Well, Like an idiot I dropped my newly received book in the bathtub while reading last night so now I can't relist it and hopefully I'll be able  to at least finish reading it! But after I got it out and started to dry it out I noticed it REEKED of smoke!

Is that normal for a smell to come out after it has been wet? I didn't notice anything before but it was so bad after that you didn't even have to hold the book to your nose to smell it.

Yes, moisture (including humidity in the air) can bring out smells, especially of liquids that have dried.  Unfortunately, I know this because of my experience with cat pee-- ; )  If you have a cat that has peed outside of the litter box you will be very aware of it on a humid day.

Sorry about the loss of your book, Brandy, but how interesting about the smoke smell being "released."  You learn something new every day!