One of the most fun things about working at Once Upon a Book Club (aside from selecting the perfect surprise gifts and arguing over the best kind of bookmark) is chatting about what we’re currently reading. While our book boxes are carefully curated, our personal reads? They’re just as magical, mysterious, romantic, and a little chaotic, in the best possible way. 

So, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek into our current reads. These books aren’t part of our monthly boxes, but they’ve captured our hearts, brains, and in some cases, our tear ducts. 

Grab your cappuccino or glass of wine, sit back, and get ready to add to that ever-growing TBR list!

Logan: Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore

"A story of a magician who vanished during her performance 15 years ago, this novel is a unique and magical mystery that really captivates the reader! The audiobook is also phenomenally done and incorporates nearly a dozen voice actors who play the roles of the various characters interested in her disappearance, including her sister/niece/brother-in-law, a podcast host and his interviewees, and so many more."

If you’ve ever wanted your fiction with a touch of illusion and just the right sprinkle of podcast drama, Acts of Violet delivers. The story of famed magician Violet Volk, who vanished mid-act and left the world wondering what just happened, is told through mixed media: interviews, emails, podcast transcripts, and more. It’s like a true crime docuseries combined with literary sleight of hand. Pair that with a stellar cast of audiobook narrators, and you’ve got a disappearing act no one can stop talking about.

Tiffany: Play the Part by Naomi Loud

"I'm enjoying this book because it strikes the perfect balance between emotional depth and romantic tension. The FMC is rebuilding an old theater in New England, and the MMC was just released from prison. 😂"

The laughing emoji says it all. Play the Part takes us to Marsford Bay, home of small-town drama, emotional healing, and the kind of romance that simmers like a pot of hometown gossip. Play the Part is about Connie, a Hollywood scandal-escapee, and Hux, a man just out of prison who you just know has layers. It’s sweet, it’s messy, and it’s got that classic “fixing up the theatre while maybe falling in love and crying a little” vibe that’s absolutely irresistible.

Teri: The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport

"This is the first in a duology about a girl going through the very brutal and deadly trials to become a Praetorian (essentially a member of their super elite military). This book is super dark and intense; there's plots of vengeance, deep roots of prejudice, and deadly secrets. I love the main character, and I'm excited to see where the story goes."

We love a heroine with a bone to pick (and maybe a knife or two). My pick, The Blood Trials, throws you into a sci-fi fantasy world where Ikenna, a powerful young woman grieving the murder of her grandfather, must survive a harrowing series of trials to join an elite military force. This book doesn’t pull punches. It’s bloody, brutal, and beautifully written, digging into themes of power, racism, loyalty, and vengeance. Basically, it’s everything you want in a read that will leave you breathless and maybe a little bruised.

Sydney: The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick

"I LOVED her previous book, The Measure, and couldn't wait to get this one. I'm only 50 pages in, but her writing style is so compelling that I don't want to put it down, and I already know it's probably (definitely) going to make me cry."

Sydney is only 50 pages in and already preparing the tissues! The Poppy Fields follows a road trip to a remote desert retreat that offers a controversial way to heal from loss—patients sleep through their grief in a prolonged, dreamlike state, with the promise of peace when they wake. That is, if they’re willing to face the possible mysterious side effects. It’s about four strangers on a cross-country journey (and a dog, because obviously) and the pain, hope, and healing they carry. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and yes, it’s probably (definitely) going to make all of us cry too.

Nicole: Crimson Crown by Heather Walter 

"So far, I love her writing style and the way the evil queen's backstory is being set up! I think it's a very cool, unique perspective to have her starting out as a high-ranking member of a witch coven in her youth, and I'm so excited to see how she winds up being the evil queen."

Nicole’s pick has us heading into the darker corners of fairy tale lore, and we are here for it. Crimson Crown is a queer reimagining of Snow White, but from the Evil Queen’s point of view. We get to see her rise from a young witch in a powerful coven to the feared ruler we think we know. With haunting prose, complex power dynamics, and enough magical politics to make even Maleficent nervous, this one is perfect for fans of villain origin stories. Team Evil Queen? Yes, please.

Tristan: The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley

"This book is about a real African princess, Sarah Bonetta Forbes, the goddaughter of Queen Victoria, who was kidnapped and presented as a 'gift' to the Queen. I recently read another book about her, The Other Princess by Denny S. Bryce, which I loved! This version is much more imaginative and full of action and vengeance."

The Queen’s Spade follows Sarah Bonetta Forbes, once a kidnapped African princess, now Queen Victoria’s goddaughter, who’s playing a dangerous game of deception in the royal court. Her goal? To dismantle the very empire that stole her freedom. With secrets, politics, and alliances forged in London’s underworld, this is a richly imagined historical thriller full of power plays, vengeance, and a heroine who’s not afraid to risk it all … even her heart.

Ryan: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

"I really like the world-building in this book. It's interesting without being too complicated. So far, it's been a bit predictable, but it's not made the book any less enjoyable for me. I hope we get to learn more about the monsters."

It’s time for fantasy vibes with Shield of Sparrows, a romantasy set in a monster-haunted kingdom where a sheltered princess is married off to a warrior prince as part of an ancient treaty. There’s political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and yes, monsters. Lots of them. Devney Perry crafts a rich, immersive world without overwhelming you, and while Ryan’s clocked a few predictable beats, the adventure is still hitting the spot.

What Are You Reading?

So what are you reading? We love getting wrapped up in a story, whether it's a romantic renovation project, a murdery military trial, or magical queens behaving badly. And while these aren’t official OUABC picks, they reflect what our team is drawn to when we’re off the clock: bold characters, emotional twists, imaginative worlds, and a whole lot of feels. 

If any of these titles sparked your interest, we highly recommend adding them to your own TBR stack. And of course, if you want a reading experience with surprise gifts along the way, don’t forget to check out our monthly book boxes. Because around here, reading isn’t just a pastime, it’s an immersive daily adventure.