On Our Nightstands: The OUABC Team’s Current Must-Reads!

Welcome to the latest peek into the books stacked on the OUABC team’s nightstands! While these must-reads aren’t part of our book boxes, they’ve captured our imaginations and kept us turning pages late into the night. 

From mythological thrill rides and witty romances to adventures with magic and darkly twisted fairy tales, there’s something here for every mood. So as they say, “Sit back and relax” and let's explore some fantastic reads that have us hooked!

Logan: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

“I'm loving the grown up Rapunzel and Flynn Rider vibes between Evie and The Villain! The whole book is truly like Shrek with more violence and adult humor which is just an ideal combo.”

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a feel-good fantasy adventure brimming with humor, charm, and a hint of slow-burn romance. Evie Sage has landed her dream job as assistant to The Villain, who happens to be both grumpy and irresistibly handsome (not that she’d ever admit it). 

But when he mysteriously vanishes, leaving their lair vulnerable, Evie finds herself in charge. She must tackle unexpected attacks, dabble in treason, and even ally with old enemies—all while discovering that villainy might be her true calling. And as her bond with her brooding boss deepens, Evie wonders if she’s ready for more than just “assistant” on her business card. Witty, whimsical, and full of magical mayhem, this adventure is perfect for fans of sassy heroines and heart-stealing villains.

Tiffany: The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones

“This is a fun tale based on Welsh Mythology! And it’s similar to Erin Craig’s books, which I love!”

The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones invites you into a world of ancient magic, Welsh folklore, and fierce competition. Every five years, the deadly Wild Hunt offers a life-changing prize, and Branwen is desperate to win it to save her mother. Gifted with the power to see and slay monsters, she joins forces with Gwydion, who has a rare control over plants and a mission to prevent his brother’s cruel reign, and Pryderi, a prince seeking a place to call home. 

Together, they face brutal trials and their own fears, discovering that in the Wild Hunt, alliances can be as dangerous as enemies. Rich with magic and dark twists, The Wild Huntress is a mesmerizing fantasy for fans of folklore, quests, and unforgettable adventure.

Teri: My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine

“I started this book and it's already SO funny! The premise is so over the top and unbelievable, but that adds to the fun of it all. I can't wait to see where these characters end up. It's also fun because we get to see the characters from her first book, My Roommate is a Vampire, come back into the story.”

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine is a laugh-out-loud romance with a dash of paranormal charm. Amelia Collins, tired of her family’s constant meddling, brings the least likely date to her cousin’s wedding: the infuriatingly arrogant yet oddly captivating Reginald Cleaves. His chaotic antics horrify her family—just as planned—until he reveals he's a vampire. Intrigued rather than scared, Amelia proposes he continue as her “disruptive boyfriend” for more family events. As fake-dating turns into real sparks, Amelia and Reginald’s witty, slow-burn romance unfolds with humor and heart. Perfect for fans of rom-coms with a magical twist.

Sydney: Gold by Raven Kennedy

“This is the 5th book in the Plated Prisoner series and I'm loving it! The writing is so powerful and beautiful. Even though it's over 600 pages, the story makes the pages fly by and I can't wait to see how everything is set up for the 6th (and final!) book.”

Gold by Raven Kennedy is a powerful fantasy romance filled with resilience, forbidden love, and the enemies-to-lovers trope. After nearly dying, the heroine escapes to the fae realm of Annwyn, where beauty and danger intertwine. No longer the girl trapped in a gilded cage, she discovers new powers and an unbreakable will to reunite with Slade. Her journey tests her courage and reveals secrets that challenge everything she knows. With intense romance, haunting magic, and a heroine shining bright against the darkness, Gold offers a thrilling tale of survival, love, and self-discovery.

Nicole: The 13th Child by Erin A. Craig

“I love it so far! It's a spinoff of the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale, “Godfather Death,” but told from the point of view of the child who is adopted by Godfather Death and what the story and her life would have looked like from her perspective.”

The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig is a darkly enchanting fairy tale woven with romance, mythology, and moral dilemmas. Hazel Trépas, fated as the thirteenth child promised to Death, is gifted with healing powers—alongside the burden of ending lives. 

Haunted by her role, she enters the royal court, where she meets Leo, a hardened prince. As love blossoms, Hazel must choose between duty to Death and a chance at redemption. With lush mythology and a haunting exploration of fate, The Thirteenth Child is a captivating tale for fans of dark fairy tales and unforgettable characters.

Tristan: Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

“LOVE IT! TJ Klune's stories are all so magical and heartfelt. I wish I could go live with Arthur and Linus and the magical kids!”

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune is a heartfelt novel celebrating found family, LGBTQ+ representation, and the transformative power of love and hope. Arthur Parnassus, master of a magical orphanage on Marsyas Island, has created a safe haven for six extraordinary children alongside his partner Linus and close friends. 

When Arthur must confront his hidden past, his family faces a defining moment, especially with the arrival of a new child who proudly calls himself a “monster.” This uplifting story captures the courage to embrace one’s true self and the strength found in chosen family.

Ryan: Alastair by Jaclyn Osborn

“It's the 7th book in a series about the sons of the first 7 angels who fell with Lucifer. It's been a good series so far and I like that each son was cursed with one of the seven deadly sins, but those curses end up being what helps them defeat all the demons and bad guys.”

Alastair by Jaclyn Osborn is a captivating fantasy romance filled with fated mates, supernatural intrigue, and LGBTQIA+ representation. Cursed with Pride, Alastair fights for celestial victory until he meets Lazarus, a gentle angel whose forbidden allure challenges everything he believes. 

Lazarus, torn between duty and his growing feelings, must decide if love is worth the risk as a final battle approaches. This seventh book in the Sons of the Fallen series offers an epic tale of sacrifice, redemption, and love’s power to defy destiny. Perfect for fans of thrilling romances set against a cosmic clash of good and evil.

Conclusion

There you have it—the OUABC team’s current book obsessions! We love sharing what’s on our shelves, and hopefully, one (or two…or three) of these titles caught your interest. 

If you’re craving even more exciting reads and a bit of bookish magic each month, why not subscribe to our monthly book boxes? Each box includes a newly released adult fiction novel, plus 3-5 wrapped gifts to open only when you reach the specified page number. This is how all reading should be: rewarding. 

Fall in love with reading all over again—subscribe now and join the OUABC reading adventure!