ARC Review ✨️

♡The best♡

This was the most unhinged regency romance ever, and I'm all for it!!! Emily Rath is an incredibly talented author, and I don't think there will ever be a book she publishes that I won't love!

If Bridgerton was your vibe, this story is perfect! I am so excited to read the next book!🔥😍

Rosalie was such a loveable fmc. I'm highly obsessed with her. 😍💞💞 The writing was super easy to get lost in, and I definitely lost track of time while reading🤣🤣

The one thing I wasn't prepared for was that epic cliffhanger. Desperately need to find out what happens!!

Tropes:
💞Why choose
💞Regency romance
💞Bridgerton vibes

Thanks so much to the author, Hambright Pr, and Netgalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington, and Ms Rath for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

Frankly the entire concept of “historical romance but make it “why choose”” sounded a bit outlandish but I thought, okay, why not? If anyone could pull it off, it would be this author, who is famous for the reverse harem situation in her hockey romance, Pucked.

Ro saline, our fmc, is a penniless orphan with nothing going for her other than her pretty face and her great rack. Oh, and let’s not forget, she’s Not Like Those Other Girls TM. And so of course, all the eligible men at Alcott House, where Rosalie has shown up at the invitation of Her Grace the Dowager Duchess for Reasons of Mystery, immediately fall into fervent lust for her. And the intrepid Rosalie, who has disavowed marriage forever bc her dad was a deadbeat, drunk loser, is willing to fool around but that’s it. Which she proceeds to do and then, to be continued, that’s all, folks. I have to say, the abrupt cliffhanger took me by surprise and I did not care for it. I also was a little annoyed by the way Rosalie insisted the three men play completely by her rules including chewing them out for showing any jealousy - how dare they judge her for lusting after multiple men simultaneously - but then threw a huge temper tantrum when Burke so much as talked to another woman. I dislike unfairness and that got on my nerves. Rosalie’s special snowflake “not like the other girls” vibes were pretty strong too, which is not a trope I love. I also, idk, expected a little more steam in a book masked as a why choose romance. Things were pretty tame which surprised me. But the real kicker was that cliffhanger. Be warned!

I really liked Marianne and was waiting for a twist in which Marianne and ice queen Olivia got together, or maybe Marianne ran off with the butler, or something juicy like that, but so far nothing. Maybe in book #2. I also (Lord help me) enjoyed the irreverent, irresponsible, irredeemable idiot Duke George. He’s a pain in the butt but terrific comic relief.

First off, the cover of this book is BEAUTIFUL! I am super into regency-esque shows like Bridgerton, the Crown, etc. so I was very excited to receive this ARC.
I went into it completely blind, not realizing it was a polyamorous romance. I loved the slow burn and never felt like it was dragging too much. I was excited when it finally picked up on the romance side at about 75% through. I felt like the timing was perfect. My only gripe was at times, the dialogue between characters didn't feel time-appropriate, like "bagging a husband". I could be wrong but that dialogue just didn't feel like it fit with the time & the characters. However, it wasn't all that often that dialogue like that came through, so it didn't take away from the feel of the book for me. The ending left me wanting more and I can't wait to read the next book later this year to find out what happens.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions.

Regency romance will forever be my first love and the only thing that makes it even better is when the story is unique and different. One of the reasons I prefer this genre is because of the comfort and familiarity it brings. Most regencies follow a formula, and very rarely does one deviate from that formula. Enter BEAUTIFUL THINGS, which not only deviated from the expected, but still managed to retain the things I love about regency romance in general.

This is a why-choose romance where our delightful FMC Rosalie has not one, but 3 dashing suitors who are all vying for her attention. The only caveat? She’s against marriage, first and foremost, and the duchess who has offered Rosalie her hospitality has forbade her from trying to win the attentions of her sons. Things get complicated very quickly as things heat up between all 3, and of course things spiral out of control just as fast. Each suitor has something different to offer Rosalie, each suitor has their own strong personalities and emotional baggage, and I loved getting to know more about each one. I’m glad we don’t have to pick teams for these guys because just like Rose, I too adore all 3.

The ending is a cruel one, leaving readers on a very tense and rather abrupt note. I can’t wait for the second book in this series to see how things pan out for dear Rose and her boys. All told, I loved this one to pieces and look forward to the next one. 5 stars.

I went into this blindly from this author’s hockey series. This may have been a mistake as I’m not a big fan on historical romances, but I am a fan of our author and was hoping to be convinced to give this genre another chance. The character of Rosalie is solid, we know (and more importantly SHE knows) who she is from the jump. A classic case of “born in the wrong time” character and as such sticks out from all the other eligible young women. One part of me loves the idea of a young woman fighting against what is expected of her. The other part finds this so unlikely for the times and that knowledge takes me right out of the story.
The banter between Rosalie and the guys is great, the story itself is great. I think for me it falls short because it seems so far fetched for the time the story is taking place during. Call this a user error, I am just not a historical romance girlie.

4.5⭐
I had a huge historical romance era back in my late 20s where I couldn’t get enough Eloisa James, Susan Wiggs, Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, Johanna Lindsay, Julie Garwood, and...well you get the point. Ever since the “Bridgertonaissance”, I’ve been thinking about diving back into corsets and carriages again, so when I saw that Emily Rath had a why choose series set in the Regency period, it immediately shot to the top of my TBR.
Let me tell you, I ate this up. It’s got all the things I love about regency romance along with a messy, angsty, why choose twist. It’s a tantalizing slow burn, and I went in blind, so I didn’t know it was going to end in a cliffhanger until I was thrown off the edge. Luckily, this is a trad pub re-release, so I can dive right into the next book in the series if I can’t bring myself to wait for the re-release of “His Grace, The Duke” on October 28th.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Emily Rath for the ARC opportunity!

4.5⭐️ | 3🌶️

If Bridgerton had a spicier, sassier why choose cousin who didn’t care for society’s rules but still loved a good dramatic moment…that would be this one!

I was super lucky to snag an ARC of this gem thanks to @hambright_pr and let me just say: I devoured it.

I’ll be honest, I’m not a historical fiction girlie. But this book? It was so much more than that. It had all the drama, all the tension, and all the chemistry I love in my romances… just with fancier outfits and slightly more rules to break.

Rosalie Harrow is modern, mouthy, and has absolutely no intention of marrying…until she finds herself at a house party with three men who make her question everything. And when I say I couldn’t pick a favorite among the sailor, the rake and the lord? I mean it.

The banter is sharp, the vibes are immaculate, and the burn? Deliciously slow! Like throw-your-kindle slow. But the payoff? So worth it. Bonus points for a handy aristocracy cheat sheet at the front (which I consulted often and still don’t fully understand…but I tried).

Is this historically accurate? Probably not. Do I care? Absolutely not. This isn’t your grandmother’s Regency romance and that’s the point. It’s dramatic, juicy, a little chaotic, and completely addictive. Fair warning: the cliffhanger is rude, so keep book two close.

If you like fierce heroines, found-family friendships, and scandal under candlelight, you need Beautiful Things on your shelf. Or better yet…on your nightstand.

Beautiful Things by Emily Rath is a dazzling, marvelous & entrancing historical romance that feels like Bridgerton but make it why choose. Beautiful Things is a masterpiece of an unique journey about a fierce heroine & the gentlemen & friends she encounters along the way in the path of discovery that ends with heart, heat, piano duets & love that will have you clamoring for the next book.

This is book .#1 in the Second Sons duet & oh what a magnificent start it is.

Beautiful Things is great for those looking to read…
🩷 Historical Regency Romance
🩷 Why Choose Romance
🩷 Decadent Summer House Party
🩷 Forbidden Slowburn
🩷 Headstrong Heroine
🩷 Family Secrets

Emily Rath is royalty at showcasing queer joy & bringing romances that are the epitome of gorgeous love to the forefront that are guaranteed to tug on all of your heartstrings.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

I’ve never read a why choose regency romance before, but after reading Emily Rath’s other books, I trust her entirely. The banter was top notch, as one expects from regency. And, of course, the slow burn was just right. I’m still not totally sold on the relationships (although one is definitely the star of the show), but I’m excited to see where the next book takes them.

A Regency-era romance with a reverse harem/why choose? Yes please! When I saw this sign up, I think I ran to snag it. And I am glad I did - it was a really intriguing and fun read, and I am ready to dive into the next one.

Rosalie is a penniless orphan living with her aunt, having also inherited her deceased father's extensive debts. Barely surviving (and definitely not thriving), she receives an invite from the Dowager Duchess Norland, inviting her to visit Alcott Hall. Intrigued, and having zero idea why she has received this invite, she makes her way to the house.

This results in a comedy of errors that left me alternating between kicking my feet and giggling, groaning in annoyance (at the characters), and swooning. Emily has a knack for weaving romance and sexiness into an intriguing story, and this was no exception! She paints the picture easily, and I found myself getting lost in the scenes.

Despite the matchmaking efforts of the duchess during the month-long stay at Alcott (not including Rosalie, of course, as she has nothing to offer), and Rosalie being adamant that she doesn't want a relationship, she certainly doesn't shy away from the flirtations sent her way. There's plenty of banter, smouldering glances, and illicit kisses. Who will she end up with? Any why should she have to choose?

The slow burn definitely burned me up, but the payoff (and semi-cliffhanger) was worth it.

Thank you so much to Hambright PR and NetGalley for the eARC! My opinions are my own.

Thank you to Hambright PR and Emily Rath for the ARCs of this book. All opinions are my own.

I don’t know what Emily put in this, but I simply couldn’t stop. It was addictive and perfect. I had so much fun with this! It just felt natural for all of them to be together. I loved the connections and the chemistry. The spice was fantastic. I literally could not get enough!

A spicier Bridgerton?! Sign me up! I really enjoy historical romance, and was intrigued by the blurb. A reverse harem regency romance sounded good and it didn't disappoint. It was pretty slow moving but then picked up and ended on a cliffhanger. It was different than other regency romance that I've read and I enjoyed it!

Thank you Emily, publisher, and HambrightPR for the #gifted ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, it was a wonderful read 📚💖

My first book by Emily Rath and I can say, I started with a banger (pun intended)z

Beautiful Things was fun, chaotic, and totally unexpected twist on Regency romance! Rosalie is broke, bold, and absolutely refusing to marry just to survive. But when she crashes a high-society house party, she finds herself dodging drama, unraveling a mystery, and accidentally catching the attention of three very different, very swoony men.

Rosalie is sharp, stubborn, and way ahead of her time. I loved how she challenged every expectation thrown at her. James is the sweet steady one, Renley is emotionally available and flirty, and Burke? Whew—pure tension and enemies-to-lovers vibes. The chemistry between them was chef’s kiss, even if it was very much a sloooooow burn (you’ve been warned!).

This is definitely not your typical historical romance—think Bridgerton meets The Bachelor, but with a modern voice and reverse harem twist. Be ware of the cliff hanger ending theyll have you reaching for book two! Definitely a must add to TBR.

What a stunning book this is!!! Thank you so much @hambright_pr to have given me a copy of this cleverly written novel to read! It was fantastic from the get go and I couldn’t put it down. Think historical fiction, but with spice and slow burn romance, Bridgeton style, but more! The imagery that the author builds in your head is gorgeous and takes you back to the Regency era 😍

The story follows Rosalie who is 22 and is unmarried, which during those days is a crime. She must either marry or take work as a governess. Arriving at the Alcott Hall under fall expectations she grabs the attention of 3 dukes, and she cannot for the love of god choose between the 3. Will she end up choosing? Or just enjoying the thrill of the hunt?

Gosh it was such an easy and fun read! Rosalie is such a relatable and funny character. And it ends with a massive cliffhanger! So I would definitely be keeping an eye out for Book 2!!

If Emily writes it, I will read it! I loved her Pucking Around series and when I saw she was writing a why choose regency romance, I had to read this right away! Thank you to Hambright PR for a copy of the e-arc. I also can't wait to own the deluxe edition of this book!

I love Rosalie so much. I love her independence and that she is out there looking for marriage. I love her sass and that even though she doesn't want to marry, she isn't afraid to flirt right back. I mean who wouldn't be flattered and want to flirt back with multiple men?! I love all of the men in this book. Emily always does a fantastic job of making you fall for all of them. It's also hard to pick my favorite. I mean why choose right?!

With how the book ends, I immediately need to read book 2!

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

Absolutely LOVED this book! Beautiful Things is a regency era why choose romance that follows Rosalie, a lady with no title or money, and the three men (Burke, Tom, and James) that slowly fall in love with her.

The slow burn in this book was torture!! The characters danced around each other and held their feelings back for soooo long that I thought they would never get together BUT let me tell you the torture was worth it! Once they finally gave in to each other, you were able to feel all of their bottled up emotions explode. Simply put it was hotttt 🔥

I couldn’t get enough of Burke. He was definitely my favorite of the three men. He loved Rosalie fiercely and he wasn’t afraid to claim her even when society fought against them.

I can’t wait to find out how their relationship will develop in the next book.

"To any lady, the most dangerous animal in England was wolf or the bear. It was the entitled English gentleman with an excess of charm and nothing to lose."

♡ Regency Romance
♡ Why-Choose/Polyamorous
♡ MMMF
♡ No money, no title
♡ A lady unwilling to marry

Regency Romance is decidedly not my go-to genre; however, make it a slow-burn, forbidden polyamorous romance, and apparently, I'm going to gobble it up.

This book has all of the wit and humor of a Jane Austen novel, while also featuring the scandalous dirty talk and passionate yearning of Bridgerton. But the lady doesn't have to pick just one of her suitors!

If you're looking for an overly serious drama, this isn't the series for you. Rosalie can come off a bit selfish and petulant with her refusal to enter into marriage while also wanting to have her cake and eat it too. However, given her background, I can give her a tiny bit of grace for not wanting to give in to societal expectations.

The men? Let's just say that I'm so glad we don't have to choose, and I am chomping at the bit to get to the polyamorous part of this romance.

"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."

Thank you to Hambright PR for a gifted copy of this ebook!

This was a wild start to this series. I love this time period and the drama! The storyline follows our FMC Rosalie who has to navigate the rules of society as a women with nothing. She ends up at the home of a Duchess who was a friend of her mother’s. She finds out some secrets and live along the way… with multiple men. They all want her but there’s rules to relationship in high society and she doesn’t meet the requirements. That doesn’t stop them from all loving her in their own way… but things get interesting at the end when announcements are made that shatter everything.

One of my favorite highlights was this: “All women live their lives in a cage, sir. It is our blessing and our curse. A blessing when men fill the cage with comforts and sweets and place the cage with a goodly view of the outside world . . . a curse when we are left beating our wings against the bars, isolated and alone . . . with no way out.”
It shows the difficulty of being a woman at that time… or any time really. Most rules of society change but still have the same themes!

I definitely plan to finish this series!

Going into this book I knew little to nothing other than I love Emily Rath and I love historical romance so let’s see if the two will mix.

Who doesn’t love a summer house party in the countryside where trouble and debauchery are on the agenda.

Rosalie is a modern day woman trapped in the wrong era. She doesn’t want a man, doesn’t need a man but cannot help attracting the attention of not 1, not 2 but 3 handsome second sons!

This was a fun read but I have to warn you the burn is SLOW and the tension is palpable to the point that I damn near through my kindle across the room on more than one occasion.

Burke is loyal to a fault, carrying the sins of his father on his shoulder with a jealous streak that likes to come to play every so often. He very much grabs your attention from the offset and while I have an inkling of where this is going in the second book, I await confirmation if I am in fact correct.

James, the Viscount, second son of the late Duke who is a Duke in everything but name. Honestly, I just want to protect him at all costs and spoon him, stroke his hair and allow the poor man to take a well earned nap!!

Then there is the Tom, Lieutenant in the Navy on his way to the rank of Captain. There is something about him that I just cannot put my finger on.

Spoiler Alert this does end on a Cliffhanger thanks to meddling members of the family so I look forward to seeing if our quartet will get their HEA….

🔥Slow Burn
💐 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]

Think Bridgerton- but she doesn't want to get married and she refuses to choose! Is it getting hot in here or is it just me?? I love how Emily Rath gave us all the regency era vibes but somehow kept it feeling modern enough to relate easily. I couldn't put this book down and devoured every second of it!

I absolutely loved Rosalie! She was so sassy and strong willed and I loved how she wasn't going to let anyone push her around. She finds herself right in the middle of a wealthy families home while the Duke is looking for a wife. Even though she has no intentions of marrying anyone, she finds herself tangled up with not one, not two, but THREE suitors.

Burke, James and Tom are all best friends and I absolutely loved their 'us against the world' dynamic. They also each have such different relationships with Rosalie. I don't even know how to choose which one is my favorite!

This was Book 1 in the Second Son's Series. This is a true series and should be read in order. I felt like it ended at a very appropriate stopping point even though it left me desperate for more. I am so excited to continue on and see what happens next!

Grab this one if you love:
✨ Regency Era
✨ Why Choose
✨ All the Love Triangles
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Secret Relationship
✨ Family Drama

📚 Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥Spice Rating: ❤️ (but with multiple people)

Thank you Emily Rath, Hambright PR, and Kensington Publishing for the gifted ebook.

Spice Rating
🤍 clean romance
💗 closed door/ fade to black
❤️ spicy content (a few detailed scenes)
❤️‍🔥 explicit, play-by-play (major part of the plot)
🖤 graphic, more than vanilla