Mariana Valen

“When a person has little or nothing left to lose, it alters their thinking. Risks they naturally would avoid become acceptable . . . no matter how far-fetched.”
― Jeff Wheeler, The Forsaken Throne

“Maybe the paths that you each shall tread are already laid before your feet, though you do not see them. Good night!”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

“It isn’t gossip,” Hyacinth retorted. “It’s the honest dissemination of information.”
― Julia Quinn, When He Was Wicked

“I’ve learned a thing or two about women over the years.” “Really?” Kate asked, fascinated. He nodded and leaned in, as if imparting a grave state secret. “They’re much easier to manage if one allows them to believe that they are smarter and more intuitive than men. And,” he added with a superior glance at his wife, “our lives are much more peaceful if we pretend that we’re only aware of about fifty percent of what they do.”
― Julia Quinn, The Viscount Who Loved Me