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Kiss, Marry, Kill
Which would you kiss, marry, or kill?
When three best friends and founders of a health and wellness app on the verge of hitting the big time play a spin on the game of “kiss, marry, kill” at their company’s summer outing, they wake up the next morning in an alternate universe to discover they’ve each done just that.
In the “real world,” quiet, indecisive Aubrey is heartbroken over things ending with her fiancé. In the new reality ushered in by the game, Aubrey finds herself in bed, naked, next to their company’s newly hired graphic designer.
Practical, straight-laced Ilena, on the brink of a divorce following a stressful struggle with infertility, wakes up six months pregnant and married to their company’s general counsel.
Mallory’s philosophy is to ask neither forgiveness nor permission. Yet the reckless behavior of their biggest investor crosses lines even Mallory didn’t know she had. Especially since she’s been secretly sleeping with him for the past year. She’s mad enough to kill. But in this world, he’s already dead.
Told alternately from the perspectives of these three best friends, this Sliding Doors-esque story explores the nuances of ambition, the power of female friendship, and the many facets of love in our lives, ultimately Do our choices define us, or do we define our choices?
When three best friends and founders of a health and wellness app on the verge of hitting the big time play a spin on the game of “kiss, marry, kill” at their company’s summer outing, they wake up the next morning in an alternate universe to discover they’ve each done just that.
In the “real world,” quiet, indecisive Aubrey is heartbroken over things ending with her fiancé. In the new reality ushered in by the game, Aubrey finds herself in bed, naked, next to their company’s newly hired graphic designer.
Practical, straight-laced Ilena, on the brink of a divorce following a stressful struggle with infertility, wakes up six months pregnant and married to their company’s general counsel.
Mallory’s philosophy is to ask neither forgiveness nor permission. Yet the reckless behavior of their biggest investor crosses lines even Mallory didn’t know she had. Especially since she’s been secretly sleeping with him for the past year. She’s mad enough to kill. But in this world, he’s already dead.
Told alternately from the perspectives of these three best friends, this Sliding Doors-esque story explores the nuances of ambition, the power of female friendship, and the many facets of love in our lives, ultimately Do our choices define us, or do we define our choices?
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Lori Gold
2 books76 followersLori Gold is the author of the NPR Book of the Day, Zibby Media Summer Read pick and Zibby Media Most Anticipated ROMANTIC FRICTION (Harper Mira, 2025), a satire about publishing and AI with explorations of female ambition and friendship. KISS, MARRY, KILL, about three women who play a spin on the game and wake up the next day in an alternate universe having each done just that, releases April 7, 2026. Under Lori Goldstein, she published the adult historical, Love, Theodosia (Arcade, 2021) and four novels for young adults (Sources Say, Penguin Random House, 2020; Screen Queens, Penguin Random House, 2019; and the Becoming Jinn series (Macmillan, 2015, 2016). She is also a creative writing instructor and founder of Think Write, which holds creative writing classes and writing retreats.
She lives in the Boston area and can be found online at: www.lorigoldsteinbooks.com; Instagram: @lorigoldsteinbooks; Facebook: LoriGoldsteinAuthor.
She lives in the Boston area and can be found online at: www.lorigoldsteinbooks.com; Instagram: @lorigoldsteinbooks; Facebook: LoriGoldsteinAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
April 2, 2026
3.5⭐️
ok wait… i don’t even like magical realism like that, but this actually worked for me??
it was super original, kinda twisty, and honestly just a really fun, fast-paced romcom/thriller with strong female friendship vibes. i flew through it.
that being said… there were definitely some plot points that felt unnecessary or just confusing, and it made parts of the book feel a little dragged out. i think that’s what held me back from rating it higher.
BUT i would 100% recommend this if you’re in a reading slump because it really does keep you hooked and wanting to know what happens next.
also… i had to reread the ending because i was a little confused the first time, but once i got it, the twist was actually INSANE
(read an early copy in exchange for my honest review)
ok wait… i don’t even like magical realism like that, but this actually worked for me??
it was super original, kinda twisty, and honestly just a really fun, fast-paced romcom/thriller with strong female friendship vibes. i flew through it.
that being said… there were definitely some plot points that felt unnecessary or just confusing, and it made parts of the book feel a little dragged out. i think that’s what held me back from rating it higher.
BUT i would 100% recommend this if you’re in a reading slump because it really does keep you hooked and wanting to know what happens next.
also… i had to reread the ending because i was a little confused the first time, but once i got it, the twist was actually INSANE
(read an early copy in exchange for my honest review)
March 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC in exchange for my review.
This book just didn’t hit like I had hoped, I skimmed a lot because there just seemed to be a lot of fluff and maybe I missed some details but it didn’t make a whole lotta sense to me. There wasn’t really a conclusion?
The story is about three women who start up a company that is making billions (congrats, girl power). They play a round of f*** marry kill and mysteriously wake up the next morning in places they sort of recognize but don’t recognize and have no recollection of how they got there. One is even heavily pregnant! As they put the pieces together they kind of figure out what is going on in this life and it seems some time travel alter universe shit is happening. The story could have been so much fun, but really they just focus on the dead investor (that they may or may not have killed) and the corruption happening in the company.
All the women are quite frustrated and displeased with their lives but when they are give the chance to make new ones they don’t really try to change and start to settle back into their old habits?? Was a bit frustrating to read.
This book just didn’t hit like I had hoped, I skimmed a lot because there just seemed to be a lot of fluff and maybe I missed some details but it didn’t make a whole lotta sense to me. There wasn’t really a conclusion?
The story is about three women who start up a company that is making billions (congrats, girl power). They play a round of f*** marry kill and mysteriously wake up the next morning in places they sort of recognize but don’t recognize and have no recollection of how they got there. One is even heavily pregnant! As they put the pieces together they kind of figure out what is going on in this life and it seems some time travel alter universe shit is happening. The story could have been so much fun, but really they just focus on the dead investor (that they may or may not have killed) and the corruption happening in the company.
All the women are quite frustrated and displeased with their lives but when they are give the chance to make new ones they don’t really try to change and start to settle back into their old habits?? Was a bit frustrating to read.
May 6, 2026
So surprised, I thought this story sounded phenomenal, but I was bored instead of thrilled/amazed/captivated.
Thank you anyways to the author, narrator, NetGalley, and Harlequin Audio for a copy!
Thank you anyways to the author, narrator, NetGalley, and Harlequin Audio for a copy!
March 6, 2026
This was one of those books that had so much potential—the kind where you can clearly see what the author was trying to accomplish—but unfortunately the execution just didn’t quite come together.
There are definitely moments that are entertaining and thoughtfully constructed, but overall the story needed more development to become the kind of fluid read that keeps a reader fully engaged from start to finish.
The biggest issue for me was the missing connective tissue between scenes and ideas. It often left me feeling confused and pulled out of the story rather than immersed in it. I genuinely couldn’t tell if the problem was that it had been over-edited or perhaps not edited enough—but either way, the result was the same: transitions and narrative flow just weren’t always there.
At one point I remember thinking it was shaping up to be a solid 3.75⭐️ read and that the story had more or less accomplished what it set out to do… only to realize I was just 33% in with over seven hours left in the audiobook.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Victoria Villarreal, who did a perfectly fine job with the material. However, because of the structure of the story—with its multiple characters, shifting timelines, and dense prose—it likely would have been better served by a full cast of narrators or someone with more range in differentiating character voices.
I will say that increasing the playback speed to at least 1.5x helped tighten the pacing and made the narration feel a bit more cohesive.
Unfortunately, I found myself repeatedly disconnecting from the story—checking out and having to rewind far too many times just to make sure I hadn’t missed something. Even then, it still felt like pieces of the narrative were missing, as though certain connections simply never made it onto the page.
In the end, this is one of those reads where the foundation is clearly there—but the structure built on top of it just needed more refinement to truly stand.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Harlequin Audio. via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
There are definitely moments that are entertaining and thoughtfully constructed, but overall the story needed more development to become the kind of fluid read that keeps a reader fully engaged from start to finish.
The biggest issue for me was the missing connective tissue between scenes and ideas. It often left me feeling confused and pulled out of the story rather than immersed in it. I genuinely couldn’t tell if the problem was that it had been over-edited or perhaps not edited enough—but either way, the result was the same: transitions and narrative flow just weren’t always there.
At one point I remember thinking it was shaping up to be a solid 3.75⭐️ read and that the story had more or less accomplished what it set out to do… only to realize I was just 33% in with over seven hours left in the audiobook.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Victoria Villarreal, who did a perfectly fine job with the material. However, because of the structure of the story—with its multiple characters, shifting timelines, and dense prose—it likely would have been better served by a full cast of narrators or someone with more range in differentiating character voices.
I will say that increasing the playback speed to at least 1.5x helped tighten the pacing and made the narration feel a bit more cohesive.
Unfortunately, I found myself repeatedly disconnecting from the story—checking out and having to rewind far too many times just to make sure I hadn’t missed something. Even then, it still felt like pieces of the narrative were missing, as though certain connections simply never made it onto the page.
In the end, this is one of those reads where the foundation is clearly there—but the structure built on top of it just needed more refinement to truly stand.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Harlequin Audio. via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
March 14, 2026
3.75/5 ⭐️
This book uses a light sci-fi premise—parallel universes—but it never really feels like science fiction. Instead, it reads much more like a character-driven story about friendship, ambition, and figuring out what you actually want out of life.
The story follows three best friends and business partners who jokingly play a round of “kiss, marry, kill” during a company outing… and wake up the next day in a reality where those choices have somehow come true. From there, each woman is forced to confront a life that looks very different from the one she thought she wanted.
What I loved most was the exploration of these three women and their complicated friendships. They’re founders of a fast-growing wellness startup, but beneath the ambition and success are real questions about love, identity, and what fulfillment actually looks like. Watching each of them navigate the consequences of this alternate reality was really compelling.
I’ve seen some reviews mention that the time jumps or shifting perspectives can be confusing. Personally, I didn’t find that to be the case. However, because the story alternates between the three women, the audiobook might have benefited from multiple narrators—one for each character—to help differentiate the perspectives a bit more.
That said, the narrator (who was new to me) did a great job overall. Her voice was engaging and easy to listen to, and the occasional blending of perspectives felt more like a production choice than a narration issue.
Overall, this is less about the mechanics of parallel universes and more about the question at the heart of the story: Do our choices define us, or do we define our choices? If you enjoy character-driven stories about female friendship, complicated lives, and the roads not taken, this one is definitely worth a listen.
Thank you to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for the ALC of this novel.
This book uses a light sci-fi premise—parallel universes—but it never really feels like science fiction. Instead, it reads much more like a character-driven story about friendship, ambition, and figuring out what you actually want out of life.
The story follows three best friends and business partners who jokingly play a round of “kiss, marry, kill” during a company outing… and wake up the next day in a reality where those choices have somehow come true. From there, each woman is forced to confront a life that looks very different from the one she thought she wanted.
What I loved most was the exploration of these three women and their complicated friendships. They’re founders of a fast-growing wellness startup, but beneath the ambition and success are real questions about love, identity, and what fulfillment actually looks like. Watching each of them navigate the consequences of this alternate reality was really compelling.
I’ve seen some reviews mention that the time jumps or shifting perspectives can be confusing. Personally, I didn’t find that to be the case. However, because the story alternates between the three women, the audiobook might have benefited from multiple narrators—one for each character—to help differentiate the perspectives a bit more.
That said, the narrator (who was new to me) did a great job overall. Her voice was engaging and easy to listen to, and the occasional blending of perspectives felt more like a production choice than a narration issue.
Overall, this is less about the mechanics of parallel universes and more about the question at the heart of the story: Do our choices define us, or do we define our choices? If you enjoy character-driven stories about female friendship, complicated lives, and the roads not taken, this one is definitely worth a listen.
Thank you to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for the ALC of this novel.
April 5, 2026
What happens when a game of kiss, marry, or kill becomes your reality? Three best friends and founders of a wellness app are on the verge of massive success when they play kiss, marry, kill at a company outing. They wake up the next day in an alternate reality.
Kiss, Marry, Kill by Lori Gold starts with a compelling premise, but the execution doesn’t quite live up to its potential. One of the main issues is the pacing. For a story that suggests suspense and high stakes, not much actually happens for long stretches. The narrative feels uneven, with extended sections that don’t build enough tension or momentum. As a result, the plot can feel stagnant.
Aubrey is the only character that I could really distinguish amongst the female characters. The men? I had no idea who was who!
Overall, Kiss, Marry, Kill has an intriguing setup, but uneven pacing and a largely indistinct supporting cast keep it from being as engaging or memorable as it might have been.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Kiss, Marry, Kill by Lori Gold starts with a compelling premise, but the execution doesn’t quite live up to its potential. One of the main issues is the pacing. For a story that suggests suspense and high stakes, not much actually happens for long stretches. The narrative feels uneven, with extended sections that don’t build enough tension or momentum. As a result, the plot can feel stagnant.
Aubrey is the only character that I could really distinguish amongst the female characters. The men? I had no idea who was who!
Overall, Kiss, Marry, Kill has an intriguing setup, but uneven pacing and a largely indistinct supporting cast keep it from being as engaging or memorable as it might have been.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
March 16, 2026
Kiss Marry Kill is a fascinating piece of book club fiction, blending hints of sci-fi, thriller, and women’s fiction into an intriguing story about friendship and fate. In Kiss Marry Kill, Lori Gold introduces three best friends developing a wellness app who play a seemingly innocent round of “kiss, marry, kill” only to wake up in an alternate universe where their choices have reshaped their lives.
What unfolds is a thought provoking exploration of the decisions we make and how even the smallest ones can lead to wildly different outcomes. It’s the kind of premise that sparks great discussion. While the second half became a bit difficult to follow at times, I found the concept compelling and thoroughly enjoyed the originality of the story.
3.75 ⭐️
What unfolds is a thought provoking exploration of the decisions we make and how even the smallest ones can lead to wildly different outcomes. It’s the kind of premise that sparks great discussion. While the second half became a bit difficult to follow at times, I found the concept compelling and thoroughly enjoyed the originality of the story.
3.75 ⭐️
November 22, 2025
I’m so excited because this is my first review as a Hive “influencer.” Who cheered?! (I CHEERED!)
When I saw the description of this book, I just knew I had to read it. Three best friends who own a health and wellness app together are about to get their big break! While at their companies summer retreat, they decide to play “kiss, marry, kill.” When they wake up, things are not how they were the night before.
This book has potential. Unfortunately, about 80% of the time I was reading this, I was confused. Parts of it were a bit hard to follow and even now, I’m not sure I completely understand.
With all of the different POV’s this had, I feel like it should have been a little easier to follow, but I fear that played a part in the confusion.
I see the vision though, I feel like I really would have loved what this could have been. Unfortunately, this is not for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc!
When I saw the description of this book, I just knew I had to read it. Three best friends who own a health and wellness app together are about to get their big break! While at their companies summer retreat, they decide to play “kiss, marry, kill.” When they wake up, things are not how they were the night before.
This book has potential. Unfortunately, about 80% of the time I was reading this, I was confused. Parts of it were a bit hard to follow and even now, I’m not sure I completely understand.
With all of the different POV’s this had, I feel like it should have been a little easier to follow, but I fear that played a part in the confusion.
I see the vision though, I feel like I really would have loved what this could have been. Unfortunately, this is not for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc!
March 23, 2026
Thank you, Harlquin Audio, for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review!
The story follows three friends who are co-founders of a wellness app and are on the brink of major success. During a company retreat, they play a game of ‘kiss, marry, kill’ only to wake up the next morning in a reality they never could have imagined. Suddenly, they find themselves living in an alternative universe where everything is both familiar and completely different. Their answers to the game are now their real life!
The premise of this book immediately drew me in, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. I especially loved how the story explores the idea that our choices shape not only where we end up in life, but also who we become. As the women navigate this new world, they begin to notice aspects of their life changed in the way that they answered the game on the retreat. Ilena, for example, struggled with infertility, but when she woke up, she was 6 months pregnant! Aubrey wakes up next to her ex and ends up waking up next to the graphic designer at their work, and Mallory is grappling with the fact that their biggest investor is working on shady things in the background… which makes her mad. Oh, and did I mention that she’s sleeping with him? There are so many twists and turns throughout the book that make you question which life you would choose to stay in. While Aubry had a life that she wouldn’t wanna give up, her friends didn’t feel the same. This forces them to question whether they should return to what they knew or stay.
I appreciated how the story moved between each woman’s life before the retreat, during it, and after the shift in their lives. This structure added depth and gave good insight into each character and the decisions that they’ve made along the way.
I thought that the narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. That said, I wish there had been multiple narrators, as it was sometimes difficult to distinguish between the three women. While she made a great effort to vary the voices for each character, having separate voices would have made it easier to follow.
The story follows three friends who are co-founders of a wellness app and are on the brink of major success. During a company retreat, they play a game of ‘kiss, marry, kill’ only to wake up the next morning in a reality they never could have imagined. Suddenly, they find themselves living in an alternative universe where everything is both familiar and completely different. Their answers to the game are now their real life!
The premise of this book immediately drew me in, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. I especially loved how the story explores the idea that our choices shape not only where we end up in life, but also who we become. As the women navigate this new world, they begin to notice aspects of their life changed in the way that they answered the game on the retreat. Ilena, for example, struggled with infertility, but when she woke up, she was 6 months pregnant! Aubrey wakes up next to her ex and ends up waking up next to the graphic designer at their work, and Mallory is grappling with the fact that their biggest investor is working on shady things in the background… which makes her mad. Oh, and did I mention that she’s sleeping with him? There are so many twists and turns throughout the book that make you question which life you would choose to stay in. While Aubry had a life that she wouldn’t wanna give up, her friends didn’t feel the same. This forces them to question whether they should return to what they knew or stay.
I appreciated how the story moved between each woman’s life before the retreat, during it, and after the shift in their lives. This structure added depth and gave good insight into each character and the decisions that they’ve made along the way.
I thought that the narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. That said, I wish there had been multiple narrators, as it was sometimes difficult to distinguish between the three women. While she made a great effort to vary the voices for each character, having separate voices would have made it easier to follow.
March 25, 2026
The three best friends that anybody could have! Or at least, they say they are! Besties running an incredibly successful business together are bound to bump heads and keep secrets. During the night of an outing created to celebrate AIM, Audrey, Mallory, and Ilena play a game of Kiss, Marry, Kill with folks who are at this gathering, even their own employees. When they wake up the next day, though, they find they may have actually done those things with the employees they said during their game. Lobbed into an alternate universe or timeline, the heads of AIM must navigate their slightly new world and lives and a dead body. Yikes! I think the pace of this book could have been upped, and I wish these girlies would just TALK TO EACH OTHER! But I did enjoy the ride and turns and twists!
April 7, 2026
I read this in 24 hours. Couldn't put it down.
The premise (what happens if the choices you make during a game of kiss, marry, kill actually happen) is wildly compelling, and the story lives up to the expectations. Not only was this fun! fun! fun!, but it was extremely well-written. The characters are well-developed, interesting, flawed women. My favorite is Aubrey!
A great book club read. Highly recommend.
The premise (what happens if the choices you make during a game of kiss, marry, kill actually happen) is wildly compelling, and the story lives up to the expectations. Not only was this fun! fun! fun!, but it was extremely well-written. The characters are well-developed, interesting, flawed women. My favorite is Aubrey!
A great book club read. Highly recommend.
March 18, 2026
This story was all over the place. I wanted to love this since it’s based in Boston but other than the geography, I was confused the whole time. This is some messy writing.
May 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinion.
Kiss Marry Kill follows the story of three best friends, Aubrey, Ilena, and Mallory; they came together and founded a company called AIM, a health & wellness app. On the verge of going public with their company, they decided to throw a spin into the popular game 'Kiss, Marry, Kill' at their company's summer outing. They have to pick someone present at the outing; the next day, they've each kissed, married, and killed someone – but here's the twist: in an alternate reality.
I love alternate reality stories – the idea of multiverses where each of our "non-taken choices" branches out into a different us. But I felt this novel didn't exactly get it right. Starting with the company, we already have a big cast of characters, and my brain had to keep up with several characters, which I didn't like! Also, the introduction of a mystery aspect, an unreliable narrator, corruption within the company combined with an alternate reality, and the idea of going back to their original universe was a bit too much. The constant back-and-forth with the past and the present kept making me lose focus! And I seriously think that this book could work well as a movie, but as a novel, it was too much going on at the same time.
And the ending... I found myself thinking, how could one person figure out how to bend time – or should I say, universe – and move to an alternate universe to plot something devious? How!! This book had so much potential, but it wasn't executed well.
Overall, what I did like was the female friendship going on – girl power 💪! I loved that these women set out to build a company and they succeeded in it! What I didn't like was: too many characters, some of which I hate (yes, I'm talking to you, Aubrey & Mallory), the fact that an unreliable narrator was introduced, the cryptic ending, and the plot, which wasn't done right. Thank you for the e-ARC.
Kiss Marry Kill follows the story of three best friends, Aubrey, Ilena, and Mallory; they came together and founded a company called AIM, a health & wellness app. On the verge of going public with their company, they decided to throw a spin into the popular game 'Kiss, Marry, Kill' at their company's summer outing. They have to pick someone present at the outing; the next day, they've each kissed, married, and killed someone – but here's the twist: in an alternate reality.
I love alternate reality stories – the idea of multiverses where each of our "non-taken choices" branches out into a different us. But I felt this novel didn't exactly get it right. Starting with the company, we already have a big cast of characters, and my brain had to keep up with several characters, which I didn't like! Also, the introduction of a mystery aspect, an unreliable narrator, corruption within the company combined with an alternate reality, and the idea of going back to their original universe was a bit too much. The constant back-and-forth with the past and the present kept making me lose focus! And I seriously think that this book could work well as a movie, but as a novel, it was too much going on at the same time.
And the ending... I found myself thinking, how could one person figure out how to bend time – or should I say, universe – and move to an alternate universe to plot something devious? How!! This book had so much potential, but it wasn't executed well.
Overall, what I did like was the female friendship going on – girl power 💪! I loved that these women set out to build a company and they succeeded in it! What I didn't like was: too many characters, some of which I hate (yes, I'm talking to you, Aubrey & Mallory), the fact that an unreliable narrator was introduced, the cryptic ending, and the plot, which wasn't done right. Thank you for the e-ARC.
November 13, 2025
I was a little confused by this book. I'm really not sure why, but this really wasn't what I was expecting from it. Not necessarily in a bad way. It was just different.
This follows three best friends who also have founded a wellness app together (red flag in my opinion, the wellness industry is a scam, but anywhoooo). One night they play a game of Kiss, Marry, Kill and it goes wrong.
I think the main part that confused me was what happened next/because of that game (I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't really say what happened), but it was a bit hard to follow.
This is told in multiple POVs and I think that also added to my confusion of the situation. I don't know if that's a me thing or a writing thing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This follows three best friends who also have founded a wellness app together (red flag in my opinion, the wellness industry is a scam, but anywhoooo). One night they play a game of Kiss, Marry, Kill and it goes wrong.
I think the main part that confused me was what happened next/because of that game (I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't really say what happened), but it was a bit hard to follow.
This is told in multiple POVs and I think that also added to my confusion of the situation. I don't know if that's a me thing or a writing thing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
March 27, 2026
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC opportunity!
I requested this book for the parallel universe aspect and stayed for the characters. I found myself instantly caught up in the drama. The friendship felt believable and I enjoyed the dynamic of the girls’ relationship as business partners as well. I didn’t expect so much corruption/company talk in the story but it made sense considering that was the one thing each of the women shared together. I wish that because they did share a business and were friends that they had just been better at communicating. It was a little frustrating at times knowing what was going on for some of the characters while their friends had no clue! What we see throughout is that old habits die hard because these women were messy both before and after the little game went down. Speaking of the game, I wish I had a better understanding of the switch that occurred! The characters’ perspectives and alternate timelines could be confusing at times. I listened to the audio and feel like multiple narrators could have helped me to keep track better! But, I don’t want that being said to take away what the narrator did for this story - she was great and was easy to listen to. Or maybe the story should have just been told from one of the besties POV.
I requested this book for the parallel universe aspect and stayed for the characters. I found myself instantly caught up in the drama. The friendship felt believable and I enjoyed the dynamic of the girls’ relationship as business partners as well. I didn’t expect so much corruption/company talk in the story but it made sense considering that was the one thing each of the women shared together. I wish that because they did share a business and were friends that they had just been better at communicating. It was a little frustrating at times knowing what was going on for some of the characters while their friends had no clue! What we see throughout is that old habits die hard because these women were messy both before and after the little game went down. Speaking of the game, I wish I had a better understanding of the switch that occurred! The characters’ perspectives and alternate timelines could be confusing at times. I listened to the audio and feel like multiple narrators could have helped me to keep track better! But, I don’t want that being said to take away what the narrator did for this story - she was great and was easy to listen to. Or maybe the story should have just been told from one of the besties POV.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**2.5 rounded up**
**Thank you for to the publisher/author for giving me an advanced listening copy**
I really wanted to like this one because the premise had me hooked right from the start. The opening pulled me in, and I thought I was settling into a twisty, addictive story… but somewhere in the middle, things just completely lost me.
I found myself getting confused about when things were happening, who was doing what, and honestly… why any of it was happening. The plot started to feel muddy, and I struggled to stay connected to what the story was actually trying to do.
One thing that also didn’t quite land for me was the “three best friends” dynamic. It kept being emphasized, but I never really felt that bond. Instead, it came across more like they were just grouped together rather than genuinely close.
And Mallory… 😬 she was a tough character to like..
By the time I reached the ending, everything was wrapped up in a way that made me go, “Oh… okay.” It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t feel particularly satisfying either.
Overall, this one had a strong concept but didn’t fully deliver for me. If you enjoy messy, twisty thrillers you might still have a better experience, but for me, it just didn’t quite come together.
**Thank you for to the publisher/author for giving me an advanced listening copy**
I really wanted to like this one because the premise had me hooked right from the start. The opening pulled me in, and I thought I was settling into a twisty, addictive story… but somewhere in the middle, things just completely lost me.
I found myself getting confused about when things were happening, who was doing what, and honestly… why any of it was happening. The plot started to feel muddy, and I struggled to stay connected to what the story was actually trying to do.
One thing that also didn’t quite land for me was the “three best friends” dynamic. It kept being emphasized, but I never really felt that bond. Instead, it came across more like they were just grouped together rather than genuinely close.
And Mallory… 😬 she was a tough character to like..
By the time I reached the ending, everything was wrapped up in a way that made me go, “Oh… okay.” It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t feel particularly satisfying either.
Overall, this one had a strong concept but didn’t fully deliver for me. If you enjoy messy, twisty thrillers you might still have a better experience, but for me, it just didn’t quite come together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2026
OK, so this book actually surprised me in the best way.
Kiss, Marry, Kill by Lori Gold follows three friends -- Aubrey, Ilena, and Mallory, who are cofounders of AIM, a health and wellness app. During their companies summer outing, they play the game "Kiss, Marry, or Kill." The next morning, all three of them wake up in the reality they chose the evening before, with no memory of the ending of the previous night. Chaos naturally ensues.
This book is told in multiple POVs, and alternates between past and present timelines, which makes the alternate reality bit super fun. It's fast paced, with a ton of twists and turns, and I was hooked from the very beginning. My only critique was that occasionally I would get a bit lost with the details between realities, and it took about 25% to fully remember who each character was and what their back story and new reality was. Other than that, it was just a fun, salacious read.
ARC provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, Lori Gold, and NetGalley -- thank you so much! All opinions are my own.
Kiss, Marry, Kill by Lori Gold follows three friends -- Aubrey, Ilena, and Mallory, who are cofounders of AIM, a health and wellness app. During their companies summer outing, they play the game "Kiss, Marry, or Kill." The next morning, all three of them wake up in the reality they chose the evening before, with no memory of the ending of the previous night. Chaos naturally ensues.
This book is told in multiple POVs, and alternates between past and present timelines, which makes the alternate reality bit super fun. It's fast paced, with a ton of twists and turns, and I was hooked from the very beginning. My only critique was that occasionally I would get a bit lost with the details between realities, and it took about 25% to fully remember who each character was and what their back story and new reality was. Other than that, it was just a fun, salacious read.
ARC provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, Lori Gold, and NetGalley -- thank you so much! All opinions are my own.
April 4, 2026
I can see the vision but it all felt a bit chaotic.
This book was essentially about 3 women who play a round of Kiss, Marry, Kill then wake up to that being their reality? With maybe some intention for hidden meaning that I’m not quiteeeee understanding.
Then they just go about living these lives with no real closure to the story?
I had to take notes throughout this book because I was genuinely so lost most of the time, the story felt really choppy with a lot of fluff.
The concept of the story was cool, I just don’t think it was executed the way it was intended.
This book was essentially about 3 women who play a round of Kiss, Marry, Kill then wake up to that being their reality? With maybe some intention for hidden meaning that I’m not quiteeeee understanding.
Then they just go about living these lives with no real closure to the story?
I had to take notes throughout this book because I was genuinely so lost most of the time, the story felt really choppy with a lot of fluff.
The concept of the story was cool, I just don’t think it was executed the way it was intended.
March 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC to read and review!
A great title for a great idea is what drew me into this novel. Three friends gather at an office outing and each one has to choose from their coworkers who they would "Kiss" "Mary" or "Kill". What is supposed to be a harmless game actually turns into an alternate reality when each friend wakes up the next morning having done what they chose in the game.
Where this lands as a two star rating: While it had an amazing start, this novel went around and around in circles, to the point of making me dizzy reading it. We have the POV of 5 characters! To add there is constant back and forth of before vs after in time/reality from each character. There really is no explanation of how these 3 people woke up in an alternate universe living their own alternate lives. There also is not much of an explanation how they get back "home". This novel would of been way better had it stuck to the POV of one character, that being Mallory, and have her friends as supporting characters.
A great title for a great idea is what drew me into this novel. Three friends gather at an office outing and each one has to choose from their coworkers who they would "Kiss" "Mary" or "Kill". What is supposed to be a harmless game actually turns into an alternate reality when each friend wakes up the next morning having done what they chose in the game.
Where this lands as a two star rating: While it had an amazing start, this novel went around and around in circles, to the point of making me dizzy reading it. We have the POV of 5 characters! To add there is constant back and forth of before vs after in time/reality from each character. There really is no explanation of how these 3 people woke up in an alternate universe living their own alternate lives. There also is not much of an explanation how they get back "home". This novel would of been way better had it stuck to the POV of one character, that being Mallory, and have her friends as supporting characters.
April 8, 2026
3.75 🌟 rounded up. RTC
May 4, 2026
Clever plotting and more twists than a bar that only serves gin and tonics. Plus a deeper subtext that will make you wonder if regrets are ever worth it or if we are right where we should be...?
March 29, 2026
Thank you for the ARC for this audiobook! I had this book between a 3 (very solid and enjoyable book) and encroaching on a 3.5. As someone who loved Schrödinger's "complex,” this book really appealed to me. What could happen with different life choices made. I really enjoyed the friendships and the complex relationships, but struggled with similar tones for each of the three women and keeping their current/alternate realities separate. I can see where the author was trying to go with this format of before and now. Overall I enjoyed this book and the little twist at the end and would recommend it as a read!
April 5, 2026
Kiss, Marry,Kill by Lori Gold
Thank you so much to Netgally and Harper Audio for this ALC
This story was a fun and wild ride !
Kiss, Marry, Kill stands out because of how it plays with the idea of waking up in a “Alternate Universe “
From the beginning we are shown the various choices each friend has made in their life to end up where they are.
One friend is grieving the death of her fiancee, while the other is on the cusp of a divorce, and the third deals with a secret that could destroy their friendship and company.
The alternative universe they wake up in provides a “what if” to some of the issues in their life that causes them to do some major internal reflection.
I think this story is unique and stands out because we all have those moments of “what if” and wondering how different or similar our life could have been depending on choices. The characters are very easy to connect with.
I listened to the audiobook, and thought it was wonderfully done, and engaging. Victoria Villarreal did a wonderful job of capturing everyone.
This was a fun story from start to finish, so I definitely recommend
Thank you so much to Netgally and Harper Audio for this ALC
This story was a fun and wild ride !
Kiss, Marry, Kill stands out because of how it plays with the idea of waking up in a “Alternate Universe “
From the beginning we are shown the various choices each friend has made in their life to end up where they are.
One friend is grieving the death of her fiancee, while the other is on the cusp of a divorce, and the third deals with a secret that could destroy their friendship and company.
The alternative universe they wake up in provides a “what if” to some of the issues in their life that causes them to do some major internal reflection.
I think this story is unique and stands out because we all have those moments of “what if” and wondering how different or similar our life could have been depending on choices. The characters are very easy to connect with.
I listened to the audiobook, and thought it was wonderfully done, and engaging. Victoria Villarreal did a wonderful job of capturing everyone.
This was a fun story from start to finish, so I definitely recommend
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book review: Kiss, Marry, Kill by Lori Gold.
Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This is the kind of book that lures you in with a playful premise and then quietly locks the door behind you while it asks some extremely rude questions about your life choices. Three best friends. One booming wellness app. One ill-advised round of kiss, marry, kill at a company retreat. And then they wake up in alternate realities where those choices didn’t stay theoretical. I was immediately sold, because nothing says “relaxing read” like existential dread served with friendship drama.
What really worked for me was how grounded the chaos felt. Yes, there are alternate timelines, but the emotional fallout is painfully realistic. Aubrey’s storyline hit me in that soft, uncomfortable spot reserved for people who avoid decisions until the universe makes them for you. Ilena’s arc explores control, infertility, and the horror of waking up in a life that looks perfect on paper but feels wrong in your bones. Mallory, meanwhile, is pure chaos energy, but the kind that masks fear, anger, and a lot of unresolved hurt. Together, they form a trio that feels authentic in the way real friendships are authentic: loving, judgmental, supportive, competitive, and occasionally one bad decision away from implosion.
The structure jumps between perspectives and timelines, and I won’t pretend I never had a “wait, whose reality is this again?” moment. I did. More than once. But instead of completely derailing the story for me, that confusion mirrored what the characters themselves were experiencing. These women are disoriented, emotionally rattled, and unsure which version of their lives is the truth. The narrative reflects that instability, and while it may not work for everyone, I found it oddly effective once I settled into the rhythm.
The writing itself is sharp, conversational, and often very funny in a dry, observational way. Gold has a talent for capturing the way women talk to each other when they’re being honest and when they’re very much not. The wellness industry satire was a bonus, especially as the cracks begin to show beneath the carefully curated success of their app and brand. Ambition is examined here without glamorizing it, and success doesn’t magically fix the characters’ personal messes. If anything, it amplifies them.
The audiobook, narrated by Victoria Villarreal, deserves a mention because it genuinely elevates the experience. She brings a natural, conversational tone that fits the writing style perfectly, and she handles the three perspectives with subtle but clear distinctions. What stood out most was how she conveyed the emotional undercurrents, especially in moments where the characters are questioning their choices or sitting with regret. The timeline shifts can still require some attention, but her performance adds enough clarity and nuance that it never felt overwhelming. It’s one of those narrations that quietly pulls you deeper into the story.
At its heart, this book is about choice and consequence, but also about how unfair it is that we only get to live one version of our lives at a time. One quote that really stuck with me was: “Every version of my life felt right until I had to actually live in it.” That line perfectly captures the novel’s emotional core. We romanticize the roads not taken, but we rarely consider the cost that would have come with them.
This isn’t a thriller in the traditional sense, even though one plotline involves a dead body. It’s more of a speculative, emotionally driven exploration of friendship, identity, and the quiet grief of wondering who you might have been if you’d chosen differently. It asks big questions without offering tidy answers, and I appreciated that. Life is messy. So are these women. And that’s kind of the point.
If you enjoy Sliding Doors-style narratives, character-driven speculative fiction, and stories that spark long conversations about love, regret, and ambition, this is absolutely worth your time. Just be prepared to occasionally pause, flip back a page, and question your own life decisions while you’re at it.
#BookReview #KissMarryKill #LoriGold #HarlequinTrade #ParkRowBooks #NetGalleyARC #WomensFiction #SpeculativeFiction #FriendshipReads #ARCReview #UpcomingBooks #2026Reads
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5
Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This is the kind of book that lures you in with a playful premise and then quietly locks the door behind you while it asks some extremely rude questions about your life choices. Three best friends. One booming wellness app. One ill-advised round of kiss, marry, kill at a company retreat. And then they wake up in alternate realities where those choices didn’t stay theoretical. I was immediately sold, because nothing says “relaxing read” like existential dread served with friendship drama.
What really worked for me was how grounded the chaos felt. Yes, there are alternate timelines, but the emotional fallout is painfully realistic. Aubrey’s storyline hit me in that soft, uncomfortable spot reserved for people who avoid decisions until the universe makes them for you. Ilena’s arc explores control, infertility, and the horror of waking up in a life that looks perfect on paper but feels wrong in your bones. Mallory, meanwhile, is pure chaos energy, but the kind that masks fear, anger, and a lot of unresolved hurt. Together, they form a trio that feels authentic in the way real friendships are authentic: loving, judgmental, supportive, competitive, and occasionally one bad decision away from implosion.
The structure jumps between perspectives and timelines, and I won’t pretend I never had a “wait, whose reality is this again?” moment. I did. More than once. But instead of completely derailing the story for me, that confusion mirrored what the characters themselves were experiencing. These women are disoriented, emotionally rattled, and unsure which version of their lives is the truth. The narrative reflects that instability, and while it may not work for everyone, I found it oddly effective once I settled into the rhythm.
The writing itself is sharp, conversational, and often very funny in a dry, observational way. Gold has a talent for capturing the way women talk to each other when they’re being honest and when they’re very much not. The wellness industry satire was a bonus, especially as the cracks begin to show beneath the carefully curated success of their app and brand. Ambition is examined here without glamorizing it, and success doesn’t magically fix the characters’ personal messes. If anything, it amplifies them.
The audiobook, narrated by Victoria Villarreal, deserves a mention because it genuinely elevates the experience. She brings a natural, conversational tone that fits the writing style perfectly, and she handles the three perspectives with subtle but clear distinctions. What stood out most was how she conveyed the emotional undercurrents, especially in moments where the characters are questioning their choices or sitting with regret. The timeline shifts can still require some attention, but her performance adds enough clarity and nuance that it never felt overwhelming. It’s one of those narrations that quietly pulls you deeper into the story.
At its heart, this book is about choice and consequence, but also about how unfair it is that we only get to live one version of our lives at a time. One quote that really stuck with me was: “Every version of my life felt right until I had to actually live in it.” That line perfectly captures the novel’s emotional core. We romanticize the roads not taken, but we rarely consider the cost that would have come with them.
This isn’t a thriller in the traditional sense, even though one plotline involves a dead body. It’s more of a speculative, emotionally driven exploration of friendship, identity, and the quiet grief of wondering who you might have been if you’d chosen differently. It asks big questions without offering tidy answers, and I appreciated that. Life is messy. So are these women. And that’s kind of the point.
If you enjoy Sliding Doors-style narratives, character-driven speculative fiction, and stories that spark long conversations about love, regret, and ambition, this is absolutely worth your time. Just be prepared to occasionally pause, flip back a page, and question your own life decisions while you’re at it.
#BookReview #KissMarryKill #LoriGold #HarlequinTrade #ParkRowBooks #NetGalleyARC #WomensFiction #SpeculativeFiction #FriendshipReads #ARCReview #UpcomingBooks #2026Reads
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5
April 10, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lori Gold, and Harlequin Audio for the advice copy of this audiobook.
🎵🎶 Got a secret, can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave…🎵🎶
If a book had a soundtrack, “Secret” by The Pierces would back Kiss, Mary, Kill, playing on a loop in various arrangements: the original, an instrumental, a remix, baroque medley — you name it, the theme of the secrets you keep and their potential impact runs deep throughout this novel by Lori Gold.
In Kiss, Marry, Kill, we join Mallory, Ilena, and Aubrey, three best friends celebrating the rollout of a new feature and the growing success of their health & wellness app. In just a few short days they’re taking their company public, and in the spirit of reflection and being your best self, play a harmless game of f***, marry, kill. Aubrey chooses f***, Ilena marry, and Mallory, well…
Their game proves not so harmless when the next morning they wake up as alternate versions of themselves, living in a parallel reality based on the choices made the night before. Will they try to find a way back home, or will they settle into their new lives, accepting everything that comes with it, including a possible murder charge?
The idea of playing a schoolyard game of kiss (f***), marry, kill and it having major real world consequences was a fun premise. I was curious how these three friends were going to navigate their new lives and find their ways back to their real lives. I enjoyed the way Gold used this parallel universe to hold a mirror to the friends’ real lives, forcing them to reflect and truly consider what they actually want out for themselves.
Even though there were a lot of enjoyable and suspenseful moments throughout this book, I have a few gripes, which resulted in me struggling a bit while reading this.
Overall, Kiss, Marry, Kill was a fun and unpredictable listen. At no point did I know what was coming or the decisions that were going to be made. So, I definitely applaud it for making me bring out the whiteboard and red string.
——— Spoilers ———
I found myself getting confused by the ping ponging timelines. There are three timelines to keep up with: the real one, the past one (college), and the parallel ones. Although interesting and adding great context to their history and friendship, I often had to rewind the audiobook to confirm where we were. I would find myself thinking they were in one and then a small detail would signal to me that I was wrong and had to adjust my visualization of the scene. Maybe it comes across better when physically read, or maybe I’m just a dingus.
And man, the amount of secrets these friends keep from each other AND their parallel selves could sink a supertanker! At times, the way these women make decisions for each because decades-long friendships equals “I know what’s right for the other” made me wonder if we could truly call these women friends. Friendships are about trust and openness, and helping your friends not make dumb choices (I’m looking at you, Aubrey) and Mallory, Ilena, and Aubrey definitely have their walls up. At one point Aubrey even muses to herself about whether they were truly friends. So, she knew what was up, but just didn’t listen to herself.
#netgalley #kissmarrykill #harlequinaudio
🎵🎶 Got a secret, can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave…🎵🎶
If a book had a soundtrack, “Secret” by The Pierces would back Kiss, Mary, Kill, playing on a loop in various arrangements: the original, an instrumental, a remix, baroque medley — you name it, the theme of the secrets you keep and their potential impact runs deep throughout this novel by Lori Gold.
In Kiss, Marry, Kill, we join Mallory, Ilena, and Aubrey, three best friends celebrating the rollout of a new feature and the growing success of their health & wellness app. In just a few short days they’re taking their company public, and in the spirit of reflection and being your best self, play a harmless game of f***, marry, kill. Aubrey chooses f***, Ilena marry, and Mallory, well…
Their game proves not so harmless when the next morning they wake up as alternate versions of themselves, living in a parallel reality based on the choices made the night before. Will they try to find a way back home, or will they settle into their new lives, accepting everything that comes with it, including a possible murder charge?
The idea of playing a schoolyard game of kiss (f***), marry, kill and it having major real world consequences was a fun premise. I was curious how these three friends were going to navigate their new lives and find their ways back to their real lives. I enjoyed the way Gold used this parallel universe to hold a mirror to the friends’ real lives, forcing them to reflect and truly consider what they actually want out for themselves.
Even though there were a lot of enjoyable and suspenseful moments throughout this book, I have a few gripes, which resulted in me struggling a bit while reading this.
Overall, Kiss, Marry, Kill was a fun and unpredictable listen. At no point did I know what was coming or the decisions that were going to be made. So, I definitely applaud it for making me bring out the whiteboard and red string.
——— Spoilers ———
I found myself getting confused by the ping ponging timelines. There are three timelines to keep up with: the real one, the past one (college), and the parallel ones. Although interesting and adding great context to their history and friendship, I often had to rewind the audiobook to confirm where we were. I would find myself thinking they were in one and then a small detail would signal to me that I was wrong and had to adjust my visualization of the scene. Maybe it comes across better when physically read, or maybe I’m just a dingus.
And man, the amount of secrets these friends keep from each other AND their parallel selves could sink a supertanker! At times, the way these women make decisions for each because decades-long friendships equals “I know what’s right for the other” made me wonder if we could truly call these women friends. Friendships are about trust and openness, and helping your friends not make dumb choices (I’m looking at you, Aubrey) and Mallory, Ilena, and Aubrey definitely have their walls up. At one point Aubrey even muses to herself about whether they were truly friends. So, she knew what was up, but just didn’t listen to herself.
#netgalley #kissmarrykill #harlequinaudio
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio with Harlequin Trade Publishing as well as the author and the narrator for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#NetGalley #HarlequinAudio #HarlequintradePublishing #KissMarryKill #Thriller #Romcom #Fiction #Contemporary #Audiobooks #BookReview
Title: Kiss, Marry, Kill
Author: Lori Gold
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Victoria Villarreal
Publisher: Harlequin Audio with Harlequin Trade Publishing
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
Themes: Female friendship, female success, parallel universe, sci-fi, thriller
Trigger Warnings: Murder, light gore, betrayal, deceit, food allergies, pet allergies, misogyny, infidelity,
Kiss, Marry, Kill is a unique take on the game most of us have played with friends. This book features three best friends. Mallory, Ilena, and Aubrey are just about to launch their health and wellness app when they decide to play a variation of Kiss, Marry, Kill. The next morning, they wake up in an alternate universe, each having actually committed the act she said she would do during the game. What follows is a race to correct each action and return to their rightful stories before their actions catch up to them.
The lesson here is one everyone has pondered. The “what if” that arises when faced with a choice. This story explores that concept in an interesting, albeit long-winded, way. The constantly shifting timelines and POVs got tiresome, especially when filled with unnecessary fluff. The characters were well-written and well-established, but I had a hard time connecting with any of them. Maybe it was because they were unlikable people, as was definitely the case with Mallory. Maybe it was because they were unremarkable, as with Ilena. Maybe it was because they were a little whiny, as with Aubrey. Whatever the case, I struggled to care about what happened to them, especially with all the work involved with the multiple timelines and POVs. This audiobook required a lot of work for not much return.
Ms. Gold is a good writer, and her ideas are unique! I liked her multi-layered prose, and this book was twisty. I also love that she includes a lovable dog. An animal can only improve any story. The audiobook was narrated by Victoria Villarreal. She did an excellent job with what she was given. Her voice was pleasant to listen to, and she was able to use a different voice for each character that was memorable and easily distinguishable from the others. I do feel that this book would have benefited from a full cast of narrators because of the many POVs and large cast of characters.
All in all, this is a story with good bones. I just felt it could do with some editing.
#NetGalley #HarlequinAudio #HarlequintradePublishing #KissMarryKill #Thriller #Romcom #Fiction #Contemporary #Audiobooks #BookReview
Title: Kiss, Marry, Kill
Author: Lori Gold
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Victoria Villarreal
Publisher: Harlequin Audio with Harlequin Trade Publishing
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
Themes: Female friendship, female success, parallel universe, sci-fi, thriller
Trigger Warnings: Murder, light gore, betrayal, deceit, food allergies, pet allergies, misogyny, infidelity,
Kiss, Marry, Kill is a unique take on the game most of us have played with friends. This book features three best friends. Mallory, Ilena, and Aubrey are just about to launch their health and wellness app when they decide to play a variation of Kiss, Marry, Kill. The next morning, they wake up in an alternate universe, each having actually committed the act she said she would do during the game. What follows is a race to correct each action and return to their rightful stories before their actions catch up to them.
The lesson here is one everyone has pondered. The “what if” that arises when faced with a choice. This story explores that concept in an interesting, albeit long-winded, way. The constantly shifting timelines and POVs got tiresome, especially when filled with unnecessary fluff. The characters were well-written and well-established, but I had a hard time connecting with any of them. Maybe it was because they were unlikable people, as was definitely the case with Mallory. Maybe it was because they were unremarkable, as with Ilena. Maybe it was because they were a little whiny, as with Aubrey. Whatever the case, I struggled to care about what happened to them, especially with all the work involved with the multiple timelines and POVs. This audiobook required a lot of work for not much return.
Ms. Gold is a good writer, and her ideas are unique! I liked her multi-layered prose, and this book was twisty. I also love that she includes a lovable dog. An animal can only improve any story. The audiobook was narrated by Victoria Villarreal. She did an excellent job with what she was given. Her voice was pleasant to listen to, and she was able to use a different voice for each character that was memorable and easily distinguishable from the others. I do feel that this book would have benefited from a full cast of narrators because of the many POVs and large cast of characters.
All in all, this is a story with good bones. I just felt it could do with some editing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️s rounded down! | Kiss, Marry, Kill by Lori Gold is a book where you can clearly see the vision—and it’s such a good one—but the execution just didn’t land the way I wanted it to.
The premise is undeniably compelling: three best friends and co-founders play a game of “kiss, marry, kill” (I knew it as F, M, K) and wake up in a reality where those choices have come true. It has intrigue mixed with a light parallel universe twist, but at its core, this is much more of a character-driven story about friendship, ambition, and the messy reality of figuring out what you actually want out of life.
What worked best for me was the dynamic between Aubrey, Ilena, and Mallory. Their relationships felt layered and real, and I appreciated how the story explored the tension between personal fulfillment and professional success—especially within the context of building something together. There are definitely moments that feel thoughtful, sharp, and emotionally grounded.
That said, the biggest issue for me was the overall structure and flow. The transitions between timelines, perspectives, and ideas often felt disjointed, like there was something missing between scenes. Instead of feeling immersed, I found myself pulled out of the story trying to piece things together. At times, it almost felt like the book had either been over-edited or not quite refined enough—either way, the pacing and cohesion suffered because of it.
There’s also a sense that the story doesn’t fully dig into its own potential. The concept sets up so many interesting possibilities, but the narrative tends to circle around certain plot points (like the investor storyline) without fully exploring the bigger emotional or philosophical stakes. By the end, it felt like it needed a bit more depth—and a stronger sense of resolution—to really hit.
Overall, this is a solid, thought-provoking premise with a solid foundation and an engaging central question: do our choices define us, or do we define our choices? If you enjoy stories centered on complex female friendships and “what if” scenarios, it’s definitely worth picking up—just be prepared for an uneven ride. Unfortunately, I needed more from this book than I actually got.
Thank you to NetGalley and HTP | Park Row for this eARC!
The premise is undeniably compelling: three best friends and co-founders play a game of “kiss, marry, kill” (I knew it as F, M, K) and wake up in a reality where those choices have come true. It has intrigue mixed with a light parallel universe twist, but at its core, this is much more of a character-driven story about friendship, ambition, and the messy reality of figuring out what you actually want out of life.
What worked best for me was the dynamic between Aubrey, Ilena, and Mallory. Their relationships felt layered and real, and I appreciated how the story explored the tension between personal fulfillment and professional success—especially within the context of building something together. There are definitely moments that feel thoughtful, sharp, and emotionally grounded.
That said, the biggest issue for me was the overall structure and flow. The transitions between timelines, perspectives, and ideas often felt disjointed, like there was something missing between scenes. Instead of feeling immersed, I found myself pulled out of the story trying to piece things together. At times, it almost felt like the book had either been over-edited or not quite refined enough—either way, the pacing and cohesion suffered because of it.
There’s also a sense that the story doesn’t fully dig into its own potential. The concept sets up so many interesting possibilities, but the narrative tends to circle around certain plot points (like the investor storyline) without fully exploring the bigger emotional or philosophical stakes. By the end, it felt like it needed a bit more depth—and a stronger sense of resolution—to really hit.
Overall, this is a solid, thought-provoking premise with a solid foundation and an engaging central question: do our choices define us, or do we define our choices? If you enjoy stories centered on complex female friendships and “what if” scenarios, it’s definitely worth picking up—just be prepared for an uneven ride. Unfortunately, I needed more from this book than I actually got.
Thank you to NetGalley and HTP | Park Row for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is one of those books that's equal parts intriguing and also confusing. You might not always know what's going on, but you need to know how it ends.
The parallel universe premise instantly hooked me (this was actually my first time reading anything like this), and I love the idea of exploring "what if" versions of your life. The story follows three best friends whose choices suddenly become reality, and watching them navigate those alternate paths were both messy and compelling in the best ways.
That being said, this audiobook definitely requires your full attention. This is not a "check out while doing chores" kind of story unless you're okay with being wildly lost. With three different povs and multiple timelines, things can get a little tangled, and at times it felt a bit convoluted. Because of that, I do think it might work better as a physical read, or at least with a full cast narration to help keep everyone straight.
The narrator, Victoria Villarreal, did a great job and was easy to listen to, but even she couldn't fully save me from my occasional, "wait. what?" moments where I had to rewind back and start again.
The middle dragged a bit for me, and I will admit I mentally clocked out here and there. But once I hit the last 40% I was all in. The final stretch sucked me in, had my full attention because I needed all the answers.
Overall, this is a bit messy, a bit chaotic, and sometimes confusing. But also interesting enough to keep you going. It won't work for everyone, but if you are willing to push through and embrace a little "what is happening right now?" energy it might just work for you too.
3.75 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and the author for this advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
The parallel universe premise instantly hooked me (this was actually my first time reading anything like this), and I love the idea of exploring "what if" versions of your life. The story follows three best friends whose choices suddenly become reality, and watching them navigate those alternate paths were both messy and compelling in the best ways.
That being said, this audiobook definitely requires your full attention. This is not a "check out while doing chores" kind of story unless you're okay with being wildly lost. With three different povs and multiple timelines, things can get a little tangled, and at times it felt a bit convoluted. Because of that, I do think it might work better as a physical read, or at least with a full cast narration to help keep everyone straight.
The narrator, Victoria Villarreal, did a great job and was easy to listen to, but even she couldn't fully save me from my occasional, "wait. what?" moments where I had to rewind back and start again.
The middle dragged a bit for me, and I will admit I mentally clocked out here and there. But once I hit the last 40% I was all in. The final stretch sucked me in, had my full attention because I needed all the answers.
Overall, this is a bit messy, a bit chaotic, and sometimes confusing. But also interesting enough to keep you going. It won't work for everyone, but if you are willing to push through and embrace a little "what is happening right now?" energy it might just work for you too.
3.75 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and the author for this advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book really grew on me, mid book i was bit annoyed with the timeline and back and forth and all the characters and by the end i'm just annoyed by one character and start of the book.
So I feel like the story started super fast, which meant i didnt really know the 3 main characters when the action and whole premise of the book started. The amount of names and personalites was just thrown at me it felt like and it was very hard to keep track of who is who. Espescially as i was listening a audiobook, meaning i never was just listening the book but doing other things at the same time, i feel it maybe feels different if you read it, but few more chapters just setting the character introduction up would have worked well for me.
The second annoyance i have is with the final reveal of the assistant Noelle, or whatever her name was. She was such a passing character i barely registered her name and have a kinda weird monologue from her at the end made no sense. I would completely cut it from the book and it would have the exact same effect basically.
I did enjoy the narrator, but since there were so many characters having only one narrator perform all in same voice didint make it any easier on me. Maybe having multiple narrators for 3 female main characters could be beneficial, and espescially since it had more POVs popped in here and there it could have made the separation clearer.
Overall I actually enjoyed the premise and the book by the end, but it defintiely wasnt a feeling i had while listening and only at the end i feel everything clicked together. So i'm afraid that other people who might need more quick buy in into a story will not finish this book because of it
So I feel like the story started super fast, which meant i didnt really know the 3 main characters when the action and whole premise of the book started. The amount of names and personalites was just thrown at me it felt like and it was very hard to keep track of who is who. Espescially as i was listening a audiobook, meaning i never was just listening the book but doing other things at the same time, i feel it maybe feels different if you read it, but few more chapters just setting the character introduction up would have worked well for me.
The second annoyance i have is with the final reveal of the assistant Noelle, or whatever her name was. She was such a passing character i barely registered her name and have a kinda weird monologue from her at the end made no sense. I would completely cut it from the book and it would have the exact same effect basically.
I did enjoy the narrator, but since there were so many characters having only one narrator perform all in same voice didint make it any easier on me. Maybe having multiple narrators for 3 female main characters could be beneficial, and espescially since it had more POVs popped in here and there it could have made the separation clearer.
Overall I actually enjoyed the premise and the book by the end, but it defintiely wasnt a feeling i had while listening and only at the end i feel everything clicked together. So i'm afraid that other people who might need more quick buy in into a story will not finish this book because of it
March 25, 2026
No Spoilers, Just Bookish Vibes
Pacing - The pacing felt a bit uneven. Some sections moved quickly and kept me entertained, while others slowed down enough that my attention drifted. It wasn’t a deal‑breaker, but it did create a noticeable rhythm shift throughout the story.
POV - The book uses multiple first‑person perspectives, which adds personality and depth but also contributes to moments of disorientation.
Vibe Check - This one leans into sci‑fi chick‑lit with a humorous twist. Light, quirky, and a little chaotic in a fun way.
The title grabbed me immediately, and I went in with zero expectations—so the direction the story took was a genuine surprise.
🚨 Spoiler Zone — Time for the Rewind
I’m giving this a solid 3 stars.
I listened to the audiobook, and while the narration was enjoyable, the shifting timeline made it harder to stay anchored. I suspect the physical copy might’ve made the structure easier to follow. Even so, the concept was clever, and the characters felt surprisingly relatable despite the multiverse backdrop.
I can’t say whether a multiverse exists, but I loved imagining it alongside these FMCs and watching how they navigated the idea of moving forward within it. The observational humor added a nice balance, keeping things light even when the plot grew more complex.
This story definitely made me reflect on the idea of wanting a “do‑over”—or maybe more accurately, a “do‑right.”
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with some nuance. I’d recommend it to avid readers who enjoy unconventional timelines or sci‑fi‑lite stories with heart. For newer or more occasional readers, the structure might feel a bit challenging.
Amy, a co-host of The Bookish Rewind Podcast, available on most podcast platforms.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Pacing - The pacing felt a bit uneven. Some sections moved quickly and kept me entertained, while others slowed down enough that my attention drifted. It wasn’t a deal‑breaker, but it did create a noticeable rhythm shift throughout the story.
POV - The book uses multiple first‑person perspectives, which adds personality and depth but also contributes to moments of disorientation.
Vibe Check - This one leans into sci‑fi chick‑lit with a humorous twist. Light, quirky, and a little chaotic in a fun way.
The title grabbed me immediately, and I went in with zero expectations—so the direction the story took was a genuine surprise.
🚨 Spoiler Zone — Time for the Rewind
I’m giving this a solid 3 stars.
I listened to the audiobook, and while the narration was enjoyable, the shifting timeline made it harder to stay anchored. I suspect the physical copy might’ve made the structure easier to follow. Even so, the concept was clever, and the characters felt surprisingly relatable despite the multiverse backdrop.
I can’t say whether a multiverse exists, but I loved imagining it alongside these FMCs and watching how they navigated the idea of moving forward within it. The observational humor added a nice balance, keeping things light even when the plot grew more complex.
This story definitely made me reflect on the idea of wanting a “do‑over”—or maybe more accurately, a “do‑right.”
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with some nuance. I’d recommend it to avid readers who enjoy unconventional timelines or sci‑fi‑lite stories with heart. For newer or more occasional readers, the structure might feel a bit challenging.
Amy, a co-host of The Bookish Rewind Podcast, available on most podcast platforms.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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