And Then Come Marriage (Worthington #2) by Celeste Bradley
Historical Romance
Paperback, 352 pages
July 30, 2013
St Martin’s Paperbacks

Reviewed By Tori

Favorite Quote: “I know what it’s like to get it all wrong. To do nothing but harm when you meant only the best.”

Book two in Ms. Bradley’s Worthington series, And Then Comes Marriage, is the story of Pollux (Poll) and Castor (Cas) Worthington. Dubbed the Devilish Duo, these outrageous  twins use their looks, charm, and competitive nature to play games of the heart with women. When Poll meets the lovely rich widow Miranda Talbot, he seeks to set up a liaison as everyone knows widows are fair game. Poll and Miranda burgeoning friendship blossoms until Miranda is almost injured in an explosion and is rescued by Cas. Thinking he is Poll, Miranda gives him a passionate kiss in thanks and is shocked by the instant chemistry that explodes. When Miranda discovers the truth and seeks to dissolve her association with both, they beg the chance to court her with the better man winning her hand.

As Miranda, Poll, and Cas circle around each other, with each man determined to be the victor, they draw the straight laced Miranda out of her shell. Married at a young age to a much older and socially rigid man, Miranda was always the epitome of respectability. In his death, Miranda is finally free to be who she wants rather than what was required of her. When the twins antics set in motion a series of events that only serve to alienate Miranda from society, they find themselves for the first time ashamed of their past deeds and must make amends for their devious behavior.

I adored the first book in this series, When She Said I Do. A delightfully funny and erotically charged story, lightly twisted around a Beauty and the Beast theme. While I found this book also amusing and steamy with some plum love scenes, I didn’t get the same buzz from it. There is an underlying darkness to it as we witness the emerging relationship between the three protagonists and their individual issues which causes unnecessary conflict in the book. I would almost call this a coming of age story in that while Miranda is older than the twins (she’s thirty and they are twenty one), all three of them are emotionally immature. Though it starts as a game of sorts,  this becomes the first true romantic relationship for all three when their emotions enter the equation.

Miranda and Cas are well matched. Miranda watched her parents drama filled marriage crumble and disintegrate, leaving her an orphan disgraced by their scandal. Her loveless marriage reiterated what she felt growing up and she never wants to find herself under someone’s thumb again, at the mercy of their needs and desires. Cas was used by a conniving older woman who took advantage of his age and passionate nature. He likens himself to a puppet, dangling by strings and unable to control his own life. Both are content with their lives and their control over their lives but when they meet,  the passion explodes between them and they find themselves wanting to lose the very control they struggle to maintain.

“Kissing Miranda felt like flying, like falling, like spinning out of control and never wishing to land.”

Sensual love scenes with bits of erotica spice up this historical romance. Cas is a naughty, naughty boy whose desires manifest themselves in some interesting ways when he is around Miranda. Some mild dominance games eschew though neither truly want that sort of relationship. This is an exploration of feelings and desires; both seeking to bring the other joy and sexual respite.

When I am through with you, you will flaunt that lovely body like the jewel it is.

Interesting subplots and conflicts makes the story much more than a simple historical romance. Miranda has to deal with her intractable sister in law whose Puritan notions are offended by Miranda. Cas and Poll have been warned by the Regent himself to stop their scandalous ways or else. Vivacious secondary characters keep the story moving along at a steady pace though they do over shadow the protagonists at times. The Worthingtons hold a strong position in the story line and remain somewhat amusing pains in the butt. Still narcissistic, self absorbed, and nosy as ever;  they continue to cause mayhem wherever they go. Attie, the youngest Worthington and budding sociopath, still entertains and I liked that Miranda gave her the attention she was seeking. Various characters from When She said I Do appear, intent on trying to help Miranda and Cas on their journey to happily ever after. But as usual, they cause more harm than good.

More emotional and angsty than book one, there is still some humor within the story though not as much. I will admit that Cas and Poll disappointed me many times in here, especially towards the end when everything comes to light. I felt they both got off rather lightly. Their behavior was quite despicable and more groveling was necessary in my mind. Miranda’s pain broke my heart.

“Oh I thought I had hurt before. I was so very wrong.”

As with most romances, our hero and heroine have a hard journey towards their happily ever after. Love is tested but always triumphs in the end when our lovers finally admit their feelings and embrace the inevitable. Overall an enjoyable story with interesting characters though I missed the spark that the first book had.

Overall Rating:C+

Other Rec’s from Celeste Bradley

When She Said I Do

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