Trending Genres for Adult Readers

If there’s one thing we book lovers know, it’s that the literary world is as unpredictable as a plot twist in a mystery novel. Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we all have our favorites, but we can’t help being influenced by the latest trends. Sometimes our choices are fueled by the latest releases, movie adaptations, and yes, even that bookstagram post we saw at 2 a.m. while doom-scrolling.

So, get comfortable and grab a mug of something hot (or a glass of wine—no judgment here), and let’s look at the latest trends in adult books. 

Romance

Romance is like that BFF who brings chocolate and tissues when the world feels a bit too much. From meet-cutes in coffee shops to steamy enemies-to-lovers showdowns, romance novels are the literary equivalent of a warm hug. Let’s face it: who doesn’t enjoy a good happily-ever-after now and then? Romance isn’t just trending—it’s timeless, and we’re all here for it! Here are two that you just have to get your hands on!

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

Get ready for a whimsical tale where fiction meets reality. After her fiancé breaks up with her a week before their wedding, literature professor Eileen Merriweather finds herself stranded in Eloraton—a town straight out of her favorite romance series. Stuck in an unfinished manuscript, Eloraton needs a conclusion, and Eileen believes she’s there to help write it. 

However, a grumpy bookstore owner with mint-green eyes is determined to keep the story incomplete. As Eileen works on crafting a happy ending, she discovers her own might be tied to this magical town. A Novel Love Story is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, love, and the magic of stories.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Funny Story is a charming romance about finding love in unexpected places after heartbreak. When Daphne’s fiancé leaves her for his best friend Petra, she’s left alone in Waning Bay, Michigan, with only her new job as a children’s librarian. Enter Miles, Petra’s ex, who is also reeling from the breakup. 

Though opposites in every way, Daphne and Miles become unlikely roommates and form a fragile friendship. They devise a playful plan to fake happiness by sharing staged photos of their adventures, but soon, their pretend relationship begins to blossom into something real.

Romantasy

Step aside, traditional love stories—romantasy is here to sweep you off your feet and whisk you away to enchanted lands where romance and fantasy are as inseparable as soulmates bound by destiny. 

In this genre mashup, epic quests, magical battles, and swoon-worthy romances are all on the menu, creating a deliciously irresistible blend of escapism. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers defying ancient curses or fierce warriors falling for mysterious sorcerers, romantasy delivers on all fronts. Here are two of our favorites!

The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick

The North Wind is a gripping fantasy set in the frozen realm of Edgewood, where Wren struggles to protect her sister and survive a harsh winter. When the magical barrier safeguarding their home starts to fail, Wren faces a grim choice: the North Wind, a powerful immortal, demands a mortal bride to restore the barrier. 

When he chooses Wren’s sister, Wren defies fate and confronts the North Wind herself, forging a risky alliance with the being she swore to oppose. Blending magic, myth, and a slow-burn romance, The North Wind is a tale of courage, sacrifice, and the fight to change destiny in a world where love could be the ultimate savior—or destroyer.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

This epic fantasy is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance. The Serpent and the Wings of Night will captivate you with its slow-burn romance, dark magic, and high-stakes battles. Oraya, the human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, must compete in the deadly Kejari tournament to prove herself in a world where she’s seen as prey. 

Forced into an alliance with Raihn, a dangerous rival vampire, Oraya struggles to maintain her guard as attraction sparks between them. With war looming and trust a deadly risk, Oraya must balance duty and desire, facing the greatest threat of all: her growing feelings for Raihn.

Fantasy

Fantasy—where the only limit is your imagination, and reality checks are delightfully optional. We love these realms filled with dragons, wizards, mystical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. 

Whether you find yourself riding on the back of a dragon or simply trying to survive in a land where nothing is quite what it seems, fantasy lets you escape the mundane and dive headfirst into the extraordinary. Speaking about extraordinary, you may just want to order our Magic Halloween box before it sells out!

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

This charming romantasy set in a cozy, cottage-core world of stolen spellbooks and unexpected friendships is not to be missed! Kiela, a reclusive librarian from the Great Library of Alyssium, escapes with her sentient spider plant, Caz, after a revolution destroys the library. 

Seeking refuge on her childhood island, Kiela reluctantly adjusts to her new life, aided by a persistent (and handsome) neighbor. To make ends meet, she uses a mix of old family recipes and forbidden magic to start a secret spell shop, weaving a tale of magic, community, and a touch of romance. Trust us: The Spellshop will have you hooked from the very first chapter!

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is ideal for those of you who love enchanting tales with a touch of romance, set against a backdrop of magical folklore and hidden wonders! This whimsical fantasy blends academia, magic, and romance. 

Emily Wilde, a brilliant but socially awkward Cambridge professor, is on a mission to complete the first encyclopedia of faerie lore. Traveling to the remote village of Hrafnsvik to study the elusive Hidden Ones, Emily prefers books and her dog Shadow over people. Her plans are disrupted by her charming academic rival, Wendell Bambleby, who charms the villagers and complicates her research. As Emily unravels faerie secrets, she begins to question Wendell’s true motives and identity.

Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is your ticket to the past—no time machine required! Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of Victorian London, navigating the courtly intrigues of Renaissance Italy, or experiencing the resilience of characters in times of war, this is where history and storytelling collide. 

It’s all about exploring the human stories of bygone eras, breathing life into the names and places we read about in textbooks. With historical fiction, you’re not just reading about history—you’re living it, one page at a time.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Women is a powerful novel that follows Frances “Frankie” McGrath’s coming-of-age journey amid the Vietnam War. Raised in conservative Southern California, Frankie is inspired to become a hero and joins the Army Nurse Corps in 1965. 

On the front lines, she confronts the brutal realities of war, testing her survival, courage, and resilience. Returning home, Frankie and her fellow veterans face a new battle: reintegrating into an America marked by protest and indifference to the conflict they endured.

James by Percival Everett

James is a compelling reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man whose story has often been overlooked. When Jim learns he’s about to be sold, he flees to Jackson Island, sparking a journey down the Mississippi River with Huck Finn. 

As they navigate dangers and scams, Jim’s intelligence, agency, and compassion shine through, offering a fresh take on this classic tale. Blending humor, adventure, and incisive social commentary, James is a powerful exploration of slavery, freedom, and American history, challenging readers to rethink familiar narratives.

Thriller

Thrillers are the adrenaline rush of the literary world. You may find yourself unraveling a gripping mystery, chasing down a cunning serial killer, or even getting caught in a web of espionage. These books are guaranteed to keep your heart racing and your mind guessing. Perfect for those who love a page-turner that won’t let you sleep until you’ve either checked the locks twice or reached the final page!

What Remains by Wendy Walker

This book is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat! What Remains is a gripping psychological thriller exploring guilt, obsession, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. 

Detective Elise Sutton, a skilled cold case investigator, finds her life unraveling after a split-second decision to kill in a department store, saving a life but leaving her consumed by guilt. As she distances herself from her family and work, Elise connects with Wade Austin, the man she saved—only to discover he isn’t who he appears to be. Drawn into a dangerous game with a mysterious adversary, Elise must navigate the chilling aftermath of her actions and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

Middle of the Night is a gripping thriller about the dark secrets of a suburban neighborhood and a long-ago disappearance. Thirty years after his best friend Billy vanished from their backyard tent, Ethan Marsh returns to his childhood home, plagued by insomnia and haunted by the past. 

As unsettling events unfold, Ethan discovers eerie signs of Billy’s presence and unravels the truth about that fateful night. As he reconnects with old friends and delves into the ominous woods, Ethan learns that the past never truly stays buried and danger still lurks in familiar places.

Conclusion

Choosing which genre to go for is a tough choice as they are all absolutely fabulous. Why not subscribe and let us make life easier by making sure you never miss out on trending genres, exciting newly released novels, and, yes, those world-famous surprise gifts!

Happy reading from the OUABC team!