This September we’ve apparently decided we didn't need a reading theme. At all. Our collective reading pile took us from the real-life mystery of two girls who claimed to photograph fairies to a magical book witch who can quite literally jump into novels. 

And if that isn’t interesting enough for you, we got involved with fantasy sports, fake dating, monsters, fated mates, and a tea monk having a surprisingly profound conversation with a robot.

Basically, if you’ve been looking for something a little different to add to your TBR, you have come to the right place. We can’t wait to share what the OUABC team read in September!

 

Logan Read The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor

“It was the most magical historical fiction based on a true story. I loved that while it took place during World War I, that wasn't the primary focus of the story, as there are so many historical fiction novels that feel very similar to each other. This one was unique, and I established such a strong connection to the characters; I was so sad to say goodbye to them at the end of the book.”

About the Book

If you love historical fiction but crave something a little different, The Cottingley Secret might be exactly the kind of book you’re looking for.

Hazel Gaynor reimagines the fascinating true story of the Cottingley Fairies: the photographs taken by two young cousins in Yorkshire that captured public attention and even convinced Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that fairies might actually exist.

The story moves between 1917, when Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright first take those mysterious photographs, and then one hundred years later, when Olivia Kavanagh discovers an old manuscript in her late grandfather’s bookshop. As Olivia becomes drawn into the girls’ story, the past begins to connect with her own life in unexpected ways.

It’s historical fiction with mystery, emotion, family secrets, and just enough magic to make you wonder whether believing in the impossible might sometimes be the point.

 

Sydney Read The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer

“I've loved all of Meg Shaffer's books, and this one was no exception. The story was so fun and magical, a true love letter to readers everywhere. I expected just a fun cozy story, but there was so much more mystery and emotion than I anticipated. I would definitely recommend picking this up (and really all of the author's books!).”

About the Book

A witch whose job is protecting books? Yes, we are listening and definitely in agreement with the sentiment!

Rainy March is a third-generation book witch who can jump in and out of novels, fixing unwanted alterations and dealing with fictional characters who have gone slightly off-script. There are rules, of course. Real people stay in the real world. Fictional characters stay inside their books. And under absolutely no circumstances should a book witch fall in love with one of them.

Unfortunately for Rainy, there is the small matter of the Duke of Chicago, the very fictional and very charming detective from her favorite mystery series.

When Rainy’s grandfather disappears and a priceless book is stolen, the Duke becomes the one person she trusts to help her. Their search sends them through familiar literary worlds, including Alice in Wonderland and The Great Gatsby, while uncovering secrets Rainy never expected to find.

Magical books, mysteries, forbidden romance, and characters literally stepping into stories—what more could you want?

 

Teri Read The Fake Divination Offense by Sara Raasch

“I haven't read a book by Sara Raasch that wasn't 5 stars yet, and this one was no different. She does such a great job mixing humor and romance with a deeply emotional story. Orok is a professional rawball player (think D&D football), and he enters into a PR relationship with a cheerleader, Alexo, that very quickly becomes anything but fake. This book tackles everything from deconstructing religion to healthy male friendships, all while being laugh-out-loud funny.”

About the Book

If the words “fantasy sports romance” have just made you stop scrolling, this one is for you.

Orok Monroe plays defensive tank for the Philadelphia Hellhounds in rawball, a fantasy sport that brings some serious Dungeons & Dragons energy to the field. He's also questioning his devotion to Urzoth, the god of aggression, and starting to reconsider the beliefs he's built his life around. 

Then Orok steps in to protect cheerleader Alexo Warden during an incident at a bar, and fans become obsessed with the pair. Naturally, the people around them come up with a fake PR relationship.

We all know how reliably fake dating stays fake in romance novels. As Orok and Alexo grow closer, however, the story digs into much more than their relationship, including faith, identity, friendship, and what happens when the beliefs you’ve built your life around begin to change.

 

Ryan Read Ronan by G. Eilsel

“This is a monster, dystopian, MM romance. I actually read the whole series. They were all pretty funny, and the characters had some great banter and sweet moments. This series is pretty similar to the Monstrous series by Lily Mayne, which I loved, so I didn't mind.”

About the Book

Nearly a century ago, monsters crossed into the human world and won the war that followed. Now both monsters and humans are trying to survive on a damaged planet where resources are disappearing, temperatures are rising, and tensions between the two groups are very much alive.

According to legend, one way to heal the world is a fated bond between one monster and one human. There’s just one problem. No one has ever found one, until Ronan discovers the Mate’s Mark on his own body.

The first book in an overarching MM monster romance series, Ronan combines a post-apocalyptic world, enemies divided by generations of conflict, fated mates, humor, banter, and plenty of romance. And considering Ryan ended up reading the entire series, we’re taking that as a fairly strong sign that book one knows exactly how to pull you into the next.

This series is intended for adult readers and contains explicit content.

 

Tristan Read Monk and Robot by Becky Chambers

“This book is set on another planet, in a futuristic, post-Utopian world. The story was so sweet and beautiful. It was much deeper than I expected it to be. It was very emotional and gave me a lot to think about!”

About the Book

Sometimes the quietest books leave you thinking the longest.

Monk and Robot brings Becky Chambers’ two stories, A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, together in one volume.

Set on the moon Panga, the series takes place centuries after robots became self-aware, stopped working for humans, and disappeared into the wilderness. Humans went on to build a different kind of society, while the robots slowly became the stuff of stories.

Then a tea monk named Sibling Dex encounters a robot called Mosscap. Mosscap has returned with one deceptively simple question: What do people need?

From there, a gentle journey unfolds around purpose, happiness, connection, and our constant feeling that perhaps we should be doing, achieving, or wanting more. It’s hopeful, thoughtful science fiction with a big heart, and probably one to reach for when you’re in the mood for a book that feels comforting while quietly rearranging a few things in your brain.

September Team Reads at a Glance

What Are You Reading?

Once again, the OUABC team has proved that our shared TBR has absolutely no rules, and that is just how we like it!

September gave us fairy photographs and literary magic, fantasy sports and fake relationships, a post-apocalyptic world of monsters and humans, and a robot asking one of the biggest questions imaginable. 

Hopefully, you’ve spotted at least one book here that deserves a place on your own TBR. And if you’re already wondering what to read next, check out our October New Releases blog for some of the books we’re most excited about this month.

Or, if your reading mood is leaning a little moodier, more mysterious, and wonderfully academic, head over to our Dark Academia blog for even more books to add to your list.

We would love to hear what you read this month and which books (because there can never be just one) you’re still thinking about.

Until next time, happy reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I read if I want historical fiction that isn’t mainly about war?

Try The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor. Although part of the story is set during wartime, it focuses on the real-life mystery of the Cottingley Fairies: two young girls who claimed to have photographed fairies in Yorkshire. It blends historical fiction, family secrets, mystery, and a touch of magic.

What should I read if I love books about books and magical libraries or fictional worlds?

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer is a great choice for readers who love stories about books themselves. It follows a book witch who can enter fictional worlds, repair changes to stories, and interact with characters from novels while solving a mystery of her own.

What should I read if I like fake dating but want something different from a typical romance?

Try The Fake Divination Offense by Sara Raasch. It combines fake dating with fantasy sports, humor, romance, religion, identity, and friendship. The story follows a professional rawball player and a cheerleader who enter a PR relationship that quickly becomes more complicated.

What should I read if I liked Lily Mayne’s Monstrous series?

Readers who enjoy Lily Mayne’s Monstrous series may want to try Ronan by G. Eilsel. It is an MM monster romance set in a post-apocalyptic world, with fated mates, banter, emotional relationships, and an overarching series storyline.

What are some good science fiction books if I want something hopeful rather than dark?

Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot is a strong choice for readers looking for hopeful science fiction. It follows a tea monk and a robot as they explore questions about purpose, happiness, human needs, and whether constantly wanting more actually makes life better.