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Die For Me: A stay-up-all-night, spicy paranormal romance
"I'm obsessed. Die for Me is utterly unique and still at its core about the most universal of about a woman vanquishing fear through love." -Ali Hazelwood
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 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 If men can date younger, why can't she? But the more Sean gets to know him, the more impossible Julian 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.
"Smart, sexy and addictive-a paranormal romance that hits every single craving. I loved it." - Abby Jimenez
"Edgy, sensual, powerful, Die For Me proves Obuobi to be an up-and-coming powerhouse. With deft genre-bending, Obuobi gives the romance and paranormal readers what they're salivating for-and then some." -Christina Lauren
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 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 If men can date younger, why can't she? But the more Sean gets to know him, the more impossible Julian 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.
"Smart, sexy and addictive-a paranormal romance that hits every single craving. I loved it." - Abby Jimenez
"Edgy, sensual, powerful, Die For Me proves Obuobi to be an up-and-coming powerhouse. With deft genre-bending, Obuobi gives the romance and paranormal readers what they're salivating for-and then some." -Christina Lauren
Audible Audio
First published July 14, 2026
About the author
Shirlene Obuobi
5 books1,452 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 611 reviews
July 20, 2026
4.5/5
This is the perfect paranormal story for readers that don’t typically pick up this genre!!! As a romance girlie I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one but I absolutely loved it. So much yearning!! I’ve read every book this author has written and have loved them all!
This is the perfect paranormal story for readers that don’t typically pick up this genre!!! As a romance girlie I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one but I absolutely loved it. So much yearning!! I’ve read every book this author has written and have loved them all!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4! The paranormal romance I didn't know I needed! Seductive, addictive, transfixing.. I mean I was obsessed from the get-go.
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Viking Penguin and the author, Shirlene Obuobi for an early ARC!
Publication: July 14, 2026
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Viking Penguin and the author, Shirlene Obuobi for an early ARC!
Publication: July 14, 2026
July 25, 2026
ringing up the book gods as we speak to ask where it all went wrong…like why is this happening to me? what have i done? this is a generous 3 because the spirit of mother teresa seems to be coursing through my bloodstream this weekend, the way i’ve rated these last couple of reads…
it genuinely pains me that i ended up here because i was LOVING it in the first half. by 40/50%, i was so sure this would be 4+ stars. but then, the book started making the most unnecessary moves in the second half that left me with such a bad taste in my mouth in parts and bored to tears in others. my goodwill for the first half is legitimately carrying this rating on its back for no compensation because i COULD have gone 2.5 on this (rounded down to 2). compared to my last horny read though, that just would have been too insulting so i find myself here because of relativity 🤣.
before i proceed, i will say this: i really liked the writing, stylistically. this was solid and remained so throughout the book. i can tell that the author is a very intelligent woman in some of the ideas and nuggets she inserts into the prose. it was the story that went awry. however, this read was not lackluster due to lack of finesse in the style. this also bolsters my magnanimity in the rating.
the story follows sean (the fmc) and julian (the mmc). these two meet when sean (38) is forced to attend her best friend’s ex husband / baby daddy’s wedding to some new young thing (as a chaperone for her pre-teen goddaughter / the “baby” in question). she encounters an enigmatic, charming and seemingly well-accomplished younger man julian (27), who happens to be a good friend of the new bride and gives the man of honour speech. these two have chemistry right off the bat and the story unfolds from there.
i was eating up the first half so BAD!
it was kind of weird…but also kind of wonderful? it read like a grey’s anatomy-inspired contemporary romance with whispers of something otherworldly in the mix but nothing too overt. it also focused more on building up the dynamic and the characters, which i enjoyed.
i really liked sean. at first. she’s a bad ass cardiologist and her characterization made her come across as sharp, driven, interesting and mature (for the most part). i also like how confident and quick-witted she was, as well as wholly unapologetic about her lifestyle as a rich auntie™ with no ambitions to be married or have children. i mess with that. a lot.
i was FROTHING for julian. he too, was so confident and suave but not annoying (yet). and so damn sexy 😩. he had mad aura. rich 😛. attentive ✔️. could go toe-to-toe with an older woman 💯. and he knew how to throw down. what more could i have wanted?
the first half felt like a heady fever dream and i loved that! the dynamic between sean and julian was so sensual, charged and intoxicating, and the writing was sumptuous. the dialogue and banter was organic, witty, just the right amount of flirty and it was all really doing it for me. the vibes were immaculate.
i loved the themes the story was exploring here too, particularly around relationships, societal double standards on hetero age gap pairings depending on whether it’s the man or the woman who’s older, the medicine (for sean’s work) and various others topics woven in.
WE WERE DOING SO WELL.
then the second half happened.🧍🏾♀️
the romance and the mcs started deteriorating for me.
first off…julian. dpmo 😩. this man was cycling between becoming a bit creepy (he was throwing some concerning vibes in the first half here and there but i was closing my eyes because of everything else he was bringing 🫣) and then becoming so wishy-washy that it gave me the biggest ick. watching a man become evasive and constantly pushing his fmc away in a contemporary(ish) romance is not my portion in life. if we don’t have committed and devotional men in books, is the sky even blue anymore? he became a prototype for the streets 🥲. he also started coming across a bit callous, which i didn’t find all that attractive either. second, sean started frustrating me a bit as well (to a lesser degree though). watching her lose her sense over him and chase this man was starting to give me secondhand embarrassment. her maturity levels came down some. because of a finance bro. i wanted to reach into the book and tell my good sis to let that all go. but alas…
the romance lost steam for me because the communication became horrendous. i need not elaborate. it tried to plug in again in the last stretches, but i couldn’t find it in me to care anymore.
the paranormal aspect of the story starts ramping up in the second half, but it felt somewhat misplaced (even going in knowing the book was marketed as a paranormal romance). the issue here is that things should have been introduced sooner, more than just whispers. the sudden injection of it all and its notable absence in the first 50% made the two halves of the book feel too distinct from one another, almost like i was reading two different things. the book felt incohesive. the pacing became very sluggish in this half as well. it could been tighter, and because we were dawdling, i was being taken out at times and found myself getting distracted.
also, who lied to me and told me this was a vampire romance?! 🤨 (it could very well be my own subconscious that fabricated this tall tale, in which case my ire is directed towards my own mind lmao). but i was so sure that that was what was going to be on the plate? and it wasn’t. it was something else and i don’t think i really locked in on this path we meandered down. wasn’t really my cuppa.
the last act and ending was underwhelming. i’m still left with some lingering questions and i found the deep love connection when all was said and done rather unconvincing, because of the baffling romantic development on the back end of the book.
look, this did give a bit of nostalgia for 2000s/2010s paranormal romances (the age-old plot of a human fmc not realizing she’s getting caught up with an mmc who’s well…not quite…and she starts digging for answers). there were some funny moments too, and i liked some of the prominent side characters (particularly winnie and her daughter sophie). however, all of the good things weren’t enough to elevate the book above all its other flaws. this had so much potential that never quite realized. i need the whole second half to go back into production!!!
it genuinely pains me that i ended up here because i was LOVING it in the first half. by 40/50%, i was so sure this would be 4+ stars. but then, the book started making the most unnecessary moves in the second half that left me with such a bad taste in my mouth in parts and bored to tears in others. my goodwill for the first half is legitimately carrying this rating on its back for no compensation because i COULD have gone 2.5 on this (rounded down to 2). compared to my last horny read though, that just would have been too insulting so i find myself here because of relativity 🤣.
before i proceed, i will say this: i really liked the writing, stylistically. this was solid and remained so throughout the book. i can tell that the author is a very intelligent woman in some of the ideas and nuggets she inserts into the prose. it was the story that went awry. however, this read was not lackluster due to lack of finesse in the style. this also bolsters my magnanimity in the rating.
the story follows sean (the fmc) and julian (the mmc). these two meet when sean (38) is forced to attend her best friend’s ex husband / baby daddy’s wedding to some new young thing (as a chaperone for her pre-teen goddaughter / the “baby” in question). she encounters an enigmatic, charming and seemingly well-accomplished younger man julian (27), who happens to be a good friend of the new bride and gives the man of honour speech. these two have chemistry right off the bat and the story unfolds from there.
i was eating up the first half so BAD!
it was kind of weird…but also kind of wonderful? it read like a grey’s anatomy-inspired contemporary romance with whispers of something otherworldly in the mix but nothing too overt. it also focused more on building up the dynamic and the characters, which i enjoyed.
i really liked sean. at first. she’s a bad ass cardiologist and her characterization made her come across as sharp, driven, interesting and mature (for the most part). i also like how confident and quick-witted she was, as well as wholly unapologetic about her lifestyle as a rich auntie™ with no ambitions to be married or have children. i mess with that. a lot.
i was FROTHING for julian. he too, was so confident and suave but not annoying (yet). and so damn sexy 😩. he had mad aura. rich 😛. attentive ✔️. could go toe-to-toe with an older woman 💯. and he knew how to throw down. what more could i have wanted?
the first half felt like a heady fever dream and i loved that! the dynamic between sean and julian was so sensual, charged and intoxicating, and the writing was sumptuous. the dialogue and banter was organic, witty, just the right amount of flirty and it was all really doing it for me. the vibes were immaculate.
i loved the themes the story was exploring here too, particularly around relationships, societal double standards on hetero age gap pairings depending on whether it’s the man or the woman who’s older, the medicine (for sean’s work) and various others topics woven in.
WE WERE DOING SO WELL.
then the second half happened.🧍🏾♀️
the romance and the mcs started deteriorating for me.
first off…julian. dpmo 😩. this man was cycling between becoming a bit creepy (he was throwing some concerning vibes in the first half here and there but i was closing my eyes because of everything else he was bringing 🫣) and then becoming so wishy-washy that it gave me the biggest ick. watching a man become evasive and constantly pushing his fmc away in a contemporary(ish) romance is not my portion in life. if we don’t have committed and devotional men in books, is the sky even blue anymore? he became a prototype for the streets 🥲. he also started coming across a bit callous, which i didn’t find all that attractive either. second, sean started frustrating me a bit as well (to a lesser degree though). watching her lose her sense over him and chase this man was starting to give me secondhand embarrassment. her maturity levels came down some. because of a finance bro. i wanted to reach into the book and tell my good sis to let that all go. but alas…
the romance lost steam for me because the communication became horrendous. i need not elaborate. it tried to plug in again in the last stretches, but i couldn’t find it in me to care anymore.
the paranormal aspect of the story starts ramping up in the second half, but it felt somewhat misplaced (even going in knowing the book was marketed as a paranormal romance). the issue here is that things should have been introduced sooner, more than just whispers. the sudden injection of it all and its notable absence in the first 50% made the two halves of the book feel too distinct from one another, almost like i was reading two different things. the book felt incohesive. the pacing became very sluggish in this half as well. it could been tighter, and because we were dawdling, i was being taken out at times and found myself getting distracted.
also, who lied to me and told me this was a vampire romance?! 🤨 (it could very well be my own subconscious that fabricated this tall tale, in which case my ire is directed towards my own mind lmao). but i was so sure that that was what was going to be on the plate? and it wasn’t. it was something else and i don’t think i really locked in on this path we meandered down. wasn’t really my cuppa.
the last act and ending was underwhelming. i’m still left with some lingering questions and i found the deep love connection when all was said and done rather unconvincing, because of the baffling romantic development on the back end of the book.
look, this did give a bit of nostalgia for 2000s/2010s paranormal romances (the age-old plot of a human fmc not realizing she’s getting caught up with an mmc who’s well…not quite…and she starts digging for answers). there were some funny moments too, and i liked some of the prominent side characters (particularly winnie and her daughter sophie). however, all of the good things weren’t enough to elevate the book above all its other flaws. this had so much potential that never quite realized. i need the whole second half to go back into production!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think DIE FOR ME is going to end up being one of my top romances of 2026. Shirlene Obuobi won me over with her sparkling debut, ON ROTATION, and when I found out her most recent project was a dark paranormal romance, I immediately set out begging for an ARC. Color me surprised and grateful that I actually managed to finagle a copy!
This book... it felt like it was made for me. Sean Sullivan is a cardiologist, which I am not, but everything else about her was so relatable. Her need to be competent to feel valued, her difficulty trusting people, the way she puts up shields and comes across as cold to keep from getting hurt, her emotional trauma... I cried several times while reading this book because I felt so seen. Sean is such a flawed and realistic character, with so many layers and nuance, and I loved her so much. She was so strong and so damaged and so real.
And Julian! I loved the way this book navigated the reverse age-gap trope. I also thought he walked a fantastic line between charming and dangerous. There was something so old skool about him that made him feel like a throwback to one of those old Harlequin heroes who might sweep you off your feet, but made you wonder when you'd feel the drop. While reading this, I kept thinking about all those paranormal romances I devoured as a young woman, like L.J. Smith and Twilight, and how this feels like a sexier, grown-up version of those books, but with a heroine who makes smarter, more informed decisions.
I want to say so much more but I don't want to spoil it for anyone else before the book comes out. I will say, I thought this would be a dark romcom but it actually feels like a retro paranormal romance or a Harlequin, and it's surprisingly poignant and heart-wrenching and full of difficult choices. There's also a cancer subplot at one point in the book (not for one of the main characters btw), and it was the same cancer my father died of, so that was a little hard to read, but it was handled so well here that I ended up feeling more validated than triggered. Ultimately, this book is a precious reminder that life is short and ought to be filled with as much love and joy as possible while there's still life to live.
Thanks to the author/publisher for sending me a copy!
5 stars
This book... it felt like it was made for me. Sean Sullivan is a cardiologist, which I am not, but everything else about her was so relatable. Her need to be competent to feel valued, her difficulty trusting people, the way she puts up shields and comes across as cold to keep from getting hurt, her emotional trauma... I cried several times while reading this book because I felt so seen. Sean is such a flawed and realistic character, with so many layers and nuance, and I loved her so much. She was so strong and so damaged and so real.
And Julian! I loved the way this book navigated the reverse age-gap trope. I also thought he walked a fantastic line between charming and dangerous. There was something so old skool about him that made him feel like a throwback to one of those old Harlequin heroes who might sweep you off your feet, but made you wonder when you'd feel the drop. While reading this, I kept thinking about all those paranormal romances I devoured as a young woman, like L.J. Smith and Twilight, and how this feels like a sexier, grown-up version of those books, but with a heroine who makes smarter, more informed decisions.
I want to say so much more but I don't want to spoil it for anyone else before the book comes out. I will say, I thought this would be a dark romcom but it actually feels like a retro paranormal romance or a Harlequin, and it's surprisingly poignant and heart-wrenching and full of difficult choices. There's also a cancer subplot at one point in the book (not for one of the main characters btw), and it was the same cancer my father died of, so that was a little hard to read, but it was handled so well here that I ended up feeling more validated than triggered. Ultimately, this book is a precious reminder that life is short and ought to be filled with as much love and joy as possible while there's still life to live.
Thanks to the author/publisher for sending me a copy!
5 stars
August 2, 2026
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!
4.5 stars — wheeww this was not the paranormal age gap i was expecting, and it was a whirlwind of a read in the best way! super sexy but also loveeee when paranormal books have consequences!
4.5 stars — wheeww this was not the paranormal age gap i was expecting, and it was a whirlwind of a read in the best way! super sexy but also loveeee when paranormal books have consequences!
August 3, 2026
I don’t know how to review this without spoilers so here is a series of emojis:
👩🏾⚕️👰🏼🙄🕺🏽🥵🫦🧛❓ (there is no emoji for getting your back cracked by a younger man on the reg but if there was I would put it here).
Is it romance? Horror? Speculative fiction? Thriller? Is it a combo of genres blended together and poured out into a horny mold that I read in two days because I genuinely had no idea wtf was going on and had to find out? Yes.
👩🏾⚕️👰🏼🙄🕺🏽🥵🫦🧛❓ (there is no emoji for getting your back cracked by a younger man on the reg but if there was I would put it here).
Is it romance? Horror? Speculative fiction? Thriller? Is it a combo of genres blended together and poured out into a horny mold that I read in two days because I genuinely had no idea wtf was going on and had to find out? Yes.
August 1, 2026
I’ve read this book twice and now it’s part of my DNA. I love this book so much I recommended it to President Obama (he needs a romance on his summer reading list, you know it, I know it, we all know it). Dr. Shirlene Obuobi’s brain is a beautiful, brilliant thing.
July 23, 2026
The writing was great, and the story itself was interesting. However, I felt it lacked meaningful character development and enough background information to really connect with the characters.
I was also expecting a much darker, gothic atmosphere, but the book leaned more toward contemporary romance with paranormal elements. There were several scenes of Sean at work at the Hosptial that felt unnecessarily long and didn’t seem to move the plot forward.
I had also expected Julian to be much darker and moodier. Instead, he gave off more of a golden retriever vibe, which made him less appealing. I wanted obsessed, touch her and die, jealous, stalker tendencies, but he felt more like a creeper!! But I went in blind thinking this would be darker. My fault!! It’s still a great story!!
That said, I absolutely loved the dance scene at the club, I also enjoyed the text messages that were exchanged.
I was also expecting a much darker, gothic atmosphere, but the book leaned more toward contemporary romance with paranormal elements. There were several scenes of Sean at work at the Hosptial that felt unnecessarily long and didn’t seem to move the plot forward.
I had also expected Julian to be much darker and moodier. Instead, he gave off more of a golden retriever vibe, which made him less appealing. I wanted obsessed, touch her and die, jealous, stalker tendencies, but he felt more like a creeper!! But I went in blind thinking this would be darker. My fault!! It’s still a great story!!
That said, I absolutely loved the dance scene at the club, I also enjoyed the text messages that were exchanged.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you netgalley & viking penguin for the eARC—all thoughts are my own!
✦ publication date: july 14, 2026
i started this book with a lot of excitement. i love paranormal romance, and i was very much drawn to the reverse‑age gap (fmc is 11 years older hehehe), the strong, independent and interventional cardiologist. all of those things sounded perfect for my taste.
the story follows shane, a successful interventional cardiologist who, after an abusive relationship, swears never to marry or have children. while attending a wedding with her goddaughter, she meets julian, the man‑of‑honor for her best friend’s ex‑husband’s new wife. julian is eleven years younger than shane, handsome and charming. he is everything shane says she wants to avoid, yet she can’t keep him out of her thoughts. their chemistry is HELLA HOT, and the tension between them feels like a spark that could light a fire.
the first half of the book delivered exactly what i was hoping for: steamy scenes, banter, and a strong fmc who knows what she wants. the romance felt so intense, and the age gap dynamic was handled in a way that kept me wanting for more.
around the midpoint, the paranormal elements appear. this is where the story loses some of its momentum for me. the supernatural side felt rushed and a bit bland, and it never quite matched the strong emotional pull of the romance. as the plot moves forward, i felt that shane was losing her touch, and the secrets and betrayals start to feel more confusing.
the ending was the biggest let down. important plot points are left unexplained, and the resolution feels hurried. i wanted a clearer wrap up for both the romance and the paranormal part.
⤿ paranormal romance
⤿ reverse age gap
⤿ found family
⤿ mystery/suspense
⤿ spicy
⤿ lots of tension
౨ৎ ⋮ more by shirlene obuobi
— between friends and lovers
✦ publication date: july 14, 2026
i started this book with a lot of excitement. i love paranormal romance, and i was very much drawn to the reverse‑age gap (fmc is 11 years older hehehe), the strong, independent and interventional cardiologist. all of those things sounded perfect for my taste.
the story follows shane, a successful interventional cardiologist who, after an abusive relationship, swears never to marry or have children. while attending a wedding with her goddaughter, she meets julian, the man‑of‑honor for her best friend’s ex‑husband’s new wife. julian is eleven years younger than shane, handsome and charming. he is everything shane says she wants to avoid, yet she can’t keep him out of her thoughts. their chemistry is HELLA HOT, and the tension between them feels like a spark that could light a fire.
the first half of the book delivered exactly what i was hoping for: steamy scenes, banter, and a strong fmc who knows what she wants. the romance felt so intense, and the age gap dynamic was handled in a way that kept me wanting for more.
around the midpoint, the paranormal elements appear. this is where the story loses some of its momentum for me. the supernatural side felt rushed and a bit bland, and it never quite matched the strong emotional pull of the romance. as the plot moves forward, i felt that shane was losing her touch, and the secrets and betrayals start to feel more confusing.
the ending was the biggest let down. important plot points are left unexplained, and the resolution feels hurried. i wanted a clearer wrap up for both the romance and the paranormal part.
⤿ paranormal romance
⤿ reverse age gap
⤿ found family
⤿ mystery/suspense
⤿ spicy
⤿ lots of tension
౨ৎ ⋮ more by shirlene obuobi
— between friends and lovers
March 7, 2026
Get ready to sink your teeth into this book.
Finding an early copy of Die For Me was a fluke for me and I’m still in shock that it happened.
I first discovered this book because Shirlene shared the cover art on social media. It stopped me instantly. I didn’t read the synopsis, I didn’t check the publisher’s page I just knew I wanted to read it. It’s rare for me to not do research about a book, and after finishing it ahead of it's release, I’m incredibly glad I trusted my instincts.
From the very first chapter, Die For Me pulls you in and refuses to let go.
Julian is magnetic, think of a combination of Lestat and Louis (from the tv adaptation of Interview with the Vampire), but also has the live-wire energy of Smoke and Stack (from the beloved Sinners). It’s an intoxicating narrative that makes every scene feel dangerous and seductive but rooted in duality. His voice is such a key part of the narrative and it doesn’t take long as a reader to be locked in on his scenes. Meanwhile, Sean offers the perfect balance, she’s grounded, fiercely dedicated to her career, and deeply committed to the life and to the one’s she loves.
What was an absolute surprise for me was the novel’s commentary on aging and time. In a culture obsessed with youth, Die For Me explores the beauty and inevitability of growing older with remarkable nuance (seriously romance authors deliver such great ideation in over-arching concepts). There’s this desire to cling to youth, that has been romanticized in the romance genre but Julian and Sean makes it more complex and unsettling here. There’s tension and contemplation (that I very much appreciate!)
Shirlene articulates a truth that I quietly contemplate: every wrinkle, ache, and lesson earned with time is part of living.
Yes, the supportive blurb from Ali Hazelwood will undoubtedly bring many readers to this book (if that’s the case for you, hello!). But I hope readers stay for what truly sets Die For Me apart: the sultry, almost dreamlike prose and bold originality. Shirlene has written something strikingly unique. Weaving together themes of womanhood, desire, and carnal mythology with impressive confidence. I simply NEED MORE.
The result is a story that feels both seductive and deeply thoughtful. I’m thrilled to see that Die For Me is gaining visibility. Trust me, you simply need to get a copy.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the early copy!
Finding an early copy of Die For Me was a fluke for me and I’m still in shock that it happened.
I first discovered this book because Shirlene shared the cover art on social media. It stopped me instantly. I didn’t read the synopsis, I didn’t check the publisher’s page I just knew I wanted to read it. It’s rare for me to not do research about a book, and after finishing it ahead of it's release, I’m incredibly glad I trusted my instincts.
From the very first chapter, Die For Me pulls you in and refuses to let go.
Julian is magnetic, think of a combination of Lestat and Louis (from the tv adaptation of Interview with the Vampire), but also has the live-wire energy of Smoke and Stack (from the beloved Sinners). It’s an intoxicating narrative that makes every scene feel dangerous and seductive but rooted in duality. His voice is such a key part of the narrative and it doesn’t take long as a reader to be locked in on his scenes. Meanwhile, Sean offers the perfect balance, she’s grounded, fiercely dedicated to her career, and deeply committed to the life and to the one’s she loves.
What was an absolute surprise for me was the novel’s commentary on aging and time. In a culture obsessed with youth, Die For Me explores the beauty and inevitability of growing older with remarkable nuance (seriously romance authors deliver such great ideation in over-arching concepts). There’s this desire to cling to youth, that has been romanticized in the romance genre but Julian and Sean makes it more complex and unsettling here. There’s tension and contemplation (that I very much appreciate!)
Shirlene articulates a truth that I quietly contemplate: every wrinkle, ache, and lesson earned with time is part of living.
Yes, the supportive blurb from Ali Hazelwood will undoubtedly bring many readers to this book (if that’s the case for you, hello!). But I hope readers stay for what truly sets Die For Me apart: the sultry, almost dreamlike prose and bold originality. Shirlene has written something strikingly unique. Weaving together themes of womanhood, desire, and carnal mythology with impressive confidence. I simply NEED MORE.
The result is a story that feels both seductive and deeply thoughtful. I’m thrilled to see that Die For Me is gaining visibility. Trust me, you simply need to get a copy.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the early copy!
July 18, 2026
I am over the moon right now! This was so good and just what I needed. A paranormal fantasy romance thriller, who knew??? Bravo 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 for the top notch storytelling that had me hooked and tripping all over myself! At first I was like what in the Twilight is this? Then I realized this is no Twilight, this is something all together different and I loved it!!! Shirlene Obuobi has created a lovable monster, and I can’t wait to check out more of her work.
Are you in a little bit of a reading stoop and need something thrilling with the right amount of spicy 🌶️ and on the not so human side of things?? Then put your car in park and stop right here! This was the best ride I have been on in a while and so desperately needed. I truly lost myself in this story and forgot about all my troubles and for that I say…..So Well Done and Thank You Very Much!
Are you in a little bit of a reading stoop and need something thrilling with the right amount of spicy 🌶️ and on the not so human side of things?? Then put your car in park and stop right here! This was the best ride I have been on in a while and so desperately needed. I truly lost myself in this story and forgot about all my troubles and for that I say…..So Well Done and Thank You Very Much!
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645808644i/7494844._UX200_CR0,6,200,200_.jpg)
July 21, 2026
INCOHERENT SCREAMING
IT'S SO GOOD!!
The chemistry! The slow creeping horror! Sean! The obsession! AHHHHHHHHHH!
Anywho. This book.
There's so much amazingness. The way Obuobi wrote the physical attraction between Sean and Julian was just so fucking hot. I cannot get over it. The relationships between Sean and her chosen family, and how she moved through space as one of the very few Black women in interventional cardiology. How Sean approached problems and new relationships, particularly with the much-younger-looking Julian, and how she solved those problems (even when the solution seemed ridiculous).
I also loved the Ghoshals, and I want more of them. I want an entire book just of them.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
IT'S SO GOOD!!
The chemistry! The slow creeping horror! Sean! The obsession! AHHHHHHHHHH!
Anywho. This book.
There's so much amazingness. The way Obuobi wrote the physical attraction between Sean and Julian was just so fucking hot. I cannot get over it. The relationships between Sean and her chosen family, and how she moved through space as one of the very few Black women in interventional cardiology. How Sean approached problems and new relationships, particularly with the much-younger-looking Julian, and how she solved those problems (even when the solution seemed ridiculous).
I also loved the Ghoshals, and I want more of them. I want an entire book just of them.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
Read
July 15, 2026unfortunately i think im reading this at the wrong time 😭 it started off so strong but im 56% in and have hit a wall. going to revisit
July 8, 2026
Thank you to Penguin for sending me an ARC to review!
This book was absolutely AMAZING. And I'm not surprised at all—everything Shirelene Obuobi has ever written is the perfect blend of smart, sensual, and deeply sincere. Her stories tend to focus around Black women working in the medical field, and this one was no different, following a Black female interventional cardiologist in an overwhelming white, male-dominated field. Sean (the FMC) is self-assured, knows what she wants, and is happily single and living her best life at 38. Enter Julian: 27ish-looking, handsome as hell, charming and intelligent. He's everything Sean knows she should stay away from, but everything she can't help but feel drawn for.
What follows is the classic paranormal romance—with a twist. He's alluring, she can't help but fall into his orbit. He's hiding secrets, and she becomes suspicious. It's a slow, suspenseful unraveling that's just so delicious that I couldn't put it down! The story tackles sensitive themes: aging and the fear of death, divorce, former abuse by a romantic partner, and even cancer (not involving a main character). Everything was crafted so beautifully, but like I said: I'm not surprised. All I can say is that I can't wait for whatever Obuobi puts out next ❤️
This book was absolutely AMAZING. And I'm not surprised at all—everything Shirelene Obuobi has ever written is the perfect blend of smart, sensual, and deeply sincere. Her stories tend to focus around Black women working in the medical field, and this one was no different, following a Black female interventional cardiologist in an overwhelming white, male-dominated field. Sean (the FMC) is self-assured, knows what she wants, and is happily single and living her best life at 38. Enter Julian: 27ish-looking, handsome as hell, charming and intelligent. He's everything Sean knows she should stay away from, but everything she can't help but feel drawn for.
What follows is the classic paranormal romance—with a twist. He's alluring, she can't help but fall into his orbit. He's hiding secrets, and she becomes suspicious. It's a slow, suspenseful unraveling that's just so delicious that I couldn't put it down! The story tackles sensitive themes: aging and the fear of death, divorce, former abuse by a romantic partner, and even cancer (not involving a main character). Everything was crafted so beautifully, but like I said: I'm not surprised. All I can say is that I can't wait for whatever Obuobi puts out next ❤️
July 14, 2026
OMG!! This was an excellent paranormal romance! The yearning and pining had me absolutely obsessed. 😩😍
The author struck the perfect balance between romance, paranormal elements, and character development. The pacing was spot on, the characters and their motivations felt fully fleshed out. I hated putting this down and found myself so eager to return to the world.
This was my second book by Shirlene Obuobi, but it’s safe to say I’ll be picking up anything she writes from now on!
So glad this was an Aardvark July pick! 👏🏾👏🏾
The author struck the perfect balance between romance, paranormal elements, and character development. The pacing was spot on, the characters and their motivations felt fully fleshed out. I hated putting this down and found myself so eager to return to the world.
This was my second book by Shirlene Obuobi, but it’s safe to say I’ll be picking up anything she writes from now on!
So glad this was an Aardvark July pick! 👏🏾👏🏾
March 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
(Rounded up to a 4 for Goodreads)
A compulsively readable, mesmerizing paranormal story that doesn’t fit inside of any typical box.
This story following main character Sean and the people she holds close feels like a strong women’s fiction read but then comes Julian and we’re thrown into an eerie, tense, sensual and toxic romance where something is right but also not quite right.
I loved the concept of this book. The characters in their late 30’s, the hospital setting, the focus on life choices, the sexy and tense romance, the spice, the undertones of the supernatural that built in a crescendo, the uniqueness of the paranormal elements.
For me personally, the pacing was a bit all over the place and too many times it felt a few steps beyond purposefully slow. There were times it would build only for it to be followed with more monotony. I wish we got more paranormal elements or tense moments instead of shifts at the hospital and day to day life. This was also very wordy in terms of inner dialogue. I did love being in Sean’s mind and traveling through her choices, but it did start to drag.
Overall, if you’re a fan of both women’s fiction and paranormal romance, this maybe for you because it’s a great blend of both! Unique enough to be memorable and with enough depth to feel worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
(Rounded up to a 4 for Goodreads)
A compulsively readable, mesmerizing paranormal story that doesn’t fit inside of any typical box.
This story following main character Sean and the people she holds close feels like a strong women’s fiction read but then comes Julian and we’re thrown into an eerie, tense, sensual and toxic romance where something is right but also not quite right.
I loved the concept of this book. The characters in their late 30’s, the hospital setting, the focus on life choices, the sexy and tense romance, the spice, the undertones of the supernatural that built in a crescendo, the uniqueness of the paranormal elements.
For me personally, the pacing was a bit all over the place and too many times it felt a few steps beyond purposefully slow. There were times it would build only for it to be followed with more monotony. I wish we got more paranormal elements or tense moments instead of shifts at the hospital and day to day life. This was also very wordy in terms of inner dialogue. I did love being in Sean’s mind and traveling through her choices, but it did start to drag.
Overall, if you’re a fan of both women’s fiction and paranormal romance, this maybe for you because it’s a great blend of both! Unique enough to be memorable and with enough depth to feel worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2026
My rating 3.5
What starts out as a standard dating/sexual awakening story about a women of a certain age taking a younger partner, turns into a strange dream like decent into the paranormal with a life sucking incubus, death threats and maybe even life changing love.
Sean is a great character! a strong black doctor, she's smart and savvy yet leads a life of order and always does the "right thing" When she meets the intriguing Julian, initially she is stand offish but he begins to infiltrate her cocoon of protection and eventually she lets him in.
That's when the book goes a bit off the rails for me. Not that I didn't enjoy the writing and the chemistry between our main characters but some of the paranormal stuff just fell flat for me. I would have been very happy just having a book about these two falling in love and navigating the age gap and life experience differences.
That's not what we get but it's still a good story.
What starts out as a standard dating/sexual awakening story about a women of a certain age taking a younger partner, turns into a strange dream like decent into the paranormal with a life sucking incubus, death threats and maybe even life changing love.
Sean is a great character! a strong black doctor, she's smart and savvy yet leads a life of order and always does the "right thing" When she meets the intriguing Julian, initially she is stand offish but he begins to infiltrate her cocoon of protection and eventually she lets him in.
That's when the book goes a bit off the rails for me. Not that I didn't enjoy the writing and the chemistry between our main characters but some of the paranormal stuff just fell flat for me. I would have been very happy just having a book about these two falling in love and navigating the age gap and life experience differences.
That's not what we get but it's still a good story.
Did Not Finish
July 26, 2026loved the writing style and the fmc, but julian was kinda creepy
-
dnf'd at 12%
-
dnf'd at 12%
July 27, 2026
Mysterious, dark, sensual, tense. A throwback to paranormal romance of the early 2010s. I absolutely loved this.
July 18, 2026
Format: 📱
Spice: 🌶️
Series: Standalone
I was sitting in the introduction panel for The City Fling a few weeks ago and Ali Hazelwood (I mf stan her) recommended Die For Me as her last 5⭐️ read, so naturally I wrote that down and added it to my TBR. What a coincidence I happened upon it on one of my frequent unhinged NetGalley request-a-thons 😌
Shirlene Obuobi is a new-to-me author, and when I picked up this book I had no idea what a badass she was and how strong and powerful her FMCs are! Reading about Sean, Die For Me’s 38 year old Cardiologist FMC, a black woman excelling in a male dominated STEM field, was a true pleasure and fantastic representation of black excellence.
I went into this book thinking it was a vampire paranormal romance, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it was an INCUBUS one instead! Shirlene has a really crisp and clean writing style and it sucked me in from chapter 1 (which is so nice because a lot of my more recent reads take me a bit to get 🪝)
I’ll definitely be checking out her two other books and add her to my “Authors to Watch” for future releases! I even grabbed Die For Me for my Aardvark Book Club pick this month to celebrate!
Notable tropes & themes —
🩺 BIPOC in STEM rep
🎹 FMC in her late 30s
🩺 MMC is obsessed
🎹 Black Cardiologist x Rich Younger Man with secrets
🩺 Past relationship trauma
🎹 Musical seduction first meeting
🩺 Child-free Auntie who loves her goddaughter
🎹 Dark Paranormal Romance
🩺 Age Gap
🎹 Author is a Cardiologist IRL 😍
I received this eARC from Viking Penguin | Penguin Books as an opportunity to read and give my honest review.
Spice: 🌶️
Series: Standalone
I was sitting in the introduction panel for The City Fling a few weeks ago and Ali Hazelwood (I mf stan her) recommended Die For Me as her last 5⭐️ read, so naturally I wrote that down and added it to my TBR. What a coincidence I happened upon it on one of my frequent unhinged NetGalley request-a-thons 😌
Shirlene Obuobi is a new-to-me author, and when I picked up this book I had no idea what a badass she was and how strong and powerful her FMCs are! Reading about Sean, Die For Me’s 38 year old Cardiologist FMC, a black woman excelling in a male dominated STEM field, was a true pleasure and fantastic representation of black excellence.
I went into this book thinking it was a vampire paranormal romance, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it was an INCUBUS one instead! Shirlene has a really crisp and clean writing style and it sucked me in from chapter 1 (which is so nice because a lot of my more recent reads take me a bit to get 🪝)
I’ll definitely be checking out her two other books and add her to my “Authors to Watch” for future releases! I even grabbed Die For Me for my Aardvark Book Club pick this month to celebrate!
Notable tropes & themes —
🩺 BIPOC in STEM rep
🎹 FMC in her late 30s
🩺 MMC is obsessed
🎹 Black Cardiologist x Rich Younger Man with secrets
🩺 Past relationship trauma
🎹 Musical seduction first meeting
🩺 Child-free Auntie who loves her goddaughter
🎹 Dark Paranormal Romance
🩺 Age Gap
🎹 Author is a Cardiologist IRL 😍
I received this eARC from Viking Penguin | Penguin Books as an opportunity to read and give my honest review.
July 31, 2026
for an obstensibly contemporary romance setting, obuobi capture an excellent tinge of gothic horror as she built up the reveal to whomst Sean was so utterly captivated by. I had ~assumptions~ about what I thought would be the case and was both right and oh so wrong which i adore.
while slow-burn in the PNR build-up, the heat and spice were absolutely delicious right from the start.
If you enjoyed the structure // angst of Robinne Lee's The Idea of You I think you'll also very much enjoy this too.
while slow-burn in the PNR build-up, the heat and spice were absolutely delicious right from the start.
If you enjoyed the structure // angst of Robinne Lee's The Idea of You I think you'll also very much enjoy this too.
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. **
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I went into this book fully convinced I was about to read a vampire romance.
Let's just say... I was wrong. :D:D
The story starts as a contemporary romance with a really intriguing setup. Sean, a successful cardiologist, attends the wedding of her best friend's ex-husband, the very same man who left his wife and daughter to marry a younger colleague. Understandably, Sean has very mixed feelings about the whole situation.
That's where she meets Julian.
Despite their awkward introduction and Sean's loyalty to her best friend, the chemistry between them is undeniable. I absolutely loved watching their relationship develop. The reverse age gap was refreshing and I appreciated seeing an older heroine with a younger hero for a change. Their conversations felt natural, the attraction was believable and I thought the romantic tension was one of the strongest parts of the book.
As the story progresses, however, Sean begins noticing that something about Julian isn't quite... human. Strange health issues, unsettling coincidences, and increasingly bizarre events slowly push the story into paranormal territory.
I won't spoil exactly what Julian is, but let's just say my vampire theories didn't survive very long.
The first half completely hooked me. I loved the mystery surrounding Julian, and I found myself eager to uncover what was really going on.
Unfortunately, once the big reveal happened, the story started to lose me a little. I felt like the paranormal angle and later plot developments became a bit rushed and chaotic. While I understood where the story was going emotionally, I wished some aspects of the supernatural world had been explored in more depth, as I occasionally found myself feeling a little lost.
That said, I still enjoyed Sean and Julian together. Their relationship remained the heart of the story, and I genuinely rooted for them until the end.
Overall, this was an enjoyable paranormal romance with a unique take on immortal beings, an engaging romance, and a refreshing reverse age gap. While the second half didn't work quite as well for me as the first, I still had a good time reading it.
⭐️ 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin & Edelweiss+ for the opportunity to read and review this book.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
Let's just say... I was wrong. :D:D
The story starts as a contemporary romance with a really intriguing setup. Sean, a successful cardiologist, attends the wedding of her best friend's ex-husband, the very same man who left his wife and daughter to marry a younger colleague. Understandably, Sean has very mixed feelings about the whole situation.
That's where she meets Julian.
Despite their awkward introduction and Sean's loyalty to her best friend, the chemistry between them is undeniable. I absolutely loved watching their relationship develop. The reverse age gap was refreshing and I appreciated seeing an older heroine with a younger hero for a change. Their conversations felt natural, the attraction was believable and I thought the romantic tension was one of the strongest parts of the book.
As the story progresses, however, Sean begins noticing that something about Julian isn't quite... human. Strange health issues, unsettling coincidences, and increasingly bizarre events slowly push the story into paranormal territory.
I won't spoil exactly what Julian is, but let's just say my vampire theories didn't survive very long.
The first half completely hooked me. I loved the mystery surrounding Julian, and I found myself eager to uncover what was really going on.
Unfortunately, once the big reveal happened, the story started to lose me a little. I felt like the paranormal angle and later plot developments became a bit rushed and chaotic. While I understood where the story was going emotionally, I wished some aspects of the supernatural world had been explored in more depth, as I occasionally found myself feeling a little lost.
That said, I still enjoyed Sean and Julian together. Their relationship remained the heart of the story, and I genuinely rooted for them until the end.
Overall, this was an enjoyable paranormal romance with a unique take on immortal beings, an engaging romance, and a refreshing reverse age gap. While the second half didn't work quite as well for me as the first, I still had a good time reading it.
⭐️ 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin & Edelweiss+ for the opportunity to read and review this book.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
June 11, 2026
Have you ever wanted to go back to the 2010s when every paranormal romance had an immortal-type male love interest who gaslit the female main character into thinking his odd behavior wasn't sociopathic? No? Well me neither but that's what I got in Die for Me.
I truly truly TRULY think this book is being mis-marketed. The author may have *wanted* to write a paranormal romance, but that isn't what this is. I spent the first half of this book in TERROR for the FMC's safety. She was having nightmares, getting sick, blacking out, etc. all because of the MMC. She doesn't make the connection for a while, but the reader definitely does, so I was terrified for her! The "romance" wasn't enough for me to believe she wasn't being targeted for nefarious purposes. Die for Me was a paranormal thriller to me. I did not believe the romance for one single second because I was reading in FEAR that the FMC would be MURDERED. Romance where?!!? A hot immortal does not a romance book make.
The pacing was slow and boring, the "twists" were easy to guess, and the MMC is actually a terrible person. There were good ideas here, but the tone in the book was wildly off for it to be a romance to me.
Thank you to the publisher for access to an e-arc for review.
I truly truly TRULY think this book is being mis-marketed. The author may have *wanted* to write a paranormal romance, but that isn't what this is. I spent the first half of this book in TERROR for the FMC's safety. She was having nightmares, getting sick, blacking out, etc. all because of the MMC. She doesn't make the connection for a while, but the reader definitely does, so I was terrified for her! The "romance" wasn't enough for me to believe she wasn't being targeted for nefarious purposes. Die for Me was a paranormal thriller to me. I did not believe the romance for one single second because I was reading in FEAR that the FMC would be MURDERED. Romance where?!!? A hot immortal does not a romance book make.
The pacing was slow and boring, the "twists" were easy to guess, and the MMC is actually a terrible person. There were good ideas here, but the tone in the book was wildly off for it to be a romance to me.
Thank you to the publisher for access to an e-arc for review.
March 19, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.
“But I’ve seen enough people die young to know the truth. That even with all its inconveniences, growing old is a blessing.”
what intrigued me about this book was the cover (stunning), and the contents absolutely exceeded my expectations.
reading this felt like entering a dreamscape, but it was also reminiscent of early 2000s classic paranormal/supernatural romance media (in the best way possible). the writing, storyline, and characters were all incredibly hypnotic and enthralling. it was eerie and confusing and swept me in right alongside the main character. the author did an excellent job at evoking a sense of dread mingled with (or, honestly, hanging over) the seduction. even though i had a good idea of what to expect, my heart was practically pounding out of my chest each time something slightly off happened and the main character grew suspicious.
sean is easily one of my new favorite main characters. she’s immensely strong and secure in herself (and her mortality) and doesn’t allow anyone to walk all over her. the way she handled the situation she found herself in was so admirable and i’d like to think that if i were ever in her shoes, i’d react similarly. i adored her love for herself, her dog, and her chosen family - it was so palpable and real.
i also truly loved the commentary on aging, especially as a woman, in today’s society. very very well written and it had me, once again, grateful for every moment i get to experience in this lifetime.
this author’s writing style was truly fantastic and it was so easy to get lost in the pages as i read. I will absolutely be reading her other works, hopefully as soon as possible.
“But I’ve seen enough people die young to know the truth. That even with all its inconveniences, growing old is a blessing.”
what intrigued me about this book was the cover (stunning), and the contents absolutely exceeded my expectations.
reading this felt like entering a dreamscape, but it was also reminiscent of early 2000s classic paranormal/supernatural romance media (in the best way possible). the writing, storyline, and characters were all incredibly hypnotic and enthralling. it was eerie and confusing and swept me in right alongside the main character. the author did an excellent job at evoking a sense of dread mingled with (or, honestly, hanging over) the seduction. even though i had a good idea of what to expect, my heart was practically pounding out of my chest each time something slightly off happened and the main character grew suspicious.
sean is easily one of my new favorite main characters. she’s immensely strong and secure in herself (and her mortality) and doesn’t allow anyone to walk all over her. the way she handled the situation she found herself in was so admirable and i’d like to think that if i were ever in her shoes, i’d react similarly. i adored her love for herself, her dog, and her chosen family - it was so palpable and real.
i also truly loved the commentary on aging, especially as a woman, in today’s society. very very well written and it had me, once again, grateful for every moment i get to experience in this lifetime.
this author’s writing style was truly fantastic and it was so easy to get lost in the pages as i read. I will absolutely be reading her other works, hopefully as soon as possible.
July 14, 2026
Die for Me is a sexy, steamy novel with a deeply unsettling feeling sticking beneath your skin. It stays with you on this whirlwind romance, not fully realizing why it’s truly there until it hits you full force. A story worth staying up all night for!
Shirlene’s writing is just brilliant. I loved every choice she made with the FMC, Sean. I loved how fresh this story felt. That she didn’t give us a textbook HEA. We had to fight to get there and I love and respect even more that the author didn’t let Sean abandon her morals for no man. She stayed true to herself and those around her and it made the story feel that much more authentic in what it was trying to say. The writing felt poetic and lyrical throughout and it was such a treat to read!
The characters themselves are phenomenal. We have a whip-smart cast. Starting with the FMC, Sean, who is the only Black female interventional cardiologist at her hospital and the MMC, Julien, an illustrious philanthropist who’s enraptured with Sean from the moment he sees her across a room. It’s best to know little else going in. Trust that it will lead you to a bewitching, heartfelt (if not a little bloody…) story about what it means to live and love and that life as we age can be remarkable just by experiencing it alongside your people.
~Thank you to Viking Penguin for the gifted eARC, all thoughts within this review are my own.~
Shirlene’s writing is just brilliant. I loved every choice she made with the FMC, Sean. I loved how fresh this story felt. That she didn’t give us a textbook HEA. We had to fight to get there and I love and respect even more that the author didn’t let Sean abandon her morals for no man. She stayed true to herself and those around her and it made the story feel that much more authentic in what it was trying to say. The writing felt poetic and lyrical throughout and it was such a treat to read!
The characters themselves are phenomenal. We have a whip-smart cast. Starting with the FMC, Sean, who is the only Black female interventional cardiologist at her hospital and the MMC, Julien, an illustrious philanthropist who’s enraptured with Sean from the moment he sees her across a room. It’s best to know little else going in. Trust that it will lead you to a bewitching, heartfelt (if not a little bloody…) story about what it means to live and love and that life as we age can be remarkable just by experiencing it alongside your people.
~Thank you to Viking Penguin for the gifted eARC, all thoughts within this review are my own.~
July 26, 2026
4.5⭐️ Wow was this a fantastic read! I was immediately sucked into the chemistry between Sean and Julian, and the unsettling moments that almost felt like horror vibes made me flip the pages even faster. I’ll admit that I thought Julian was going to be something specific and ended up being totally wrong, but that made the reveals even better! I’ve seen some ppl spoil what he is or isn’t, and I wish they wouldn’t because it’s more fun if readers have no idea and can form their own theories.
I also looooved that we get a heroine who is 38 years old, knows her worth, doesn’t want children, and is a badass in her career field. Even better, those were things that drew Julian to her. Can we get more heroines like Sean please and thank you!
I do wish we had gotten just a bit more at the end, as well as knowing more about where certain side characters were, but the ending we did get left me with a wistful smile on my face. Highly recommend giving this one a try!!
I also looooved that we get a heroine who is 38 years old, knows her worth, doesn’t want children, and is a badass in her career field. Even better, those were things that drew Julian to her. Can we get more heroines like Sean please and thank you!
I do wish we had gotten just a bit more at the end, as well as knowing more about where certain side characters were, but the ending we did get left me with a wistful smile on my face. Highly recommend giving this one a try!!
July 9, 2026
***ARC Review***
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to receive this book as an ARC read so thank you to NetGalley, Viking Penguin and Shirlene Obuobi.
This is for all of the girlies who love paranormal romances. I went into this story thinking it was one thing and it was something completely different. Very unexpected in a great way. Not predictable at all! I really hope this story is picked up by a film company or a streaming platform because this needs to be made into a series ASAP! It’s that good! I could not put it down! Run 🏃🏽♀️ and grab a copy of this book!
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to receive this book as an ARC read so thank you to NetGalley, Viking Penguin and Shirlene Obuobi.
This is for all of the girlies who love paranormal romances. I went into this story thinking it was one thing and it was something completely different. Very unexpected in a great way. Not predictable at all! I really hope this story is picked up by a film company or a streaming platform because this needs to be made into a series ASAP! It’s that good! I could not put it down! Run 🏃🏽♀️ and grab a copy of this book!
arc-tbr
February 28, 2026
March 29, 2026
somewhere around 4.25/4.5 stars // i saw someone say in their review that this was hypnotic and i have to completely agree. i read this in two sittings in a complete haze, reading as fast as i possibly could to figure out what was going on, why this was simultaneously so sensual and so sinister. i had no idea what i was getting into and made assumptions based on the cover and boy, was i completely off the mark. i recommend going in blind so i wont talk about the story at all but this was excellently written. i really was admiring the prose the entire time i was reading, and i think the story achieves the exact goal Shirlene likely set out to do. definitely one of the most unique stories ive read this year!
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