It’s that time of the month again when we share what’s currently taking up space on our nightstands and keeping our noses between pages. As always, our reading tastes are all over the map, from dark academia to historical fiction, from steamy fantasy romances to holiday-themed rom-coms! 

If you’re looking for your next great read or just love hearing what fellow bookworms are obsessed with, you’re in the right place. So sit back and relax while we share what the OUABC team has been reading this month!

Logan — The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

“It's so fun and as a lover of all holidays it’s a perfect romantasy that I've never seen done before.”

This one is for those of you who love your holiday romances with a dash of whimsy, a sprinkle of magic, and a whole lot of heart. The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch is an absolute must-read. This enchanting rom-com follows Nicholas “Coal” Claus, the reluctant heir to Christmas, and Hex, the irresistibly off-limits Prince of Halloween, as they get tangled in a deliciously messy—and undeniably swoon-worthy—rivalry.

With its festive fantasy world, laugh-out-loud banter, and sizzling chemistry, this book is a joyful, quirky, and heartfelt celebration of love and identity. Think Red, White & Royal Blue meets The Nightmare Before Christmas, but with even more holiday hijinks and undeniable charm.

Tiffany — Doctor D’Arco Sorcerer of London by Kathryn Colvin

“It’s an amazing Victorian Gothic Romance. Be warned it’s 900 pages!”

If you love your Gothic romances dark, brooding, and steeped in supernatural mystery, Doctor D’Arco, Sorcerer of London by Kathryn Colvin should definitely be on your TBR list. Set in the eerie, gaslit streets of Victorian London, this haunting tale follows Elizabeth Buckingham, a destitute widow drawn into a secret society of magic—and into the path of the infamous Doctor D’Arco, a masked sorcerer with an unsettling aura of darkness.

Packed with forbidden desire, arcane secrets, and a slow-burning, tension-filled romance, this novel is a mesmerizing blend of mystery and the macabre. With its lush prose, eerie atmosphere, and intoxicating mix of danger and desire, Doctor D’Arco, Sorcerer of London is the perfect read for anyone who revels in the shadows of Victorian Gothic intrigue.

Teri — Babel by R.F. Kuang

“I'm super interested in etymology and language so it's really interesting and eye-opening to see how translation is tied to colonialism. This book has the Dark Academia feel that I love, where things are just a little unsettling and you know something big is going to happen.”

Babel by R.F. Kuang is an intricate and thought-provoking exploration of language, power, and resistance. Set in an alternate 19th-century Oxford, it follows Robin Swift, a Chinese orphan trained in languages and magic-infused silver-working, as he grapples with his role in the empire that raised him yet seeks to control and exploit his heritage.

Blending historical fiction with dark academia and a sharp critique of colonialism, this novel is as intellectually rich as it is emotionally gripping. With its layered themes, immersive world-building, and a protagonist caught between loyalty and rebellion, Babel will have you captivated from the very start.

Sydney — A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

“Teri got me into this series and I'm loving it! Although I was a little confused towards the beginning of the book, I love how the magic system works and I'm excited to see how the story progresses!”

If you like your magical schools a little darker, A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik is a must-read. Set in the Scholomance—a school where survival is anything but guaranteed—this book follows El Higgins, a witty, sharp-tongued student who’s just trying to graduate without dying.

Packed with dark humor, powerful magic, and deadly danger lurking around every corner, this story is an unforgettable start to Novik’s The Scholomance trilogy. With a protagonist you can’t help but root for and an unconventional take on magic schools, it’s a wildly fun and clever read.

Nicole — The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

“The whole series has been amazing so far and it's been a wild ride that feels like it's getting crazier by the minute! Every twist and turn through the sentient school full of monsters has me on the edge of my seat!”

The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik delivers a pulse-pounding and emotionally charged conclusion to this bestselling trilogy, proving that escaping the world’s deadliest school was just the beginning. After defying every grim prophecy and managing to save her classmates, El Higgins should be celebrating her freedom. Instead, the world outside is unraveling, enclaves are under attack, and the peace she fought for is slipping away.

Fast-paced, razor-sharp, and brimming with tension, this final installment dives headfirst into the complexities of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of survival. With high stakes, dark humor, and an unforgettable heroine who refuses to back down, The Golden Enclaves is a thrilling and deeply satisfying finale that refuses to play by the rules.

Tristan — Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea

“Absolutely amazing story about women serving with the Red Cross during WWII. I cried more than once!”

If you love historical fiction that highlights the resilience, courage, and deep friendships of women in wartime, Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea is a powerful and unforgettable read. Inspired by the true stories of Red Cross Donut Dollies, this novel follows Irene Woodward, who escapes an abusive engagement to serve on the front lines of World War II, forging an unbreakable bond with her fellow volunteer, Dorothy Dunford.

Set against the harrowing backdrop of war, this story blends danger, camaraderie, and a glimmer of romance as Irene and Dorothy navigate the realities of battle, from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Buchenwald. With richly drawn characters and a deeply emotional core, Good Night, Irene is both a tribute to unsung heroines and a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Ryan — Beasts of the Briar Series by Elizabeth Helen

“It's a "why choose" Beauty and the Beast retelling. I'm on the third book of the series and while it's not been great, it's at least been entertaining.”

Forged by Malice is an entertaining addition to the Beasts of the Briar series, blending fantasy, romance, and intrigue. Rosalina O’Connell has already uncovered shocking truths about herself—she’s half fae and the fated mate of two princes. But as goblins wielding dangerous Spring Realm steel threaten Castletree, she and her mates must venture into unknown territory to unravel the mystery.

In the Spring Realm, Prince Ezryn faces his own battle as his brother seeks to bring ruin to their land. With a powerful curse standing in his way, Ezryn must reclaim his birthright—and Rosie might just be the key to saving Spring.

Conclusion

And there you have it—our current reads in all their magical, dark, heartwarming, and sometimes chaotic glory! Whether you’re in the mood for a sweeping wartime drama, an eerie Gothic romance, or a high-stakes magical showdown, there’s something here for every kind of book lover.

And if you’re looking for even more bookish delights, don’t forget to check out our monthly book boxes—because every great read deserves an equally amazing unboxing experience! Why not subscribe and never miss a newly released novel along with our renowned surprise gifts that bring the book to life.

If you loved this blog make sure to check out our blog where we cover some exciting new releases we can’t wait for!