XO, MU by Melissa Urban: Kiss, Marry or Kill

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 58

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:03:41 GMT

This is my weekly series for subscribers only, where I’ll share things that caught my eye this week in a fun and flirty way (kiss), a sustainable way (marry), or a not-so-good way (kill). And yes, this trendy game is technically “f***, marry, or kill” but we run a family-friendly-ish show around here.

Kiss (things I like right now)

🎧 Wild Dark Shore, Charlotte McConaghy' (←listened with my ears)

I’m sure 92% of you have read this already, because everywhere I looked, I saw people raving about this book. But it was in Reese’s Book Club, and while I love her as an actress and business person, we don’t always have the same taste in books. Also, sometimes the more people say “you have to read this,” the less I want to read it? But it came up on Libby, so I gave in.

Dammit, Reese was right. This book is a masterpiece. I love books that hurt, and I haven’t read one in a while. Wild Dark Shore just broke me, in every way possible.

A woman washes up on the shore of a remote island just outside of the Antarctic. The family caretaking the island finds her. Who is she? How did she get here? Why is she here? The family, a father and three kids, have also been broken. Everyone is keeping secrets. Their lives begin to converge in ways that nobody (certainly not the reader) could have imagined.

It’s a bit of a thriller, but that word feels far too light and fluffy for this story. It’s a bit of a romance, but not in the traditional sense. It’s equal parts adventure and retreat; breakdown and resilience; destruction and rebirth. I can’t do it justice, but it will make you cry.

Of note, I was listening to this while reading Endurance. The similarities between both their settings and themes made listening to this even more impactful. Also, the multi-cast narration was glorious, and I only want to listen to Australian accents from here on out.

If you’re one of the 16 people who haven’t read (listened to) this yet, it’s time.

Listen to this, I beg you

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 57

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:24:43 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

🎧 The Hunting Wives, May Cobb (←listened with my ears)

After all of my non-fiction survival/adventure reads (I’m currently on my third in a row) I needed a little ear candy, and The Hunting Wives did not disappoint, except for the places where it definitely was disappointing. Listen, sometimes you have to suspend all disbelief for a book to work. (See: The Family Game.) This one was no different, in that (a) the “sexy” stuff was actually tremendously problematic (not illegal but HELLO) and (b) the protagonist kept making dumb decision after dumber decision, to a degree that I actually kind of hated her. Her lustful urges overpowered any semblance of executive function at every potential opportunity (bitch, are you a 14-year-old boy?) but that didn’t stop me from waving my hands in the air like I just did not care! I believe this is now a Netflix show, which I will not be watching because I can’t be this annoyed all over again, but the book was nothing but candy, and I did enjoy it far more than I hated it. Say it with me: BEACH READ!

Enjoy these awful women

📖 The Half-Hearted Queen (Shattered King, Book 2) Charlie N. Holmberg (←read with my eyes)

The Shattered King made the Marry section of my Best of 2025 book list. I gave it 7 stars out of 5, and pre-ordered the sequel the moment I finished it. Then I had to wait six months for the release—and it was worth the wait, mostly. First, to be fair, I dove into this between my second and third non-fiction adventure/survival book. It’s hard to go from parasitic infections in the Amazon and clubbing baby seals while stranded in the Antarctic to “a fantasy romance where a country healer and a cursed king have to save the kingdom using magic and love.” It was a record scratch. And though I didn’t notice any of this in the first book, I found myself rolling my eyes in the second with the exhausting “will we, won’t we” star-crossed lovers storyline. (They both need therapy.) BUT I loved it, and the second story delivered in a completely satisfying way, right up through the end. (And yes, it was the end—this is a duology, and I was impressed with how well it completed the series without feeling rushed.)

The Part 2 we've been waiting for

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 56

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:52:37 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

📖 Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, Alfred Lansing (←read with my eyes)

This book was written in 1959, and is still considered the definitive account of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated 1914 expedition to the Antarctic. I have never been so on the edge of my seat. Also, I would never have believed this tale was real, had I not read about Lansing’s meticulous research. (He interviewed many of the surviving crew members, and used their personal diaries to piece together the full account.)

In 1914, Shackleton (an accomplished Antarctic explorer) led a party of 28 men, with a goal of being the first to cross the content of Antarctica. Their ship became stuck in ice floes (and eventually crushed) in the Weddell Sea—about 300 miles off the coast of Antartica, and described as “the most treacherous and dismal region on Earth.”

The book spans the next two years (!) as Shackleton and his men desperately try to survive in the most inhospitable environment you could imagine. I won’t share more, because I need you to read this book for yourself.

I have read some unbelievable tales of adventure and survival: Into Thin Air and Unbroken are two of my favorites. But Endurance tops them all (or at the very least, ties with Krakauer). This has sent me on a trek for more non-fiction historical adventure books; I’ve got at least three in my TBR pile as we speak. (Also, my fiction audiobook is vibing with my non-fiction read again this week! Standby for that review.)

READ THIS I ORDER YOU

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 55

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:47:54 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

📖 The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter, Brionni Nwosu (←read with my eyes)

UGH I LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH. Nella was born enslaved in the 1700s, but during a near-death moment, is offered the chance to continue living… forever. The catch is, she has to prove to Death himself that humans are inherently good, and there is enough true beauty in the world to save them all. Thus unravels a tale across centuries, cultures, and literal lifetimes. Nella discovers the joy and pain of loving and losing over and over again, as she and Death become more entwined. (The evolution of Death as a human-like character spools out brilliantly.)

This one has the same vibes as A Short Walk Through a Wide World and especially The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, two of my favorite books of all time. This tale, however, is unique in that it creates, “a world of magical realism that incorporates an African-American historical perspective.” (I am always looking to diversify my bookshelf.) I cannot believe this is a debut novel??? To call it “lyrical” is under-selling it—this story, and Nella herself, are downright magical.

I don’t want to give too much away, but of course in the end, it all comes down to love. Will Nella ever keep hold of the love she so deeply craves, or will Death’s pessimism destroy them all?

See it on Amazon

😴 Lost Range CBD + CBN sleep gummies

During the period when Henry and Brandon were snoring (and before I discovered Ozlo Sleepbuds), I was trying everything to help me sleep better. I’m not convinced long-term melatonin use is safe or healthy, even if I’m generally in good health. (Plus, the dose of melatonin gummies is often way higher than you really need.) I was already taking magnesium in the evening. So I turned to the world of CBD sleep gummies.

I’ve messed with CBD here and there, but sometimes it leaves me agitated. (Nobody can explain it, but I’ve repeated the experience enough to know it’s true.) However, many brands of sleep gummies now contain small amounts of CBN (cannabinol, a mildly psychoactive compound with potential sleep aid/sedative effects), and tiny doses of hemp-derived THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis that gets you high).

Obviously, as someone in recovery, I am deeply averse to using THC. However, these gummies contain less than 0.3% active THC by weight, which is federally legally per the 2018 Farm Bill. (Note, some states vary in terms of THC allowance, so please check your state’s regulations.) It’s also such a tiny amount that one gummy should not give you any psychoactive effects—but can help you relax and fall asleep.

I tried three different brands over the course of a few months, with varied success:

Feals Sleep Gummies: Contains CBD, CBN, and 1.5 mg THC. I tried these for about two weeks, with one major issue—they varied tremendously in terms of how I felt. I’d take 1 gummy, and sometimes not notice anything at all. But one night, 1 gummy sent me over the moon. (Like, I felt high.) I am wicked sensitive to THC, so this may not be a normal experience, but I hated it. After that experience, I abandoned them.

Sunday Scaries: Contains CBD, CBN, 2.5 mg THC, and other relaxing ingredients like L-theanine, magnesium, and melatonin (just 1 mg). However, I didn’t want melatonin, so that was a negative for me. Also, my first bottle arrived and all the gummies were clumped together in one messy brick. Apparently, they’re very heat sensitive, and in a plastic bottle, they melted before I even opened the bottle. They were cool about it and sent me a new bottle, but the texture was still a pain, and they didn’t do anything for me.

Lost Range: Contains CBD, CBN, 1.45 mg THC. This dosage was about the same as Feals, but never once did I have an inconsistent experience in terms of effect. I started taking 1/2 a gummy to be safe, then went up to a full gummy about a half-hour before bed. I slept better! They really do relax me. They have no negative effects whatsoever, they don’t make me feel weird, and I love that the ingredients are clear and simple. I’ve had these on subscription for three months now, and highly recommend you start here.

While the Ozlo were the real MVP in terms of my sleep quality, I’ve kept Lost Range in my repertoire because I really do notice when I forget to take them. Plus, the company is Colorado-based, I’ve known them for years, and they’re really good people. (I love giving money to small businesses run by people who share my values.)

Use the code WHOLE30 and save 30% on your Lost Range CBD purchase.

Note: Lost Range is a Whole30 Approved partner for many of their CBD products. (Gummies don’t fit, as they contain added sugar.) However, I have bought every bag with my own money, and this article is not sponsored. In fact, they didn’t even know I was writing it before I sent it to them for an accuracy review. (Hi, Matt and Given!) For a deep dive into CBD, CBN, CBG, and THG, see this comprehensive FAQ.

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 54

Melissa Urban — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:35:49 GMT

*Sorry for the sleep teaser I shared in the email subject line! That’s coming up soon I promise ❤️

Kiss (things I like right now)

🎧 The Family Game, Catherine Steadman (←listened with my ears)

What a delightful thriller!!! Can you sort of kind of guess where it’s going? Probably. Did that diminish the adventure? Not one bit. This was one of those, “How would I handle this?” stories. (I’m very brave sitting safely at home, let me tell you.) Truth is, I’d probably have done exactly what the protagonist did, although probably not as cleverly. The plot was unique, elements of books and authorship are always a draw for me, and this family is both uber-rich and UNHINGED... I like it!

A few things: The author narrates her own books, which (again) is usually a red flag, but her narration and crisp British accent are impeccable. Also, I came to this book from another one of hers, Something in the Water. This one was also very good, but you have to overlook all of the tremendously stupid things the protagonist does. Like, I was screaming at the book, “DO NOT (do that thing) because EVERYONE KNOWS (this is what happens).” However, the story was good enough that I let it slide, and maybe there are one or two people who do not know these things?

I had no such feelings about The Family Game, however, which is why that’s the one I’m sharing here. And I have another one of hers in my Libby queue, because she’s two for two, and I love a good audio thriller snack when my paper book is meaty.

Preview it on Audible

5️⃣ 5 Healthyish Things

I’ve been friends with Derek Flanzraich for a decade. We spoke on a panel together at SXSW in 2018. He founded Greatist, where I was named #19 in their Most Influential People in Health and Fitness list. (He sold Greatist to Healthline in 2019.) He also founded Ness, the credit card that gave you points for healthy spending. (I miss that card!) Basically, he’s a legacy force in health and wellness, and a wildly successful serial entrepreneur.

His newsletter, 5HT (5 Healthyish Things) is one of the few I read top to bottom, every single issue—and I reply back to at least half of them. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we do not, but what I love the most about Derek is we always have spirited discussions where we both end up learning something. He knows so much about cutting-edge supplements, technology, longevity research, entrepreneurship, and a bazillion other things… and I am his Boundary Phone-a-Friend.

So when he reached out last month and proposed a residency for the month of March, I was like, SAY LESS. Starting next Thursday, I’ll be answering one boundary question a week for his subscribers, and you can read my responses (and get all of his newsletter goodness) at the same time.

Subscribe to 5HT here, and look for my first boundary column next week! Also, read the counterpoint to last week’s AI Health Data Privacy in this week’s issue. (As a person with a uterus, I replied back to him making these same points. I love that he took that collective feedback and shared it with everyone.)

See you at 5HT next week—and let me know if you nailed the answer to my first boundary question. (I suspect some of you might, but a boundary refresher is always helpful.) And as always, if YOU have a boundary question, send it to me at hello@melissau.com. I read every single one of your emails.

Subscribe to 5HT

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 53

Melissa Urban — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:22:18 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

📚 The People’s Library, Veronica G. Henry (←read with my eyes)

I can’t remember where I first saw this book, but I love books about books, so it seemed a natural choice. This one was so inventive. It explored where AI could be headed, the conflict many of us feel about the technology, and what counts as “real?” In a highly integrated world of AI, a librarian named Echo moves to The People’s Library, where “readers” can check out virtual people to have a conversation. You can talk with Mozart, Anne Frank, Copernicus, or Madame Curie! How exciting! But powerful men have much bigger plans for the Library, and Echo is caught in the middle. I found the premise fascinating, the characters so richly developed, and the moral and ethical dilemmas presented incredibly relatable. It’s scary to think we’re not that far off, and even more unsettling that I was asking myself… what would I have done?

See it on Amazon

🎧 Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman (←listened with my ears)

This is an older book (2017), and I thought I’d read it. When it came up on Libby, I realized I had not, and borrowed it on audiobook. I wasn’t sure if I’d stick with it, as the first hour was a little… unexciting? And odd? But I’m SO glad I did. Eleanor is an unusual and particular woman who struggles with social cues, empathy, and tact. I found her abrasive and annoying at the start—then one small event completely changes the trajectory of her life. As we get to know Eleanor better, I found her nothing short of endearing—and realized there is so much more to her story. The author unfolds her story so beautifully and with such care. I like books that hurt a little, and Eleanor Oliphant does so in a most tender manner. She is now one of my favorite characters of all time (seriously), and I will recommend this book to anyone who needs a heartwarming story right now. (Which is all of us, right?)

ALSO, when I was in the middle of both of these books, I thought it interesting that both protagonists were portrayed as standoffish, cold, and tactless in the real world, while the reader is allowed to see their vulnerabilities, doubts, and fears. Then I realized that The People’s Library also features a character with the last name Oliphant! (It’s not a common last name.) It felt like a nudge from the universe that my instincts on the link between these two was spot-on.

Also you MUST get this in audio format. It’s one of the best narrations I’ve heard.

It's worth the Audible credit

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 52

Melissa Urban — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:17:10 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

📚 So Very Lucky, Caitlin Devlin (←Kindle First Reads)

First Reads are always a crapshoot. There aren’t usually many (or any) reviews, so you’re just going on the description and vibes. This one sounded very Daisy Jones in a candy-pop way. A T-Swift-level famous pop star has an accident during a concert. Her fans fear the worst, but she pops up a few days later on social media—bruised, shaken, but otherwise optimistic.

Her ex-girlfriend, Stevie, has been haunted by their relationship since they broke up a decade ago. She’s never gotten over their young love, and watching Calista skyrocket to fame from a distance leaves her depressed and more than a little obsessed. So when Calista reaches out to reconnect post-accident, Stevie blows her whole life up to rush to her side. (I won’t say more, because IMO the the official synopsis says too much. Trust me, just jump in.)

Stevie is painted far more deeply than I expected. All the characters are, in fact, thanks to a combination of diary entries, reflections, and nicely done show-don’t-tell scenes. Stevie is, in a word, a mess. Are you sympathetic? Sometimes. Are you disturbed? Often. But might you make the same choices, to reclaim a love imprinted as strongly as theirs was? This is what makes this book so good. Because you might. I might. It might even be easy, and if that makes you pause, it really should, and that’s what makes you think about a book long after you’ve turned the last page.

It's $1.99 on Amazon

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 51

Melissa Urban — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:06:11 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now MAYBE???)

The Last House on Needless Street, Catriona Ward (←audiobook)

This is not a new book (2021), and it’s been on zillions of “best horror books” TikToks, but for some reason I always passed it over. Then it came up as available on Libby and without even reading the summary, I thought, “What the hell.”

WHAT THE HELL INDEED. Nothing could have prepared me for this book. If you are going to dive in, here’s what you need to know, with zero spoilers because I would not cheat you out of one moment of this virtual acid trip:

The story is whackadoodle. It’s going to feel like you’re taking crazy pills for quite some time. Just go with it; you’re not meant to understand yet.
It comes together in a perfectly paced, utterly unhinged manner. But like, it’s genius? Like you’ve been huffing really good paint, but only a little at a time.
Just when you start to understand—OPE, no you do not.
It speeds up at the end like that time five of us took a taxi in Tijuana after drinking Micheladas all day. You will think you know where you are going and still you really will not.

Did I like it? Y….es? But also super duper no, because it was really f***ed up, and NOT in a fun Library at Mount Char way. I feel like I’m doing something wrong in recommending it but zero judgement if you’re like, “Girl, the more messed up, the better.”

Don't say I didn't warn you

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 50

Melissa Urban — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:37:51 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

The Winter Black FBI Mystery series by Mary Stone (←Kindle Unlimited)

I have ready many a book series, but it’s rare that I stay interested and invested past the third book. No matter how much I love the characters or storyline, by the fourth in the series I’m often bored and ready to move on.

I stumbled upon Winter’s Mourn (Book 1) through Kindle Unlimited; it was suggested to me based on my reading habits. I took a chance, and really liked the book. At the end, I realized there was a Book 2, also on Kindle Unlimited. Instant download. At the end of Book 2, I realized there was also a Book 3… repeat until today, where I’m halfway through Book 5.

At no point before now did I look to see how many were in this series. It turns out, 27. TWENTY SEVEN. I’m both impressed and exhausted… but it’s holding my attention, so let’s see where it goes! The story follows Winter Black, a serial-killer-victim (who survived against all odds with unexplained powers) turned-FBI-agent. In the first few books, she’s solving crimes while circling the serial killer who murdered her family, disappeared her brother, and left her in a 3-month coma. In the following books, she continues solving crimes, all of which are related in some way to the other books.

The way the stories are intertwined is quite clever, and do not hit you over the head. I really appreciated that. The introduction of new characters is also deliberate, and serves the purpose of furthering the plot quite well. The characters are well developed, if not at times cliched. If I were to rate this on my “How much does this book sound like it was written by a 14-year-old-boy” scale, I’d give it a 6. It’s not overtly cliched, but the authors consistent use of “females” (when she means “women”) is as misogynistic as a podcast bro, and the “will they/won’t they” love stories could be set on any college campus with any two people who have never gone to therapy. (Winter is a bit of a caricature at times, but I really like her anyway. Autumn might be my favorite!)

Also, the author uses words I find myself looking up and memorizing, because “laconic” is a much more elegant way of saying, “terse.” AND I’m on Book 5 with no plans of stopping! Consider these a delicious snack—not like Oreos, but a charcuterie board where once in a while, a rogue Taki pops up. Who doesn’t love a mix like that?

See it on Kindle Unlimited

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 49

Melissa Urban — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:24:49 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne (←Audiobook)

I can count the non-fiction books I’ve listened to on one finger. (Born a Crime by Trevor Noah—that’s it.) But I love reading non-fiction, and The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson was one of my all-time favorites. When Sociopath came up as available on Libby, I was intrigued. Like most people, I suspect, I’ve often wondered what it would mean to be a sociopath. To be honest, there have always been aspects of it that sound enviable, but maybe that’s just me? (It’s the same part of me that believes I’d thrive in prison, with structured routines and so much time to read and exercise, plus I wouldn’t have to talk to anybody if I didn’t want to.) I’ve also known a few people I’ve suspected of this condition. In general, I wanted to know more.

I looked for excuses to keep listening. (My house is very clean right now.) The author is obviously brilliant, and surprisingly self-aware. Maybe that’s a common misconception about sociopaths—that they don’t know they’re sociopaths—but from childhood, Patric knows she’s different, and begins a quest to figure out how, and why, and what it means for her life. Her learnings and applications are fascinating. I immediately liked her. Her delivery is painfully direct, which is my favorite form of communication. Emotions—at least, the more subtle ones, like empathy, guilt, or other people’s perceptions of her—never enter the chat, which is also relatable. (I’ve had to actively work on developing empathy. The difference is that I could, and have, expanded that emotional range.) As she learns, we learn, but her storytelling is also exceptional, so it reads more like fiction.

In the book, she explores “faux-ciopaths;” those who pretend to be, want to be, or simply want proximity to real sociopaths. I understand that fascination. Still, the book reveals its own lessons without having to fangirl your local sociopath. Could we apply some of the more helpful aspects of her personality disorder to our own lives? We could. Should we leave the least helpful aspects behind? Yes—and we probably couldn’t cultivate those anyway, because that’s not how we’re built. Though some days, I almost wish otherwise. (Not really, but also yes, really. Remember, prison.) This is a book I’ll be thinking about for a very long time, and I’ve had to resist DM’ing Patric because I would fangirl (although she would not care a lick?).

P.S. Of note, the author reads it herself, which is always dicey. However, Patric does a phenomenal job, 10/10, which many professional narrators cannot achieve. Kudos.

Listen here (you know you want to)

Vashon Island Coffee Dust

I don’t often get unsolicited packages. I discourage brands from just sending me stuff, and my practice is that I only accept samples from brands I’m considering working with, or potential/current Whole30 Approved partners. But last month, a mysterious package showed up at the office, with a little note. It basically said, “Love your stuff, wanted to send you a little treat, hoping this makes it into a Kiss, Marry, Kill.” I love me some good insider knowledge, and I was intrigued.

It’s called Coffee Dust. The sampler contains six little spice blends with no added sugar, which you add to your coffee, coffee alternative, or hot cocoa for a flavor boost. As an example, Hot Momma is a mix of cocoa, cayenne, cinnamon, and sea salt. Cocoa Calm is cocoa, lavender, and sea salt.

I’m no stranger to adding flavor to coffee; Chocolate Salt LMNT has been my ride-or-die. But after the packet I consume at the gym, I don’t always need more sodium. This is where Coffee Dust has come in. One tiny scoop (included in the sampler pack) packs so much flavor. Hot Momma is my favorite, but I’ve now tried them all, and they are all delicious in their own way. Each tiny tin contains 12 servings, so a sampler pack can last you quite a while. I’ve added them to my decaf coffee and my MUD\WTR, and it’s equally good in both.

With no added sugar and the shortest ingredient list, this is such a fun and easy way to spice up your beverages. (It also makes a great host gift, if you know the person is a coffee lover.) Could you make this yourself? Probably, with a few additions to your spice cabinet. Am I going to do that every morning? Hell no. I don’t add these every time I make a mug, but a few times a week I’m picking-me-up with a scoop.

This is not sponsored, nor do I grant a mention to everyone who sends me free stuff. This product just happened to be a home run, and I’ve been using it consistently all month. In fact, they should become Whole30 Approved! The community would love this in addition to their nutpods. (I’ll reach out to the brand and share my thanks in person too.)

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 48

Melissa Urban — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:33:18 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

The Invisible College by Jeff Wheeler (← Kindle Unlimited)

First, this is a series of four and they are all out, you’re welcome. Not that I knew that when I started. I picked up the first book on Kindle Unlimited and plowed through it. Got to the end and thought, “If part 2 isnt’ out yet, I swear to god…” But it was! Also Kindle Unlimited! Repeat between books 2 and 3 (it’s like reading roulette), and at that point I decided to look up how many there were (four) and if they were all available (yes).

It’s fantasy, but not so far out there that I can’t get into the story. (Some of these fantasy worlds are too much. If you need me to understand the history of the Skdreyverx people living in Teehagelurlaumph universe who possess the magical power of scriblydickdoing, I’m tapping out.)

This series involves magic and sorcery, an advanced life form that used to be friendly but now is decidedly not, and the Erlking (I can handle that) desperately searching for his daughter. Also it’s set in the 19th century, where bosoms aren’t quite heaving (that’s improper) but a bared ankle sets the soul afire. Also, there’s some badass magic, including the assistance of a spunky dog spirit. I’m into it.

Of note: I’ve been pronouncing the alien colonizers as “Ah-SEER” but according to the audiobook, it’s “AY-ser” so now you know.

A joy for your bosom

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 2025 Book Round-Up

Melissa Urban — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:54:18 GMT

Normally, this is my weekly series for subscribers only, where I’ll share things that caught my eye this week in a fun and flirty way (kiss), a sustainable way (marry), or a not-so-good way (kill). Today, I’ll be categorizing my favorite (and least favorite, SORRY AUTHORS) books of 2025. Aside: You’ll find a lot of fantasy/magic in this list, but not in a 19-year-olds-doing-smut way. I prefer my spice more mature.

Kiss (my 5-star reads)

One Dark Window, Rachel Gillig (← read with my eyes)

Y’all owe me one, because I read this book (book one of The Shepherd King series) in June, got to the end, immediately went to buy book two, and realized it wasn’t out for months. MONTHS. This should be illegal, IMO. (It’s out now, you’re welcome.)

In this misty kingdom, Providence Cards lend magical powers at a brutal cost. The bad guys want to collect them all to rule the world. But one girl has a secret weapon: a wicked (?) spirit trapped inside her body, slowly taking over. It’s a race for the Penultimate card, the keys to the kingdom, and maaaaybe the love of a prince? The world-building was fantastic, the storyline escalated beautifully (if you have questions at first, stick with it), and the cliffhanger is why “book two coming soon” is just rude.

Gone Before Goodbye, Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon (←listened with my ears)

First, you must listen to this book, because Reese Witherspoon is masterful, and the full list of characters were perfectly cast. I’ll also say this: This book was a bit more critically panned than his others, but I don’t agree with the negative reviews. The storytelling felt very Harlan Coben, the twists were twisty (albeit a tiny bit unsatisfying), and if you don’t love Pork Chop with every bone in your body, I’m not sure we can be friends. What would you do for love, for power, for good? Do the ends justify the means? This was a fantastic “walked the dogs twice just to keep listening” listen.

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 47

Melissa Urban — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:47:28 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum (← hardcover)

Emma writes rollicking, razor-sharp novels about rich, terrible people, and I am invested in every chaotic, champagne-soaked moment. (See also: My review of Bad Summer People.)

Mean Moms follows a group of uber-wealthy parents and the goings-on of their kids’ elite private school. (The moms are the star of the show, though the dads are also cluelessly awful.) You may think you’ve read darkly humorous Manhattan-mom fiction, but Mean Moms takes “unhinged” to a whole new level. Every twist delivered equal parts glee and schadenfreude, which is my favorite kind of fiction.

These mothers are in constant silent competition: Who’s the richest, the most successful, the most envied? It’s wild that you don’t hate them immediately! That’s Rosenblum’s talent: keeping her characters delicately balanced between viperous and vulnerable, allowing you to remain invested, if not deeply disturbed. Rosenblum’s humor also stays true to the storyline; it’s dry, dark, and casually lethal. (The entire saga of The Dress was the plotline gift that kept on giving.)

Mean Moms centers around a mysterious sequence of events plaguing the Popular Moms of Atherton Academy. (The group chat transcripts were a genius tone-setting device.) While their cascading misfortune grounds the story, the side-quests are just as raucous. And really, who doesn’t love a quick bout of auto-erotic asphyxiation before Pilates? Also, if Rosenblum wasn’t tripping before writing the party sequences, she deserves an award for imagination alone.

The storyline constantly flirts with absurdity but never quite tips over, which makes the whole thing entertaining as hell. May the friendships in Mean Moms never find you—but I wouldn’t say no to an invite to their parties.

You can judge these moms

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 46

Melissa Urban — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:50:56 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine (← audiobook)

Halfway through listening to this book, I texted my mom and sister: “I’m hate-listening to this thriller right now. It got almost 4,000 5-star reviews, and it’s narrated by Julia Whelan, who I don’t think would take on a crappy project? But I’m struggling with so many aspects of the story.”

A day and a half later, I sent this text: “OMG I STAND CORRECTED, FIVE STARS.” Has this ever happened before? I don’t think so. If I’m hate-finishing a book, historically there has been a 100% chance I hate it straight through to the very last paragraph. This one bucked that record HARD.

It’s in the “beach read” category for sure. I’d call it the Cadbury Creme Egg of books (and you know how I feel about my beloved Eggs). I am not going to say a single word about it, however, because I feel like any commentary could detract from your experience. In fact, I beseech you not to read anything, even the Amazon description, for the best reading/listening experience. (TL;DR, a faithful husband becomes entranced by a beautiful and mysterious young woman—the rest of the story builds from there.)

If you read it, I want to talk about it in an upcoming issue. (Also listening was a fantastic experience, both narrators played their parts beautifully and it’s not particularly long, for an audiobook.)

See it on Amazon

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 45 (Book Edition)

Melissa Urban — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:59:15 GMT

Normally, this is my weekly series for subscribers only, where I’ll share things that caught my eye this week in a fun and flirty way (kiss), a sustainable way (marry), or a not-so-good way (kill). Today, I’ll be categorizing my favorite books by vibe. In this issue, we’ve got magic, world-spanning, books-about-books, and mystery—with a hint of romance (but just a hint).

Books that move you through worlds

If you liked The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, by V.E. Schwab (←listened)

Addie is one of my favorite books of all time. I recently revisited it on audiobook (narrated by Julia Whelan), and I actually liked listening to it even more than reading it. It’s haunting, magical, and dark; a timeless love story on multiple levels. (Was I rooting for the devil? Will you?)

If you haven’t read it yet, start here—but when you’re finished, try one of these other five-star reads with the same vibe:

A Short Walk Through a Wide World, Douglas Westerbeke (← read)

Strikingly similar in theme to Addie, but the world-building is truly stunning. It’s an epic adventure full of magic, mystery, adventure, and books. Throughout the book, I couldn’t decide if the protagonist was the luckiest or the most cursed, and the fact that it was both is what makes this book so rich and memorable.

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 44

Melissa Urban — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:49:27 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

The Push by Ashley Audrain (← listened with my ears)

(TW: child death) I know this is an older book (2021), but I often purposefully avoid books with this much hype. However, I’m so glad I finally listened. (Also, despite this book being an absolute 5/5 stars, “glad” is 100% not the right word.) This book was a mind-f*** from the very first page. At the crux of the story is a mother believing (fearing? imagining? acknowledging?) that there is something very wrong with her firstborn child—and being very much alone and stuck in that experience for years on end. (Aside, if you are a mom raising young kids and carrying all of the emotional and mental load, you will be as enraged as I was throughout much of the story.) The storytelling does a lot of back-and-forth between generations, adding layers of history that both unfurled and thickened the plot. Is there something wrong with her child? Is there something wrong with her? Are both true? Are neither true? This story will keep you immersed until the very last moment, and hooks you into thinking about it for days, weeks—maybe forever.

See it on Amazon

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 43

Melissa Urban — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:27:34 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

Vicious (and Vengeful) by V.E. Schwab (← read with my eyeballs)

I have figured something out about my reading tastes. I love fantasy books, but if fantasy was a lake, I’m only wading in up to my belly-button, and here’s what I mean by that. Here is the back cover copy of a real (and highly acclaimed) fantasy book:

“For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out.”

Listen, I’m tapping out by “siege of Pale.” These books may be incredible, and once I battle through the world-building, I might fall in love. But this description is INTENSE, AKA a full dive into the lake.

Vicious and Vengeful, a duology by V.E. Schwab, is me acclimatizing to fantasy. (Please tell me you understand this reference.) It’s 100% fantasy (there are four Londons and plenty of magic) but the world-building is relatable enough that it doesn’t suck me out of the writing. I loved these books, which is no wonder, because this is the same author who put out Addie LaRue, which I hold close to my heart. The depth of character, the starkness of the writing (things just HAPPEN, with no preamble, and I’m INTO IT), the immense creativity, the page-turning twists! I devoured these, and now have moved onto the Shades of Magic series. (Just as good!)

I will keep pushing my fantasy boundaries, because “world-building” is often referenced when discussing the best fantasy books. If you have a reco somewhere between "four Londons” and “Tattersail surviving cadre mage,” drop them in comments please and thank you.

See it on Amazon

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 42

Melissa Urban — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:06:14 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

Beneath Devil’s Bridge, by Loreth Anne White (← on Kindle Unlimited)

(TW: teen sexual abuse/violence) I am REALLY ON A ROLL with books right now. Could you classify this as a thriller? Technically, based on the literal gasp I gasped. But the book description truly doesn’t do it justice. When you say “thriller,” I think “double stuffed Oreo.” You devour it quickly, it provides an amplified yet fleeting reward, and you forget the title immediately. (The Lies She Told? The Last Lie? Last One to Lie? Liars Who Lie? I’ve certainly read all of them.) This is not that. This is sushi at Matsuhisa. Beneath Devil’s Bridge is richly constructed and perfectly paced, with characters that are often shockingly complex. And yes, there were unexpected turns of events, but the heartbreak I felt as my mind was reeling is what puts this book well above the average thriller—even the really good ones.

Read on Kindle Unlimited

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 41

Melissa Urban — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:03:12 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

Glass Girls, Danie Shokoohi (←audiobook)

(TW: child abuse) This really belongs in MARRY as it’s now one of my FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME, but I want everyone to know about it, so here we are. Glass Girls is a mash-up of magic and witchcraft X ghosts and hauntings X family dynamics. It snagged me immediately, and wrenched its way into my center. I can’t remember the last time I felt for a character so deeply, and cared so very much about the ending written for them. (Maybe Wavy from All the Ugly and Wonderful Things?) It was a hard read, and would be especially heartbreaking if your mother wasn’t good to you. (Mine was, very much so, and it was still hard.) Still, I plowed through it so fast because it was so good, and I would give anything to hear it again for the first time. I know I’ll be coming back for a slower, more tender read/listen soon. (Would I have loved Glass Girls this much had I read it with my eyeballs? In this case, YES. You cannot go wrong with either medium.)

Listen on Audible

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 40

Melissa Urban — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:16:24 GMT

Kiss (things I like right now)

Little Ghosts, Gregg Dunnett (←audiobook)

(TW: child murder) This was one of the most unique and satisfying thrillers I’ve read all year (and by “read,” I mean “listened to,” as that is my preferred means of ingestion for thrillers). Little Ghosts is one of the most imaginative, creative, and touching ghost stories I’ve read. I’m not sure I’ve ever rooted so hard for the killer to be brought to justice, and the way the story unfolds truly gave me a “gasp” moment or two. Also, the ending was just right, and that is all I will say so as not to give anything away. Thrillers often translate as ultra-processed foods for me—highly consumable, quickly devoured, and leaving me craving another while longing for something more substantial and satisfying. This was one of those rare thrillers that felt more whole and hearty than a salty crunchy snack, and for that alone, it’s a five-star read.

Listen on Audible