Under the Radar Book Club Picks

My friend Heather over at Book Club Chat & I were chatting about all the books that are great book club selections. For us, there are a few standouts that maybe didn’t get the love we feel they deserve. Here is our List of Under the Radar Book Club Picks.

The Unbreakables by Lisa Barr

Heather read this book last summer & raves about it. I waited a while longer. But as soon as I read The Unbreakables, all I want to do is talk to everyone about it! The Unbreakables by Lisa Barr is sexy, sensual, heartbreaking, gorgeous & it’s a grown folks book. Lisa writes some heavy subject matter with the affair & Sophie rediscovering herself. I just couldn’t imagine this book would take me where it did. Another thing, reviewers & readers with a huge variety of tastes loved this book too! Romance readers & non-romance readers alike are able to connect to Sophie. There is so much to unpack. Heather has book club questions right here & she even has an interview with Lisa. This title is the inspiration for our Under the Radar Book Club Picks.

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

I’m going to say this loud & clear for the people in the back. (clears throat) Read this book even if you don’t read romance! The Friend Zone is filled with love, friendship, loyalty, second chances & who doesn’t love that? Like me, Heather absolutely could not put this book down and stayed up way too late reading it. These are stories that really show the human experience; happiness, joy, and pleasure but also the frustration, disappointments, and tragedies. Check out Heather’s book club questions. If you love The Friend Zone, be sure to read Abby’s newest, The Happy Ever After Playlist.

Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor Heather Webb

This pick is all Heather! Honestly, I peeked at her Heather’s book club questions & they have me wanting to read this title ASAP! In Meet Me in Monaco, actress Grace Kelly serves as somewhat of a fairy godmother to both a young French perfumer and a British press photographer. Their lives are changed forever by their chance encounter with Grace Kelly who is about to become a princess. When struggling perfumer Sophie Duval shelters Miss Kelly in her boutique to fend off a persistent British press photographer, James Henderson, a bond is forged between the two women and sets in motion a chain of events that stretches across thirty years of friendship, love, and tragedy. This novel transports you & we can all use that from time to time. I always love hearing directly from authors & Heather has an interview with Hazel & Heather here.

This Is Not How It Ends by Rochelle B. Weinstein

Heather’s thoughts are “a thought-provoking novel about love and forgiveness—while it’s a complete story, you won’t want it to end.” My mom read This Is Not How It Ends & she says, When I read a book as good as this one, I don’t even liken it to reading a story. For me, the book comes to life in a way that I connect with these people & care about them. That is the hallmark of fantastic writing & storytelling. Rochelle takes you beyond where most authors stop. You can read more about Rochelle & her writing process. Heather has some great book club questions for this book!

The Husband Hour by Jamie Brenner

First, this cover is to die for! Sometimes novels are entertainment from the daily grind, and other times, they truly can educate like The Husband Hour. It’s messy and complicated but there’s plenty of hope and love in there too. It will make you think. Lots to discuss with your book club & Heather has you covered with her questions. You can read more about Jamie’s research & inspiration for this title in Heather’s interview. This title deals with the impacts of CTE and life as a military spouse which are timely & important issues. Just another reason why this fabulous book is on our Under the Radar Book Club Picks List.

One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan

Heather & I both fangirl over Sarah Morgan! This is a title that we both love. One Summer in Paris hits some heavy subject matter. Sarah Morgan handles the raw emotion, years of pain & emotional turmoil addiction causes. Sarah Morgan seems to mix just enough light & heavy subject matter to leave me feeling hopeful & satisfied at the ending. Heather’s final thoughts about One Summer in Paris is that it is an enjoyable read about two women experiencing the power of friendship and learning that it’s never too late (or too early) to grow and evolve. Definitely check out Heather’s Book Club Questions as this title delves into unlikely friendships, travel, rediscovering yourself & more.

The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio

The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio is a captivating historical fiction novel full of Old Hollywood, romance, and mystery. There’s even a supernatural element, too. But at the heart of the novel is a woman trying to find her place in the world. If you enjoy Old Hollywood, plus stories full of romance, mystery, and intrigue—this is a must-read! Reading about the history of the setting with & the inspiration behind the story is so cool. Heather has some really insightful book club questions for this one.

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Jennifer Weiner is a hugely successful author, but we feel like this book definitely fits the bill for Under the Radar Book Club Picks. This title is on our List for Books About Sisters. From Heather’s review, I was so engaged with Jo and Bethie’s storylines. And while close, there is a distance between them. As they grow older, they both get envious of each other’s lives while not fully understanding the sacrifices that come with it. They can be equal parts loyal and cruel to each other but through it all there’s a bond that can never be broken. So much to talk about with this book & Heather’s book club questions are a must.

I’m Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagán

Heather’s thoughts on this title I’m Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagán is a timely novel that is thought-provoking and engaging. The title is absolutely perfect and will no doubt resonate with many readers out there. This novel is full of depth and will really make you think. It’s a fast, page-turner that is well-written and relatable. Definitely worth your time. Read more about Camille’s writing process & check out Heather’s book club questions.

Do you have any favorite Under The Radar Book Club Picks? Let us know!