September New Releases

 

There are so many fabulous books being released that it has never been easier to fall into a good book this September!  Here is a list of books our team is personally excited about, that will not be appearing in our monthly book subscription boxes!

 

Here One Moment - Liane Moriarty

Release Date: September 10th

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the mysteries of fate, free will, and the human condition. When an ordinary domestic flight takes an extraordinary turn, passengers learn exactly when and how they will die, thanks to a mysterious woman known only as The Death Lady. As her predictions begin to come true, six passengers with imminent deaths are forced to confront the ultimate question: can they change their destiny?

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston 

Release Date: September 10th

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a heartwarming and uplifting debut that explores the transformative power of kindness, forgiveness, and second chances. At eighty-two, Frederick Fife is lonely, broke, and on the verge of homelessness—until a case of mistaken identity lands him in the shoes of grumpy Bernard Greer at a local nursing home. With a warm bed, meals, and a new lease on life, Fred must keep up the charade while spreading kindness wherever he goes.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter 

Release Date: September 24th

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is a festive rom-com mystery that combines witty banter, a clever whodunit, and a swoon-worthy rivals-to-lovers romance. Maggie Chase, the Queen of Cozy Mysteries, and Ethan Wyatt, the big-time thriller author she can’t stand, are invited to a Christmas house party at the English estate of a reclusive fan. Their host? None other than Eleanor Ashley, the world’s most famous mystery writer.

But when Eleanor mysteriously vanishes from a locked room just days before Christmas, Maggie and Ethan are left snowbound in a mansion full of secrets. As they navigate a maze of clues, their rivalry turns into an unexpected alliance—and maybe something more.

In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King 

Release Date: September 24th

In the Garden of Monsters is a mesmerizing blend of historical fantasy and romance that reimagines the myth of Hades and Persephone with a dark, atmospheric twist. Set in 1948 Italy, the story follows Julia Lombardi, a beautiful model with no memory of her past. When she is invited by the eccentric artist Salvador Dalí to serve as his muse at the mysterious Sacro Bosco—Italy’s Garden of Monsters—Julia hopes to uncover the secrets of her identity.

An Academy of Liars by Alexis Henderson 

Release Date: September 17th

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson is a gripping, dark academia novel that explores the seductive allure of power and the perilous path of mastering it. When Lennon Carter’s life begins to unravel, a mysterious call invites her to take the entrance exam for Drayton College, a secret school of magic hidden in Savannah. 

There, students like Lennon are trained in the art of persuasion—the rare ability to bend others, and sometimes even matter, to their will. With every lesson, Lennon’s power grows, but so does her fear of the corruption that absolute power can bring.

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine 

Release Date: September 17th 

My Vampire Plus-One is a fun and lighthearted paranormal romance about Amelia Collins, who recruits the arrogant and chaotic vampire Reginald Cleaves to be her date at family events to ward off questions about her love life. While Reginald’s outrageous antics achieve the desired effect, Amelia soon finds herself unexpectedly drawn to him. 

As their fake dates continue, sparks fly, blurring the lines between pretense and real feelings. Perfect for fans of humorous, slow-burn romances with a supernatural twist, this story shows that love can blossom in the most unlikely situations.

 

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak 

Release Date: September 17th

The Banned Books Club is a heartfelt story of redemption, family, and standing up for what’s right in the tight-knit town of Wakefield, Iowa. Gia Rossi returns home to care for her ailing mother, reopening old wounds from a scandal that divided the community—her accusation against a favorite teacher, Mr. Hart, for misconduct.

Back in town, Gia faces her past, the still-controversial Banned Book Club she started, and the strained relationship with her sister, Margot, who unexpectedly leaves town. As Gia navigates the town’s divided loyalties, she discovers unexpected support and learns to fight for her truth. In doing so, she finds love and a renewed sense of belonging in the place she once thought had rejected her.

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen 

Release Date: September 3rd

The Games Gods Play is a thrilling fantasy romance that weaves Greek mythology with a deadly contest and forbidden love. In this captivating tale, mortals are chosen to compete in the gods' brutal Crucible—a contest that determines the next ruler of Olympus. For cursed office clerk and underdog Lyra, Hades, the god of the Underworld, inexplicably selects her as his champion, despite her lack of status and skills.

This one is perfect for fans of fantasy romance and Greek mythology, The Games Gods Play delivers intrigue, high stakes, and the undeniable pull of a forbidden romance between a mortal and a god who will stop at nothing to win.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney 

Release Date: September 24th

Intermezzo is a deeply moving and insightful novel that explores the complexities of love, family, and human connection. Following their father's death, brothers Peter and Ivan Koubek face unexpected challenges: Peter, a successful lawyer, is torn between his enduring first love, Sylvia, and the carefree college student, Naomi. Meanwhile, Ivan, a socially awkward chess player, forms a transformative bond with Margaret, an older woman with a troubled past. As they navigate grief and desire, both brothers explore how much their hearts can endure.

So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison 

Release Date:(September 10th)

So Thirsty is a darkly thrilling novel about the complexities of female friendship, midlife crises, and supernatural transformations. Sloane Parker, feeling stuck in her life, reluctantly joins her best friend Naomi on a birthday getaway. Expecting a quiet escape, Sloane is instead swept into Naomi’s wild plans and a night with mysterious strangers that spirals out of control. 

Faced with a sinister new reality, Sloane must confront her fears and desires, discovering that it’s never too late to reclaim her life—even in the most unexpected ways. This is perfect for fans of suspenseful stories of self-discovery and transformation with a touch of dark humor and supernatural intrigue.

Lucy Undying by Kiersten White 

Release Date: September 10th

Lucy Undying is a gothic fantasy that reimagines Lucy Westenra from Dracula as a vampire on a journey of self-discovery and forbidden love. After centuries of evading Dracula, Lucy ends up in modern-day London and meets Iris, a woman ensnared by dark family secrets. As their bond deepens into romance, they face threats from Iris’s controlling mother and the looming danger of Dracula’s return. 

Lucy must confront her past and fight for her future with Iris. If you’re a fan of seductive, dark fantasies and reimagined classics, then this one is definitely for you.

The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig 

Release Date: September 24th

The Thirteenth Child is a dark fantasy inspired by the Grimm Brothers' tale Godfather Death. Hazel Trépas, promised to Death as the thirteenth child, is gifted with healing powers by her godfather, Merrick—but she must also see and end lives claimed by Death. 

Haunted by her role, Hazel’s abilities are put to the ultimate test at the royal court, where she must decide between her duty and her heart as she tries to save a king destined to die, all while grappling with her feelings for Leo, a cynical prince who challenges her beliefs.

Conclusion

With so many incredible books hitting the shelves this September, it’s the perfect time to get lost in a great story! We’d love to hear which books you can’t wait to get your hands on. Whether you’re into gripping mysteries, heartwarming romances, or dark fantasies, this September, there is something for everyone.

If you're looking for an even more immersive reading experience, don’t miss out on our exciting monthly book subscription boxes, where we bring stories to life the Once Upon a Book Club way! Happy reading!

If you enjoyed this blog, you may want to check out our team’s current reads!