Book Talk Novels & Stories

she said. “Yeah. Exactly. Like she had a book in her.” “Okay, that’s some legit weird spooky shit right there,” she said. “How so?” “Nah, just someone in a bookstore said that to me recently. That I had a book in me.” A quick shrug. “Weird.” “Damn right it’s weird.” Margo smiled. “I know, right?” “Right! I mean, a bookstore? For real? Are those even a thing anymore?” ***

Bella Pov I found out about Karen's book tour on a Wednesday morning when Tanya sent me a link with three exclamation marks. Karen Tyler was doing a Q&A at Ridgeline Books on Saturday afternoon. The caption on the event page said "an honest conversation about healing, survival, and reclaiming your truth." I read it twice and felt sick. She was coming to our city. The woman who had written a bestselling book full of lies about my life was coming here to sell it in person.

“Because I had a look in Herb’s book. And I think you’ll be interested to find out what I read.” “How intriguing,” Skye hummed. “I’ve got something to share with you guys, too.” We stepped back in sync, bringing Kathrena back into the conversation. I shifted the weight of Herb’s book in my arms, worried about it getting wet in the drizzle. “What is it?” Kathrena asked, and we fell into step, all three of us, as we turned off the main street and onto one of the smaller, cobbled lanes that rounded towards the Hawthorn Central Library.

I shook my head and gave her a grin, “I really can’t Allison, I still have to go with my groupmates. Kierra already ordered food and I was too shy to decline as they did a good job on the announcement board…” She pouted that I felt guilty, “how about you and Xander come to my book uh… I don’t know what it’s called.” I said in realization, is it a book report? Story telling? The two looked at me expectantly, “A book recital I guess… it will be held at the university, I could need some support.” I said awkwardly. Allison squealed, “of course we’re going! Right Xander?” she nudged him, and he gave me a soft smile, “I wouldn’t miss it.”

Cela remains disappointed. "C'mon. It's not like they bought everything. They just thought of giving the books as Christmas presents apart from the corporate giveaways. You must know that your mother enjoyed your first book so much. Too bad that she passed before the second one is out," Nanny Rita continued. "You've always been loyal to her," Cela said.

“Same. I was going to pick a novel before I saw you.” “Oh, so you actually read?” “Yes, ma’am. Any recommendations?” “Depends, what genre?” “Any.” “Okay, I h…” “I’m actually running late,” he interrupted. “Can I have your number? We can share recommendations later.” He flashed a sly grin. I gave him my number, knowing full well that “book talk” wasn’t what he had in mind. By the time I left the library, it was already getting dark. I went home, showered, and decided to cook something hearty.

He sounds both suspicious and paranoid, a lovely combination. “About—” I hesitate, praying to every deity out there that I’m not wrong about this, “About some books you wrote.” “I’ve written a lot of books. And how do you know that?” “I’m referring to a particular book series you wrote, Mr. Lowenstein,” my voice is politer as relief fills me. “About the Blood Moon Hybrid.” His face blanches. “Not interested.” But when he tries to slam the door closed, I stick my foot in, preventing him from doing so. “It’s important I talk to you!”

I walked into the library and I could not hold back the excitement bubbling towards the surface. I mean who could believe that a man like Dante would have a library talk more, reading a book. I was in awe, I won’t lie. He just smiled at my reaction and we both talked about books. And the ones we've read and I knew that our taste in books were quite similar. I love any environment that had books. He took out a book from the shelf and I checked for the title.

Chapter Forty — Full Circle The bookstore was small, tucked between a coffee shop and a florist downtown. The kind of place Elena would’ve walked past a year ago, head down, shoulders tense, heart elsewhere. Today, her name was in the window. In chalky, hand-lettered script: AUTHOR EVENT: ELENA ROSE — READING & SIGNING She stood on the sidewalk and stared for a long time. Jack stood beside her, one hand resting lightly on her lower back. Lila pressed her face to the glass, giggling at the display of books and paper cranes hanging from fishing line like tiny messengers of hope.

I watch as she processes my words, her face going from scrunched and confused, to surprised until a wide smile splits across her face. "Are you serious?" she asks. I take the book from her hands and flip it open to the first sex scene and hand it back to her. I watch as her eyes flit across the page. As she reads, a pink flush spreads up her neck to her face until she looks up at me. "You read this whole book?" she asks, flipping through all of the pages. "Yep. Jack and I both did. And every week we go to book club to talk about it. The ladies have kind of taken an interest in us. Giving us some tips and things." I admit, feeling my face blush.