What do you think?
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26Some things are harder to survive than murder.
Hakeem Morales wants to be the kind of horror actor people build midnight screenings around. At the moment, he’s mostly working nights at a Los Angeles horror bar, The Last Cue; trying not to spiral about his stalled life; and wondering whether his new roommate is trying to kill him.
Antonio Sanchez is older, private, unfairly attractive, and suspicious in ways Hakeem feels should be illegal. He writes cryptic things in notebooks. He jokes too much about Hakeem’s upcoming twenty-seventh birthday. Every time Hakeem almost convinces himself he’s being dramatic, Antonio does something else deeply alarming.
Unfortunately, Hakeem’s growing list of evidence is matched only by his growing attraction—because nothing improves a possible murder situation like developing a crush on the man you’re pretty sure is planning it.
Hakeem Morales wants to be the kind of horror actor people build midnight screenings around. At the moment, he’s mostly working nights at a Los Angeles horror bar, The Last Cue; trying not to spiral about his stalled life; and wondering whether his new roommate is trying to kill him.
Antonio Sanchez is older, private, unfairly attractive, and suspicious in ways Hakeem feels should be illegal. He writes cryptic things in notebooks. He jokes too much about Hakeem’s upcoming twenty-seventh birthday. Every time Hakeem almost convinces himself he’s being dramatic, Antonio does something else deeply alarming.
Unfortunately, Hakeem’s growing list of evidence is matched only by his growing attraction—because nothing improves a possible murder situation like developing a crush on the man you’re pretty sure is planning it.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh
11 books18 followersMaya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh is an author and critical essayist whose work spans genres. Her essays appear in Dead Pretty: Beauty in the Horror Genre (Nottingham Horror Collective, September 2026) and Echoes of the Earth: Black Voices Reclaiming Ecology and Justice (Cassava Republic Press, forthcoming), among fifteen other literary journal publications across 2025 and 2026.
Her BIPOC-led, queer horror romcom, My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me, is forthcoming October 13, 2026.
She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Instagram & Threads: @mayagawoniiwrites
Web: www.mayagawonii.com
Her BIPOC-led, queer horror romcom, My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me, is forthcoming October 13, 2026.
She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Instagram & Threads: @mayagawoniiwrites
Web: www.mayagawonii.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to love this book, but sadly, I had to DNF at around 40%.
The biggest issue for me was that there just wasn’t enough happening. We had drinks being made at the bar, cooking at home, and Hakeem randomly thinking Antonio might want to kill him. But other than Antonio occasionally saying something suspicious, I never really got the feeling that this man was actually dangerous.
And listen, I am a dark romance reader. I LOVE dark romance. So the title, the setup, the overall vibes… all of that had me thinking we were eventually heading somewhere a little darker.
Baby, the sun never went down.
I love a slow burn. I actually prefer one. But there still has to be some kind of burn. Give me tension. Give me dread. Give me one little “oh shit” moment. At 40%, I was still waiting for the story to really grab me.
For a book size, I just needed more to happen earlier on. Maybe it gets completely unhinged after the point where I stopped, and if so, I genuinely hope everyone has a wonderful time.
Unfortunately, I had already left the function.
Thank you Net Galley for this eARC in exchange for this honest review.
The biggest issue for me was that there just wasn’t enough happening. We had drinks being made at the bar, cooking at home, and Hakeem randomly thinking Antonio might want to kill him. But other than Antonio occasionally saying something suspicious, I never really got the feeling that this man was actually dangerous.
And listen, I am a dark romance reader. I LOVE dark romance. So the title, the setup, the overall vibes… all of that had me thinking we were eventually heading somewhere a little darker.
Baby, the sun never went down.
I love a slow burn. I actually prefer one. But there still has to be some kind of burn. Give me tension. Give me dread. Give me one little “oh shit” moment. At 40%, I was still waiting for the story to really grab me.
For a book size, I just needed more to happen earlier on. Maybe it gets completely unhinged after the point where I stopped, and if so, I genuinely hope everyone has a wonderful time.
Unfortunately, I had already left the function.
Thank you Net Galley for this eARC in exchange for this honest review.
Read
May 25, 2026My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is a wildly entertaining and emotionally layered horror romance that blends suspense, dark humor, psychological tension, and sharp character dynamics into an unforgettable reading experience. Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh crafts a story that feels fresh, chaotic, and deeply immersive, balancing unsettling tension with genuine emotional depth and wit.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the dynamic between Hakeem and Antonio. The constant uncertainty surrounding Antonio’s intentions creates an addictive sense of tension, while Hakeem’s narration brings humor, vulnerability, and emotional authenticity to the story. The balance between suspicion, attraction, paranoia, and emotional connection gives the relationship a uniquely engaging energy that keeps readers fully invested.
The atmosphere and tone also stand out remarkably well. The horror inspired setting, psychological uncertainty, and dark comedy elements blend seamlessly together, creating a story that feels both suspenseful and incredibly entertaining. Beneath the humor and tension lies a thoughtful exploration of identity, ambition, loneliness, and emotional survival.
Sharp, atmospheric, and emotionally engaging, My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is a standout horror romance that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy dark comedy, LGBTQ+ horror, character driven suspense, and emotionally charged relationship dynamics.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the dynamic between Hakeem and Antonio. The constant uncertainty surrounding Antonio’s intentions creates an addictive sense of tension, while Hakeem’s narration brings humor, vulnerability, and emotional authenticity to the story. The balance between suspicion, attraction, paranoia, and emotional connection gives the relationship a uniquely engaging energy that keeps readers fully invested.
The atmosphere and tone also stand out remarkably well. The horror inspired setting, psychological uncertainty, and dark comedy elements blend seamlessly together, creating a story that feels both suspenseful and incredibly entertaining. Beneath the humor and tension lies a thoughtful exploration of identity, ambition, loneliness, and emotional survival.
Sharp, atmospheric, and emotionally engaging, My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is a standout horror romance that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy dark comedy, LGBTQ+ horror, character driven suspense, and emotionally charged relationship dynamics.
July 15, 2026
Thriller, mystery, weird cryptic house in LA, lots of miscommunication, and queer romance.
Hakeem moves into Antonio’s spare room and immediately things are strange. Antonio is fixated on Hakeem’s upcoming 27th birthday and whether he’ll survive. But Hakeem is intrigued and can’t stop the obvious pull to Antonio. Throw in that Antonio has his all time favorite book, Mercy House, on his shelves; and it’s annotated! These two guys are constantly being pulled into each other’s orbit and the attraction is palpable.
First off, loved Hakeem. He’s obsessed with horror, trying to be an actor, works at a horror bar where they perform horror skits and makes horror adjacent cocktails. Although some of the cryptic dialogue from Antonio confused me, I still really enjoyed his character. The tension between the two characters was a whole other character in and of itself. And the twist ending was fantastic.
Great spice level at the end. Slow burn for most of the book. For people who enjoy romance with some mystery and uncertainty.
Hakeem moves into Antonio’s spare room and immediately things are strange. Antonio is fixated on Hakeem’s upcoming 27th birthday and whether he’ll survive. But Hakeem is intrigued and can’t stop the obvious pull to Antonio. Throw in that Antonio has his all time favorite book, Mercy House, on his shelves; and it’s annotated! These two guys are constantly being pulled into each other’s orbit and the attraction is palpable.
First off, loved Hakeem. He’s obsessed with horror, trying to be an actor, works at a horror bar where they perform horror skits and makes horror adjacent cocktails. Although some of the cryptic dialogue from Antonio confused me, I still really enjoyed his character. The tension between the two characters was a whole other character in and of itself. And the twist ending was fantastic.
Great spice level at the end. Slow burn for most of the book. For people who enjoy romance with some mystery and uncertainty.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎭 🏳️🌈 🍸
3.5 ★
Release date: October 13, 2026
My Roommate Is Trying to Kill Me had a premise that immediately caught my attention, especially because I expected it to lean into horror while also having a romantic element. Instead, it turned out to be much more of a quirky mystery romance with some suspense and eerie moments along the way. And while that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, the setup itself didn’t always work for me.
My biggest issue was Hakeem’s suspicion of Antonio. I never really felt like there was enough happening for Hakeem to reasonably believe that his roommate was trying to kill him. Most of the suspicion seemed to come from Hakeem reading into completely ordinary interactions and taking things out of context. At times, it felt less like Antonio was behaving dangerously and more like Hakeem had convinced himself that something was wrong. That made the central conflict feel a little unrealistic to me and, ultimately, made it harder to buy into the stakes.
That said, the middle section was where I found myself enjoying the book the most. Antonio was easily the most interesting character, with his mysterious personality, intellectual comebacks, and slightly pretentious way of speaking. I liked the contrast between his way of communicating and Hakeem’s more direct, witty banter. Their back-and-forth gave the story a fun energy, and eventually I was much more invested in figuring out Antonio than worrying about whether he was actually dangerous.
The writing also improved noticeably after the opening chapters. The beginning felt fairly simple and exposition-heavy, but by around chapter three, I found myself much more interested in both the characters and the story. I still think some of the character arcs and relationships could have been fleshed out more, but there was definitely an improvement as the book progressed.
Overall, this was a cute and quick read with an entertaining character dynamic and a romance I eventually found myself rooting for. I just needed the central premise to feel more believable. If Hakeem had been given more concrete reasons to distrust Antonio—or if Antonio had behaved in ways that genuinely made him seem threatening—I think the mystery and eventual reveals would have landed much harder for me. As it stands, it was an enjoyable read, but ultimately more cute than compelling.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of My Roommate Is Trying to Kill Me by Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ★
Release date: October 13, 2026
My Roommate Is Trying to Kill Me had a premise that immediately caught my attention, especially because I expected it to lean into horror while also having a romantic element. Instead, it turned out to be much more of a quirky mystery romance with some suspense and eerie moments along the way. And while that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, the setup itself didn’t always work for me.
My biggest issue was Hakeem’s suspicion of Antonio. I never really felt like there was enough happening for Hakeem to reasonably believe that his roommate was trying to kill him. Most of the suspicion seemed to come from Hakeem reading into completely ordinary interactions and taking things out of context. At times, it felt less like Antonio was behaving dangerously and more like Hakeem had convinced himself that something was wrong. That made the central conflict feel a little unrealistic to me and, ultimately, made it harder to buy into the stakes.
That said, the middle section was where I found myself enjoying the book the most. Antonio was easily the most interesting character, with his mysterious personality, intellectual comebacks, and slightly pretentious way of speaking. I liked the contrast between his way of communicating and Hakeem’s more direct, witty banter. Their back-and-forth gave the story a fun energy, and eventually I was much more invested in figuring out Antonio than worrying about whether he was actually dangerous.
The writing also improved noticeably after the opening chapters. The beginning felt fairly simple and exposition-heavy, but by around chapter three, I found myself much more interested in both the characters and the story. I still think some of the character arcs and relationships could have been fleshed out more, but there was definitely an improvement as the book progressed.
Overall, this was a cute and quick read with an entertaining character dynamic and a romance I eventually found myself rooting for. I just needed the central premise to feel more believable. If Hakeem had been given more concrete reasons to distrust Antonio—or if Antonio had behaved in ways that genuinely made him seem threatening—I think the mystery and eventual reveals would have landed much harder for me. As it stands, it was an enjoyable read, but ultimately more cute than compelling.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of My Roommate Is Trying to Kill Me by Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a complimentary eARC copy of My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been sat with my thoughts for a little while since finishing this book, and trying to find ways to describe how it felt reading it. And, each time I’m coming up empty, because it’s a feeling hard to describe.
Fiction often feels like fiction written by another person, and you’re supposed to read it and form an option. But, what the author did here was she wrote a book that felt like an exchange between the pages and the reader (me) her writing was delicate, soft between the scenes and dialogue, like I knew it all along. The characters blended smoothly together, and the story was wholly theirs - she knows horror, you can tell by how woven the atmosphere is to the growth of the characters. And the presence of the house, I felt it, she made the house a living presence, how it sounded, how it made Hakeem feel, and what it meant to Antonio.
Antonio is a complex character that gives away little at the beginning of the story, he presents himself as mysterious, attentive and slightly boyish.
Hakeem is a character who wants more, but is never quite sure enough of himself to reach for it. “He wanted somebody,somewhere, to watch him on a screen and feel rearranged.” He describes himself the way he made me feel reading him on page. He’s intellectual, carries the essence of a sad person, and is objectively beautiful.
The scene setting, the suspense, the characters, the representation of MM romance was deeply favoured - and I hope others who read this will feel this way. I also particularly enjoyed the *spicy* scenes, they weren’t heavy, but I will say they are descriptive, I find certain books with spicy scenes to feel forced or too intense but these were a nice balance of intimacy and hot heavy love.
I was sad to finish reading this book, the author has a brilliant mind, and I wanted to live in that deliciousness a little longer, but I also couldn’t put it down. It’s dark, it’s funny, it’s horror for the horror enthusiasts.
It’s everything, I will be shelving this book in paperback and will return to rereading it when I need to feel good about literature as an art form.
I’ve been sat with my thoughts for a little while since finishing this book, and trying to find ways to describe how it felt reading it. And, each time I’m coming up empty, because it’s a feeling hard to describe.
Fiction often feels like fiction written by another person, and you’re supposed to read it and form an option. But, what the author did here was she wrote a book that felt like an exchange between the pages and the reader (me) her writing was delicate, soft between the scenes and dialogue, like I knew it all along. The characters blended smoothly together, and the story was wholly theirs - she knows horror, you can tell by how woven the atmosphere is to the growth of the characters. And the presence of the house, I felt it, she made the house a living presence, how it sounded, how it made Hakeem feel, and what it meant to Antonio.
Antonio is a complex character that gives away little at the beginning of the story, he presents himself as mysterious, attentive and slightly boyish.
Hakeem is a character who wants more, but is never quite sure enough of himself to reach for it. “He wanted somebody,somewhere, to watch him on a screen and feel rearranged.” He describes himself the way he made me feel reading him on page. He’s intellectual, carries the essence of a sad person, and is objectively beautiful.
The scene setting, the suspense, the characters, the representation of MM romance was deeply favoured - and I hope others who read this will feel this way. I also particularly enjoyed the *spicy* scenes, they weren’t heavy, but I will say they are descriptive, I find certain books with spicy scenes to feel forced or too intense but these were a nice balance of intimacy and hot heavy love.
I was sad to finish reading this book, the author has a brilliant mind, and I wanted to live in that deliciousness a little longer, but I also couldn’t put it down. It’s dark, it’s funny, it’s horror for the horror enthusiasts.
It’s everything, I will be shelving this book in paperback and will return to rereading it when I need to feel good about literature as an art form.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4/5⭐
Los Angeles, palm trees, dry air and dreams of becoming a successful horror actor. Hakeem carries us through his suspenseful story of meeting a suspicious man who carries his own secrets. And all of that hidden under the roof of a very perceptive house. I liked the premise and after reading I can safely say that I really liked it!
Hakeem was written in a way that was charming enough for me to like him. I quickly went through other reviews and I guess I have to disagree with them. In my opinion, Hakeem was interesting and I was enjoying unraveling this story through his eyes and inner monologue. It took me a few paragraphs to fully get into it but other than that, everything was great!
I was curious about Antonio because he was the main element, his secrets and what he’s exactly about. And that was executed well. He was the conductor here. He was the one that opened the door for Hakeem and the one that felt like had the upper hand throughout the whole time. At least it felt like that for me.
Moreover, I think that what we have here is not two but three main characters! And here is my own interpretation; the house was an additional presence on its own. The way Hakeem felt while living there, the way the house reflected the situations that our main leads went through, all of it felt deliberate, like the house was an active participant. And to me it was fun because it created this horror-like atmosphere that was necessary here.
Was there something I didn’t like? Kind of. I felt like something was missing, and to be more specific, I guess I expected Antonio to be more daring? More “murdery”? But that falls on me and my expectations.😉
The reveal – I got it from the beginning. I was not surprised but I’m not upset about it. I’m not good at guessing if the author intended it that way. I think, yes.
All and all, it was an enjoyable read! I’d say it was a great one for this time of the year – summer, hot and dry air, lots of sun, beautiful sunsets… Seemed fitting. I recommend to anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of light and fun horror story with a spring of romance in it.
To the author, thank you very much for the early ebook copy. 🫶
Los Angeles, palm trees, dry air and dreams of becoming a successful horror actor. Hakeem carries us through his suspenseful story of meeting a suspicious man who carries his own secrets. And all of that hidden under the roof of a very perceptive house. I liked the premise and after reading I can safely say that I really liked it!
Hakeem was written in a way that was charming enough for me to like him. I quickly went through other reviews and I guess I have to disagree with them. In my opinion, Hakeem was interesting and I was enjoying unraveling this story through his eyes and inner monologue. It took me a few paragraphs to fully get into it but other than that, everything was great!
I was curious about Antonio because he was the main element, his secrets and what he’s exactly about. And that was executed well. He was the conductor here. He was the one that opened the door for Hakeem and the one that felt like had the upper hand throughout the whole time. At least it felt like that for me.
Moreover, I think that what we have here is not two but three main characters! And here is my own interpretation; the house was an additional presence on its own. The way Hakeem felt while living there, the way the house reflected the situations that our main leads went through, all of it felt deliberate, like the house was an active participant. And to me it was fun because it created this horror-like atmosphere that was necessary here.
Was there something I didn’t like? Kind of. I felt like something was missing, and to be more specific, I guess I expected Antonio to be more daring? More “murdery”? But that falls on me and my expectations.😉
The reveal – I got it from the beginning. I was not surprised but I’m not upset about it. I’m not good at guessing if the author intended it that way. I think, yes.
All and all, it was an enjoyable read! I’d say it was a great one for this time of the year – summer, hot and dry air, lots of sun, beautiful sunsets… Seemed fitting. I recommend to anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of light and fun horror story with a spring of romance in it.
To the author, thank you very much for the early ebook copy. 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me
by Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh in exchange for an honest review.
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is a brilliant, unconventional MM romance. The story follows Hakeem Morales, an aspiring horror actor working nights at a Los Angeles horror bar called The Last Cue, who finds himself trying not to spiral over his stalled career—and the growing suspicion that his new roommate might be trying to kill him.
Antonio Sanchez is older, private, unfairly attractive, and deeply suspicious. Between cryptic notebook entries, bad jokes about Hakeem’s upcoming twenty-seventh birthday, and a mounting list of alarming evidence, Hakeem’s paranoia is matched only by an inconvenient, electric attraction. Nothing quite elevates a possible murder situation like developing a deep crush on the man you're convinced is plotting your demise.
Maya crafts an absolute triumph of fiction here. From the opening sentence, the environment and surroundings are treated like active characters, breathing life into the setting with magical precision. The pacing is executed with surgical sharpness, blending dark humor that hits the exact right notes with phenomenal character dynamics. When the narrative hits the high point, the delivery of both high-stakes tension and profound intimacy—which transcends simple smut into something deeper than language itself—is breathtaking. Even if seasoned readers guess major elements ahead of time, the execution of the reveal is immensely satisfying.
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me will leave you staring blankly at the wall, completely spellbound and processing the genius of what you just read. If you love unique MM romance, atmospheric horror, sharp dark humor, and unforgettable characters, this is an absolute must-read.
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is a brilliant, unconventional MM romance. The story follows Hakeem Morales, an aspiring horror actor working nights at a Los Angeles horror bar called The Last Cue, who finds himself trying not to spiral over his stalled career—and the growing suspicion that his new roommate might be trying to kill him.
Antonio Sanchez is older, private, unfairly attractive, and deeply suspicious. Between cryptic notebook entries, bad jokes about Hakeem’s upcoming twenty-seventh birthday, and a mounting list of alarming evidence, Hakeem’s paranoia is matched only by an inconvenient, electric attraction. Nothing quite elevates a possible murder situation like developing a deep crush on the man you're convinced is plotting your demise.
Maya crafts an absolute triumph of fiction here. From the opening sentence, the environment and surroundings are treated like active characters, breathing life into the setting with magical precision. The pacing is executed with surgical sharpness, blending dark humor that hits the exact right notes with phenomenal character dynamics. When the narrative hits the high point, the delivery of both high-stakes tension and profound intimacy—which transcends simple smut into something deeper than language itself—is breathtaking. Even if seasoned readers guess major elements ahead of time, the execution of the reveal is immensely satisfying.
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me will leave you staring blankly at the wall, completely spellbound and processing the genius of what you just read. If you love unique MM romance, atmospheric horror, sharp dark humor, and unforgettable characters, this is an absolute must-read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
this book sounds Amazing... queer horror romance with Afro Latino and Mexican MMCs, Hakeem and Antonio........ the title... THE COVER........ falling in love with the man (allegedly) (possibly) trying to kill you.... slowburn.. "paranoia as foreplay" SIGN ME UP !!!!!! this is everything i could ever want in a book!!!!! THANK YOU FOR THE ARC!!!!
romcom with horror elements in a way that's refreshing and clever...
so much character in this book!! hakeem, aspiring actor from las cruces, meets antonio of jalisco... his roommate who possibly wants to kill him. and hakeem is lowkey into it. and gathers evidence. ..... i love them. i love antonio's slutty glasses.. hakeem being absolutely unhinged... very fun with the banter!
had me grinning evilly the whole time and Very rarely does a book do that to me.. the romance scenes... (it does have spice)... the way they dance around each other... And the twist done well and successfully spotted...
short yet impactful, an excellent balance of tension and levity... and that tension was So Good and made antonio infinitely more charming and hakeem infinitely more relatable... it was sweet watching them get to know each other...
definitely pick up if you're looking for queer mm romance with a touch of psychological tension in the vein of horror comedy! a very light horror tinted romcom that will leave you tense, not haunted, but swooning!!
HEA
🔪 paranoia as foreplay
🫶 close proximity
🗯️ fun banter as a dance
🔍 noticing small details about each other
💧 physically reacting and holding back
💅 is he flirting with me or threatening me?
🫀 is he going to kill me or kiss me?
romcom with horror elements in a way that's refreshing and clever...
so much character in this book!! hakeem, aspiring actor from las cruces, meets antonio of jalisco... his roommate who possibly wants to kill him. and hakeem is lowkey into it. and gathers evidence. ..... i love them. i love antonio's slutty glasses.. hakeem being absolutely unhinged... very fun with the banter!
had me grinning evilly the whole time and Very rarely does a book do that to me.. the romance scenes... (it does have spice)... the way they dance around each other... And the twist done well and successfully spotted...
short yet impactful, an excellent balance of tension and levity... and that tension was So Good and made antonio infinitely more charming and hakeem infinitely more relatable... it was sweet watching them get to know each other...
definitely pick up if you're looking for queer mm romance with a touch of psychological tension in the vein of horror comedy! a very light horror tinted romcom that will leave you tense, not haunted, but swooning!!
HEA
🔪 paranoia as foreplay
🫶 close proximity
🗯️ fun banter as a dance
🔍 noticing small details about each other
💧 physically reacting and holding back
💅 is he flirting with me or threatening me?
🫀 is he going to kill me or kiss me?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read an early copy of this book.
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is a horror romance laced with dark humour. Perfect for anyone who’s ever ignored a barrage of red flags. Actor and horror bar worker Hakeem decides to move in with a stranger, and spends a lot of time trying to figure out whether the unfairly handsome Antonio is plotting his murder.
This book was so interesting. I was simultaneously charmed by and suspicious of Antonio, and I wanted to find out what he was up to. I wouldn’t say the book is super scary but it certainly is creepy. And if you imagine yourself in the same situation as Hakeem, you’d definitely feel like you were in danger.
Hakeem was a character I really liked. He was trying to find his way through life and I enjoyed that he had a very different storyline outside of the roommate murder-plot. As an actor working as a bartender, he really was trying to find his breakout role, whilst also being afraid of what changes that might bring.
Something the author did really well was create an atmosphere that felt dangerous. The house Hakeem and Antonio lived in almost felt like a character as well. Serious haunted house vibes.
Overall, this book was fast-paced and written in a way that had me eagerly turning pages (thus fully curing my reading slump). I’d absolutely recommend it if you want to both chuckle and be freaked out whilst trying to figure out what the hell even is going on.
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is out on October 13th, so give it a pre-order if it sounds like something you’d enjoy.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read an early copy of this book.
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is a horror romance laced with dark humour. Perfect for anyone who’s ever ignored a barrage of red flags. Actor and horror bar worker Hakeem decides to move in with a stranger, and spends a lot of time trying to figure out whether the unfairly handsome Antonio is plotting his murder.
This book was so interesting. I was simultaneously charmed by and suspicious of Antonio, and I wanted to find out what he was up to. I wouldn’t say the book is super scary but it certainly is creepy. And if you imagine yourself in the same situation as Hakeem, you’d definitely feel like you were in danger.
Hakeem was a character I really liked. He was trying to find his way through life and I enjoyed that he had a very different storyline outside of the roommate murder-plot. As an actor working as a bartender, he really was trying to find his breakout role, whilst also being afraid of what changes that might bring.
Something the author did really well was create an atmosphere that felt dangerous. The house Hakeem and Antonio lived in almost felt like a character as well. Serious haunted house vibes.
Overall, this book was fast-paced and written in a way that had me eagerly turning pages (thus fully curing my reading slump). I’d absolutely recommend it if you want to both chuckle and be freaked out whilst trying to figure out what the hell even is going on.
My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is out on October 13th, so give it a pre-order if it sounds like something you’d enjoy.
Read
August 16, 2026You know when you read something and you have to stop and highlight it, because it resonates and you want to hold onto it just a little bit. That’s every page of My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me. The author’s prose deserves high praise.
For the first 60% of the book, I had a hard time becoming attached to any of the characters. When I read I often fall into the story. I don’t self insert but I do sometimes become completely engrossed and have a hard time disengaging from my favorite stories. I had a hard time at the beginning connecting with Hakeem’s insecurity and building sense of dread. That’s not a negative thing for my relationship page to page with the story. But it did make me feel like I was alternately trying to uncover the story while also holding it at a distance.
Then suddenly the characters and the story come together and everything unfolds and the whole tone of the story changes. I guess that’s a good metaphor for the plot itself, the changing relationship of dread and attraction that’s been building in the house and the layers of the characters moving around each other.
So in summary, I felt flummoxed, unsure if I was enjoying the experience, and then suddenly really enjoying it, and ending with liking it a lot.
An aside about the author: they very clearly gave their position as anti-AI and I really appreciate that. It’s hard sometimes having to do a deep dive and sleuth out an author’s position and whether they use any AI in their creative process.
Thank you to Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh and NetGalley for this ARC.
For the first 60% of the book, I had a hard time becoming attached to any of the characters. When I read I often fall into the story. I don’t self insert but I do sometimes become completely engrossed and have a hard time disengaging from my favorite stories. I had a hard time at the beginning connecting with Hakeem’s insecurity and building sense of dread. That’s not a negative thing for my relationship page to page with the story. But it did make me feel like I was alternately trying to uncover the story while also holding it at a distance.
Then suddenly the characters and the story come together and everything unfolds and the whole tone of the story changes. I guess that’s a good metaphor for the plot itself, the changing relationship of dread and attraction that’s been building in the house and the layers of the characters moving around each other.
So in summary, I felt flummoxed, unsure if I was enjoying the experience, and then suddenly really enjoying it, and ending with liking it a lot.
An aside about the author: they very clearly gave their position as anti-AI and I really appreciate that. It’s hard sometimes having to do a deep dive and sleuth out an author’s position and whether they use any AI in their creative process.
Thank you to Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh and NetGalley for this ARC.
Read
August 26, 2026Cool. Calm. Collected. Calculated.
That’s how I would describe Antonio Sanchez aka Hakeem Morales new roommate.
This is a queer horror romance filled with cryptic messages, horror movie references, dark humor and a whole lotta tension. I honestly was like Hakeem, couldn’t tell the difference between wanting to want Antonio or be careful around him.
Hakeem is an up and coming actor who works at The Last Cue, a horror based bar with theatricals. I would kill to go to a place like this. He leaves home and finds a questionable roommate who not only answers questions with exact cryptic precision, he also seems to watch Hakeem’s every move. Now he’s left with too many unanswered questions and comes to the conclusion that his roommate is set out to kill him.
Antonio gives nothing away, he gives you just enough and also nothing at all. With all of the details he gives regarding the house, the clues he leaves lying around and a man who has your full attention even when you’re not looking. You’re left questioning it all and with a house that makes so much noise you’d think it’s alive.
This was such a fun take on horror with a dash of romance, this was the slowest burn with such a delicious reward.
I’ve never been so entranced with two characters, the definition of polar opposites.
That’s how I would describe Antonio Sanchez aka Hakeem Morales new roommate.
This is a queer horror romance filled with cryptic messages, horror movie references, dark humor and a whole lotta tension. I honestly was like Hakeem, couldn’t tell the difference between wanting to want Antonio or be careful around him.
Hakeem is an up and coming actor who works at The Last Cue, a horror based bar with theatricals. I would kill to go to a place like this. He leaves home and finds a questionable roommate who not only answers questions with exact cryptic precision, he also seems to watch Hakeem’s every move. Now he’s left with too many unanswered questions and comes to the conclusion that his roommate is set out to kill him.
Antonio gives nothing away, he gives you just enough and also nothing at all. With all of the details he gives regarding the house, the clues he leaves lying around and a man who has your full attention even when you’re not looking. You’re left questioning it all and with a house that makes so much noise you’d think it’s alive.
This was such a fun take on horror with a dash of romance, this was the slowest burn with such a delicious reward.
I’ve never been so entranced with two characters, the definition of polar opposites.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5
🌶️🌶️/5
Hakeem is hilarious and has perfect timing with absolutely every word that come out of his mouth, and the ones that don’t ! While Antonio has the perfect dry vague comeback for everything. The bar employees and Hakeems bff are also great characters and kept the witty banter going even at work. I love how much they all believed in his dream of being a horror actor even when he doubted himself. The characters were definitely what kept this book going for me.
While there were moments of suspense I never felt a horror vibe. I also caught onto the twist very early on. So I didn’t really feel any “oh no what’s going to happen “ moments. I really wish there more moments of dread and fright being that it’s a horror rom com. While the comedy NEVER lacked, it lacked in the dark/ horror department for me . There were moments I felt the pacing a little a slow . Most likely because I was waiting for the eeekkk moment that just never came.
Overall it was a cute MM rom-ish / com, with a hint of suspense. It was a slow burn , not heavy on the romance to me . I’d definitely read more by this author, I think there’s a lot of potential there and I’ll be on the look out for the next installment with the set up for book two at the end.
🌶️🌶️/5
Hakeem is hilarious and has perfect timing with absolutely every word that come out of his mouth, and the ones that don’t ! While Antonio has the perfect dry vague comeback for everything. The bar employees and Hakeems bff are also great characters and kept the witty banter going even at work. I love how much they all believed in his dream of being a horror actor even when he doubted himself. The characters were definitely what kept this book going for me.
While there were moments of suspense I never felt a horror vibe. I also caught onto the twist very early on. So I didn’t really feel any “oh no what’s going to happen “ moments. I really wish there more moments of dread and fright being that it’s a horror rom com. While the comedy NEVER lacked, it lacked in the dark/ horror department for me . There were moments I felt the pacing a little a slow . Most likely because I was waiting for the eeekkk moment that just never came.
Overall it was a cute MM rom-ish / com, with a hint of suspense. It was a slow burn , not heavy on the romance to me . I’d definitely read more by this author, I think there’s a lot of potential there and I’ll be on the look out for the next installment with the set up for book two at the end.
Review of advance copy
2.75 stars rounded up.
I loved the premise of this story. MM horror. romance? Sign me up! But this book felt a bit flat to me. I definitely would not call this a horror book; there are some horror elements discussed throughout, but there was no actual horror happening. Mainly, this felt like a miscommunication trope with an MMC who twisted things out of proportion because he is a horror enthusiast.
I liked the physical tension between the MCs, and I loved Layla and Tabbi as minor characters. I just struggled to really get into it because I figured out a major plot line early on, and was frustrated the MC couldn't see it. There were also areas with conflicting information (and overuse of imagery), so I found myself rereading sentences over again to make sure I understood what was happening. Plus, there were times when it was confusing and hard to know who was speaking because the book is in third person and it wasn't clearly laid out.
Overall, I liked the premise and I enjoyed how the house was a big part of the tension throughout the story. I would have loved to have seen actual horror in the book, or something more that suspicions.
Thank you to the author and Rattle The Stars PR for the eARC!
I loved the premise of this story. MM horror. romance? Sign me up! But this book felt a bit flat to me. I definitely would not call this a horror book; there are some horror elements discussed throughout, but there was no actual horror happening. Mainly, this felt like a miscommunication trope with an MMC who twisted things out of proportion because he is a horror enthusiast.
I liked the physical tension between the MCs, and I loved Layla and Tabbi as minor characters. I just struggled to really get into it because I figured out a major plot line early on, and was frustrated the MC couldn't see it. There were also areas with conflicting information (and overuse of imagery), so I found myself rereading sentences over again to make sure I understood what was happening. Plus, there were times when it was confusing and hard to know who was speaking because the book is in third person and it wasn't clearly laid out.
Overall, I liked the premise and I enjoyed how the house was a big part of the tension throughout the story. I would have loved to have seen actual horror in the book, or something more that suspicions.
Thank you to the author and Rattle The Stars PR for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've been trying to figure out how I feel about this book, and been sitting on a review for a couple weeks. Horror isn't my usual genre, but the author messaged me on Instagram for me to arc read, so I thought I'd give it a try, I'm glad I did!
My thoughts about this book have been changing ever since I finished it. Ultimately, the storyline was solid, but I was having a hard time connecting to the characters individually. Sometimes the pacing felt a little off, but looking back, a lot of the pacing, I felt, was intentional to the storyline. There were some unexpected plot twists that were fleshed into the storyline well, with a slow and steady build up!
I love the diversity that was represented in this book! This was an MM romance with a push and pull relationship, that worked very well, considering the situation that they were in. I wasn't expecting too much of a romance, so the romance plot surprised me a bit. As a primarily romance reader, I'm not mad about it. I liked it a lot. I was expecting more of a darker twist, or morally gray characters, though. Their relationship didn't seem as intense as I was expecting it to be.
Overall, this was a fun, creepy, twisty read! Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh's writing is so beautiful, and she doesn't skip a single detail when it comes to fleshing out her characters or plot!
Thank you Maya, and NetGalley, for this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
My thoughts about this book have been changing ever since I finished it. Ultimately, the storyline was solid, but I was having a hard time connecting to the characters individually. Sometimes the pacing felt a little off, but looking back, a lot of the pacing, I felt, was intentional to the storyline. There were some unexpected plot twists that were fleshed into the storyline well, with a slow and steady build up!
I love the diversity that was represented in this book! This was an MM romance with a push and pull relationship, that worked very well, considering the situation that they were in. I wasn't expecting too much of a romance, so the romance plot surprised me a bit. As a primarily romance reader, I'm not mad about it. I liked it a lot. I was expecting more of a darker twist, or morally gray characters, though. Their relationship didn't seem as intense as I was expecting it to be.
Overall, this was a fun, creepy, twisty read! Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh's writing is so beautiful, and she doesn't skip a single detail when it comes to fleshing out her characters or plot!
Thank you Maya, and NetGalley, for this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book...twisted up my insides in a way I didn't expect (and that is ENTIRELY complimentary). My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is, at its core, about the terror of being seen, of being perceived completely; and through the plot thread of MMC Hakeem deciphering if his roommate Antonio is, or isn't, trying to kill him, I started to see fragments of experience in myself and the people I love: fear of not being enough, of being able to push through the "What if it doesnt work out", of struggling to accept being perceived as anything but an invasion. Written in such a way that the tension left certain moments so claustrophobic I held my breath, MRITTKM succeeds on a psychological level, while also building a captivating story of growing attraction between the two leads...even if Hakeem questions if it'll end up being good for his long term well being ;) A definite recommend going into the fall season, as the tag line says: some things are harder to survive than murder
My Roommate is Trying to Kill Me is available October 13th in print and on KU
Review made possible by ARC gifted by author. All opinions are my own
My Roommate is Trying to Kill Me is available October 13th in print and on KU
Review made possible by ARC gifted by author. All opinions are my own
September 17, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh my! My Roommate is Trying to Kill Me by Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh isn't the novel I expected. Still, it's been an adorable read nonetheless.
I expected more horror, or at least more thriller and paranoia (I saw the "plot twist" with Antonio at the very beginning). Still, Maya-Gawonii has written such adorable characters that I don't care. The book is cosy and spicy, and it punched me in the face with the anxiety of being an artist and believing you're not that good. As an illustrator, I experience this a lot, and I felt very attached to Hakeem. I totally understand his feelings and his coping mechanism of not facing his fears.
The relationship between Antonio and Hakeem is so damn adorable that I didn't care about the novel's minor pacing and plot issues. I think the author could have leaned more into Antonio being creepy and added more "slasher" situations, making us doubt until the last moment; the novel could have been perfection. But maybe that was my expectations' fault, not the novel's.
Anyway, I can't wait to read the friend sequel! So thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the arc!
Oh my! My Roommate is Trying to Kill Me by Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh isn't the novel I expected. Still, it's been an adorable read nonetheless.
I expected more horror, or at least more thriller and paranoia (I saw the "plot twist" with Antonio at the very beginning). Still, Maya-Gawonii has written such adorable characters that I don't care. The book is cosy and spicy, and it punched me in the face with the anxiety of being an artist and believing you're not that good. As an illustrator, I experience this a lot, and I felt very attached to Hakeem. I totally understand his feelings and his coping mechanism of not facing his fears.
The relationship between Antonio and Hakeem is so damn adorable that I didn't care about the novel's minor pacing and plot issues. I think the author could have leaned more into Antonio being creepy and added more "slasher" situations, making us doubt until the last moment; the novel could have been perfection. But maybe that was my expectations' fault, not the novel's.
Anyway, I can't wait to read the friend sequel! So thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this unhinged queer horror romance centering two Black and Brown protagonists. Shabazz-Saleh does an incredible writing realistic dialogue between the two main love interests Hakeem and Antonio.
I also really enjoyed the interactions between Hakeem and his friend Leyla as well as the commentary on being a queer black and brown adult trying to make it in the entertainment industry in L.A.
My only gripe is that the story is definitely more romance than horror, and the tension between Hakeem and Antonio was pretty slow with very little happening outside of that other than Hakeem's job at the horror bar. I also felt like Hakeem's fears around Antonio started to fill the page more rather than being justified and perhaps the story needed more scenes to raise the psychological horror aspect.
Otherwise, I'd still recommend this love letter to QTBIPOC actors and artists and for its homage to classic horror, particularly haunted houses. Perfect for the upcoming Halloween season. Thanks Victory Editing for the ARC.
I also really enjoyed the interactions between Hakeem and his friend Leyla as well as the commentary on being a queer black and brown adult trying to make it in the entertainment industry in L.A.
My only gripe is that the story is definitely more romance than horror, and the tension between Hakeem and Antonio was pretty slow with very little happening outside of that other than Hakeem's job at the horror bar. I also felt like Hakeem's fears around Antonio started to fill the page more rather than being justified and perhaps the story needed more scenes to raise the psychological horror aspect.
Otherwise, I'd still recommend this love letter to QTBIPOC actors and artists and for its homage to classic horror, particularly haunted houses. Perfect for the upcoming Halloween season. Thanks Victory Editing for the ARC.
September 14, 2026
Thank you, Victory Editing and NetGalley, for the e-ARC!
I'm not going to lie, I wanted to read this book because the cover was not only GORGEOUS; the title felt like it came straight out of a campy horror thriller.
Set in LA, the story follows Hakeem as he observes his strange new roommate, Antonio, whom he believes is plotting to harm him. However, despite his fear, Hakeem can't help but feel drawn to the mysterious and charming Antonio.
The story is fairly fast-paced overall, but the first few chapters were a bit dense with worldbuilding/exposition; after that, the writing improved and unfolded into a fun, queer romance.
I felt the "thriller/horror" aspects were a little subdued, and I would've loved for that tension to be more palpable. Don't get me wrong, Shabazz-Saleh set up several moody scenes, especially when it came to Hakeem's observation of Antonio's actions; however, aside from mild suspicion, I wish Shabazz-Saleh would raise the stakes on that front.
I will say, I didn't expect the twist ending, so I'm glad I can still be surprised by what unfolds in the book.
Overall, this is still a fun, kinda-campy queer romance with thriller/horror elements and lovable characters.
3.5/5 stars
I'm not going to lie, I wanted to read this book because the cover was not only GORGEOUS; the title felt like it came straight out of a campy horror thriller.
Set in LA, the story follows Hakeem as he observes his strange new roommate, Antonio, whom he believes is plotting to harm him. However, despite his fear, Hakeem can't help but feel drawn to the mysterious and charming Antonio.
The story is fairly fast-paced overall, but the first few chapters were a bit dense with worldbuilding/exposition; after that, the writing improved and unfolded into a fun, queer romance.
I felt the "thriller/horror" aspects were a little subdued, and I would've loved for that tension to be more palpable. Don't get me wrong, Shabazz-Saleh set up several moody scenes, especially when it came to Hakeem's observation of Antonio's actions; however, aside from mild suspicion, I wish Shabazz-Saleh would raise the stakes on that front.
I will say, I didn't expect the twist ending, so I'm glad I can still be surprised by what unfolds in the book.
Overall, this is still a fun, kinda-campy queer romance with thriller/horror elements and lovable characters.
3.5/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Want a read that will blur the lines between horror and attraction? Look no further.
I enjoyed the tension that’s encompassed in the story. There’s a build up between the characters that melds two different genres, which isn’t something I’ve seen done well as often.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the level of imagery. There are so many excellent analogies and metaphors that perfectly paint the environments our characters are in.
I will say that I personally would have enjoyed more nuance around the Antonio/Toni reveal. As soon as the author’s name was mentioned, I immediately was able to clock the ‘hidden’ identity. It did take a bit of the mystery away, but it also didn’t stop me from enjoying the rest of the book.
The spin on what horror is depicted as in this book is also beautifully done (which I know is vague but is as much as I can say without totally spoiling things).
This is a book I’d definitely recommend for an October spooky read, and I can’t wait to read about Layla’s story as well!
I enjoyed the tension that’s encompassed in the story. There’s a build up between the characters that melds two different genres, which isn’t something I’ve seen done well as often.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the level of imagery. There are so many excellent analogies and metaphors that perfectly paint the environments our characters are in.
I will say that I personally would have enjoyed more nuance around the Antonio/Toni reveal. As soon as the author’s name was mentioned, I immediately was able to clock the ‘hidden’ identity. It did take a bit of the mystery away, but it also didn’t stop me from enjoying the rest of the book.
The spin on what horror is depicted as in this book is also beautifully done (which I know is vague but is as much as I can say without totally spoiling things).
This is a book I’d definitely recommend for an October spooky read, and I can’t wait to read about Layla’s story as well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maya-Gawonii Shabazz-Saleh’s My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me is a wildly entertaining horror-romance that blends psychological suspense with dark, witty comedy.
The story follows Hakeem Morales, an aspiring horror actor whose life spirals when he moves in with Antonio—an older, mysterious enigma who writes cryptic notes and drops unsettling jokes about Hakeem’s upcoming birthday. As Hakeem frantically tallies up evidence of his potential murder plot, he unfortunately develops a very inconvenient crush on the suspect.
Driven by Hakeem's relatable, overthinking internal monologue, the book masterfully balances genuine tension with laugh-out-loud humor. While readers looking for pitch-black morality might want a sharper edge, the electric slow-burn chemistry, atmospheric Los Angeles setting, and emotional depth make it a uniquely fun, fast-paced read.
The story follows Hakeem Morales, an aspiring horror actor whose life spirals when he moves in with Antonio—an older, mysterious enigma who writes cryptic notes and drops unsettling jokes about Hakeem’s upcoming birthday. As Hakeem frantically tallies up evidence of his potential murder plot, he unfortunately develops a very inconvenient crush on the suspect.
Driven by Hakeem's relatable, overthinking internal monologue, the book masterfully balances genuine tension with laugh-out-loud humor. While readers looking for pitch-black morality might want a sharper edge, the electric slow-burn chemistry, atmospheric Los Angeles setting, and emotional depth make it a uniquely fun, fast-paced read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Okay I really liked this one, in a weirdly nostalgic way. There was just something about the writing that felt comforting and familiar. Can't explain it.
The romance was so sweet and almost pure, and I really enjoyed experience these two finding each other. The writing was both witty and descriptive - honestly the imagery was on point, I felt like I could picture the house as I was reading.
I wouldn’t personally classify this as a horror novel, even though the characters have horror backgrounds and there are definitely some darker elements. For me, this leaned much more heavily into romance, which I really enjoyed.
Overall, a really fun, charming read with a surprisingly sweet heart. Definitely an unexpected but appreciated 5-star read.
Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The romance was so sweet and almost pure, and I really enjoyed experience these two finding each other. The writing was both witty and descriptive - honestly the imagery was on point, I felt like I could picture the house as I was reading.
I wouldn’t personally classify this as a horror novel, even though the characters have horror backgrounds and there are definitely some darker elements. For me, this leaned much more heavily into romance, which I really enjoyed.
Overall, a really fun, charming read with a surprisingly sweet heart. Definitely an unexpected but appreciated 5-star read.
Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2026
I was gifted and eARC of this story but these thoughts and opinions are my own. My Roommate is trying to kill me is queer horror romance set in L.A. when a struggling actor named Hakeem finds himself attracted to his roommate Antonio. He starts developing feelings for Antonio despite the fact that he thinks Antonio is out to kill him! This was an emotional roller coaster that hooks you in the beginning and you can’t tear your eyes away until it’s over! The psychological tension, the horror aspects, the tenderness, the rawness of ignoring one’s feels and instincts, and the atmospheric setting are all plus when it comes to MRITTKM! I did enjoy it and I am looking forward to more books by this author! Thank you for the ARC of My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
Maybe more a 3.75 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the book, the writing was descriptive, immersive and full of dark humor.
I enjoyed Hakeems POV and the build up of chemistry and mistrust between him and Antonio from the start. However I did feel disconnected from them both.
The secondary location and side characters were fun and provided entertainment and common sense, which really grounded the story. However... I felt the actually story itself was lacking. Antonio gave off creepy vibes but not quite horror/ serial killer. Maybe I expected more 'i married a serial killer' comedy drama.
It became a little repetitive in the middle, and whilst some of the scenes felt tense (Hakeem snooping) I felt the horror element was never truly there.
Maybe more a 3.75 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the book, the writing was descriptive, immersive and full of dark humor.
I enjoyed Hakeems POV and the build up of chemistry and mistrust between him and Antonio from the start. However I did feel disconnected from them both.
The secondary location and side characters were fun and provided entertainment and common sense, which really grounded the story. However... I felt the actually story itself was lacking. Antonio gave off creepy vibes but not quite horror/ serial killer. Maybe I expected more 'i married a serial killer' comedy drama.
It became a little repetitive in the middle, and whilst some of the scenes felt tense (Hakeem snooping) I felt the horror element was never truly there.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I’m full of surprises. You should know that by now. You've been taking notes.”
This was a great page-turner. Never read an MM horror comedy before and I don't want it to be the last.
Hakeem is a character that feels so real, and I loved being in his head trying to figure out if his roommate wants to kill him. All the characters really had their own personnalities and it was so enjoyable. I loved everyone, but I feel a soft spot for Tabbi.
Super happy I guessed something mid-way through the book!
This is a book, but some scenes were so vividly described that you could see the scenes playing out as if you were watching a movie, especially the big reveal.
If you want a nice horror comedy book with Afro-Latino and Mexican MMCs, don't sleep on this one.
This was a great page-turner. Never read an MM horror comedy before and I don't want it to be the last.
Hakeem is a character that feels so real, and I loved being in his head trying to figure out if his roommate wants to kill him. All the characters really had their own personnalities and it was so enjoyable. I loved everyone, but I feel a soft spot for Tabbi.
Super happy I guessed something mid-way through the book!
This is a book, but some scenes were so vividly described that you could see the scenes playing out as if you were watching a movie, especially the big reveal.
If you want a nice horror comedy book with Afro-Latino and Mexican MMCs, don't sleep on this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has EVERYTHING. From suspense and paranoia to heartwarming cute moments — all of it.
The romance is amazing but most of all I loved the personal growth that Hakeem goes through! It felt like my own win when he got that role! I can totally see people building midnight screenings around him.
And Antonio! Gosh I have never felt a character represent my shy nature, my doubts and my hesitations better than Antonio!
Maya Gawonii not only writes compelling prose, but also makes it stick in her reader's mind long after the story ends.
So glad I got to read this.
The romance is amazing but most of all I loved the personal growth that Hakeem goes through! It felt like my own win when he got that role! I can totally see people building midnight screenings around him.
And Antonio! Gosh I have never felt a character represent my shy nature, my doubts and my hesitations better than Antonio!
Maya Gawonii not only writes compelling prose, but also makes it stick in her reader's mind long after the story ends.
So glad I got to read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
ARC review
I know the title says 'kill' but I actually found this to be a cute story. Hakeem is an aspiring horror actor who moved to LA, in with Antonio, an older cryptic hottie. Hakeem was really cute, quick with the assumptions and theories that Antonio is trying to k*ll him. Those had me cackling. It was a super slow burn, but oh so worth it at the end, but the few stolen moments we got were sooo good. Loved how chill Antonio was, yet he put Hakeem on edge every single time 🤭
I know the title says 'kill' but I actually found this to be a cute story. Hakeem is an aspiring horror actor who moved to LA, in with Antonio, an older cryptic hottie. Hakeem was really cute, quick with the assumptions and theories that Antonio is trying to k*ll him. Those had me cackling. It was a super slow burn, but oh so worth it at the end, but the few stolen moments we got were sooo good. Loved how chill Antonio was, yet he put Hakeem on edge every single time 🤭
September 1, 2026
Wow, this was a fun one!
Antonio was so mysterious! I had a feeling he was up to something but the ending?! LOVED!
Hakeem had me laughing with his inner dialogue. I enjoyed seeing him reach for his dreams & everyone push him to pursue them. I loved his friendship with Layla. I can’t wait for her book!
Antonio was so mysterious! I had a feeling he was up to something but the ending?! LOVED!
Hakeem had me laughing with his inner dialogue. I enjoyed seeing him reach for his dreams & everyone push him to pursue them. I loved his friendship with Layla. I can’t wait for her book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Funny, frightening, and unexpectedly tender, "My Roommate Is Trying To Kill Me" is a deliciously unhinged queer horror romance for anyone who’s ever ignored a red flag because the face attached to it was just that good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
loved the book! it was very funny and I really enjoyed the characters and the plot was creative and well written. highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a really good read. I enjoyed it and I didn't expect it to be good but next time more blood thank you lol. Like the titled promised more. Thank you NetGalley
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