Candle showed up just a few days after ordering, packaged well and smells good! I have yet to get to the actual ring BUT everyone needs to remember you are paying for the candle NOT the ring... it's just a fun added surprise! As for being charged monthly, if you pay attention. When you are ordering say NO I DON'T LIKE saving money/discounts how ever it is worded and you won't get yourself signed up... luckily I read and realized that's what I would be agreeing to if I selected the added deal.