Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan Summary, Characters and Themes
Do Your Worst is a sharp, emotionally rich romantic comedy by Rosie Danan that blends the mystical with the academic.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of a cursed Scottish castle, the novel follows Riley Rhodes, a modern-day curse-breaker, and Clark Edgeware, a disgraced archaeologist. Tasked with unraveling the secrets of a centuries-old hex, the two clash over ideology, ego, and unresolved trauma—but beneath their prickly banter simmers undeniable chemistry. As they dig deeper into both the curse and themselves, their forced partnership evolves into something transformative. It’s a witty, heartfelt exploration of legacy, vulnerability, and the power of choosing your own story.
Summary
Riley Rhodes arrives in the Scottish Highlands with one goal: break the ancient curse that’s believed to be haunting Arden Castle. Known for her unconventional job as a “curse breaker,” Riley blends spiritual intuition with ritual practice, though she often uses her tough persona to keep people at arm’s length.
At the castle site, she meets Clark Edgeware, an archaeologist trying to rebuild his career after a scandal that nearly destroyed his reputation. He’s methodical, academic, and entirely skeptical of Riley’s mystical methods. From the start, they clash. Their professions, worldviews, and personalities couldn’t be more different—but the job demands they work side by side.
The curse appears to center around a mysterious figure named Philippa Campbell, referred to in old texts as the “last daughter.” Riley uncovers references to betrayal, love, and punishment woven through castle lore.
Meanwhile, Clark faces growing pressure from his domineering father, Alfie Edgeware, a famous (and fearsome) figure in the archaeology world. Clark’s strained relationship with Alfie has deeply impacted his confidence, and his brother Patrick’s fall from grace has made him even more desperate to prove himself.
As Riley and Clark unearth clues—Gaelic symbols, cave inscriptions, ancient texts—their guarded exteriors begin to crack.
Riley shares the pain of being abandoned by her father after he discovered her family’s occult traditions, while Clark confides that Alfie never let him feel worthy of anything less than perfection. They find common ground in their scars, and what began as mutual distrust gives way to intimacy.
One of the cave inscriptions reveals the phrase: “An end to enemies,” which Riley interprets as the core of the curse—rooted not in malice, but in unresolved grief and betrayal.
Their research suggests that the curse may have been Philippa’s desperate plea for peace after witnessing violence rooted in romantic jealousy. This shifts the narrative for Riley, who begins to understand curse-breaking not just as ritual work, but as emotional restoration.
Just as things deepen between them, Riley pulls away, afraid that emotional closeness will only lead to heartbreak. Clark, inspired by her bravery and conviction, finally stands up to his father—refusing to let Alfie control his career or undermine his worth.
He’s fired, but the moment becomes a turning point, allowing him to reclaim his identity on his own terms.
Together, Riley and Clark prepare for the final ritual, a dramatic, deeply personal effort that fuses their disciplines—her spiritual practice and his historical research. The ritual is less about magic and more about intention, trust, and letting go. In a moment of quiet unity, the curse lifts—not with a bang, but with a breath. The silence speaks to release, healing, and peace.
In the aftermath, Clark chooses to leave traditional archaeology behind, pursuing projects that align with his values. Riley, for the first time, believes she can build a life not just around work, but around people she trusts. They agree to continue their journey together, professionally and romantically, hinting at a future that honors both ambition and intimacy.
In the epilogue, Riley and Clark are back at a new dig site, this time with Patrick in tow. They’ve created a chosen family built not on legacy or obligation, but on love and respect. The story closes with hope, showing two people who learned to stop doing their worst—and instead, risk their best.
Characters
Riley Rhodes
Riley Rhodes is the book’s protagonist, and her character arc is one of growth and self-acceptance. Initially, Riley appears as a strong and independent woman, utilizing her profession as a curse breaker to shield herself from deeper emotional issues.
She hails from an Appalachian background where her family’s occult practices were frowned upon, leading to her father’s rejection. This abandonment has scarred her emotionally, shaping her fear of intimacy and vulnerability.
At the start, Riley is reluctant to form deep connections, as evidenced by her quick pushback against Clark’s romantic advances. However, through her partnership with Clark and the challenges they face together, Riley learns to confront her fears and allows herself to trust and open up emotionally.
Her character development is tied to her acceptance of her own vulnerability and her gradual understanding that love and connection, rather than being weaknesses, are the sources of strength that can heal her past wounds. By the end of the book, Riley is not only capable of romantic love but also embraces her heritage and gift, forging a path toward both personal and professional fulfillment.
Clark Edgeware
Clark Edgeware is the other central character whose journey reflects themes of redemption and independence. A disillusioned archaeologist, Clark starts the novel entangled in familial expectations, particularly those set by his domineering father, Alfie.
His professional career has suffered due to scandal and a sense of betrayal by his father, and he feels trapped in a legacy that has left him seeking approval instead of fulfillment. Clark’s relationship with Riley challenges him to confront his own sense of worth and to break free from the shadow of his father’s control.
Over time, Clark begins to embrace his own autonomy and moral integrity, as seen in his decision to resign from the prestigious archaeological institution where he worked, choosing instead to pursue more ethically grounded and personally fulfilling work. His journey is one of self-discovery, where he learns not only to stand up for himself but also to trust in his abilities, rather than relying on external validation.
His romance with Riley acts as a catalyst for this transformation, providing him with the emotional support he needs to confront his past and reassert his own sense of purpose.
Alfie Edgeware
Alfie Edgeware, Clark’s father, plays the role of the antagonist in the story, representing the oppressive weight of tradition and high expectations. He is a celebrated figure in archaeology, but his domineering nature and inability to empathize with his children create a toxic dynamic, particularly with Clark.
Alfie’s obsession with maintaining control and his dismissive attitude toward Clark’s independence contribute to the deep-seated tension between father and son. Although Alfie’s arc does not undergo full redemption, there is a moment of reckoning when Clark finally confronts him.
This confrontation forces Alfie to acknowledge the damage his actions have caused, though he does not fully change. His role in the story underscores the generational conflicts that arise when familial legacies stifle personal growth and emotional connection.
While Alfie doesn’t undergo a complete transformation, his character serves as the emotional and psychological barrier that Clark must overcome in order to reclaim his life.
Patrick Edgeware
Patrick Edgeware, Clark’s brother, represents a quieter, though still significant, subplot of healing and reconciliation. Initially depicted as an outcast due to past mistakes, Patrick has been largely removed from the family’s core dynamic.
However, throughout the novel, he begins to heal, reconciling with both his family and himself. His relationship with Riley’s friend, Ceilidh, adds an extra layer of personal growth and healing to the narrative, suggesting that Patrick’s arc involves not only familial redemption but also the opportunity for love and connection.
Patrick’s transformation, while subtle compared to Clark’s, mirrors the overarching themes of the book—the need to let go of past pain in order to embrace new beginnings and relationships. By the end of the story, Patrick is no longer just the family outcast but someone who finds his own place within the new familial structure that emerges after the curse is lifted.
Ceilidh
Ceilidh, Riley’s close friend, plays a smaller yet significant role in the story. As a supportive friend to Riley, Ceilidh provides emotional grounding and serves as a foil to Riley’s more guarded personality.
While Ceilidh does not have as in-depth a character arc, her subplot with Patrick shows her own growth and development. Her ability to offer support without overwhelming Riley is key to the emotional dynamics of the book, and her relationship with Patrick hints at the possibility of healing and love outside of the central romantic plot.
Themes
The Conflict Between Personal Identity and Societal Expectations
In Do Your Worst, both Riley and Clark face significant internal and external pressures that challenge their identities and how they see themselves in relation to others. Riley, as a curse breaker, grapples with her Appalachian heritage, which is tied to occult practices that her family once embraced but which have led to her being ostracized by society, especially her father.
Her internal conflict between continuing a family tradition of mystical work and the desire to be accepted by the broader world underpins much of her emotional journey. Clark, on the other hand, struggles with the weight of his father’s legacy in archaeology. Alfie Edgeware’s overwhelming expectations place Clark in the difficult position of either fulfilling his father’s desires or carving his own path.
This tension between personal desires and familial duty becomes a pivotal theme in the novel, where both characters must learn to prioritize their self-worth over the burdens imposed by their families and professions. Riley and Clark ultimately realize that true fulfillment lies in rejecting societal norms and embracing their true selves, which is exemplified by their final actions: Riley’s acceptance of her emotional vulnerabilities and Clark’s choice to leave behind the academic world to follow a path that feels more authentic.
The Power of Emotional Healing Through Connection and Vulnerability
A recurring theme in Do Your Worst is the healing power that comes from allowing oneself to be emotionally vulnerable and connected with others. Riley’s journey is one of guarding her heart, initially resisting closeness with others out of fear of rejection and emotional pain.
This stems from past trauma, especially the emotional abandonment by her father after he discovered her family’s occult background. For much of the novel, Riley uses her profession as a means of avoiding deeper emotional connections, believing that to be loved is to risk being hurt again.
In contrast, Clark’s journey is more about stepping out from under the shadow of his father and choosing honesty and vulnerability, both with himself and others. Clark’s willingness to stand up to his father and confront the emotional damage of their fractured relationship is critical in his growth.
The final moments of the novel illustrate the culmination of this theme: Riley and Clark both allow themselves to be emotionally open with each other, healing their wounds in a shared act of courage and vulnerability. The relationship between them symbolizes how true emotional healing happens not in isolation, but in trust and openness between two people.
Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma and Legacy
The novel strongly explores the theme of generational trauma and the complexities involved in breaking free from inherited cycles of pain and dysfunction. Riley’s estranged relationship with her father and the curse rooted in ancestral betrayal highlight the way that past actions, whether in the realm of family or mysticism, cast long shadows over future generations.
Riley’s journey is about recognizing that the choices and emotional scars of the past don’t have to define her future. Similarly, Clark’s conflict with his father Alfie encapsulates a struggle to overcome a toxic family legacy. Alfie’s inability to truly recognize or nurture Clark’s autonomy and the emotional damage that results is central to the father-son dynamic.
However, as Clark confronts his father and chooses to follow his own path, he begins to dismantle the legacy of control and criticism that has plagued his life. The breaking of the curse itself becomes a metaphor for breaking these cycles—both personal and generational.
By choosing to heal rather than perpetuate old wounds, both Riley and Clark are able to reclaim their identities and futures, no longer shackled by their family legacies.
The Interplay of Science and Spirituality in the Quest for Truth
Another rich theme in Do Your Worst is the exploration of the intersection between science and spirituality, particularly through the characters of Riley and Clark. Clark, a trained archaeologist, initially holds a rigid belief in science as the ultimate means of understanding the world. His skepticism and reliance on logical, empirical evidence make him hesitant to believe in the supernatural elements Riley brings to their investigation.
Riley, by contrast, believes deeply in the mystical and spiritual forces that guide her curse-breaking abilities, and her intuition often leads her to answers that defy conventional logic. Their dynamic explores the friction and eventual harmony between these two worldviews.
As they work together, their methods complement each other—Clark’s scientific approach provides a grounding foundation for Riley’s spiritual insights, and Riley’s intuition helps Clark see beyond the limitations of his academic training.
The novel does not resolve this tension by choosing one worldview over the other; instead, it suggests that truth can often be found in the synthesis of both perspectives. The resolution of the curse, which requires both rational research and spiritual rituals, illustrates how a balanced understanding of the world can lead to meaningful solutions, symbolizing the unity between reason and faith.
The Role of Redemption in Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Redemption plays a crucial role in the characters’ journeys in Do Your Worst, especially in terms of personal growth and the quest for self-discovery. Both Riley and Clark seek redemption throughout the novel, albeit in different ways. Riley, initially a figure who seems defined by her professional persona, comes to realize that she must redeem herself emotionally by confronting her past traumas and allowing herself to trust others.
Her redemption arc is about moving beyond the walls she’s built around her heart and accepting that vulnerability is necessary for real connection and healing. Clark’s redemption is more directly tied to his professional life, particularly his strained relationship with his father. Throughout the novel, Clark is faced with the choice of either continuing to live under his father’s shadow or forging his own path.
His ultimate decision to resign from his father’s influence and reclaim his independence is a key moment in his personal redemption, as it allows him to embrace his integrity and pursue archaeology in a way that aligns with his own values.
Together, Riley and Clark’s journeys of redemption highlight that true personal growth often comes through facing and overcoming past mistakes, embracing emotional honesty, and taking responsibility for one’s future.