“Dad. I love that you aren’t afraid to carry around romance novels with almost-naked men on the cover and hand them out as “tips” to waitresses, hairdressers, and anyone else you come across. Thanks for being one of my biggest fans.”
―
Susan Stoker,
Protecting Fiona
“I’m thirty-four years old and prefer to sit at home with a good book than go out and party.” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Mickie
“Sammi,” Alex said, still holding on to her arm, firmly, but not hurting her. “Don’t do that.”“Do what?” Sam asked a bit peevishly. “Don’t lie and tell me what you think I want to hear rather than how you really feel.” After a beat where Sam didn’t say anything he continued. “If you want to tell me to piss off, tell me. If I do something that hurts your feelings, tell me.” His voice suddenly lowered and he took her hands in his. Sam had to lean into him to hear him over the noise of the barn. “For the love of God, you’re the only real person here. If I can’t rely on you to tell me like it is, who will?” He paused. “Now, please tell me what upset you.”“It’s just that…..” she paused, finally continuing when Alex squeezed her hand. “I don’t fit in with the other women here, and I don’t want you to see me as…less…then they are.”“I don’t see you as less.” Alex immediately said, not even pausing to think about what he wanted to say. “We don’t really know each other, but when I’m lying in my cot at night I find myself thinking about you and what you are thinking about.” He brushed his knuckle over her reddening cheek and continued, “I would never intentionally insult you like that. I just have to learn how I can tease you and not have you take offense.” ― Susan Stoker
“Pain nourishes courage. You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you,” ― Susan Stoker, Shelter for Sophie
“scars are tattoos with better stories.” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Erin
“Honor those who have fallen. Protect those who are weak. Serve those who need help. Always remember those less fortunate.” Corrie” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Corrie
“Just because you can’t see something or haven’t experienced something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or can’t happen.” ― Susan Stoker, Protecting Alabama's Kids
“I swear to Christ, I’ll reverse haunt your ass if you even think about dying on me. I’ll do séances and get out the Ouija board and call your spirit back to earth and harass you for the rest of eternity if you die. Got it?” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Bryn
“I can tell you think being a romantic is a bad thing, and while I freely admit to wanting to find a man to spend the rest of my life with, I do know the world isn’t always sunshine and roses. Most of the time it’s overcast skies and poison ivy. That’s why I read the books and watch the movies I do. If the only way I can experience romance is through my imagination and fairy-tale books and the weddings of English Royalty, I’m going to do it.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne
“What? I know you guys are talking with that nonverbal man-speak crap. I’m standing right here. It’s rude. I hate when people do that.” Corrie’s voice was a mixture of pissed off and sad at the same time. Quint” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Corrie
“keep your eyes closed. It’s bright” ― Susan Stoker, Protecting Summer
“If I was dating someone and they were having their picture taken for a sexy publication that I knew horny women of all ages were going to buy to drool over . . . I’d prefer his face to be hidden so he’d be anonymous. They could enjoy his body, but I’d want his face to be all mine.” Wes” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Laine
“Pen, you really shouldn’t use the same password for all your accounts. I’ve headed off three hackers in the last week who would’ve gotten into your PayPal, bank, and electric company accounts.” “What?” Penelope was obviously confused at the change in subject, but Cade merely relaxed back in his seat and kept his eyes on Beth as she fidgeted uncomfortably. “Using PenisGod isn’t a good username for things like Amazon and eBay. And you really need to delete your craigslist account because calling yourself a penis god is only attracting weirdos. You probably don’t even remember you had that old ad up when you were trying to sell your bicycle. Well, it’s one of the most clicked-on ads on the site for San Antonio. I’m not exaggerating either. You had four hundred and sixty-nine messages—and I’m not even going to comment on the sixty-nine thing. But three hundred and fourteen of those contained pictures of men’s dicks. Fifty-seven contained marriage proposals, most from overseas; twenty-seven were from women who were interested in a threesome with you, fifty-five were spam, people trying to get you to click on links or buy some crap product, and the remaining sixteen emails were religious in nature, telling you to repent for your soul.” “I should probably be pissed you got into my account, but I trust you, so I’m not. But it’s not penis god!” Penelope exclaimed huffily. “It’s Pen IS God.” Cade burst out laughing. “Seriously, sis? Penis god? Just wait until the guys hear this!” ― Susan Stoker, Shelter for Elizabeth
“Look, Mr. Cop. I’m going easy on you because I don’t think you’re trying to be discriminatory or a jerk about this. I’m normal. I’m as normal as you. I cook, I clean, I talk on the phone, I even use a computer. I can read, I can tell time, I can pay for my own stuff with real money, I dress myself every morning and manage to color coordinate my clothes with the help of Braille labels. I can play specialized board games and figure out what socks go with which, except if the dryer monster eats them like it always seems to somehow. I’m just like you, Quint. I eat the same, brush my teeth the same, make love the same, orgasm the same, cry, smile, and get pissed…just like you.” “Will” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Corrie
“What’s up with Mary and Truck?” Emily asked Fletch once everyone had left. He shrugged. “They like each other, but neither will admit it.” “They’re acting like grade-school kids.” “Yup.” Fletch was smiling. “But it’s amusing as hell. I can’t wait until they both let go of whatever it is that’s holding them back and go for it.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Emily
“everyone you meet is fighting an invisible battle you know nothing about, so you should always be kind.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Macie
“Guys like him…they aren’t the flowers-and-candy type. He probably won’t take you out to a romantic dinner. I don’t see him renting a plane and having it fly a banner declaring his love for you.” Rayne giggled and nodded in agreement. “But if you pay attention, you’ll see the signs that he cares. A hand against your back. Asking if you need anything. He’ll make sure you eat before him. He’ll walk on the outside of the sidewalk, making sure you’re away from traffic. The signs will be there, but they won’t ever be the big romantic gestures most women crave.” “He wraps my wrists and ankles every morning. He took my nasty snot-filled tissues yesterday without making a big deal out of it. He let me have as much cream cheese on my bagel this morning as I wanted, even though it meant I used most of it and he only had a little bit.” Penelope nodded. “Exactly. They’ll swear until they’re dead as a doornail that they aren’t romantic, when in reality, what we see in the movies and on TV as ‘romance’ is just smoke and mirrors. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather have their brand of romance than Hollywood’s.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne
“Today’s the day I made you mine, I didn’t get to the church on time. Take my hand in this hospital room, you’re my wife and I’m your groom. Come to me my dearest love, this is where we’ll start again.” ― Susan Stoker, Marrying Caroline
“Romance isn’t about the outer trappings society has pushed down our throats from the time we were little. It’s showing in all the little ways that you care about the person you’re with. That you’ll protect her if the shit hits the fan, that you’ll provide for her, that you’ll let her choose what she wants to do and where she wants to eat, even if it’s not what you would pick for yourself.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne
“I’m thirty-four years old and prefer to sit at home with a good book than go out and party.” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Mickie
“Sammi,” Alex said, still holding on to her arm, firmly, but not hurting her. “Don’t do that.”“Do what?” Sam asked a bit peevishly. “Don’t lie and tell me what you think I want to hear rather than how you really feel.” After a beat where Sam didn’t say anything he continued. “If you want to tell me to piss off, tell me. If I do something that hurts your feelings, tell me.” His voice suddenly lowered and he took her hands in his. Sam had to lean into him to hear him over the noise of the barn. “For the love of God, you’re the only real person here. If I can’t rely on you to tell me like it is, who will?” He paused. “Now, please tell me what upset you.”“It’s just that…..” she paused, finally continuing when Alex squeezed her hand. “I don’t fit in with the other women here, and I don’t want you to see me as…less…then they are.”“I don’t see you as less.” Alex immediately said, not even pausing to think about what he wanted to say. “We don’t really know each other, but when I’m lying in my cot at night I find myself thinking about you and what you are thinking about.” He brushed his knuckle over her reddening cheek and continued, “I would never intentionally insult you like that. I just have to learn how I can tease you and not have you take offense.” ― Susan Stoker
“Pain nourishes courage. You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you,” ― Susan Stoker, Shelter for Sophie
“scars are tattoos with better stories.” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Erin
“Honor those who have fallen. Protect those who are weak. Serve those who need help. Always remember those less fortunate.” Corrie” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Corrie
“Just because you can’t see something or haven’t experienced something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or can’t happen.” ― Susan Stoker, Protecting Alabama's Kids
“I swear to Christ, I’ll reverse haunt your ass if you even think about dying on me. I’ll do séances and get out the Ouija board and call your spirit back to earth and harass you for the rest of eternity if you die. Got it?” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Bryn
“I can tell you think being a romantic is a bad thing, and while I freely admit to wanting to find a man to spend the rest of my life with, I do know the world isn’t always sunshine and roses. Most of the time it’s overcast skies and poison ivy. That’s why I read the books and watch the movies I do. If the only way I can experience romance is through my imagination and fairy-tale books and the weddings of English Royalty, I’m going to do it.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne
“What? I know you guys are talking with that nonverbal man-speak crap. I’m standing right here. It’s rude. I hate when people do that.” Corrie’s voice was a mixture of pissed off and sad at the same time. Quint” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Corrie
“keep your eyes closed. It’s bright” ― Susan Stoker, Protecting Summer
“If I was dating someone and they were having their picture taken for a sexy publication that I knew horny women of all ages were going to buy to drool over . . . I’d prefer his face to be hidden so he’d be anonymous. They could enjoy his body, but I’d want his face to be all mine.” Wes” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Laine
“Pen, you really shouldn’t use the same password for all your accounts. I’ve headed off three hackers in the last week who would’ve gotten into your PayPal, bank, and electric company accounts.” “What?” Penelope was obviously confused at the change in subject, but Cade merely relaxed back in his seat and kept his eyes on Beth as she fidgeted uncomfortably. “Using PenisGod isn’t a good username for things like Amazon and eBay. And you really need to delete your craigslist account because calling yourself a penis god is only attracting weirdos. You probably don’t even remember you had that old ad up when you were trying to sell your bicycle. Well, it’s one of the most clicked-on ads on the site for San Antonio. I’m not exaggerating either. You had four hundred and sixty-nine messages—and I’m not even going to comment on the sixty-nine thing. But three hundred and fourteen of those contained pictures of men’s dicks. Fifty-seven contained marriage proposals, most from overseas; twenty-seven were from women who were interested in a threesome with you, fifty-five were spam, people trying to get you to click on links or buy some crap product, and the remaining sixteen emails were religious in nature, telling you to repent for your soul.” “I should probably be pissed you got into my account, but I trust you, so I’m not. But it’s not penis god!” Penelope exclaimed huffily. “It’s Pen IS God.” Cade burst out laughing. “Seriously, sis? Penis god? Just wait until the guys hear this!” ― Susan Stoker, Shelter for Elizabeth
“Look, Mr. Cop. I’m going easy on you because I don’t think you’re trying to be discriminatory or a jerk about this. I’m normal. I’m as normal as you. I cook, I clean, I talk on the phone, I even use a computer. I can read, I can tell time, I can pay for my own stuff with real money, I dress myself every morning and manage to color coordinate my clothes with the help of Braille labels. I can play specialized board games and figure out what socks go with which, except if the dryer monster eats them like it always seems to somehow. I’m just like you, Quint. I eat the same, brush my teeth the same, make love the same, orgasm the same, cry, smile, and get pissed…just like you.” “Will” ― Susan Stoker, Justice for Corrie
“What’s up with Mary and Truck?” Emily asked Fletch once everyone had left. He shrugged. “They like each other, but neither will admit it.” “They’re acting like grade-school kids.” “Yup.” Fletch was smiling. “But it’s amusing as hell. I can’t wait until they both let go of whatever it is that’s holding them back and go for it.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Emily
“everyone you meet is fighting an invisible battle you know nothing about, so you should always be kind.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Macie
“Guys like him…they aren’t the flowers-and-candy type. He probably won’t take you out to a romantic dinner. I don’t see him renting a plane and having it fly a banner declaring his love for you.” Rayne giggled and nodded in agreement. “But if you pay attention, you’ll see the signs that he cares. A hand against your back. Asking if you need anything. He’ll make sure you eat before him. He’ll walk on the outside of the sidewalk, making sure you’re away from traffic. The signs will be there, but they won’t ever be the big romantic gestures most women crave.” “He wraps my wrists and ankles every morning. He took my nasty snot-filled tissues yesterday without making a big deal out of it. He let me have as much cream cheese on my bagel this morning as I wanted, even though it meant I used most of it and he only had a little bit.” Penelope nodded. “Exactly. They’ll swear until they’re dead as a doornail that they aren’t romantic, when in reality, what we see in the movies and on TV as ‘romance’ is just smoke and mirrors. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather have their brand of romance than Hollywood’s.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne
“Today’s the day I made you mine, I didn’t get to the church on time. Take my hand in this hospital room, you’re my wife and I’m your groom. Come to me my dearest love, this is where we’ll start again.” ― Susan Stoker, Marrying Caroline
“Romance isn’t about the outer trappings society has pushed down our throats from the time we were little. It’s showing in all the little ways that you care about the person you’re with. That you’ll protect her if the shit hits the fan, that you’ll provide for her, that you’ll let her choose what she wants to do and where she wants to eat, even if it’s not what you would pick for yourself.” ― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne
