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Always Running: A Slow Surrender Romance
Taryn Ellison doesn’t do relationships.
She learned early in life that standing still for love gets you hurt. So she runs from anything that asks too much of her heart. After watching her mother fall for the wrong men over and over, Taryn built a life where no one could get close enough to leave scars. Walls up. Exit routes ready. Always moving.
Then there’s Zion Wade.
The steady one. The patient one.
Her best friend’s brother and VP of A&R for his family's music empire, Zion understands why Taryn runs. He sees the fear beneath her sarcasm, and the independence she uses as armor. So when they finally cross the line they've been dancing around for years, and she tries to act like it meant nothing, he doesn't push.
He just stays.
Long enough for her walls to crack.
Long enough for her to realize the thing she’s spent her life running from might be the thing she wants more than anything.
She can’t avoid him. Not at his family’s record label, not at Sunday dinners with his sister Simone, not when everyone around them feels the pull between them long before either of them admits it.
But Taryn knows what no one else does: Good things don’t last, and love doesn’t stay. And the closer she gets to Zion, the more she sees herself becoming the one thing she swore she'd never be.
Her mother's daughter.
Set against the backdrop of a Black Southern music dynasty navigating legacy, loyalty, and healing, Always Running is a story about choosing vulnerability over self-protection, and discovering that the scariest love doesn’t rush you, but it does ask you to trust it.
This isn't a slow burn. It's a slow surrender.
Book One in The Wade Legacy. Each story in this series is a complete standalone.
She learned early in life that standing still for love gets you hurt. So she runs from anything that asks too much of her heart. After watching her mother fall for the wrong men over and over, Taryn built a life where no one could get close enough to leave scars. Walls up. Exit routes ready. Always moving.
Then there’s Zion Wade.
The steady one. The patient one.
Her best friend’s brother and VP of A&R for his family's music empire, Zion understands why Taryn runs. He sees the fear beneath her sarcasm, and the independence she uses as armor. So when they finally cross the line they've been dancing around for years, and she tries to act like it meant nothing, he doesn't push.
He just stays.
Long enough for her walls to crack.
Long enough for her to realize the thing she’s spent her life running from might be the thing she wants more than anything.
She can’t avoid him. Not at his family’s record label, not at Sunday dinners with his sister Simone, not when everyone around them feels the pull between them long before either of them admits it.
But Taryn knows what no one else does: Good things don’t last, and love doesn’t stay. And the closer she gets to Zion, the more she sees herself becoming the one thing she swore she'd never be.
Her mother's daughter.
Set against the backdrop of a Black Southern music dynasty navigating legacy, loyalty, and healing, Always Running is a story about choosing vulnerability over self-protection, and discovering that the scariest love doesn’t rush you, but it does ask you to trust it.
This isn't a slow burn. It's a slow surrender.
Book One in The Wade Legacy. Each story in this series is a complete standalone.
492 pages
Published February 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 13, 2026
This book was an ARC to me.
N.W. Brown's Always Running: A Slow Surrender Romance is about two friends who have known each for about a decade. Zion (MMC) has always watched and learned Taryn (FMC) from afar. Taryn, has trust issues and trauma. Zion, has an anger problem and trauma as well.
What I loved about this book, was the realness of it. We all see ourselves in Taryn or Zion, at one point in our lives. When we love someone and they don't reciprocate the way we want them to, at that time. It may take some time. The Wade family dinners and karaoke 🎤 nights, were everything. 🫶🏽😅
However, at times the emotional pattern, the give and take and not giving at all. Felt repetitive. But I get it.
Overall: Always Running is a loving story and not to give up, when it comes to love and being loved the right way. The letters at end 💞 I loved it! Looking forward to reading about, Julian, Tre and Simone Wade.
N.W. Brown's Always Running: A Slow Surrender Romance is about two friends who have known each for about a decade. Zion (MMC) has always watched and learned Taryn (FMC) from afar. Taryn, has trust issues and trauma. Zion, has an anger problem and trauma as well.
What I loved about this book, was the realness of it. We all see ourselves in Taryn or Zion, at one point in our lives. When we love someone and they don't reciprocate the way we want them to, at that time. It may take some time. The Wade family dinners and karaoke 🎤 nights, were everything. 🫶🏽😅
However, at times the emotional pattern, the give and take and not giving at all. Felt repetitive. But I get it.
Overall: Always Running is a loving story and not to give up, when it comes to love and being loved the right way. The letters at end 💞 I loved it! Looking forward to reading about, Julian, Tre and Simone Wade.
March 16, 2026
4.5⭐️*ARC REVIEW* This was such a good book and a beautiful experience. Watching Taryn go from being closed off to learning when to surrender and allow herself to be loved by a wonderful man was really special. 🙌🏾
I felt all the emotions, and I ABSOLUTELY loved the playlist. It gave me so much nostalgia as an old school R&B and hip hop girly. Seeing it incorporated into the story and play such an important role was really cool. The vibes were definitely there.
Zion was AMAZING for her. He was patient, kind, caring, and understood her in ways no one else could. I was rooting for this couple the entire time.
The only thing I didn’t really like was the length, but I understood why the author did it that way so we could truly take in Taryn’s beautiful journey. Overall, it was a great read and I would definitely recommend it. 📚✨
I felt all the emotions, and I ABSOLUTELY loved the playlist. It gave me so much nostalgia as an old school R&B and hip hop girly. Seeing it incorporated into the story and play such an important role was really cool. The vibes were definitely there.
Zion was AMAZING for her. He was patient, kind, caring, and understood her in ways no one else could. I was rooting for this couple the entire time.
The only thing I didn’t really like was the length, but I understood why the author did it that way so we could truly take in Taryn’s beautiful journey. Overall, it was a great read and I would definitely recommend it. 📚✨
February 13, 2026
ARC review: thanks to the author!
Highly recommend!
As a lover of R&B music, I very much appreciated how beautifully music is woven into the story! The music really brought the story to life, and it was so fun to play the playlist while reading (I do have to take breaks and just listen to the song…that’s just how my brain works 😂)
Taryn and Zion’s love is a beautiful thing to watch, but boy did I wanna to shake T a few too many times. Even though she was getting on my nerves at times, I saw that some of her same walls are put up by myself, so this book will really have you in your feels, in the best way.
And now Mr. Zion, sir the man that you are!!!
I am looking forward to the rest of the series!! The character development is great so far, and I can’t wait to explore the rest of the Wades.
You will cry, laugh, and oooo the spice honey!! (it is beautifully written)
Highly recommend!
As a lover of R&B music, I very much appreciated how beautifully music is woven into the story! The music really brought the story to life, and it was so fun to play the playlist while reading (I do have to take breaks and just listen to the song…that’s just how my brain works 😂)
Taryn and Zion’s love is a beautiful thing to watch, but boy did I wanna to shake T a few too many times. Even though she was getting on my nerves at times, I saw that some of her same walls are put up by myself, so this book will really have you in your feels, in the best way.
And now Mr. Zion, sir the man that you are!!!
I am looking forward to the rest of the series!! The character development is great so far, and I can’t wait to explore the rest of the Wades.
You will cry, laugh, and oooo the spice honey!! (it is beautifully written)
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)
Always Running: A Slow Surrender is the perfect description of Taryn and Zion’s relationship.
Always Running follows Taryn and Zion’s journey to love—two people deeply shaped by abandonment, neglect, and trauma—caught in a cycle of denial, yearning, and emotional self-sabotage. This story reads like a master class on how people operate inside self-inflicted false narratives born from trauma—and the emotional labor it takes to love someone who hasn’t yet decided to heal.
Taryn’s walls were built so high that they had their own security system. She’s determined to “break the cycle,” yet she’s still allowing her mother’s choices—and the trauma attached to them—to dictate much of her life. Her childhood was heavy, and while I understood why she is the way she is, the constant flip-flopping made her incredibly hard to root for at times. I found myself talking out loud, wanting to throw the book across the room. Sis needed therapy immediately. I wanted to shake her, hug her, and schedule her an intake appointment—all at once.
Meanwhile, Zion is a study in protection, consistency, and patience. He’s been in love with Taryn for ten years, falls first, and waits—sometimes too quietly—for her to get with the program. Even while carrying his own emotional wounds, he extends her immense grace—sometimes more than I think she deserves. That said, I was genuinely proud of Zion for finally putting his foot down. Watching him stop excusing her behavior, name it for what it was, and choose himself felt necessary and earned. His refusal to absorb her trauma responses as justification was a powerful reminder that understanding someone’s pain does not mean tolerating harm.
That tension between empathy and boundaries—how much is too much?—is really the heart of this book.
One of my favorite elements was the tenderness between Taryn and Zion, often shown in quiet, intimate ways: sharing songs, leaving voice messages, and showing up without the need for constant grand gestures (though a few of those were very grand—and expensive 😉). Love here wasn’t loud; it was intentional. What truly elevated their dynamic, though, was the banter. Their back-and-forth was sharp, playful, and emotionally charged—adding levity to an otherwise heavy story and making their chemistry feel natural and lived-in. The banter made the yearning hit harder and the quiet moments feel earned. I also appreciated the nuanced portrayal of Taryn’s mother, particularly as she begins to help Taryn reflect and unpack parts of herself—even if I still believe therapy should have been prioritized far earlier.
By the end, I was relieved that Taryn finally tapped into her full emotional range and started figuring herself out. While I desperately wanted to see her receive real therapy on the page, I appreciated that her growth wasn’t linear, easy, or clean. Her redemption arc was deeply satisfying—and as an empath, it unexpectedly became my favorite part of the story.
While Taryn repeatedly tested my patience, this debut was layered, tense, and thought-provoking. This is the start of a series, I'm fully invested—and I will absolutely be reading what comes next.
Special thanks to the author for the opportunity to review this ARC! 💖
Always Running: A Slow Surrender is the perfect description of Taryn and Zion’s relationship.
Always Running follows Taryn and Zion’s journey to love—two people deeply shaped by abandonment, neglect, and trauma—caught in a cycle of denial, yearning, and emotional self-sabotage. This story reads like a master class on how people operate inside self-inflicted false narratives born from trauma—and the emotional labor it takes to love someone who hasn’t yet decided to heal.
Taryn’s walls were built so high that they had their own security system. She’s determined to “break the cycle,” yet she’s still allowing her mother’s choices—and the trauma attached to them—to dictate much of her life. Her childhood was heavy, and while I understood why she is the way she is, the constant flip-flopping made her incredibly hard to root for at times. I found myself talking out loud, wanting to throw the book across the room. Sis needed therapy immediately. I wanted to shake her, hug her, and schedule her an intake appointment—all at once.
Meanwhile, Zion is a study in protection, consistency, and patience. He’s been in love with Taryn for ten years, falls first, and waits—sometimes too quietly—for her to get with the program. Even while carrying his own emotional wounds, he extends her immense grace—sometimes more than I think she deserves. That said, I was genuinely proud of Zion for finally putting his foot down. Watching him stop excusing her behavior, name it for what it was, and choose himself felt necessary and earned. His refusal to absorb her trauma responses as justification was a powerful reminder that understanding someone’s pain does not mean tolerating harm.
That tension between empathy and boundaries—how much is too much?—is really the heart of this book.
One of my favorite elements was the tenderness between Taryn and Zion, often shown in quiet, intimate ways: sharing songs, leaving voice messages, and showing up without the need for constant grand gestures (though a few of those were very grand—and expensive 😉). Love here wasn’t loud; it was intentional. What truly elevated their dynamic, though, was the banter. Their back-and-forth was sharp, playful, and emotionally charged—adding levity to an otherwise heavy story and making their chemistry feel natural and lived-in. The banter made the yearning hit harder and the quiet moments feel earned. I also appreciated the nuanced portrayal of Taryn’s mother, particularly as she begins to help Taryn reflect and unpack parts of herself—even if I still believe therapy should have been prioritized far earlier.
By the end, I was relieved that Taryn finally tapped into her full emotional range and started figuring herself out. While I desperately wanted to see her receive real therapy on the page, I appreciated that her growth wasn’t linear, easy, or clean. Her redemption arc was deeply satisfying—and as an empath, it unexpectedly became my favorite part of the story.
While Taryn repeatedly tested my patience, this debut was layered, tense, and thought-provoking. This is the start of a series, I'm fully invested—and I will absolutely be reading what comes next.
Special thanks to the author for the opportunity to review this ARC! 💖
Review of advance copy
This book was a whole vibe.
Playlist was FIYAH and the story relatable. This story gave me all the Brown Sugar vibes. LOL
Taryn and Zion were goals in a sense. Taryn a woman who refused to open herself up to love and Zion is the man who has loved her for over a decade. A man who knew the score and was willing to play the long game. Talk about a patient man. A successful man. A protective man. A man who loved hard and without wavering. Zion was THAT man and Taryn was too stubborn and closed off to see it.
When I say relatable, I truly understood how Taryn felt. We all have that one friend, family member or associate that constantly looks for love in all the wrong places only to end up hurt, stressed out, in debt, you name it and those individuals always go back for more because they are so desperate for love. Taryn grew up watching her mother go through this endless cycle of trifling men only to be left a shell of her former self with each failed relationship. Therefore, it was easy to understand why Taryn closed herself off to relationships but as a result she closed herself off to the possibility of love and happiness.
Zion was a man on a mission. He knew all about Taryn's heart of steel and it didn't deter him. Zion was her friend, her protector, her lover, her confidant but he refused to be one of her options/playthings. As bad as Zion wanted Taryn, he was willing to play by her rules until her rules stopped making sense.
At times Taryn was insufferable because Zion never gave her a reason for her to continue acting the way she was toward him. She was his sister's best friend and has been around him and his family for over a decade; she knew the type of man he was. She wanted to keep things casual but still wanted to act like a jealous girlfriend. She was insufferable.
Taryn is like many black women who are doing whatever necessary to prevent heartache, drama and pain but it's a double edge sword because sometimes it can leave us missing our blessing; something Taryn ha to learn the hard way but in true Boss BIH fashion my girl had a come to Jesus moment with herself and tackled her demons head on and put in the work necessary to fight her and Zion's HEA.
Playlist was FIYAH and the story relatable. This story gave me all the Brown Sugar vibes. LOL
Taryn and Zion were goals in a sense. Taryn a woman who refused to open herself up to love and Zion is the man who has loved her for over a decade. A man who knew the score and was willing to play the long game. Talk about a patient man. A successful man. A protective man. A man who loved hard and without wavering. Zion was THAT man and Taryn was too stubborn and closed off to see it.
When I say relatable, I truly understood how Taryn felt. We all have that one friend, family member or associate that constantly looks for love in all the wrong places only to end up hurt, stressed out, in debt, you name it and those individuals always go back for more because they are so desperate for love. Taryn grew up watching her mother go through this endless cycle of trifling men only to be left a shell of her former self with each failed relationship. Therefore, it was easy to understand why Taryn closed herself off to relationships but as a result she closed herself off to the possibility of love and happiness.
Zion was a man on a mission. He knew all about Taryn's heart of steel and it didn't deter him. Zion was her friend, her protector, her lover, her confidant but he refused to be one of her options/playthings. As bad as Zion wanted Taryn, he was willing to play by her rules until her rules stopped making sense.
At times Taryn was insufferable because Zion never gave her a reason for her to continue acting the way she was toward him. She was his sister's best friend and has been around him and his family for over a decade; she knew the type of man he was. She wanted to keep things casual but still wanted to act like a jealous girlfriend. She was insufferable.
Taryn is like many black women who are doing whatever necessary to prevent heartache, drama and pain but it's a double edge sword because sometimes it can leave us missing our blessing; something Taryn ha to learn the hard way but in true Boss BIH fashion my girl had a come to Jesus moment with herself and tackled her demons head on and put in the work necessary to fight her and Zion's HEA.
February 13, 2026
Some love stories explode.
This one settles in your chest and refuses to leave.
Always Running is exactly what it promises — not a slow burn, but a slow surrender. And what makes it work so beautifully is that the surrender feels earned.
Taryn Ellison is not difficult. She’s disciplined. Guarded with intention. Built from the blueprint of watching her mother give too much to men who didn’t stay. N.W. Brown doesn’t rush her healing or soften her edges for the sake of romance. Taryn’s fear feels real. Her exit routes feel practiced. Her independence isn’t cute — it’s survival.
And then there’s Zion Wade.
Steady. Observant. Patient in a way that never feels passive. He doesn’t chase. He doesn’t demand. He understands that loving someone like Taryn means standing firm without crowding her. That restraint — that quiet consistency — becomes the most romantic gesture in the book.
The best friend’s brother dynamic simmers with history, tension, and familiarity. Their chemistry isn’t just physical (though the steamy moments carry emotional weight); it’s layered with years of almosts and what-ifs. When they finally cross the line, the story doesn’t pivot into drama for drama’s sake. Instead, it leans into something far more compelling: the vulnerability of staying.
The Wade family backdrop adds richness without overwhelming the romance. Sunday dinners, music industry legacy, sibling bonds — it all feels lived in. The setting grounds the story in culture and tradition, giving the love story space to unfold inside something bigger than just two people.
What stands out most is how intentional the pacing feels. Zion doesn’t try to “fix” Taryn. He doesn’t rush her. He simply remains. And that steadiness becomes the mirror she needs to confront her own fears — not because he forces her to, but because she wants to stop running.
Always Running understands that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t falling in love — it’s believing it might last.
Tender, emotionally grounded, and deeply satisfying, this is a romance that feels less like fireworks and more like a slow R&B groove — smooth, layered, and impossible not to sway to.
A beautiful start to The Wade Legacy.
This one settles in your chest and refuses to leave.
Always Running is exactly what it promises — not a slow burn, but a slow surrender. And what makes it work so beautifully is that the surrender feels earned.
Taryn Ellison is not difficult. She’s disciplined. Guarded with intention. Built from the blueprint of watching her mother give too much to men who didn’t stay. N.W. Brown doesn’t rush her healing or soften her edges for the sake of romance. Taryn’s fear feels real. Her exit routes feel practiced. Her independence isn’t cute — it’s survival.
And then there’s Zion Wade.
Steady. Observant. Patient in a way that never feels passive. He doesn’t chase. He doesn’t demand. He understands that loving someone like Taryn means standing firm without crowding her. That restraint — that quiet consistency — becomes the most romantic gesture in the book.
The best friend’s brother dynamic simmers with history, tension, and familiarity. Their chemistry isn’t just physical (though the steamy moments carry emotional weight); it’s layered with years of almosts and what-ifs. When they finally cross the line, the story doesn’t pivot into drama for drama’s sake. Instead, it leans into something far more compelling: the vulnerability of staying.
The Wade family backdrop adds richness without overwhelming the romance. Sunday dinners, music industry legacy, sibling bonds — it all feels lived in. The setting grounds the story in culture and tradition, giving the love story space to unfold inside something bigger than just two people.
What stands out most is how intentional the pacing feels. Zion doesn’t try to “fix” Taryn. He doesn’t rush her. He simply remains. And that steadiness becomes the mirror she needs to confront her own fears — not because he forces her to, but because she wants to stop running.
Always Running understands that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t falling in love — it’s believing it might last.
Tender, emotionally grounded, and deeply satisfying, this is a romance that feels less like fireworks and more like a slow R&B groove — smooth, layered, and impossible not to sway to.
A beautiful start to The Wade Legacy.
March 11, 2026
Always running: Running a slow surrender romance is a fiery, sexy, dynamic novel about showing the complexities in family dynamics. Taryn, born watching her mother give love to freely to the wrong men, and jeopardizing her relationships with her children to do it, swears she'll never be like her mother. She becomes a strong, independent woman and becomes close friends with Simone Wade, of the Wade music empire. The novel explores the explosive relationship between Simone's older brother Zion and Taryn. The intimacy scenes are vivid and descriptive. N.W Brown writes in a way that makes you want to be Taryn and want to be with Zion. The story was immersive and I enjoyed the family support system and how the stayed together.
I found the chapter introductions to be overly detailed. The detail and imagery created was fantastic, however, it could have been scaled back for pacing and still had the same, if not better affect. There was a lot of repetition which extended the read time as well as delayed pacing. I wanted to get more resolution or bigger fall out before the resolution after Taryn and Zion picked her mom after she had been deserted by that man. I wanted it louder, a bigger impact, for it to cut more. That was the moms last child to leave her, she should have worked harder to earn Taryn back too. It didn't feel earned. I loved the music playlist for the chapters, I found that very unique. I get their connection to music but near the end I felt all the music was getting a little long in the tooth. I feel with tightening, reduction of repetition this would absolutely be a 5+ hit. I can't wait for Simone's story.
And I'm a huge fan of the cover art!
I found the chapter introductions to be overly detailed. The detail and imagery created was fantastic, however, it could have been scaled back for pacing and still had the same, if not better affect. There was a lot of repetition which extended the read time as well as delayed pacing. I wanted to get more resolution or bigger fall out before the resolution after Taryn and Zion picked her mom after she had been deserted by that man. I wanted it louder, a bigger impact, for it to cut more. That was the moms last child to leave her, she should have worked harder to earn Taryn back too. It didn't feel earned. I loved the music playlist for the chapters, I found that very unique. I get their connection to music but near the end I felt all the music was getting a little long in the tooth. I feel with tightening, reduction of repetition this would absolutely be a 5+ hit. I can't wait for Simone's story.
And I'm a huge fan of the cover art!
March 22, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I had to describe this book in a few points, I would say:
• Slow burn romance
• Black love
• Characters in their 30s
• Emotional tension
• Character driven story
• R&B atmosphere 🎶
This was a very emotional, character driven story that pulled me in more than I expected. The chemistry between the characters felt real, and the slow burn created strong tension that kept me invested. I especially appreciated reading about characters in their 30s, dealing with real emotions, history, and responsibilities. The R&B atmosphere added a beautiful mood to the story and made many moments feel even more intimate.
Where the book started to slow down for me was later in the story. Around the 70% mark, I felt some stagnation in the emotional growth, and at times the imbalance between the characters became frustrating. The process felt longer than necessary, even though I remained emotionally invested.
That said, by the end, it felt like much of that emotional tension had a purpose. I appreciated that the story stayed focused on character driven conflict rather than relying on dramatic external events. Even when the pacing felt slow at times, I stayed invested in the couple and their journey.
Overall, this is a mature, emotionally driven romance that leans heavily on tension, growth, and connection. If you enjoy slow burns with strong atmosphere and character focused storytelling, this book will likely resonate with you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I had to describe this book in a few points, I would say:
• Slow burn romance
• Black love
• Characters in their 30s
• Emotional tension
• Character driven story
• R&B atmosphere 🎶
This was a very emotional, character driven story that pulled me in more than I expected. The chemistry between the characters felt real, and the slow burn created strong tension that kept me invested. I especially appreciated reading about characters in their 30s, dealing with real emotions, history, and responsibilities. The R&B atmosphere added a beautiful mood to the story and made many moments feel even more intimate.
Where the book started to slow down for me was later in the story. Around the 70% mark, I felt some stagnation in the emotional growth, and at times the imbalance between the characters became frustrating. The process felt longer than necessary, even though I remained emotionally invested.
That said, by the end, it felt like much of that emotional tension had a purpose. I appreciated that the story stayed focused on character driven conflict rather than relying on dramatic external events. Even when the pacing felt slow at times, I stayed invested in the couple and their journey.
Overall, this is a mature, emotionally driven romance that leans heavily on tension, growth, and connection. If you enjoy slow burns with strong atmosphere and character focused storytelling, this book will likely resonate with you.
February 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Best friends brother
* Soulmates
* Trauma and grief
* Healing
Favorite quotes:
“‘Where you running to?’” 🥵
“Except I’d been living with a broken door for months. Adapted to it, learned to work around it, never thought to actually even try to fix it. And suddenly, Zion had fixed it for me.”
“‘I can’t keep standing in a storm with someone who’s not tryna get dry.’”
“Feel it, but don’t become it.”
“The goal is to be steady enough that she doesn’t have to perform strength.”
My thoughts:
Please listen to the playlist for this book!!! It sets the vibe and it gave me such nostalgia despite never reading the book. A truly magical and immersive experience. Zion is my new number 1 book bf. He so 🥵 No one writes men better than a woman. He’s strong and steady. He’s the most patient man, but equally persistent. Taryn drove me insane the entire book with her self sabotage and pessimism. I had to realize that her trauma manifested differently than mine so it was harder for me to understand. But, whenever I had trouble understanding Taryn, Zion would come and explain exactly how he saw her. I loved her moments of leaning into her soft girl era. It was an emotional rollercoaster and I fear I got whiplash how fast Taryn switched moods. This is a book I genuinely wanted to savor and I never get that feeling. The vibes were so real and I enjoyed being thrown in this family’s dynamic right away. A must read in my opinion.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Best friends brother
* Soulmates
* Trauma and grief
* Healing
Favorite quotes:
“‘Where you running to?’” 🥵
“Except I’d been living with a broken door for months. Adapted to it, learned to work around it, never thought to actually even try to fix it. And suddenly, Zion had fixed it for me.”
“‘I can’t keep standing in a storm with someone who’s not tryna get dry.’”
“Feel it, but don’t become it.”
“The goal is to be steady enough that she doesn’t have to perform strength.”
My thoughts:
Please listen to the playlist for this book!!! It sets the vibe and it gave me such nostalgia despite never reading the book. A truly magical and immersive experience. Zion is my new number 1 book bf. He so 🥵 No one writes men better than a woman. He’s strong and steady. He’s the most patient man, but equally persistent. Taryn drove me insane the entire book with her self sabotage and pessimism. I had to realize that her trauma manifested differently than mine so it was harder for me to understand. But, whenever I had trouble understanding Taryn, Zion would come and explain exactly how he saw her. I loved her moments of leaning into her soft girl era. It was an emotional rollercoaster and I fear I got whiplash how fast Taryn switched moods. This is a book I genuinely wanted to savor and I never get that feeling. The vibes were so real and I enjoyed being thrown in this family’s dynamic right away. A must read in my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Don’t let the cute cover fool you: this is grown woman romance. Period.
Teflon Taryn is not the one to play with. She has a whole blueprint for emotional survival. Sis built a playbook so airtight you’d think she was teaching a masterclass on “How to Never Let a Man Double Back on You.” Lori Harvey would absolutely approve.
But what makes this story hit is that her toughness isn’t random. It’s layered. You can feel that her guarded heart didn’t just appear out of nowhere, it was built brick by brick. That emotional armor? Earned.
And then there’s him. Zion
The attraction is loud. The chemistry is undeniable. But one person is stubbornly gripping their independence like a trophy, while the other is patiently waiting for her to see what’s been right in front of her all along.
This book is for the girls who are always running when love gets too real. The ones with their heart tucked safely behind a bulletproof vest. As a friend to lovers warrior, this is exactly the kind of story I root for because it shows that strength and softness can coexist.
Not a spoiler but when I found out Taryn was an Aquarius? I hollered. As a fellow Aqua, I can confirm: we could be sliding down a wall, absolutely down bad, and you would never know until we decide to let those walls drop. And that internal struggle? Written so well.
Don’t let the cute cover fool you: this is grown woman romance. Period.
Teflon Taryn is not the one to play with. She has a whole blueprint for emotional survival. Sis built a playbook so airtight you’d think she was teaching a masterclass on “How to Never Let a Man Double Back on You.” Lori Harvey would absolutely approve.
But what makes this story hit is that her toughness isn’t random. It’s layered. You can feel that her guarded heart didn’t just appear out of nowhere, it was built brick by brick. That emotional armor? Earned.
And then there’s him. Zion
The attraction is loud. The chemistry is undeniable. But one person is stubbornly gripping their independence like a trophy, while the other is patiently waiting for her to see what’s been right in front of her all along.
This book is for the girls who are always running when love gets too real. The ones with their heart tucked safely behind a bulletproof vest. As a friend to lovers warrior, this is exactly the kind of story I root for because it shows that strength and softness can coexist.
Not a spoiler but when I found out Taryn was an Aquarius? I hollered. As a fellow Aqua, I can confirm: we could be sliding down a wall, absolutely down bad, and you would never know until we decide to let those walls drop. And that internal struggle? Written so well.
March 17, 2026
From the very first page, I knew Always Running was going to have me in a chokehold, and it did just that!
I absolutely loved this book. From the prologue all the way to the epilogue and the “Afterword: Between Us” chapter, N. W. Brown had me holding on to every word and eager to see what was going to happen next. The characters were so well developed, and I found myself relating to them in so many ways. There were even moments where I could see parts of my own life reflected in the story which made it hit even harder for me. I mean I did fall for my best friend’s nephew 🤭
Now, Taryn definitely had me pissed off at times, but I could also understand her perspective and why she made some of the choices she did. That’s one thing I really appreciated about this book. The characters felt real, not perfect, and that made the story even more impactful.
If you love a good romance that feels like real life, this is a must read. And just so you know, it gets real spicy 🌶️ at times, but I enjoyed every bit of it. The emotions, the tension, the love, the mistakes… all of it kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this book had me invested the entire time, and I’m so glad the author and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this to read. Definitely one I won’t forget anytime soon.
I absolutely loved this book. From the prologue all the way to the epilogue and the “Afterword: Between Us” chapter, N. W. Brown had me holding on to every word and eager to see what was going to happen next. The characters were so well developed, and I found myself relating to them in so many ways. There were even moments where I could see parts of my own life reflected in the story which made it hit even harder for me. I mean I did fall for my best friend’s nephew 🤭
Now, Taryn definitely had me pissed off at times, but I could also understand her perspective and why she made some of the choices she did. That’s one thing I really appreciated about this book. The characters felt real, not perfect, and that made the story even more impactful.
If you love a good romance that feels like real life, this is a must read. And just so you know, it gets real spicy 🌶️ at times, but I enjoyed every bit of it. The emotions, the tension, the love, the mistakes… all of it kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this book had me invested the entire time, and I’m so glad the author and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this to read. Definitely one I won’t forget anytime soon.
March 1, 2026
Always Running delivers on every single promise of its premise—and then some. Emotional, intentional, and deeply satisfying, this was doggone near perfect.
Taryn is the kind of heroine who feels painfully real. Guarded, self-aware, and convinced that love is something you survive rather than trust, she carries her fear with sharp wit and carefully constructed distance. Watching her navigate her feelings for Zion—while actively trying not to—was equal parts frustrating and tender in the best way. Her walls make sense. Her fear makes sense. And that’s what makes the emotional payoff hit so hard.
And Zion? Whew. Steady, patient Zion. He doesn’t chase, doesn’t force, doesn’t demand more than Taryn is ready to give. He just stays. There’s something so powerful about a love interest who understands that presence can be louder than pressure.
This isn’t just a love story; it’s about healing, trust, and choosing vulnerability even when running feels safer.
I loved this book, plain and simple. I already can’t wait for my friends to read it so we can sit around and talk about Taryn and Zion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
#AlwaysRunning
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
BOOK THAT READS LIKE A MOVIE
I received this book as an ARC - Sooooo…this book had me feeling ALL the emotions! I started out so frustrated with Taryn. Then I began to understand why she was the way she was (still impatient with her) but feeling more empathy. She had to work it out her own way in her own time. Even though her issues/actions seemed extreme, she is still relatable; there is a little bit of Taryn in a lot of us. I stayed invested in her story from beginning to end. It was worth the wait.
Zion: So much depth to his character. He had my heart from jump! Despite all his losses and struggles and fears he chose patience, love and vulnerability while still being an Alpha man. That’s sexy! My heart ached for him at times, I rolled my eyes at him sometimes and applauded for him as well. Loving Taryn the way he did…the way she needed him to had me melting.😮💨
There was laughter, tears and riveting moments when I held my breath. The book left me wanting more; to know the other characters’ stories. So happy to know that more is on the way. Excited to immerse myself in the Lennox Falls universe.
P.S. - The soundtrack is🔥!
I received this book as an ARC - Sooooo…this book had me feeling ALL the emotions! I started out so frustrated with Taryn. Then I began to understand why she was the way she was (still impatient with her) but feeling more empathy. She had to work it out her own way in her own time. Even though her issues/actions seemed extreme, she is still relatable; there is a little bit of Taryn in a lot of us. I stayed invested in her story from beginning to end. It was worth the wait.
Zion: So much depth to his character. He had my heart from jump! Despite all his losses and struggles and fears he chose patience, love and vulnerability while still being an Alpha man. That’s sexy! My heart ached for him at times, I rolled my eyes at him sometimes and applauded for him as well. Loving Taryn the way he did…the way she needed him to had me melting.😮💨
There was laughter, tears and riveting moments when I held my breath. The book left me wanting more; to know the other characters’ stories. So happy to know that more is on the way. Excited to immerse myself in the Lennox Falls universe.
P.S. - The soundtrack is🔥!
April 2, 2026
~4.25 stars~
Honestly, I really liked this book. I will say that the book took me by surprise because of how emotionally raw the characters were with each other. The Romance and chemistry between the 2 main characters truly jumped and radiated off the page. I found myself relating a lot to Taryn, the fmc, due to her self-sabotaging tendencies when it comes to love. It honestly healed a part of me to see her getting her happily ever after. The writing was truly so poetic, I highlighted so many lines that truly touched my soul. Also, I love that both Zion and Taryn had their own healing journeys individually because it was nice to see that he wasn't just putting the blame on Taryn (bonus points for him going to therapy).
In the book, the author also explains themes of intergenerational trauma, specifically for Taryn, and I think that was such an important part of the book because it shows that she did not behave the way she did for no reason. Overall, the book was really good, my only small critique was that sometimes it felt a bit long and dragging, there could have been some parts removed. I can't wait to read the stories of the rest of the Wade siblings!
Honestly, I really liked this book. I will say that the book took me by surprise because of how emotionally raw the characters were with each other. The Romance and chemistry between the 2 main characters truly jumped and radiated off the page. I found myself relating a lot to Taryn, the fmc, due to her self-sabotaging tendencies when it comes to love. It honestly healed a part of me to see her getting her happily ever after. The writing was truly so poetic, I highlighted so many lines that truly touched my soul. Also, I love that both Zion and Taryn had their own healing journeys individually because it was nice to see that he wasn't just putting the blame on Taryn (bonus points for him going to therapy).
In the book, the author also explains themes of intergenerational trauma, specifically for Taryn, and I think that was such an important part of the book because it shows that she did not behave the way she did for no reason. Overall, the book was really good, my only small critique was that sometimes it felt a bit long and dragging, there could have been some parts removed. I can't wait to read the stories of the rest of the Wade siblings!
March 21, 2026
This book was an ARC to me and the story is just as beautiful as the cover. Taryn is not that woman you can get over on! She knows the game and will not allow a man to get over on her. She tough as steel and always has her guard up. I loved seeing how strong she was however it was heartbreaking to know the reasoning behind it all. Taryn had to survive and with that she vowed to never allow a man to break her heart. She would protect it at all cost. She had her mind set that she didn’t need anyone and wouldn’t let a man in. She was so self destructive and I wanted to shake her so many times.
Zion had some trauma as well however he did not let that deter him from falling in love. This man was patient, loving, understanding, reassuring, this man was AMAZING. Definitely my new book bae! I was rooting for him to win and get through to Taryn the entire book.
I absolutely loved all the music and playlists. As a R&B lover every song hit, and made the scenes that more special. N.W. Brown did amazing on her debut! I can’t wait for the rest of the sibling books!
Zion had some trauma as well however he did not let that deter him from falling in love. This man was patient, loving, understanding, reassuring, this man was AMAZING. Definitely my new book bae! I was rooting for him to win and get through to Taryn the entire book.
I absolutely loved all the music and playlists. As a R&B lover every song hit, and made the scenes that more special. N.W. Brown did amazing on her debut! I can’t wait for the rest of the sibling books!
April 17, 2026
The first in the Wade family series. Zion is a Wade, one of 4 siblings and Taryn is the long time family friend and best friend to Simone, Zion’s sister.
I really enjoyed the storyline, it was very relatable and the characters both likeable. Who could not like Zion! I loved the way the author had a soundtrack for each chapter. All the old school R&B classics had me reaching for my phone to play the tracks I mostly
Knew and for the few I didn’t. A great unique idea.
It’s not exactly a rivals to lovers story as both have always really liked each other just too scared to show it. Has some good twists throughout. I liked how the secondary characters were interwoven into the story and by the end you are set up for the next sibling’s story.
I’ve given a 4 not 5 as I do think there was a bit of repetition throughout and the book could’ve been shortened by a couple of chapters.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and leave my review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the storyline, it was very relatable and the characters both likeable. Who could not like Zion! I loved the way the author had a soundtrack for each chapter. All the old school R&B classics had me reaching for my phone to play the tracks I mostly
Knew and for the few I didn’t. A great unique idea.
It’s not exactly a rivals to lovers story as both have always really liked each other just too scared to show it. Has some good twists throughout. I liked how the secondary characters were interwoven into the story and by the end you are set up for the next sibling’s story.
I’ve given a 4 not 5 as I do think there was a bit of repetition throughout and the book could’ve been shortened by a couple of chapters.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and leave my review voluntarily.
February 13, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This was such a great story and a great vibe from beginning to end. It is a slow burn so if you are used to the fast pace love stories this one isn’t for you. It will take you through every emotion and get you to have all the feels.
I loved Zion’s emotional vulnerability and his patience with Taryn. She was frustrating at times but looking at her history and knowing everything that she went through, you then begin to understand her “why.” Letting down the walls that you’ve had up for years to protect yourself takes bravery and our girl Taryn did that. It took her a while to get there but when she did…🔥🔥🔥. Excellent character development and the added soundtrack was a bonus!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This was such a great story and a great vibe from beginning to end. It is a slow burn so if you are used to the fast pace love stories this one isn’t for you. It will take you through every emotion and get you to have all the feels.
I loved Zion’s emotional vulnerability and his patience with Taryn. She was frustrating at times but looking at her history and knowing everything that she went through, you then begin to understand her “why.” Letting down the walls that you’ve had up for years to protect yourself takes bravery and our girl Taryn did that. It took her a while to get there but when she did…🔥🔥🔥. Excellent character development and the added soundtrack was a bonus!!!
March 5, 2026
This book is for the grown and sexy, for the ones who are afraid to love, and for the ones who like a good chase game! I receive this copy from NetGalley and I had to turn around and purchase a physical copy. I enjoyed the 90s-00s vibe and the playlist to go along with the book was top-tier. This book was relatable took you through different emotions. Taryn was trying not to be like her mother, and Zion is a guy who I say waited to break down her walls. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and can’t wait for the next book in Wade Legacy series! I don’t want to be that person to spoil it for you, but I definitely recommend to put it on your TBR or just go ahead and read it! #AlwaysRunning
March 21, 2026
What A Debut!
Wow, what a debut novel I loved everything about this the vulnerability, the banter, the emotional roller coaster and the strength. It takes to put yourself out there when it’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done. When I say that Zion had the patience of Job, my God, what a man what a man! It’s something about a man that pays attention that takes note of things without you having to say a word that was Zion. I love when Taryn said at the end, that trying to learn that’d love didn’t look like your past and it doesn’t have to hurt or mean, losing yourself; because love is messy, it is imperfect, but it’s worth the risk when you find your person! NW Brown, you have a new fan. can’t wait to read the rest of the series this year.
Wow, what a debut novel I loved everything about this the vulnerability, the banter, the emotional roller coaster and the strength. It takes to put yourself out there when it’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done. When I say that Zion had the patience of Job, my God, what a man what a man! It’s something about a man that pays attention that takes note of things without you having to say a word that was Zion. I love when Taryn said at the end, that trying to learn that’d love didn’t look like your past and it doesn’t have to hurt or mean, losing yourself; because love is messy, it is imperfect, but it’s worth the risk when you find your person! NW Brown, you have a new fan. can’t wait to read the rest of the series this year.
February 28, 2026
ARC Review: If you love R&B music, a slow burn, some spice, and a patient path to love, I recommend this is the book for you. This book follows Taryn (MFC) her journey of facing hard truths, learning how to love and be loved and Zion (MMC) showing that with patience, empathy, and love that you can get your happily ever after. Battling through trauma and promises made, this book shows that the path to love is not straight. I liked the story, one can relate to it in many ways, and the music selection was perfect and matched the vibe exactly. Very grateful to have this opportunity to read the debut book of N.W. Brown.
February 13, 2026
I love that N.W. Brown curated a playlist for this book. It pulls you in with the melodic playlist and makes the story that much more immersive. I truly hope the trend continues in the latter books. I felt a genuine connection to the FMC because as a POC finding love that loves me back is scary and hard. I understand Taryn and her hesitation in full force. If you are looking for a beautifully crafted story of love and finding yourself while navigating internalized trust issues this is the book for you. Make sure you for sure read it with the playlist because baby it’s a wild ride.
February 15, 2026
Always Running perfectly describes Taryn—she had me stressed for most of the book! The story felt so relatable, especially knowing people like Taryn and Tasha in real life. There were moments I wanted Zion to walk away, but his patience (and finally putting his foot down!) made me love him even more.
I really appreciated when Taryn took accountability, and the playlist and voice notes were such a beautiful touch—they redeemed her for me. Overall, a really good story. If you loved Brown Sugar, you’ll enjoy this. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I really appreciated when Taryn took accountability, and the playlist and voice notes were such a beautiful touch—they redeemed her for me. Overall, a really good story. If you loved Brown Sugar, you’ll enjoy this. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
February 21, 2026
This was my first book by N.W. Brown, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect.
The character that really stuck with me was Zion. The way he was open about his feelings and still patient with Taryn. Like even when she was pushing him away, just felt different, kind of rare, honestly. I’m not even going to lie, though Taryn was getting on my nerves! I wanted to shake some sense into her, like “Girl, get it together!” But when everything began to fall into place I felt like we both won.
And dropping this in February? Well played.
Thank you N.W. Brown for this ARC opportunity.
The character that really stuck with me was Zion. The way he was open about his feelings and still patient with Taryn. Like even when she was pushing him away, just felt different, kind of rare, honestly. I’m not even going to lie, though Taryn was getting on my nerves! I wanted to shake some sense into her, like “Girl, get it together!” But when everything began to fall into place I felt like we both won.
And dropping this in February? Well played.
Thank you N.W. Brown for this ARC opportunity.
February 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Taryn reminded me of someone I knew and it was easy to relate to her. I felt her sadness everytime her mother made the wrong decisions regarding the men in her life. I love how Zion always came through for her no matter what. I love the references to the music and how passionate the characters were about music, especially the banter between Zion and Taryn regarding music. And how the Wade family always treated Taryn as one of theirs. I can’t wait to read other books from this author.
February 13, 2026
Always Running isn’t your typical best-friend’s-brother romance. While Zion and Taryn have lived in that gray area for years, this is more than a trope, it’s a soulful study of what happens when a woman built of glass and steel meets a man who refuses to let her shatter. A story for anyone who has ever used independence as armor, Zion and Taryn’s journey proves that sometimes the bravest thing you can do isn’t run, it’s standing still.
February 20, 2026
This book flowed so well that I didn't know that it was close to 500 pages. Taryn and Zion's story came together so beautifully. He was so patient with her, no matter how much she pushed him back. This story portrayed how you can't let others' mistakes dictate your future and that it is ok to open yourself up to the idea of love, as long at the right person is waiting there to catch you. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
March 26, 2026
I love this story so much and I related to Taryn in this book so much and it definitely gave me hope that my true love is out there. He was so patient and kind with her and he said of his boundaries, but they found they were back to each other, and I loved that so much for both of them. I love how he fought for her. I love how he took things off her plate. I love how he met her halfway. I definitely recommend this book. Can’t wait to read the rest of her novels.
April 8, 2026
It's always the best books not getting enough recognition. This book was beautiful and everything in between. When I picked it up from Netgalley, I read the prologue and knew I was in for an encounter. From the wonderful wonderful playlists that set the scene, to the realness of the characters, then the vulnerability shared between Taryn and Zion. This book was like a trip to comfort. The author's pen is absolutely grounding and ethereal. I'm glad I got this book, now watch me skiddadle my way into the other books from N.W. Brown.
February 13, 2026
Real Love
This book had me in tears like real tears.. I cried with Taryn, felt for Zion.. cursed at them both PLUS Cameron 🤬! It was so unexpected how REAL this book felt while reading it. This story showed a different truth with a MMC that always knew and a FMC who felt unworthy. The healing they did together while facing fear together 5 ⭐️ read
This book had me in tears like real tears.. I cried with Taryn, felt for Zion.. cursed at them both PLUS Cameron 🤬! It was so unexpected how REAL this book felt while reading it. This story showed a different truth with a MMC that always knew and a FMC who felt unworthy. The healing they did together while facing fear together 5 ⭐️ read
February 18, 2026
This was an ARC read for me and I must say I enjoyed it very much. The main character Taryn worked my nerves here and there but she got it together eventually!!
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