ready to wait
I also loved the found family aspect those friends and family who loved them so fiercely and never gave up. That kind of support gives the story so much heart, tho the many characters confused me at the beginning i had to go back and check who so so so and so was but damn they’re lovable
Runnin From Guilt shows that real love is patient, gentle, and worth fighting for even when it hurts,even when it seems like it's going to take forever
Benjamin and Jolade love story? A must read, I can't wait for ya'all to meet my man Benjamin Brown with his green eyes
Ratings:🌟🌟🌟🌟4/5
It's a second chance romance, a billionaire love story
and a found family journey all wrapped in one beautiful heartbreak or should i say heartbeat?
The story follows Jola Adeowo who lost three years of her memory, and the only people she could remember were her family,some of her friends and her dead fiance,The pain that cames with that? Unimaginable
Benjamin Brown her new love interest never gave up on her. He stayed, even when she didn’t remember his face, his love, or their shared memories together. She was present yet absent due to the memories she had lost
I felt bad for Ben when he asked his mum if there was something wrong with him, because everyone close to him always seemed to meet disaster. That line broke me, Ben was just too good!! A perfect example of a chalant man
The love, The yearning,the patience,the way Ben looks at Jola the way he makes her his priority he was so willing and ready to wait
I also loved the found family aspect those friends and family who loved them so fiercely and never gave up. That kind of support gives the story so much heart, tho the many characters confused me at the beginning i had to go back and check who so so so and so was but damn they’re lovable
Runnin From Guilt shows that real love is patient, gentle, and worth fighting for even when it hurts,even when it seems like it's going to take forever
Benjamin and Jolade love story? A must read, I can't wait for ya'all to meet my man Benjamin Brown with his green eyes
Ratings:🌟🌟🌟🌟4/5
February 14, 2026
Runnin’ From Guilt by G.T. Dípè is a heartfelt and emotionally rich story about grief, love, and the power of community.
From the very beginning, the chemistry between Ben and Jola is undeniable. Their connection feels natural and warm, and the small, tender details—like Ben’s affectionate nickname for Jola—add a layer of sweetness that made their interactions even more charming.
What truly stood out to me was how thoughtfully the story handled uncertainty and emotional healing. Even when Jola felt conflicted and Ben struggled with his own doubts, their relationship was rooted in patience, understanding, and genuine care. The way their individual grief—and the challenges that came with it—was explored felt mature, realistic, and deeply respectful.
The supporting cast deserves special praise as well. Ben and Jola are surrounded by friends and family who consistently show up for them, creating a strong sense of love and belonging. Their support system adds so much heart to the story and reinforces the theme of community throughout the book.
Ben and Jola together are simply a joy to read. Their personalities complement each other beautifully, and I found myself smiling during nearly every scene they shared. Ben, in particular, easily earns his place as top-tier book boyfriend material.
If you’re in the mood for an emotional, slow-burn romance featuring a golden retriever MMC, a sunshine FMC, and subtle elements of mystery, Runnin’ From Guilt is well worth picking up.
***I received an advanced e-reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
From the very beginning, the chemistry between Ben and Jola is undeniable. Their connection feels natural and warm, and the small, tender details—like Ben’s affectionate nickname for Jola—add a layer of sweetness that made their interactions even more charming.
What truly stood out to me was how thoughtfully the story handled uncertainty and emotional healing. Even when Jola felt conflicted and Ben struggled with his own doubts, their relationship was rooted in patience, understanding, and genuine care. The way their individual grief—and the challenges that came with it—was explored felt mature, realistic, and deeply respectful.
The supporting cast deserves special praise as well. Ben and Jola are surrounded by friends and family who consistently show up for them, creating a strong sense of love and belonging. Their support system adds so much heart to the story and reinforces the theme of community throughout the book.
Ben and Jola together are simply a joy to read. Their personalities complement each other beautifully, and I found myself smiling during nearly every scene they shared. Ben, in particular, easily earns his place as top-tier book boyfriend material.
If you’re in the mood for an emotional, slow-burn romance featuring a golden retriever MMC, a sunshine FMC, and subtle elements of mystery, Runnin’ From Guilt is well worth picking up.
***I received an advanced e-reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you G.T Dipe for sending me this Advanced Reader Copy😊
This book felt really different from my usual read but in a good way, trust me♥️ it was intriguing, emotional and very intense. This is my first book by the author and it didn't disappoint.
This book follows the story of Jola, who loses years of her memory after a very bad accident. Now, she's trying to relearn everything she's lost, her life, relationships, important memories and people she no longer remembers. Her journey through healing in this book was so heartbreaking and powerful at the same time.
Then there's Ben, trust that he is my favourite character🥲 He's so patient, loving, gentle and easygoing. Ben's unwavering support and commitment was what stood out to me in this book. Despite Jola not recognising him, and him getting to deal with the shadow of a dead fiance still lingering around, he was the best. I love the romance between Jola and Ben🤭 see me blushing while reading😂 and everytime he calls her "princess" ouuuuu, I'm choked😩
The highlight for me in this book is the strong community, the way Jola's family and friends stood with her, helping her remember and heal, that was so heartwarming🫂♥️ This book explores themed of grief, love, support, friendship, family and second chances at love.
This book was such an engaging read, the only issue I had was trying to keep up with the many characters and their names, but still, the book is a solid read for me. I enjoyed reading it.
This book felt really different from my usual read but in a good way, trust me♥️ it was intriguing, emotional and very intense. This is my first book by the author and it didn't disappoint.
This book follows the story of Jola, who loses years of her memory after a very bad accident. Now, she's trying to relearn everything she's lost, her life, relationships, important memories and people she no longer remembers. Her journey through healing in this book was so heartbreaking and powerful at the same time.
Then there's Ben, trust that he is my favourite character🥲 He's so patient, loving, gentle and easygoing. Ben's unwavering support and commitment was what stood out to me in this book. Despite Jola not recognising him, and him getting to deal with the shadow of a dead fiance still lingering around, he was the best. I love the romance between Jola and Ben🤭 see me blushing while reading😂 and everytime he calls her "princess" ouuuuu, I'm choked😩
The highlight for me in this book is the strong community, the way Jola's family and friends stood with her, helping her remember and heal, that was so heartwarming🫂♥️ This book explores themed of grief, love, support, friendship, family and second chances at love.
This book was such an engaging read, the only issue I had was trying to keep up with the many characters and their names, but still, the book is a solid read for me. I enjoyed reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book quietly broke my heart in the best way.
Runnin’ From Guilt follows Jolade after she loses three years of her memory, including a relationship she no longer remembers choosing and a grief she doesn’t recall living through. Reading from her perspective felt disorienting in a very intentional way, and I found myself sitting with her confusion rather than rushing past it.
What stood out most for me was the patience in this story. Watching Ben love her without pressure, without entitlement, and without forcing her to remember anything she wasn’t ready for made the romance feel gentle and earned. The emotions unfolded slowly, sometimes painfully, but always honestly.
and again.... Ben 😩💘 ohhh Ben is a neeeeddddd!! gentle, patient, and swoon-worthy.
This wasn’t a dramatic, over-the-top love story for me, it was quiet, awkward, and deeply human. I’ll admit I skimmed some of the ⚠️ scenes, and while I personally would’ve enjoyed this book just as much without them, the emotional core was strong enough that it didn’t take away from the experience.
Overall, this is a soft but emotionally heavy read about love that waits, feelings that return before memory does, and the difficult work of rebuilding connection. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to readers who appreciate patient, emotionally driven romance.
Runnin’ From Guilt follows Jolade after she loses three years of her memory, including a relationship she no longer remembers choosing and a grief she doesn’t recall living through. Reading from her perspective felt disorienting in a very intentional way, and I found myself sitting with her confusion rather than rushing past it.
What stood out most for me was the patience in this story. Watching Ben love her without pressure, without entitlement, and without forcing her to remember anything she wasn’t ready for made the romance feel gentle and earned. The emotions unfolded slowly, sometimes painfully, but always honestly.
and again.... Ben 😩💘 ohhh Ben is a neeeeddddd!! gentle, patient, and swoon-worthy.
This wasn’t a dramatic, over-the-top love story for me, it was quiet, awkward, and deeply human. I’ll admit I skimmed some of the ⚠️ scenes, and while I personally would’ve enjoyed this book just as much without them, the emotional core was strong enough that it didn’t take away from the experience.
Overall, this is a soft but emotionally heavy read about love that waits, feelings that return before memory does, and the difficult work of rebuilding connection. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to readers who appreciate patient, emotionally driven romance.
February 14, 2026
Imagine waking up and realizing you can’t remember anything that happened in the last three years of your life.Where do you even start from.
Running from Guilt tells the story of Jola, who loses her memory after an accident and has to relearn people and pieces of her life all over again.
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is the power of community. The way Jola’s friends showed up for her and stood by her even when she couldn’t remember them. It was comforting and heartbreaking at the same time.
One thing I struggled with a bit was keeping up with the many characters Rosh, Priya, Ay, Demmy, Temmy at some point I was flipping back like “wait, who is who again?” 😂 But as the story progressed, it started to settle.
This book explores grief, love, patience, trauma, and so many other themes and it does so gently, yet deeply.
The playlist in this book is also veryyy beautiful 🥹🥹.
I cannot end this review without giving Ben a shoutout.
Ben is the kind of man everybody needs. Patient. Understanding. Kind. Even when Jola didn’t remember him, he never rushed her or pressured her in any way. I really, really loved his character.
This is Book 2 in the Running universe, and I honestly can’t wait to go back and read Book 1.
Happy release day Runnin’ from guilt❤️❤️
Running from Guilt tells the story of Jola, who loses her memory after an accident and has to relearn people and pieces of her life all over again.
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is the power of community. The way Jola’s friends showed up for her and stood by her even when she couldn’t remember them. It was comforting and heartbreaking at the same time.
One thing I struggled with a bit was keeping up with the many characters Rosh, Priya, Ay, Demmy, Temmy at some point I was flipping back like “wait, who is who again?” 😂 But as the story progressed, it started to settle.
This book explores grief, love, patience, trauma, and so many other themes and it does so gently, yet deeply.
The playlist in this book is also veryyy beautiful 🥹🥹.
I cannot end this review without giving Ben a shoutout.
Ben is the kind of man everybody needs. Patient. Understanding. Kind. Even when Jola didn’t remember him, he never rushed her or pressured her in any way. I really, really loved his character.
This is Book 2 in the Running universe, and I honestly can’t wait to go back and read Book 1.
Happy release day Runnin’ from guilt❤️❤️
February 24, 2026
This story completely pulled me in.
The idea of losing three years of your life and waking up in a version of your world that doesn’t match your memory was honestly heartbreaking.
Ben is the most adorable book boyfriend. He never once blamed Jola for remembering another man. He understood that it wasn’t a choice, it wasn’t intentional, and that made all the difference.
The way he stayed by her side, even when she didn’t remember loving him, said more than words ever could. Every action just screamed, I love you, even when she couldn’t say it back. And I loved that she could still feel that pull between them, like her heart remembered what her mind couldn’t.
I also loved how important friendship was in this story. Her friends weren’t just background characters; they each played a role in helping her find herself again. That support system felt real and comforting.
One thing that really stood out to me was the writing style. The descriptions were so vivid. Whether it was a dress, someone walking into a room, or even the smallest details, everything felt alive.
I adored the main characters, the side characters, the family dynamics, all of it. Jola and Ben's Story was beautifully written.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you G.T Dípè and Hawthorn & Aster🎉
The idea of losing three years of your life and waking up in a version of your world that doesn’t match your memory was honestly heartbreaking.
Ben is the most adorable book boyfriend. He never once blamed Jola for remembering another man. He understood that it wasn’t a choice, it wasn’t intentional, and that made all the difference.
The way he stayed by her side, even when she didn’t remember loving him, said more than words ever could. Every action just screamed, I love you, even when she couldn’t say it back. And I loved that she could still feel that pull between them, like her heart remembered what her mind couldn’t.
I also loved how important friendship was in this story. Her friends weren’t just background characters; they each played a role in helping her find herself again. That support system felt real and comforting.
One thing that really stood out to me was the writing style. The descriptions were so vivid. Whether it was a dress, someone walking into a room, or even the smallest details, everything felt alive.
I adored the main characters, the side characters, the family dynamics, all of it. Jola and Ben's Story was beautifully written.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you G.T Dípè and Hawthorn & Aster🎉
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