There are so many exciting books being released this month, and we can’t wait! From feel good romances, historical mysteries, and sci-fi to captivating thrillers, this month there is definitely something for everyone. So get your TBR lists ready!

As always, remember, these are books our team is excited about, and are not featured in our book subscription boxes (except for The Dollhouse Academy!) If you would like a sneak preview of what’s in store, check out our hints!

The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore 

Release Date: February 11th, 2025

Our Limited Edition Murder Mystery Box features a new, hardcover copy of The Dollhouse Academy by the incomparable Margarita Montimore (bestselling author of Oona Out of Order), a signed bookplate from the author, plus FOUR incredible (and quite large) gifts that bring the most intriguing moments to LIFE as you read this new release.

Welcome to the Dollhouse Academy, where dreams come true…and nightmares lurk in the shadows. Ivy Gordon has spent 18 years as the academy’s brightest star, but beneath the glitz and glamour lies a chilling reality—mysterious medical exams, eerie supplements, and a secret so dark, it’s left her a prisoner. 

Meanwhile, aspiring performers Ramona and Grace finally get their chance at stardom, but when Ramona starts receiving anonymous threats, the academy’s perfect facade begins to crack. With dark academia vibes and an eerie mystery, The Dollhouse Academy explores ambition, friendship, and the price of fame. Will Ivy finally break free before another student follows her fate?

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison 

Release Date: February 11th, 2025

Love is on the airwaves in this charming Sleepless in Seattle-inspired romance! Aiden Valentine, Baltimore’s beloved romance radio host, has a secret—he’s lost faith in love. But when a viral interview with a hopeful young caller reignites the city’s romantic spirit, single mom Lucie Stone finds herself in the unexpected spotlight. 

Between a mischievous daughter, an entire city playing matchmaker, and an infuriatingly attractive (yet emotionally unavailable) radio host, Lucie’s love life suddenly is on everyone’s radar. Will she find her happily ever after through the station’s dating challenge, or is her real romance happening behind the scenes? We can’t wait for First-Time Caller to be released!

Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods 

Release Date: February 18th, 2025

In Upon a Starlit Tide, magic, adventure, and romance swirl in this Little Mermaid meets Cinderella historical fantasy. In 1758 Saint-Malo, Lucinde dreams of sailing the open seas, unlike her sisters who prefer glittering balls and arranged marriages. When she rescues the dashing Morgan de Chatelaine from the ocean’s grasp, she’s tempted by a life of nobility and grandeur. 

But all is not what it seems—fae are vanishing, war looms, and long-buried secrets threaten to resurface. With a heart torn between freedom and duty, Luce must decide whether to follow her own path or become a pawn in a world of enchantment, betrayal, and the deepest magic of all—love.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray 

Release Date: February 4th, 2025

A single tree connects three generations in this poignant historical mystery. In 1940s Germany, Sophie and Hanna exchange messages in the Bridegroom’s Oak—one searching for love, the other for resistance against the Nazis. In 1980s West Germany, rebellious teen Jenny stumbles upon the tree’s long-lost secrets while falling for a punk-rock activist. 

And in 2020 New York, best friends Miles and Chloe uncover a cold case tied to missing teenagers from decades past. As history intertwines, truth and rebellion collide in this mesmerizing story about love, legacy, and the power of a letter left behind. Under the Same Stars is a must-read!

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli 

Release Date: February 18th, 2025

The battle for the Republic—and their hearts—reaches its stunning conclusion in Rebel Witch, the thrilling finale to The Crimson Moth duology. Rune Winters, a fugitive witch, must align with ruthless Cressida Roseblood to restore a Reign of Witches. Meanwhile, witch hunter Gideon Sharpe is torn between duty and lingering feelings for Rune, even as their fates collide in a dangerous mission. 

As betrayals unfold and the lines between love and war blur, the ultimate question remains—will they destroy each other, or will love rewrite destiny? Prepare for high stakes, heart-pounding action, and a romance that burns as fiercely as their magic.

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes 

Release Date: February 11th, 2025

Family drama meets heartwarming chaos in this fresh, contemporary novel by Jojo Moyes. Lila Kennedy is juggling a crumbling marriage, two rebellious daughters, a house in disrepair, and a surprise live-in stepfather. Just when she thinks life can’t get messier, her estranged father—an ex-Hollywood star—waltzes back into her life after 35 years. 

Suddenly, family dinners feel like sitcom episodes, and Lila must decide if she’s ready to rewrite old wounds into new beginnings. With humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia, We All Live Here is a beautiful reminder that family—no matter how chaotic—is worth fighting for.

The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune 

Release Date: February 4th, 2025

A mysterious child. A reluctant guardian. A past too painful to face. In 1995, Nate Cartwright retreats to his family's cabin in Oregon, hoping for solitude after losing his job, family, and purpose. Instead, he finds Alex—a cryptic stranger—and Artemis Darth Vader, a young girl with a cosmic secret. 

As shadows from Artemis’s past threaten them, Nate must decide whether to remain a passive observer or become the hero she needs. With TJ Klune’s signature warmth and wit, The Bones Beneath My Skin is a heartfelt sci-fi adventure about love, sacrifice, and finding family in the most unexpected places.

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett 

Release Date: February 11th, 2025

Emily Wilde has spent her life studying faeries, but now she must rule them. As the new queen of a long-lost faerie kingdom, Emily and her fiancé Wendell Bambleby are thrust into a realm of treachery, curses, and ancient secrets. But Wendell’s wicked stepmother has one last trick up her sleeve—an enchantment that could doom them all. 

To break the curse and secure her new throne, Emily must rely on folklore, intellect, and an unexpected love that might just be the key to everything. Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales is a whimsical and enchanting addition to the Emily Wilde series!

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor 

Release Date: February 25th, 2025

The Otherwhere Post is a dark fantasy where magic mail delivery meets murder mystery. Seven years ago, Maeve Abenthy lost everything, including her father. In desperation to avoid the stain of her father’s crimes, she lives under a false identity, working a simple job as a stock girl. 

When Maeve receives a message about her father’s innocence, she sneaks her way into the Otherwhere Post to discover more. 

With a brooding mentor, an ominous conspiracy, and letters carrying deadly secrets, Maeve must navigate deception and magic to uncover her past before her enemies silence her for good.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood 

Release Date: February 4th, 2025

Love dives deep in this steamy college sports romance. Scarlett Vandermeer, a Stanford diving champion, has one goal—med school. Lukas Blomqvist, a record-breaking swim captain, thrives on discipline. They have nothing in common…until a secret binds them together. What starts as a no-strings arrangement quickly turns into something neither saw coming. 

As Olympic dreams loom and emotions surface, Scarlett must decide—will she risk her future for the one person who understands her heart? Deep End is Ali Hazelwood at her best, blending passion, ambition, and heart-stopping romance.

You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego 

Release Date: February 11th, 2025

Six thriller authors. One private island. A killer hiding among them. When aspiring writer Mila del Angél is invited to host a prestigious retreat, she sees the perfect chance to settle an old score. But when an author turns up dead, Mila’s own murder plot is suddenly the least of her worries. 

Trapped by a storm, surrounded by masters of misdirection, and with bodies piling up, she must unravel the real mystery before she becomes the next victim. You Are Fatally Invited is a twisty, dark, and irresistibly clever locked-room thriller that will keep you guessing until the final chapter. 

Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger 

Release Date: February 25th, 2025

Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 is a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek that turns deadly in this pulse-pounding thriller. Adventurer Maverick Dillan invites contestants to a remote island for the ultimate challenge. But when a storm rolls in and players start vanishing, it’s clear—this isn’t just a game. Adele, a single mother determined to survive, must outwit a ruthless killer to return home to her children. 

With danger lurking at every turn, trust is a luxury no one can afford. Will she make it to the count of ten?

Final Thoughts

February is shaping up to be an unforgettable month for book lovers! Whether you're in the mood for heartwarming romance, pulse-pounding thrillers, magical adventures, or historical mysteries, this month's new releases offer something for everyone. Yes, February will lead to plenty of late-night reading sessions.

And if you’re looking for even more surprises, don’t forget to check out our hints for upcoming Once Upon a Book Club selections. Why not subscribe and save, and let Once Upon a Book Club bring your reading journey to life! Happy reading!

If you enjoyed this blog, we think you will love our blog on the OUABC team’s current reads!