Books On Board

Worthingtons Books in Order

  • 12 Books
  • 2016 – 2024 Published

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Reading order
2 of 2 reading orders shown

The Recommended Reading Path

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read Ella Quinn’s series in publication order. Although each romance features a different couple and technically works as a standalone novel, the Worthington clan is massive, close-knit, and constantly meddling in each other’s lives. Reading the books out of order will expose you to major spoilers regarding who marries whom in earlier installments, and you will miss the gradual, heartwarming growth of this chaotic family.

Start your journey with the book that launched the series, Three Weeks to Wed, before moving through the main series. Once you finish the core Worthington books, you can seamlessly transition into the spin-off series, The Worthington Brides, which focuses on the younger generation compiling their own lists of marriage requirements.

The Worthingtons Series in Publication Order

Here is the list of the original series books and novellas in the order they were published:

  • Three Weeks to Wed (2016) – Follows Lady Grace Carpenter and Mattheus, the Earl of Worthington, as they navigate an unexpected romance.
  • When a Marquis Chooses a Bride (2016) – Details the romance of Lady Dorothea "Dotty" Stern and Dominic, the Marquis of Merton.
  • The Second Time Around (2017) – A novella (often designated as Book 2.5) centered on Patience, the widowed former Countess of Worthington, and her past love Richard, Viscount Wolverton.
  • It Started with a Kiss (2017) – Focuses on Lady Louisa Vivers and Gideon Rothwell, Viscount Glenham.
  • The Marquis and I (2018) – Tells the story of Lady Charlotte Carpenter and Constantine, the Marquis of Kenilworth.
  • You Never Forget Your First Earl (2018) – Follows Lady Elizabeth "Bess" Vivers and Geoffrey, Earl of Ripon.
  • I'll Always Love You (2018) – A holiday-themed novella (often numbered Book 5.5) focusing on Lady Lucinda Hughlot and Gerald, Earl Elliott.
  • Believe in Me (2019) – Follows Lady Augusta Vivers and Lord Phineas Carter-Wood.
  • The Earl's Christmas Bride (2022) – A holiday romance following Lucian, the Earl of Devon, and Miss Althea Rutherford.

Chronological Ordering and Reading Caveats

While the publication order is straightforward, there are a few chronological details that readers should keep in mind:

The Novella Placements

The two main novellas, The Second Time Around and I'll Always Love You, fit snugly between the main novels. The Second Time Around takes place between Books 2 and 3, while I'll Always Love You fits chronologically between Books 5 and 6, providing delightful seasonal interludes that enrich the family lore.

The Earl's Christmas Bride Discrepancy

There is some disagreement among databases regarding The Earl's Christmas Bride. While the publisher and some online listings group it as Book 9 of the Worthingtons due to its placement in the overall timeline and shared setting, the author officially lists it as Book 9.5 of her companion series, The Marriage Game. Because it features overlapping characters and the same cozy Regency atmosphere, it can be read right after Believe in Me as a transition piece.

The Worthington Brides Spin-Off Series

After wrapping up the original series, readers should dive directly into The Worthington Brides. This spin-off trilogy follows the younger sisters of the family as they enter the London marriage market with a strict list of qualities they desire in a husband.

  • The Marriage List (2022) – Lady Eleanor Carpenter has a list of political requirements for her future husband, but the Marquis of Montagu, John, turns her plans upside down.
  • The Husband List (2023) – Features Lady Madeline Vivers, the sensible sister looking for a conventional match, and the ambitious politician Mr. Harry Stern.
  • The Groom List (2024) – Follows Lady Alice Carpenter and Gifford, the Marquis of St. Albans, as they navigate their own romantic expectations.

What to Know Before You Start

Ella Quinn's Worthingtons universe is celebrated for its blend of lighthearted family humor, historical authenticity, and steamy romance. Unlike many historical romances that isolate the main couple, Quinn places her characters in the middle of a bustling, loud, and loving family circle. Expect plenty of cameos from previous couples, cute pets, and heroines who are fiercely independent, pursuing education, reform, and personal agency despite the strict constraints of the Regency era.

Frequently Asked

Where is the best place to start reading the Worthingtons series?

You should start with Three Weeks to Wed, the first book in the series. This establishes the family dynamics, introduces the main characters, and kicks off the overarching timeline.

Can the Worthingtons books be read as standalones?

Yes, each book has a self-contained romance with a happy ending. However, because characters from earlier books make frequent appearances and their marriages are discussed, reading them out of order will reveal spoilers.

What is the relationship between The Worthingtons and The Worthington Brides?

The Worthington Brides is a direct spin-off trilogy. It follows the younger sisters and cousins of the original Worthington characters as they make their own debuts in society.

Is The Earl's Christmas Bride part of the Worthingtons series?

Officially, author Ella Quinn categorizes The Earl's Christmas Bride as part of her related series, The Marriage Game. However, due to character overlaps and thematic ties, many databases group it as Book 9 of the Worthingtons.

How many books and novellas are in the original Worthingtons series?

The original run of the series contains nine books, which includes two main novellas (The Second Time Around and I'll Always Love You) and the crossover holiday book.