Hot New Books: August Releases

Isn’t it fantastic that every month there are a whole lot of hot new books just waiting to be read? At Once Upon a Book Club we are always excited by new releases. This month is particularly exciting as Jodi Picoult’s latest book By Any Other Name can be found in our limited edition book box!

On a side note, we wanted to let you know that these are books we are personally excited about, not ones that will appear in our boxes, well besides Jodi’s latest release. We can’t wait to hear which books you are looking forward to reading, so make sure to let us know in the comments below!

August Book Releases

⁠I Need You to Read This by Jessa Maxwell

Release Date: August 13th

I Need You to Read This is a gripping and suspenseful mystery by Jessa Maxwell. Alex Marks moves to New York for a fresh start but finds herself investigating the murder of her childhood hero, Francis Keen, the beloved "Dear Constance" advice columnist. 

As Alex takes over the column, strange letters and dark secrets emerge, pulling her into a dangerous mystery. With suspicions about her enigmatic editor and her own past haunting her, Alex must uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim. Perfect for fans of complex, atmospheric thrillers with strong female protagonists.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Release Date: August 6th

At last, the much-anticipated sequel to the very popular Assistant to the Villian is here! Fans of heart-fluttering fantasy romance and thrilling forbidden love adventures will find Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer a must-read. This captivating tale of an unlikely romance between a sunshine assistant and an evil villain is sure to leave readers spellbound and craving more. 

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

Release Date: August 20th

Love and Other Conspiracies is a delightful romantic comedy perfect for fans of lighthearted, emotional reads. This charming debut follows Hallie Barrett, a web series producer reeling from a breakup with her hotshot ex, and Hayden Hargrove, a cryptid expert with a popular podcast. When Hallie offers Hayden the chance to star in his own web show, their on-screen chemistry ignites, propelling their show to success. 

Set against a quirky backdrop of cryptid-hunting and conspiracy theories, Hallie and Hayden's journey is a heartwarming tale of overcoming toxic relationships, workplace challenges, and discovering love in the most unexpected places. This captivating story will leave readers smiling and eager for more.

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (featured in our Women of Words box!)

Release Date: August 20th

This stunning dual timeline novel by the incomparable bestselling author Jodi Picoult tells the story of two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name.

Told in intertwining narratives, this sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire asks what price each woman is willing to pay to see their work live on—even if it means they will be forgotten.

The Pairing by Casey Mcquiston

Release Date: August 6th

The Pairing is a fabulous romantic read that will captivate fans of travel, food, and second-chance love. This charming tale follows Theo, an assistant sommelier, and Kit, a chef pâtissier, who accidentally book the same European food and wine tour. Once lifelong friends turned lovers, they haven't spoken since their breakup four years ago. 

As they navigate the beautiful sights and flavors of France, Spain, and Italy, they engage in a playful competition to see who can hook up with the most locals. Filled with humor, hope, and the complexities of relationships, this story of self-discovery and growth is perfect for those craving a feel-good, escapist tale with a touch of European flair. 

Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman

Release Date: August 13th

Worst Case Scenario is a gripping, heart-stopping thriller perfect for fans of high-stakes, fast-paced disaster stories. Following a pilot's heart attack at 35,000 feet, a commercial airliner crashes into a nuclear power plant in Waketa, Minnesota, sparking a catastrophic crisis with global implications. 

Get ready for a never seen before Level 8 nuclear disaster! This is a story of humanity's resilience and determination as ordinary people—power plant employees, firefighters, teachers, families, and neighbors—face the ultimate test of their lives. With courage, ingenuity, and unwavering resolve, they fight to save their community and the fate of humanity. This riveting story will keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

Release Date: August 6th

House of Glass is perfect for fans of twisty, suspenseful mysteries that delve into the darker corners of the human psyche. This gripping page-turner follows Stella Hudson, a best interest attorney, who reluctantly takes on the case of nine-year-old Rose Barclay. 

Rose witnessed the possible murder of her nanny and has stopped speaking amidst her parents' bitter divorce. As Stella navigates the secrets of the seemingly perfect Barclay family, she uncovers a web of lies and deception. The family's historic DC home, devoid of any glass, adds an eerie backdrop to the unfolding drama. This novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats, questioning who to trust and what really happened. 

Hera by Jennifer Saint

Release Date: August 13th

If you are a fan of epic fantasy and historical fiction, Hera is a must-read. This captivating story brings the rich, atmospheric world of ancient Greece to life. Traditionally portrayed as a jealous wife and a villain, Jennifer Saint reimagines Hera as a powerful and complex queen, balancing ruthlessness with compassion and ambition. 

This enthralling tale follows Hera, the immortal goddess who helped her brother Zeus overthrow their tyrannical father. As Hera begins to see Zeus's potential for cruelty, she questions her role in perpetuating a cycle of violence. 

Voyage of the Damned by Frances White

Release Date: August 20th

Voyage of the Damned is an exhilarating and enchanting read that will captivate fans of LGBTQ+ fantasy and mystery. This immersive tale follows Ganymedes Piscero, the class clown and only heir without a magical Blessing, aboard the emperor's ship during a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess's Mountain. 

When a beloved heir is murdered, Ganymedes finds himself in a perilous situation, surrounded by powerful individuals and without any magical protection. As the bodies pile up, Ganymedes must transform into the hero he never thought he could be and uncover the killer's identity before the voyage ends in disaster. With complex characters, magical world-building, and intricate whodunits, this novel is perfect for readers seeking a rich, adventurous story of self-discovery, magic, and mystery.

And So I Roar by Abi Daré

Release Date: August 6th

If you are looking for stories of resilience, courage, and the unbreakable spirit of young women, then And So I Roar by Abi Daré is a must-read. This powerful novel follows Adunni, a plucky fourteen-year-old runaway from a rural village in Nigeria, who finds refuge with Tia in Lagos. 

With the chance to finally pursue her dream of education, Adunni is full of hope. However, as Tia faces a difficult choice between protecting Adunni and uncovering a long-held family secret, Adunni's determination to use her "louding voice" becomes crucial. As she advocates for herself and the young women of her village, Adunni's journey explores themes of feminism, identity, and the pursuit of a brighter future. 

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Release Date: August 6th

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a great option for fans of historical fiction and drama. Set in 1950s Hollywood, this story follows Vera Larios, an unknown Mexican actress who wins the coveted role of Salome in a big-budget film. Her sudden rise to fame sparks envy in Nancy Hartley, a big player determined to claim the spotlight. As these two strong-willed women navigate ambition, desire, and identity amidst Hollywood's gossip and scandal, their paths intertwine with the legendary tale of Salome herself.

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

Release Date: August 13th

Lady Macbeth is perfect for fantasy enthusiasts and anyone who loves feminist retellings! This reimagining of Shakespeare's iconic villainess delves into the untold story of Lady Macbeth, giving her a voice, a past, and a formidable power. 

The novel explores her strategic survival in a hostile court, her hidden witchcraft, and the complex dynamics with her warrior husband, who harbors his own occult secrets. As Lady Macbeth's magic grows, it threatens to upend the order of the world. 

Happy Reading

Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club—here’s to a month of literary heaven!

Did you know that our incredible monthly book box subscriptions always contain a newly released novel and surprise gifts that bring these incredible novels to life? 

With a few clicks, a fabulous book box could be on its way to you now—why not spoil yourself and give yourself the monthly magical gift of bookish wonder?