Slow-burn
Very sexy
Headstrong heroine
Stolen kisses.
Family secrets.
Definitely NOT grandma’s #massmarket regency romance

Three best friends…and one lovely who “comes” between them. Why choose just one? DAMN now I need book #2, His Grace, the Duke - coming October ’25.

Thank you HambrightPR, Kensington Books.

This was my first Regency era book! And a why choose with a strong, independent, outspoken FMC...? yes please!

Rosalie Harrow is making a trek to see the duchess, who supposedly was friends of her late mother's. Upon her arrival to the house, she meets three incredibly attractive men and...you can see where that's going. She also gets a request and proposal from the duchess.

This was so witty and sweet and spicy. Literally Bridgerton but why choose. A good fun read overall!

Being invited to a house party in the country is a complete mystery to Rosalie. She's destitute and lacking a position. What could a Duchess want with her? Soon enough, she finds out the Duchess's connection to her past. She wants Rosalie to stay and be her eyes and ears during the part,y but under one condition - she cannot pursue her sons.

On the surface, this is no problem for Rosalie. She sees marriage as a cage she doesn't want to be in. But the more she tries to avoid hooking a potential suitor, the more she is bombarded... by three gentlemen. But who says she can't enjoy the chase?

Friends, this is how historical romance is done!

I saw Emily Rath describe this as a Jane Austen-esque romance that asks the question - what if the heroine doesn't have to choose between Darcy, Knightly, and Wentworth? This is a great way to describe this book and the MMCs.

When I read a historical romance, two of the things that I love as a reader are the tension between the characters that continues to ratchet up and the pining/suffering in the pursuit of love. Burke, James, and Tom all SUFFERED, and I kind of loved it! There was no easy path to love, and I really enjoyed how Emily made their characters work for happiness.

Rosalie was a much more interesting character than I was expecting. Based on the first 10%, I felt like she was a pretty standard feminist regency FMC, but as the plot rolled on, she was increasingly complex and interesting to me as a reader.

Overall, I loved this book so much more than I was expecting to. It's billed as Bridgerton, but spicier. The "spicier" part is right, but I think it's better than Bridgerton 😉

Thank you to Hambright PR and Emily Rath for the eARC of Beautiful Things.

“𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓮 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓻𝓮. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓸𝓷. 𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓷𝓸 𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓾𝓵𝓵 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 . . . 𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮—𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓪𝔁𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷, 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽.”

As someone who isn’t drawn to historical romance I knew Emily Rath would be the person to change my mind. And oh boy DID SHE!! Rosalie is invited to Alcott Hall by the Dowager Duchess, an old friend of her late mother. With no more information Rosalie goes not knowing what to expect.

Historical drama, tension, high stakes and three men she can’t shake! Beautiful Things was such a fun time and I need more! I love how sweet and strong willed Rosalie is, shes the type of friend everyone needs! The men’s friendship was heartwarming, the way they all have such mutual love and respect for each other brought me so much joy. Now this is NOT your regular regency romance these men have some DIRTY mouths and know just what to do with them😏 Burke and Renley…yep that’s the sentence. The slow burn was so good and made that tension so delicious! The small twist at the ending?? And the cliffhanger?? I cannot wait to see what comes next and how they’ll figure their way out of this situation!! Thank you Hambright PR and Emily Rath for the ARC<3

as someone who has been anxiously awaiting the next season of Bridgerton to come out, i adored this book! I loved how you really couldn’t tell who Rosalie would choose at any point in the book and the ending caught me so off guard. I’ll be waiting for book 2!

Ohhh Emily, how I love thee.

Talk about a sloooow burn. I loved all of the tension and angst! Every touch and stolen kiss had me giggling and kicking my feet.

This is not your typical Regency Romance. It definitely has a modern feel to it (which I was all for, but not everyone may be)

I loved Rosalie immediately. She’s poor AF, has zero interest in marriage, very strong minded, but also has some trauma when it comes to men that holds her back from accepting (and giving) love

Emily has said many times that her books are Fantasy. They are set in the “real world” but in a world that isn’t an accurate portrayal of said real world. Some parts are absolutely unbelievable, but in an ideal world would make perfect sense.

I loved all three of her suitors. Yes, even James. The dynamic between them all was different, and it works. They are all in different levels of society (still high up, but definitely not all equal)

Her Meet-Cute with Burke? 😻 Having him watch her slug a drunk man, and not needing assistance from him, was fabulous

Tom, Tom, Tom. 🥵

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing the ARC.

I didn't realize that this book was actually a reprint, but I'm already ravenous for book two and I am so glad that I don't have to wait!

I've never read Emily Rath before, although I've heard excellent things about her hockey romance series. I wasn't sure how I would find a spicy, why choose Regency-era romance, but this really hit a spot that I didn't realize I had. This has all of the court drama and intrigue of Bridgerton, with scheming duchesses and vain social climbers, and a swoonworthy romance between the Rosalie Harrow, the leading character and the three men that are unable to stop themselves from loving her. It is an aching slow burn as these men build their relationships with her, and she with them, while also navigating the pitfalls of being pawns in a game of marital machinations set forth by the ton.

Rath's writing is just the right amount of flowery as indicative of the time period in which this story is set, but it doesn't come across as too much. You get lost in the dizzying display of careless wealth and the appearances of status along with the rest of the cast of characters, but Rosalie remains true and constant to herself and to her convictions. She will not be swayed by anyone or anything, especially a man, and especially not by the dowager duchess who manipulates her sons as she sees fit.

This story is sexy and riveting, and I can't wait to devour book two.

BRIDGERTON MEETS REVERSE HAREM?! SIGN ME UP!
I just finished the first book in the Second Sons series by @emilyrathauthor and WOW. This Regency romance absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible.
This is a why choose romance (yes, THREE suitors
set
against a lush, historical backdrop full of courtship, scandal, and forbidden desires. Think The Selection meets Bridgerton, but hotter, messier, and more emotionally intense.
Our fierce FMC Rosalie is DONE being told what she should do.
Watching her navigate society, love, and freedom was so refreshing. She's bold, she's brave, and she wants gentlemanly friends with benefits
Multiple POVs
Immaculate pining and brooding
Regency gowns + slow burn tension
One horse + he falls first trope
Forbidden romance drama

A why choose regency romance became my first ever Emily Rath book. Beautiful Things is so charming and dreamy yet it packed so much angst and emotional drama! In true regency romance fashion, this is all about slow burn, emotional build up, society secrets and scandals. But it was also very relatable and raw. That cliffhanger ending is simply cruel.

Rosalie Harrow is called upon her dead mother's ex best friend, The Duchess of Norland and she arrives at a complete pandemonium. It's supposed to be a gathering for finding the bride for the Duke who is utterly uninterested in marriage and responsibilities, spending time in debauchery while his brother James Corbin takes care of everything. She isn't a candidate because she neither have money or family position. The duchess has a plan for her. Burke, James' best friend and a Corbin family ward with less than stellar reputation, is fascinated with her. So is their other best friend, Captain Tom Renley who is also here to secure a match and a dowry for his promotion is navy. James is the grumpy and brooding one because he is sceptical about Rosalie's reason to be here..and he is intrigued by her too.

This is Bridgerton on steroid. The complicated delicate so called rules of the society that put women under a set of restrictions and valuations can be disastrous when heart is concerned. Rosalie is a very strong character. Coming from a simple and broken family has made her tough. She isn't afraid of speaking up her mind and she has her own opinions and ideas. That's what attracted the gentlemen most. She is different. But it's a messy situation with a lot of longing and heartache and doubts going on. Burke is looked down upon by the society due to his lineage but he is a great man . Loyal, charming, fair and a lot of naughty acts. He is torn between his duties and his attraction.Tom is the shy one in the group with a past of lost love but Rosalie brings out his flirtatious side again and he is falling for her refreshing personality against his best interest. James was the last one to accept his fascinations with Rosalie. He is balancing way too many things and she is a beautiful distraction.She didn't want marriage but when three men have her attention and desires, what will she do? She is causing quite a ripple but the duchess is a mastermind. I am so heartbroken at the end because the twists and turns have brought us at such a point where we don't know if they will get their happily ever after.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency Romance story! It paid homage to Jane Austen, giving all the quick wit and humor I was hoping for.

I’m a very visual reader and I felt so immersed into this books world, it was a full experience. I also loved the blend of slightly modern voice and the regency dialogue.

There was brooding, oh the delicious brooding. There was pining, chefs kiss perfection. There was drama and boy was it piping hot tea ☕️ .

The FMC Rosalie doesn’t want to get married, but she does want some gentlemanly friends with benefits 😉.

“For I will not give any man such power over my life…I am free of the control of men. This bird will know no cages.”

While the story does have its jovial moments, there are deeper thought provoking subjects that you can relate to as well. I loved how the author put a healthy mix of serious and lightheartedness together.

What to expect:
🦢 Decadent Summer House Party
🎩 Brooding & Pining & Angst
🦢 Sultry Piano Duets & Meddling Duchess
🎩 Why Choose (3 best friends)
🦢 Spicy Scenes
🎩 Bridgerton x Pride & Prejudice Vibes
🦢 Forced Proximity & Found Family
🎩 Historical Regency Romance
🦢 Different Worlds (class, titles)

“A lady can never have too many beautiful things.”

I want to jump right into book 2 because Beautiful Things ends on a bit of a cliff hanger!!!

THANK YOU so much for the ARC!

Yall don’t even know where to start because Beautiful Things completely swept me off my feet! I picked it up for the slow burn why-choose romance and Regency vibes but what I got was so much better!! We get a witty, vibrant heroine with fierce dialogue, and a cast of suitors who each deserve a round of applause!!

Rosalie is everything I want in a main character!! She is clever, independent, vulnerable, and refreshingly modern in her defiance of outdated expectations in the Regency era. I loved watching her shake things up at Alcott Hall.

Let’s talk about the suitors:

Lord James is sweet, dutiful, and has a quiet want for Rosalie that tugged at my heart.
Lieutenant Renley has that tortured charm and I was rooting for him hard.
Mr. Burke? OH MY GOD.Give me all the banter and brooding stares. The chemistry between him and Rosalie had me kicking my feet!!!!!!!!

The romance is steamy yes, but it’s also smart in the sense that Rosalie doesn’t exist just to be chosen but instead she’s wants to do the choosing. And I LOVED that. Watching her wrestle with her desires, her fears and her future was something I connected to deeply. To want what you want with nothing in your way is hard enough, but toss in the Regency era? Too hard.

Also do not forget about the humor! Emily’s ability to add humor when needed is top tier for me!! There were lines that made me actually LOL.

I have so many theories about the Duchess and why Rosalie was invited in the first place, and I’m dying to know what happens in Book Two!!!

I really enjoyed this why-choose regency romance. It gave me some very Bridgerton-vibes with the slow-burn, scheming mamas and some wonderful flirting. Our FMC has clearly had some rough history that has made her adamant that she will not be caged or trapped in a marriage. Add in the rogue who falls head over heels, the sailor with a broken heart that she mends, and the second son of a Duke who carries the world on his shoulders and you get some wonderfully regency-era romance. Please keep in mind this is only book 1 and all members seem to be so far away from their HEA at the moment. I can't wait to find out how they get there.

Even after having only finished half of this book, I knew that it was a hit for me. The characters are PHENOMENAL, I felt so connected to each one. Rosalie might have a few men that pique her interest, but these men also see her. While they are physical at tracked to her and her to them, the connection goes so much deeper. This is not the book that will have you thinking "what's so great about her?", you can very well see that this woman is awesome (fierce and strives for freedom and independence) and even you'll want her too or to at least have her as your very best friend - her loyalty knows no bounds.
The plot is fun - get a whole bunch of people together to find a wife for the Duke, why not? The banter is top notch and the men will have you swooning and feeling all kinds of feelings. The multiple points of view, cycling between the main four, was a real treat. I really liked the chance to get to know each of the characters on a deeper level.
While this story takes the reader on a romantic, who will she choose roller coaster, it also holds an incredible amount of depth. Each character has a back story that drives their motivations and permits the reader to see deeper into their hearts. I love historical romance, but this book really did take it to the next level. It also made me a believer in the why choose sub genre. I couldn’t help but root for these characters to be together. I cannot wait to read more and recommend this book to all historical romance fans, especially those looking for something with more spice.
Many thanks to Kensington Publishing via Hambright PR and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinons expressed are given freely and are honest and my own.

I have read some of Emily's other works but I'm not a historical romance girly and I don't read regency books but I wanted to give it a try and I'm so happy I did. Beautiful Things is a fun, witty and spicy twist on the regular regency romances and I had so much fun in this world, looking forward to book 2

A fantasy, regency, "why choose" romance, that is the slowest burn. Usually, I'm all for slow burn, but this book was a little too slow. The writing is great, and the characters feel real, but as far as a straight-up romance, this left me wanting more, 3 stars

🖤 Beautiful Things (Deluxe Limited Edition) by Emily Rath

⭐ 5 stars!
Read: July 7–27 | ARC courtesy of NetGalley, Kensington Publishing & the author, Emily Rath

Beautiful Things is a bold, immersive Regency-inspired fantasy romance that blends sharp character, spice, and emotional complexity in the best possible way. Rosalie, the intelligent and uncompromising FMC, captured my attention from the very first chapter with her wit, depth, and unapologetic confidence.

This “why choose” romance does not shy away from intensity (both emotionally and romantically). The spice level is undeniably high for me, but it’s grounded by compelling character dynamics and Rosalie’s strong personal journey. Her interactions with the three love interests are unique and never repetitive, offering a fresh take on a popular trope. This is my forst Why Choose Romance so it’s really interesting to read about this kind of things.

While Rosalie’s personality may not resonate with every reader, I found her incredibly refreshing. Her inner monologue is sharp, thoughtful, and often filled with powerful insight. I highlighted numerous words from her for their beauty and resonance, and I expect many readers will do the same.

Fans of steamy historical fantasy romance will find a lot to love here. Though the first book ends with open threads, it’s clear the series has much more to offer. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book, and I highly recommend grabbing the Deluxe Limited Edition when it releases on July 29!

Emily Rath is the QUEEN of writing Why Choose, but we already knew that.

Dr. Dr. Rath delivered with this steamy slooooooooooow burn Regency era “why choose” (heavy emphasis on the slooooooooooow burn). Admittedly, slow burns aren’t my fav, and this one took a hot minute to get into, but once I was invested, I was INVESTED. I’m not expert on the Regency era, or even historical romance, but this one is definitely worth the read.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Beautiful Things by Emily Rath in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much for this book. Out of respect for the author and the hard work behind this story, I won’t be posting a review, as the book just wasn’t the right fit for me. Wishing the team all the best with the release!

Loved it!

This is what I’d call a modern historical regency romance. I know that sounds contradictory, but it totally works. Rosalie feels like a very modern character, and the dialogue and situations have a fresh, contemporary tone which is perfect for me, since traditional regency/historical fiction usually isn’t my thing. But I’m here for anything Emily Rath writes.

That said, this story has serious Pride & Prejudice vibes…if Elizabeth got all the men. Which, let’s be real, is exactly what I didn’t know I needed. The pacing is definitely on the slower side (classic regency), but once all the players were introduced and the direction of the story became clear, it picked up and got steamy.

The spice? Oh, it was spicing, and I loved every minute of it. I’m hoping we get even more in Book 2 and maybe some extra participation from the other players. 👀

It does end on a cliffhanger, and with the story currently in a deliciously messy state, I truly can’t wait to see how it all unravels in October!

Beautiful Things by Emily Rath
3.5⭐rounded up to 4
3🌶️

Thank you to Emily Rath, Hambright PR & NetGalley for providing me a copy of Beautiful Things in exchange for an honest review.

I can summarize this story in one sentence: this is what you would get if Bridgerton & a why choose romance had a baby...

This is very well written and edited, but something felt like it was missing. Much of the story felt surface level, as though I wasn't being quite pulled into the characters or made to feel invested in their story. I found myself rushing through just hoping to finish it... Also the ending was frustrating and felt rushed...