The Rogue Not Taken Quotes

“Why books?”

Her brows rose. “I beg your pardon?”

“Why are they your vice?”

She set her plate down and wiped her hand on her skirts before reaching for the top volume on a stack of small, leather bound books nearby and extending it to him. “Go on.”

He took it. “Now what?”

“Smell it.” He tilted his head. She couldn’t help but smile. “Do it.”

He lifted it to his nose. Inhaled.

“Not like that,” she said. “Really give it a smell.”

He raised one brow but did as he was told.

“What do you smell?” Sophie asked.

“Leather and ink?”

She shook her head. “Happiness. That’s what books smells like. Happiness. That’s why I always wanted to have a book shop. What better life than to trade in happiness?”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Happiness. That’s what books smell like. Happiness. That’s why I always wanted to have a bookshop. What better life than to trade in happiness?”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“You are better for every book you've read.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Does it hurt?” Like a bastard. “Women are known for their ability to endure pain.” “Mmm. And to think you are considered the weaker sex.” She cut him a look. “A label no doubt assigned by a man who never witnessed a childbirth.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“You shouldn't dally with clever women. You'll never outsmart them, and before you know where you are, you're married to them.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Cruelty is not the only way fathers can ruin their sons. Expectations can do the same damage.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“You see? You're not paying close enough attention. Theseus fought for his life," He shook his head. "But the minotaur, he fought for Ariadne.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Sad was such a simple, damaging word. It meant so much more than its elaborate cousins.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Happiness. That's what books smell like. Happiness. That's why I always wanted to have a bookshop. What better life than to trade in happiness?”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“the truth was that women in Britain in 1833 did not have options. They had the path upon which they tread. Upon which they were forced to tread. Upon which they were made to feel grateful they were forced to tread.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“The man was a legendary scoundrel. An expert ruiner of young ladies. And he’d never once been punished for it. Perhaps because he was so very good at it. It seemed a shame to punish someone for what was clearly a remarkable skill.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Loathing was so often described as cold; today, it felt hot as the sun.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Let me be very clear. I am headed north to escape everything you are, and everything you represent. You are all I loathe about the aristocracy – arrogant, vapid, without purpose, and altogether too reliant on your title and your fortune, which you have come by without any effort of your own. You haven’t a thought in your head worth thinking – as all of your intelligence is used up in planning seductions and winning silly carriage races. In case you have not noticed, I was perfectly fine in the stables until you came along and revealed me to be a woman. And when I left, with every intention of finding my own way north, it was you who followed me! And somehow I am looking to trap you into marriage?” She paused. “I do not know how I can put it more plainly. Go away.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“You're so arrogant. I have half a mind to die just to prove you wrong.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“There's a library here. Would you let me show it to you?"
She scowled. "You're bribing me with books."
"Is it working?"
She let her gaze linger on the door behind his shoulder.
"Perhaps.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Sophie, however, did not adore it. Instead, she had crumpled the paper with fervor and considered the options that lay before her. Not options. Option. Singular. Because the truth was that women in Britain in 1833 did not have options. They had the path upon which they tread. Upon which they were forced to tread. Upon which they were made to feel grateful they were forced to tread.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Bluster until it's real.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“I'm sorry," he said. "I'm so sorry I cannot be the man you wish me to be." Tears threatened again and she shook her head. No more of that. "It's you who don't see. I only ever wished you to be the man you are.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Marriage, was, after all, the most critical business in Britain.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Inheritance trumps inamorata.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“She scuttled back from his approach and held up a hand. “No!”
Eversley stilled, his eyes widening at the words. “I beg your pardon?”
He was going to smell her. “Don’t come any closer!”
“Why not?”
“It’s not appropriate.”
“What isn’t?”
“You. Being here. So near. While I am abed.”
One black brow rose. “I assure you, my lady, I’ve no intention of debauching you.”
She had no doubt of that, considering her current situation, but she couldn’t well tell him the truth. “Nevertheless, I must insist on the utmost propriety.”
“Who do you think nursemaided you for the last day?”
Bollocks. He was right. He’d been close. He’d had to have noticed her odor. But it didn’t mean he had to any longer. She straightened her shoulders, ignoring the twinge in the left. “My reputation, you see.”
He blinked. “You were shot on the Great North Road while wearing stolen livery—”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“Happiness. That's what books smell like. Happiness. That's why I always wanted to have a book shop. What better life than to trade in happiness?”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken

“I wouldn't accept your help if I were starving to death and you happened by with a cartful of tea and cakes.”
― Sarah MacLean, The Rogue Not Taken