The Book Lady Monroe Novels & Stories

book to a specific page I had marked and handed it to him. "Just read." I watched Lorenzo's reaction, which went from a frown to eyes wide in shock. "What?... is this a p**n book?" "It's not a p**n book," Andrea said in a reprimanding tone. "It's The Señorita!" I said in an admiring sigh followed by Andrea. "This book is about a romance between a Spanish cook and a lady of the aristocracy! A forbidden romance between a rich lady and a commoner! Ahhh..." I sighed. "The writer who wrote this book is anonymous, her pseudonym is Madame Louis. The cover, based on a recipe book, is discreet and is a hit with women!"

She felt steady on the sidewalk, and it was such a revelation she nearly laughed out loud. On her way home she ducked into a thrift store and bought a mug with a tiny chip on the rim, a glazed pot in deep green, and a rubber-banded stack of paperback mysteries. The whole thing cost less than a bottle of wine she’d once been told to appreciate. At the corner, a television in a storefront window replayed the segment again with a new addendum. The network had found a clip of Sloane stepping out of a car last night in a dress like liquid mercury. She smiled for the cameras, chin tilted, and the caption read: “Monroe Seen at Charity Gala Amid Divorce Rumors.”

"That book is the diary of Celene... the Moon Goddess' first daughter." I jumped, letting the book fall from my hands. Tony rushed over to me and held me close to his body. Heather slowly walked up to the table, sliding the book closer to me. "Let me tell you of a story." I frowned at her. Why was this necessary. "What story?" I asked. She smiled, looking from me to the book. "The story of Cimone... Celene's sister."

Me: I’m at Maddy’s for dinner, but I can be free around 7:30. Cade: U have a fake id? Me: Doesn't everyone? Cade: Alright Miss Sassy-pants. Sacrilege at 7:30? Me: See you there. I look up to see them watching me expectantly. I roll my eyes and hand them my phone. Maddy squeals when she reads the messages causing Laura and Eleanor both turn to us. Laura crosses her arms and says, “Alright, spill the gossip.” “Monroe’s got a date,” Maddy says.

A lady amongst us clad in a black satin flare skirt that was tucked into a white shirt and had matched her clothes with black pumps called out to the man. “Yes, miss.” The assistant smiled down at her since he was taller than she was. “Who got the job and why?” She asked in a very demanding tone that coulda annoyed me if I was in the man's place. “We usually keep that confidential but since you asked, a certain MS. Riella Monroe got the job. And it was not…” I turned him out. He did not just mention my name right? I could not believe it. “Nonsense!” The lady's irritating voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “I don't see how she is any better than the rest of us.” She hissed before stomping a

Joy replied with a huff. "Is that all?" Eden glanced at her, then pulled out a book from her sling bag—a treatise on alchemy written in an ancient language. Joy stole a glance at the book but quickly looked away, unable to understand a word of it. Eden was known for her eccentricities, so Joy thought nothing of her reading a book that others couldn't comprehend. "Aren't you angry?" Joy asked curiously, studying Eden. After spending time with her over the past few days, Joy had developed a basic understanding of her personality.

I wasn't a partner; I was a shield against political scandal. But as I walked back toward the elevated dais, my eyes scanned the glittering crowd. Standing near the front row, dressed in a stunning, low-cut gold dress, was Victoria Monroe. She was staring right at me, a glass of champagne held loosely in her hand, her eyes carrying that same smug, dismissive look from the hallway.

MONICA I stayed silent, picking at the edge of a fry. He sighed. “I didn’t text you because I didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound stupid. I figured maybe I should *show* you instead. So I did some digging and found a list of your favorite authors and books. Penelope Douglas, Ana Huang, Colleen Hoover, Mariana Zapata…” He gestured to the bouquet. “These are all first editions, by the way. Hard to find, but I made some calls.”

She was Alaric’s nanny, according to Elder Cadel, and a trustworthy friend of his. ‘’These are the books you requested, Miss Monroe.’’ The librarian places a stack of thick books on the table I was unpacking my laptop and some documents. ‘’Thank you.’’ I smile gratefully as she leaves me alone. ‘I wonder if they’ll be a bit different from the ones I read in the past.’ I take the topmost book on the stack and caress the cover with a sophisticated yet ancient impression. I have always had an interest in reading books, especially the history of werewolves and humans.

The grand doors stayed closed as Lora was forced into a car and driven away. Mona took another sip of coffee, letting the warm feeling of success wash over her. *Two Days Earlier* The room felt heavy with history. Dark wood covered the walls. Old books filled tall shelves. Expensive rugs muffled any sound. Madam Leah Bennett sat straight in her leather chair, watching Mona with sharp blue eyes. Between them, steam rose from a tea set worth more than most cars. "You make an interesting offer, Mrs. Kane." The old woman's voice gave away nothing.