I have never been much of a historical fiction fan. However, Emily Rath writes it and my mind is changed. I really truly enjoyed this and will definitely be completing the series.

In Emily Rath's Beautiful Things, desperate Rosalie can either become a governess or marry a wealthy man, but neither choice appeals to her. With little else to do, she accepts an invitation from her mother's old friend, but finds herself in the midst of a competition of sorts for the hand of the Duke. This was not what she expected and she detests the horrid Duke and the fun begins when she catches the attention of three other men and what started as not wanting any man has her wanting the different ones.

I didn't realize this was a poly book when I started and I normally don't like them, but dang, I enjoyed this book. Rosalie is so fun and I enjoyed her immensely and watching her go from being so disinterested to well, maybe, to okay then in regard to Tom, who is still reeling from being jilted until he meets Rosalie, second son James who does all of the work and gets none of the glory, and finally, illegitimate son of the Duke, Burke who finds himself in pretty much the same situation as Rosalie is.

This book is pretty much a big old tease to the second book and I'm here for it. It made me laugh, think that something I would never consider in real life isn't so bad in print, and kept me intrigued and wanting more. I go through periods of reading nothing but historical romance and this is a new one for me and I love that some man isn't sweeping in to try and solve Rosalie's problems. She's smart, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to assert herself to get that.

I can't wait until the second book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Emily did it again. There isn't a book I haven't devoured by her. I can't wait to read the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

A historical fiction with Bridgerton vibes. I initially was attracted to the plot, even though it is not my typical read. Overall, I found it cute- just not my favorite genre.

Not my typical read but I'll try anything written by Queen Emily.. and I was not disappointed AT ALL!!!

If you loved Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice then you'll want to read this one asap.

The plot had me hooked and the spice was definitely spicy.. now excuse while I happily run off into the sunset to read the next book.

Who this book is for: people who love an absolute mess
Who this book is not for: people who demand accuracy in all aspects of their historical romance.

Rosalie Harrow has a mountain of debt, a dearth of family, and no desire to marry whatsoever. When she's summoned to Alcott Hall by her departed mother's former close friend, she has no idea what to expect, or why she's never heard of this friend of her mother's in the first place.

From start to finish, Rosalie's journey is a mess - a carriage ride with far too many people, a broken wheel, a hike in the rain to the local town, and a drunken punch in an alleyway start off Rosalie's story. As a titleless woman with not a penny to her name, Rosalie doesn't expect to attract anyone, let alone charm so many in such a short amount of time.

Reader beware: this book does not have a traditional HEA like a romance demands, but I can only imagine book two will deliver.

Also can I just mention I'm the duke's biggest fan? He's such an irreverent goofball.

As a certified lover of all things Emily Rath and regency/Bridgerton adjacent this book was the perfect combo! Set against a vast estate and rigid rules of Regency England, this steamy historical romance delivers an irresistible mix of scandal, seduction, and subversion. The heroine—spirited, intelligent, and delightfully unapologetic—finds herself at the center of not one, but three captivating gentlemen, each drawn to her in different but equally passionate ways.

What begins as a strategic alliance to protect her reputation soon turns into a whirlwind of desire and forbidden pleasure. The chemistry crackles on every page, and the author doesn’t shy away from the sensual heat, making this a bold and deliciously daring entry in the world of historical erotica.

The reverse harem dynamic is handled with surprising emotional depth, giving each love interest a distinct personality and purpose beyond the bedroom. From a brooding duke to a silver-tongued rake and a soft-hearted sailor, each man brings something different to the table—and the heroine embraces them all with confidence and grace.

A lush, provocative read that challenges societal norms and revels in its freedom, this book is perfect for fans of steamy historicals who like their romance rule-breaking and their heroes plural. The book did leave off on a cliffhanger so I am excited to see how the story plays out.

I thought this was a different book when I requested it, but I’ve already read and it wasn’t for me. I gave it three stars

2 ⭐️

I was really intrigued by the premise and setting. Historical romance isn’t something I usually pick up, but the Bridgerton-style vibes definitely caught my attention. Pairing that with an MMMF dynamic felt like a fresh and interesting choice, and I was curious to see how it would unfold. This also was my first time reading a book by Emily Rath, too.

That said, I found it hard to connect with both the characters and the storyline. There was a lot happening at once, and even though the pacing was a slow burn, it didn’t feel like there was enough time spent building the characters’ emotional connections. The relationships, especially between the three men, didn’t feel fully developed, and I struggled to feel the chemistry I was hoping for.

This also ends on a cliffhanger, as I believe it’s part of a duology. I’m just not sure how I feel about that, especially when I already felt somewhat disconnected from the story. I may continue with the next book, but I haven’t fully decided yet.

While the concept had promise, the execution didn’t quite land for me. Nonetheless, thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the e-arc of Beautiful Things.

At twenty-two Rosalie is left penniless and alone, left with her parents debts. With little prospects, she can either take employment as a governess or find a wealthy husband, neither of which appeal to her. After seeing her mother endure an abusive marriage, she's determined never to marry herself. When she's summoned to Alcott Hall by her mother's old friend, the dowager Duchess, she arrives in the midst of a garden party arranged to find the current Duke George a bride. She is given a secret mission and warned away from forming an attachment to the men of the house a she is totally unsuitable for marriage in the Duchess's opinion. But three men find her completely irresistible. James, second son but duke in all but name, is the one running the estate behind the scenes as George wastes his time on women and sport. Burke is an outcast in society with no title or property, living at Alcott by invitation of his best friend James. And Tom Renley, a close friend, is at the party seeking a wealthy bride of his own to buy a captaincy for his career at sea.
A regency romance by the author of one of my favorite hockey romance series, the Jacksonville Rays? Yes, please! I love Jane Austen and this book gives the same vibes with the secret glances and stolen touches in polite society, but also shows the illicit trysts and naughty behavior behind closed doors. And with a cliffhanger ending that makes me so happy that the series is complete and I can read the next one immediately!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I didn't know what I was expecting going into this, but I'm not disappointed about it that's for sure.
I feel like this was the cheeseburger of the world. Quick and easy and satisfying for about 20 minutes before you want another one, and I am glad there is more.

I dnf as personally this book just wasn't for me i found it plain and not to my taste I prefer a more spicy or co.tempory romance this just didn't do it for me

I always love a good why choose book and Emily Rath always delivers a good spicy time. I enjoyed all the characters and thought the setting of regency era was interesting.

Is there anything that Emily Rath writes that is not good? Perfect story, plot and characters. Highly recommended

Amazing! I loved this book and its plot line! I found it very interesting and unlike anything I have read before. I really want to read more from this author

- Historical romance - Reverse harem - Slow burn - Forced proximity - Forbidden romance -

If you like your emotions to be played with and enjoy an absolutely torturous slow burn, this one's for you. When I received this ARC, I was super excited because, well, I needed something smutty– a palate cleanser, if you will. And if y’all have read the Jax Ray series, you already know Emily's spice is top tier.
I, however, did not take the slow burn warning seriously. What I was hoping would be a quick, smutty read ended up being so much more. There was an insane amount of tension, vulnerable moments, and twists throughout the book, and thennn it ended on a cliffhanger. So I will definitely be reading the next book because I am invested.
I did really enjoy the book, though. Did I enjoy how slow it was? Not exactly. But in this case, it was worth it.
Rosalie Harrow has no family, no connections, and nothing to her name but piles of debt she inherited. So imagine her surprise when she receives an invitation to a party at Alcott Hall. And at this party, she catches the attention of three men who can't help but be curious about the mysterious beauty who doesn’t belong.

the plot was good but it didn’t really start until the second half but overall the cliffhanger was good & the spice was great
i definitely can’t wait to see what happens with Burke & James & Tom because they were all over the place 😂
my girl Rosalie just had the worst luck but i’m hoping it gets better for her lol
thank you Kensington & Netgalley for this read!

Holy. Freaking. Moly.

I felt like I was reading a Jane Austen book yet it was spicier and so much more romance and tension. The male characters Burke, James and Tom all stand on their own and are very unique in character. So getting them mixed up does not happen at all. Rosalie reminds me so much of Elizabeth Bennet but even more outspoken and witty. Reading this one was so much fun cannot wait for more.

I noticed this book first on NetGalley, very beautiful cover and colors...
Love the idea of Bridgerton and Poldark, but was a little unsure about the "why chose" aspect... having three different suitors...
You also have all 4 POVs... which seemed a little overwhelming having 3 mens POV as well, but Rosalie is still very much the lead and the main focus. I think the book was well written and fun... it is very heavy on sexual content, that goes on for a few more pages than it needs to.

I was surprised to see this is actually an older book, they just came out with a fancy deluxe edition. And I had actually seen the book before, and not been interested, very boring basic type cover. This is a huge improvement.

Book ends on a pretty big cliff hanger, so I do think I will grab the other book.

A good book for those fans of Bridgerton.

This was a lovely inbetween heavy romantasy titles and it did exactly what I need it too. As the title says this was a beautiful thing to read. I loved the main character she really stuck with me and I was really wanting her to succeed. Thankful to have had the opportunity to have read this as an arc thanks to NetGalley.