8 September Book Releases That Jumped My TBR List

Anyone else have a never-ending TBR list? I know I do. I am constantly putting books on my TBR every single day. September made no exception, adding dozens of books to the list I keep on Goodreads. However, among those, there are 8 books that stand out to me this month.

Under Story by Chloe Benjamin

Summary: A woman is trying to hide from her past in a research lab in Antarctica. However, a strange light appears near the remote lab, attracting numerous physicists, including her husband, who is trying to find her. Will this new phenomenon give the woman a second chance at life, or will her past bring everything crashing down?

Why I’m Reading: If you tell me anything about a supernatural phenomenon, especially one in nature, I am always on board for that, especially if it can’t be explained. There are all sorts of things that are beyond our comprehension in this world, and I hope to visit it all someday.

Happily Ever Afterlife by Emma R. Alban

Summary: Frannie heads to the notorious haunted ninth floor of the Dakota Building, hoping for something to change and inspire her. Her wish comes true when she meets a ghost family: two kids and their hot mom, Elsa. Through their interactions, Frannie begins to fall in love with Elsa. Unfortunately, Frannie doesn’t know of a way to free her new family from the ninth floor. Will she be able to write everyone a happily ever after?

Why I’m Reading: I tend to associate ghost stories with horror, so I am intrigued to see how this works out with a romantic concept. I am also curious about what Frannie will do to save her newfound family. Usually, the stories I have read involved the ghost solving a personal issue before being released from a place. However, that tends to have the spirit leaving for the great beyond instead of sticking around on Earth. I wonder how Frannie will keep her new family from disappearing on her.

I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell by Mackenzie Reed

Summary: Brie walks in on her very hot boss, Luke, performing an exorcism on one of her co-workers, and learns that Luke is from a line of demon hunters. During all of this, Brie’s friend goes missing, and Brie recruits Luke into helping her. However, all roads to her friend lead to hell. Will Brie and Luke be able to find her friend among the monsters in the underworld, or will hell claim them all?

Why I’m Reading: The book pulled me in due to the title alone. I first assumed that it was about a scorned individual, but now that I found out that it is about supernatural forces in the workplace, I am very much stoked to read it. I’m curious what Brie and Luke’s search leads them to discover and if they will survive this extraordinary adventure.

Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed by S.B. West

Summary: Morfran, the dark lord, is tired of managing his many minions, and his wife is too evil, even for him. He flees to a small village where he starts to grow fond of the locals. However, things take a turn when Morfran discovers that the locals are planning a rebellion against the dark lord, and Morfran’s wife sent his best minions to destroy the village before the rebellion spreads. Morfran wonders how he can keep the villagers safe while maintaining his disguise before it is too late.

Why I’m Reading: I love reading stories when we get to see multiple layers from a villain. People are not all good or all evil. We all exist in shades of grey, and I am curious how the book handles this topic.

Bodies of Magic by Freya Marske

Summary: As a group of five students go to take their exam, they discover a deceased classmate in the classroom. They all have a connection to the deceased and deep secrets to hide. Is the dead a part of the exam, or is there something larger at work?

Why I’m Reading: Magic with a mix of mystery has always been one of my favorite types of storytelling. I am hoping that this novel leads to something intriguing and doesn’t peter out in the end.

Thank You for Remembering by Emily Harding

Summary: Marnie wakes up with amnesia with a totally different life than expected. Marnie and her charming neighbor work together to figure out what happened during the last year that Marnie can’t remember. Will finding what is lost help her, or will she find herself in more despair?

Why I’m Reading: It is interesting trying to piece together the past, especially when everyone knows what’s going on except you. I am curious how this type of story plays out in the romance genre.

It’s Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh

Summary: Nadeeka is convinced that her husband is cheating on her. She knows the signs since she has been cheated on before. However, Nadeeka is not able to confront her husband at home about her suspicions because her husband is dead, and their home has just become a crime scene.

Why I’m Reading: There is a saying that God laughs when we make assumptions. I believe it is because we try to pretend to know everything even though there are things beyond our comprehension. I am curious to see if Nadeeka realizes this and if she finds out what her husband was really up to.

The Strangers by Naomi Alderman

Summary: A new unknown animal is spreading to various continents at a rapid rate. Do these beings mean harm to humanity, or do they have a purpose that society hasn’t comprehended yet?

Why I’m Reading: I believe that we haven’t come close to identifying all the beings that make up our planet. We are still discovering new species to this very day. I am curious what happens when an unknown species takes the world by storm and want to see how this book handles that notion.

These books have shot up to the top of my list. I am hoping that they will fulfill my need for romance, mystery, and the fantastical. I am really looking forward to I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell. I am hoping that the supernatural mixed with workplace dynamics will be a funny combination. Now that you guys have seen my list, which books from September are on your TBR List?