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Die for Me
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Expected 14 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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20 copies available
U.S. only
What my eyes are showing me can’t be possible. Can’t be real. Because if they are, then I have to accept that Julian Conrad has been alive for a very long time.
Too long to be human.
A stay-up-all-night, smart, spicy romance following a doctor who finds herself falling for an alluring, much-younger man with a deadly secret
Sean’s not in the market for love. The only female, let alone Black, interventional cardiologist at her hospital, she’s watched too many of her male colleagues divorce their first wives to marry younger models—and then there’s the abusive relationship she’s spent the better part of her early 30s healing from. Her passions are reserved for her best friend, her goddaughter, and her job.
Then she meets Julian. Brooding, beautiful and eleven years her junior. In short: A bad idea.
Julian pursues her in a way that sets off alarm bells in her mind, but she finds herself unable to resist their undeniable chemistry—even starts fantasizing about him in dreams that feel altogether too real. They also have a lot in common despite their age gap. So, to hell with it: If men can date younger, why can’t she? But the more Sean gets to know him, the more impossible Julian seems: He has a depth and sorrow to him that’s beyond his years, and sometimes there’s a look in his eyes that’s less than human, and leaves her feeling more like prey. Plus, Sean herself has been exhibiting odd symptoms—memory lapses, a lack of restraint that's unlike her, persistent exhaustion—that all trace back to Julian, making Sean feeling more than a little afraid. Who—or what—is she falling, irrevocably, in love with?
Extraordinarily transfixing, suspenseful, and addictive, Die for Me is nothing short of a seduction.
Too long to be human.
A stay-up-all-night, smart, spicy romance following a doctor who finds herself falling for an alluring, much-younger man with a deadly secret
Sean’s not in the market for love. The only female, let alone Black, interventional cardiologist at her hospital, she’s watched too many of her male colleagues divorce their first wives to marry younger models—and then there’s the abusive relationship she’s spent the better part of her early 30s healing from. Her passions are reserved for her best friend, her goddaughter, and her job.
Then she meets Julian. Brooding, beautiful and eleven years her junior. In short: A bad idea.
Julian pursues her in a way that sets off alarm bells in her mind, but she finds herself unable to resist their undeniable chemistry—even starts fantasizing about him in dreams that feel altogether too real. They also have a lot in common despite their age gap. So, to hell with it: If men can date younger, why can’t she? But the more Sean gets to know him, the more impossible Julian seems: He has a depth and sorrow to him that’s beyond his years, and sometimes there’s a look in his eyes that’s less than human, and leaves her feeling more like prey. Plus, Sean herself has been exhibiting odd symptoms—memory lapses, a lack of restraint that's unlike her, persistent exhaustion—that all trace back to Julian, making Sean feeling more than a little afraid. Who—or what—is she falling, irrevocably, in love with?
Extraordinarily transfixing, suspenseful, and addictive, Die for Me is nothing short of a seduction.
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 14, 2026
4830 people want to read
About the author
Shirlene Obuobi
5 books1,253 followersShirlene Obuobi is a Ghanaian-American physician, cartoonist, and author who grew up in Chicago, Illinois, Hot Springs, Arkansas and The Woodlands, Texas. When she’s not in the hospital (and let’s be honest, even when she’s in it), she can be found drawing comics, writing on her phone, and obsessing over her three cats. She currently lives in Chicago, where she is completing her cardiology fellowship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Die for Me is a wholly hypnotic read that enthralled me from the get-go. This is my first reading experience with a novel by Shirlene Obuobi, and it certainly will not be my last. The evocative writing seduced me alongside the FMC, Sean, while the eerie undertone that shrouded the allure had me questioning everyone and everything. I often felt as unsure and disoriented as Sean, which was thrilling. I don’t want to go into too much detail here because I think a reader would best enjoy this story by jumping in as blind as possible. Keeping that shroud firmly in place is key.
Things I Loved:
🚥 Julian - The captivating Jekyll/Hyde-esque MMC who initially had some glaring red flags, but this is fiction after all soooo hello there, sir.
🏥 Sean - The take-no-sh!t FMC who served some delightful clapbacks about double standards.
🌌 The Mystery/Suspense Element - Addictive to the “one more chapter turns into finishing the entire book” point. Suspicious illnesses, questionable dreams, what’s not to love?
🎹 The Tension - Taut-as-a-bowstring thanks to Sean and Julian’s inexplicable, yet undeniable, chemistry. I need to learn piano, stat.
👥 The Supporting Characters - Their behaviors sparked immense intrigue and made me feel constantly on edge.
💕 The Found Family - Complete with a true ride-or-die friendship that only heightened the stakes.
Things I Struggled With:
⚠️ Pieces of the Second Half - The story slightly lost me here with a few choices, hence the one-star reduction.
Despite the minor hiccups I experienced later in the story, Die for Me is truly a roller coaster ride I didn’t want to disembark from, especially after that epilogue. Can we also, please, give it up one time for that beautiful cover because wow?!
** Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this text in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
Things I Loved:
🚥 Julian - The captivating Jekyll/Hyde-esque MMC who initially had some glaring red flags, but this is fiction after all soooo hello there, sir.
🏥 Sean - The take-no-sh!t FMC who served some delightful clapbacks about double standards.
🌌 The Mystery/Suspense Element - Addictive to the “one more chapter turns into finishing the entire book” point. Suspicious illnesses, questionable dreams, what’s not to love?
🎹 The Tension - Taut-as-a-bowstring thanks to Sean and Julian’s inexplicable, yet undeniable, chemistry. I need to learn piano, stat.
👥 The Supporting Characters - Their behaviors sparked immense intrigue and made me feel constantly on edge.
💕 The Found Family - Complete with a true ride-or-die friendship that only heightened the stakes.
Things I Struggled With:
⚠️ Pieces of the Second Half - The story slightly lost me here with a few choices, hence the one-star reduction.
Despite the minor hiccups I experienced later in the story, Die for Me is truly a roller coaster ride I didn’t want to disembark from, especially after that epilogue. Can we also, please, give it up one time for that beautiful cover because wow?!
** Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this text in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
arc-tbr
February 28, 2026
March 7, 2026
Possibly THE most highly anticipated book that I've somehow managed to get my hands on. Review coming soon!
February 21, 2026
ARC review from NetGalley
I was super lucky to get an ARC for “Die for Me” when they became available on NetGalley. “Die for Me” is such an engaging and interesting read - you’re totally pulled along on Sean’s journey and I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I had to put the book down. I knew there was something supernatural going on but was just dying (see what I did there?) to see the how and why things were happening. Shirlene Obuobi does an incredible job weaving in the medicine side but not making it the central focus. She’s definitely become an auto-buy author for me and I can wait until my physical copy comes in the mail in July!
I was super lucky to get an ARC for “Die for Me” when they became available on NetGalley. “Die for Me” is such an engaging and interesting read - you’re totally pulled along on Sean’s journey and I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I had to put the book down. I knew there was something supernatural going on but was just dying (see what I did there?) to see the how and why things were happening. Shirlene Obuobi does an incredible job weaving in the medicine side but not making it the central focus. She’s definitely become an auto-buy author for me and I can wait until my physical copy comes in the mail in July!
2026
March 2, 2026Black History Month TBR
Halloween TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books
Halloween TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books
Want to read
March 4, 2026⁀➷𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
Thank you for the ARC, Penguin Books! I can't wait to start this!
Thank you for the ARC, Penguin Books! I can't wait to start this!
March 3, 2026
A BLACK paranormal romance! Sign me up! The characters were so flushed out and grow and change. The plot was super interesting if the paranormal aspect wasn’t apart of it, it would still stand well! Also I was KICKING MY FEET SO MUCH! The paranormal aspect in the beginning is sprinkled in and it’s not a huge in your face thing which I think is great! I feel like the book focused on establishing a relationship with the love interests you know and then had hints of “hmm that’s weird why did he do that???” The paranormal bits. All in all I really enjoyed it. It was a great ride that had me hooked with honestly a great mix of genres!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much for this ARC!
Shirlene is a new-to-me author, and, like Sean throughout the book, I fell into some sort of trance or alluring energy, because this book hooked me and I couldn't stop thinking about it when I paused my reading to do my tasks for the day. I don't blame her for letting herself fall into Julian's orbit because the way that this was written had me falling into his orbit too. It was beautiful and mesmerizing and I couldn't look away even if I had tried.
Shirlene is a new-to-me author, and, like Sean throughout the book, I fell into some sort of trance or alluring energy, because this book hooked me and I couldn't stop thinking about it when I paused my reading to do my tasks for the day. I don't blame her for letting herself fall into Julian's orbit because the way that this was written had me falling into his orbit too. It was beautiful and mesmerizing and I couldn't look away even if I had tried.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book so much. The best part were the characters. Sean was an amazing, intelligent, self assured MC. Sometimes in paranormal romances you are screaming at the characters for being so reckless but not in this book. I also loved the strong female friendship aspect.
Read
February 21, 2026RTC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you are like me and were absolutely feral for Twilight back in the day, then this book is about to feel like the sophisticated, grown up evolution of that obsession. This is what happens when you take that intoxicating paranormal longing, sharpen it with adult stakes, layer it with smart writing, and center it in a world that feels real, grounded, and deeply intentional.
This was my first book by this author, and I was genuinely blown away. Her prose is elegant without being overwrought, lyrical without losing momentum. The writing has this polished, almost cinematic quality; between every glance, every charged pause, every moment of doubt or desire feels purposeful. It’s romantic, yes, but it’s also smart and restrained in a way that makes the tension simmer instead of explode too quickly.
Sean is such a compelling FMC. A Black interventional cardiologist, which is already a powerhouse concept, who is fiercely competent, guarded, and deeply aware of the emotional scars she carries. I loved the irony woven through her storyline: this woman who treats failing hearts for a living slowly experiencing symptoms she refuses to believe could be happening to her. The medical representation felt authentic and thoughtful without ever bogging the story down. It added texture and credibility, and it made Sean feel fully realized. She’s brilliant, stubborn, vulnerable, and painfully human.
And then there’s Julian. Oh, Julian...
Julian is the brooding, magnetic, devastatingly confident man that I couldn’t look away from. He’s younger than Sean by eleven years which I LOVED. The age gap reversal was so satisfying. Watching Sean wrestle with that double standard (“If men can do it, why can’t I?”) felt both empowering and realistic. And knowing that Julian has, in truth, been around for far longer than he appears? That just adds another layer of delicious tension.
Their chemistry is unreal. Hot, passionate, deeply charged. The push and pull between them is electric. I will say that especially in the beginning, Julian’s persistence borders on too much, like sir, please breathe. There were moments where I wished he’d back off a fraction sooner. But I also understood that this relentless confidence is baked into who he is: a man who has lived for over a century, who knows exactly what he wants, and isn’t shy about pursuing it. It felt intentional rather than careless. And once Sean starts meeting him halfway? It got even better than I thought possible. They are perfectly matched in intensity.
What elevates this beyond a standard paranormal romance is the atmosphere. There’s an undercurrent of unease that never fully dissipates. Julian isn’t just mysterious, but he’s unsettling. There are moments when Sean feels less like a love interest and more like prey, and that tension hums beneath even their most intimate scenes. The suspense builds in a way that’s genuinely addictive. I was not just rooting for them but questioning everything alongside her.
I also adored the side characters, especially Winona. The friendship provided grounding contrast to the supernatural swirl consuming Sean’s life. The backstory of the book of attending the wedding and meeting Julian was perfect.
And I have to say how much I appreciated that this is a paranormal romance written by a POC author featuring POC characters, without that feeling like a marketing bullet point. It’s simply woven into the fabric of the story. Sean’s experience as the only Black female interventional cardiologist at her hospital informs her worldview in subtle, powerful ways. It adds depth without ever becoming heavy handed.
Ultimately, this book feels like an elegant seduction of Sean, of me as the reader, of anyone who ever loved a dark, immortal love story but now wants something more layered and grown. It’s romantic and sensual, suspenseful and sharp. It made me nostalgic for my teenage vampire era, but grateful I’m reading this version now.
Read if you want brooding immortality, reverse age gap tension, high stakes longing, and prose that feels elevated and addictive!
I loved this so much! I’m officially a Shirlene Obuobi fan.
Thank you to NetGalley, Shirlene Obuobi, and Penguin for the eARC of this book.
This was my first book by this author, and I was genuinely blown away. Her prose is elegant without being overwrought, lyrical without losing momentum. The writing has this polished, almost cinematic quality; between every glance, every charged pause, every moment of doubt or desire feels purposeful. It’s romantic, yes, but it’s also smart and restrained in a way that makes the tension simmer instead of explode too quickly.
Sean is such a compelling FMC. A Black interventional cardiologist, which is already a powerhouse concept, who is fiercely competent, guarded, and deeply aware of the emotional scars she carries. I loved the irony woven through her storyline: this woman who treats failing hearts for a living slowly experiencing symptoms she refuses to believe could be happening to her. The medical representation felt authentic and thoughtful without ever bogging the story down. It added texture and credibility, and it made Sean feel fully realized. She’s brilliant, stubborn, vulnerable, and painfully human.
And then there’s Julian. Oh, Julian...
Julian is the brooding, magnetic, devastatingly confident man that I couldn’t look away from. He’s younger than Sean by eleven years which I LOVED. The age gap reversal was so satisfying. Watching Sean wrestle with that double standard (“If men can do it, why can’t I?”) felt both empowering and realistic. And knowing that Julian has, in truth, been around for far longer than he appears? That just adds another layer of delicious tension.
Their chemistry is unreal. Hot, passionate, deeply charged. The push and pull between them is electric. I will say that especially in the beginning, Julian’s persistence borders on too much, like sir, please breathe. There were moments where I wished he’d back off a fraction sooner. But I also understood that this relentless confidence is baked into who he is: a man who has lived for over a century, who knows exactly what he wants, and isn’t shy about pursuing it. It felt intentional rather than careless. And once Sean starts meeting him halfway? It got even better than I thought possible. They are perfectly matched in intensity.
What elevates this beyond a standard paranormal romance is the atmosphere. There’s an undercurrent of unease that never fully dissipates. Julian isn’t just mysterious, but he’s unsettling. There are moments when Sean feels less like a love interest and more like prey, and that tension hums beneath even their most intimate scenes. The suspense builds in a way that’s genuinely addictive. I was not just rooting for them but questioning everything alongside her.
I also adored the side characters, especially Winona. The friendship provided grounding contrast to the supernatural swirl consuming Sean’s life. The backstory of the book of attending the wedding and meeting Julian was perfect.
And I have to say how much I appreciated that this is a paranormal romance written by a POC author featuring POC characters, without that feeling like a marketing bullet point. It’s simply woven into the fabric of the story. Sean’s experience as the only Black female interventional cardiologist at her hospital informs her worldview in subtle, powerful ways. It adds depth without ever becoming heavy handed.
Ultimately, this book feels like an elegant seduction of Sean, of me as the reader, of anyone who ever loved a dark, immortal love story but now wants something more layered and grown. It’s romantic and sensual, suspenseful and sharp. It made me nostalgic for my teenage vampire era, but grateful I’m reading this version now.
Read if you want brooding immortality, reverse age gap tension, high stakes longing, and prose that feels elevated and addictive!
I loved this so much! I’m officially a Shirlene Obuobi fan.
Thank you to NetGalley, Shirlene Obuobi, and Penguin for the eARC of this book.
March 1, 2026
This novel had me hooked from beginning to end. 10/10 — I would absolutely recommend it! I think it’s safe to say that this story of love and self-discovery completely possessed me. Throughout the eight days I spent reading this novel, I was constantly on edge with every chapter — not just wanting to know what would happen next, but questioning why the characters felt certain emotions and made certain choices in response to each other’s decisions.
Because Die for Me is told solely through Sean, the female main character’s, point of view, you’re left to wonder what Julian might be thinking and feeling — what thoughts provoke him to act the way he does. I think that’s part of the beauty of it. As readers, we’re free to interpret scenes involving him in different ways because we only know what he says and does. And in every case, his actions speak louder than words. The way he expresses himself to Sean is refreshing, especially considering that both characters come from very different backgrounds and carry their own baggage. I loved watching them navigate through tough waters and build a stronger bond despite unexpected external forces.
If you’re looking for chemistry and spice in this romance, you won’t be disappointed — trust me, you’re in for a ride. Many might assume their age gap would be an issue in this electrifying romance, but if anything, Julian’s wisdom and outlook on life are enough to make Sean reconsider whether she could date someone younger.
With all the curveballs thrown your way and the hilarious yet steamy banter between these two, you won’t want to put this story down. There were several times I reread scenes two or three times just to make sure I hadn’t missed anything — or that my eyes weren’t deceiving me. Julian is bold and knows exactly what he wants and that is Sean. The mouth on that man deserves its own case study. The way his words and comebacks roll off his tongue so effortlessly left me speechless — and I’m still trying to find the right words even as I write this. I wouldn’t have lasted as long as Sean did. Props to her, because I would have folded the minute they met. I just know he would be fine if he were a real person.
Sean is beautiful inside and out — smart, witty, intelligent beyond just book smarts, and confident in her worth. But when it comes to love, she’s still healing from the wreckage her ex left behind. Julian recognizes that and gives her the space to decide what she truly wants. What I loved most is that he never let her forget he would wait for her — that whenever she was ready, all she had to do was call. And he was more than happy to take her out on a date.
I was just as happy to stumble across this novel and get the chance to read it before publication. Thank you to NetGalley, Shirlene Obuobi, and her team for allowing me to dive into this thrilling paranormal world. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to see it adapted into a screenplay someday. Until then, I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author.
Because Die for Me is told solely through Sean, the female main character’s, point of view, you’re left to wonder what Julian might be thinking and feeling — what thoughts provoke him to act the way he does. I think that’s part of the beauty of it. As readers, we’re free to interpret scenes involving him in different ways because we only know what he says and does. And in every case, his actions speak louder than words. The way he expresses himself to Sean is refreshing, especially considering that both characters come from very different backgrounds and carry their own baggage. I loved watching them navigate through tough waters and build a stronger bond despite unexpected external forces.
If you’re looking for chemistry and spice in this romance, you won’t be disappointed — trust me, you’re in for a ride. Many might assume their age gap would be an issue in this electrifying romance, but if anything, Julian’s wisdom and outlook on life are enough to make Sean reconsider whether she could date someone younger.
With all the curveballs thrown your way and the hilarious yet steamy banter between these two, you won’t want to put this story down. There were several times I reread scenes two or three times just to make sure I hadn’t missed anything — or that my eyes weren’t deceiving me. Julian is bold and knows exactly what he wants and that is Sean. The mouth on that man deserves its own case study. The way his words and comebacks roll off his tongue so effortlessly left me speechless — and I’m still trying to find the right words even as I write this. I wouldn’t have lasted as long as Sean did. Props to her, because I would have folded the minute they met. I just know he would be fine if he were a real person.
Sean is beautiful inside and out — smart, witty, intelligent beyond just book smarts, and confident in her worth. But when it comes to love, she’s still healing from the wreckage her ex left behind. Julian recognizes that and gives her the space to decide what she truly wants. What I loved most is that he never let her forget he would wait for her — that whenever she was ready, all she had to do was call. And he was more than happy to take her out on a date.
I was just as happy to stumble across this novel and get the chance to read it before publication. Thank you to NetGalley, Shirlene Obuobi, and her team for allowing me to dive into this thrilling paranormal world. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to see it adapted into a screenplay someday. Until then, I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author.
February 24, 2026
Shirlene is already an auto-buy author for me! But when I saw she was releasing a paranormal romance... baby I rannnnn to NetGalley!!!
The dedication alone had me so excited to jump in: "And finally, for my Black girls who squinted at the pages of the paranormal romances of the early aughts, wishing to see themselves there. Die for Me is for everyone, but it’s especially for you."
Because yes, us black girls have been longing to see ourselves in the paranormal/fantasy/otherworldly spaces and I love that so many more authors are creating more of this for us to see ourselves in.
Let me start by saying Shilene's writing is always... idk how do you describe cinematic for books because that's what it is 😭 every scene is written out perfectly to the point the pictures were just flowing through my brain!! One thing I love about her writing is that I never have to second guess something, or stop to think "huh??" it just all flows amazingly!
But let's get into these characters...
Sean: This woman was nothing less of a powerhouse! A whole inspiration to black women, both young and old everywhere! She was so fierce, even while being emotionally guarded (although she was 100% aware of this and not ashamed to admit it!) but I loved that about her. She never gave hesitant about who she was, or what she wanted. She was a little older than Julian and that gave her the scares for a bit but she eventually got over it because if men can date younger women why can't we?? And that's absolute factsss! Women always get side eyed for dating down. But men can do it with no worries 🙄🙄🙄 not to mention the girl is smartttt she was like a whole lil nancy drew for a bit.. let me be the first to say I wouldn't have figured out not a damn thing 😂 would've been out there like Brandon not suspecting a single thing 😭😭
Next Juliannnnnn!! I've never read a more broody, sensual, confident (but not arrogant) character! I felt like Sean, in the sense that I couldn't pinpoint whether to be annoyed by his confidence or head over heels for it! While Sean was stressing over being (I think 10 years) older than him... Julian has been around for wayyy longer than he let off 😂 I don't even know what else to say for Julian. He was so caring, and everything he did at the end was just so.. wow.
Their chemistry was everything!! It was hot, it was passionate, it was all I could ask for and more. The constant push and pull between them kept me rooting for them and screaming for them to get their shit together. All the action, and mystery towards the end had me scrolling through pages like crazy 😂
The dedication alone had me so excited to jump in: "And finally, for my Black girls who squinted at the pages of the paranormal romances of the early aughts, wishing to see themselves there. Die for Me is for everyone, but it’s especially for you."
Because yes, us black girls have been longing to see ourselves in the paranormal/fantasy/otherworldly spaces and I love that so many more authors are creating more of this for us to see ourselves in.
Let me start by saying Shilene's writing is always... idk how do you describe cinematic for books because that's what it is 😭 every scene is written out perfectly to the point the pictures were just flowing through my brain!! One thing I love about her writing is that I never have to second guess something, or stop to think "huh??" it just all flows amazingly!
But let's get into these characters...
Sean: This woman was nothing less of a powerhouse! A whole inspiration to black women, both young and old everywhere! She was so fierce, even while being emotionally guarded (although she was 100% aware of this and not ashamed to admit it!) but I loved that about her. She never gave hesitant about who she was, or what she wanted. She was a little older than Julian and that gave her the scares for a bit but she eventually got over it because if men can date younger women why can't we?? And that's absolute factsss! Women always get side eyed for dating down. But men can do it with no worries 🙄🙄🙄 not to mention the girl is smartttt she was like a whole lil nancy drew for a bit.. let me be the first to say I wouldn't have figured out not a damn thing 😂 would've been out there like Brandon not suspecting a single thing 😭😭
Next Juliannnnnn!! I've never read a more broody, sensual, confident (but not arrogant) character! I felt like Sean, in the sense that I couldn't pinpoint whether to be annoyed by his confidence or head over heels for it! While Sean was stressing over being (I think 10 years) older than him... Julian has been around for wayyy longer than he let off 😂 I don't even know what else to say for Julian. He was so caring, and everything he did at the end was just so.. wow.
Their chemistry was everything!! It was hot, it was passionate, it was all I could ask for and more. The constant push and pull between them kept me rooting for them and screaming for them to get their shit together. All the action, and mystery towards the end had me scrolling through pages like crazy 😂
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This just might be Shirlene’s best book yet!!!
This book was absolutely amazing!!! It was magnetic, engrossing and intriguing to the point I couldn’t stop reading. The writing felt cinematic, poetic. There was this eerie haunting feeling to the writing that I absolutely loved. The way the paranormal aspect of the story slowly builds as the story continues was brilliant and very intentional. Sean was an amazing FMC, she was brilliant, fierce and self assured. I really enjoyed reading about a Black working in a male dominated workplace who isn’t afraid to put her male coworkers in their place. Her relationship with her best friend Winona and her goddaughter Sophia was a beautiful touch to the story. Julian, oh Julian I was utterly enamored with him. He was charming, alluring, brooding, but also had this darkness to him that makes you want to know more about him that makes him even more compelling
The romance between Sean and Julian was so intense and hot. Every moment between them was tension filled, it was almost as if Julian was a predator and Sean was his prey, but when you’ve lived as long as Julian you know what you want and you go after it. Shirlene did an incredible job at showcasing the double standards women face when dating a younger man. However, when Sean stopped caring about how the world would look at her and Julian and gave herself permission to be with Julian the romance was 10000x better. The romance became so emotionally charged and I couldn’t enough.
This a book everyone needs to read and I can’t wait for it to come out this July!! Thank you to the publishers for the chance to read this dynamic book
This book was absolutely amazing!!! It was magnetic, engrossing and intriguing to the point I couldn’t stop reading. The writing felt cinematic, poetic. There was this eerie haunting feeling to the writing that I absolutely loved. The way the paranormal aspect of the story slowly builds as the story continues was brilliant and very intentional. Sean was an amazing FMC, she was brilliant, fierce and self assured. I really enjoyed reading about a Black working in a male dominated workplace who isn’t afraid to put her male coworkers in their place. Her relationship with her best friend Winona and her goddaughter Sophia was a beautiful touch to the story. Julian, oh Julian I was utterly enamored with him. He was charming, alluring, brooding, but also had this darkness to him that makes you want to know more about him that makes him even more compelling
The romance between Sean and Julian was so intense and hot. Every moment between them was tension filled, it was almost as if Julian was a predator and Sean was his prey, but when you’ve lived as long as Julian you know what you want and you go after it. Shirlene did an incredible job at showcasing the double standards women face when dating a younger man. However, when Sean stopped caring about how the world would look at her and Julian and gave herself permission to be with Julian the romance was 10000x better. The romance became so emotionally charged and I couldn’t enough.
This a book everyone needs to read and I can’t wait for it to come out this July!! Thank you to the publishers for the chance to read this dynamic book
March 5, 2026
Lovers & Friends was a five-star read for me, so I was excited to see Shirlene Obuobi showcase even more of her creativity and range with this one and she demolished any expectations.
While often described as a paranormal romance, this story also weaves in strong mystery and suspense elements. It’s a combination I didn’t realize I needed, but it worked incredibly well.
Sean is a confident, self-assured FMC carrying the weight of past trauma, while Julian is the perfect counterpart; handsome, mysterious, and deeply intelligent. Their chemistry is undeniable from the very beginning, and the tension between them keeps the pages turning. The supporting characters were equally compelling and added great depth to the story. I also appreciated the way Obuobi thoughtfully explored double standards throughout.
My only critique is that, with Sean being a cardiologist, the story occasionally dives very deeply into medical terminology and details. While interesting, some of it felt a bit more extensive than the story required.
Overall, this is a refreshing, genre bending romance that stands out from the usual formula. With plenty of yearning, palpable tension, and some crazy wild dreams, it’s an unforgettable ride. And if the stunning cover hasn’t already convinced you definitely pick up the book!!!
While often described as a paranormal romance, this story also weaves in strong mystery and suspense elements. It’s a combination I didn’t realize I needed, but it worked incredibly well.
Sean is a confident, self-assured FMC carrying the weight of past trauma, while Julian is the perfect counterpart; handsome, mysterious, and deeply intelligent. Their chemistry is undeniable from the very beginning, and the tension between them keeps the pages turning. The supporting characters were equally compelling and added great depth to the story. I also appreciated the way Obuobi thoughtfully explored double standards throughout.
My only critique is that, with Sean being a cardiologist, the story occasionally dives very deeply into medical terminology and details. While interesting, some of it felt a bit more extensive than the story required.
Overall, this is a refreshing, genre bending romance that stands out from the usual formula. With plenty of yearning, palpable tension, and some crazy wild dreams, it’s an unforgettable ride. And if the stunning cover hasn’t already convinced you definitely pick up the book!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for this ARC. Immediately I saw the cover, I was sold! and I generally love paranormal fiction so I was very excited to get into this. I felt a wide range of emotions going through this because I went in fairly blind and honestly, I need to wipe my brain so I was experience this book again. I struggled to put my review in regular format so in order to avoid spoilers, I will approach sharing my thoughts via Q&A below.
1. Was I genuinely afraid and paranoid 🙆🏾♀️😰? Yes ✅
2. Did I laugh severally 😂? Yes ✅
3. Was I at the edge of my seat and screaming 😱? Yes ✅
4. Did this feel like a fever dream at times? Yes ✅
5. Did this make me question my own survival instincts? Yes ✅
6. Was it seductive? Yes ✅
7. Did this pull at the heartstrings at times? Yes ✅
8. Did it make me question my taste in books? Yes ✅
9. Did I lose sleep trying to finish this? Yes ✅
10. Do I agree with the blurb - ‘Extraordinary transfixing, suspenseful and addictive’? Yes ✅
I think its fair to say I LOVED this! I need this in physical copy once it comes out and I would highly recommend this to people who love genre bending books. This was a mixture of romance, thriller, fantasy and maybe a dash of horror? with an FMC who is smart, witty and well developed characters. I can't wait to see what next Shirlene Obuobi writes. I am obsessed.
1. Was I genuinely afraid and paranoid 🙆🏾♀️😰? Yes ✅
2. Did I laugh severally 😂? Yes ✅
3. Was I at the edge of my seat and screaming 😱? Yes ✅
4. Did this feel like a fever dream at times? Yes ✅
5. Did this make me question my own survival instincts? Yes ✅
6. Was it seductive? Yes ✅
7. Did this pull at the heartstrings at times? Yes ✅
8. Did it make me question my taste in books? Yes ✅
9. Did I lose sleep trying to finish this? Yes ✅
10. Do I agree with the blurb - ‘Extraordinary transfixing, suspenseful and addictive’? Yes ✅
I think its fair to say I LOVED this! I need this in physical copy once it comes out and I would highly recommend this to people who love genre bending books. This was a mixture of romance, thriller, fantasy and maybe a dash of horror? with an FMC who is smart, witty and well developed characters. I can't wait to see what next Shirlene Obuobi writes. I am obsessed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
I saw Ali Hazelwood recommend this book on her story so I immediately came here to see if it was available and lucky me, it was!! This story hooked me from the first chapter. Sean is such a badass FMC, a black woman thriving in her field of interventional cardiology and trying to break the constant stereotypes set for a woman like her- late 30s, successful, but SINGLE!! She is thriving but when she meets Julian, their connection is instant and electric and our story really begins.
These two had off the charts chemistry from the start. Sean is immediately intrigued but also confused by Julian, a wealthy man eleven years younger. But despite their age difference, these two cannot stay away from each other.
I found this book to be really hypnotic in the first half. The relationship between Sean and Julian was interesting and had some ups and downs. The part that really changed my mind was the paranormal aspect of this story- not relating to Julian but the events that occur within the last 15% of the book. These events seemed both out of place but also made total sense? It confused me but kept me hooked.
Overall, this was such a quick and interesting read. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
I saw Ali Hazelwood recommend this book on her story so I immediately came here to see if it was available and lucky me, it was!! This story hooked me from the first chapter. Sean is such a badass FMC, a black woman thriving in her field of interventional cardiology and trying to break the constant stereotypes set for a woman like her- late 30s, successful, but SINGLE!! She is thriving but when she meets Julian, their connection is instant and electric and our story really begins.
These two had off the charts chemistry from the start. Sean is immediately intrigued but also confused by Julian, a wealthy man eleven years younger. But despite their age difference, these two cannot stay away from each other.
I found this book to be really hypnotic in the first half. The relationship between Sean and Julian was interesting and had some ups and downs. The part that really changed my mind was the paranormal aspect of this story- not relating to Julian but the events that occur within the last 15% of the book. These events seemed both out of place but also made total sense? It confused me but kept me hooked.
Overall, this was such a quick and interesting read. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely DEVOURED this novel!
Die for Me is a hypnotic, seductive romance that sank its teeth into me and has left me dazed and grateful. Sean is a formidable character and narrator. She is intelligent, kind, fulfilled and sure of herself. Julian is charming, brooding, and impressive. Their connection is so intense, so passionate, it leapt off the page. Don't get me wrong: the romance in this novel is captivating, but so are the depictions of womanhood, of various kinds of love, and the exploration of romantic love being an addition to, not the centre of, a full life.
Shirlene Obuobi's prose is lyrical, enhancing and absolutely stellar. From its opening, I was captivated. Between the charged connection between Sean and Julian, the lavish settings, and the practically hallucinogenic narration, there are several reasons why it is impossible to put this novel down. And why would you deprive yourself? Pick up this book!
Let the gorgeous cover entrap you, and the seduction and longing convince you to stay. Die for Me will undoubtedly be one of my top reads this year! ♾️⭐️
Thank you to Shirlene Obuobi and Viking Penguin | Penguin Books for an advanced reading copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Die for Me is a hypnotic, seductive romance that sank its teeth into me and has left me dazed and grateful. Sean is a formidable character and narrator. She is intelligent, kind, fulfilled and sure of herself. Julian is charming, brooding, and impressive. Their connection is so intense, so passionate, it leapt off the page. Don't get me wrong: the romance in this novel is captivating, but so are the depictions of womanhood, of various kinds of love, and the exploration of romantic love being an addition to, not the centre of, a full life.
Shirlene Obuobi's prose is lyrical, enhancing and absolutely stellar. From its opening, I was captivated. Between the charged connection between Sean and Julian, the lavish settings, and the practically hallucinogenic narration, there are several reasons why it is impossible to put this novel down. And why would you deprive yourself? Pick up this book!
Let the gorgeous cover entrap you, and the seduction and longing convince you to stay. Die for Me will undoubtedly be one of my top reads this year! ♾️⭐️
Thank you to Shirlene Obuobi and Viking Penguin | Penguin Books for an advanced reading copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
February 25, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to an arc in exchange for my honest review!
after reading the first chapter i knew that this was going to be an AMAZING story. it’s extremely well written to the point where i was able to envision the paintings in my mind and that’s usually something i struggle with.
i love having a strong, older then early 20’s, fmc. sean knows her worth and knows what she wants in her life. and i love how so human she seems. she has her faults and her flaws and her own experiences that sort of cloud her judgement on julian when she first meets him.
and just like sean, i got swept up in julian too. a hot, well established, not to mention rich man, who is a little mysterious? sign me up. and although i went into this story with my own assumptions, i loved the way of how the author took something that has been in cultural stories throughout history and tweaked it in such a way that it was still original.
an extremely well written story that sucked me in almost right away. i literally finished it in 24 hours!
after reading the first chapter i knew that this was going to be an AMAZING story. it’s extremely well written to the point where i was able to envision the paintings in my mind and that’s usually something i struggle with.
i love having a strong, older then early 20’s, fmc. sean knows her worth and knows what she wants in her life. and i love how so human she seems. she has her faults and her flaws and her own experiences that sort of cloud her judgement on julian when she first meets him.
and just like sean, i got swept up in julian too. a hot, well established, not to mention rich man, who is a little mysterious? sign me up. and although i went into this story with my own assumptions, i loved the way of how the author took something that has been in cultural stories throughout history and tweaked it in such a way that it was still original.
an extremely well written story that sucked me in almost right away. i literally finished it in 24 hours!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25⭐️
I have enjoyed both of Shirlene Obuobi’s previous books, so when I saw Ali Hazelwood post about this one with the high praise of “I’m obsessed!” I went straight to NetGalley with the hopes of getting an approval.
Pros:
- The FMC is a badass interventional cardiologist. Smart, mature, independent. I love this in an FMC.
- “Twilight for adults”
- I love seeing authors that I enjoy branch out to try new genres!
Cons:
It took awhile to get to the paranormal romance. My friend DNF’ed 35% in with no sign of the paranormal elements. (I did tell her it happens RIGHT after that, but I totally get DNFing when you’ve got limited reading time!)
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t a love for me. I’ll still be excited to read more from Shirlene Obuobi whenever that time comes, because I know she isn’t done!
This one comes out on July 14!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
I have enjoyed both of Shirlene Obuobi’s previous books, so when I saw Ali Hazelwood post about this one with the high praise of “I’m obsessed!” I went straight to NetGalley with the hopes of getting an approval.
Pros:
- The FMC is a badass interventional cardiologist. Smart, mature, independent. I love this in an FMC.
- “Twilight for adults”
- I love seeing authors that I enjoy branch out to try new genres!
Cons:
It took awhile to get to the paranormal romance. My friend DNF’ed 35% in with no sign of the paranormal elements. (I did tell her it happens RIGHT after that, but I totally get DNFing when you’ve got limited reading time!)
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t a love for me. I’ll still be excited to read more from Shirlene Obuobi whenever that time comes, because I know she isn’t done!
This one comes out on July 14!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
4/5 refreshing stars.
I first encountered Shirlene Obuobi through On Rotation, so when I saw Die for Me, I was ready. Or… so I thought.
I wasn’t ready for an “older” (by romance standards) FMC who felt this fully realized. I wasn’t ready to keep my phone on standby to look up medical terminology and actually learn something. And I definitely wasn’t ready to watch such a unicorn of a woman be so undervalued by her colleagues and her ex.
I loved every page. It felt especially satisfying to see a BIPOC paranormal romance thriving in a space where that wasn’t exactly prominent in the late 2000s.
Now, for what didn’t quite land for me: Sean is 38, not 68. The repeated references to how gray she is and phrases like “gentleman caller” felt tonally off and aged her unnecessarily.
Overall, though? A fantastic read and absolutely worth your time. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
I first encountered Shirlene Obuobi through On Rotation, so when I saw Die for Me, I was ready. Or… so I thought.
I wasn’t ready for an “older” (by romance standards) FMC who felt this fully realized. I wasn’t ready to keep my phone on standby to look up medical terminology and actually learn something. And I definitely wasn’t ready to watch such a unicorn of a woman be so undervalued by her colleagues and her ex.
I loved every page. It felt especially satisfying to see a BIPOC paranormal romance thriving in a space where that wasn’t exactly prominent in the late 2000s.
Now, for what didn’t quite land for me: Sean is 38, not 68. The repeated references to how gray she is and phrases like “gentleman caller” felt tonally off and aged her unnecessarily.
Overall, though? A fantastic read and absolutely worth your time. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25/5 stars - Die for Me was a wonderfully weird book! Based on the cover and Twilight reference in the dedication, I assumed this was a vampire romance. This is a paranormal romance, but I was pleasantly surprised by the direction Shirlene Obuboi decided to take this book. The writing had somewhat of a suspenseful/eerie undertone, and was completely different than what I've read in most romance books lately. At times, the writing teetered on the horror genre, too. I can totally see this getting adapted for an A24 movie one day!
I think this book is best read without knowing too much about it beforehand. The only minor issue I had was that the plot became a bit confusing in the second half. But don't let this stop you from reading! This is for sure one of the most unique romances I have ever read. Huge thanks to Penguin Books for the e-ARC!
I think this book is best read without knowing too much about it beforehand. The only minor issue I had was that the plot became a bit confusing in the second half. But don't let this stop you from reading! This is for sure one of the most unique romances I have ever read. Huge thanks to Penguin Books for the e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Shirlene Obuobi stuns with the pure intimacy this release exhibits. We are thrust into a supernatural world so like our own but lush in its intricacies. Mortality and morality at war with one another, and what it means to be a monster. We witness monsters of different kinds and how they justify their existence to themselves (and others). Who deserves love and what that love should look like.
Sean is not unlike many black women I’ve come to know, she’s strong and self assured but beneath that she is still someone who craves and has depth. She wants more than she has taken and she gives all that she has. Her love knows no end and because of this she is picky with herself and this makes her such a shockingly perfect target for Julian. When your monster doesn’t appeal to someone the way it does others, you have to truly rely on your own merits.
Maybe love IS truly worth dying for
Sean is not unlike many black women I’ve come to know, she’s strong and self assured but beneath that she is still someone who craves and has depth. She wants more than she has taken and she gives all that she has. Her love knows no end and because of this she is picky with herself and this makes her such a shockingly perfect target for Julian. When your monster doesn’t appeal to someone the way it does others, you have to truly rely on your own merits.
Maybe love IS truly worth dying for
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars.
This book wasn’t what I expected but I still enjoyed!
The fmc, Sean, is a success interventional cardiologist and she meets the mmc, Julian, at a mutual’s wedding. Let me just say that I love an angsty piano scene! Julian is persistent about getting with Sean and their chemistry is electric. Julian is mysterious and I got this creeped out feeling while reading, because I was just thinking “what is he??” When symptoms start to appear and she sees him in her dreams I was thrown for a loop. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story like this, and it was intriguing for sure.
Also for some reason (maybe because of the gorgeous cover) I thought there would be vampires in this but there’s not.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
This book wasn’t what I expected but I still enjoyed!
The fmc, Sean, is a success interventional cardiologist and she meets the mmc, Julian, at a mutual’s wedding. Let me just say that I love an angsty piano scene! Julian is persistent about getting with Sean and their chemistry is electric. Julian is mysterious and I got this creeped out feeling while reading, because I was just thinking “what is he??” When symptoms start to appear and she sees him in her dreams I was thrown for a loop. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story like this, and it was intriguing for sure.
Also for some reason (maybe because of the gorgeous cover) I thought there would be vampires in this but there’s not.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this as an Arc on netgalley.
First of all Leila is a hoe.
That being said this story follows Sean who is an interventionist cardiologist and Julian who is a mysterious 27 year old she meets at her colleagues wedding. Her colleague who was previously married to her best friend but cheated on her and left her for Leila (the hoe).
Julian is a nasty man and is fine as sin.
But there is something off putting and underlying that raises Sean’s intuition to run.
This is a beautifully written book with underlying themes of how women are perceived vs their male counterparts, trauma, ptsd and how it stays with you years later. There is themes of aging (big theme).
There is a house hippo (onix)
Overall a great read and I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you so much for the arc!
GO PRE-ORDER ON BOOKSHOP.ORG
First of all Leila is a hoe.
That being said this story follows Sean who is an interventionist cardiologist and Julian who is a mysterious 27 year old she meets at her colleagues wedding. Her colleague who was previously married to her best friend but cheated on her and left her for Leila (the hoe).
Julian is a nasty man and is fine as sin.
But there is something off putting and underlying that raises Sean’s intuition to run.
This is a beautifully written book with underlying themes of how women are perceived vs their male counterparts, trauma, ptsd and how it stays with you years later. There is themes of aging (big theme).
There is a house hippo (onix)
Overall a great read and I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you so much for the arc!
GO PRE-ORDER ON BOOKSHOP.ORG
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love that the author tried something different outside of her normal element of writing. Sean was more than a complex character and I felt her career and relationships were written well. The romance with Julian had some push and pull but excelled at delivering an effective slow burn...a little too slow at times but I like that the paranormal elements were slowly trickled in. I couldn't really push myself to get invested into the ending- fantasy wise: so much was explained and crammed into a few chapters before we had the big showdown. Overall, I think this will probably be my favorite title from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How far would you go to live forever? And what’s worth dying for?
Die For Me poses both questions in this unique paranormal romance. It brought me back to that feeling of diving into and devouring my next new obsession as a teenager, but finding that nostalgic addiction in a new read as an adult is so fun! While this book is a sexy story of seduction and passion, it also grapples with immortality, aging, sexism, and societal expectations, particularly around dating as we get older. I loved that our FMC Sean is 38 with adult problems and the skills to solve ‘em.
Thank you to Netgalley and Viking Penguin for the eARC!
Die For Me poses both questions in this unique paranormal romance. It brought me back to that feeling of diving into and devouring my next new obsession as a teenager, but finding that nostalgic addiction in a new read as an adult is so fun! While this book is a sexy story of seduction and passion, it also grapples with immortality, aging, sexism, and societal expectations, particularly around dating as we get older. I loved that our FMC Sean is 38 with adult problems and the skills to solve ‘em.
Thank you to Netgalley and Viking Penguin for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A masterpiece! Die for Me was genuinely addictive and consuming! From the very beginning of the story I connected to Sean and Winona. I was invested in their stories and yelling at Sean when she wasn’t fully reading the room with Julian. The twist was not what I was expecting and I’m honestly so glad I went into this book blind because it really made for a very pleasurable experience. This is definitely going on my top books for 2026 and I highly recommend everyone picks it up in July at the release.
March 2, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Books for this ARC!
Shirlene Obuobi’s prose is always such a wonderful time to read!
I really enjoyed Sean as an FMC. She was fleshed out and entirely her own person outside of her relationship with our MMC, Julian.
Julian was an interesting character. Charming and seductive. But unfortunately I didn’t grow to care for him too much.
I think the pacing worked well up until about 45-50%. Around this point, I really wanted things to speed up and while I didn’t think the overall ending was bad, I definitely expected more.
Shirlene Obuobi’s prose is always such a wonderful time to read!
I really enjoyed Sean as an FMC. She was fleshed out and entirely her own person outside of her relationship with our MMC, Julian.
Julian was an interesting character. Charming and seductive. But unfortunately I didn’t grow to care for him too much.
I think the pacing worked well up until about 45-50%. Around this point, I really wanted things to speed up and while I didn’t think the overall ending was bad, I definitely expected more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted copy.
This book surprised me in the best way. It’s smart, emotionally layered, and blends romance with suspense beautifully. The characters feel real and flawed, and the chemistry is undeniable. I loved how the story balances vulnerability with mystery, keeping the emotional stakes high without losing momentum. Thought-provoking, engaging, and hard to put down.
This book surprised me in the best way. It’s smart, emotionally layered, and blends romance with suspense beautifully. The characters feel real and flawed, and the chemistry is undeniable. I loved how the story balances vulnerability with mystery, keeping the emotional stakes high without losing momentum. Thought-provoking, engaging, and hard to put down.
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