(Spoiler alert: You might want to add a few of these to your TBR pile…)

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we spend a lot of time finding the perfect book (and the perfect gifts!) for our subscribers. But what about the books we reach for when we’re off-duty, curled up under a blanket with a steaming cup of something delicious? 

We asked our fabulous OUABC team members what they’re reading right now, and they did not disappoint. From brooding supernatural romances to mafia matriarchs, our team is diving headfirst into stories that are just too good to put down.

Grab a glass of wine, relax in your favorite spot, and join us as we share what we’re currently loving, because let’s be honest, is there anything better than bonding over book talk?

 

Logan: Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes 

“I am captivated by how Twilight-esque it feels, but meanwhile bringing in a whole new type of supernatural creature. I also LOVE the tension between the two main characters so far and cannot wait to see how it all comes together.”

About the Book

If you love your supernatural with a dash of mythology and a heap of brooding romantic tension, this one’s for you. In Soul of Shadow, junior year takes a wild detour for Charlie Hudson when a classmate vanishes into the forest, leaving behind mysterious carvings and an even more mysterious vibe. 

Enter Elias Everhart, the new guy with secrets, a dangerous past, and eyes you just know spell trouble. As Charlie uncovers a hidden world of gods, monsters, and magic lurking in plain sight, she’s drawn toward a first love destined to unravel everything. Think The Vampire Diaries meets Norse mythology with a seriously addictive twist.

 

Tiffany: Leave Me Behind by K.M. Moronova 

“Both MCs are flawed, broken, and layered. If you enjoy exploring the darker sides of people—and seeing them collide in ways that aren’t “pretty” but feel raw and real—you’ll naturally connect to this.”

About the Book

Nell Gallows is the last survivor of her elite squad, and her reward? A new post in a new unit that happens to despise everything she stands for. Oh, and a one-night stand turned boss named Bones, who’s got a vendetta and a vibe straight out of a war zone. In Leave Me Behind, the battlefield isn’t just out there; it’s between two people whose traumas and mistrust run deep. 

This raw, intense story digs into what happens when enemies are forced to rely on each other and love takes root in the most hostile ground. Prepare yourself emotionally. And maybe keep a blanket nearby.

 

Teri: Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

“This book has a really cool magic system, maybe one of the best I've ever read! There's also some really interesting commentary on issues of prejudice and sexism within this world that is, at times, frustrating to read, but also really well done. I'm really excited to see where this story goes!”

About the Book

Magic may have made Tiran an industrial marvel, but it didn’t erase inequality. Blood Over Bright Haven introduces Sciona, an orphan-turned-highmage who’s clawed her way to the top, only to discover her biggest challenges are just beginning. 

Alongside a former-hunter-turned-janitor (who is definitely more than he seems), she unravels secrets buried deep in the magical system of her world. With sharp social commentary and a stunningly intricate magical structure, this story tackles ambition, truth, and what it costs to uncover the impossible.

 

Sydney: The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S. A. Chakraborty

“I'm listening to this one on audio and really liking it! The beginning was a little slow, but I'm really enjoying all the characters, the author's writing style, and the audiobook production itself. If you like pirate adventures (with some magic, of course), then I'd recommend it!”

About the Book

Amina al-Sirafi was done with the pirate life…or so she thought. The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi is a swashbuckling tale full of magic, mischief, and the kind of high-seas hijinks you can’t resist. 

But when the opportunity for one final, legendary heist arises, she rounds up her old crew for a comeback voyage with soul-stakes. Between demons, danger, and a very tempting fortune, Amina learns that leaving the past behind isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when it might cost her everything.

 

Nicole: The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan

“I just finished this and I loved it! It was the first, what I would consider, 'cozy horror' that I've ever read, and I loved the atmosphere and story of the whole book! I thought it was such a cool and impactful story with so many deep and interesting characters (and ghosts of characters), and I loved the big twist at the end and how everything wrapped up! For a horror book, I really thought it was beautiful 😁😅.”

About the Book

A crumbling mansion by the sea. A curious girl drawn to locked doors. A grieving djinn who’s been waiting for a hundred years. This haunting yet lyrical novel blends horror and heart in unforgettable ways. 

When Sana and her father move into Akbar Manzil, she finds herself entranced by the eerie East Wing and by the ghostly remnants of a tragic love story. As she digs deeper into Meena’s mysterious past, long-buried secrets come to life, and the house’s memories awaken. The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years is beautifully atmospheric, emotionally rich, and the kind of spooky you want to read with the lights on...but maybe not all the way on.

 

Tristan: The Godmothers by Camille Aubray

“I thought it was amazing. I love mafia/mob type stories about gangland America from the 1920s-1940s, and this historical fiction story, where the women run the family after their husbands are forced to leave for various reasons, kept me completely captivated!”

About the Book

Move over, mobsters, the women are taking over. Set in World War II-era New York, The Godmothers follows four women who marry into a powerful Italian family, only to be thrust into leadership when their husbands are taken away. 

With threats from rival gangsters and secrets of their own, these women must band together to protect their families and seize power in a world run by men. Full of opulence, betrayal, and grit, this one is for fans of historical fiction with a side of scandal.

 

Ryan: Safe by L. Waltree

“I really enjoyed this book; it was dark but sweet. The two MCs both have past traumas causing them to keep people at arm's length, but they eventually heal together. I stayed up until 4 am just to finish it. *check trigger warnings*”

About the Book

What happens when your past collides with your present in the most unexpected way? Safe is a deeply emotional story about two young men at a boarding school who are each carrying wounds that don’t easily heal. 

When their paths cross, what begins as antagonism turns into something more, something fragile, powerful, and ultimately redemptive. With themes of trauma, identity, and belonging, this one will hit you right in the feels and linger long after the final page.

So, What’s on Your Nightstand?

From magical forests to haunted mansions and mafia queens to messy love stories, the OUABC team is clearly reading across all the vibes. We love hearing what our team members are into because it’s a reminder of how stories connect us, challenge us, and make us feel seen, whether you’re reading about cursed pirates or tenderhearted football captains.

Need something new to read? While these titles aren’t in our boxes, our subscription boxes are packed with just as much adventure, emotion, and magic. Explore our latest Adult, YA, and Tween boxes or check out what’s Ready-to-Ship if you’re in the mood for an instant bookish fix.

Happy reading, and don’t forget to tell us what’s currently keeping you up past bedtime!