The Gender Game (The Gender Game #1)

by Bella Forrest

A woman in Patrus had about as many rights as a pet animal. She couldn't legally reside there without being owned by a man, and even with a husband she was limited. She couldn't go out by herself, she couldn't work, drive, or own money or property. I'd even heard that their physical appearance and clothes were dictated by the man, if he so chose, and arguing was completely taboo. Women were dependent to a humiliating degree.

Better to remain always self-reliant. Self-reliance means you're in control. Don't ever think you need a man for happiness.

According to our history books, centuries ago, Matrus and Patrus didn’t even exist. They were one group of people, one band of survivors of the Last War that toxified vast swathes of the great land once known as America.

"I hereby declare my full dependence on and submissiveness to Lee Desmond Bertrand, who will take responsibility for my speech and actions, as well as ownership of any possessions previously deemed my own."

"It's called life,"

"Things lose their shine when you get too close to them."

Having both been victims of the law in our countries, I supposed we were more vulnerable to wondering. Grief did that to you. It made you wish for a life that wasn't yours. It made you dream.

"I guess I just wonder what happens to someone who doesn't feel they belong on either side of the river.”

desperation had a way of making you find strength you thought you'd lost.