From the Bookshelf of Fans of Eloisa James & Julia Quinn…

Her marriage was perfect. It wasn't the sort of marriage the British approved, for there was no heir. And it wasn't the sort Americans approved, because it wasn't based on love. And it certainly wasn't the sort of marriage she'd envisioned as a young, romantic girl. But Saratoga had succeeded in stripping her of any romantic notions she'd ever had.
- loc 199

"Yes, well, I'm a rather optimistic fellow." He moved a couple inches closer to her, his left leg sliding along hers. The move pushed her willow green skirt up along her ankle, and even though it revealed nothing to his gaze but a bit more of her shoe, that didn't stop him from conjuring a picture of slim, pretty ankles beneath beige leather. "I'm hoping for more than conversation."

She looked down at the glass of wine in her hand. "You presume a great deal."

"I said I'm hoping for more, Edie," he said gently. "I don't presume that I shall obtain it."
- loc 3808

"...Did you wear blue because it's my favourite colour? Say 'yes," he added when she hesitated, smiling a little. "Throw me a crumb."

She laughed. "All right, yes," she admitted. "I did."

His smile faded and he let go of the silk. He lifted his hand to the exposed skin above the low neckline of her dress but he didn't touch her. Instead, he paused, fingertips a hairsbreadth from her skin. He looked into her eyes.

"I'm thinking right now how much I want to touch you." He paused. "If I do, would that be all right?"

She considered, nodded. "Yes."
- loc 4175