Hi, Shirlene! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hello! My name is Shirlene Obuobi, Dr. Obuobi if you’re nasty. I am a general cardiologist, cartoonist and author of three novels, most recently DIE FOR ME. I’m also a cat mom!

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I’ve been obsessed with reading and writing since I was a child; I honestly don’t have memory of a time when I wasn’t consuming and telling stories. My earliest “book” was a picture book I drew when I was 6! For my 10th birthday, I actually requested a book signing rather than a party; instead of buying me presents, guests bought my book. All of my personal statements for applications to various stages of my medical training have discussed my desire to integrate story telling into my practice.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Bud, not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. I wore out that book out to its bones.
• The one that made you want to become an author: Heaven by Angela Johnson. Also Which Witch by Eva Ibbotson!
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis trilogy, NK Jemisin’s Inheritance Trilogy, Toni Morrison’s Sula, and Kennedy Ryan’s Kingmaker

Your latest novel, Die for Me, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Feminist, genre-bending, horror /paranormal romance

What can readers expect?

I actually think they should come in with as few expectations as possible, but what they should expect is a slow, simmering burn, a hypnotic atmosphere, an underlying feeling of unease, sizzling tension, and a layered message that, if I accomplished what I hoped to, sits with them for days after they reach the end.

Where did the inspiration for Die for Me come from?

Oh boy! So, when I first started writing Die for Me, I was in the midst of medical training. I trained at the same institution for all ten years of my training, and so I got to see multiple affairs and dalliances between typically male proceduralists/ surgeons and younger members of interdisciplinary teams play out. I was judgmental, and when I get judgmental I get curious. I started asking myself questions about power dynamics in relationships! I was also in breaking out of an abusive marriage myself, and exploring the psychology behind gaslighting and trauma bonds simultaneously through my own reading about abuse and translating it into a fictional realm was really fascinating.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I love all of my characters so much! I say that I’m a romance writer who believes in decentering romance, and so putting together Sean’s relationships with Winona and Sophie were so special to me. But I really loved exploring Julian’s family.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

I have strategies now for overcoming writer’s block, so really this time most of my challenges were related to time. I have transitioned to part time now, but as I was writing Die for Me, I was also working full time as a general cardiologist…you know, the sort of job that is male dominated because it consumes so much of your life that you generally need a stay-at-home partner to manage the ‘living’ part. I also was studying for my cardiology boards exam, which are a two day grueling exam that’s offered once a year and certifies you for a decade (see: a big deal.) This book was initially slated to be released in the fall, and so I was editing on a much tighter schedule. My brain hurts just thinking about it. I had to make and execute decisions and fast.

What’s next for you?

I really love writing genre bending, speculative-adjacent books that center love! Would love to stay in the paranormal romance genre!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?

I have a TBR a mile long right now! I’m looking forward to Tayari Jone’s Kin, Christina Lauren’s The Romance Revival, Lauren Ho’s Two Lives with You, Nikki Payne’s The Pro and the Con (I was OBSESSED with her most recent release, The Princess and the PI. I know this is a nonfiction, but Dr. Kemi Doll’s A Terrible Strength is so incredible as well and a must read.

Will you be picking up Die For Me? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Shirlene Obuobi, Author of ‘Die For Me’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This was so hard. I can go on and on with the number of upcoming diverse reads I’m excited about, but here are eight books by authors I admire that I think you should put on your radar:

Strange Familiars by Keshe Chow

I love a good slow burn, and I’ve heard that Keshe will deliver one in this romantasy. Make it happen at a magical college for aspiring veterinarians, and I’m already hooked. Add in academic rivals with animal familiars and a unique magic system to give the plot even more appeal. I can’t wait to read Strange Familiars. Out 5/19/26

By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin

A cowboy romance? Say less. Alexa Martin writes her heartfelt books with lots of humor, and I’ve heard this one is no exception. By the Bootstraps is set in a small town with Friday Night Lights as a comp and home renovations gone wrong. Which means it sounds like it was made for me. And perhaps for you too? Don’t even get me started on its stunning cover. Out 5/26/26

The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest

I haven’t read this one yet, but I already know I’m going to love it because, in my opinion, Kristina never misses. Her writing is sweet and fun, with a world and characters that feel so relatable and lived in. The Summer Girlfriend features a dual point of view for the lovers and fake dating where he falls first. I think this is going to be the perfect book to bring to the beach and its cover is sure to catch eyes while you’re there. Out 6/9/26

Die For Me by Shirlene Obuobi

If you haven’t yet heard of Die For Me, I am happy to be the one to tell you about it. Though, I refuse to spoil anything because the mystery is my favorite part of this book. At its base level, Die For Me is a paranormal romance but it also bends genre in the best ways. It’s sensual, thrilling, compulsive, and a little twisted. Featuring an intelligent interventional cardiologist and the sexy younger man she can’t seem to figure out. You might find yourself wondering just how gray you are on the moral scale while you’re reading this one. I devoured it. Out 7/14

Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar

I adore Naina’s romance books for their emotional richness. Even with familiar themes and comps, they feel very specific to her experiences. Just a Highland Fling features a main character who travels to her estranged father’s wedding and goes on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands to track down his runaway bride. What’s more fun? She goes on this adventure with her one-night stand. Out 7/21/26

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson

This book is addicting. Rioghnach is such a clever storyteller. Every single line matters. A true enemies-to-lovers, this contemporary romance book comes with teeth and tension. I was biting my nails as I flew through pages, only to force myself to slow down and savor the words. These characters are realistically imperfect, they are messy, which made watching them realize they want each other that much more delicious. There’s no purity policing in this book. It’s not careful, in the best way. And that includes all the important commentary on the publishing industry. Out 10/6/26

Sunflower Season by Danica Nava

I had the honor of reading Sunflower Season in its early stages and it’s such a heartfelt, sweet second chance romance, set in a charming town with a callback to late 90’s-early 2000’s romcoms like Sweet Home Alabama and Hope Floats. Danica is witty on and off the page, so expect to laugh while you swoon over these characters finding their way back to each other. I adore them! Out 10/20

Two Can Play That Game by Zakiya N. Jamal

This book doesn’t come out for a bit, but I’m anxious for it. That cover? Sexy. Fake Dating? I love. Basketball? Yes, please. Sex positive sapphic romance? Take my money. Imagine sitting courtside and almost taking a basketball to the face before having the meet-cute of your life with a charming WNBA star? I already know I’ll be giggling and kicking my feet. Out 11/17/26.

Happy Reading!
Xx
Riss

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