The OUABC Team's Current Reads

 

As always, our team can be found between the pages of a book. From heartwarming romances to intense thrillers and fantastical adventures, we love reading these stories that have us flipping pages late into the night. 

Here’s what our team is currently reading, and we would love to hear about which books are on your reading list!

 

Logan: Lease on Love by Falon Ballard

“The cover artwork is super cute, and the main character is insanely hilarious.”

Lease on Love is a delightful rom-com that blends humor and heart. When Sadie Green, reeling from a missed promotion, accidentally finds herself at Jack Thomas’s Brooklyn brownstone through a roommate app mix-up, she ends up with an unexpected living arrangement. 

Jack, dealing with his own grief, offers Sadie a low-rent room, giving her the chance to pursue her floristry dreams. Despite being complete opposites, they soon discover that their unlikely roommate setup could be the start of something more. Perfect for fans of lighthearted romance and quirky love stories!

 

 

Tiffany: The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

“I love that it takes place after King Arthur's death and follows the oddballs of the roundtable.”

The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman is a compelling reimagining of the King Arthur legend, perfect for fans of character-driven fantasy and historical fiction. After King Arthur’s death leaves Camelot in disarray, a young knight named Collum arrives too late to join the Round Table, now comprised of lesser-known knights like Sir Palomides and Sir Dagonet, along with Nimue, Merlin’s former apprentice. 

As Britain fractures and old enemies resurface, Collum and his ragtag companions must reclaim Excalibur and restore Camelot. Rich in duels, quests, and moral complexity, The Bright Sword explores themes of identity, redemption, and the fight to rebuild a broken world.

 

 

Teri: The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

“This book is giving me all the nostalgic feels from when I was a teenager reading dystopian/sci-fi YA books. It's like if the X-men were teenagers who get recruited to work for the FBI.”

The Naturals is a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological intrigue, perfect for fans of FBI dramas and complex character-driven plots. Seventeen-year-old Cassie is recruited into a secret FBI program that uses gifted teens to solve cold cases. Living with others who have their own unique talents—like Michael, who reads emotions, and Dean, who shares her profiling skills—Cassie quickly learns that their abilities come with high stakes. 

As they dive into dangerous investigations, a new killer emerges, putting them all at risk. The Naturals is a gripping page-turner filled with tension, twists, and a hint of romance, making it an irresistible read for mystery enthusiasts.

 

 

Sydney: Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

“I've only just started this one (on the first chapter), but it already has me hooked! I've heard nothing but great reviews, so I can't wait to binge-read this one.”

Chain-Gang All-Stars is a powerful debut novel that delves into the dark realities of America’s private prison system through the lens of a brutal gladiator-style competition. The story follows Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker, top contenders in the CAPE program, where prisoners fight in deadly matches for a chance at freedom. 

As Thurwar nears her release, she grapples with the moral complexities of her role and the dehumanizing system that exploits her and her fellow inmates. Through its intense and thought-provoking narrative, Chain-Gang All-Stars is a must-read for those passionate about social justice and racial equity.

 

 

Nicole: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

“I love all the different magical creatures in the world and how cute the book is, and my favorite character so far is her best friend, the sentient spider plant :)”

The Spellshop is a charming romantasy debut that weaves together cottagecore vibes, magic, and heartwarming romance. Kiela, a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, has spent a decade with her assistant, Caz—a sentient spider plant—safeguarding the empire’s spellbooks. When a revolution ignites and the library burns, they escape to Kiela’s childhood home on a remote island. There, Kiela encounters an annoyingly helpful—and attractive—neighbor who insists on checking in and assisting with her new life.

To make ends meet, Kiela combines her love for jam-making with a touch of unsanctioned magic, opening the island’s first secret spellshop. Brimming with magical creatures, unexpected friendships, and sweet moments, The Spellshop is a delightful blend of fantasy and romance that will warm your heart.

The Spellshop is featured in our “Magic Halloween 2024” box! Paired with 5 adorable gifts perfect for the season, we cannot wait for you to fall in love with this box! 

 

 

Tristan: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

“The octopus POV is interesting. I love that the main character is 70 and dealing with situations that arise later in life.”

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that explores the unlikely friendship between Tova Sullivan, a grieving widow, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. 

As Tova navigates the loss of her husband and the decades-old mystery of her son’s disappearance, she finds solace in her night shifts at the aquarium. Marcellus, who knows more than any human realizes, becomes unexpectedly invested in Tova’s life, using his keen intelligence to uncover the truth about her son. 

Through humor, heart, and a touch of magic, Remarkably Bright Creatures looks at themes of hope, family, and the unexpected connections that can heal old wounds, making it a perfect read for those who love character-driven stories with depth and warmth.

 

 

Ryan: The Silencer by Cora Rose

“I like it because it's a darker book, but some of the characters are so crazy, which makes it funny. My favorite character is Bane, who is a psychopath with golden retriever vibes. He carries a jar of eyeballs around like a security blanket and gives out kneecaps as a token of friendship.”

The Silencer is a tantalizing and explosive romance that plunges into the gritty underworld of mafia wars and forbidden desire. After some innocent flirting at a biker bar goes wrong, our protagonist finds himself targeted by the dangerous Fallen Aces gang. 

Desperate for help, he turns to Anthony Costello—a ruthless mafia boss feared for his violent streak and unyielding control. But Anthony is more than just a formidable crime lord; he’s also his best friend’s father and the most alluring man he’s ever met. Despite Anthony’s straight-laced and grumpy exterior, there’s undeniable chemistry between them that defies the mobster’s supposed straight orientation. 

As tensions flare between rival gangs, their connection deepens, and the lines between protection and passion blur. Full of dark themes, intense heat, and power plays, The Silencer is a thrilling ride for readers who crave high-stakes romance with a dangerous edge.

Conclusion

Whether you're seeking a laugh-out-loud rom-com, a thought-provoking social commentary, or a journey filled with magical creatures, there’s always something out there to pique your interest. 

We hope our reading selections inspire you to pick up a new book! If you enjoyed this blog, you may just want to check out our blog on September’s latest releases! 

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