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“People are supossed to aspire to become their fathers, not shudder at the thought.”
― Veronica Roth, Allegiant

“He’d spent his life being a perfect gentleman. He’d never been a flirt. He’d never been a rogue. He hated being the center of attention, but by God, he wanted to be the center of her attention. He wanted to do the wrong thing, the bad thing. He wanted to pull her into his arms and carry her to her bed. He wanted to peel every last inch of her clothing from her body, and then he wanted to worship her. He wanted to show her all the things he wasn’t sure he knew how to say.”
― Julia Quinn, Just Like Heaven

“I'm missing something, aren't I?"
"Brains", he snapped. "And survival instinct. The Hawklord's been waiting for you for three hours."
"Tell him I'm dead.”
― Michelle Sagara West, Cast in Shadow

“The earl shook his head, exhibiting a degree of frosty offense that could only be achieved by an aristocrat whose wishes had just been gainsaid. “I’ve never heard of a man being so eager to confess to the parent of a girl he’s just ruined,â€� he said sourly.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Secrets of a Summer Night

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.
Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.
Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.
The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.
Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
― Marcus Aurelius

“He blinked a few times, each motion so slow that he was never quite sure if he’d get his eyes open again. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. Funny how he was only just realizing it. Funnier still that he couldn’t seem to summon any concern for her maidenly sensibilities.
She might be blushing. He couldn’t tell. It was too dark to see. But it didn’t matter. This was Honoria. She was a good egg. A sensible egg. She wouldn’t be scarred forever by the sight of his chest.”
― Julia Quinn, Just Like Heaven

“And we're more valuable to you alive," said Marcus.
Delarosa cocked her head to the side. "How?"
"Because, um..." Marcus grimaced. "I don't actually know, I just assumed because that's what people typically say at this point.”
― Dan Wells, Ruins

“Unexpected treat," he said. His eyes fell on Marcus and widened. "I'll be damned. You found him."
"Thanks to you," I said.
Adrian glanced over at me. A smile started to form-and then instantly dried up. "What happened to your face?"
"Oh," I lightly touched the swollen spot. It still smarted but wasn't as painful as it had been earlier. I spoke my next words without thinking. "Marcus hit me.”
― Richelle Mead, The Indigo Spell

“You and I will converse while Hunt has a cigar,â€� Westcliff informed him. “Come with us.â€�
The “invitation� didn’t seem to allow the possibility of a refusal, but Matthew tried nonetheless. “Thank you, my lord, but there is a certain matter I wish to discuss with someone, and I—�
“That someone would be Mr. Bowman, I expect.�
Hell, Matthew thought. He knows. Even if it hadn’t been for those words, he could tell by the way Westcliff was looking at him.
Westcliff knew about Bowman’s intention of marrying him off to Daisy…and not surprisingly, Westcliff had an opinion about it.
“You will discuss the matter with me first,� the earl continued.
Matthew glanced warily at Simon Hunt, who gave him a bland look in return. “I’m certain,� Matthew said, “that Mr. Hunt doesn’t want to be bored by a discussion of someone else’s personal affairs—�
“Not at all,â€� Hunt said cheerfully. “I love hearing about other people’s affairs. Particularly when they’re personal.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“Look for me in the whirlwind or the storm, look for me all around you, for, with God’s grace, I shall come and bring with me countless millions of black slaves who have died in America and the West Indies and the millions in Africa to aid you in the fight for Liberty, Freedom and Life.”
― Marcus Garvey, Emancipated From Mental Slavery: Selected Sayings of Marcus Garvey

“Accustom yourself to Master tilings of the greatest difficulty, and which you seem to despair of. For if you observe, the Left-hand, tho' for want of Practice, 'tis insignificant to other Business, yet it holds the Bridle better than the Right, because it has been used to it.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“No," Marcus says.
"Yes, take it."
"Don't want it."
"Why so difficult, Marc?"
"Who's Marc?"
"You are."
"Yeah? 'Sup, Gid?”
― Veronica Rossi, Seeker

“She paused at the threshold of the room and looked back at the pair on the settee with a troubled frown. Lillian had fallen fast asleep, her head centered heavily on Westcliff’s chest. As the earl met Daisy’s unhappy gaze, one of his brows raised in silent inquiry.
“My father…� Daisy began, then bit her lip. This man was her father’s business partner. It was not appropriate to run to Westcliff with complaints. But the patience in his expression encouraged her to continue. “He called me a parasite,� she said, keeping her voice soft to avoid disturbing Lillian. “He asked me to tell him how the world has benefitted from my existence, or what I had ever done for anyone.�
“And your reply?� Westcliff asked.
“I…couldn’t think of anything to say.�
Westcliff’s coffee-colored eyes were unfathomable. He made a gesture for her to approach the settee, and she obeyed. To her astonishment, he took her hand in his and gripped it warmly. The usually circumspect earl had never done such a thing before.
“Daisy,â€� Westcliff said gently, “most lives are not distinguished by great achievements. They are measured by an infinite number of small ones. Each time you do a kindness for someone or bring a smile to his face, it gives your life meaning. Never doubt your value, little friend. The world would be a dismal place without Daisy Bowman in it.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“Trust me--you come close to death, you'll remember how you stepped out of its way”
― Michelle Sagara, Cast in Secret

“Pro tip: do not make SexySciFi your password. And definitely don't tape it under your tablet so you won't forget.

Also: don't be an idiot jerkwad.

Meaning: don't be Bruce.”
― Devon Hughes, Escape from Lion's Head

“Considering I know what you look like naked and what you sound like when you come and what you taste like, I actually know very little about you.”
― Amy Andrews, Some Guys Need a Lot of Lovin'

“Juanita barely registered the cool fur of moss at her back before his hands had claimed her hips again and his lips were going in for the kill. And not her neck this time. He went straight for a nipple, his hot mouth closing over the taught, cold peak, pressing her into the rock with the force of his passion.”
― Amy Andrews, Some Guys Need a Lot of Lovin'

“She hadn't planned on getting laid tonight but then she hadn't planned on missing her home and her friends and being thnis down and, frankly, this bored on her special day. She was so relieved to see a guy her own age it was worth a thank-you-for-walking-into-this-bar-fuck alone.”
― Amy Andrews, Some Guys Need a Lot of Lovin'

“What kind of place do I hang out in?"

"The kind of place where they boot scoot and line dance."

"You think I'm a cowboy?"

"Actually...I was going for bullrider."

"Well I do enjoy a long, hard ride so sure...lets go with that.”
― Amy Andrews, Some Guys Need a Lot of Lovin'

“Birthday sex is my speciality.”
― Amy Andrews, Some Guys Need a Lot of Lovin'

“Westcliff turned to the black-haired man beside him. “Hunt, I would like to introduce Matthew Swift—the American I mentioned to you earlier. Swift, this is Mr. Simon Hunt.â€�
They shook hands firmly. Hunt was five to ten years older than Matthew and looked as if he could be mean as hell in a fight. A bold, confident man who reputedly loved to skewer pretensions and upper-class affectations.
“I’ve heard of your accomplishments with Consolidated Locomotive Works,� Matthew told Hunt. “There is a great deal of interest in New York regarding your merging of British craftsmanship with American manufacturing methods.�
Hunt smiled sardonically. “Much as I would like to take all the credit, modesty compels me to reveal that Westcliff had something to do with it. He and his brother-in-law are my business partners.�
“Obviously the combination is highly successful,� Matthew replied.
Hunt turned to Westcliff. “He has a talent for flattery,� he remarked. “Can we hire him?�
Westcliff’s mouth twitched with amusement. “I’m afraid my father-in-law would object. Mr. Swift’s talents are needed to built a factory and start a company office in Bristol.�
Matthew decided to nudge the conversation in a different direction. “I’ve read of the recent movement in Parliament for nationalization of the British railroad industry,� he said to Westcliff. “I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter, my lord.�
“Good God, don’t get him started on that,� Hunt said.
The subject caused a scowl to appear on Westcliff’s brow. “The last thing the public needs is for government to take control of the industry. God save us from yet more interference from politicians. The government would run the railroads as inefficiently as they do everything else. And the monopoly would stifle the industry’s ability to compete, resulting in higher taxes, not to mention—�
“Not to mention,� Hunt interrupted slyly, “the fact that Westcliff and I don’t want the government cutting into our future profits.�
Westcliff gave him a stern glance. “I happen to have the public’s best interest in mind.�
“How fortunate,� Hunt commented, “that in this case what is best for the public also happens to be best for you.�
Matthew bit back a smile.
Rolling his eyes, Westcliff told Matthew, “As you can see, Mr. Hunt overlooks no opportunity to mock me.�
“I mock everyone,â€� Hunt said. “You just happen to be the most readily available target.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“Daisy has a unique spirit,â€� Westcliff said. “A warm and romantic nature. If she is forced into a loveless marriage, she will be devastated. She deserves a husband who will cherish her for everything she is, and who will protect her from the harsher realities of the world. A husband who will allow her to dream.â€� It was surprising to hear such sentiment from Westcliff, who was universally known as a pragmatic and level-headed man.
“What is your question, my lord?� Matthew asked.
“Will you give me your word that you will not marry my sister-in-law?�
Matthew held the earl’s cold black gaze. It would not be wise to cross a man like Westcliff, who was not accustomed to being denied. But Matthew had endured years of Thomas Bowman’s thunder and bluster, standing up to him when other men would flee in fear of his wrath. Although Bowman could be a ruthless, sarcastic bully there was nothing he respected more than a man who was willing to go toe-to-toe with him. And so it had quickly become Matthew’s lot in the company to be the bearer of bad tidings and deliver the hard truths that everyone else was afraid to give him.
That had been Matthew’s training, which was why Westcliff’s attempt at domination had no effect on him.
“I’m afraid not, my lord,� Matthew said politely.
Simon Hunt dropped his cigar.
“You won’t give me your word?� Westcliff asked in disbelief.
“No.� Matthew bent swiftly to retrieve the fallen cigar and returned it to Hunt, who regarded him with a glint of warning in his eyes as if he were silently trying to prevent him from jumping off a cliff.
“Why not?� Westcliff demanded. “Because you don’t want to lose your position with Bowman?�
“No, he can’t afford to lose me right now.� Matthew smiled slightly in an attempt to rob the words of arrogance. “I know more about production, administration, and marketing than anyone else at Bowman’s…and I’ve earned the old man’s trust. So I won’t be dismissed even if I refuse to marry his daughter.�
“Then it will be quite simple for you to put the entire matter to rest,� the earl said. “I want your word, Swift. Now.�
A lesser man would have been intimidated by Westcliff’s authoritative demand.
“I might consider it,� Matthew countered coolly, “if you offered the right incentive. For example, if you promise to endorse me as the head of the entire division and guarantee the position for at least, say…three years.�
Westcliff gave him an incredulous glance.
The tense silence was broken as Simon Hunt roared with laughter. “By God, he has brass ballocks,� he exclaimed. “Mark my words, Westcliff, I’m going to hire him for Consolidated.�
“I’m not cheap,� Matthew said, which caused Hunt to laugh so hard that he nearly dropped his cigar again.
Even Westcliff smiled, albeit reluctantly. “Damn it,� he muttered. “I’m not going to endorse you so readily—not with so much at stake. Not until I am convinced you’re the right man for the position.�
“Then it seems we’re at an impasse.â€� Matthew made his expression friendly. “For now.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“Actually,â€� Matthew said mildly, “the available figures indicate that as soon as soap is mass-produced at an affordable price, the market will increase approximately ten percent a year. People of all classes want to be clean, Mr. Mardling. The problem is that good quality soap has always been a luxury item and therefore difficult to obtain.â€�
“Mass production,� Mardling mulled aloud, his lean face furrowed with thought. “There is something objectionable about the phrase…it seems to be a way of enabling the lower classes to imitate their betters.�
Matthew glanced at the circle of men, noting that the top of Bowman’s head was turning red—never a good sign—and that Westcliff was holding his silence, his black eyes unreadable.
“That’s exactly what it is, Mr. Mardling,� Matthew said gravely. “Mass production of items such as clothing and soap will give the poor a chance to live with the same standards of health and dignity as the rest of us.�
“But how will one sort out who is who?� Mardling protested.
Matthew shot him a questioning glance. “I’m afraid I don’t follow.�
Llandrindon joined in the discussion. “I believe what Mardling is asking,� he said, “is how one will be able to tell the difference between a shopgirl and a well-to-do woman if they are both clean and similarly dressed. And if a gentleman is not able to tell what they are by their appearance, how is he to know how to treat them?�
Stunned by the snobbery of the question, Matthew considered his reply carefully. “I’ve always thought all women should be treated with respect no matter what their station.�
“Well said,� Westcliff said gruffly, as Llandrindon opened his mouth to argue.
No one wished to contradict the earl, but Mardling pressed, “Westcliff, do you see nothing harmful in encouraging the poor to rise above their stations? In allowing them to pretend there is no difference between them and ourselves?�
“The only harm I see,â€� Westcliff said quietly, “is in discouraging people who want to better themselves, out of fear that we will lose our perceived superiority.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“This isn’t the medieval era, my lord. I’ll be damned if I need to put on a dog-and-pony show with a peer as part of a business deal.â€�
“Speaking as the other half of the dog-and-pony show,â€� Westcliff said sardonically, “I’m not fond of the idea either.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“I’m going to Bristol,â€� Matthew said desperately. “I’ll reschedule the meetings. I won’t do anything without your leave. But at least I can gather informationâ€� interview the local transport firm, have a look at their horses—â€�
“Swift,� the earl interrupted. Something in his quiet tone, a note of� kindness?� sympathy?� caused Matthew to stiffen defensively. “I understand the reason for your urgency—�
“No, you don’t.�
“I understand more than you might think. And in my experience, these problems can’t be solved by avoidance. You can never run far or fast enough.�
Matthew froze, staring at Westcliff. The earl could have been referring either to Daisy, or to Matthew’s tarnished past. In either case he was probably right.
Not that it changed anything.
“Sometimes running is the only choice,â€� Matthew replied gruffly, and left the room without looking back.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“With Matthew at her side, Daisy browsed the row of wooden stalls that had been erected along High Street, filled with fabrics, toys, millinery, silver jewelry, and glassware. She was determined to see and do as much as possible in a short time, for Westcliff had strongly advised them to return to the manor well before midnight.
“The later the hour, the more unrestrained the merrymaking tends to become,� the earl had said meaningfully. “Under the influence of wine—and behind the concealment of masks—people tend to do things they would never think of doing in the light of day.�
“Oh, what’s a little fertility ritual here or there?� Daisy had scoffed cheerfully. “I’m not so innocent that I—�
“We’ll be back early,â€� Matthew had told the earl.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“Becoming aware of her presence in the doorway, the men looked up. Westcliff rose from his half-seated position on the desk. “My lord,â€� Daisy said, “if I might have a word with you?â€�
Although she spoke calmly, something in her expression must have alerted him. He didn’t waste a second in coming to her. “Yes, Daisy?�
“It’s about my sister,� she whispered. “It seems her labor has started.�
She had never seen the earl look so utterly taken aback.
“It’s too early,� he said.
“Apparently the baby doesn’t think so.�
“But…this is off-schedule.� The earl seemed genuinely baffled that his child would have failed to consult the calendar before arriving.
“Not necessarily,� Daisy replied reasonably. “It’s possible the doctor misjudged the date of the baby’s birth. Ultimately it’s only a matter of guesswork.�
Westcliff scowled. “I expected far more accuracy than this! It’s nearly a month before the projected…� A new thought occurred to him, and he turned skull-white. “Is the baby premature?�
Although Daisy had entertained a few private concerns about that, she shook her head immediately. “Some women show more than others, some less. And my sister is very slender. I’m sure the baby is fine.� She gave him a reassuring smile. “Lillian has had pains for the past four or five hours, and now they’re coming every ten minutes or so, which Annabelle says—�
“She’s been in labor for hours and no one told me?� Westcliff demanded in outrage.
“Well, it’s not technically labor unless the intervals between the pains are regular, and she said she didn’t want to bother you until—�
Westcliff let out a curse that startled Daisy. He turned to point a commanding but unsteady finger at Simon Hunt. “Doctor,� he barked, and took off at a dead run.
Simon Hunt appeared unsurprised by Westcliff’s primitive behavior. “Poor fellow,â€� he said with a slight smile, reaching over the desk to slide a pen back into its holder.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Scandal in Spring

“-No sé lo que quiero.
-Quieres ser feliz. Es lo que quiere todo el mundo. Solo que no sabes qué cosa te hará feliz.
-¿Y eso es raro?
-La felicidad es lo más natural del mundo cuando la tienes, y cuando no, es lo más lento, extraño e imposible”
― Dan Wells, Partials

“Why are you grinning?â€�
“You totally love him.�
“And you’re totally annoying.�
“I can’t argue with that.”
― Suzanne Wright, Wild Hunger

“Finally their heads slid out the damn window. Frankie would have laughed in relief if Marcus hadn’t planted a chaste “Thank fucking God you’re okay and Trick won’t have to kill meâ€� kiss on her mouth. Behind him Roni chuckled.”
― Suzanne Wright, Wild Hunger