I enjoyed this book! I had trouble in the beginning as it seemed a bit slow to me at first. Once I was in though, I was all in!

I absolutely adore Emily Rath's writing; she has a way of making me keep flipping the pages even when I'm not particularly interested in the story being told. Unfortunately, this book was not for me in the way that I was hoping it would be. It ended up being pretty middle-of-the-road. But I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a well-written Regency-style romance.

I have never read anything by this author, but I will be looking out for other books they write in the future. I really enjoyed the story as well as the pacing of the story.

4 stars
2 for spice

I really enjoyed reading this first book in the Second Sons series by Emily Rath. I really liked the plot and the pacing of this book, while it was a chunky one, I felt like I flew through it. The reason that Rosile is at Alcott Hall, if both really captivating and somethings are just not quite adding up with what the Dutchess has planned for her family and Dragging Rosile there. She is really very two faced so I am very intrigued at what will happen next. Not to mention that I have not read a regency romance with multiple love interest, but I am loving it a lot because its slow burn and as the reader am I am really enjoying how they are all getting to know each other, there is tension and anticipation for all the characters which is what I really crazy from my romance, I am not a fan of the insta love or jumping to fast into the spice, so this is perfect. The men at the house are different and I like each of their personalities, differences in jobs and developed relationship with Rosile. I can't wait to pick up the next especially with how this one ended! I need more!
I received an ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Ok its official, Emily Rath can do no wrong! This book was great i loved the time period and the characters!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

What a sultry read! Characters are relatable and would recommend to others lucking for a spicy “Bridgerton” read!

What do you get when you mix Bridgerton vibes, Jane Austen elegance, and Emily Rath-level spice? You get “Beautiful Things”, literally!

Emily Rath’s new regency, why-choose romance had me enthralled by the first chapter. Rosalie is the kind of heroine I LIVE for. She is fierce, clever, independent, and not here to play by society’s rules as someone who is a lady in name only.

Despite the spice (and trust me, you’ll need a glass of water for this level of heat 🔥),I would still call this a true slow burn with delicious tension seeping off every page.

By the end, only person not satisfied was myself because I need the next book immediately to find out what really happens when you decide on not one, but three regal men to share your bedchambers with! Way to edge us all, Emily.

This book is great for lovers of Regency Romance and those looking for something different from the norm! The FMC is a considered unmarraigable by society standards, but that doesn't stop three bachelor friends from pining for her. I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a reverse harem turned regency romance.

Emily rath can do no wrong in my book.
This regency era romance still felt modern, fresh, and so delightfully spicy!

The stunning cover caught my attention and made me consider reading Beautiful Things by Emily Rath. Not being too familiar with the author, I passed by the book a few times, but kept returning to it. After reading the initial blurb about it (not the detailed description), I went into it pretty much blind. Oh, boy, was I surprised! Surprised enough that as soon as I finished, I immediately moved on to the sequel and kept reading late into the night! Regency romance, featuring many handsome men and complicated by social status... what’s a girl to do? This book does leave you hanging, but it does have a (an even spicier) sequel, His Grace, The Duke. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

This was a fun, steamy Regency romance with a heroine who refuses to be boxed in by society’s expectations. I really enjoyed watching Rosalie escape the traditional marriage plot while juggling three very different suitors. Their dynamics were so entertaining. The book is playful, dramatic, and a little (very) over the top, in the best way! It's another to add to my list of favorite Emily Rath books, and I'll definitely be continuing the series.

I enjoyed this one! It’s a bit of a slow burn and not as spicy as I anticipated but overall the characters were really engaging and strong.

I love that Rosalie is headstrong and sticks to her guns throughout the book. Her different upbringing to the men really shows and it made me love her. The male friendships between all three MMCs was probably my favourite part too.

Very much Bridgerton vibes and a lot of really funny moments (🦢)!

Emily rath is queen of slow burn. Love a good build up and the tension was great. There were moments of comedy that were definitely reminiscent of Bridgerton and I loved that.

The only thing I can say, is that in true Emily fashion, it was a bit too long for me being historical fiction. I prefer my romance books slightly shorter.

✨✨✨ ARC Review ✨✨✨

Tropes:
Regency romance
Why choose
Charming sailor
Stressed viscount
Head-strong heroine
Dashing rake
Family secrets

4⭐️
3🌶️

4 Jezebel Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️.5/5
“I want you so badly, I can hardly breathe. From the first moment I touched you in that pub, and every moment since.”...“I worship only you. Claim me, ruin me, own me. I don’t fucking care.”
I have not read a regency romance is what is almost years... and I missed it so much!

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Rosealie Harrow is an orphan whose only living relative is her aunt. One day, surprisingly, she gets an invite from a duchess to come to a summer house party she is hosting with the goal of finding her son, the duke, a wife. The Duchess very quickly sets Rosealie straight that she was not invited as a potential candidate, but because her mother was close friends with the Duchess at one point before they had a falling out, so she wants to try to make amends through her daughter... while also having Rosealie serve as her eyes and ears on the ground for the woman who ARE wife candidates. Things start to get complicated, however, when she is constantly put into close proximity with the Duke's younger brother Lord James Corbin and his best friends, Burke and Lieutenant Tom Renley... and they are all practically enamoured by our Rosealie and don't seem to mind sharing.

𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Now, I first should say, if you...(like me) were expecting our heroine to be a damsel who is shy, demure and innocent as a rose... this is not going to be the type of book for you. So if you are used to picking up a Sarah MacLean, Lisa Kleypas or a Julia Quinn and expect a Bridgerton 2.0 close the book and go find a traditional regency romance... BECAUSE THIS IS NOT IT!

This is probably the first time I have ever read a Regency Why Choose Romance. I don't know if Emily Rath was one of the first to do it, or in the historical reading I have done, I chose subconsciously to stay with traditional couples... So for a little while, I had to push myself into the headspace of what a Why Choose would look like in the Regency period... and if I must say, Emily Rath does a smashing job at it. If any time period was against sexual promiscuity and freedom, it was the Regency era. Which is exactly why I loved that Emily Rath chose to flip it on its head.

This book and the message are largely a big Fuck You to standards, ideals and norms. Rosealie is very opposed to marriage and will not settle down, a big taboo for a woman of that time. So I really like that the direction of the book was taking those standards and turning them on their head. Making our FMC powerful and empowered to stand up for herself as a woman who doesn't need a man to be successful or to amount to anything, because she is perfectly comfortable with who she is without one.

The men OBVIOUSLY are all gentlemen and proper and make you swoon when they go against the norms and show their FOREARMS...

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Historical Why Choose Romance
▶ Poor Girl, Rich Boy
▶ One Horse
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Slow Burn
▶ Strangers to Lovers
▶ Forbidden Romance
▶ Tending to Injuries

and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Finger Licking Good
▷ "Good Girl"
▷ "Tell me to Stop" and "Don't Stop"
▷ "Beg Me"
▷ Cages her with his arms
▷ "Greedy Girl"
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms

Basically, this book takes every regency standard, lights it on fire, and dances on the ashes. It’s bold, it’s rebellious, and it makes you fall for Rosalie while cheering for her and her men to have everything they want... SO I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK!

Thank you so much to Hambright PR and Emily Rath for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC. I must say, the cover on this one was quite deceiving, as I thought it might be more of a smutty/dark romance. Instead, I was met with a historical why choose romance. Which... I thought I might really not like... but I actually DID like. This is honestly like a smuttier version (if possible) of Bridgerton mixed with Jane Austen. It is a slow burn as well, but it's done VERY well, so you won't get bored. Essentially, it's about a 22-year-old girl who needs to find a husband or work. She's basically Cinderella and wants anyone BUT the Duke at this royal party. Instead, she wants 3 different men (and let's just say she gets what she wants...) I had a ball (haha) with this one, even though it wasn't what I initially expected.

This was an enjoyable read. I liked the setting, characters and flow of the book. Also, I will need this in print format because that cover and those sprayed edges are beautiful! I would be interested also to hear this one in an audio format.

Bridgerton, but make it why choose!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Yes! This book got me out of the worst reading slump ever, and I more than devoured the story about Rosalie, James, Renley, and Burke.

It’s been a while since a book captivated me from the very first page like “Beautiful Things” by Emily Rath.

The suspense was simply superb and I didn’t put the book down for a second.

The protagonist, Rosalie, is a real power woman: clever and courageous and at the same time has a sharp tongue, which leads to one or two amusing exchanges.

“Beautiful Things” is the first historical why choose story I've read and I definitely want to read more of this combo! So keep the recommendations coming!

What a unique and wild ride. This delightful slow burn romance is like nothing you’ve read before.
Emily Rath writes historical romance with a seasoned Austenesque allure. Written in poetic prose and with an air of romantic intrigue. Her characters are complex and scene stealing.
Rosalie Harrow is unlike all the ladies who’ve come before her. She plows through the ton making her own fate, but as a lady without means she is left with limited choices. Her one choice is clear though, after a life of misery at the hands of a cruel father, she will be owned by no man.
It is this choice that sets in gear all the events of this book. Filled with enough sexual tension to light a pyre, heat like you’ve never seen and more pining than one story has a right to. Not one but three men longing for her, desperate for her affection. And that right there is the core of this story. Love & Affection. That long forgotten feeling of unabiding love and devotion. All of these characters are seeking it, even as they profess the opposite. All they want is to belong, to be someone’s.
I was mesmerized but the unique blend of this story, entranced by its nuance and enthralled at its refusal to adhere to modern principle. Rath writes historical romance unlike any I’ve read and my only negative is that this story is too big to withstand a single book and now we must wait for book two. Though I know a happy ever after promises to be found, it will take 3 books to find it. Indeed, three books for three men but until then, none shall be happy.
The true definition of slow burn, it is the tension that sells this story. The pace constantly flowing so that you truly do not want it to end, and you’re in luck, for it won’t.