Thank you to the publisher and PR company for the gifted eARC, but as soon as I finished, I knew I NEEDED a shelf trophy as well.

Synopsis: Crashing a country house party in Regency England, an intrepid young woman is drawn into the orbit of three delicious gentlemen.

Read this for:
- regency house party
- why choose romance
- slow burn
- 1st in series
- meddlesome family members
- a very angry swan

My thoughts: I read this in a single day, I couldn’t put it down, Rosalie is a near destitute woman who was invited to a house party under mysterious conditions. Her interactions with three men change the courses of all of their lives. I loved Rosalie’s stance on marriage and the fact that she’s unwilling to change, even when presented men who would love to marry her. She has all the power and chooses her own path. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series due out in October. These are reprints of Emily’s first indie published series.

Highly recommend for those who love a good slow burn why choose, and those who love a great deal of plot alongside their spicy scenes.

I'm going to be real- I normally hate Regency romance. Even Bridgerton on Netflix is a stretch for me, honestly. It did take me a minute to get used to the regency-style writing of this book, but I should have known that I was safe in @emilyrathauthor 's hands! I cannot wait to read the second book, which is getting the same absolutely stunning remodel from @kensingtonbooks in October! #regency #whychoose #reverseharem #beautifulthings #netgalleyarc #sprayededges #specialedition

Review of Beautiful Things by Emily Rath

I've always been a huge fan of regency romance. Pride & Prejudice was my favorite book for decades and the Bridgerton series holds a special place on my bookshelf. When Beautiful Things came across my lap, I knew I had to read it!

Rosalie is unmarried, with no plans to change that fact, and nearly destitute at the age of twenty-two. With plans to take work as a governess, she answers a mysterious letter from her late mother's childhood friend, unknowingly crashing a house party. A house party with women vying to claim the duke's heart and win the title of duchess. Rosalie wants nothing to do with these schemes and is only interested in the mystery behind the dowager duchess' call for her to stay for the party. Feeling caged with any decision she makes, Rosalie sets off to avoid winning any gentleman's heart while finding a governess position and also solving the mystery behind her mother's relationship with the dowager. Despite all atrempts, she captures the attention of three attractive and charming gentlemen. Will Rosalie choose one (but why choose)? Will she enjoy the chase without having to marry? Will she unravel a mystery shrouded through time?

This is a why choose regency romance with three very distinct men, all focused on Rosalie. With vigor and wit, Rosalie continues the slowest of burns through the pages of this very unique novel.

✨️ARC Review✨️

4⭐️ for Beautiful Things by Emily Rath

I had really high expectations going into this one, and while the reality didn't quite live up to them, I still enjoyed this read a lot.

Rosalie was feisty (and we love a feisty FMC in this house) and unafraid to speak her mind, which might be a touch unrealistic for that time period but I glossed over that pretty easily. The MMCs were all different, and yet all were appealing to me - as well as to Rosalie - but I had a clear favorite in Burke. I felt they had the most chemistry as well.

This was your typical Regency romance in the sense that the brush of their hands was nearly scandalous (no gloves, the horror!) and yet not typical at all as it was a why-choose romance as well, which could've worked better than it did. I mean, the brush of hands is "too much" but you're fine getting down and dirty with two men at once?! Make it make sense.

Nevertheless, the spice was hot, the vibes were very Bridgerton-esque, and I enjoyed my read immensely. It does end on a cliffhanger though which annoyed me.

Thank you to Hambright PR for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for the eARC of this title.

This book swung between entertaining and some LOL moments, and eye rolling moments. The comic relief was THERE, which I very much appreciated. And although I DO love women not acting how they are expected against societal norms, this version of it still felt a bit flat to me: only that she doesn't want to get married is what it boiled down to in my interpretation.

The men in the book are hunky, cheeky and cute. It was fun to essentially have the different MMCs that would each be the frontrunner for different reader-tastes but in the end, why can't Rosalie have them all?!

Ultimately I don't think I am a regency romance girl even with the well-done humor, banter and slow burn.

A sailor, a rake, and a duke… thank God we don’t have to choose. This is a delightfully spicy and wildly fun romance that scratches that raunchy Bridgerton itch you can’t scratch with delays to season 4.
Emily Rath blends historical charm with modern-leaning heat, delivering banter, chemistry, and scandal in equal measure. The cliffhanger ending?
Brutal... in the best way.
I’m already racing headlong into the next book.

“The heart doesn’t always follow the rules… and neither does Rosalie Harrow.”

Tropes:
💐 Regency romance
💐 Multiple suitors
💐 Slow burn
💐 Witty banter
💐 House party drama

At twenty-two, Rosalie Harrow is unmarried, penniless, and unwilling to be caged by either marriage or employment as a governess. One unexpected invitation to Alcott Hall drops her into the middle of high society’s most dangerous game; A house party full of eligible ladies all vying for the hand of a newly single duke. Between dodging gossip, navigating scandal, and clashing with a certain infuriating gentleman, Rosalie has more than her fair share of distractions… including three very different men who could steal her heart.

This one was fine for me - a gentle simmer rather than a full boil…but that ending? Absolutely ramped things up and yanked on my heartstrings in a way that makes book two a must-read. The last few chapters delivered the kind of emotional punch that leaves you hovering over the pre-order button.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Beautiful Things is my first foray into Regency, with a strong heroine and a few leading men who are each appealing in varied ways.

You'll enjoy this if you like:
• Why choose romance
• Regency romance
• Lots of chemistry and spice
• Jealousy

This one has great, smart banter and a cool regency backdrop that certainly gave me Bridgerton vibes, which I was not mad about! The story unfolds slow and measured, giving us a slow burn, spicy reverse harem within the bounds of a regency world - a combo you wouldn't think would work but it does here!

This story was entertaining, if a little crazy in a good way and in the end, a fun read full of antics and dialog that kept me reading. Note that it ends on a bit of a cliff hanger.

First, the paperback is beyond stunning. It alone will sell this book everywhere. Emily writes fantastic stories and even when regency isn’t my normal cup of tea, if she writes it then I want to read it. Mixing regency and why choose was simply delectable.

This book is not normally my type. I’m not into historical fiction or regency romance. I did love this one though. I feel like it was historical with a twist. The good recency era but make it forbidden and bad. Loved it.

I enjoyed this book. I thought there was no way to switch completely different topics for an author. Where Modern hockey romance to Regency era with Duchess's and lords. I didnt think it could be done. I think she transferred to the category perfectly. The characters really came to life for me and definitely made me want to read more like this from her. I am just happy there is 2 more in the series to read even more. Cant wait. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.

I have always been a fan of Emily Rath, but I have read her hockey romance books, so I had to give this book a try and it’s my first historical romance book also.

Rosalie doesn’t really have much and she has no desire to ever marry. She is a beautiful, strong and very determined woman. She is a bit taken back when the men of Alcott Hall all flirt with her, a lot. And what catches her by surprise even more, she finds herself falling for not one, but three different men.

Tom is the jilted naval officer, who hasn’t completely recovered, but Rosalie catches his eye and makes him see something different in her. James is the second son, he isn’t a duke, but pretty much does the same thing. He is not the same class so he has to fight the urges and his desires to be with her. And Burke, the illegitimate son, who is the same class as Rosalie and free to be with her because of it.

The house party at Alcott Hall has them all thrown together and the tension and chemistry happens right away. The book if full of banter, passion, and spice. They are all willing to somewhat kinda share her, they all want her. There are just so many obstacles, can they make it work?

Spice: 1

Tropes:
slow burn
Why Choose
regency romance
forced proximity
second born sons

Beautiful Things is a regency romance with a why choose twist. If you're a fan of Bridgerton, I'd recommend checking this series out. I knew this was book 1 in the Second Sons series but I wasn't sure if this was a continuous series or a standalone-interconnected one. You definitely need to read these books in order as Beautiful Things ends on a cliffhanger that I didn't see coming!

Rosalie is a woman with no title or money to her name, so when the Dowager Duchess of Norland requests her presence at Alcott Hall, Rosalie has no idea why. Turns out, the Duchess was best childhood friends with Rosalie's mother, and is looking to make amends for lost time. Requesting Rosalie's help in finding her son, the Duke, a wife among the house guests. Her only rule: don't fall in love with anyone. Especially one of her sons.

Sometimes the heart can't help who it falls for. Is it the Duke's younger brother that steals Rosalie's heart? Maybe it's the Naval Lieutenant? Or perhaps it's the bastard son who lives at Alcott Hall? Regardless, Rosalie knows she'll never marry, but that doesn't quite mean you can't be a saint, right? ;)

I won't lie, this book was slow for me at first. But by the middle, that slow burn was getting me... and when the sexual tension finally breaks, I was hooked. I needed more honestly. But that scene after the rainstorm... was sexy. I love why choose books. You get the best of all the worlds LOL. I adore Rosalie and her stance that women aren't prizes to be won or pawns in marriage games. I also love Burke so much. If I had to choose just one.. well I don't have to LOL. But those last few chapters had me shocked! I didn't expect the book to end when it did. I need answers! What's going on with Renley? How will Burke get out of his dilemma? Will Rosalie and James make a plan that will solve all their answers? What's the end game? Okay, off to read book 2!

Beautiful Things by Emily Rath
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Genre: Historical Romance

“Marriage is so tricky. So hard to get right… so disastrous when it goes wrong. And the suffering a bad marriage creates …” 💔

Set against a richly drawn historical backdrop, Beautiful Things explores the complexity of love, societal expectation, and personal freedom. Rosalie is a strong, grounded heroine who plays by her own rules, and watching her navigate her path was empowering and heart-wrenching.

James Corbin, the second-born with secrets, Burke with his quiet depth, and Tom Renley each man brings a different shade to Rosalie’s journey. And the compromise👀🔥 🌶️

This book is full of tension, longing, and sharp commentary on the institution of marriage. Emily Rath writes with elegance and bite. Highly recommend for fans of slow burn, layered characters, and historical settings that feel real.

📚 Thank you to @kensingtonbooks @Hambright_PR for the eARC! #HambrightPartner #HPRBeautifulThings #HambrightPR

Would you risk your heart for love in a time where marriage could ruin you or save you? 💭
Or
If you’ve read the book, who was your one-pick for Rosalie; Burke, James or Tom?

I can’t wait for book 2 coming out in October 2025.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Re-Release Date: 07/29/2025
Pages: Kindle - 481 pages
Series: Second Sons, book 1

Thoughts:

This was such a fun book! Also, my first regency era why choose and I’m absolutely here for it! I was full on channeling the time period so this book had me blushing throughout. 😂

We’ll start with Rosalie who is an absolute gem. She is years ahead of her time and I loved her confidence in what she wanted but also being vulnerable to feelings that arise.

The three MMC’s.. I mean what a perfect trio of personalities. Burke is broody (which we love), Renley is a sweet man in uniform (which we also love) and James can’t help but take care of everyone (which we can’t help but love).

The setting is super fun at this summer house party, trying to find a marriage match for the Duke, which obviously leads to drama and scandal and I just really enjoyed reading until the end.

Favorite Quote: “I’ve waited twenty-seven years to find one single person who could hold my attention the way you do, love, I’m a patient man. It will make it all the sweeter when you set aside this ludicrous notion of restraint. We are inevitable.”

Blurb:

🦢 Slow Burn
🩷 A decadent summer house party
🦢 Sultry piano duets
🩷 Brooding in stairwells
🦢 An angry swan
🩷 Three best friends… and the lady who *comes* between them 😏

This was a really fun read. Emily surely knows how to write an amazing why choose romance. I can not wait to continue the series

I thought this book would shake things up enough for me that I would enjoy a regency era book, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be and that’s more on me than the author.
It was entertaining and fun enough at times that I kept going, and I enjoyed that it had the same vibes as Bridgerton, but it felt more annoying to read in a book than it was to watch it in a tv show.
I didn’t really like Rosalie’s double standards and the fact that women are pitted against each other. I expected this aspect of regency romances to change as well, but it unfortunately didn’t.

🦜 Set in Regency England, this one is about Rosalie, a single woman with no fortune or connections, whose parents have died (her father with considerable debts). Much to Rosalie’s astonishment, she receives an invitation to Alcott Hall, by a friend of her mother’s, the Dowager Duchess of Norland. There she meets three very intriguing men: Burke, the rogue, Tom, the sailor, and James, the serious lord. Each man has different qualities that ensnare Rosalie’s heart, but she has a very firm boundary. She will never marry. 🩷

🦜 It should come as no surprise, as Emily Rath was a university professor, but this book is incredibly well written. There were several aspects to this book that would please any Austen fan (any little details like, “She’d be wearing gloves there”, can be overlooked and probably wouldn’t be noticed by normal people who aren’t me) and the language was often letter-perfect for me. The writing kept me entertained and often laughing out loud. This one also happens to be a slow burn why choose! I liked that as I can’t think of many other examples of Regency RH. The book does have some spice, but not a ton. It’s also book 1 of a duet, so beware the almost criminal cliffhanger 😭. Sometimes I curse myself for not paying attention to something like this! Luckily, since this is a re-release, I can dive straight into the audiobook of book 2! 🩷

🫖 I paired this book with Taylor’s of Harrogate Yorkshire Gold tea which is purported to be the most popular tea in England (my English friends can confirm, deny, or fight it out below!). Either way, it’s a dang good tea.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Hambright PR for the review copy!!

This book was originally self-published in 2022 and now has been picked up by Kensington to be re-released trad published. Yay!

First, thank goodness for the list provided at the beginning of the book, because yes I did have to check it frequently to keep everyone’s title, role and ‘ranking’ in order.

I don’t read a ton of historical romance but have been reading more this past year. And the more I do, the more I love the genre. The tension, the longing, the pining - give it all to me on a fancy platter. Add in the subtle humour that had me cracking out loud, and I was eating up this book. Emily Rath knows how to keep us readers invested!!!

3 best friends, 1 independent woman, tons of chemistry, cliffhanger ending = bring on book 2

💛 multi POV
💛 why choose/polyamory
💛 slow burn
💛 forbidden
💛 regency era, but make it spicy
💛 🦢


Beautiful Things is out NOW!
Thank you to Kensington, NetGalley and the author for the ARC.

I am quite emotional after this ARC read and fear I might have to have a second go soon to work out my anxieties. I can't quite pin it down, but Emily has me feeling a sentimental kind of in love.

I don't claim to be any type of expert on this genre, but I am absolutely chuffed to have soaked in a story that puts challenge to such traditional ideals as a woman's place in love, society, and marriage. It is a precarious thing history, and who are we to pretend there was never diversity within that. I know Beautiful Things may seem a whimsy tale on face, but what we get alongside the pearls and ballgowns is perhaps a much more important world of trial, confusions, and desire to be understood by a world that has never worked to understand you.

This was a soft love for me, and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to digest it.