What do you think?
Rate this book
Til Death
- GenresAfrican American Romance
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Tay Mo'Nae
99 books1,060 followersTay Mo'Nae is a 27-year-old Urban Romance author who pens about Black Love. She create stories to help her readers escape reality and create a movie in their head. She loves writing about characters that at least one reader can relate too.
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 22, 2026
This was really good
I want to start by saying I believe this is a dark romance, and a trigger warning should be read before starting this book. Tay really developed the characters here because that prologue and time jump had me overly concerned! Xylina and Yosiah were a bit doomed to start with their arranged marriages. Xylina was a spoiled brat who always got her way until Yosiah came along. She kept making bad decisions one after the other, and my girl couldn't catch a break until mid-book. Yosiah lets his guard down and tries with Xylina, and it feels like smooth sailing, but then we hit a dark patch at the tail end of his birthday to about 80% in, and whew, I was nervous and forgot there are dark elements here. I will say, as entertained as I was, there are some filler scenes that I wish could've been used to explore more with Yosiah and Xylina and the current issues at hand. Overall, the story flowed and kept me constantly turning the pages, so I didn't want to put the book down! The ending was just what this couple needed amid the chaos. Also, Xylina was not an easy character to read at the beginning, and that slowly changed as you moved through the story. I will add that I read this in one day and have no regrets! The age gap was a bit concerning for me, but again, the dark elements in the book and the time jump helped. Good read and looking forward to what Tay releases next!
I want to start by saying I believe this is a dark romance, and a trigger warning should be read before starting this book. Tay really developed the characters here because that prologue and time jump had me overly concerned! Xylina and Yosiah were a bit doomed to start with their arranged marriages. Xylina was a spoiled brat who always got her way until Yosiah came along. She kept making bad decisions one after the other, and my girl couldn't catch a break until mid-book. Yosiah lets his guard down and tries with Xylina, and it feels like smooth sailing, but then we hit a dark patch at the tail end of his birthday to about 80% in, and whew, I was nervous and forgot there are dark elements here. I will say, as entertained as I was, there are some filler scenes that I wish could've been used to explore more with Yosiah and Xylina and the current issues at hand. Overall, the story flowed and kept me constantly turning the pages, so I didn't want to put the book down! The ending was just what this couple needed amid the chaos. Also, Xylina was not an easy character to read at the beginning, and that slowly changed as you moved through the story. I will add that I read this in one day and have no regrets! The age gap was a bit concerning for me, but again, the dark elements in the book and the time jump helped. Good read and looking forward to what Tay releases next!
June 20, 2026
You all
This story was maddening. I wanted to strangle both of them. Dodging the craziness would have been a relief for Xylina with her unhinged parents and trying to make a man love her. If only that had been an option. And Yosiah wasn't my favorite either. The ending was better than I expected. Hang in there.
This story was maddening. I wanted to strangle both of them. Dodging the craziness would have been a relief for Xylina with her unhinged parents and trying to make a man love her. If only that had been an option. And Yosiah wasn't my favorite either. The ending was better than I expected. Hang in there.
June 22, 2026
"Til Death" feels like "Blackbird" by Nina Simone meets "Love Me Like You Do" by Elle Goulding. The Hopelessness of feeling discarded and empty bridged with the anticipation of a love deep enough to salve the widest wounds.
This book is not for everyone. In order to enjoy it, you require empathy, patience, and understanding. Xylina is young, impulsive, and entitled. She is the type of young woman society judges harshly and offers no chance of redemption. Her impulsive entitlement leads to a 5 year contractual marriage with Yosiah. Yosiah is very stern, stoic, and career driven. Neither character is convetionally likeable initially. However, as their story unravels, I found myself swooning.
Tay Monae took her time with creating each of these characters, while simultaneously preparing us to meet the final Barker sister. She cleverly created multi layered characters who lack effective communication skills and vulnerability. I think the start of this story is very different than what I am accustomed to from Tay, and it is not a bad thing. I was intrigued and it kept me focused. The signature Tay Monae 5hings are still in the book; questionable contraceptive use, flawed characters, and a tight knit familial bond. This book may be one of my favorite books of this year. These characters are deeply embedded in my heart.
This book is not for everyone. In order to enjoy it, you require empathy, patience, and understanding. Xylina is young, impulsive, and entitled. She is the type of young woman society judges harshly and offers no chance of redemption. Her impulsive entitlement leads to a 5 year contractual marriage with Yosiah. Yosiah is very stern, stoic, and career driven. Neither character is convetionally likeable initially. However, as their story unravels, I found myself swooning.
Tay Monae took her time with creating each of these characters, while simultaneously preparing us to meet the final Barker sister. She cleverly created multi layered characters who lack effective communication skills and vulnerability. I think the start of this story is very different than what I am accustomed to from Tay, and it is not a bad thing. I was intrigued and it kept me focused. The signature Tay Monae 5hings are still in the book; questionable contraceptive use, flawed characters, and a tight knit familial bond. This book may be one of my favorite books of this year. These characters are deeply embedded in my heart.
June 18, 2026
🥹🥹my girl is back!
Whew, I was real concerned about these two because of the prologue. A few times throughout the story I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But in true Tay Monae fashion, she brought things together in the end! I kind of predicted the plot twist but the way it happened was superb!! Also, I wanted an epilogue or another chapter or two because I truly enjoyed this one! I love an arranged marriage and a grumpy + sunshine storyline! If Xylina didn’t do one thing, she kept Yosiah on his toes! It was clear early on that Xy liked Yosiah more. But due to her upbringing she didn’t go about things the right way. I’m glad both characters acknowledged their shortcomings and were willing to do the work for their marriage. Even when Yosiah finally stood up to his mama, that was another example of being “all in”. I may have teared up a little at the end. 🥰💍
Ps. Aaliyah deserved worse than what she got! 🤬🥴
Whew, I was real concerned about these two because of the prologue. A few times throughout the story I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But in true Tay Monae fashion, she brought things together in the end! I kind of predicted the plot twist but the way it happened was superb!! Also, I wanted an epilogue or another chapter or two because I truly enjoyed this one! I love an arranged marriage and a grumpy + sunshine storyline! If Xylina didn’t do one thing, she kept Yosiah on his toes! It was clear early on that Xy liked Yosiah more. But due to her upbringing she didn’t go about things the right way. I’m glad both characters acknowledged their shortcomings and were willing to do the work for their marriage. Even when Yosiah finally stood up to his mama, that was another example of being “all in”. I may have teared up a little at the end. 🥰💍
Ps. Aaliyah deserved worse than what she got! 🤬🥴
June 21, 2026
It wasn’t what I expected but this book was definitely worth the wait and I loved character growth
June 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Review
This book was such an emotional and entertaining arranged marriage romance! The age-gap dynamic and forced proximity trope created so much tension, especially watching two people who couldn’t be more different slowly learn how to understand and love each other.
The FMC starts off as a spoiled, bratty princess who has always gotten what she wanted, but underneath the attitude was a woman who was deeply hurt and neglected. Watching her grow, mature, and find her own strength throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. Her parents’ habit of throwing money at problems instead of giving her the love and attention she needed added so much depth to her character.
The MMC was far from perfect, and I appreciated that. He had his own flaws, walls, and struggles that he needed to confront. His journey of learning to communicate, compromise, and become a better partner made his character development just as rewarding as the FMC’s.
Their relationship wasn’t an instant fix it was messy, complicated, and filled with moments where they both had to face their own issues. The forced proximity gave them the chance to see beyond first impressions and build something real.
The MMC’s mother added another layer of conflict with her intense attachment and difficulty accepting her son’s independence. The family dynamics brought plenty of drama and tested the couple in ways that made their growth even more satisfying.
A beautiful story about healing, growth, breaking unhealthy patterns, and finding love when you least expect it. If you enjoy arranged marriages, age gaps, grumpy/sunshine energy, and characters who actually evolve, this one is definitely worth the read! 💕
This book was such an emotional and entertaining arranged marriage romance! The age-gap dynamic and forced proximity trope created so much tension, especially watching two people who couldn’t be more different slowly learn how to understand and love each other.
The FMC starts off as a spoiled, bratty princess who has always gotten what she wanted, but underneath the attitude was a woman who was deeply hurt and neglected. Watching her grow, mature, and find her own strength throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. Her parents’ habit of throwing money at problems instead of giving her the love and attention she needed added so much depth to her character.
The MMC was far from perfect, and I appreciated that. He had his own flaws, walls, and struggles that he needed to confront. His journey of learning to communicate, compromise, and become a better partner made his character development just as rewarding as the FMC’s.
Their relationship wasn’t an instant fix it was messy, complicated, and filled with moments where they both had to face their own issues. The forced proximity gave them the chance to see beyond first impressions and build something real.
The MMC’s mother added another layer of conflict with her intense attachment and difficulty accepting her son’s independence. The family dynamics brought plenty of drama and tested the couple in ways that made their growth even more satisfying.
A beautiful story about healing, growth, breaking unhealthy patterns, and finding love when you least expect it. If you enjoy arranged marriages, age gaps, grumpy/sunshine energy, and characters who actually evolve, this one is definitely worth the read! 💕
June 21, 2026
Xylina, Xylina, Xylina, you got on my last nerve, but your growth over the course of the book earned yourself a fan.
The basic premise of this book is that our 29yo MMC Yosiah is forced to marry 19yo bratty FMC Xylina. The story then fast forwards five years and that’s where the story picks up. Despite ultimately liking the book, I didn’t like the decision to start the story after a five year time jump. Nothing of narrative importance happens during that time, so why not just start the story with everyone already five years older? Start it when they’re 24 and 34 versus making that man marry a teenager who can’t even legally drink.
That’s really my only main critique of the book. Xylina was so vapid and empty headed in the beginning I thought there was no way she and Yosiah, a man of substance, would ever work out. But Xylina just needed someone in her life to show interest in who she really was, so she could begin her journey of self discovery and growth.
By the end Xylina had me laughing and cackling at her antics. She was the perfect combination of who she used to be and who she grew to be.
The basic premise of this book is that our 29yo MMC Yosiah is forced to marry 19yo bratty FMC Xylina. The story then fast forwards five years and that’s where the story picks up. Despite ultimately liking the book, I didn’t like the decision to start the story after a five year time jump. Nothing of narrative importance happens during that time, so why not just start the story with everyone already five years older? Start it when they’re 24 and 34 versus making that man marry a teenager who can’t even legally drink.
That’s really my only main critique of the book. Xylina was so vapid and empty headed in the beginning I thought there was no way she and Yosiah, a man of substance, would ever work out. But Xylina just needed someone in her life to show interest in who she really was, so she could begin her journey of self discovery and growth.
By the end Xylina had me laughing and cackling at her antics. She was the perfect combination of who she used to be and who she grew to be.
June 20, 2026
This book was soooooo worth the wait. Xylina, the FMC, was not an easy character to digest. At first glance, she appears entitled and childish among other things. Like a child, when you see a toy that they like, she completely alters Yosiah’s plans and life. I have to give it to the MMC, Yosiah; he was really not messing with Xylina, and I couldn’t blame him. However, upon deep reflection, you see a woman who just wants to be seen and loved. This book and Xylina definitely pushed my buttons. I have never read a character like Xy. There were a couple of times I had to remind myself how come I enjoyed this same personality in my male characters and not here. That’s when I could really appreciate the complexity of Xy. Both characters had their flaws, and in the end, I’m glad they were able to lay down their guards and see what was in front of them.
June 17, 2026
Damn
So I'm gonna say it. I absolutely hate Xylina the first half of the book, like the most bratty character ever, but seeing her growth and development and exactly why she was how she was made me feel bad for her. So she grew on me, like a fungus haha, her parents ain't shit. I love that she was a person who never gave up, and at the root of everything she just wanted to be loved and cared for. Yosiah was a great man but he also had somethings to work on and we saw that with what his dad and ex stated. I love the age gap of course and that the characters felt real, this was a fun read
So I'm gonna say it. I absolutely hate Xylina the first half of the book, like the most bratty character ever, but seeing her growth and development and exactly why she was how she was made me feel bad for her. So she grew on me, like a fungus haha, her parents ain't shit. I love that she was a person who never gave up, and at the root of everything she just wanted to be loved and cared for. Yosiah was a great man but he also had somethings to work on and we saw that with what his dad and ex stated. I love the age gap of course and that the characters felt real, this was a fun read
June 24, 2026
Loved!!!!
First let me say the Lady K and Kinsley appearance… much appreciated!!!
This book was not what I expected, in the best way tho! Yosiah and Xylina both wore my nerves thin! Yosiah was too hard on my girl, I get it, but damn- we are in the final hour and now you wanna give it a chance?!?! 🤣🤣🤣 And Xylina, poor lil tink tink, she had it BAD for Siah! I wanted to scream “Girl stand upppp”. Anyways, this was a good read! I finished in record time and enjoyed every moment! I need Tay to give us an additional epilogue with details on Xylina’s mom, and how she got beat tf! Cause that definitely should have been included! 5 ⭐️ from me!!!
First let me say the Lady K and Kinsley appearance… much appreciated!!!
This book was not what I expected, in the best way tho! Yosiah and Xylina both wore my nerves thin! Yosiah was too hard on my girl, I get it, but damn- we are in the final hour and now you wanna give it a chance?!?! 🤣🤣🤣 And Xylina, poor lil tink tink, she had it BAD for Siah! I wanted to scream “Girl stand upppp”. Anyways, this was a good read! I finished in record time and enjoyed every moment! I need Tay to give us an additional epilogue with details on Xylina’s mom, and how she got beat tf! Cause that definitely should have been included! 5 ⭐️ from me!!!
June 22, 2026
Maybe this trope isn’t for me cause I normally like Tays books. I’ve never disliked an FMC as much as Xylina!! I can’t with the forced marriage AND forced pregnancy. If she would have changed and they would have decided to have a baby together or if she would have admitted to him was happened before he found out (cause she probably had no plans to tell him) it would have been better. Her getting her money back from the dad at the end was also a turn off for me cause she had no problem with his shady ways when it was used to her benefit and trapping Yosiah. It was an all around no for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
New Favorite Alert!
It took them awhile to get there, but Yosiah and Xylina are one of my new favorite couples. I loved Xylina’s growth. Her ability to self- reflect and course-correct made me smile, especially having been raised by such horrible parents. She really had no support system.
The book had to end somewhere, but I would have loved to read more about their relationship on good terms.
Maybe Roman the playboy will get a book.
It took them awhile to get there, but Yosiah and Xylina are one of my new favorite couples. I loved Xylina’s growth. Her ability to self- reflect and course-correct made me smile, especially having been raised by such horrible parents. She really had no support system.
The book had to end somewhere, but I would have loved to read more about their relationship on good terms.
Maybe Roman the playboy will get a book.
June 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Now I didn’t like the MMC in the beginning I was trying and I understood why he didn’t wanna try with the FMC but my girl was just misunderstood. She didn’t have love and support as a child and she really wanted him and was going to do what she had to do to keep him. Now trapping him was crazy but she made up for it. I really started to like the MMC when he started to get to know her and to see the shift in their relationship I was sooooo happy. By the end he didn’t play about my girl and they got their H.E.A I loved it 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
What A Girl Wants
Tay Monae crafts an opposite’s attract, forced proximity romance that follows Xylina and Yosiah that is sure to meet your romance needs and, then some. Great pacing, banter with likable characters and, enough passion to keep the reader engaged. I have no complaints. Thos writer knows how to tell a good story.
Tay Monae crafts an opposite’s attract, forced proximity romance that follows Xylina and Yosiah that is sure to meet your romance needs and, then some. Great pacing, banter with likable characters and, enough passion to keep the reader engaged. I have no complaints. Thos writer knows how to tell a good story.
June 24, 2026
Great Read!!!
I couldn’t put this book down. The way you built these characters up should definitely be studied. I couldn’t believe Philip ol dead beat a** amd Cylina momma ain’t worth a damn. I loved how you didn’t spend too much time on Aaliyah hating behind. Overall this was a great read. Also loved hearing about Legend and my favorite twins.
I couldn’t put this book down. The way you built these characters up should definitely be studied. I couldn’t believe Philip ol dead beat a** amd Cylina momma ain’t worth a damn. I loved how you didn’t spend too much time on Aaliyah hating behind. Overall this was a great read. Also loved hearing about Legend and my favorite twins.
June 18, 2026
Good Spin
This was def a great twist on arranged marriage/forced prox … I swear the FFM got on my damn nerves like no other I just couldn’t see how it would come all together with the way she was. Loved this!
This was def a great twist on arranged marriage/forced prox … I swear the FFM got on my damn nerves like no other I just couldn’t see how it would come all together with the way she was. Loved this!
June 18, 2026
outstanding
When I say she wrote the hell out of this book! That’s what I mean. The character development is outstanding! Because I couldn’t stand Xy! And I just knew there was no way she could even make me. I can honestly admit I was wrong and that I’m happy that I was!
When I say she wrote the hell out of this book! That’s what I mean. The character development is outstanding! Because I couldn’t stand Xy! And I just knew there was no way she could even make me. I can honestly admit I was wrong and that I’m happy that I was!
June 20, 2026
Sorry
The picture on the cover of the book was very misleading. This was not what I expected at all. So I only gave you one star for writing the book . you should really think about how you are misleading your readers just like the father in the book,
The picture on the cover of the book was very misleading. This was not what I expected at all. So I only gave you one star for writing the book . you should really think about how you are misleading your readers just like the father in the book,
June 23, 2026
really enjoyed it!!
This book was sooo good I lost sleep reading it. I absolutely did not want it to end. I was really hoping to get more of this story; a little novella check in with them would be nice in the future.
This book was sooo good I lost sleep reading it. I absolutely did not want it to end. I was really hoping to get more of this story; a little novella check in with them would be nice in the future.
June 17, 2026
Had a great time. The wait was worth it
June 18, 2026
Not really personable….
It was really hard to root for the couple. Xylina was insufferable 90% of the book and I wasn’t even sure if the MMC actually liked her.
It was really hard to root for the couple. Xylina was insufferable 90% of the book and I wasn’t even sure if the MMC actually liked her.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews