Tag: Fiction

Author Event! Lauren Okie and Clare Osongco

In person author event at Zibby’s Bookshop, 1113 Montana Ave, Santa Monica 90403!

About the book:

In this lush, slow-burning romance, two childhood neighbors, connected by a shared tragedy, unexpectedly reunite to ghostwrite a love story for a reclusive author. Spending the summer at her secluded Hamptons estate, they soon discover that dozens of classic romance tropes, including the ones they’re crafting on page, are mysteriously playing out in real life.

Tropesick is a powerhouse of a novel, perfect for readers who crave smart and sexy beach reads with a modest side of emotional devastation. It’s speculative book club fiction meets romance – marrying what readers love about Rebecca Serle’s work with what they crave in a delicious love story. It’s perfect for readers who are looking for a high-concept premise, strong writing, and an absolutely captivating love story.

About the authors:

Lauren Okie studied English and American Literature at New York University. When she’s not mining old traumas or blocking sex scenes on the backs of grocery lists, Lauren works as a copywriter. Originally from Miami, she lives with her husband and daughter in the Los Angeles area.

Clare Osongco is a mixed Filipino American author living in Los Angeles who likes to write about falling in love, messy family relationships, and ghosts. She is also the author of the young adult romance Midnights With You.

Meet and Greet Book Launch A Portal Weaver’s Journey

Join us online for the fun Meet and Greet Book Launch of A Portal Weaver’s Journey—chat with the author!

Join us at Arhaus, located at The Grove (Fairfax & 3rd), for an intimate Meet & Greet celebrating the release of A Portal Weaver’s Journey: Mae’s Awakening (Book 1) by Loni Menendez.

This curated event is designed for supporters and readers who want to step into the world of the Portal Weavers. Enjoy an afternoon of conversation, connection, and storytelling as you meet the author and learn more about the inspiration behind the book.

Light refreshments and themed grab bags will be available.

Attendance Details:

General Admission is free, but RSVP is required

Space is limited to 50 guests

Entry will not be permitted without a confirmed ticket

Signed Book Option (Important):If you would like a signed copy at the event, you must reserve it in advance.

Select the “Pre-Order / Add-On” ticket option to secure your copy:

Author’s Collection Dust Cover Hardcover – $22

Reserved for event pickup

Signed at the Meet & Greet

Limited availability

This exclusive edition features series lore imagery and is otherwise only available through Barnes & Noble online.

Guests who have already purchased their copy via Amazon or Barnes & Noble are welcome to bring their book for signing.

Additional event details and instructions will be shared after RSVP confirmation.

You Pick Our Next Read: Vote for the August Read Local SoCal Featured Book

Posted onAuthorcodysisco

This summer, BookSwell is bringing back Read Local SoCal — our spotlight on books by authors writing about our own backyard. Each month, we feature one book with a discussion guide, reading recs, and ways to dig in together. Think of it as a book club you can join from anywhere.

For August, we want you to choose the featured book. Vote below on one of four incredible 2026 releases with connections to Southern California.

The votes are in: August’s pick is The Killing Spell by Shay Kauwe

Thanks to everyone who voted! Watch the Read Local SoCal hub for the August feature and discussion guide, coming early August.

You can also email us at contact@bookswell.club with your suggestion.

Orbital Bebop by Reuben Tihi Hayslett book cover

Orbital Bebop

Reuben “Tihi” Hayslett

A daring collection of speculative stories set from the Moon to the edge of the solar system and back again with queer people of color at the center. Romance, memory, and desire collide with billionaire overlords and fractured futures. Reuben “Tihi” Hayslett is an award-winning author and activist. His debut Dark Corners was named Best Indie Fiction of 2019 by Kirkus.

Shop Now on Bookshop.org

My Mother, the Mermaid Chaser by Jamie Jo Hoang book cover

My Mother, the Mermaid Chaser

Jamie Jo Hoang

Told in dual POV, this gripping companion piece to My Father, the Panda Killer, follows a teenage son who defies his sister’s wishes by searching for more information about their absent mother. Meanwhile, his mother’s poignant backstory reveals her struggle with grief and longing, culminating in her heart-wrenching decision to leave her children. Jamie Jo Hoang grew up in Orange County as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees. An LA Times Book Prizes finalist.

Shop Now on Bookshop.org

The Killing Spell by Shay Kauwe book cover

The Killing Spell

Shay Kauwe

In this spellbinding fantasy debut set in a future where language magic reigns, a young Hawaiian woman must solve a murder to clear her name. Shay Kauwe was born and raised on the island of O’ahu and grew up on the Hawaiian Homelands in Waimanalo.

Shop Now on Bookshop.org

Nerve Damage by Annakeara Stinson book cover

Nerve Damage

Annakeara Stinson

A riotous revenge novel about a woman’s quest to escape her stalker ex-boyfriend—by stalking him herself. ANNAKEARA STINSON is a writer whose work has appeared in Bustle, Brooklyn Magazine, The Inquisitive Eater, IndieWire, Paste, Marie Claire, and more. She has an M.F.A. in fiction from The New School and currently lives in L.A.

Shop Now on Bookshop.org

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