Books We're Loving: The OUABC Team's Current Reads

We can’t believe another month has gone by and that it’s time for us to share what the Once Upon a Book Club team is currently reading. As usual, it is full of exciting and diverse reads—we’re reading everything from thrilling mysteries to enchanting fantasies!

As always, we would love to hear what’s keeping you and your book club turning pages late into the night. We also can’t wait for all of the fantastic new books being released in October — make sure you check out our blog to see what’s on our shopping list! 

Speaking of shopping lists, why not subscribe and make sure you never miss one of our fabulous and exciting book subscription boxes? They are always packed with a newly released novel and our world-famous surprise gifts!

Logan: Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose 

“I'm about halfway through it, and I'm really enjoying the build-up. So far, I haven't figured out how it's going to end, and I always appreciate not being able to figure out the twist too early!”

Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose is a chilling family thriller that unearths dark secrets within a fractured family. Estranged siblings Beth, Nicole, and Michael reunite in their Wisconsin hometown after their mother’s death to settle her estate. 

While sorting through her belongings, they discover a home video from 1999 showing their father covered in blood and their parents hiding a dead body—a night none of them remember. As they confront the buried secrets their mother took to her grave, they must decide whether to keep the past hidden or reveal the truth that could change everything. 

This suspenseful novel explores family secrets, addiction, and the complexities of sibling relationships.

Tiffany: A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

“I'm enjoying it because it's like if Death on the Nile and Encyclopaedia of Fairies had a baby!”

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft is an enchanting fantasy set in the embattled kingdom of Brunnestaad, perfect for fans of folklore-inspired worlds, intricate mysteries, and slow-burn sapphic romance. 

The story follows Lorelei Kaskel, a determined folklorist on an expedition with six nobles to find a magical spring. When her mentor is murdered, Lorelei is left with five suspects and only one ally—her rival, the elegant Sylvia von Wolff. 

As they navigate treacherous landscapes and uncover dark secrets, Lorelei and Sylvia’s reluctant partnership deepens into something more. This captivating tale of magic, intrigue, and romance explores justice, power, and the cost of saving a kingdom.

Teri: Champagne Supernovas by Maureen Callahan

“This book looks at 90s fashion through the lens of three key players: Kate Moss, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen. I'm learning so much about this era and some of the tragic yet inspiring stories behind these people's lives.”

Champagne Supernovas by Maureen Callahan is a vibrant exploration of 1990s fashion, culture, and the creative forces of Kate Moss, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen. Delving into the era when heroin chic replaced supermodel glam, Callahan captures the decadence and chaos that reshaped the fashion world. 

Through insider stories and insights from designers and cultural icons, she paints a compelling portrait of the rebels who defied convention. From Kate Moss's tumultuous breakup with Johnny Depp to Marc Jacobs’ resilience and Alexander McQueen's tragic end, Champagne Supernovas offers a captivating journey through a decade of unbridled creativity and rebellion.

Sydney: The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen

“After a long reading slump, I read most of this book in a day because I loved it so much! I love any book with a competition and the modern take on Greek gods is always fun. It's like a combination of The Lightning Thief and The Hunger Games, and I am here for it.”

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen is a thrilling fantasy that weaves Greek mythology, fierce heroines, and high-stakes contests. 

In a version of San Francisco that is ruled by capricious gods, an office clerk cursed by fate is thrust into the Crucible, a deadly contest where mortals fight for divine power. Chosen as Hades' champion, she navigates dangerous challenges and her complicated attraction to the enigmatic god of the Underworld. 

With survival at stake and secrets that could change everything, she must play by Hades' unpredictable rules. Perfect for fans of mythology, romance, and adventure, this novel is a captivating journey of power and passion.

Nicole: Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

“I just started, but the beginning has been so good that I haven't been able to put it down! I love how much depth the characters already have, and they've already brought up so many mysteries I can't wait to see unraveled!”

Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma is a dark, atmospheric fantasy that combines romance, mystery, and the supernatural. Orphaned heiress Kidan Adane, determined to find her missing sister June, infiltrates Uxlay University—a place where humans and vampires maintain a delicate balance. 

Suspecting their family’s vampire, Susenyos Sagad, is involved, Kidan must navigate an arcane society while resisting Susenyos' dark allure. As she uncovers sinister secrets and faces a centuries-old threat, Kidan must decide whether to resist or embrace the darkness to save her sister. 

Perfect for fans of slow-burn fantasy with rich cultural elements and complex loyalties, Immortal Dark is a tale of fierce determination and the seductive pull of power.

Tristan: The Lady Brewer of London by Karen Brooks

“I am loving the explanations of how different drinks were made during the 1400s and the impact they had on the community. I also really enjoy that the main character is a woman taking charge of her life during a time when men controlled everything!”

The Lady Brewer of London by Karen Brooks is a captivating historical novel set in fifteenth-century England, following Anneke Sheldrake as she defies societal expectations to revive her late mother’s brewing business after her father’s fortune is lost. 

Rejecting an unwanted marriage, Anneke boldly navigates the male-dominated brewing industry, facing powerful adversaries who threaten her success and family. With unexpected allies and unwavering determination, Anneke fights to reclaim her family's honor and secure her independence. This inspiring tale celebrates resilience, courage, and the unyielding spirit of a woman determined to forge her own path.

Ryan: The Lost Elemental by Tessa Hale

“I've just started, but I have read other books from this author set in the same world. It's a fun, short book about a college of elemental magic. The magic system isn't overly complicated, so it's perfect for getting out of a book slump.”

The Lost Elemental by Tessa Hale is an exhilarating fantasy romance perfect for fans of elemental magic, complex heroines, and reverse harem dynamics. When her future unravels, the protagonist is thrust into Kingwood Academy, where she discovers her dangerous powers and mysterious heritage. 

Navigating a school filled with intrigue, peril, and mean girls wielding deadly magic, she is drawn to four protective princes, each harboring secrets. As an even greater evil threatens, she must embrace her true nature to survive. This thrilling first book in a reverse harem series explores identity, power, and defiance in a world where elemental magic reigns supreme.

Conclusion

And there you have it—our eclectic mix of thrillers, fantasies, historical tales, and more that the OUABC team is currently devouring. We hope our current reads have sparked some inspiration for your own TBR list. 

After all, there’s nothing like finding a book that makes you lose track of time—or better yet, binge-reading the whole thing in one sitting (we’ve all been there). So, what’s on your reading list this month? Share your current bookish obsessions with us, and let’s keep the literary love going. Happy reading!

Have you checked out our latest adult box? Get ready for a medieval adventure! The Princess Bride meets People We Meet on Vacation in this cozy quest romantasy about a group of friends who once defended their magical land together but haven’t spoken since, reuniting to attend a royal wedding, and ending up on a new adventure to save the realm—and hopefully themselves.⁠

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