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On The Run

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In Kanai’s eyes, love was supposed to be simple. Quay mirrored the same sentiments and once they revealed their true feelings for each other, they began to embark on a journey together. Suddenly, something they can’t quite comprehend happens, leaving them lost, confused, and most of all saddened by their new reality. Words aren’t spoken, vacancies began to settle in, and resentment occurs which causes the couple to live with unanswered concerns for years to come.

Can Kanai and Quay push through the events that rocked their world or will their love become lost forever?

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2020

344 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

Charae Lewis

70 books350 followers

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5 stars
363 (66%)
4 stars
135 (24%)
3 stars
40 (7%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
March 10, 2021
First read by this author, not my last

What a story! Talk about love having no limits and love prevailing! I enjoyed this story for several reasons: engaging storyline, strong female and male protagonist, redemption/forgiveness, the right amount of drama,, resilience and may I add the adorable Imani and crazy Poppy who had no filter (you will need to read this for Poppy's antics, she is hilarious!). I look forward to checking out more of her works.
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,065 reviews296 followers
May 26, 2021
This is really a cute love story, which span over a 10 year time period....this book put a really different spin on friends to lovers especially with the teenage aspect and the story continues with them into adulthood....this is a story of growth, misunderstanding, secrets and forgiveness...There are some secondary characters in this story that really added to the entire story for me and it was Imani & Poppy....besides Quay & Kanai (The main characters), the secondary characters were everything. Great Narration with Jakobi Diem & Morae Brehon This is a story that will definitely be on repeat in my audio library.
Profile Image for Sheronda H.
503 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2026
Absolutely loved Kanai and Quay. This is the 2nd book I’ve read from the author and they were both five stars for me. I didn’t expect things to go the way they did. Very entertained. The side characters were great too.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
539 reviews113 followers
June 2, 2024
Not I’m still scared their on the run lol

I read this book by audio and let me tell yall Adenrale Ojo and Jacobi Diem were fantastic! With that being said this was a pretty good second-chance love story! (with the first chance ending in such a tragic way! 🥴) Kanai and Quay are on their way to being something so great but the tragedy that separates them is so chaotic. I still feel like I wanted more closeure on that situation and it's why at the end of the book I feel the book title is still true. Mikhail and Kanai are a whirlwind and honestly, I was rooting for them but Kanai was so immature and naive in so many scenarios. She and her family made it hard to root for her! Her Grandma made me mad with the address situation. Poppy was a mess and why is she still around?? Idk the dynamic seemed so chaotic that I struggled to root for the heroine. Now Mikhail, that temper 😭. I felt bad but I also feel he was justified. I'm glad he did let the hurt go so he can forgive and move on! I also had some other questions like how Jelly knew what Kanai looked like and did Chris knew Quay?? There are a few holes that made this story not my fave by Charae BUT that narration and the storyline are still good enough to keep you engaged to the end.
Profile Image for Nay .
444 reviews
October 11, 2022
This was a really cute story loved Kanai and Quay got a HEA…Poppy was a hot ass mess 🤣🤣.. this was a nice second chance love story 🥰
Profile Image for Goddess’ Smut Library 🩷.
495 reviews23 followers
August 11, 2025
3.5⭐️🌶️🌶️
I felt like this book was a little bit too spaced out with the length of time between the two main characters. I feel like you really don’t get enough of their chemistry to say whether you liked them together or not. I would’ve liked a little bit more of an epilogue between the two ones they were actually together, but I just felt like it ended kind of abruptly. Kanai I felt like was a little bit too self-conscious even as an adult, so she’s not my favorite FMC. And Quay was supposed to say the least and that he was mad most of the book.
Profile Image for Qiana.
350 reviews63 followers
January 7, 2021
Quay and Kanai's story is one of the sweetest stories I've read. A teenage love affair that is halted by life and bad decisions. But when fate steps in, one thing is for certain, what they had was not puppy love. Overall a great with a very original storyline. Poppy was one of the funniest book moms I've read in a while and she almost hijacked the book, I loved her.
Profile Image for Tamika.
329 reviews
July 12, 2020
So cute

K and Q were so adorable. The only thing missing for this story was more story. There was a few things that deserved more explanation but over all I understood the plot and it was a good read.
Profile Image for Kema B..
Author 10 books230 followers
February 7, 2021
Really good! This book put a really different spin on friends to lovers especially with the teenage aspect of it and my heart hurt for both of them with the choice that was made that pulled them apart. I loveed the character development especially Kanai who may be one of my favorite heroines ever. She was so genuine and real. When she told him what was up about being bitter she was speaking a word! I loved it so much and can’t wait to dive into more of this authors catalog. Great read.
Profile Image for TuraReads.
371 reviews11 followers
June 23, 2020
Bravo...

I really enjoyed Quay and Kanai’s story. Their love seemed so easy and fresh. I really like how they found each other and rekindled their love as adults. Poppy kept me laughing and Imani was too cute! I was hoping for more (I’m greedy and this was good) but I do like how the story wasn’t overdone. This book definitely lived up to its title and im happy it has a peaceful ending.
Profile Image for OhhSlimmm.
506 reviews31 followers
February 1, 2021
New me

Kanai & Quay started as teenage puppy love until everything turned upside down and forced each other apart. Years passed and everything Kanai thought was true turned out to be more than she can take in. This author had great character development and even better editing. I loved the main characters and supporting characters even more. Even though I was right with my predictions, the book held my attention from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Eve_choclate.
153 reviews4 followers
Read
December 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book it was well written and a very enjoyable love store 🖤
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,446 reviews26 followers
June 12, 2020
First off this cover was so dope! I love the way the title is symbolic. I was so mad at JP and felt sorry for Quay. The young love wa so realistically written. The relationship between the 3 generations of women gramma, poppy, and Kanai was so strong. Poppy was funny. Such a great standalone. Jelly can get these hands 🥊!
2,075 reviews14 followers
July 2, 2020
Loved it!

Great story of friendship, love, betrayal and forgiveness. Loved the relationship between Kanai and Quay. The story flowed well and I liked the fact that the story was told from the past and present. The family dynamics between Kanai, her grandmother, mother and daughter was absolutely amazing. I’d definitely recommend this book to read.
Profile Image for Evie.
86 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2021
** Audiobook Review **

Story - 5 Stars
Performance - 5 Stars

This book was soo good. The authors writing style is impeccable and did a great job of building the love between the characters that you felt early on. Jakobi and Morae did an amazing job voicing all the main and side characters of this story.
729 reviews16 followers
June 22, 2020
It was actually a 3.5 good reading, love is good....

This started it out so good and so wonderful. The whole gang was perfect and Poppy was the bomb. But unfortunately several things had me shave a whole half a point on the stars because it was not making sense and by the time we hit the 95% marker, the whole story turned into a lame story with no substance and no basis...truly not a good feeling.
Kanai went through some things growing up but nothing drastic exempt maybe teen pregnancy but she was one of the few lucky ones to have been given a type of support system that not too many young girls get now a days, hence Poppy and the best part she pushed thru and got out still. That is the best part in this story because too many Young's just take the easy Way out and stay complacent in their situationship and just follow thru. Follow the system and don't come out.
Quay on the other hand had a complete opposite situation where he had to run away and litterarily hide out like a punk and that can and will diminish a man in any way. He did find a way to do a complete turn around and move on.
Now here is where some issues popped up in this story...1) I understand that when this happened Quay was too young to do anything, but when he turned an adult, why didn't it show that he tried to do some thing? With all the avenues in this day and age, he didn't have to reveal himself while looking for his love..... 2) Why didn't Quay went to college and leave his family behind? 3) you mean to tell me that he was an undefeated heavyweight fighter and yet he stayed in a little town and never went to all of the big fights? I mean come one, maybe you should have given him a lesser image like a MMA fighter or FEC where the crowd is less African American than a heavyweight boxer where being undefeated he had to travel to other states, mainly Vegas and all for his worldwide fight, or he was not that famous? 4) then to top it all, you have him somewhat in the paparazzi field because of Jelly but he doesn't leave St Parklynn who is not Hollywood, NYC, or Vegas...come on who are you fooling?
Now I could keep on going but I will give up too many spoilers and I truly believe that this is some honest mistakes, and a possible reediting, rearranging, and a rerelease will change the outcome or reviews for me, at least.
In another world, I know y'all all wish you had a Poppy in your corner as much as I wish it. She is the bomb and so perfect....definitely I want me a Poppy in my life.
Profile Image for 💖📚BOOKZAMILLION📖💘.
1,390 reviews96 followers
June 13, 2020
I loved this story. I think little Imani was the cutest. My favorite character would have to be Poppy. I’m so happy about how the book turned out but I can definitely see a part 2. I mean did Chris just go away? I can see Jelly causing some drama. What if the family’s secret got out? These are all things I’d like to have answers to.


My favorite passage in this book:

I know that your life was snatched away but honestly, you made something out of yourself. You're a professional boxer that’s undefeated. Your life may have not been what you planned, but this back up plan is no easy feat. You're successful and judging by the check that you gave me, you have a lot of money. You have no reason to be mad, especially now that Imani is in your life. This reunion between us was God’s way of telling you that He’s got you. Just think about it. I was offered a job in the same city you live in. I don’t know shit about sports and just so happened to be invited to your match. You don’t see that this was God ordained? Be thankful, show gratitude, and know that things could have been worse.”
- Kanai



Total Book Experience 10/10

Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10
Again-able 10/10
Emotion 10/10
Book Cover 10/10
Visual/ Illustratable 10/10
Addictiveness 10/10
Threshold quality 10/10
Unique 10/10
Profile Image for Crystal Luckey.
752 reviews31 followers
July 13, 2022
First, last and forever...

Past: Kanaai and Quay were childhood friends that had feelings for each other. When they finally acted on their feelings, Quay disappeared and was presumed dead, and it broke Kanaai heart.
Present: 10 years later Kanaai and her family are relocating to Florida for her new job. One night out of fun, Kanaai saw a ghost from her past and didn't know what to do. When Quay confronts Kannai, she drops a bomb on him that sends him reeling. Kanaai is hurt that all these years she thinks that Quay is dead and she wants answers, but Quay got no answers for her. Quay and Kanaai spend time together and the more they do, the more their feelings grow. They rekindle a love they should have had when they were younger, but past hurts, make it hard. Kanaai drove me crazy at times, but I understood where she was coming from, but she should have understood what Quay had to go through. Quay was one helluva of a man, though angry, he turned his situation into something better. Quay loves Kanaai and all he wanted was her and his... I loved this book, it had me crying, happy, sad, and angry. I loved Quay and Kanaai together and was so excited when they reunited. Charae, you wrote this story and I can't wait to read more from you!!!
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,861 reviews
June 12, 2020
So good!

This book had my attention from the very beginning. At 16 years old, Kanai and Quay were in love with each other. From the beginning I knew Kanai was going to be my favorite girl. I just wanted to give her a hug.. because my sis was going through it. The two had just solidified their relationship status when Quay and his family were snatched away from their everyday life. I was not expecting that to happen; like, I had a feeling something would happen to the family but I couldn’t put a finger on it. I was hurting for Kanai but luckily she had such a great support system in her life, she was able to overcome adversity. My heart was swelling when the two reunited; I was getting anxious for the relationship to be rekindled. But, in true Charae fashion, there were some curveballs thrown into the story 🤣. The book was written very well and the transition from past to the present was seamless. The characters were so vulnerable and had their imperfections but that made them so relatable. I loved the the ending; after ten years apart Quay and Kanai had their happy ending. I enjoyed this one so much!! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
875 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2020
On the run

Let me start by saying I had no clue what j thought this would be about from the title. I didn't even try and guess. I read the synopsis and thought ok ok. I love coming of age stories because people tend to forget that during that time we are shaped into how we will somewhat be as an adult. Now Kanai is definitely a real cool person. She knew what she wanted in life and ultimately went for it. She had some hiccups but she got they it with the help of her grandmother and mom. Now Poppy definitely wasn't what I expected but she loved her child and did the best she could. I loved their almost heart to heart when Chris came around. Now Quay was definitely smooth and loveable. When he left though he definitely changed because how could you stay the same with the situation forced on him. I loved the love they had for each and how they felt after their time apart. Yes they were different but it didn't take away their feelings. Imani was definitely a surprise I didn't see coming but definitely fit right in. That move to St. Parklynn changed all of their lives in the past as well as in the future. Definitely flowed really well and no stones unturned!!!
Profile Image for LATOYA LEWIS.
235 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2022
Teenage puppy love.... ummmm not so much. Kanai and Quay met and fell head over heels. Quay loved Kanai's natural beauty, even her vitiligo. They had sex one night, the next day everything changed. Quay's father snitched on his best friend, the local drug dealer so they suddenly had to go into witness protection. Poppy, Kanai’s mother heard word on the street that Quay's family was killed for his snitching and Kanai was devastated. In a total depressed state Kanai didn't notice she was pregnant until months later. Time went on and years later she got a job opportunity that moved her and family to Florida. At her orientation she saw a guy who looked exactly like Quay but he had a different name, Mickelson. Mickel was now a famous boxer, that had so much hatred towards his father. Mickel/Quay loved and doted on their daughter Imani. Chileeeee the twist and turns this book took me on. The sex scenes, forgiveness, hatred, arranged relationships, and jealousy, kept me turning the pages. One things for sure, true love never dies. This book is a page turner and must read. 📚 #Book34of2022 #BookWorm #Whatsnext
Profile Image for Kitani.
1,573 reviews
June 12, 2020
Kanai and Quay proved that true love always wins. Regardless of the hurdles they had to go through love still prevailed. JP should've thought more of the consequences to his actions before putting his family in the predicament he did. Lawd Poppy would be a cool homegirl and I loved her personality. Although Kanai didn't break the cycle that Poppy created I was glad to know she didn't let the circumstances define her. Jelly had some serious issues and must've thought Quay would just let things rock with her being so disrespectful. Chris was annoying with his scary ass. Quay had so much pent up anger but Kanai and Imani coming into his life had him seeing where he was wrong and doing what was necessary to stop being bitter. On the run showed us why it's best to forgive and not carry around the burden of someone else's choice and also no matter the situation true love and fate always has a way of bringing people back together.
Profile Image for Melanin Readss.
197 reviews18 followers
June 21, 2020
Firee yet again!!

This was a true love story all around. Mainly a story about a second chance love. An unfortunate event happens that stops the progression of Kanai & Quay’s new found love. Through it all, I’m glad that Kanai had a support system even her crazy sister/mama Poppy (read the book and you’ll understand😂). I think the overall theme of the story was forgiveness. In order to move on to the next chapter in his life Quay had to forgive his father for what he put his family through. Forgiving him wasn’t for his father but for himself. He had to let that anger that had built up over the years go before he could focus on his new surprising life. I’m honestly not surprised at how good this book was😂.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,487 reviews22 followers
August 9, 2020
LOVED IT

This was really good. Very well written and great character development. I love how the author started with the past building up to present day. It definitely allows the reader to get to know the characters better. First loves are hard to forget and with Kanai and Quay their love was never forgotten. And the bonus to their love was Imani which made it even special. I loved Poppy in this book she definitely kept me laughing at some of her antics but she didn't play when it came to Imani and Kanai. I would've like to read how things went between Kanai and Quay's parents but overall this was a good read.
883 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2022
Puppy love?

This love story spans 10 years and showcases how no matter what age, when matters of the heart are involved, the connection is unbreakable! Kanai and Quay's feelings for each other survived even though they were separated by circumstances beyond either one's control. So while some classified it as young love that would fade, I say it was kismet that they eventually reunited. This was a nice departure from some of the male leads I've seen from author Charae Lewis more recently. At a time when book baes were still an option 😇
1,094 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2024
Loved this story. The premise of the book pulled me in. Young love gets torn apart by unforeseen circumstances out of their control. Ten years go by and life reconnects them. The book follows their road back to each other with a few surprises in between.

The story just worked. Charae did an excellent job of eliminating the ability of them reaching out over the years. There was absolutely no way that could've happened. With that, I was curious how everything would work out. My only question is how everything plays out in the future. Would love a follow-up book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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