“
Archer?” I asked, raising my eyebrows. Hey, you might be able to take away my magical powers, but the power of sarcasm was still at my disposal. “Is your last name Newport or Vanderbilt? Maybe followed by some numbers? Ooh!” I said, widening my eyes, “or maybe even Esquire!”
I’d hoped to hurt his feelings or, at the very least, make him angry, but he just kept smiling at me. “Actually, it’s Archer Cross, and I’m the first one. Now what about you?” He squinted. “Let’s see . . . brown hair, freckles, whole girl-next-door vibe going on . . . Allie? Lacie? Definitely something cutesy ending in ie.”
You know those times when your mouth moves but no sound actually comes out? Yeah, that’s pretty much what happened. And then, of course, my mom took that opportunity to end her conversation with Justin’s parents and call out, “Sophie! Wait up.”
“I knew it.” Archer laughed. “See you, Sophie,” he called over his shoulder as he disappeared into the house.
”
”
Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1))
“
Right. A tiki bar will blend in great with the whole Henry VIII vibe going on at the B&T. Bring me a scorpion bowl, wench.
”
”
Huntley Fitzpatrick (My Life Next Door)
“
You’ve got this whole knight-in-shining-armor vibe going on.”
I shake my head. “My armor was tarnished a long time ago, Brent.”
“A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.
”
”
Emma Chase (Sustained (The Legal Briefs, #2))
“
As emotional radars, empaths instantly pick up on the vibes around them and tend to gravitate the most towards those who are hurting – even if they’re not in a good place. Their intense desire to help and soothe the pain of others often results in a whole range of interpersonal and inner issues.
”
”
Mateo Sol (Awakened Empath: The Ultimate Guide to Emotional, Psychological and Spiritual Healing)
“
There is new information.”
“Are you going to share it?”
“No.”
Of course not. Because it would totally ruin his whole mysterious vibe. Can’t have that.
”
”
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff (King's (The King, #1))
“
He has that whole boy-next-door-who-can-still-kick-your-ass vibe going for him.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
...he had the telltale signs...G-shock watch, tribal tats, and the whole I’m-so-amazing-just-ask-me vibe. Typical SEAL.
”
”
Corinne Michaels (Consolation (Salvation, #3; The Consolation Duet, #1))
“
We become whole when we consciously accept ourselves and love all the parts, including our jagged edges.
”
”
Jodi Livon
“
Every time you tell your old story, you reactivate the negative emotions/vibes as a whole new experience in your body.
”
”
Catherine Garrett (RedeFIND SiNGLE 40+: How to Springboard to a New Life by Redefining & Rediscovering Who You Really Are)
“
Now my husband, Hesam, tells me that it’s a whole thing for beautiful girls to shave their heads. It’s a vibe, he says—a choice not to play into ideas of conventional beauty. He tries to make me feel better about it, because he feels bad about how much it still pains me.
”
”
Britney Spears (The Woman in Me)
“
Too often we sit back and speak platitudes of the nitty-gritty bits of writing; the editing, the story structure, the verbal sparring vs. banter, the character development, the world-building become more important to us than the tune rhythm of the tale. And when you lose the music of the story, all the footwork in the world is not going to make up for the loss of continuity and heart.
We need to take a step back in our souls and conjure the image of what this story is: the notes and beats and things woven into it's fullness. See, that's what is so easy to lose sight of as we write. We forget that, in a way, this story is a full story in itself. We tend to try to build the story piece by piece, line upon line, precept upon precept, but that--as any true writer knows--is not entirely practical. A story does have its own identity. To some extent, the story exists in your mind as a whole. Its own being. To chance sounding sappy: Your story is a full piece of music waiting for you to dance it into existence. Don't make the mistake of leaving out all the music.
It is tempting to want to have everything arranged to perfection so that little editing will be done. But if you are keeping in mind the way your story needs to run--feeling it and dwelling in the beauty of its passion and color and vibe--the footwork will take care of itself. Certainly it will require practice and your technicalities will need a little work--everyone's does. But you will have captured the essence and blood of the tale, and really that's the prettiest part of a dance.
”
”
Rachel Heffington
“
Darkness seems to have prevailed and has taken the forefront. This country as in the 'cooperation' of The United States of America has never been about the true higher-good of the people. Know and remember this.
Cling to your faith.
Roll your spiritual sleeves up and get to work. Use your energy wisely.
Transmute all anger, panic and fear into light and empowerment.
Don't use what fuels them; all lower-energy.
Mourn as you need to. Console who you need to—and then go get into the spiritual and energetic arena.
There's plenty work for us to do; within and without.
Let's each focus on becoming 'The President of Our Own Life.
Cultivate your mind. Pursue your purpose. Shine your light. Elevate past—and reject—any culture of low vibrational energy and ratchetness. Don't take fear, defeat or anger—on or in.
The system is doing what they've been created to do.
Are you? Am I? Are we—collectively?
Let's get to work.
No more drifting through life without your higher-self in complete control of your mind.
Awaken—fully. Activate—now. Put your frustrations or concerns into your work.
Don't lose sight. There is still—a higher plan.
Let's ride this 4 year energetic-wave like the spiritual gangsters that we are.
This will all be the past soon. Let's get to work and stay dedicated, consistent and diligent. Again, this will all be the past soon. We have preparing and work to do.
Toxic energy is so not a game.
Toxic energy and low vibrations are being collectively acted out on the world stage.
Covertly operating through the unconscious weak spots and blind spots in the human psyche; making people oblivious to their own madness, causing and influencing them to act against–their–own–best–interests and higher-good, as if under a spell and unconsciously possessed. This means that they are actually nourishing the lower vibrational energy with their lifestyle, choices, energy and habits, which is unconsciously giving the lower-energy the very power and fuel it needs—for repeating and recreating endless drama, suffering and destruction, in more and more amplified forms on a national and world stage.
So what do we do?
We take away its autonomy and power over us while at the same time empowering ourselves. By recognizing how this energetic/spiritual virus or parasite of the mind—operates through our unawareness is the beginning of the cure. Knowledge is power. Applied knowledge is—freedom.
Our shared future will be decided primarily by the changes that take place in the psyche of humanity, starting with each of us— vibrationally.
In closing and most importantly,
the greatest protection against becoming affected or possessed by this lower-energy is to be in touch with our higher vibrational-self. We have to call our energy and power back.
Being in touch with our higher-self and true nature acts as a sacred amulet, shielding and protecting us from the attempted effects. We defeat evil not by fighting against it (in which case, by playing its game, we’ve already lost) but by getting in touch with the part of us that is invulnerable to its effects— our higher vibrational-self.
Will this defeat and destroy us?
Or will it awaken us more and more?
Everything depends upon our recognizing what is being revealed to us and our stepping out of the unconscious influence of low vibrational/negative/toxic/evil/distraction energy (or whatever name you relate to it as)
that is and has been seeking power over each of our lives energetically and/or spiritually, and step into our wholeness, our personal power, our higher self and vibrate higher and higher daily.
Stay woke my friends—let's get to work.
”
”
Lalah Delia
“
He vibed on a different level, my man-brick. He wasn't meant for anything but full-out, balls to the walls, unrelenting intensity when it came to work, women, even burgers. His whole damn life moved at that level. All or nothing at all.
And what a treat that full-out, balls to the walls, unrelenting adoration would be. But it wasn't meant for me. Not for now, not for keeps.
”
”
Kate Canterbary (Before Girl (Vital Signs, #1))
“
The back garden is like an unkempt jungle, with huge old trees, half-dead branches hanging like skeletons, and suspicious mushrooms lying around. Pretty sure a few aimless ghosts fly overhead, moaning about having a subpar location and few to no visitors on a daily basis. The moonlight plays hide-and-seek with the clouds and night owls scream in the distance, adding some DJing to the whole creepy vibe. Four out of five. Would recommend it for satanic rituals.
”
”
Rina Kent (God of Ruin (Legacy of Gods, #4))
“
Operating from the idea that a relationship (or anything else) will somehow complete you, save you, or make your life magically take off is a surefire way to keep yourself unhappy and unhitched.
Ironically, quite the opposite is true. What you really need to understand is that nothing outside of you can ever produce a lasting sense of completeness, security, or success. There’s no man, relationship, job, amount of money, house, car, or anything else that can produce an ongoing sense of happiness, satisfaction, security, and fulfillment in you.
Some women get confused by the word save. In this context, what it refers to is the mistaken idea that a relationship will rid you of feelings of emptiness, loneliness, insecurity, or fear that are inherent to every human being. That finding someone to be with will somehow “save” you from yourself. We all need to wake up and recognize that those feelings are a natural part of the human experience. They’re not meaningful. They only confirm the fact that we are alive and have a pulse. The real question is, what will you invest in: your insecurity or your irresistibility? The choice is yours.
Once you get that you are complete and whole right now, it’s like flipping a switch that will make you more attractive, authentic, and relaxed in any dating situation—instantly. All of the desperate, needy, and clingy vibes that drive men insane will vanish because you’ve stopped trying to use a relationship to fix yourself. The fact is, you are totally capable of experiencing happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment right now. All you have to do is start living your life like you count. Like you matter. Like what you do in each moment makes a difference in the world. Because it really does.
That means stop putting off your dreams, waiting for someday, or delaying taking action on those things you know you want for yourself because somewhere deep inside you’re hoping that Prince Charming will come along to make it all better. You know what I’m talking about. The tendency to hold back from investing in your career, your health, your home, your finances, or your family because you’re single and you figure those things will all get handled once you land “the one.”
Psst. Here’s a secret: holding back in your life is what’s keeping him away.
Don’t wait until you find someone. You are someone.
”
”
Marie Forleo (Make Every Man Want You: How to Be So Irresistible You'll Barely Keep from Dating Yourself!)
“
I didn’t answer right away; I was too busy savoring the moment. The delicious night air, the music of mama cows in a distant pasture, the trillions of stars overhead, the feeling of his fingers entwined in mine. The night couldn’t have gone any more perfectly. I’m not sure anything, even going home with him, could possibly make it any better.
I started to open my mouth, but Marlboro Man beat me to it. Standing up and lifting me off the tailgate of his pickup, he carried me, Rhett Butler-style, toward the passenger door. Setting me down and opening my door, he said, “On second thought…I think I’d better take you home.” I smiled, convinced he must have read my mind.
Whether he had or not, the fact was that instantly and noticeably the whole vibe between us had changed. Before I’d dumped my Chicago apartment and told him my plans to stay, the passion between us had sometimes felt urgent, rushed, almost as if some imaginary force was compelling us to get it all out right here, right now, because before too long we wouldn’t have the chance. There’d been a quiet desperation in our romance up until that point, feelings of excitement and lust mixed with an uncomfortable hint of doom and dread. But now that my move had all but been eliminated from the equation, the doom and dread had been replaced with a beautiful sense of comfort. In the blink of an eye, Marlboro Man and I, while madly and insanely in love, were no longer in any hurry.
“Yeah,” I said, nodding my head. “I agree.”
Man, did I ever have a way with words.
”
”
Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels)
“
Rejection can crush your pride. By being rejected nonstop it can really ruin your spirit a little. That really is absolutely normal, but don’t let it kill your spirit. The trick is to never let anything kill your vibe because that’s the most important thing to keep you going. Once your vibe is killed and completely ruined then it will alter your mood. It will make your whole day go down the drain, and really put you in a bad mood, so don’t let rejection get to you and do this to you. If you’re a single person seeking a date, and you’re rejected by the person that you had your eyes on don’t let that ruin you just adapt and move on. Look at it like this maybe that one person didn’t come through well for you but I guarantee that you will come across someone when you least expect it.
”
”
Rasheeal Dixon (How to oercome fear, and start living fearless!)
“
Damn, Mari, it’s cold!” Carrow chafed her arms. “I dig the whole Narnian vibe you’ve got going on, I do. And I’ve been dutifully keeping an eye out for talking beavers wearing armor—but come on, this is getting ridiculous! If you miss the Scot so much, then just break free.”
Elianna said, “Do you know he’s bought the property just next door to Andoain so he can scent you the minute you come home. And, well, because his house got blown up.”
“Look, Mari, you have to come out of this and do something,” Carrow said. “Put him out of his misery—or—allow me to make him fall in love with dryer lint. You decide.” She shrugged. “I know you’d worried about Bowen not wanting to come near the coven, but we can’t get him to leave. Apparently, some of the witches admitted to him that you’re on a different plane—he can be really dogged with the questions—and now he’s determined to reach you here. Interestingly, he believes the information about the plane’s existence—but not about the fact that he can’t travel to it.”
“He returns to Adoain daily, sometimes hourly, researching witchery,” Elianna said.
Carrow glared, “Well, maybe if you and the others would stop sneakily setting out food for him, he wouldn’t keep coming back!”
Crossing her arms over her chest, Elianna said in a mulish tone, “He wouldn’t eat otherwise.”
“Whatever. But seriously, Mari, he’s having such a hard time with all this that even Regin feels sorry for what he’s been through.”
Elianna added, “He’s watched your graduation video so many times, I’m sure he’s memorized your school’s alma mater.”
“I don’t know what he does with the videos of your college cheerleading he brings back to his place”—Carrow waggled her eyebrows—“but I have suspicions.”
Elianna coughed delicately.
“Now that you’ve done what you were Awaited to do—well, part one at least—everyone’s grasping about for a new name for you,” Carrow said. “If you don’t kick this enthrallment, then I’m going to campaign for Mariketa the Glass Witch, or ‘Glitch.’ Come kick my ass if you don’t like it, otherwise . . .”
Elianna squinted at Mari and sighed. “I think she wants to be called Mariketa MacRieve.
”
”
Kresley Cole (Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark, #3))
“
Kicker5525: SOS!
TooDamn-Funky: where r u?
Kicker5525: public bus. not totally sure it’s the right 1.
TooDamn-Funky: r u running away???? don’t let evan run you away!!! unless ur coming here! then def run away!!!
Kicker5525: no. just ran out on massage with R.
TooDamn-Funky: she took u 4 massage? but u hate when strangers touch u!!!
Kicker5525: I KNOW!!!!
TooDamn-Funky: y did you not TELL HER THAT?
Kicker5525: I think I just did. I think I just told the whole place.
TooDamn-Funky: wow when u explode u explode.
Kicker5525: beginning to sense that.
TooDamn-Funky: what now?
Kicker5525: soccer practice. then prob get grounded. again.
TooDamn-Funky: sending you good vibes.
Kicker5525: thnx. love ya!
TooDamn-Funky: u 2 my poor misguided freak girl.
”
”
Kate Brian (Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys)
“
Imagine how cool it would be to share this with someone. It's cozy, you can build things from scratch, there's this whole radiation-weather-hermit-hole vibe, endless books, terrible movies, and giant fuck-you monsters wait right outside. Imagine the adventure!
”
”
K.M. Gallagher (Radio Apocalypse)
“
I swallow with bated breath. Lex, or Mr. Edwards, if I'm going for the whole daddy kink vibe, extends his hand politely to introduce himself. I’ve never been one to enjoy the age gap, but he is damn sexy, and standing here next to Alexa feels so uncomfortable, almost like she can read my mind.
”
”
Kat T. Masen (Craving Her (Secret Love #3))
“
I didn’t admit to my mom that I had no idea how to be a part of my community, because there seemed to be a whole second step after coming out, and that was finding your people. I mean, I had cis gay male friends, I did community theater growing up, but they didn’t really feel like my community. And Nova certainly hadn’t invited me into her community, and even if she had, I was pretty sure I didn’t want to be a part of it. But that night at Candace’s felt like I had inched closer to the thing that I wanted. They were just. So. Gay. Effortlessly so. Each with their own iconic style and vibe and fluent in a language that made my head spin. But unlike Nova’s elitist group of self-proclaimed Celesbians, I felt welcome here. Wanted. It was thrilling, and terrifying. It had been four months since that queer hang, and I finally looked forward to having weekend plans. Candace invited me everywhere, like Gay Bowling Tuesdays at the alley in town, and queer book club, and she binged all of Atypical with me in two nights. But even though we were close, there was still something that made me feel distant from everyone else. Like if I got too close, something terrible would happen.
”
”
Haley Jakobson (Old Enough)
“
My whole vibe, of a sudden, seemingly: so serial killer-y.
Terrorist-y.
When did that happen.
”
”
Sean Thor Conroe (Fuccboi)
“
Cricket felt that her spiritual home might be Neiman Marcus. She was far from the kind of place that made her feel comfortable—someplace gleaming and clean with lovely, expensive goods for sale. People were so into “nature,” weren’t they? Getting into it, back to it. Why? Nature just seemed spooky and unsafe to Cricket. There was that whole no-one-can-hear-you-screaming vibe. They hadn’t seen another car for ages. Ages.
”
”
Lisa Unger (Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six)
“
New Hampshire was so often overlooked, overshadowed by the lush rolling hills and earnestly cool vibe of Vermont to its left and the breathtaking beauty of Maine on the right. It was the middle child of New England states; kind of weird, occasionally out of step, often forgotten. And yes, they did not require motorcyclists to wear helmets because of the whole live-free-or-die ethos, which was deeply rooted in every nook and cranny of the place. But to me it was magical; New Hampshire had an old soul. It was simple and complex, stoic and serene, and I felt utterly like myself when I was here.
”
”
Kate Spencer
“
This year, I'm rolling out the red carpet for the VIPs of my life—the ones who bring the sparkle to my days and the laughter to my nights. It's like curating the guest list for the hottest party in town, except this party is all about positivity and good vibes. Sayonara to the drama queens and energy vampires; it's time to make room for the real stars who make life a whole lot more fabulous. So here's to prioritizing the people who bring joy, laughter, and a little extra sparkle into my world.
”
”
Life is Positive
“
Barbecues, beach days, & those long, lazy summer nights—hello, summer! It's time to bask in the sun, flip burgers like a pro, & enjoy endless evenings under the stars. Say goodbye to your winter woes & hello to sandy toes, tan lines, & ice-creams. Whether you're hitting the waves, grilling up a storm, or just lounging with a good book, summer’s got it all. So grab your shades, crank up the tunes, & let the good vibes roll. Here’s to the season of fun, sun, & a whole lot of awesome!
”
”
Life is Positive
“
They took the two steps off the concrete and onto the tile. The kitchen was quasi-homey, done up to look rustic with stone veneers and wood-paneled cabinetry. Nancy stood by the kitchen table with a man Myron didn’t recognize. The man smiled at them. The smile made Myron cringe a bit. He was balding, wiry, probably in his early fifties, with the kind of glasses you call spectacles. He wore a denim shirt tucked into faded jeans. His whole persona had an emcee-at-an-outdoor-folk-festival vibe. The
”
”
Harlan Coben (Home (Myron Bolitar, #11))
“
Why do you do that?” she asked.
“Do what?”
“Put out this whole laid-back, don’t-take-me-too-seriously vibe. I assume that’s the reason for the work boots and flannel getup.”
“No, I wear work boots and flannels because they’re comfortable. In case you haven’t noticed, we go to school in the middle of a cornfield. Black tie isn’t exactly required around here.
”
”
Julie James (About That Night (FBI/US Attorney, #3))
“
That look he’s giving you? That’s want, girlfriend. Desire. Maybe even possession. You know that whole touch-and-die-vibe.
”
”
B. Lustig (8: It's Only Eight Letters)
“
Tink?” Her voice goes even louder. I wave a hand over her. “Yeah, you’ve got this whole angry little Tinkerbell vibe happening. I dig it.” I let my gaze trace her body for only a moment, not wanting to border on leering. But hey, fair is fair after the way she gawked at the gas station.
”
”
Elsie Silver (Reckless (Chestnut Springs, #4))
“
You want to check out, Zane?” He shrugs, slinging an arm over my shoulders, pulling me into his side. “He’s fucking hot. Got that whole daddy vibe going on.” “Oh my God. Never say that again.
”
”
Ames Mills (Riches to Riches: Part Two (Abbs Valley Book 2))
“
Self-love is your VIP backstage pass to life's greatest show. It's like the glitter that makes your existence sparkle! When you truly love yourself, you're the star of your own story, and you don't let anyone else write your script. You become a magnet for positivity and good vibes, radiating confidence like a rockstar. Self-love isn't just a feeling; it's a whole concert of self-celebration, where you're the headliner! So, dance to your own beat, sing your own song!
”
”
Life is Positive
“
First, tell me why you’re laughing. Did I do something to make you laugh?”
“It’s just that your teacup doesn’t fit the whole scary demon vibe.”
“You’re laughing at the size of my teacup?”
“More like the fact that you even own teacups.
”
”
Emilia Rose (Summoning Sex Demons (Becoming Lust))
“
I relax and tell her about my visits, leaving all the bad stuff out. I don't wanna kill the vibe in our home. Gran umms and ahs to prod me along. When she listens to you like that, it's like the whole universe goes quiet just for her. Your voice is the only thing worth listening to, and only you matter.
”
”
T.L. Huchu (The Library of the Dead (Edinburgh Nights, #1))
“
He is an attractive guy. He has the whole rocker vibe going for him, with black, slightly curly hair, dark eyes, and tattoos taking up residency over most of his body. It also probably helps that he clearly knows his way around the gym. His golden skin pairs beautifully with his defined muscles.
”
”
Ashley James (Barred Desires (The Deepest Desires, #1))
“
There are two ways to approach the role of new stepdad: You can go the friendly route—soft-pedal, build some trust. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to replace your dad. Or you can seize the opportunity to lead that totalitarian regime you’ve always dreamed of. I am your parent! You will respect me! Clyde opted for the latter. He immediately instated something he called Heavy Chore Day—aka, Saturday. Like Sunday Mass, attendance was mandatory but HCD lasted much longer. The whole family was up and working by 0800 and the workday lasted eight hours. Duties were segregated between men’s work (in the yard) and women’s work (in the house). If there were any holdover friends from a Friday night sleepover, they were welcome to stay, “but if you’re here, you need to contribute.” Our friends quickly learned to request early pickup times. Clyde’s vibe was all drill sergeant. “Police the lawn for anything that ain’t grass or dog shit. Shovel the dog shit. After you mow, edge the perimeter.” Half the jobs didn’t even make sense: “Move this pile of rocks to the other end of the yard. Dig a hole over here, cart the dirt in the wheelbarrow over there and make a dirt hill.
”
”
Zack McDermott (Gorilla and the Bird: A Memoir of Madness and a Mother's Love)
“
People were so into “nature,” weren’t they? Getting into it, back to it. Why? Nature just seemed spooky and unsafe to Cricket. There was that whole no-one-can-hear-you-screaming vibe.
”
”
Lisa Unger (Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six)
“
It’s sweet.” It was Aubrey’s turn to grimace. “He’s got that whole caretaker daddy vibe going on.” “Ewww… don’t call him a daddy.” I shuddered and she cracked up.
”
”
Heather Long (Money Shot (Blue Ivy Prep #4))
“
I’m not ready to relive the whole ordeal, I’m going to focus on the fact that I’m alive, breathing, and in New York! Good times and good vibes only.
”
”
K.C. Kean (Red (Featherstone Academy, #4))
“
What comes upon me does not make me or break me. I am strong. I am a warrior. I am here. I am whole. I am now.
”
”
Jodi Livon
“
Her mother bought her a burgundy pair of VANS summer shoes in Italy, and they took a picture of her laughing happily while holding them in her hand in an exaggerated scene, as if they had been teasing him to take a picture of her for her boyfriend in a park somewhere in Italy.
Shortly after, she started wearing them in Barcelona and cut off the tiny VANS logo with a scissor. When I asked her why, she tried to avoid answering at first until she said something like she didn't like it, or that they looked better without the tiny black VANS logos. It was suspicious that someone must have told her the urban legend in Barcelona soon after her Italian vacation, that VANS stands for „Vans Are Nazi Shoes.” It became more and more obvious in Barcelona that my life was in danger, as an awful vibe surrounded us due to the construction.
It was mostly caused by rich tourists who I had never seen do much work in life, too high to take on a task as simple as changing a password on a bank account on an iPhone app – a crime organisation, quite international already and increasingly so, with a growing number of participants and secrets becoming more and more dangerous, I thought, and I wasn’t wrong, I just couldn’t see the whole picture yet as I was blindfolded. As if her nickname, Stupid Bunny which she had printed out at Ample Store with Adam, was a cute, nice thing, a reassurance after the day before she had been crying for some unknown reason and printing out the phrase, “You never loved me, you just broke my heart.” That couldn't have been further from the truth. She would fidget around and draw at home, and I didn't realise she was bored of being with me when she had so many other options in her mind because of what others had fed her, as if I was a monogamist who wouldn’t forgive her for cheating or making a mistake. Even if I had seen her, when she showed up at home she seemed in love with herself, watching herself in the mirror in her new tight, short shorts. It was weird. I had noticed something strange in Martina for a while now and I couldn’t put my finger on it. I thought it was only the drugs she was secretly doing behind my back, but I was far away from having all the answers.
”
”
Tomas Adam Nyapi (BARCELONA MARIJUANA MAFIA)
“
I’ve been telling you for years that men dig that whole innocent schoolgirl vibe you’ve got going on but your nose is too buried in a book to notice. That’s why you’re a virgin at twenty-three.” She stuck her tongue out at me with her last statement.
”
”
Zoe Blake (Sweet Cruelty (Ruthless Obsession #1))
“
Hmm, I love Jason Statham,” I answer without thinking, suddenly feeling three sets of eyes on me. “Baby girl, none of us look even remotely like Jason Statham,” Oscar says, confusion laced in his words. “What does that have to do with anything?” I ask, unsure where he’s going with this. “Well, I’m just saying, he doesn’t represent any of us, and we are not adding any more to this harem you’ve got going on. We’re married now, end of discussion.” He raises his eyebrows at me expectantly, and I can’t help but chuckle at his little outburst. “No adding to my harem. Understood,” I say, agreeing. “But just so we’re clear, he’s an adrenaline junkie just like you. With the whole brooding thing going for him like Roman. While Seth is the technology king, obviously second to my Kai, and Wahlberg has the whole ‘all-American boy-next-door’ vibe, with a hidden dark side, just like Parker Parker.
”
”
K.C. Kean (Our Bloodline (Featherstone Academy #3))
“
You were really upset the other night. I know you were trying to put on a brave face, but it was obvious Darcy hurt you. Worse than you let on. Now “You were really upset the other night. I know you were trying to put on a brave face, but it was obvious Darcy hurt you. Worse than you let on. Now you’re agreeing to fake a relationship with her? Because of your family? Elle, if they can’t see how amazing you are . . . this isn’t worth it.”
Elle ground the toe of her boot into the rug, tracing the singe mark in the paisley pattern from the Birthday Sparkler Incident of 2017.
“I don’t really know what I’m doing,” she admitted. The lump inside her throat grew, forcing her to swallow to keep her voice from cracking. “I’m just tired of falling short, Mar.”
Margot’s face crumpled. “Elle—”
She jerked her chin and sniffed hard, blinking away the film of tears blurring her vision. She smiled and shrugged. “If I can get my family to take me seriously about one thing, see that I have my life together in a way that makes sense to them, maybe they’ll come around to the rest.”
Margot shook her head. “So you’re throwing in the towel? You’re going to be like Lydia now? Dating the sorts of people your parents want and shrinking yourself down to be palatable to people who don’t get you? Who don’t even try?”
No. God no. Elle wasn’t going to actually compromise who she was or how she lived her life. No, this was a blip on Elle’s radar, a pit stop, a means to an end. Elle wasn’t settling. She just wanted her parents to be proud of her for who she was. If she had to speak their language for a brief bit of time, what was the harm? “No way. This is fake. I just want them to understand I’m not the letdown they think I am. Maybe hearing how awesome I am from someone else, someone like Darcy who’s the sort of person who satisfies their whole nine-to-five I’m a serious adult vibe, will help.”
Margot stuck out her tongue, eyes rolling. “Boring, you mean?”
Elle shrugged. “Besides, it’s cuffing season and Lydia’s got a boyfriend. Jane’s got Gabe and Daniel has Mike and I’m just—Elle. I’m not exactly jazzed about spending another holiday alone as the black sheep of the family.”
“Just Elle is pretty great.” Margot smiled. “But I get it. I mean, I might not be in your shoes, but I understand where you’re coming from. I just want you to remember that you deserve someone you don’t have to fake it with.” Both her brows rose. “And I mean that in all ways.”
Elle cracked a smile. “Thanks.
”
”
Alexandria Bellefleur (Written in the Stars (Written in the Stars, #1))
“
The clothes, the facial hair, the poses—the whole vibe made it feel like a Doobie Brothers album cover.
”
”
Harlan Coben (Run Away)
“
CHEAT SHEET 1. Take a few breaths to get settled, and then check to see if there is any physical or emotional discomfort present. It may also be that you feel perfectly fine and normal. All possibilities are okay. 2. Connect to the simple and reasonable intention for yourself to be well, to not be hurting. May I be well, or It’s okay, or Feel better. Find a phrase that works for you and repeat it, continually reestablishing that simple intention. 3. To help with this, you can draw on images and feelings, although you don’t need to. It helps to smile. One image people use is themselves as a little kid. 4. Finish by sending some good vibes out to your friends and family and the whole alive planet. May you be well. Paying it forward.
”
”
Dan Harris (Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-To Book)
“
While I think Beckett Riley is gorgeous, he's not as hot as Landy. No, Landy has the whole dangerous sexy vibe going on with his longish dark hair and piercing blue eyes and tattoo sleeves... whatever. Not that it matters, right?
”
”
Aven Ellis (Trivial Pursuits (Chicago on Ice #2))