If you’ve ever wondered what the Once Upon a Book Club team reads when we’re not knee-deep in book box magic, you’re in luck. From romantic chaos to otherworldly adventures, each of us has a current obsession—and trust us, they’re worth talking about. We asked our team what they're reading right now, and the answers range from nostalgic YA to dangerously charming fantasy.

So grab your TBR list (you’ll need it), and let’s take a peek at what’s currently on our nightstands!

Logan: Rogue by Gina Damico

“It's the final book in the Croak series, which was my absolute favorite when I first read it 10 years ago. I decided to reread the entire series on my 10th anniversary since my last read-through, and even though I'm no longer the audience for a true YA book, it's still an incredibly fun ride with a rebellious and angsty teen who holds the fate of the world in her hands!”

Nostalgia hits hard, and Logan is right back in the world of Lex, the scythe-wielding teen Grim Reaper with a knack for stirring up trouble. Rogue is the explosive finale to a series that walks the fine line between dark comedy and end-of-the-world stakes. With a boyfriend who’s kinda-dead, a new mayor out for revenge, and a literal war over the Afterlife, it’s YA chaos at its finest. If you like your teen protagonists morally complicated and wielding the fate of souls in the balance, this one’s for you.

Tiffany: The Never List by Jade Presley

“She sprinkles humor throughout, so it’s not just steamy or dramatic—it’s genuinely funny in places. The story moves quick, which makes it super hard to put down. That binge-read energy is real.”

Tiffany’s pick is full-on fantasy meets dating show chaos—with immortals, fate, and a mysterious interloper who wasn’t supposed to be there. The Never List kicks off with four god-princes searching for their fated mate (no pressure), and somehow end up entangled with Rylee, who has no business being there…and even bigger secrets. It's fast-paced, flirty, and fantastically over-the-top in the best way. If your idea of a good time involves secret motives and steamy royal drama, welcome to Lumathyst.

Teri: Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake

“I just love her writing style so much, extremely witty and a little bit pretentious, and the way the narrator is set up is so much fun. The entire family is so dysfunctional that you just can't put the book down. I feel like there's going to be so many interesting layers of secrets revealed as the story goes on.”

If Teri’s pick had a soundtrack, it would be dark academia with a dash of reality TV drama. Olivie Blake brings her signature sharp wit and emotional chaos to this family saga where power struggles meet magical realism. Following three gifted siblings who are also deeply, hilariously flawed, this novel is part satirical send-up of genius culture and part messy family drama. The competition? Their late father’s legacy. The prize? Validation, revenge, and maybe just a bit of cash. Dysfunction never looked so good.

Sydney: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

“I absolutely LOVED The Night Circus, and I was so excited to experience this author's magical, beautiful writing style again. I felt completely immersed in this world right away, and I can't wait to see where this story goes.”

Sydney is diving headfirst into a world of secret libraries, ancient keys, and enchanted stories that literally leap off the page. The Starless Sea is a lyrical, layered tale that defies genre and delights the senses. If you like your books dreamlike and filled with doors to other worlds, you'll adore Zachary’s journey into this hidden realm beneath our feet. It’s a love letter to readers and writers alike—and a stunning exploration of queer love, fate, and the stories we carry inside us.

Nicole: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

“I love this book's magic system, and the chemistry between the characters, and the whole competition being within the circles of hell has been so much fun to read about, and I haven't wanted to put it down!”

Nicole’s reading experience? One word: intense. Phantasma throws readers into a darkly magical competition set in a cursed mansion filled with demonic trials, seductive danger, and gothic romance. With a mysterious stranger offering questionable help (and asking for ten years of her life in return), Ophelia’s quest to save her sister is part Hunger Games and part A Court of Thorns and Roses—but set in the infernal halls of Phantasma. It’s atmospheric, addictive, and full of deliciously twisty stakes.

Tristan: House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City #3) by Sarah J Maas

“I'm not sure how to talk about this one without spoilers, but I really enjoy what's going on with Bryce in this one! I'm REALLY excited about where she is in this book.”

Spoiler-free but seriously hyped, Tristan is riding the emotional rollercoaster that is Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series. The third installment turns the dial up on every front: world-hopping, heartache, and oh-so-many secrets. Bryce is stranded in an unfamiliar world, and Hunt is imprisoned again—classic Maas drama! If you’re already a fan of fated mates, intricate magic systems, and epic plot twists, chances are you’re reading this one too. And if you’re not? What are you waiting for?

Ryan: Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver

“This is a dark romcom. The MCs are both unhinged and hilarious. Lark is a multiple deleter (her words) with a love of glitter.”

Ryan’s pick is the kind of chaotic brilliance that makes you laugh and wince in equal measure. Leather & Lark pairs an exhausted contract killer with a sunshine-and-glitter indie musician in a fake marriage that’s equal parts spicy and stabby. Dark humor, enemies-to-lovers antics, and emotional vulnerability wrapped in leather—what more could you want? If you like your romance with a side of murder and mayhem, this one’s calling your name.

One Bookish Bunch

There you have it—our team’s current reading lineup, from angelic assassins to cursed castles and everything in between. At Once Upon a Book Club, we live for stories that surprise us, challenge us, and make us laugh out loud (or cry into our bookmarks). Whether you’re here for the fantasy, the romance, the family drama, or a magical realm or two, we hope our reading list adds a few titles to your own.

Got a favorite from our list? Already halfway through one of these? Let us know! And if you’re ever unsure what to read next, remember—we’ve got a book box for that.

📚 Explore our Limited Edition and Ready-to-Ship Book Boxes! Don’t forget to check out our blog on May’s New Releases!