Brittanie

“Doomsday took a healthy swig. “Thank you, my lord. May I ask something?” “Go on.” “Well, Mr. Conrad clearly feels there is something in Mr. Brightling’s story. And now you’re suggesting, if there is, that I, a smuggler’s bastard, will put you out of your place as earl.” He cocked his head. “Why are you so cheerful about that?” “Honestly? Spite.” “Oh.”
― K.J. Charles, A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel

“His build made up for that, though: broad-shouldered and very solid, with arms that looked like they were used to, or for, hard work, and powerful thighs made for riding. Luke certainly wouldn’t mind riding them, a thought he put firmly aside.”
― K.J. Charles, A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel

“and I don’t know how it could—” “Don’t say it,” Hazard said. “—get any worse.” At that moment, Somers opened the door at the top of the stairs and flicked on the light. Hazard felt like the floor had opened up beneath him; his stomach dropped and just kept dropping, past his knees, past his ankles, and he doubted it would hit bottom for another mile or so. There was just one bed.”
― Gregory Ashe, Transposition

“Cole said, eyes empty, "And the world likes us better falling down.”
― Maggie Stiefvater, Sinner