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Wicked Worthingtons #3
With This Ring
From bestselling author Celeste Bradley comes With This Ring, a delightful tale about the lengths one woman will go to marry—at all costs…
THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Elektra Worthington is the lovely middle daughter of the eccentric, impoverished Worthington family. Her beauty means nothing to her except as her currency to return the Worthington name to its former glory of status, riches, and dominance in the ballrooms of Regency England. To this end, she will stop at nothing—even if she must kidnap a rich lord in the process. If this lucky gentleman is just returning from a long absence and knows nothing of the Worthington reputation, well, a girl shouldn’t look a gift lord in the mouth…right?
THE PRICE OF PASSION
Lord Aaron Arbogast, returning to England after a decade-old scandal—of which he was not truly guilty, but instead took the blame out of loyalty to a good friend—is the last of his line. He will someday become the Earl of Arbodean and inherit the estate…if, that is, he can prove to his ailing grandfather that he is a reformed man. Falling for a woman like Miss Worthington could cost him everything. But his desire for her? Priceless…
THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Elektra Worthington is the lovely middle daughter of the eccentric, impoverished Worthington family. Her beauty means nothing to her except as her currency to return the Worthington name to its former glory of status, riches, and dominance in the ballrooms of Regency England. To this end, she will stop at nothing—even if she must kidnap a rich lord in the process. If this lucky gentleman is just returning from a long absence and knows nothing of the Worthington reputation, well, a girl shouldn’t look a gift lord in the mouth…right?
THE PRICE OF PASSION
Lord Aaron Arbogast, returning to England after a decade-old scandal—of which he was not truly guilty, but instead took the blame out of loyalty to a good friend—is the last of his line. He will someday become the Earl of Arbodean and inherit the estate…if, that is, he can prove to his ailing grandfather that he is a reformed man. Falling for a woman like Miss Worthington could cost him everything. But his desire for her? Priceless…
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
46 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Bradley
42 books1,813 followersVisit me at www.CelesteBradley.com or facebook.com/CelesteBradleyAuthor :)
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 7, 2016
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars.
With This Ring is the third in a series of books about the oddball collection of Worthington siblings. The focus here is nineteen year-old Elektra, who is determined to repair the family fortune by making a hugely advantageous marriage which will also serve to wipe some of the Worthingtons’ more outrageous and eccentric antics from the collective memory of society.
Lord Aaron Arbogast, heir to the elderly and cantankerous Earl of Arbodean, has recently returned to England following twelve years of self-imposed exile. A scandal involving the suicide of a young woman who was supposedly desperately in love with him prompted his departure, and he has spent the intervening time growing up and learning to be a responsible human being. His grandfather, the earl, is in poor health, so he summons Aaron has back to England. Aaron is determined to show that he is a changed man, having put behind him the hedonistic twenty-two year old whose name became a byword for scandal and shame. He hopes that his grandfather will approve his reformed way of life and settle the Arbodean fortune on him. He will inherit the title in due course, as he’s the heir, but the fortune does not go with it and is at the earl’s disposal. If Aaron is to be able to run the family estates successfully, he will need money in order to do so, otherwise he’ll be left with an empty title to watch his estates fall into disrepair.
Elektra Worthington is spirited, clever, and driven. She’s also incredibly beautiful and is set on using the thing she sees as her only asset in order to snag herself a rich husband so that she can use his money to restore her family home to its former glory. Her siblings are all somewhat self-absorbed or eccentric – or both – and her brothers, in particular, see her as being rather selfish and obsessed with fashion. They fail to see that for Elektra, clothes are a weapon and that dressing well in order to enhance her appeal is the best way she can think of to advance her plans for a grand marriage. She is utterly devoted to her family, believes she is the only member of it in a position to help repair their finances, and is prepared to sell herself to the highest bidder in order to make their lives easier.
At the top of her list of eligible bachelors is Lord Aaron Arbogast, and when fortune throws him in her way, she doesn’t hesitate and enlists her brother Lysander’s help in kidnapping that gentleman with a view to forcing him to marry her.
Unfortunately, however, her plan goes awry, and she is dismayed to discover that she’s not kidnapped Lord Aaron, but his manservant, Henry Hastings. Her dismay is increased because of the attraction she feels towards the man – who is very handsome, and, in spite of the situation, turns out to be kind and concerned for her welfare. And when he shows himself to have rather a keen understanding of her and her predicament…it just adds insult to injury to have found someone so perceptive that she can never have.
Of course, the reader is in on the secret that she really has kidnapped Aaron – and that he decides to keep his identity hidden because the last thing he needs when he’s trying to show his grandfather that he’s changed is to have become embroiled in some ridiculous escapade perpetrated by a madwoman. A very beautiful madwoman, it’s true, but a madwoman nonetheless.
Aaron/Hastings escorts Elektra (and her cousin Bliss, whom they’ve picked up along the way!) to London and is taken in by the bonkers Worthingtons, forging a bond with Elektra’s odd thirteen-year-old sister in the process, and discovering more in common with Elektra than he could have imagined.
The story that follows is well put-together (for the most part) with flashes of humour, tenderness and insight. Each of the Worthington siblings is very clearly delineated, as are their hippy-like parents, with Elektra’s brother Lysander being the most intriguing of the lot. Severely traumatised by his wartime experiences, Zander is very withdrawn and doesn’t say much, and certainly has a lot of potential as serial-bait. Also potentially very interesting is the understated relationship that I imagine has featured in the other two books in the series, between Elektra’s friend, the artistic modiste, Button, and his young protégé, Cabot. There’s a world of the unspoken and unacknowledged between them, and there were times I was more interested in the brief glimpses I got of their story than I was in the central romance. In fact, the way the pair are left in the pages of this book brought a lump to my throat!
My main quibbles with the story comes toward the end, when Elektra, with little evidence or effort, works out that Aaron is completely undeserving of the reputation that has attached itself to him. And then emerges his determination to leave her alone, because she needs to marry a man whose good name will help her family. That whole “we cannot be together for I am no good for you” storyline rarely works very well, and not only does it not work here, it and Elektra’s realisations about the truth of Aaron’s situation all take place within the last chapter or two of the book and feel very rushed as a consequence.
On the whole, With This Ring turned out to be rather more enjoyable than I’d expected given the stereotypical, naff cover and the fact that it starts with the heroine kidnapping the hero (insert eyeroll here). It’s well-written, although too modern in tone; it’s often quite funny, and the two central characters are attractive and easy to like, even though they ultimately proved as stereotypical as the book’s cover. If you’re in the mood for some light-hearted romantic fluff featuring a gutsy heroine, a misunderstood hero and a supporting cast of eccentrics, this might appeal. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but this one works perfectly well as a standalone.
With This Ring is the third in a series of books about the oddball collection of Worthington siblings. The focus here is nineteen year-old Elektra, who is determined to repair the family fortune by making a hugely advantageous marriage which will also serve to wipe some of the Worthingtons’ more outrageous and eccentric antics from the collective memory of society.
Lord Aaron Arbogast, heir to the elderly and cantankerous Earl of Arbodean, has recently returned to England following twelve years of self-imposed exile. A scandal involving the suicide of a young woman who was supposedly desperately in love with him prompted his departure, and he has spent the intervening time growing up and learning to be a responsible human being. His grandfather, the earl, is in poor health, so he summons Aaron has back to England. Aaron is determined to show that he is a changed man, having put behind him the hedonistic twenty-two year old whose name became a byword for scandal and shame. He hopes that his grandfather will approve his reformed way of life and settle the Arbodean fortune on him. He will inherit the title in due course, as he’s the heir, but the fortune does not go with it and is at the earl’s disposal. If Aaron is to be able to run the family estates successfully, he will need money in order to do so, otherwise he’ll be left with an empty title to watch his estates fall into disrepair.
Elektra Worthington is spirited, clever, and driven. She’s also incredibly beautiful and is set on using the thing she sees as her only asset in order to snag herself a rich husband so that she can use his money to restore her family home to its former glory. Her siblings are all somewhat self-absorbed or eccentric – or both – and her brothers, in particular, see her as being rather selfish and obsessed with fashion. They fail to see that for Elektra, clothes are a weapon and that dressing well in order to enhance her appeal is the best way she can think of to advance her plans for a grand marriage. She is utterly devoted to her family, believes she is the only member of it in a position to help repair their finances, and is prepared to sell herself to the highest bidder in order to make their lives easier.
At the top of her list of eligible bachelors is Lord Aaron Arbogast, and when fortune throws him in her way, she doesn’t hesitate and enlists her brother Lysander’s help in kidnapping that gentleman with a view to forcing him to marry her.
Unfortunately, however, her plan goes awry, and she is dismayed to discover that she’s not kidnapped Lord Aaron, but his manservant, Henry Hastings. Her dismay is increased because of the attraction she feels towards the man – who is very handsome, and, in spite of the situation, turns out to be kind and concerned for her welfare. And when he shows himself to have rather a keen understanding of her and her predicament…it just adds insult to injury to have found someone so perceptive that she can never have.
Of course, the reader is in on the secret that she really has kidnapped Aaron – and that he decides to keep his identity hidden because the last thing he needs when he’s trying to show his grandfather that he’s changed is to have become embroiled in some ridiculous escapade perpetrated by a madwoman. A very beautiful madwoman, it’s true, but a madwoman nonetheless.
Aaron/Hastings escorts Elektra (and her cousin Bliss, whom they’ve picked up along the way!) to London and is taken in by the bonkers Worthingtons, forging a bond with Elektra’s odd thirteen-year-old sister in the process, and discovering more in common with Elektra than he could have imagined.
The story that follows is well put-together (for the most part) with flashes of humour, tenderness and insight. Each of the Worthington siblings is very clearly delineated, as are their hippy-like parents, with Elektra’s brother Lysander being the most intriguing of the lot. Severely traumatised by his wartime experiences, Zander is very withdrawn and doesn’t say much, and certainly has a lot of potential as serial-bait. Also potentially very interesting is the understated relationship that I imagine has featured in the other two books in the series, between Elektra’s friend, the artistic modiste, Button, and his young protégé, Cabot. There’s a world of the unspoken and unacknowledged between them, and there were times I was more interested in the brief glimpses I got of their story than I was in the central romance. In fact, the way the pair are left in the pages of this book brought a lump to my throat!
My main quibbles with the story comes toward the end, when Elektra, with little evidence or effort, works out that Aaron is completely undeserving of the reputation that has attached itself to him. And then emerges his determination to leave her alone, because she needs to marry a man whose good name will help her family. That whole “we cannot be together for I am no good for you” storyline rarely works very well, and not only does it not work here, it and Elektra’s realisations about the truth of Aaron’s situation all take place within the last chapter or two of the book and feel very rushed as a consequence.
On the whole, With This Ring turned out to be rather more enjoyable than I’d expected given the stereotypical, naff cover and the fact that it starts with the heroine kidnapping the hero (insert eyeroll here). It’s well-written, although too modern in tone; it’s often quite funny, and the two central characters are attractive and easy to like, even though they ultimately proved as stereotypical as the book’s cover. If you’re in the mood for some light-hearted romantic fluff featuring a gutsy heroine, a misunderstood hero and a supporting cast of eccentrics, this might appeal. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but this one works perfectly well as a standalone.
July 11, 2014
This is book 3 in the Worthington series.
Elektra Worthington is determined to marry into money to save her family and their home. At the top of her list is Lord Aaron Arbogast. He has just returned to England after being gone for 10 years (he won't know all her family's angst) and he is loaded. How convenient that he just happens to stop at an inn where Elektra is waiting for her cousin. What else is there to do but kidnap him to do her bidding.
Aaron Arbogast can't believe that he has been kidnapped! Since he is already in his valet's clothes, with his valet conveniently playing him at the inn, what else is there to do but notify Elektra that she has kidnapped the wrong man? But being the man that he is, he can not allow Elektra and her cousin to travel back to London on their own. Aaron must continue to play the part of his valet for a little bit longer.
What is a girl to do when she finds herself falling for an improper man? Does she follow her heart or marry to save the family fortunes?
As wacky as they are, I've really fallen in love with the Worthington family. Elektra is probably the least wacky of the bunch (other than her kidnapping a future Earl) and feels responsible for the family. She needs to marry well to be able to restore the family home. Aaron, being the outsider of the bunch, sees how much she is sacrificing her life to make her family's life better.
Aaron left England because he had disgraced his family (he took the blame for someone else) and is back to prove that he is a changed man. Even knowing that he needs to see his grandfather to secure his inheritance, Aaron still decides to escort the girls back to London.
Aaron and Elektra are perfect for each other. They will sacrifice their lives for those that they love.
I can't wait to read more stories about the Worthingtons!
Thanks go to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Elektra Worthington is determined to marry into money to save her family and their home. At the top of her list is Lord Aaron Arbogast. He has just returned to England after being gone for 10 years (he won't know all her family's angst) and he is loaded. How convenient that he just happens to stop at an inn where Elektra is waiting for her cousin. What else is there to do but kidnap him to do her bidding.
Aaron Arbogast can't believe that he has been kidnapped! Since he is already in his valet's clothes, with his valet conveniently playing him at the inn, what else is there to do but notify Elektra that she has kidnapped the wrong man? But being the man that he is, he can not allow Elektra and her cousin to travel back to London on their own. Aaron must continue to play the part of his valet for a little bit longer.
What is a girl to do when she finds herself falling for an improper man? Does she follow her heart or marry to save the family fortunes?
As wacky as they are, I've really fallen in love with the Worthington family. Elektra is probably the least wacky of the bunch (other than her kidnapping a future Earl) and feels responsible for the family. She needs to marry well to be able to restore the family home. Aaron, being the outsider of the bunch, sees how much she is sacrificing her life to make her family's life better.
Aaron left England because he had disgraced his family (he took the blame for someone else) and is back to prove that he is a changed man. Even knowing that he needs to see his grandfather to secure his inheritance, Aaron still decides to escort the girls back to London.
Aaron and Elektra are perfect for each other. They will sacrifice their lives for those that they love.
I can't wait to read more stories about the Worthingtons!
Thanks go to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
January 24, 2016
In order to restore her family's reputation and fortune, Elektra Worthington sets off to marry herself off. Lord Aaron Arbogast has returned to England after a decade of exile and hopes to mend fences with his grandfather from whom he is to inherit. Elektra kidnaps Aaron but he pretends to be his valet but sparks still fly.
I adore the broken, chaotic, endearing Worthingtons. They are a delight to read about and I liked that there was lots of the family in the book. I also enjoyed the inner dialogue of the hero and heroine in their struggle to resist each other. It was also great to see more of Button, the famous dressmaker and his assistant Cabot. This is a lovely read and I am looking forward to more Worthington hijinks in future books.
I adore the broken, chaotic, endearing Worthingtons. They are a delight to read about and I liked that there was lots of the family in the book. I also enjoyed the inner dialogue of the hero and heroine in their struggle to resist each other. It was also great to see more of Button, the famous dressmaker and his assistant Cabot. This is a lovely read and I am looking forward to more Worthington hijinks in future books.
April 18, 2022
I liked it but it has been my least favourite so far.
This one follows the story of Elektra (Ellie) and Aaron.
Elektra has decided to marry for money to restore the Worthington name and because she feels guilty over her role in her family situation. Not my favourite trope.
However, the reason I didn't enjoy it as much was the convoluted pace and messy story line. Was difficult to remain focused on the book.
Especially when there are several small inconsistencies to the storyline that should not reach the final product. Such as the mistake of having Pollux mentioned as being in "next room", mentioning "Duchess of Arbodean", when the correct role would be Countess.
Usually I am not bothered by these details, but the fact that you notice, takes away from a good story. Especially considering this is a series about a family and those details matter.
I was also not particularly fond of either MC.
All in all I liked it, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
Ironically the brothers I am most interested in (Pollux, Dade and Attie) seem not to have books, which was also disappointing to find out.
This one follows the story of Elektra (Ellie) and Aaron.
Elektra has decided to marry for money to restore the Worthington name and because she feels guilty over her role in her family situation. Not my favourite trope.
However, the reason I didn't enjoy it as much was the convoluted pace and messy story line. Was difficult to remain focused on the book.
Especially when there are several small inconsistencies to the storyline that should not reach the final product. Such as the mistake of having Pollux mentioned as being in "next room", mentioning "Duchess of Arbodean", when the correct role would be Countess.
Usually I am not bothered by these details, but the fact that you notice, takes away from a good story. Especially considering this is a series about a family and those details matter.
I was also not particularly fond of either MC.
All in all I liked it, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
Ironically the brothers I am most interested in (Pollux, Dade and Attie) seem not to have books, which was also disappointing to find out.
July 3, 2014
With This Ring is the most recent release in this series by Celeste Bradley. I was able to receive a ARC in return of a honest review. I had really high hopes for this one, since every other book I have read from this author I have really enjoyed. However, I am sad to say that I couldn't get into this one at all. I had a really difficult time keeping focused on the story, and I felt like the story line was balanced in some ways. However it felt a bit off and I after getting half way and getting to the point where I was almost skimming it, forcing myself to keep reading, I just knew I needed to put it down. I had a hard time choosing to do so, especially with it being a ARC, and when I have enjoyed this author, and in the past I have come to admire her compelling talent for her style of storytelling. In the past she has made regency romances come alive for me, and maybe I had too high of hopes, I am not sure. The basic of the story is pretty solid, and the characters seemed somewhat strongly situated into the story, but I never felt a connection and I felt like a bouncing ball as I was reading. I had the feeling of being disoriented, and I think the flow could have been a bit more smoother. I hope one day I can come back to this one and maybe I will enjoy it more. Even though I didn't enjoy this one, I do plan on reading more from this author.
August 7, 2015
Good story about two people who want to do what is best for their families. Elektra feels that it is up to her to marry well and help restore her family's fortunes. She has one man in mind, but when she discovers a recently returned to England lord staying at the same inn she is, one who knows nothing about the reputation of her family, she comes up with the idea to kidnap him. But things don't go quite the way she planned.
Aaron has come home after ten years away, ready to make peace with his grandfather. All he has to do is show his grandfather that he's no longer the irresponsible man he used to be. Unfortunately for his plans, his encounter with Elektra has him tempted back to the wild side.
Aaron can't believe he's been kidnapped and is convinced the young woman is quite mad. He convinces her that he's actually his valet, gaining his release. In spite of his reputation, he really is a gentleman, and can't leave Elektra and her cousin to make their way to London alone, so still posing as a servant, he escorts them on their journey. Being a Worthington, nothing Elektra does could be uneventful, and their trip has its challenges.
I liked Aaron. Since being banished ten years earlier, he has put aside his wild ways. He's determined to show his grandfather that he has changed and is capable of taking his rightful place. I liked the way that he took care of his valet when he was taken ill, and enjoyed the conversations between them. I also liked the way that he took care of Elektra the night of the kidnapping. I liked how his protectiveness extended to making sure she and her cousin Bliss made it home safely. What he doesn't expect is to be so attracted to her, and that has him very worried, because getting involved with her could ruin everything. On the journey to London, and after their arrival, he begins to realize that she isn't actually mad, she just has a unique way of carrying out her plans. He sees that she is sacrificing so much for her family, and they are blind to it. There's a great scene where he tries to explain things to her brothers, but they are still oblivious. When Aaron realizes that she has found her way into his heart, he knows he should leave her alone, because his scandalous past isn't going to help her cause. The revelation of who he really is creates more drama, and he has to decide if loving Elektra is worth the problems it may cause.
Elektra was quite a character. She had great plans for how she wanted to help her family, but her Worthington impulsiveness had her abandoning those plans to kidnap Aaron. When that didn't turn out the way she wanted, she went back to the original idea, but first she had to get back to London. It was fun to see her work her magic on Aaron to get him to accompany them. There was something about him that made her feel safe. The more time she spends with him, the less she wants to follow through on her original plans. When she realizes that she loves him, she faces the fact that marrying a servant isn't going to help her family, but that they would support her. When the truth of who he is comes out, she feels betrayed, and considers accepting another's proposal.
I loved the final scenes, as Aaron makes his decision on what he wants for his future. What he did then was so "Worthington" that it was obvious he would fit right in. I also liked how the truth of the scandal came out. It was great to see how he tried to keep his word about maintaining the secret, but Elektra's ability to understand the male brain (as she reminds him "I have five brothers") has her figuring out the truth. The icing on the cake was facing his grandfather together and how that worked out.
The secondary characters were also wonderful. I liked the scenes with Elektra's brother Lysander. He is such a complicated man, dealing with the after effects of the war. I ache for him and his unhappiness. It is going to take a special woman to help him through the darkness and I'm really looking forward to his story. The youngest Worthington, Atalanta (Attie) is still the strangest one of the family. She is very intelligent, but doesn't seem to have a moral compass. She doesn't like the idea of her siblings marrying and moving away and has come up with some harebrained ways to stop it from happening. It is going to be very interesting when it comes time for her story. There is also the ever wonderful Mr. Button and his assistant Cabot, and the wonderful gowns they create for the ladies. Their own story is sweet and heartbreaking as they want the same thing, but fears keep them apart. I hope there will be more of them in future books, and that things will eventually work out.
Aaron has come home after ten years away, ready to make peace with his grandfather. All he has to do is show his grandfather that he's no longer the irresponsible man he used to be. Unfortunately for his plans, his encounter with Elektra has him tempted back to the wild side.
Aaron can't believe he's been kidnapped and is convinced the young woman is quite mad. He convinces her that he's actually his valet, gaining his release. In spite of his reputation, he really is a gentleman, and can't leave Elektra and her cousin to make their way to London alone, so still posing as a servant, he escorts them on their journey. Being a Worthington, nothing Elektra does could be uneventful, and their trip has its challenges.
I liked Aaron. Since being banished ten years earlier, he has put aside his wild ways. He's determined to show his grandfather that he has changed and is capable of taking his rightful place. I liked the way that he took care of his valet when he was taken ill, and enjoyed the conversations between them. I also liked the way that he took care of Elektra the night of the kidnapping. I liked how his protectiveness extended to making sure she and her cousin Bliss made it home safely. What he doesn't expect is to be so attracted to her, and that has him very worried, because getting involved with her could ruin everything. On the journey to London, and after their arrival, he begins to realize that she isn't actually mad, she just has a unique way of carrying out her plans. He sees that she is sacrificing so much for her family, and they are blind to it. There's a great scene where he tries to explain things to her brothers, but they are still oblivious. When Aaron realizes that she has found her way into his heart, he knows he should leave her alone, because his scandalous past isn't going to help her cause. The revelation of who he really is creates more drama, and he has to decide if loving Elektra is worth the problems it may cause.
Elektra was quite a character. She had great plans for how she wanted to help her family, but her Worthington impulsiveness had her abandoning those plans to kidnap Aaron. When that didn't turn out the way she wanted, she went back to the original idea, but first she had to get back to London. It was fun to see her work her magic on Aaron to get him to accompany them. There was something about him that made her feel safe. The more time she spends with him, the less she wants to follow through on her original plans. When she realizes that she loves him, she faces the fact that marrying a servant isn't going to help her family, but that they would support her. When the truth of who he is comes out, she feels betrayed, and considers accepting another's proposal.
I loved the final scenes, as Aaron makes his decision on what he wants for his future. What he did then was so "Worthington" that it was obvious he would fit right in. I also liked how the truth of the scandal came out. It was great to see how he tried to keep his word about maintaining the secret, but Elektra's ability to understand the male brain (as she reminds him "I have five brothers") has her figuring out the truth. The icing on the cake was facing his grandfather together and how that worked out.
The secondary characters were also wonderful. I liked the scenes with Elektra's brother Lysander. He is such a complicated man, dealing with the after effects of the war. I ache for him and his unhappiness. It is going to take a special woman to help him through the darkness and I'm really looking forward to his story. The youngest Worthington, Atalanta (Attie) is still the strangest one of the family. She is very intelligent, but doesn't seem to have a moral compass. She doesn't like the idea of her siblings marrying and moving away and has come up with some harebrained ways to stop it from happening. It is going to be very interesting when it comes time for her story. There is also the ever wonderful Mr. Button and his assistant Cabot, and the wonderful gowns they create for the ladies. Their own story is sweet and heartbreaking as they want the same thing, but fears keep them apart. I hope there will be more of them in future books, and that things will eventually work out.
August 7, 2025
If I had a nickel for every time I accidentally confused two romance novels with the same name and only realized after I’d finished the (wrong) book, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice.
July 19, 2014
...absolutely delightful!
I just loved 'With This Ring'! Elektra Worthington is magnificent and unpredictable, a born rescuer and convinced that her role in life is to save her family and restore them to the grandeur they once knew.
How? By marrying for position and money. And she has her sights set on the very person.
No love for her! That's for her weird parents who seem to slope of for delightful bedroom type antics wherever and whenever they can, be it the family carriage or a convenient folly.
The thing is the whole group of those Worthingtons are just so intelligent, though Elektra seems to be the only one in touch with the reality of their situation.
I enjoyed the youngest and most fiercely intelligent of the siblings, Atalanta. Her interactions with Arbogast aka 'Hastings' are both amusing and endearing. I look forward to hearing more about her.
Lord Aaron Arbogast, soon to be the Earl of Arbodean, has according to the news sheets, returned to London from the Bahamas, a wealthy man--looking for an English countess.
Scandal surrounds Arbogast's enforced exile, and a deeper mystery.
This news has set the cat amongst the pigeons in many households.
What develops from here is mayhem and deception leavened with a healthy dose of attraction and amusing happenings.
The situations Elektra either designs or falls into just keep getting better, and more hilarious, with an underlying touch of sadness. The sparks ignite between Arbogast and Elektra but will she follow her heart or her head?
An amusing read with a beguilingly twisted plot.
A NetGalley ARC
I just loved 'With This Ring'! Elektra Worthington is magnificent and unpredictable, a born rescuer and convinced that her role in life is to save her family and restore them to the grandeur they once knew.
How? By marrying for position and money. And she has her sights set on the very person.
No love for her! That's for her weird parents who seem to slope of for delightful bedroom type antics wherever and whenever they can, be it the family carriage or a convenient folly.
The thing is the whole group of those Worthingtons are just so intelligent, though Elektra seems to be the only one in touch with the reality of their situation.
I enjoyed the youngest and most fiercely intelligent of the siblings, Atalanta. Her interactions with Arbogast aka 'Hastings' are both amusing and endearing. I look forward to hearing more about her.
Lord Aaron Arbogast, soon to be the Earl of Arbodean, has according to the news sheets, returned to London from the Bahamas, a wealthy man--looking for an English countess.
Scandal surrounds Arbogast's enforced exile, and a deeper mystery.
This news has set the cat amongst the pigeons in many households.
What develops from here is mayhem and deception leavened with a healthy dose of attraction and amusing happenings.
The situations Elektra either designs or falls into just keep getting better, and more hilarious, with an underlying touch of sadness. The sparks ignite between Arbogast and Elektra but will she follow her heart or her head?
An amusing read with a beguilingly twisted plot.
A NetGalley ARC
September 6, 2014
Very cute, very forgettable.
December 22, 2014
A sweet and quirky Regency read with a rather unforgettable family. Elektra was fun, if a little misguided, and Aaron was an absolute charmer.
Recommended.
3.5 stars
Recommended.
3.5 stars
Read
July 20, 2014Review to Come!
March 26, 2016
Quick and fun, with characters I totally enjoyed getting to know
May 6, 2017
My favorite one of this series so far.
Elektra Worthington is the most beautiful of the Worthingtons, and probably the most ruthless too. In the eyes of her siblings, she's vain and a bit silly, she has a plan to restore her family's good name and fortune by marrying a rich, titled man, but to do that she needs to be beautiful, well dressed, and in possession of excellent social graces. Lord Aaron Arbogast looks like the answer to her prayers: he's the heir to an earl, supposedly rich, and after ten years abroad, one of the few men who might not know about the scandalous Worthingtons.
Aaron is an heir to an earl and doesn't know about the Worthingtons, but he's not rich. Ten years ago, his grandfather exiled him after a woman committed suicide after he ruined her. Of course, that isn't quite what happened, but that's what society believes. Now he's back because his grandfather is dying and wants to make sure he inherits his fortune. He's guaranteed the title and estate, but without the money, he won't be able to maintain the estate, and unless he regains his grandfather's favor, he won't get any of the money.
The two cross paths at an inn, and Ellie decides to take advantage of fate and kidnaps him. When Aaron wakes up and realizes what has happened, he lies and claims that he's actually Henry Hastings, Aaron's manservant. Upset that she kidnapped the wrong man, they make a deal to pretend that nothing has happened and go their separate ways. Of course, fate intervenes and they're forced to stay together.
Ellie is my favorite heroine so far. She's ruthless and ambition; she knows what tools are available to her and is willing to go to any lengths to achieve what she wants. I love a heroine like her, and I love that Aaron is the only one who sees through her facade. To her family, Ellie is vain because she's vain when in reality she's spent a decade preparing for her season in order to see their fortunes restored. I adored the scene where Aaron confronted Dade over their treatment and perception of her. He's the first person to have truly seen her and helps to teach her that it is ok to reach for what she wants not just what her family needs.
Aaron is a sweet hero. Despite knowing Ellie only a short period of time, he understands her, but he understands what it's like to have no one know you. He took the blame for a horrible tragedy and has been living with the consequences of it ever since. All he wants is to restore his name, especially in the eyes of his grandfather, and prove that he is a good and worthy man. With Ellie, he learns that no matter what your reputation is, someone who loves that will look past it to know the real you.
I did have some problems with the story. The biggest one for me was Bliss. I can buy that Ellie forgot some of what happened because she was young and probably blocked out the fire due to trauma, but to entirely forget her best friend? Seems unlikely. It was also implied that no one else knew Bliss which is strange, and also where has she been for the past thirteen years? The fire happens and then they cut off all contact with her until now? I don't know if I buy that, especially since she was an orphan and it seemed like she was living with her cousins before, but maybe that will be explained in her book. I also feel like the real Hastings's story could have been better spread throughout the book because there was a huge chunk with no mention of him at all, and I would have liked a slightly better resolution to his story. I would have liked more time spent with the earl as well. I've also noticed that Bradley uses a lot of 'er's and exclamation points in her prose, and I wish they would be cut.
This is my favorite Worthington story thus far, and each installment has been stronger than the last. Ellie is my favorite heroine, and Aaron is the perfect man for her.
Elektra Worthington is the most beautiful of the Worthingtons, and probably the most ruthless too. In the eyes of her siblings, she's vain and a bit silly, she has a plan to restore her family's good name and fortune by marrying a rich, titled man, but to do that she needs to be beautiful, well dressed, and in possession of excellent social graces. Lord Aaron Arbogast looks like the answer to her prayers: he's the heir to an earl, supposedly rich, and after ten years abroad, one of the few men who might not know about the scandalous Worthingtons.
Aaron is an heir to an earl and doesn't know about the Worthingtons, but he's not rich. Ten years ago, his grandfather exiled him after a woman committed suicide after he ruined her. Of course, that isn't quite what happened, but that's what society believes. Now he's back because his grandfather is dying and wants to make sure he inherits his fortune. He's guaranteed the title and estate, but without the money, he won't be able to maintain the estate, and unless he regains his grandfather's favor, he won't get any of the money.
The two cross paths at an inn, and Ellie decides to take advantage of fate and kidnaps him. When Aaron wakes up and realizes what has happened, he lies and claims that he's actually Henry Hastings, Aaron's manservant. Upset that she kidnapped the wrong man, they make a deal to pretend that nothing has happened and go their separate ways. Of course, fate intervenes and they're forced to stay together.
Ellie is my favorite heroine so far. She's ruthless and ambition; she knows what tools are available to her and is willing to go to any lengths to achieve what she wants. I love a heroine like her, and I love that Aaron is the only one who sees through her facade. To her family, Ellie is vain because she's vain when in reality she's spent a decade preparing for her season in order to see their fortunes restored. I adored the scene where Aaron confronted Dade over their treatment and perception of her. He's the first person to have truly seen her and helps to teach her that it is ok to reach for what she wants not just what her family needs.
Aaron is a sweet hero. Despite knowing Ellie only a short period of time, he understands her, but he understands what it's like to have no one know you. He took the blame for a horrible tragedy and has been living with the consequences of it ever since. All he wants is to restore his name, especially in the eyes of his grandfather, and prove that he is a good and worthy man. With Ellie, he learns that no matter what your reputation is, someone who loves that will look past it to know the real you.
I did have some problems with the story. The biggest one for me was Bliss. I can buy that Ellie forgot some of what happened because she was young and probably blocked out the fire due to trauma, but to entirely forget her best friend? Seems unlikely. It was also implied that no one else knew Bliss which is strange, and also where has she been for the past thirteen years? The fire happens and then they cut off all contact with her until now? I don't know if I buy that, especially since she was an orphan and it seemed like she was living with her cousins before, but maybe that will be explained in her book. I also feel like the real Hastings's story could have been better spread throughout the book because there was a huge chunk with no mention of him at all, and I would have liked a slightly better resolution to his story. I would have liked more time spent with the earl as well. I've also noticed that Bradley uses a lot of 'er's and exclamation points in her prose, and I wish they would be cut.
This is my favorite Worthington story thus far, and each installment has been stronger than the last. Ellie is my favorite heroine, and Aaron is the perfect man for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2022
It's been a really long time since I've read any books in this series. Time just got away from me and I forgot about it. So I don't remember the family or the drama and this was almost like reading it standalone.
I thought it was fine. It's intentionally outlandish from beginning to end and I was ok with that. Elektra is looking for a man to marry--someone titled and wealthy who can restore her family's reputation. Lord Aaron Arbogast fits the bill, so when he crosses paths with her, she kidnaps him. Because that's the normal reaction. Chaos ensues.
I liked Elektra and Aaron. As characters, they're interesting. Aaron has a dark secret in his past that we don't fully learn until much much later in the book. Elektra is determined to restore the old family mansion that burned down when she was a child. She truly believes that bringing back the mansion will fix her family in the eyes of the aristocracy, despite the fact that her family is eccentric to say the least.
I knew the family and the story were going to be...outlandish really is the best word. I knew that. But at times, it was just a bit much. It started to feel like Wonderland at a certain point, with everyone interested in their own thing and none of them follow social mores of the time. It's a certain level of madness and sometimes it was more exhausting than entertaining.
In general, I think the story is fine. There's just nothing about it that makes it stand out above and beyond other romances like it that I've read.
I thought it was fine. It's intentionally outlandish from beginning to end and I was ok with that. Elektra is looking for a man to marry--someone titled and wealthy who can restore her family's reputation. Lord Aaron Arbogast fits the bill, so when he crosses paths with her, she kidnaps him. Because that's the normal reaction. Chaos ensues.
I liked Elektra and Aaron. As characters, they're interesting. Aaron has a dark secret in his past that we don't fully learn until much much later in the book. Elektra is determined to restore the old family mansion that burned down when she was a child. She truly believes that bringing back the mansion will fix her family in the eyes of the aristocracy, despite the fact that her family is eccentric to say the least.
I knew the family and the story were going to be...outlandish really is the best word. I knew that. But at times, it was just a bit much. It started to feel like Wonderland at a certain point, with everyone interested in their own thing and none of them follow social mores of the time. It's a certain level of madness and sometimes it was more exhausting than entertaining.
In general, I think the story is fine. There's just nothing about it that makes it stand out above and beyond other romances like it that I've read.
September 12, 2019
Elektra Worthington is a very special character. She's the oldest Worthington daughter still living at home and believes it is up to her to save her family by finding a husband with money and a title. The Worthingtons are labelled as MAD. From the eccentric Shakespear spouting parents Archie and Iris to their crazy offspring; Calliope (married), Daedalus (Dade, the oldest), Orion (the genius), Elektra (the beauty), Lysander (Zander, former soldier suffering PTSD), Pollux and Castor (the twins who are inventors) and Atalanta (the youngest, probably a bit crazy, and a genius). The Worthingtons are gentry but poor. Elektra believes she can save her family by marrying a wealthy, titled gentleman. So she kidnaps an Earl who convinces her he's actually a hired man who works for the Earl. They encounter many adventures and many laugh out loud moments, as well as some tender, steamy, and even sad moments. We see more of Buttons and Cabot, who have their own tragic unrequited love story trying to bloom in the background. Dade is his usual ignorant and arrogant self. Zander is featured more in this book and a new character is introduced in the series - Bliss Worthington, a cousin who is apparently the same age as Elektra. Secrets are exposed and of course there's a HEA type ending. I really enjoyed this one.
March 8, 2018
"With This Ring by Celeste Bradley 2014
(Wicked Worthington's Series)
The Worthington's stories are all fun to read and Elektra, the middle daughter's story is no exception. Electra got it in her head that it was up to her to save the Worthington name and Worthington manor. How? By Marrying a very, very rich Duke or Earl. One whose reputation is without scandal.
She was asked by her parents to go and meet up with a second cousin, Beth, who they felt needed to share Elektra's season. Elektra had saved and saved for this season and did not want to share it with this unknown cousin but went to meet her at a designated Inn as her parent's request (guilt trip)
But what did she find at the Inn but a Lord, and Earl! The next day she saw his coach leave and decided she would save herself the trouble of a season by kidnapping him, getting herself compromised by him and marrying him. How hard would that be?
But the man she kidnapped told her she had made a very big mistake....he informed her he was not Lord Aaron Arbogast, heir to an earldom but the lowly Mr. Henry Hastings.
What she doesn't know is that he really is Lord Aaron Arbogst. Thus the fun begins. Happy Reading!
(Wicked Worthington's Series)
The Worthington's stories are all fun to read and Elektra, the middle daughter's story is no exception. Electra got it in her head that it was up to her to save the Worthington name and Worthington manor. How? By Marrying a very, very rich Duke or Earl. One whose reputation is without scandal.
She was asked by her parents to go and meet up with a second cousin, Beth, who they felt needed to share Elektra's season. Elektra had saved and saved for this season and did not want to share it with this unknown cousin but went to meet her at a designated Inn as her parent's request (guilt trip)
But what did she find at the Inn but a Lord, and Earl! The next day she saw his coach leave and decided she would save herself the trouble of a season by kidnapping him, getting herself compromised by him and marrying him. How hard would that be?
But the man she kidnapped told her she had made a very big mistake....he informed her he was not Lord Aaron Arbogast, heir to an earldom but the lowly Mr. Henry Hastings.
What she doesn't know is that he really is Lord Aaron Arbogst. Thus the fun begins. Happy Reading!
November 30, 2019
the worthington's are one of the more delightful families of regency romance.
Elecktra is the glue holding madness together
the story was engaging especially for the secondary plots, the youngest sister Attalanta who is now 13, has always been the wild card; she will probably invent a motorboat made from books.
the hero was dashing, a little too self-effacing, the valet got his happy ending
as did Aaron and Elecktra.
Lysander is portrayed deftly, turned inside out from war. Daedalus is either a boor or has too much to handle, another non-entity. We see Iris's story clearly for the first time. Orion's own book was very well done, here he is just a shadow as are the others. Castor and Pollux's chase of the same woman did not end well for Pollux, and at least here, Castor and Miranda were blips on the screen, almost meaningless and not the least bit attractive. But what was left up in the air was Cabot and Buttons. and that was sad
at least a quick get away from our reality, satisfying
Elecktra is the glue holding madness together
the story was engaging especially for the secondary plots, the youngest sister Attalanta who is now 13, has always been the wild card; she will probably invent a motorboat made from books.
the hero was dashing, a little too self-effacing, the valet got his happy ending
as did Aaron and Elecktra.
Lysander is portrayed deftly, turned inside out from war. Daedalus is either a boor or has too much to handle, another non-entity. We see Iris's story clearly for the first time. Orion's own book was very well done, here he is just a shadow as are the others. Castor and Pollux's chase of the same woman did not end well for Pollux, and at least here, Castor and Miranda were blips on the screen, almost meaningless and not the least bit attractive. But what was left up in the air was Cabot and Buttons. and that was sad
at least a quick get away from our reality, satisfying
May 16, 2017
Cute story. I thought I had read one of the Worthington family books before, but it doesn't show it on my lists here, and the cover copy doesn't sound familiar, so I suppose I haven't. This is the third book in the series, and the heroine is determined to restore her family's fortunes through her marriage. So determined that she gets the crackbrained notion to kidnap an earl. Only she kidnaps the wrong man. Only he isn't the wrong man, he's just pretending to be his own servant, but nobody knows it. Lots of mistaken identity comedy and conflict in this story. It took me a while to get into the story because the mistaken identity business was set up quite a bit ahead of time and took a good while to get started. But once it finally did, it was a cute story and I enjoyed it. Good read.
January 4, 2019
This is my first full length read by Bradley. I previously read a novella in an anthology and fell in love with her humor and style. In this one Elektra Worthington, one of the unusual Worthington clan, sets her sites on Lord Aaron Argogast as a way of restoring her family's fortune. Aaron who is broke himself has returned to England to attempt to restore himself into the good graces of his grandfather the earl. In a comedy/romance Aaron and his valet switch identities while Elektra plots Aaron's kidnapping to force a marriage. Enjoyed this very much and look forward to reading the entire Worthington series.
May 7, 2017
Aaron is back home to pick up his inheritance; Elektra is trying to 'save' the Worthington family from penury; and we have her doing things NO-ONE in their RIGHT minds would do in a REGENCY setting.
Light-hearted enough- if one suspends belief; fairly easy to read; and I suppose I've become used to Ms Bradley's interpretation of 'seduction'...
LOL; not bad.
Light-hearted enough- if one suspends belief; fairly easy to read; and I suppose I've become used to Ms Bradley's interpretation of 'seduction'...
LOL; not bad.
August 31, 2019
Normally it’s the guy who kidnaps the girl but with Elektra it’s the other wya around. It was fun to see both Aaron and Elektra act normal without all the pretense of being lord and lady. He was a “manservant” and she didn’t care that she had kidnapped the wrong man. I wish that the ending would have had a little more hmph to it
October 30, 2020
Really enjoyed this story! I liked the Worthington family! At times they were funny and other times, it was sad. The characters were interesting and their personalities were unique. The relationship between the male and female was well developed by the author. They kept my interest as I kept wondering what is going to happen next. I plan to read more books by this author.
September 3, 2020
One of my favourite authors but honestly, I have been dreading writing this review because I loved the first couple of stories in this series. But this one, I didn’t get past the first couple of chapters. The blurb sounded interesting, but something just wasn’t working for me in the story.
May 18, 2017
Love the little twist about Elektra's character.
August 28, 2017
some funny parts
December 13, 2017
Not as good as the second book but better than the first book.
June 14, 2019
Someone has to do something about that rogue 13 year old because she is going to actually kill someone one day. Girl needs some serious discipline and rules
July 27, 2021
4.5 stars
August 4, 2023
Not my favorite but an easy, fun read
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