Martine

“no matter how privileged or disadvantaged we may be, we are all naturally predisposed to psychological suffering.”
― Russ Harris, The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living

“She was shaking her head, her breath quickening. “I cannot marry you. Not you.” His smile faded. “Yet, you were prepared to wed the giant.” “Lord Tannenbrook is a friend. You are …” Waiting, he loosened his hold, let his palms discover the softness of freckled skin and settle beneath her elbows. “Yes? I am?” Her lips parted, her eyes searching his face. “A devil.” His grin returned, growing as he witnessed the tiny shiver she attempted to stifle. Carefully, he let his fingers linger on her skin a moment longer before dropping his hands to his sides. She did not move, but swayed before him, her eyes riveted to his. “Most observant, Miss Lancaster. A devil, indeed. But that does not change my title. Nor your father’s leverage.”
― Elisa Braden, A Rescued from Ruin Collection: Volume Two

“She flopped back against the cushions. “This is it, isn’t it?” “What?” “The start of your villain era,” she said. “The ‘no fucks given, ask me if I care, throw out your whole life and start over just because you feel like it’ era.”
― Kate Canterbary, In a Jam

“If they’re the type to use their fists, they can use ‘em on you. It’s the basic logic that my sisters can never figure out. If he’ll cheat with you, he’ll cheat on you. If he doesn’t see his kids by his ex, he’ll ghost yours, too. If he spends all his money on himself, he ain’t gonna have any left for child support. That’s such reliable logic it’s almost math.”
― Cate C. Wells, Dizzy