Regency romance which on finishing book 1 is a why choose with a hint of more possibilities with a cliffhanger.

This historical romance is well … titillating. Modern language aside there’s glimpses of the events and social circumstances of the time. There’s definitely liberties involved with the profanities uttered in front of ladies, some glimpses of non intentional nakedness, and of course Rosalie being, ‘liberal’ in her affections with the three men, her outspokenness and her intentions never to marry.

The best things about this book are the total lack of seriousness, and George who would have to be the worst possible duke but has some absolutely corkers of one-liners. It’s kind of like a slapstick Bridgerton.

There’s an element of instalove which impacted the built tension given the times (I just thought more could have been made of the yearning, pining, and wistful glances) but that cliffhanger…. Ouch, it’s one where I need to know what happens.

Bring on book 2.

Imagine you’re in 18th century regency-era London and you have to choose between the following three men: the broody viscount, the dashing sailor or the irredeemable rogue. Which would you choose?

What if I told you - you don’t have to!

Beautiful Things by Emily Rath is a regency-era slow burn why choose romance that is the first book in a (delicioussss) trilogy. This story is about Miss Rosalie Harrow, a 22 year old with money, connections, or prospects (well, maybe not NO prospects!). Rosalie is traveling to Alcott Hall on invitation from the duchess. She assumes that the duchess only wants to extend formal condolences for her mother’s death; but she is in for way more than she originally bargained for.

Rosalie instead finds eligible ladies at the estate vying for the duke’s hand in marriage. While she successfully avoids his attentions, she doesn’t avoid the attention of ALL the men at the estate…if you catch my drift.

From there we get so much tension, pining, longing looks…so so good. It had me up past midnight multiple nights in a row! I absolutely devoured it.

Overall thoughts? LOVED it!

Thank you to Hambright PR and Kensington Books for the free book.

Beautiful Things was pure entertainment and for a book that is nearly 500 pages long, I read it at a wildly fast pace.

It’s a historical why choose, and since it’s the first in the series, this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger with no relationships settled. That ending is so tempting, sucking you in and making you want to dive into the next.

I just had to suspend some belief. In reality, Rosalie had no skills and would eventually become penniless, regardless of her principles to avoid marriage. She’d give in and get married at some point literally to survive.

But I digress. Once we got to the steam, it was nice and spicy—like a reward after making it through the slow burn. And I’m interested enough to want book two.

I had everything planned I was going to say about this book, until the ending, wow! I still stand by what I say, this is the perfect mix of the high society, gossipy cliques, and handsome eligible bachelors in Bridgerton but with a “why-choose” twist and a feisty, honest-to-a-fault female main character. I’m not usually a why-choose fan, but this was so much more than surface-level romance; each of the MMC had depth, and every relationship was so different. I loved it so much I can’t wait to read book two!

4.5⭐️

This was absolutely beautiful!!!
If you love Bridgerton and a "why choose" romance this will do it for you🤭
The things I would do to be in these times, things are described so beautifully.✨️
The slow burn was BURNINNNN but had me so giddy. I loved the tension with the men. The forbidden aspect but also the forced proximity meshed so well.
Burke was definitely my favorite he was such a softie who knew what he wanted 🥹
I loved Rose and how she was so dead set on her ways in the beginning but slowly started caving when these men broke down her walls.
The ending makes me want to hop right into the 2nd one🤭🤪

Thank you to Emily Rath and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This book was E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. I wanted it to be. I was so looking forward to this going into it, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The only reason it took me as long to read it as it did was because I had to be an adult at some point and tend to responsibilities. Otherwise, I promise you I would have been reading this book around the clock.

I love Rosalie's character. She's damaged, but she isn't fragile. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. I also love the men in this book, but right now Burke is my absolute favorite. I loved the writing style in this book; a regency era romance is definitely my vibe. I was able to vividly picture all the scenes in this book, although I will also admit those images are heavily influenced by the Bridgerton TV series, lol. Yes, there are definitely some Bridgerton vibes here.

This book is a sloooooooow burn, but in the absolute best way. It's a delicious kind of burn, not the hurry-up-and-get-to-it kind. And when you finally DO get there (and oh boy, do we) it was sooo worth the wait. You can feel all the tension between the characters, and it is so much fun. There's pettyness (I am so here for it) and drama, secrets and blackmail. I am so invested in this story and I simply cannot wait to pick up the next book in this series!

Beautiful Things was such a fun surprise. Rosalie is twenty-two, unmarried, and basically out of options. With no money and no real prospects, she accepts an invitation to a fancy estate thinking she’s just meeting an old family friend. Instead, she walks into a full-blown Duke matchmaking circus. She’s not interested in playing along, but then three very different, very attractive men start making things a lot more complicated. And staying out of it? That doesn’t exactly happen.

The slow burn in this book is the kind that messes with your head. So many close calls, lingering looks, and moments that feel like they’re about to tip over—but don’t. Until they finally do. And when that shift happens, it’s intense in all the right ways. It’s smart, steamy, and full of energy, with characters who are impulsive, stubborn, and constantly testing each other. I flew through it and need book two like yesterday.

Thank you @emilyrathauthor and @kensingtonbooks for the #gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

I realized how much I enjoy Emily Rath’s books after reading Pucking Around. So when Hambright sent out the opportunity to read + review this one, I jumped on it! This book had me hooked from the start. I love books set in the regency era, and the setting was perfection. Think Bridgerton, but spicier 🔥🌶️

Rosalie is 22, unmarried and destitute. when she receives an invitation to Alcott Hall to meet with the Dowager Duchess of Norland, she takes it, but she has no idea she’s being thrown into a house party with other eligible high society ladies, trying to win over the hand of the duke. instead, she finds herself charmed but not just one man, but three 😏

I absolutely loved this book + this world. Emily Rath sure does know how to make you swoon while reading her books, and I found myself wanting to know what would happen next. And Burke is 100% my newest book boyfriend! I can’t wait to read the other two books in the series!

Thank you so much to Emily Rath, Hambright PR + Kensington Books for not only the eARC, but a physical copy as well! pub day is 7/29!!!

I had everything planned I was going to say about this book, until the ending, wow! I still stand by what I say, this is the perfect mix of the high society, gossipy cliques and handsome eligible bachelors in Bridgerton but with a “why-choose” twist and a fiesty, honest to a fault female main character. I’m not usually a why-choose fan but this was so much more than surface level romance, each of the MMC had depth and every relationship was so different. I loved it so much I can’t wait to read book two!

If you’re obsessed with Bridgerton, prepare yourself! Beautiful Things is Bridgerton on steroids. I’m talking heightened emotion, electric sexual tension, laugh-out-loud humor, and a cast full of irresistible gentlemen. Emily Rath absolutely nailed it with this book, and I honestly don’t even have enough words to describe how much I loved it.

This story pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. The slow-burning tension, the banter, the emotional depth. What really caught me off guard was how genuinely funny it is. The humor is perfectly timed and balanced out the spice and drama so well. I was either swooning, laughing, or blushing… sometimes all at once. And let me tell you, the spice? Chef’s kiss.

Her writing completely pulls you into that historical era, like you’re sipping tea in a corset while side-eyeing scandal in the drawing room. The slow-burn tension, the emotional depth, the sharp banter. It had everything I crave in a historical romance and more. And the best part? It’s polyamorous. So not just one dashing gentleman… but maybe all of them. A girl can dream, right?

This book didn’t just cure my Bridgerton obsession—it replaced it. I’m officially hooked, and now I need more. Like, immediately. Emily Rath, you have a new forever fan.

I’m so obsessed and ready for the next Second Sons story 🙌

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

And just like that another absolute banger from Dr Emily Rath.

This is the first book in a why choose duet, and it has so many similar vibes to Pucking around and 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 will see you now!

Emily Rath’s books have never let me down and this one was a WINNER.
I love everything about a why choose situation and the set up for each relationship was everything I wanted it to be.
Be aware, this book is SLOW BURN city, but when the heat catches it is SPICY,
Rosalie has a different but obvious connection with each of the men, and I loved getting to know them and their personalities.
I absolutely can’t wait for the next part of their story!!

Emily Rath had me at “umarried and unbothered about it”. Rosalie is the Regency heroine we deserve. She is smart, rebellious, and unapologetically sensual. The slow burn between her and Burke? Perfection. The banter with James? Delicious. Renley’s quiet intensity? I folded instantly. Rath balances humor and heat with a deft hand, and the multiple suitors dynamic feels fresh, not forced. The only downside? That cliffhanger ending left me screaming for Book Two. This book is beautifully written.

This is my first ever Regency Why-Choose and I’m STILL over here fanning myself...

I'm not new to Emily Rath - longtime Jacksonville Rays fan here. But THIS is new to me as my first ever Regency Why Choose! Frankly, I wasn't sure how she was going to pull this one off, but silly me - I should've kept the faith.
Emily does it again with this super unique take on a romance in a historical type setting.

What’s better than a spicy historical romance you say? Umm a spicy, historical romance that’s a why choose! Yes please!

Beautiful Things is the epitome of a slow burn romance and the tension between all four characters was just off the charts! For once, I’m not sure I can actually pick a favorite guy in this story because they were all so HOT and the FMC is not your typical FMC and I loved her as well!

This book is a little unhinged but in the best ways and I think I’ll definitely be finishing up the series!

Thanks so much to Emily Rath and Hambright PR for an ARC for an honest review!

I’m a sucker for a good regency romance and Beautiful Things is no exception! 📖 The slow burn was exquisite, and the chemistry was off the charts. From the very first page, I was swept into a world of stolen glances, forbidden touches, and deliciously drawn-out tension. Think Bridgerton, but with sharper edges, steamier scenes, and a heroine who refuses to play by society’s rules.

Rosalie is left with no money, no future, and no illusions about love. So when she’s invited to Alcott Hall by her late mother’s well-connected friend, she expects quiet grief not a swirling storm of seduction. She doesn’t believe in marriage, doesn’t want to belong to anyone…

Until three dangerously charming men start vying for her attention and more. James, Renley, and Burke were chef’s 💋!


💐 A decadent summer house party
🎶 Sultry piano duets
💋 Brooding in stairwells
🦢 An angry swan
💕 The OG storage closet 😉
🎩 Three best friends…and the lady who *comes* between them

This does end on a cliffhanger but it’s worth it! I can’t wait for book 2!

If you’re craving slow-burn heat, scandalous desire, and regency chaos add this to your TBR! 📚

Thank you @emilyrathauthor @hambright_pr @kensingtonbooks @netgalley for letting me arc read this! ❤️

Much appreciation to @emilyrathauthor and @hambright_pr for this gifted e-copy of Book 1 of the Second Sons Trilogy: Beautiful Things. The new edition is stunning and everything one could want in a regency read (and more 😉). Available 7/29/2025. The regency vibes were gilded and Rosalie was such a fun and fierce character. With a mind of her own, she is kind and entertaining, but will be no one’s caged-bird. During a 2 week long house party, Rosalie quickly befriends Burke, James, and Renley, 3 gentlemen plucked straight out of your favorite Jane Austen novels and believe me when I say they did not disappoint.

TROPES
💐 A decadent summer house party

🎶 Sultry piano duets

💋 Brooding in stairwells

🦢 An angry swan

💕 The OG storage closet 😉

🎩 Three best friends…and the lady who *comes* between them 

BEAUTIFUL THINGS is not your grandma’s Regency romance! Told with a more modern voice, it reads like you’re watching Bridgerton…except it’s much spicier 🫦

What in the actual ever loving fuck was that cliffhanger?! I feel like James got totally duped because he was just there picking up the slack after everyone else and not getting enough credit while the others didn’t do much of anything. I have not read a lot of books from this regency era and I thought Emily Rath did a pretty good job at the lingo pertaining this time period. The slow burn was intense and I feel like James and Burke could be more than friends? Idk!!! There were so many forbidden, sexy moments and I felt like I had to look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching in on this intense moment between the love interests. Marianne can suck it for all I care and George? Well, I kinda hope he never changes even though he’s the biggest rake ever. Everything he said made me LOL and he just seems so goofy. Maybe take on a few more responsibilities? Everything is kind of up in limbo right now and it’s setting me on edge! Can’t wait to read the next book!

Rosalie's life changes drastically after her mother's passing. As she is taken in as a ward, her life will never be the same. This is a regency romance that is unexpected and spicy and a joy to read.

Imagine Bridgerton and Jane Austen regency era romance but make it RH/ why choose…and you have the Second Sons Trilogy. Beautiful Things by Emily Rath is so fun and intriguing. It’s unique.

🌶️Why Choose/ RH
✨Regency Era Romance
🤍Feminist ahead of her time
🔥Slow Burn, yearning, tension
💔heartbreak
✨Has a cliff hanger, not so happy ending. But so worth it!

On top of all of these amazing things, it’s now available in a beautiful, special sprayed edge paperback edition. The ✨perfect✨ shelf trophy and a fun book!