“One blockade won’t change.” He pointed to his forehead. “This dent? It’s evidence of the difference in our ages.”
“Oh, for crying out loud. Nine years! Just turned.”
“Who told you?”
“Molly.”
“Man! The lines of communication have been hot, haven’t they?”
“The age difference is a ridiculous excuse, and you know it. What’s the real reason?”
He’d struggled with it since he’d been sitting here. Hell, he’d struggled with it six months ago in this same spot, looking at this person, and wanting her in every way. “The real reason,” he said roughly, “is because it would kill me to have you, and not be able to keep you.”
“Well then, we don’t have a problem.” She slid out of the booth and got in on his side, crowding him into the corner. “I’m yours to keep, John. And I love that dent.” She tilted his head down and kissed it.
He couldn’t take any more. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. He said, “I want you, Beth. I want you so bad.”
“You have me.”
“No, I mean right now.” The kiss they shared was ravenous, but only left them hungrier for each other. Breathless when they broke, he whisked his lips across hers. “Let’s get out of here. Get out of our clothes. I want to French kiss you.”
“You just did.”
He nuzzled her ear, whispering, “Not everywhere.”
She angled her head back and looked at him through smoky, topaz eyes, then scrambled out of the booth and retrieved her handbag from the other side.
On their way out, the bartender gave them a thumbs-up. “Y’all have fun.”
“Count on it,” John said over his shoulder. He walked her over to the only car on the lot except for his SUV. He gave her a quick kiss. “Follow me and keep up because I’ll be driving fast.”
When he would have turned away, she grabbed him by his shirtfront. “Remember when you told me to watch myself? You didn’t finish. Watch myself, or what?”
“Or I might come to love you body and soul.”
“Oh. I didn’t get to hear that part.”
He wound a strand of her hair around his finger and pulled her face closer to his.
“And look what happened.”
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Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions
1. A majority of Blood Moon takes place in coastal Louisiana. How did the setting contribute to the story? Would the story have been different if it was set in another environment and culture?
2. The blood moon is an overarching topic in the novel. Were you aware of what a blood moon was before reading the book? Do you believe astrology and numerology have any effect on our lives?
3. Because of how the original Chrissy Mellin investigation transpired, the case continued to haunt John Bowie well after it was closed. Examine the ways John Bowie tries to handle or avoid his emotions associated with this case.
4. In chapter 15, Beth finds out that her Boss, Max Longren, used reverse psychology on her to get her to remain in Louisiana to pursue the truth behind Chrissy Mellin’s disappearance. Do you think there are instances where reverse psychology is the best course of action? Explain.
5. Due to Max’s pursuit of this story, Beth ultimately feels betrayed due to him prioritizing the show’s success over her livelihood and safety. How do you think this plays into the dynamic between the two characters and what their relationship means to each of them?
6. Discuss the ways in which parenthood is depicted in the novel. Did the author’s discussions and descriptions resonate with you? Why or why not? How did each parent (particularly Beth’s, Molly’s, and Crissy’s) influence the way their children behaved?
7. In chapter 39, Beth makes a difficult decision between her work/career and her relationship. Was hers the right decision? Have you ever been in that position, and if so, would you make the same decision again?
8. Compare and contrast the relationship dynamics between Bowie and Mitch Haskell’s friendship and the relationship Beth has with Max Longren. Are there key traits that defined both relationships?
9. John is a law enforcer, yet he bends and even breaks rules throughout the course of the novel, often to do what’s necessary for “the greater good.” Is this a bad practice? Can it be justified, or is it never justified?
10. Despite trying to remain professional in the beginning of the novel, Beth and Bowie couldn’t resist the romantic attraction between them. What attributes about each of the characters do you think drew them to each other? Was there a specific romantic trope (friends to lovers, second-chance romance, opposites attract, etc.) that Beth and Bowie emulated?
11. At the end of the novel, Molly tells her dad that he is her “go-to person.” What criteria do you think makes someone a go-to person, and do you have one (or multiple) in your life?
NOVELS BY SANDRA BROWN
Out of Nowhere