Status Updates From What Isabella Desires (Lord...

It's got one too many plots again, which is also true of the other Mallory books I've inhaled in the past two days and the one that I would excise is the one she wraps up with, so kind of ends on a dud note. But very good time!

I feel a little bit like a hypocrite because so many of my language-in-romance novel quibbles are being thrown out the window (a mauve regency dress! I DNF'd a book over this last month! using the word "sexy!" before the turn of the century!)

I just don't really care?? I just love Mallory's couples so much.

"At least this way he could self-destruct without witnesses, without pity. Without seeing that look in her eyes, the love turned to resentment." - I believe I have just found the sentiment that has controlled Marcus's every thought for years.

Ah hah! I knew it! I'm surprised that Stephen was able to get someone to learn his secret so easily though.

"And she didn't know what say when he had shut her out so completely. There was no rational argument, because whatever was behind this was driven by emotion. Something wholly uncharacteristic for Marcus, who tended toward strategic, rational thinking."

"Her favorite golden comb clattered to the floor. He wondered if he could kick it under the bed, to keep it for later."

My, my. He seems like quite the badass!

Mmmm, looks like Isabella is becoming dissatisfied with the status quo. Good, I'm ready for her to stop settling for crumbs.

"Battered by emotions he didn't want. Crushed by the blossoming of things he wanted so badly he could taste. Emotions that would never leave, but relationships that could only slip from his grasp." - *sniff, sniff* I just want to give him a hug!

"She loved him. They had just shared an earth shattering experience. And she could have cried." - Awwwww.

"She looked as if she had experienced half an orgasm. One only on her left side." - LOL!

Oh, Marcus. *shakes head* My faith in you (and your intelligence) has been shaken.

"You don't usually. Generally you are unnaturally still. But when you reenter a room, occasionally you make last minute adjustments. What I've never reasoned out is whether you are meeting women or men." He stopped dead, forward motion forgotten. "Pardon me?" - LOL. It's sad when you find out you're not as slick as you thought.

Sexy scene alert! Witness the heroine literally being struck dumb. (posting it in the comments)

Who knew chess could be sexy?

"Overwhelming joy and relief crashed through her, before his words and tone caught up--It was as if she had just asked him to stave off death." - No kidding! Quit lying to her and yourself, dumbass!

"What would you have me say, Bella?" You are the most beautiful woman I've ever known or Let's retire from this ballroom to pursue a more wicked pastime or I've loved you forever. Yes, that last one. "The truth."

"He didn't stop. The last person he wanted to talk to was Stephen. Cheery bastard. Probably wanted to express his thoughts about Isabella, and gloat too. Perhaps he could slip past him. He'd hate to be the one to kill Stephen after so many failed attempts by others."