I'm not usually a fan of the 'why choose' trope in books but i honestly enjoyed this quite a bit.
I liked the MMC's and their interactions with the FMC, however the insta love that was present took me out of the story a little.
I am interested in continuing this series and seeing how it plays out. hopefully the men kiss in the other books

Historical romance
Why choose
Bridgerton Vibes
Spicy

Regency era why choose. The spice was spicing for sure. Took me a little to get into as it is different “time frame” then I usually read but I enjoyed the bridgerton feel to it. This was a good read. Would recommend to a why choose reader. If your into historical romance the why choose may be new to you but this was done well.

Beautiful Things is the first title in the Second Sons series written by Emily Rath.

Originally released in 2022, release with a new cover in July 2025.

What to expect:
*Historical romance
*Why-choose relationship
*Jane Austen meets Bridgerton

After the death of her mother, Rosalie finds herself being taken in by her mother’s long ago best friend. This said “best friend” is a horrid woman that deserves nothing but evil, wicked things.

With that being said, the FMC does find herself meeting three young men that are immediately taken with her brashness and willingness to not immediately fall in love with them. For a why choose novel, this first book was pretty tame. It isn’t till the very end of the book when we get to the spice of the story.

No real OM drama, a bit of OW drama but no cheating. Just jealously from OW that can’t have the main MMC’s because they are all in love with the FMC, even if one of them is refusing to admit it. The book does end on a cliffhanger.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Historical, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Rosalie (FMC) & James, Burke, and Tom (MMC’s)

Self-published in 2022, this first book in the Second Sons duology is being republished by Kensington as a deluxe edition. It's a Regencey era 'Why Choose," so basically, a polyamorous Bridgerton. Penniless 22 year old Rosalie is invited to Alcott Hall for a multi-week party by an old friend of her mother's, the Dowager Duchess. There are too many eligible high society ladies for the reader to keep track of, all desperately trying to convince the Duke to marry them. Rosalie soon catches the eye of Lord James, the duke’s younger brother, Lieutenant Renley, recently returned from the West Indies, and friend of the family Mr. Burke. There's plenty of drama between the numerous characters. The FMC has a modern outlook on life and feminism, but much of the Regency era worldview and structure is present in the book. The romance is slow burn: think heated glances and lingering touches on the arm, though it does get spicy towards the end. The book ends on a cliffhanger and continues in the second and final book which is scheduled for re-release this fall. Dr. Rath has a large fan base from her popular Jacksonville Rays series - those of which enjoy historical romances will find much to appreciate in this reimagining of the Regency era.

Beautiful Things surprised me. I don’t usually wander into the regency romance aisle, but Rath’s prose is undeniably magnetic—lush, immersive, and emotionally charged. It took me a minute to get into the rhythm of the setting and style, but once I did, I found myself hooked by the slow-burn tension and complex character dynamics.

The chemistry sizzles, the stakes rise, and just when I thought I’d earned my happily ever after… BAM. Cliffhanger. No warning, no mercy.

It left me both impressed and mildly betrayed—because I cared enough to need the next book, and that’s no small feat.

If you’re into longing glances, aching hearts, and beautifully broken characters, this one might steal your sleep. Just brace yourself for an ending that doesn’t quite feel like one.

Bridgerton goes Why Choose and I am here for it. Beautifully written and deliciously tawdry - Rosalie finds herself at Alcott Hall after the death of her mother at the request of her mothers friend, the Dowager Duchess, and finds herself in the middle of a courting season for the ages. Rosalie, however, has no interest in being married off to anyone and winds up drawing the attention of three male callers OH THE DRAMA. Honestly - I'd pick all three of them too, they each bring something wonderfully different to the table and, well, who doesn't want three alpha males in Regency England saying ""Yeah, okay, let's do the thing!""
With all the underhandedness one expects in the Ton, there are backstabbing society ladies, secrets, gossiping footmen and maids, and so much drama that I just couldn't put this down. Classic Emily Rath, classic Regency Romance with a why-choose twist. 5 Stars, medium spice, and foaming at the MOUTH to dig into His Grace, The Duke.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington books for the arc of this book. Beautiful Things is the first book in the Second Sons series by Emily Rath. This book is a historical/regency romance which I am not normally not a giant fan of this genre. I decided to give this book a try since i have loved all the other books I have read by this author. This book had characters that drew me and let me wanting to know more about their backstories. This book has some spice but not as much as the authors hockey series. I did read this book in one day and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

The characters feel super real—messy, vulnerable, and easy to relate to. I was totally rooting for them the whole time and loved seeing their connection grow into something meaningful. This book made me feel all the emotions—pain, hope, love, and happiness. Honestly, I didn’t think this would be my kind of book, but it definitely was.

Emily Rath’s writing is really down-to-earth and heartfelt without being too dramatic. You can tell she truly cares about her characters and their story. I finished feeling so full and satisfied, like I’d been on an emotional journey with them. I can’t wait to read more from Emily, and I’m definitely on the hunt to find this book in Australia so I can add it to my bookshelf!

✨✨3.75✨✨
That was a weird and wild ride. Imagine you sweep into town during a season of Bridgerton and just decide you want to keep Anthony, Benedict, and Colin for yourself and they are like yeah ok seems fair but with some other drama and a cliffhanger. Honestly though my favorite character is George the Duke he 100% reminded me of Peter from the show The Great who is one of my all time favorite TV characters so picturing him in that part actually had me laughing at some points.

I enjoyed Emily Rath’s writing style, I was gripped to every word. This was my first book from Emily and I wasn’t disappointed and grateful I got the chance to read this arc

This queen writes masterpieces every time I cannot wait to get the physical special edition shelf trophy on to my rath Shelf.

Emily does it again. I am forever in awe with the writing of this book.
Emily sure knows how to capture a reader with her words. I am forever changed with her writing.
Awesome job Dr Dr Emily Rath.

Delicious slow burn with all the tension set in the regency era with a polyamorous twist and a cliffhanger...what more could you ask for?

This was a 4⭐ read for me. We meet Rosalie Harrow when she visits Alcott Hall due to an invitation from a childhood friend of her mothers. What she doesn't expect is the reason behind the invitation or the three very different, verry enticing, charming men she meets.

This book story comes to an end in book two, but I loved the way we get to set the scene and see all these people come to be and experience the push-and-pull from society and propriety in this first one.

Absolutely adored Beautiful Things by Emily Rath! The romance was sweet, emotional, and had me smiling the whole way through. The characters felt so real and their connections were pure magic. I literally devoured this book in a weekend and didn’t want it to end. I’m so excited to read Book 2 and continue on!

Beautiful Things Review

By: Emily Rath
Release Date for Luxe Limited Edition 🌹

*Thank you to the lovely Miss Vida for allowing me to read this through NetGallley*

Anyone looking for a slow burn, open door, historical romance that you finish in one sitting? Well look no further than this novel by Emily Rath, it seriously blew my mind. When I think of historical fiction I think of rich guys getting the girl that’s never had so much as a kiss. Orphan street girls becoming a duchess in the most unlikely scenarios. A town rake becoming besotted with a delicate wallflower that will impress them with her beauty if she just takes off her spectacles. (There is nothing wrong with these storylines btw, I am a glutton for romances in all forms).
But this book blew the hinges off any of those ideas. No spoilers but this is the opposite of your mother’s 1990’s historical romance that fetishizes virginity and she-has-never-been-kissed.Though, the nerd in me has to come out a bit and say this was often accurate, a girl would be ruined if she got caught speaking with a man in private in high society.
Beautiful Things takes an entirely different approach.Rath instead uses seduction through a female character along the likes of Anne Boylen. She writes a variety of characters in a resounding orchestra that yes in fact does have quite the climax… And yet the story and characters have great depth and she pulls off a stunning cliff hanger that has me reaching for Volume 2.

Stars ✨ : 4/5
Spicy 🌶️: 10/5
Girl power 💪🏼: 10/10

Is it blasphemy to say these are the best Rath books? Although her hockey romances are the hot thing, yet I think this series is so clever, thoughtful, sexy, and tender. Historical romance allows for more freedom perhaps for the author. Anyhow, fantastic and highly recommend.

Emily Rath's *Beautiful Things: Deluxe Limited Edition* is a captivating and unconventional Regency romance that reimagines the genre with a modern, polyamorous twist. Set against the opulent backdrop of a country house party, the story follows the spirited and independent Rosalie Harrow, who finds herself entangled with three distinct and alluring gentlemen: Lord James, the duke’s capable younger brother; Lieutenant Renley, a world-weary officer; and the enigmatic Mr. Burke. Rath's narrative is lauded for its witty dialogue, strong character development, and a slow-burning romance that defies traditional norms, offering readers a fresh take on historical romance . The deluxe edition enhances the reading experience with stenciled edges, designed chapter headers, full-color inside covers, and a soft-touch cover with spot gloss, making it a collector's item for fans . While the novel's polyamorous elements and departure from conventional Regency tropes may not appeal to all, it stands out for its bold storytelling and richly drawn characters, offering a delightful escape for those seeking a blend of tradition and innovation in their romance reads.

Oh my goodness, if you ever thought, gosh, I love Pucking Around but I wish it were a Regency romance - surprise, Emily Rath has just the book for you! Beautiful Things is the first book in a why choose duet, and it has so many similar vibes to her iconic hockey romance. A beautiful, strong FMC who isn't looking for love AT ALL somehow manages to find herself falling for THREE incredible men... and none of them are suitable matches. The story is full of banter, swoony moments, and some hot spice, and I can't wait to read the second book, His Grace, The Duke to see where things go!

I was a huge fan of Rosalie from the very beginning. She's virtually penniless and doesn't intend to ever marry, so she's surprised when the men of Alcott Hall flirt with her incessantly. However, she also can't help doing it right back, and I don't blame here because I'd fall for them too. There's dashing naval officer Tom Renley, who has never recovered from being jilted... until he sets eyes on Rosalie. James is a beleaguered second son who has all the responsibilities of a duke, but not the title... and though he knows he cannot be with Rosalie due to class differences, he is constantly fighting his need to be with her. And then there's Burke, my favorite. The illegitimate son of the duke, he's in a similar position to Rosalie, and I loved his passion and humor. When they all end up staying at Alcott Hall for a house party, there is immediate tension and chemistry between all of them, and I was just waiting for it to ignite.

I will note, this first book ends on a cliffhanger, and the way I am SO EXCITED to read the second book. Rosalie is obviously falling for all three gentlemen, and they are all somewhat willing to share, so despite all the obstacles that come up at the end, you know where things are going. While there is some spice in this book, I anticipate things ramping up significantly (and I've heard it gets queer pretty quickly too!). Seriously looking forward to more, one of the most fun regency romances I've ever read.

Emily Rath brings the same tenderness, romance, and spice to this historical romance as she does to her contemporary romances. If you enjoyed Pucking Around for the relationship dynamics, you'll enjoy Beautiful Things.

Beautiful Things by Emily Rath was first published in 2022. This is the first book in the Second Sons Duet, now in Deluxe Edition by Kensington Publishing.
This is the first book in the duet soa cliffhanger is expected.
A slow burn, historical romance set in Regency Era, Rosalie Harrow at age 22 has 2 choices, to marry or to become a governess.
So up to the marriage carousel it goes.
And soon she has 3 suitors, a Lord, a Lieutenant and a mysterious Mr. Burke. Wooed by three very different men with different characters and different goals she has to make a decision.
A witty and fun slow burn, 4,5 stars.