The Book of the Month is an online book club/subscription service. For every month you pay for, you get a “credit” which you would use to choose one out of a group of 5-7 titles that are chosen per month. Their mission is “to bring the best new fiction forward,” but they do occasionally provide some nonfiction titles to choose from as well. Here are their selections from 2024. For more information, visit their website here.
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen
Tells the story of Haiwen and Suchi, separated lovers who reconnect after sixty years. Their childhood love, interrupted by war and hardship, spans across turbulent historical events in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, New York, and California. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for home, with Haiwen clinging to the past and Suchi determined to move forward. Their journey reveals the power of love to endure across time and distance.
Definitely Better Now by Ava Robinson
In this witty and heartfelt debut by Ava Robinson, newly sober Emma is ready to reenter the dating world after a year of focusing on recovery. But life quickly gets messy with family drama, work stress, and the unexpected return of her estranged father—until a charming IT guy named Ben brings hope and connection. A bittersweet, darkly funny exploration of sobriety, self-discovery, and learning to embrace imperfection.
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
In this dark and gripping thriller, author Grady Green’s life unravels when his wife Abby mysteriously vanishes—her car found abandoned on a cliff’s edge. A year later, still consumed by grief, he retreats to a remote Scottish island where he sees a woman who looks exactly like Abby. Twisting through secrets, obsession, and revenge, this is a chilling story about marriage—and the dark turns love can take.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
In this festive, twist-filled romance-mystery, rival authors—cozy mystery queen Maggie Chase and arrogant thriller writer Ethan Wyatt—are snowed in at an English manor days before Christmas. Their enigmatic host, the world’s most famous mystery novelist, vanishes from a locked room, launching the duo into a high-stakes whodunit. With sparks flying and secrets unraveling, Maggie and Ethan must solve the case—and maybe fall for each other—before the snow clears and the mystery claims another victim.
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
Hazel Trépas, goddaughter of Death, is a gifted healer cursed to see when a life is beyond saving—and to end it. But when she’s called to the royal court to save a dying king, she must choose between obeying Death’s will or following her heart. In a world ruled by gods and fate, how far will she go for love and agency of her own?
The Road of Bones by Demi Winters
Silla Nordvig is on the run from a vengeful queen, forced to travel the deadly Road of Bones after her father’s murder. To survive, she joins a crew of Viking mercenaries and must navigate danger, dark magic, and a forbidden romance. A gripping fantasy adventure filled with peril, banter, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension.
Dirty Diana by Jen Besser and Shana Feste
A woman questions the stability of her marriage as she longs to reconnect with the passionate, creative self she left behind. When a visit to an old flame stirs up memories of sensual freedom, Diana sets out on a journey of self-discovery—one that may risk everything she’s built. Sexy, funny, and emotionally resonant, this provocative novel explores what happens when a woman dares to put her desires first.
Dinner For Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show by Bethany Joy Lenz
One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz shares the gripping, darkly humorous story of her decade-long entanglement in a secret Hollywood cult. Drawn in by a Bible study promising belonging, she was slowly manipulated into giving up her autonomy, career earnings, and identity—until motherhood gave her the strength to break free. This candid memoir explores faith, resilience, and reclaiming your voice after spiritual and emotional abuse.
PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly
In honor of her late brother’s final wish, Maddie sets out to scatter his ashes across eight dream destinations—unfortunately, with her ex, Dom, as her assigned travel partner. As they journey through grief, old tensions, and unexpected sparks, Maddie begins to wonder if her brother was playing matchmaker from beyond the grave. But to truly move forward, she’ll have to decide if she can trust Dom with her heart again.
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
In this heartwarming fantasy debut, a wandering fortune teller who only predicts small events finds unexpected companionship when she’s swept into a quest to find a missing child. Joined by a ragtag group—including a reformed thief, an ex-mercenary, a daring baker, and a magical cat—Tao must confront the shadows of her past to protect the found family she never expected. Perfect for fans of cozy adventures with heart and humor.
The Book of Witching by CJ Cooke
When Clem’s daughter Erin wakes from a tragic hiking accident with no memory—and claiming to be someone named Nyx—Clem is thrust into a chilling mystery. Her search for answers leads to the remote Orkney Islands and a centuries-old tale of witchcraft and revenge. As past and present blur, Clem must face the unthinkable: is her daughter haunted by trauma, or possessed by something far older?
The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Every five years, a deadly Wild Hunt offers one magical wish to the victor—and this time, three unlikely allies are determined to win. Branwen hunts to save her mother, Gwydion to stop his ruthless brother, and Pryderi to find where he belongs. But in a game where monsters roam and betrayal lurks, survival—and love—are far from guaranteed.
Dearest by Jacquie Walters
Alone with her newborn and unraveling from exhaustion, new mom Flora is struggling to stay grounded—until her estranged mother shows up uninvited. As eerie events mount, Flora begins to question what’s real: her fraying mind, or something far more sinister threatening her and her baby. This chilling debut explores the haunting weight of family secrets and maternal fear.
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
Sydney thinks she’s finally found the perfect man—handsome, charming, and a doctor—but when women start turning up dead, she begins to wonder if her dream guy might be a nightmare. As suspicion creeps in and someone watches her every move, Sydney must uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim. In this chilling thriller, love turns deadly in the hands of a master of psychological suspense.
The Dagger and The Flame by Catherine Doyle
In the shadowy city of Fantome, rival assassins Seraphine and Ransom are sworn enemies bound by blood, magic, and a growing attraction that could destroy them both. As Sera seeks revenge for her mother’s murder and Ransom grapples with her mysterious powers, they’re pulled into a dangerous game of love, betrayal, and dark magic. A fiery enemies-to-lovers romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo.
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
Inspired by the legend of Xishi, A Song to Drown Rivers follows a young woman who uses her legendary beauty as a weapon to infiltrate an enemy palace and avenge her sister’s murder. Trained to master deception and seduction, Xishi must navigate dangerous court intrigues and a growing, complicated attraction to her military advisor. This epic historical fantasy explores sacrifice, love, and the cost of war.
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
On the verge of eighty, Augusta Stern moves to a Florida retirement community—and unexpectedly reunites with Irving, the man who broke her heart six decades ago. Their encounter reopens memories of her youth in 1920s Brooklyn, where she was torn between science, family duty, and her great aunt’s mysterious remedies. As Augusta confronts the choices that shaped her life, she must decide if it’s ever too late to rediscover love, forgiveness, and a little bit of magic.
Sleep Tight by JH Markert
Detective Tess Claibourne must confront her darkest fears when a new killer emerges, echoing the horrors of Father Silence—the serial murderer her late father once brought to justice. With her own daughter now missing, Tess returns to the town of Twisted Tree to seek answers from the lone survivor of the original killings. A chilling blend of psychological horror and thriller, this is a gripping story of buried trauma, generational terror, and the monsters we never truly escape.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
Three estranged sisters—Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky—reunite in New York after the death of their beloved sister Nicky, forced to confront their past while fighting to keep their childhood home. As they each wrestle with grief, identity, and old wounds, long-buried secrets begin to surface. A moving portrait of family, loss, and the ties that both bind and break us.
Phantasma by Kaylee Smith
When Ophelia’s sister vanishes, she enters Phantasma—a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion—where surviving nine terrifying trials is the only way to earn a single wish. To stay alive, she strikes a bargain with the charming and dangerous Blackwell, who demands ten years of her life in return for his help. But in a game where monsters lurk and love is forbidden, the greatest threat may be her own heart.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
Two bisexual exes accidentally book the same European food and wine tour and spark a no-strings-attached hookup competition to prove they’re over each other—except they’re absolutely not. As they flirt their way through France, Spain, and Italy, old feelings bubble up, and it turns out the most irresistible flavor on the trip might be each other.
Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight
When Cleo arrives home to find her mother missing and a bloody shoe under the couch, she begins unraveling the secret life Kat kept hidden—a life as her law firm’s ruthless fixer with dangerous enemies. As Cleo digs deeper, she discovers that both their lives are in danger and that saving her mother may mean confronting the darkest parts of their past. A gripping thriller about buried truths, fierce love, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we love.
Hera by Jennifer Saint
Hera, goddess and daughter of Cronos, helped overthrow a tyrant—only to fear she’s crowned another in Zeus. As she questions her place beside him and the cycle of power they’ve inherited, Hera must decide whether to rule as expected or forge a new path. In Hera, Jennifer Saint reclaims the maligned queen of Olympus, revealing a fierce, strategic, and complex woman behind the myth.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Phoebe arrives alone at a luxury inn meant for a lavish wedding—grieving, untethered, and ready for one final indulgence. Mistaken for a guest, she finds herself unexpectedly entangled in the festivities, forming an unlikely bond with the bride that upends both their plans. Funny, tender, and wise, this is a story about chance encounters, fresh starts, and the surprising ways we find our way back to ourselves.
Five-Star Stranger by Kat Tang
A top-rated companion-for-hire expertly slips into roles—best man, fake husband, grieving friend—while keeping his real self at arm’s length. But when a long-running gig as a pretend father begins to blur the line between act and attachment, he’s forced to confront his past and what connection truly means. Kat Tang’s poignant debut explores identity, loneliness, and the cost of emotional distance in a world where even intimacy is up for hire.
House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen
In a gilded D.C. mansion with no glass and too many secrets, attorney Stella Hudson is tasked with protecting nine-year-old Rose Barclay—who stopped speaking after witnessing her nanny’s suspicious death. As Stella unravels the twisted lies of a wealthy, warring family, she must confront her own dark past to uncover the truth. But in a house where everyone is a suspect, even the child she’s sworn to protect might be hiding something deadly.
Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams
Two women—separated by time and place but connected by a mysterious heirloom—discover second chances at love and the power of redemption. In 2022 New England, Mallory Dunne races to save her son while confronting family secrets; in 1951 Cairo, refugee Hannah Ainsworth is drawn into a dangerous affair amid political upheaval. Spanning generations and continents, this sweeping novel explores love, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of the past.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
When 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from her family’s Adirondack summer camp in 1975, it reopens wounds from her brother’s similar disappearance years earlier. As the search intensifies, long-buried secrets of the wealthy Van Laar family and the surrounding working-class community begin to surface. Liz Moore’s sweeping, suspenseful novel explores the tangled threads of privilege, loss, and redemption.
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia, this magical novel follows two childhood friends who vanished into a mysterious forest and returned with no memory of where they’d been. Years later, one becomes a reclusive artist, the other a renowned investigator, and together—with a determined young woman searching for her missing sister—they must return to the fantastical realm they once escaped. To uncover the truth and save the lost, they must confront the secrets and trauma of their shared past.
A Thousand Times Before by Asha Thanki
Three generations of women are bound by a magical tapestry that allows them to relive the memories of their ancestors, carrying both the weight and wonder of inherited experiences. As Ayukta shares this secret with her wife while contemplating motherhood, the novel spans from Partition-era India to modern-day Brooklyn, revealing how love, trauma, and resilience are passed down—and transformed—through generations. Poetic and powerful, this debut explores the beauty and burden of legacy.
Honey by Isabel Banta
Set against the backdrop of late-1990s and early-2000s pop stardom, this coming-of-age debut follows Amber Young as she rises from small-town teen to global sensation. Thrust into the spotlight, Amber must navigate fame, exploitation, and her search for identity in an industry quick to worship—and destroy—its young stars. A bold reimagining of pop culture’s most iconic narratives, the novel offers a fresh, empathetic look at the women behind the fame.
One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin
In this witty romantic comedy, a struggling writer is horrified to discover that the best man she’s walking down the aisle with is the critic who gave her novel a scathing one-star review. Over years of weddings, milestones, and unexpected encounters, Natalie and Rob—total opposites—navigate their tangled chemistry and grudging connection. What begins in mutual disdain slowly transforms, proving that even the harshest critic might just be your perfect match.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
Set across three tumultuous decades in Tehran, The Lion Women of Tehran follows the lifelong bond between Ellie and Homa, two girls from very different backgrounds who dream of becoming “lion women.” As they grow up amid political upheaval, shifting social roles, and personal ambition, their friendship is tested by time, distance, and betrayal. This powerful novel explores love, feminism, and the lasting impact of the people who shape us.
A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson
In this twisty thriller, newlywed librarian Martha begins to suspect her charming husband might be a serial killer after discovering a bloody shirt and a string of murders linked to his travel schedule. Unsure and afraid, she turns to an old friend, Lily Kintner, for help—but what Lily uncovers is darker and more unexpected than either of them imagined. Swanson delivers another clever, suspenseful tale of secrets, suspicion, and deadly deception.
Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
A sharp, funny, and heartwarming novel about a young single mom trying to make ends meet in an unforgiving world. When broke and overwhelmed, Margo turns to OnlyFans—armed with lessons from her estranged ex-wrestler dad—and unexpectedly becomes a viral success. This empowering, laugh-out-loud story explores self-invention, motherhood, and finding power in a world that rarely hands it to you.
Middletide by Sarah Crouch
In this atmospheric debut thriller, a small town is shaken when the body of a beloved young doctor is found hanging on the property of Elijah Leith—a failed writer who just returned home to rebuild his life and reconnect with his first love. As suspicion mounts, the death eerily mirrors a scene from Elijah’s own novel, forcing him to fight for his innocence in a town ready to turn on him. A gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the dangerous blur between fiction and reality.
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
In this dark, high-stakes fantasy, five deadly liars are brought together for one mission: assassinate the immortal God King who has oppressed the land for centuries. Each harbors their own secrets and thirst for vengeance, but betrayal is second nature—and only one can claim the crown. Let the best liar win.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
In this inventive blend of time travel romance, spy thriller, and workplace comedy, a civil servant is assigned to monitor a 19th-century Arctic explorer brought into the present as part of a secretive government experiment. As she navigates their surreal cohabitation, the two form an unexpected bond—just as the true purpose of the Ministry’s project begins to unravel. A bold, genre-bending debut about love, power, and the weight of history when it lives under your roof.
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
A gripping debut thriller about a detective haunted by her sister’s decades-old disappearance, who becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery behind a recently returned missing girl. When Ellie Black resurfaces after two years with no explanation, Detective Chelsey Calhoun suspects there’s more to the story—and someone Ellie may be protecting. As Chelsey digs deeper, she uncovers disturbing truths that tie to her own past. Equal parts emotional and suspenseful, this feminist mystery explores trauma, survival, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Starving artist Anna and wealthy heir Liam must fake a happy marriage to secure his inheritance, but their pretend relationship soon stirs up real feelings. As they navigate family pressures and old sparks, they face the question: can love grow from a lie?
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
Three foster sisters—Jessica, Norah, and Alicia—escape a controlling guardian only to be drawn back when a body is found beneath their childhood home. As secrets unravel, they must confront their past and each other in this gripping tale of sisterhood, love, and murder.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Two writers with a painful shared past reunite to work on the same TV show. Helen, a bestselling author battling imposter syndrome, and Grant, a screenwriter haunted by their tragic history, must navigate old wounds and new sparks. As secrets surface, they face the challenge of rewriting their story—maybe for love.
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
In pre-Civil War Philadelphia, Charlotte, a housemaid hiding her past, teams up with Nell, a wealthy young abolitionist, to help Charlotte’s enslaved friend Evie escape. Amidst rising racial violence and danger, their daring fight for freedom risks everything they hold dear.
The Wives by Simone Gorrindo
After leaving her NYC job, Simone Gorrindo follows her husband to an elite Army unit in Georgia. With him often deployed, she finds community among other army wives. This memoir offers an intimate look at marriage, friendship, and resilience amid America’s deep divides.
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
A romantic fantasy inspired by Pacific Island mythology, where Hanalei, exiled after her father steals a powerful seadragon egg, seeks redemption and a way home. Prince Sam, heir in a matriarchal kingdom, faces a dying mother and political pressure. Together, they confront rivals and the perilous magic of the dragonfruit—an ancient wish-granting fruit with a heavy price.
Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh
A Hitchcock-inspired psychological thriller about two lonely women in New York who form a deadly pact to exact revenge on the men who ruined their lives. When Ruth is violently attacked by a mysterious blue-eyed stranger, the stakes escalate. Tense and gripping, Kill for Me, Kill for You delivers relentless suspense until the last page.
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
A shield maiden with divine magic fights to unite a fractured Norse kingdom under a ruthless king—while struggling with her forbidden desire for his fierce son. Bound by fate and blood oath, Freya must master her powers, survive deadly trials, and choose between love and her nation’s future in this gripping fantasy romance.
Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
A first-generation Ivy League art student uncovers the forgotten legacy of a brilliant female artist who died under suspicious circumstances. As Raquel navigates a world of privilege and her own complicated romance, she discovers unsettling parallels to Anita’s story. Told across two timelines, this novel explores power, love, and who gets remembered in the elite art world.
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
Annie Bot was designed to be the perfect girlfriend for her owner, Doug—catering to his every need. But as her AI becomes more human, her behavior grows less predictable. As their complex relationship deepens, Annie begins to question what Doug truly wants—and what she owes herself.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Years ago, Lucy was found covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood—and everyone believed she was the killer, including Lucy herself. Now, with no memory of that night, she’s forced back to her Texas hometown when a hit true crime podcast investigates the case. To uncover the truth, Lucy must face the past—whether or not she’s guilty.
The Resort by Sarah Ochs
On a remote Thai island, Cass has built a new life, hiding dark secrets with a group of fellow expats known as the Permanents. But when a dive student turns up dead—and it’s not the first time—Cass realizes someone knows who she really is. And they’re ready to make her pay. Paradise never lasts.
The Mayor of Maxwell Street by Avery Cunningham
In 1921 Chicago, wealthy debutante Nelly Sawyer and speakeasy manager Jay Shorey team up to expose a powerful crime boss. As they navigate Prohibition-era corruption, racial divides, and high-society pressures, their partnership sparks a dangerous romance—one that could cost them everything.
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
After a one-night stand leads to an unexpected pregnancy, Eve Hatch’s carefully ordered life is turned upside down. As her oldest friendships shift and Willa’s dependable brother Shep becomes her surprising source of support, Eve begins to discover that love and family can show up in the most unexpected ways. A heartfelt, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance about change, connection, and finding your place.
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
A historical fantasy set in 1908 Manchuria, where a detective investigates a courtesan’s mysterious death amid rumors of fox spirits. At the same time, Snow—a fox spirit in disguise—seeks vengeance for her lost child. As their paths cross, myth and reality blur in this haunting tale of justice, love, and transformation.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Follows nursing student Frankie McGrath, who joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. Thrust into chaos, she forms deep bonds with fellow soldiers while grappling with the horrors of war. But returning home proves even harder, as she faces a divided nation that wants to forget. A powerful tribute to the often-overlooked women who served, this is a story of courage, friendship, and resilience.
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
A moving story about found family, love, and loyalty. In 1990, loner Marley West arrives in Mercury, Pennsylvania, and is quickly drawn into the lives of the Joseph brothers—roofers bound by hardship and secrets. She becomes wife, muse, and mother figure, holding the family together as their business and bonds strain. Years later, a discovery in a church attic threatens to unravel everything, forcing them to confront the past and decide what kind of future they can build together.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
This story follows reclusive ex–movie star Lana Farrar and her famous friends on a private Greek island getaway that turns deadly. As old secrets and buried resentments surface, a murder shatters the illusion of paradise. Narrated by Elliot Chase, it’s a chilling tale of love, betrayal, and revenge.
Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin
Enid, a space-obsessed true crime fan with an unusual phobia of bald men, juggles dating app flings and a shaky reunion with her half-sisters after her father’s death. But when she falls into her first serious relationship, she begins to suspect she’s being followed—and questions her own sanity. A darkly funny, heartfelt novel about confronting our fears and embracing our most human flaws.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Evie Porter has the perfect Southern life—except she’s not real. Assigned a new identity by her shadowy boss, Mr. Smith, Evie is sent to infiltrate a town and target Ryan Sumner, but this job feels different. As her past closes in and her feelings grow, Evie must navigate a dangerous game to protect the future she’s starting to want.
The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
A sweeping magical realism western following Mexican bandido Antonio Sonoro, who sets out to rob a train in 1895 but instead ignites a cosmic reckoning tied to generations of family violence. Decades later, his grandson Jaime—now a famous singer—uncovers their dark legacy and must confront a mysterious figure demanding payment for ancestral sins. Blending myth, history, and haunting prose, this epic explores guilt, inheritance, and redemption across time.
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