Aubrey Wants To Die

by Pip Knight

Love is hard. Being undead is harder ... Dolly Alderton meets True Blood in this dark, funny hell of a story


Aubrey is not what she seems. She's young, beautiful, romantic, obsessive and ... a vampire. All she wants is to be human again, and failing that, she wants to die. But the problem is, she can't. Not by stake through the heart or holy water or crucifix or garlic or fire. And she'd know, she's tried every method. Twice.

So she's stuck here on this earth, all alone. Even the vampire who made her has abandoned her.

But everything changes when, one fateful night, she meets Jonathan. He's everything Aubrey's ever dreamed of and, what's more, he's her soulmate. Her Bella–Edward story. For the first time in 150 years, she has a reason to hope—eternal life might be bearable after all. So when Jonathan unexpectedly breaks up with her, she'll do anything to get him back.

But that's the exact moment Oscar, aristocratic douchebag and her long-gone sire, swoops back into her life. And he has other plans for her. Soon, she's thrown into a world of glamour, glitter, blood and hedonism, a world that has her questioning everything she knows to be true—about life, but also about herself.

A world where nothing is simple ... and no one is safe, either.

PRAISE

'A twisted and cynically funny take on vampire fiction. Aubrey Wants to Die mashes elements of romcom into the dark-hearted gothic architecture; it presents a heroine who must learn to see immortality as something other than an eternal opportunity for existential crises' Sydney Morning Herald

'Chaotic, hilarious and wildly relatable. Aubrey is who I was, who I am, and who I want to be—at least for the next 150 years' Genevieve Novak, bestselling author of Crushing

'If Edward had bitten Fleabag instead of Bella, you'd get Aubrey. Funny, fast-paced, flooded with feeling—and has a bloody twist that will get your heart pounding loud enough to summon all the local vampires to your door' Laura McCluskey, bestselling author of The Wolf Tree

'Aubrey is the ultimate hot-mess vampire, and I inhaled her story in a night. Sexy and laugh-out-loud funny, full of delicious drama and surprisingly moving—Aubrey's chaotic undead rollercoaster of a journey had me cackling, yearning and questioning my entire existence' Anna Downes, bestselling author of Red River Road

'What 150-year-old vampire living off bagged blood wouldn't want to die after a bad break up? Pip Knight combines all of alter-ego Pip Drysdale's sexy crime vibes with 100 per cent more vampires and bloodlust in this wild romp that's way too fun to put down' Ashley Kalagian Blunt, bestselling author of Dark Mode

'There's nothing quite so charming as a vampire having an existential crisis. Aubrey Wants to Die is full of dark romance, quirky neuroticism and ancient lore. Knight has created a fresh and feisty take on an old genre. I loved Aubrey, who feels both mysterious and known - your bestie and your worst nightmare all wrapped up in one. This character-driven story has lashings of existential angst, black humour, and a romantic heart. It's cool, hypnotic and addictive. I loved it' Vanessa McCausland, bestselling author of The Last Illusion of Paige White

'I was absolutely hooked on this smart, sexy thriller, devouring it in a day. Aubrey is in constant danger as she chases her happy-ever-after and tries to find the meaning of life, alongside us mere mortals. You can sink your teeth into this delicious vampire thriller!' Petronella McGovern, bestselling author of The Last Trace

'Lust, heartbreak, broody leading men and a vampiric heroine who is trying so very hard to be good. What could possibly go wrong? Pip Knight mashes up vampires and romance into a highly entertaining swoon-worthy romp' Meredith Jaffe, bestselling author of The Tricky Art of Forgiveness

'Dark, twisty, funny and romantic, Pip Knight sparkles in this killer of a vampire thriller' Emma Grey, bestselling author of Start at the End

'A modern millennial romance and an angsty and darkly funny look at what makes immortal life worth living' Books+Publishing

' Bridget Jones if she were a vampire and couldn't die no matter how hard she tried. Aubrey Wants to Die is sexy, sharp, and dangerously addictive ... A dark romance with bite, blending immortality, obsession, and modern dating into something wildly original. I devoured it' Celina Myers, New York Times bestselling author of Hollow

Genres: Vampires, Romance, Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy, Audiobook, Supernatural

Audible Audio

First published March 3, 2026

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This book was so amazing, and I can't recommend it enough. Aubrey is a 150-year depressed vampire who has tried everything she think of to kill herself over the last century and a half, but to no avail. Then, she finally found a man who started to make life seem a bit worth living, and he gave her the 'I think we need space' line. To top it all off, her sire appears and wants to be involved in her life, after turning her and not even staying waiting around for her to wake up.

I really hope this becomes a series, but no matter what, I will be looking for more books by this author. Loved this so much!

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop. I was actually obsessed with this from the first page to the last.

Highlights:
- vampire romance
- Fated mates
- Sire bonds

Aubrey is probably one of the most likable main characters I have ever experienced.
She’s sweet, self-doubting, and a little bit obsessive. (But like, in a cute way).
It’s rare to say that I would not have changed anything about the way she was written.

Aubrey’s niceness, in combination with our morally gray/perhaps morally corrupt leaning mmc Oscar.
My only complaint might be that they had so so much back and forth. I guess it’s necessary to the plot but please. I’m dying. Just adore each other already and put me out of my misery.

The plot? Vampire perfection.
I was way too invested in this entire situation?! And it just kept getting BETTER? Every new detail, every new twist brought it to a new level? Eeeeek.

I must have been starved the way I ate this up.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and author Pip Knight, for providing me with the eARC of “Aubrey Wants to Die” in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: march 03, 2026

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s this.. a vampire book? Not only that, a vampire romance book!! Yes, I jumped out of my comfort zone reading this one.. only for you Pip! When I heard about this book I was not sure, I am a crime and thriller girl though and through but I love Pip Drysdale and I wasn’t going to miss this . I was so happy when I received a copy from the lovely team at Harper Collins, thank you so much 😊

I absolutely adored Aubrey, I could not get enough of her. I need more of her! she is a 150 year old vampire who is so unhappy. She has tried every possible way to die and nothing has worked. She did ask for this and she feels so alone in the world. Her sire abandoned her and she can’t tell her friends or boyfriend what she is.
When her boyfriend dumps her she is heartbroken. She believes he is her soulmate and will do anything to get him back.

I loved the London setting, living a Bridget Jones lifestyle in the same area as the movie is set. Aubrey is obsessive, but sweet. She hates human blood and refuses to feed that way, knowing what it will do to her. She has a big heart, I loved her.

This is a book for everyone, no matter what your usual genres are, trust me. Get lost in Aubrey’s world like I did. Please Pip, I want some more of her!

Aubrey Wants to Die is out now.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Pip Knight is best known for her twisty psychological thrillers under the name of Pip Drysdale.

Aubrey Wants To Die is so much fun and I absolutely loved the twist and the ending. If you want a modern, fast paced vampire tale this is for you.

Aubrey is not your usual vampire, she’s lonely, somewhat depressed and has tried to end her life many times but cannot die, she’s been a vampire now for 150 years in London and doesn’t want to be a monster. Aubrey doesn’t drink from the vein and never intends to.

When forever young Aubrey meets handsome Jonathan she thinks he’s her soulmate and has hope for a happy future but then he tells her he needs some space and they break up. She’ll do anything to get Jonathan back and she may even confess to him her secret.

Meanwhile her vampire sire Oscar turns up and suddenly wants to be involved in her life after having nothing to do with her. Life suddenly becomes very complicated and messy and it’s then the action begins.

I loved the atmosphere of London and the whimsical feel of Aubreys world. Aubrey Wants to Die delivers a delightfully fun and enjoyable read that you’ll drink up!

Publication Date 24 February 2026
Publisher Harper Collins AU

Thanks you so much Pip Drysdale & Harper Collins Australia for a copy of the book

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I apologize in advance for the profanity.


Are you fucking kidding me?????? Is this a joke? Did I just have a fever dream nightmare that this book existed?

I only finished this with the hopes of it SOMEHOW redeeming itself. But instead I got this bullshit????!?!

First off. This is not a fucking romance. Not in any shape or form.

Second, Oscar is a selfish piece of shit who can go fuck himself. He was truly the worst mmc I have ever read about in my life. He was literally having sex with other women throughout the entire book. He was an absolute asshole who abandoned the fmc and left her suicidal because he wanted to “protect” her. HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING HER BY MAKING HER SO LONELY AND HOPELESS SHE WANTS TO DIE?!?!

Third, Aubrey is completely insufferable. I truly wanted to like her because her anxiety and depression mirror my own. But her choices throughout the book were some of the worst I have ever seen. Her obsession with Jonathan was something I could excuse because to me it read more as an obsession she had with knowing who her human self was. He was her only connection to her human identity. But girl have some fucking pride.

I truly do not know how this book was traditionally published. And I wish I had just followed my gut and DNFd it. God I’m so fucking mad right now. UGH

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks for Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
The dark damp streets of a London winter become atmospheric and the perfect place for vampires to live among the population.
Aubrey has been alive for 150 years and adjusted to the time period as it moves along as she cannot succeed in dying.
Emotions and elements of humanity rub off as she lets her heart lead and eternity might not be so bad.
Meeting Jonathon and dating him briefly gave her hope and reminded her that love was possible again.
When he calls off the relationship she tries anything to get him back at all costs.
The reappearance of an egotistical vampire from her past challenges and corrupts her way of life.
Her two worlds collide.
Blood rejuvenates her strength and betrayal becomes a reality as she confronts predicaments and danger.
I bonded with Aubrey and felt her emotional spectrum.
I loved when she got her little fangs out and nourished herself.
As a reader I was transported to London and my imagination allowed me to enjoy the whimsical and fanciful world that vampires could be among us.

[Aubrie Greenbriar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 // Aubrey's a vampire going through a break-up, having only learned vampire lore from books and media because she was abandoned by her sire, and really really wants to die but doesn't know how. And I really enjoyed her voice and character throughout the book and the pacing.

The ending was good if something I nearly entirely predicted by 30%. My biggest issue was sometimes Aubrey would make a decision that didn't feel aligned with her character or common sense but just contrived for plot reasons. I also thought the love interests "reasons" for not being with her were lacking but it seems like there could be a book 2 where those ends could be tied.

Overall- a fun enjoyable read!


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey Wants to Die by Pip Knight

This book completely fooled me…

The first 50% had me laughing out loud. Aubrey is dramatic, obsessive, wildly naive, and honestly? I thought she might be the most pathetic vampire ever written. And I mean that affectionately. Her endless (and creative) attempts to die had me shaking my head and cackling

“A flash of that time I went shark diving in Cape Town without a cage, but even the sharks could smell I was toxic and wouldn't go for me. Or the week I spent lying on a beach in Spain, certain that it was the shitty UK sun that was standing between me and oblivion…”

It’s absurd. It’s self-deprecating. It’s chaotic. And it works.
Then the second half shifts.
Aubrey is still naive. She still makes choices that had me whisper-yelling at the page. But the tone darkens. The humor sharpens into something more dangerous. The glamour, manipulation, and power dynamics creep in, and suddenly I was in a full chokehold, finishing the rest in one sitting.
What starts as a sarcastic, almost campy vampire rom-com morphs into something darker and more unsettling. It explores obsession, loneliness, self-worth, and what happens when your entire identity revolves around love.
If you enjoy:
* messy heroines
* unreliable emotions
* dark humor
* morally questionable vampires
* and books that flip the tone halfway through
…this one is worth picking up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and The Hive for the review copy, all opinions are my own.

[Toya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars I had mixed feelings about this one. Aubrey is 150 years old but often acts much younger, making choices in her search for love that got on my nerves. However, I liked the mystery about her past and the vampire-hunting subplot, and I’m interested to see where book two goes.

[Alyssa Blackwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC of Aubrey Wants to Die by Pip Knight, via Netgalley 🫶

Aubrey wants to die.
This might be easier, if she wasn’t already dead.. or really, undead.
Aubrey was turned into a vampire 150 years ago and her entire vampire existence has been lonely. She’s tried to die numerous times, but it never seems to take.
She’s given up on love and life, that is until she meets Jonathan, her soulmate, and now Aubrey is ready to live.. but it’s hard when she’s living a lie and can’t tell Jonathan the truth.
When he breaks up with her out of the blue, her life begins to spiral, and it gets even more out of control when her maker, Oscar, re-enters the scene.
Can she win Jonathan back, and what on earth does Oscar want?

Okay first things first, this was an easy read and was reasonably entertaining on my flight - the perfect kind of book for a quick palate cleanser / beach read / holiday read for sure.
The story and writing are simple and easy to follow, the plot has a few turns but nothing too surprising.

Overall though I was a bit letdown. It’s marketed as “True Blood meets Dolly Alderton.”
I can see the True Blood inspiration for sure, but nothing about the story or writing evoked Dolly Alderton for me.
Because the story is in first person from Aubrey’s perspective, her internal monologue gets a bit repetitive and I found it a bit tiresome at times.
The highlight scenes for me were any with other vampires + any with Oscar. He was probably the most interesting character.

It’s set up with a cliffhanger for a sequel and I’m intrigued to see where it goes next 🧛

Aubrey Wants to Die ⭐️⭐️���️

[Sophie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I DEVOURED THIS BOOK! Started and finished in the same day, I could hardly put this down!
This is a fever dream alternative twilight for all us who are now adults, amazing really.

Aubrey is completely unashamed to admit she’d prefer to be dead, but does so in a way that isn’t super dark. I don’t believe she made the concept of suicide a joke, but Knight did find a balance of lightheartedness to make Aubrey’s many failed attempts humorous. This story felt like or easing a transcript of my own brain, with inner dialogue that’s accurate to my experience with depression and anxiety (excluding the fear of being found out as a vampire, I am definitely human).
The characters were intriguing, with mystery surrounding not only Aubrey’s past, but in the persona of her sire and his unpredictability.

The twist regarding Jonathan’s past life history with Aubrey was unexpected, but at the same time not surprising. It is a great example of how partners can portray themselves to be harmless and loving when glimpsed at from the outside, when in reality or an extended glance/memory, they are the opposite. His extravagant plan revealed at the end is also a fine example of how well some people can manipulate and burrow into their targets life.

It is hard not to compare every modern vampire plot to twilight (in this case character wise), Aubrey is Bella if she were a vamp from the get go, had been alone for 150 yrs, and has zero memories of life before being changed. Then imagine being hunted by humans instead of that scary tracker vamp; get framed for murder by a scarier Edward but still fall in love with him despite thinking he killed her when actually he just has a saviour complex vibe going on like a non vegetarian version of sire Carlisle. I picture that scene of Bella in the spinning chair and changing seasons when Edward abandons her, except it’s a 150yr long scene and she doesn’t even know the guy

[Julia Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! I devoured this book while on a night shift, and as I sit here with tears streaming, trying to hide that I'm crying over a book, I'd definitely say it's worth the read. Aubrey is a vampire, and in this version of vamps, they don't remember their past lives or should I say their human lives. Aubrey lives of bagged blood and doesn't want to hurt anyone. She's tried to kill herself many many times over the years, but she can't die. Aubrey's world really starts to crumble when her soulmate breaks up with her. Then the book really gets good. I don't want to spoil the plot, but you really start to feel for Aubrey. She is so lonely, and even though she's a vampire, she just wants love, and that's anyone who really wants, right? The worldbuilding is good, I can almost picture her little apartment and her keeping company with cat. When everything starts to come together, I freaked! I did not see that twist coming at all. But it was oh-so-good!! I think this author just made my auto-read list!

5 stars.
I received this ARC from netgalley, and all opinions are my own.

[readsbyanaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was such a fun read! Vampires? Check. Laugh out loud funny moments? Check. Vibes? Immaculate. This was a super quick and easy read and a great book to pick up if you want something to just make you laugh. I love a good vampire story and this was a great modern take on it. The characters were very intriguing and you become invested from the very first page.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book!

[Hayley (meet_me_at_the_library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey Wants to Die by Pip Knight is not your typical vampire story—and that’s what makes it so fun!

You get all the classic vampire vibes, wrapped up in an offbeat, slightly unhinged romance that’s full of dark humour. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but there’s just enough depth to keep it from feeling shallow. I loved it!

If you’re into vampires but want something fresh and a bit tongue-in-cheek, this one’s for you!

[gifted]

[Abigail Hatter]

DNFing. Not a fan of the voice, where the plot is moving, or the main character.

[Laura • lauralovestoread · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is giving massive vibes of the Sookie Stackhouse book series while still being quite different. I hope Aubrey Wants to Die is the requisite back story introduction book before we get to the real stuff in book 2. Please let there be a book 2!!!! And I need more Cat, Aubrey, Oscar, Es, Daphne, Rupert, and Tina. Seriously, we need more fun books in the world!! Thoroughly enjoyed😺🐯❤

I also read 2 other of her books, published under the name of Pip Drysdale, The Next Girl and The Paris Affair, both 5 star reads for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

bad!!! in new and confounding ways!

[Ashley ✶ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I wanted in a modern vampire book, I so badly want Aubrey’s story to continue. And thanks for giving Cat a happy ending too 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[Tiarne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book (pun fully intended). Seriously — I picked it up and didn’t want to put it down.

Aubrey is the kind of character who makes you laugh and make questionable life choices. A vampire who just wants to die? Darkly hilarious and weirdly relatable.

The writing is sharp, the pacing is fast, and the drama is delicious. There’s love, betrayal, blood, and a whole lot of attitude. If you like your stories a little gothic, a little messy, and totally addictive, this is it.

Highly recommend 🖤🧛‍♀️

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey Wants to Die by Pip Knight is a darkly funny, emotionally sharp novel that made me laugh, wince, and quietly question my entire emotional support system.
Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

I also had the chance to experience the audiobook edition of Aubrey Wants to Die, narrated by Karen Cass, and it added a whole extra layer of bite to an already sharp story. More on that in a minute, because this book deserves its moment first.

This story shows up wearing the disguise of a witty vampire romp and then calmly sits you down to unpack loneliness, obsession, toxic love, and the exhausting burden of existing when you never asked to be here in the first place. Aubrey has been undead for 150 years and has tried, very creatively, to end it more than once. The fact that this premise manages to be both hilarious and deeply sad tells you everything about the tone. It’s dark humor done right. Sharp, self-aware, and just uncomfortable enough to hit.

Aubrey’s voice is what makes this book sing. She’s sarcastic, dramatic, romantic, obsessive, and painfully honest. Her longing to be human again isn’t just about mortality. It’s about wanting to belong, to be chosen, to be loved in a way that feels permanent and safe. When Jonathan enters her life, he becomes that hope. That fantasy. That Bella-Edward, soulmate, eternal-love story she’s convinced will fix everything. And when it falls apart, the spiral feels real.

Then there’s Oscar. The aristocratic, manipulative vampire who made her this way and reappears with glitter, chaos, and very questionable intentions. Their dynamic is layered with power imbalance, resentment, attraction, and history. It’s messy in a way that feels intentional. Nothing here is clean. Love doesn’t magically redeem anyone. Immortality doesn’t make anyone wiser. It just gives you more time to make mistakes.

What surprised me most is how emotionally grounded this feels despite the blood and glamour. This is a story about self-worth. About recognizing when you’re accepting crumbs and calling it a feast. About realizing that maybe the person you need to choose you is yourself. Yes, it’s sexy. Yes, it’s dramatic. But it’s also thoughtful and unexpectedly moving.

“Love didn’t save me. But it did remind me why I wanted to keep trying.”

Now, the audiobook. Karen Cass absolutely nails Aubrey’s voice. She leans into the dry wit and emotional fragility in a way that makes the sarcasm land even harder. Her pacing during the darker, quieter moments adds weight without overdoing it, and the more chaotic scenes sparkle with just enough theatrical flair. Listening to Aubrey unravel in real time makes the experience even more intimate. I found myself lingering in the car just to hear one more chapter.

By the end, I felt wrung out in the best way. This book is funny, sad, sexy, dramatic, and strangely hopeful. It lingers. It pokes at your soft spots. It makes you laugh when you probably shouldn’t. And the audio version makes it even sharper.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

#AubreyWantsToDie #PipKnight #KarenCass #AudiobookReview #BookReview #NetGalley #ARCReview #VampireFiction #DarkHumor #WomensFiction #MysteryAndThriller #Bookstagram #BookTok #2026Releases

[Barb (Boxermommyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to clear something up. I went into this not really knowing what genre it fell in. I thought horror, then I thought thriller, then romance. Who knows what I thought? But now that I've read it, I will say it probably leans more heavily into romance with a few horror/thriller aspects. But be warned, these vampires do not sparkle - thank the Heavens!

Aubrey was turned 150 years ago and immediately afterwards, her maker split. This left her to figure out a lot on her own. After seeing another vampire kill a young buy while feeding, Aubrey refused to feed on humans, so she has lived on blood bank blood ever since. Because of this, she never reached her full vampire potential and after 150 years, is getting tired of her boring life where she has to move every 5-10 years and start over because doesn't age and can't tell the people around her, she is a vampire.
She is tired of living this way and has tried to kill herself in the past, just to find out all the things she believed killed vampires isn't working.

Fast forward and Aubrey has finally fallen in love with a man named Jonathan. She is happier than she has ever been but is trying a bit too hard so Jonathan dumps her. She enlists her only two friends to try to win him back but about that time, her maker Oscar walks back into her life. She is very angry with him for leaving her helpless all those years ago but gets stuck spending time with him because there is a new group of Vampire Hunters trying to prove vampires really exist and Oscar fears that Aubrey, with her lack of skill and knowledge, may lead to their downfall.

This book was so much fun. Don't get me wrong, Aubrey is a hot mess, but I loved her as a character, and it was nice to see someone trying to navigate their way through life and who hasn't been sold on the vampire lifestyle even though she herself is one. I found myself really rooting for her and Jonathan...until I wasn't. And Oscar is a jerk. He is mean to Aubrey a lot of the time and definitely has his own agenda so of course, I loved him as well. I feel this book does lean heavily into its True Blood comparison (one of my favorite book series) and if you are familiar, think Eric more than Bill.

This book was very unpredictable, and I loved how the ending played out. I also feel it would appeal to a lot of people as it does seem to encompass elements of a lot of different genres. Although everything basically wraps up in the end, there is a hint that it could continue so I really hope a sequel is in the works. I really do need more Aubrey and Oscar too!

[Penelope Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a deeply enjoyable contemporary Jane Eyre, with vampires, a dry sense of humor, and an exploration of feminine rage, identity, mental health, and, not to be dramatic, but that which gives life meaning. Aubrey is a vampire floating through life with some interesting ideas about romance and purpose, including a real sense that her life lacks real meaning or joy. She’s trying, but I get it. It’s hard, and she’s tired, and she’s been doing this for over a hundred years. A lot of us mortals feel the same way, sometimes. But she can’t end her life, because she’s a vampire. Ugh. (But don’t worry – hopefully it’s not a spoiler to reveal that she does, in fact, figure some things out and feel better in a very satisfying way).

This book walks many lines perfectly. This is one of those books you read and then you realize – oh, this is what it means for a book to have actual substance and depth. No shame to some more surface level books which, for the record, also have their place. had enough depth and seriousness to feel like you were consuming something substantial, but enough levity to go down easily. The pacing was also great, although please note it does seem like this is part 1 of a series (if this was shared with me, I didn’t realize it) which affects how I feel about the pacing i.e. I know I’ll get some more answers some point in the future but there were enough plot points explained to keep me satisfied enough throughout the book. (Although… if you have an ARC of future book(s) in the series lying around – can I have it? I can’t wait over a year. Or longer. I live in the age of streaming service binges, so I have no patience. I also want to see what happens!)

So in summary – this book was a delightful dark comedy, with our hero Aubrey, who is simultaneously naïve and burnt out, but doing as well as any of us probably would be doing given the circumstances. We’ve got a love triangle done well (btw – I typically hate dislike love triangles and did not hate this one). We’ve got revenge via incontinence (and other outcomes), which is always a treat. And apparently we’ve got more books to come (I assume?) which I will happily read. (but seriously I can't wait that long, I have no frustration tolerance please tell me they're written).

(I am no Brontë historian, and our main character mentions Wuthering Heights a few times, which I would be willing to bet is important, but unfortunately, like Aubree, I only kind of read that book once, maybe).

[Dany's Reading Pile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I DID NOT see that plot twist coming. 🤡🤡
The story follows Aubrey, a 150 year old vampire who’s completely exhausted by her immortality. She’s so tired of existing that she’s tried to unalive herself multiple times...unsuccessfully, of course.
Just when she’s given up on finding any meaning in her endless life, she meets a man who sparks something in her. For the first time in a long time, she actually wants to live. But then this freaking man hits her with the “We need a break.” And just like that, everything comes crashing down.
As Aubrey struggles to recover what she’s lost and tries not to spiral back into centuries of hopelessness, her sire suddenly reappears after years of absence. The same sire who abandoned her is now back🫠🫠🫠, ready to step in and reinsert himself into her life, and possibly teach her what it truly means to be a vampire.
My thoughts:
For most of the book, I was sitting at a solid 3.5 ⭐️. I was enjoying it, but nothing had fully wowed me at the moment. Then that ending was happening and then, that plot twist? 🤯 I was NOT prepared. It completely caught me off guard and bumped my rating up to a strong 4 ⭐️.
That twist alone made it worth it. 👏🏽👏🏽

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review.❤️‍🩹





Okok, ese lot twist... no lo vi venir 🤡🤡
La historia sigue a Aubrey, una vampira de 150 años que está completamente agotada de su inmortalidad. Está tan cansada de existir que ha intentado hacer la moricion varias veces… sin éxito, claro.
Justo cuando ya había renunciado a encontrarle algún sentido a su vida, conoce a un hombre que vuelve a encender algo en ella. Por primera vez en mucho tiempo, realmente quiere vivir. Pero entonces este tipo tonto sale con “Necesitamos un tiempo.” Y así, sin más, todo se le viene abajo.
Mientras Aubrey intenta recuperar lo que perdió y lucha por no volver a caer en siglos de desesperanza, su sire reaparece de la nada después de años de ausencia. El mismo que la abandonó ahora está de vuelta 🫠🫠🫠, listo enseñarle lo que realmente significa ser vampira.
Mi opinión:
Durante la mayor parte del libro lo tenía en un 3.5 ⭐️. Lo estaba disfrutando, pero nada me había sorprendido del todo hasta ese momento. Llegando al final… con ese plot twist 🤯 NO estaba preparada. Me tomó completamente por sorpresa y subió mi calificación a un fuerte 4 ⭐️.
Solo ese giro hizo que valiera totalmente la pena. 👏🏽👏🏽
Gracias a NetGalley y Harlequin Trade Publishing por proporcionarme este eARC a cambio de mi reseña honesta. ❤️‍🩹

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biting Wit and Millennial Malaise

Pip Knight’s Aubrey Wants to Die isn’t your typical vampire romance; it’s sharp, darkly funny, and just a little bit heartbreaking. Aubrey, the protagonist, has slogged through 150 years of immortality she never wanted. She’s tired of being undead, desperate for either a cure or a clean exit, but stuck in a kind of eternal dead-end job. Things get interesting when Jonathan shows up, and for the first time in decades, she starts to hope that maybe this endless existence isn’t as unbearable as it seems.

Aubrey’s voice jumps off the page; she’s smart, self-deprecating, and a far cry from your standard brooding vampire. Her existential dread comes with a dose of dry, modern humour that keeps things moving and stops the book from bogging down in angst. Sure, there’s romance and drama, but the real star is the way Aubrey deals with the absurdity of immortality and a world that left her behind.

Knight, best known for twisty psychological thrillers under her real name, Pip Drysdale, mixes brisk plotting with snappy dialogue that’s as fun as it is biting. The result lands somewhere between a midnight comedy and a millennial coming-of-age crisis, albeit with a lot more blood and sharper teeth.

Readers will love how the novel blends laughs with real emotional heft. Some will likely find the plot lean and the surprises mild, but even skeptical readers can admit it’s Aubrey’s messy, honest voice that hooks you. If you want dense lore or classic horror, you might be left wanting. For everyone else, the book balances satire with sincerity, poking fun at vampire tropes while unearthing plenty of big feelings.

Aubrey Wants to Die delivers big on character, attitude, and heart, perfect for anyone craving a shot of existential humour alongside their supernatural drama. Pip Knight has carved out something fang-sharp, fresh, and thoroughly entertaining.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey isn't like other vampires. Over the course of 150 lonely years since her turning it is maintaining her humanity that drives her. She does not want to be a monster nor did she choose to become one. She NEVER drinks from the vein. She only procures blood through blood banks.

She is also terribly lonely.

Sure, she has a few girlfriends but you can't forge those friendships for more than a few years or it will become obvious to them that she never ages.

But what Audrey wants more than anything at all is to be in love. So when she meets handsome Jonathan she believes that he is her soul mate. At some point she'll need to explain to him what she is but until then she plans to just enjoy the moment.

Imagine her surprise, when one evening, Jonathan tells her they should take a break. I guess the 100+ text messages she sent him over the course of a week spooked him a little but have no fear as she plans to win him back one way or another.

Then the worst thing in the world happens. Oscar, her sire whom she has never met, has returned claiming she is putting the entire vampire community at risk and that it is imperative for him to teach her to be a "real" vampire. How is that going to help her win back Jonathan?

What ensues from there is a bloody good time.

I thought this book was loads of fun. It's more dark comedy than horror so adjust your expectations accordingly. Aubrey was a vampire with a heart of gold or at least she tries to be which makes her easy to root for. Oscar was a little bit sexy, a little bit menacing, and completely infuriating if you listen to Aubrey. And breathtaking Jonathan is he as perfect as Audrey thinks he is? You'll need to read this to find out!

The ending was a complete surprise! 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my complimentary copy.

[Davena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey Wants To Die by Pip Knight

I requested Aubrey Wants To Die for two reasons, first and foremost (and most importantly), @akalagianblunt gave it a thumbs up, and if Ashley says it's OK, I'm not going to argue with her. And secondly, the blurb says it's "Dolly Alderton meets True Blood in this dark, funny hell of a story", and while I haven't read any Dolly Alderton, I'm a huge True Blood fan.

Aside: Lafayette was my favourite character, and I was very sad when Nelsan Ellis passed away.

Aubrey wants to die, mostly because Aubrey is a 150-year-old vampire who lives on bagged blood, well, that and the fact she's just broken up with her soulmate, Jonathan. But she can't. She's tried all the traditional vampire killers: stake through the heart, holy water, garlic and sunlight. But she's stuck here watching vampire movies on repeat.

Aubrey Wants To Die is darkly funny and somehow full of sexy-vampire tropes, but still 100% fresh. It's fast-paced and twisty, and Aubrey is quirky and obsessive, and this book is very much in the same vein as True Blood (see what I did there? *wiggles eyebrows*)

Pip Knight is a pen name of Pip Drysdale, a best-selling author of psychological thrillers. I don't know if that's meant to be a secret, but if I know... It's not a well-kept one.

Thumbs up. 👍

Bodycount = 5 for sure. But it was hard to keep track because of the whole vampire thing.

Aubrey Wants To Die by Pip Knight was released on February 24, so if you are after a fun read with a sprinkling of neurotic vampire romance, you can grab your copy now.

#designnerd #booksdeevaareads #2025bookshelf
@pipdrysdale @harpercollinsaustralia #harpercollinsaustralia #AubreyWantsToDie @NetGalley #NetGalley

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

☠️
⚜️ Book Title - Aubrey Wants to Die
⚜️ Author - Pip Knight
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and Vampires

I received a published advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via HarperCollins. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.

I read the premise of this one and saw the pop culture heavy vampire references, and I was immediately sold. Did it hit? Yus. This was a fun, fast paced read that I smashed out in a single sitting.

That said, it wasn’t without its flaws. I wasn’t a huge fan of the relationship dynamics, and Aubrey’s personality… along with her consistently questionable choices. It tested my patience more than once. Buuuut the plot more than made up for it. The story itself was engaging and had me invested enough that I was happy to overlook those frustrations and just enjoy the ride.

Don’t go into this one expecting romance…. Just don’t because you will be sorely disappointed. 🤣

Overall, it delivered exactly what I was hoping and hit the mood read fairly well. It was an entertaining, bingeable vamp read that didn’t take itself too seriously and was a fun level of chaos.

I would recommend this book to others who enjoy paranormal vampire books.

I want to say thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.

Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life. My five stars can be imperfect but to me they hit right.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This is one you can really sink your fangs into, obviously.

Aubrey is not your average vampire, and she's here to let us know that you can be well into the triple digits and still be acting like a basic b around some men. Eternal life sounds terrible to me, as does interacting with blood in any way/for any reason, but the most depressing part of this situation by far is that we might all be doomed to an eternity of bad romantic choices. Yikes.

What makes Aubrey enjoyable as a character is her long list of flaws. She's giving coming-of-age more than wizened, world weary vampire, so readers who are expecting the latter should mitigate and refocus. These flaws can also make her frustrating. I'm okay with her continuous cycle of vampiric improvement and learning, but I had a hard time understanding the depths of her naivete in certain instances.

There are some challenging inclusions of sexual assault in this book; read with care.

While I was engaged throughout, I found the ending particularly noteworthy.

This is fun and a little campy and it features a modern vampire with a love of other modern vampires, so arrive and stay for a bloody good time.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[brook.talks.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished ARC reading Aubrey Wants to Die by Pip Knight a few days ago, and while it started off super promising, unfortunately, it lost steam about halfway through. I got less interested in Aubrey's story, and it fell to the wayside. I kept trying to pick it back up, would read a chapter or two, and set it aside again. Rinse and repeat.

Aubrey is a vampire that can't remember who she was before she got turned, and only remembers her evil sire who turned her. She continually tries to off herself, but she cannot seem to die. When she meets the very human Jonathan, she starts to remember that he was her soulmate from her former life, and desperately tries to connect with him.

I finally finished it, but the middle and most of the ending felt like it took forever. Then, the very end was actually an interesting twist that got wrapped up way too quickly.

I was so excited about this one, but it just missed the mark for me. Also, I love a good reference to Twilight and TVD in a vampire story, but there were way too many in this. As are the incessant mentions of her earplugs and eye mask. I could literally scream. I will say, however, because of how great the beginning was, I'm giving it 3 stars.

Aubrey Wants to Die gets released on March 3rd, and is available to pre-order now.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.