Open Book Club Novels & Stories

eww. I figured tonight was my one chance to visit The Club before anyone knew I had come to town, so here I am. Last time I was here, I wasn't old enough to enter. I've been curious about this place for years. So now is my chance to check out the infamous B D S M sex club. I've been coming to this sunny part of Florida for years now and people talk in town talk about this place like it's some kind of taboo. Maybe it is for some but I grew up knowing the people involved. Good people. So what if they like their sex a little kinky? It's not anyone's business what happens in the bedroom or sex rooms, as the case may be.

“There’s one around the corner. We can check it out tomorrow if you want.” “Oh my God,” she breathed. “There’s a book club? I’ve always wanted to go to one. Talk about books with real people and all that. Thank you so much, Nolan.” The smile in her voice made my chest ache in the best way. “But,” she added, “the book club is tomorrow. I’m talking about tonight. Like, I can’t close my eyes right now. I keep seeing that image. It’s just... messed up.” “I know,” I sighed. “But it’s too late for me to come over, and you can’t come here either. Not tonight. We’ll talk tomorrow, alright?”

I can't imagine spending time with him outside the hospital; I'd be too awed to speak. "All right, ladies!" Cindy taps a spoon against her glass to get our attention. "We're a book club, so we need to at least look like we're talking about this week's read." She reaches down to take a hardback book out of her bright pink beach bag. "Elin Hilderbrand's The Rumor-so much to unpack here. Who wants to start?" When none of us say a word, Cindy heaves a loud sigh. "Okay, children. I see you're going to make me work for this one. The book is told from four different points of view. Which did you relate to the most?"

The invitation arrives via email. It's from Lisette. The subject line says: "Book Club - You Should Come." And the message is typical Lisette. Direct. No preamble. Just: "I started a book club. First month we're reading your book. You should come read to us." I call her immediately. "You started a book club and didn't tell me?" I ask. "I'm telling you now. It's six women. We meet once a month. This month we're reading your book because it's important and it's brilliant and I want to talk about it with people who will actually understand why it matters."

Beneath were flawless downward-turned lips she knew Sean satisfyingly feasted on now and then. A grim stare in her direction had Gianna turning her face in embarrassment. He caught her staring. Should she call it a miracle that Sean hadn't looked her way all day or gotten two meters close to her? Was it due to the effect of the slap or simply a bite of guilt? Whatever it was, she hoped it lasted a while longer. "We have a book club going on, I believe you must have heard about it." Gianna began. "The book donation thingy?" "Yeah, we campaign for you to join us. If you're interested that is," she offered. "New ideas for improvements are welcome at any time." She added, for effect.

"Let's go a little later. I have some things to do." She dried up her hands on a towel. "In that case I'll go down to the lake and then I'll pick you up in say an hour? Is that enough time?" "Make it two. I have book club. Possibly three hours. One of the girls is bringing little chocolate glazed doughnuts. You should come!" Her book club has some of the most idle gossipers in Sunrise Cove. I wouldn't risk it. I'm past passing off for bloated. "No thank you. I'll go down to the river."

Hazel enjoys getting to know all of them, and she feels like she's making a difference in their lives, one book at a time. Hazel's favorite part of her job is hosting the weekly book club. It's a small group of about eight people, but they're passionate about reading and always have fascinating insights to share. One of the members, a woman named Margaret, is especially enthusiastic. She always brings snacks for the group and keeps everyone engaged in lively discussion. One day, Margaret comes in with a big smile on her face. "You'll never believe what happened!" she says. "I was at the grocery store, and I ran into a famous author!

I’d make some new friends, and if that didn’t work out, I’d still have my coursework and classes. The book club met twice a week to accommodate for classes and the time it’d take to read the books, but it went from nine PM to midnight or later, just like a writing workshop—or so I was told. They were more than happy to let me join in, much to my relief, and were very welcoming. One of the girls in the club, Alice, talked to me as everyone waited for whoever volunteered their car for the evening to arrive.

“You’ll have to read them to me.” I sighed, realizing I couldn’t get him off my lap. I could shove him, but he’s probably prepared for that and would deadweight or pop right back into my lap. It’d be an endless loop. So, I had to give up and endure. “My dad knows what I read. Uncle Alex started Bound To Please, a book club many of us in the ranked families across multiple packs are part of. We all enjoy reading paranormal romance because it’s an interesting escape to see how these humans have tried to describe our reality.” I explained.

I’m trying to be patient, but it’s harder than I’d like to admit. Two months ago, I opened my bookstore, and it’s been incredible. Twice a week, we host book clubs, and I’ve made it a point to bring one of the guys with me to each session. It’s hilarious watching their faces as we dive into the discussions. The women seem to enjoy it too—something about discussing steamy romance scenes with a bit of eye candy in the room. The door finally creaks open, and I sit up straighter as they walk in.