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Second Sons #2
His Grace, The Duke
You’re cordially invited to the wedding of His Grace, the Duke of Norland
James Corbin, Viscount Finchley, has two goals. First, guarantee his brother gets married. That path is made smoother now that George is finally engaged. Nothing will stand between George and the altar…not even George.
Second, James must ensure that his best friend Burke does not get married…at least not to the living, breathing gorgon that is Lady Olivia Rutledge. Burke is fully on board with this plan. Together with their friend Renley, the gentlemen concoct an elaborate ruse designed to set Burke free from his matrimonial snare.
But as the day of George’s wedding draws near, secrets from their past emerge, threatening each of their futures. Can James survive his brother’s debauchery? Can Burke survive the social politics threatening to confine him? Can Renley…survive?
And then there’s Rosalie Harrow…
The gentlemen never saw her coming. A young lady without family, fortune, or title, Rosalie tears through their lives, upending all their careful plans. And Rosalie has plans of her own: save Burke from the altar, save Renley from the ghosts that haunt him, and save James from himself.
For love of Rosalie, the gentlemen must prove willing to try anything, risk anything, and be anything she needs.
HIS GRACE, THE DUKE is a steamy, slow burn romance set in the Regency era. The female main character has multiple suitors and she won't settle for just one in the end. All the main characters are in their twenties.
James Corbin, Viscount Finchley, has two goals. First, guarantee his brother gets married. That path is made smoother now that George is finally engaged. Nothing will stand between George and the altar…not even George.
Second, James must ensure that his best friend Burke does not get married…at least not to the living, breathing gorgon that is Lady Olivia Rutledge. Burke is fully on board with this plan. Together with their friend Renley, the gentlemen concoct an elaborate ruse designed to set Burke free from his matrimonial snare.
But as the day of George’s wedding draws near, secrets from their past emerge, threatening each of their futures. Can James survive his brother’s debauchery? Can Burke survive the social politics threatening to confine him? Can Renley…survive?
And then there’s Rosalie Harrow…
The gentlemen never saw her coming. A young lady without family, fortune, or title, Rosalie tears through their lives, upending all their careful plans. And Rosalie has plans of her own: save Burke from the altar, save Renley from the ghosts that haunt him, and save James from himself.
For love of Rosalie, the gentlemen must prove willing to try anything, risk anything, and be anything she needs.
HIS GRACE, THE DUKE is a steamy, slow burn romance set in the Regency era. The female main character has multiple suitors and she won't settle for just one in the end. All the main characters are in their twenties.
560 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2022
About the author
Emily Rath
19 books6,671 followersEmily Rath is a USA Today and international bestselling author whose chart-topping, sex-positive, queer-inclusive fantasy and romance novels include the Second Sons Regency romances, the Tuonela Duet fantasy novels, and the ‘why choose’ Jacksonville Rays Hockey Romances. A former university professor, she holds PhDs in Political Science and Peace Studies. Emily lives with her husband, son, and cat in Florida. They regularly comb the local beaches looking for shark teeth. She can be found online at EmilyRathBooks.com, on Instagram @emilyrathauthor and on TikTok @emilyrathbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
May 14, 2023
this was too long ❤️
May 24, 2023
Ehhh..
It went on too long yet didn't handle some of the serious issues. Something were not explained and somethings just happened too easily.
Sexy times were good but... I was missing the romance in most of them.
They'd say they are in love. But when did the men ever really fall for HER? Them I believe but her I'm not sure.
3 stars
4.5 on the spice scale
It went on too long yet didn't handle some of the serious issues. Something were not explained and somethings just happened too easily.
Sexy times were good but... I was missing the romance in most of them.
They'd say they are in love. But when did the men ever really fall for HER? Them I believe but her I'm not sure.
3 stars
4.5 on the spice scale
October 5, 2023
~ Mild spoilers for the relationship dynamic, not the plot ~
This was a seamless continuation of Book 1 and best read closely after that one. Together they would have been very long, but they feel very much like one book.
The relationship between Rosalie and "her" three men - uptight viscount James, bastard son Burke and naval officer Tom - does a lot of evolving in this second instalment.
In fact, one of my gripes in book 1 was that I didn't really buy the dynamic here. Why were these Regency Era men (okay, mostly Burke and Tom and not James) so unfazed by the idea of sharing one woman? Especially one that is absolutely adamant that she will not get married.
Since the three men were very close, it just made sense to me that something was going on there that went beyond friednship. But book 1 had very little to indicate anything like that. No longing glances, no hints in the guys' POV. The strongest moment for me was Burke and James grappling, with James demanding that Burke call him 'Master' and yield. But that scene went nowhere otherwise, so I just dropped the subject initially.
So when Tom did a 180 in Book 2 and dropped the bomb that not only did he have some wild years in his past, he also held a big torch for Burke - it was a huge surprise for me. Not because it didn't make perfect sense, because it did. But how could Tom's POV in book 1 and even 2 be so utterly devoid of that yearning and unrequited love?
I understand that James and Burke - normative heterosexual men of their time - would be in deep denial and just not notice the attraction that they were feeling. But worldly Tom who tried everything? That just doesn't make much sense and I feel I missed out on some of the necessary set-up.
Despite the fact that in book 2, these relationships developed beautifully and organically, I would have been happier if we had seen at least some queerness in book 1, at least covertly. Rosalie got all the lusting after there for herself, but that is not the dynamic that we end up with in book 2.
Other than the kneejerk-bisexuality, I was very happy with this series. I will ddefinitely check out more works by this author.
This was a seamless continuation of Book 1 and best read closely after that one. Together they would have been very long, but they feel very much like one book.
The relationship between Rosalie and "her" three men - uptight viscount James, bastard son Burke and naval officer Tom - does a lot of evolving in this second instalment.
In fact, one of my gripes in book 1 was that I didn't really buy the dynamic here. Why were these Regency Era men (okay, mostly Burke and Tom and not James) so unfazed by the idea of sharing one woman? Especially one that is absolutely adamant that she will not get married.
Since the three men were very close, it just made sense to me that something was going on there that went beyond friednship. But book 1 had very little to indicate anything like that. No longing glances, no hints in the guys' POV. The strongest moment for me was Burke and James grappling, with James demanding that Burke call him 'Master' and yield. But that scene went nowhere otherwise, so I just dropped the subject initially.
So when Tom did a 180 in Book 2 and dropped the bomb that not only did he have some wild years in his past, he also held a big torch for Burke - it was a huge surprise for me. Not because it didn't make perfect sense, because it did. But how could Tom's POV in book 1 and even 2 be so utterly devoid of that yearning and unrequited love?
I understand that James and Burke - normative heterosexual men of their time - would be in deep denial and just not notice the attraction that they were feeling. But worldly Tom who tried everything? That just doesn't make much sense and I feel I missed out on some of the necessary set-up.
Despite the fact that in book 2, these relationships developed beautifully and organically, I would have been happier if we had seen at least some queerness in book 1, at least covertly. Rosalie got all the lusting after there for herself, but that is not the dynamic that we end up with in book 2.
Other than the kneejerk-bisexuality, I was very happy with this series. I will ddefinitely check out more works by this author.
July 24, 2022
His Grace The Duke ARC Review (it contains slight spoilers!)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
OH MY FUCKING GOD!! Please excuse my swearing. BUT HOLY FUCKING SHIT!! THIS BOOK!! I CAN'T! Emily Rath you are a minx and I respect and salute you! Okok *takes deeeep breath* I'm calm. As calm as can be.
This book is absolutely AMAZING! I know I said that about Beautiful Things too but I'm only telling yall the truth! The slow burn. The pining. The yearning. The emotions. The spice. EVERYTHING IS JUST SOOO UGH *chef's kiss*. I am OBSESSED with these characters!
Let's start with George. I know I said I didn't like him. But his growth in this book is just amazing. My man finally grew a backbome and stood up for himself and the people he loved. His friendship with Rosalie, although a quite strange one, warmed my heart so many times. Maybe he has always been like that. But maybe we just didn't get to see this side of him until now. He has to be one of my favourite characters in this book, hands down.
Moving on to my man James. Oh poor tortured James. He was the most stubborn of the lot and deprived himself of their love the longest. My poor boy was torturing himself thinking it was for the best not realising it hurt the others just as much as him. But in the end, he finally accepted and found his fate in their arms. He just needed a big strong push.
Tom is just such a sweetheart. In my mind he is such a golden retriever puppy. Always aiming to please, to sooth and care for someone whenever he feels they might need it. He owns my heart. They all do. My heart was aching for him whenever he talked about having been in love with Burke for years.
Coming to Burke, that rake and devil. He was the first to give in to Rosalie, their siren, and, although he is possessive and territorial, he took to the thought of sharing her surprisingly quickly. I screamed and jumped off the couch when he was shot by that bitch. (She did in fact not jump off the couch. She simply fell off, cursing and raging.)
Last but defenitally not least we have my girl Rosalie. She is just such a girl boss. Her strength is remarkable, both physically and mentally. Oh to be her *sighs*. She has become one of my favourite heroine in the fictional world.
Oh what I would give for Jane Austen to read this duet!😂 I so highly recommend it. Please please please check this duet out!!! It will be completed tomorrow, July 25th and will be available on Kindle Unlimited as well!! Do yourself a favour, make yourself a nice cup of tea, grab your copy and become one with your favourite reading nook!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
OH MY FUCKING GOD!! Please excuse my swearing. BUT HOLY FUCKING SHIT!! THIS BOOK!! I CAN'T! Emily Rath you are a minx and I respect and salute you! Okok *takes deeeep breath* I'm calm. As calm as can be.
This book is absolutely AMAZING! I know I said that about Beautiful Things too but I'm only telling yall the truth! The slow burn. The pining. The yearning. The emotions. The spice. EVERYTHING IS JUST SOOO UGH *chef's kiss*. I am OBSESSED with these characters!
Let's start with George. I know I said I didn't like him. But his growth in this book is just amazing. My man finally grew a backbome and stood up for himself and the people he loved. His friendship with Rosalie, although a quite strange one, warmed my heart so many times. Maybe he has always been like that. But maybe we just didn't get to see this side of him until now. He has to be one of my favourite characters in this book, hands down.
Moving on to my man James. Oh poor tortured James. He was the most stubborn of the lot and deprived himself of their love the longest. My poor boy was torturing himself thinking it was for the best not realising it hurt the others just as much as him. But in the end, he finally accepted and found his fate in their arms. He just needed a big strong push.
Tom is just such a sweetheart. In my mind he is such a golden retriever puppy. Always aiming to please, to sooth and care for someone whenever he feels they might need it. He owns my heart. They all do. My heart was aching for him whenever he talked about having been in love with Burke for years.
Coming to Burke, that rake and devil. He was the first to give in to Rosalie, their siren, and, although he is possessive and territorial, he took to the thought of sharing her surprisingly quickly. I screamed and jumped off the couch when he was shot by that bitch. (She did in fact not jump off the couch. She simply fell off, cursing and raging.)
Last but defenitally not least we have my girl Rosalie. She is just such a girl boss. Her strength is remarkable, both physically and mentally. Oh to be her *sighs*. She has become one of my favourite heroine in the fictional world.
Oh what I would give for Jane Austen to read this duet!😂 I so highly recommend it. Please please please check this duet out!!! It will be completed tomorrow, July 25th and will be available on Kindle Unlimited as well!! Do yourself a favour, make yourself a nice cup of tea, grab your copy and become one with your favourite reading nook!
Read
May 23, 2023DNF @ 13%. I enjoyed book 1 well enough and I can’t deny that Rath’s writing is compulsively readable, but I don’t give a shit about any of these characters 🤣
I wish Rath would’ve done a better job of making the three heroes distinctive/unique characters. Unfortunately, they all felt like pretty much the same person to me. Rosalie was an okay heroine.
I wish Rath would’ve done a better job of making the three heroes distinctive/unique characters. Unfortunately, they all felt like pretty much the same person to me. Rosalie was an okay heroine.
March 12, 2024
3 ⭐️ An ending I should have expected, but didn't.
I don't mean that in a good way either. By the end of this book, every single choice and concession the FMC had ever made to protect herself and her happiness is effectively gone and ruined. I understand that everyone is allowed to change their minds, but half of the reason why I loved book #1 so much was cause Rosalie was looking for a truly alternative way to live and love. One of her own design.
This ending was just extremely disappointing to me. Cute, but disappointing. This, from the beginning, has felt more like a fantasy than a fictional historical romance, and I loved that about it.
This is officially my least favourite Emily Rath's book. It's still three stars though. I love her books. This one, though, I'm not sure.
I don't mean that in a good way either. By the end of this book, every single choice and concession the FMC had ever made to protect herself and her happiness is effectively gone and ruined. I understand that everyone is allowed to change their minds, but half of the reason why I loved book #1 so much was cause Rosalie was looking for a truly alternative way to live and love. One of her own design.
This ending was just extremely disappointing to me. Cute, but disappointing. This, from the beginning, has felt more like a fantasy than a fictional historical romance, and I loved that about it.
This is officially my least favourite Emily Rath's book. It's still three stars though. I love her books. This one, though, I'm not sure.
August 13, 2022
There is a lot I want to say, but overwhelmingly, you should absolutely read this book (AFTER reading the first one, of course). This is one of my favorite reads of the year, and quickly became one of my favorite 'why choose' stories ever.
This story has so much going for it - a strong romantic story, a plotline that contains some true surprising twists and turns, 4 main characters that are well developed who are surrounded by intriguing side characters, and high quality spicy scenes. I loved book one of this duology but book two takes everything up several notches.
Some specific things that I loved:
*Our female main character, Rosalie - as in the first book, she's a smart, perceptive, strong-willed woman. In this book we get to see her be possessive, vulnerable, confrontational and find out she is sexually experienced (*gasp*). I like that she was given such range and complexity.
*The men - Y'alllllll these men. While they are all flawed, they are all worthy of being your next book boyfriend. They are grow when challenged, can apologize, and *spoiler* get real possessive of each OTHER once they work out they have some feelings.
*Different relationships - Truly, there are multiple romantic relationships in this story. Each one develops at its own pace and has its own way of being. The three men each offer Rosalie something different, and the men have varied, complex relationships with each other as well.
*Sword Crossing - This book is a solid five on Emily's sword crossing scale (see her TikTok). Not all reverse harem stories have MM relationships, but this one does and each one is given lovely space. The men in this book are slowly realizing (or finally admitting out loud) that they have feelings for each other that go beyond brotherly love and companionship. They have sexual relationships that don't involve the FMC at all, and they are...well done. *fans self*
*Communication - As multiple romantic pairings develop, our characters talk multiple times about boundaries and how to make all of their relationships work. As the story nears the end, all 4 of them actually discuss how this is going to work moving forward - especially set in a Regency era, this was crucial for the story to flow well. Personally, I wouldn't have believed an ending without learning how the four of them could possibly get a HEA within a system that centers on protocol and respectability.
*Reveals - Outside of the plot twists, the author dropped in some character reveals that took me by surprise, and were so much fun. When one of the men revealed that he had been lusting after his friend for years, I actually gasped.
*Female focus - While this book is called second sons, there is a fair amount of time and space given to conversations about the way that women living in the Regency era were treated, and what their true options in life were.
*THE SPICE - I mentioned this already, but ...it is so good. High quality AND high quantity. Well written, lots of tension, some surprises, and a surprising variety. You will enjoy it.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This story has so much going for it - a strong romantic story, a plotline that contains some true surprising twists and turns, 4 main characters that are well developed who are surrounded by intriguing side characters, and high quality spicy scenes. I loved book one of this duology but book two takes everything up several notches.
Some specific things that I loved:
*Our female main character, Rosalie - as in the first book, she's a smart, perceptive, strong-willed woman. In this book we get to see her be possessive, vulnerable, confrontational and find out she is sexually experienced (*gasp*). I like that she was given such range and complexity.
*The men - Y'alllllll these men. While they are all flawed, they are all worthy of being your next book boyfriend. They are grow when challenged, can apologize, and *spoiler* get real possessive of each OTHER once they work out they have some feelings.
*Different relationships - Truly, there are multiple romantic relationships in this story. Each one develops at its own pace and has its own way of being. The three men each offer Rosalie something different, and the men have varied, complex relationships with each other as well.
*Sword Crossing - This book is a solid five on Emily's sword crossing scale (see her TikTok). Not all reverse harem stories have MM relationships, but this one does and each one is given lovely space. The men in this book are slowly realizing (or finally admitting out loud) that they have feelings for each other that go beyond brotherly love and companionship. They have sexual relationships that don't involve the FMC at all, and they are...well done. *fans self*
*Communication - As multiple romantic pairings develop, our characters talk multiple times about boundaries and how to make all of their relationships work. As the story nears the end, all 4 of them actually discuss how this is going to work moving forward - especially set in a Regency era, this was crucial for the story to flow well. Personally, I wouldn't have believed an ending without learning how the four of them could possibly get a HEA within a system that centers on protocol and respectability.
*Reveals - Outside of the plot twists, the author dropped in some character reveals that took me by surprise, and were so much fun. When one of the men revealed that he had been lusting after his friend for years, I actually gasped.
*Female focus - While this book is called second sons, there is a fair amount of time and space given to conversations about the way that women living in the Regency era were treated, and what their true options in life were.
*THE SPICE - I mentioned this already, but ...it is so good. High quality AND high quantity. Well written, lots of tension, some surprises, and a surprising variety. You will enjoy it.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 3, 2024
Kitapta geliştirilen ilişki dinamikleri bana inandırıcı gelmedi. İlk kitapta zaten her şey çok şak diye olmuştu, bu da öyle devam ediyor. Ayrıca bence ana kadın karaktere bu ilişkide gerek yok, zaten ana erkek karakterler de biraz bahane olarak kullanıyorlarmış gibi görünüyor. Bazı yerlerde sırf olay uzasın diye gereksiz drama eklenmiş gibi hissettim, bu kitap çok daha kısa olabilirdi.
July 1, 2023
Have you read Pucking Around? This is just regency Pucking Around but, in my opinion, less well done. This is only my third book by Emily Rath, and they’ve all been polyam books, so this could be a misinterpretation, but it seems like Rath writes the same exact formula for every polyam book?
Rosalie = Rachel
Burke = Jake
Tom = Caleb
James = Ilmari
(Although James and Tom and Caleb and Ilmair could honestly be interchangeable.)
I think my biggest two issues with this duet are length, and the dialogue. This did not need to be two separate books, and it definitely didn’t need to be as drawn out as it was. All the plot twists and “character development” (in quotes because I don’t really think there was any) could have happened in one book. This story was so drawn out and boring near the end, I skimmed the last 15-20%.
The dialogue. Specifically in regards to the romantic scenes and the smutty scenes. How do I explain the dialogue? It’s over gratuitous, way too fluffy, and repetitive. It would be like, “what do you need? Do you need my Burke?”
“Yes, I just - ugh I need your Burke. Please Burke, I need you.”
And. I. Just. Can’t. Do. It. Anymore. It was the same way in Pucking Around, but it worked better, or was written better, imo.
I wish I could say this was a slam dunk, but really it was not for me.
Rosalie = Rachel
Burke = Jake
Tom = Caleb
James = Ilmari
(Although James and Tom and Caleb and Ilmair could honestly be interchangeable.)
I think my biggest two issues with this duet are length, and the dialogue. This did not need to be two separate books, and it definitely didn’t need to be as drawn out as it was. All the plot twists and “character development” (in quotes because I don’t really think there was any) could have happened in one book. This story was so drawn out and boring near the end, I skimmed the last 15-20%.
The dialogue. Specifically in regards to the romantic scenes and the smutty scenes. How do I explain the dialogue? It’s over gratuitous, way too fluffy, and repetitive. It would be like, “what do you need? Do you need my Burke?”
“Yes, I just - ugh I need your Burke. Please Burke, I need you.”
And. I. Just. Can’t. Do. It. Anymore. It was the same way in Pucking Around, but it worked better, or was written better, imo.
I wish I could say this was a slam dunk, but really it was not for me.
July 19, 2022
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
So I'm going to be honest, I held off on reading Beautiful Things until I knew for sure when this was coming out, and god I'm glad I did because the duology as a whole makes such a perfect story.
His Grace, the Duke, is where we really start to see conflict in this story beyond the internal struggles of any harem. The characters are crafted beautifully, and the love between them all is truly believable. I also super appreciate the author not requiring us to totally suspend disbelief and acknowledging how hard a harem would be in Regency England.
And did I mention it's hot as hell in a one-hand read kind of way??
I did have a few small gripes, primarily that Rosalie got over her issues surrounding marriage with surprising ease considering how resolute she was in book one. I also would have liked just a bit more of the entire harem together, rather than the last 10-15% or so.
All in, this was a fabulous read and one that will have permanent copies on my bookshelf!
Spoiler: if you're like me and spend the whole book worried that George is going to kick it because of the title, and you don't want him to because he's oddly likeable, rest easy, his quirky little soul is safe
So I'm going to be honest, I held off on reading Beautiful Things until I knew for sure when this was coming out, and god I'm glad I did because the duology as a whole makes such a perfect story.
His Grace, the Duke, is where we really start to see conflict in this story beyond the internal struggles of any harem. The characters are crafted beautifully, and the love between them all is truly believable. I also super appreciate the author not requiring us to totally suspend disbelief and acknowledging how hard a harem would be in Regency England.
And did I mention it's hot as hell in a one-hand read kind of way??
I did have a few small gripes, primarily that Rosalie got over her issues surrounding marriage with surprising ease considering how resolute she was in book one. I also would have liked just a bit more of the entire harem together, rather than the last 10-15% or so.
All in, this was a fabulous read and one that will have permanent copies on my bookshelf!
Spoiler: if you're like me and spend the whole book worried that George is going to kick it because of the title, and you don't want him to because he's oddly likeable, rest easy, his quirky little soul is safe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2024
"I want to find someone who can grow with me, sharing in strength and purpose. I want roots buried deep. I want to be so entangled in another person that I don't know where they end, and I begin."
After that mini cliffhanger from book one I was curious to see where Rosalie and her men would end up. It was a never a question they were all end game with how they felt about each other but I was excited to see the drama of how they would get there. HIS GRACE, THE DUKE delves more into the dynamic of this found family with new revelations of deep feelings that have been hidden between the men. It was not really hinted at in book one even if I did suspect but I loved how it all came together and that was never any jealousy. Plus, the spice was *chefs kiss* and a lot more present in this installment. These four have a love that many would be envious of, and they show that love to each other every day sometimes with a simple look. I adored them all and by the end I was a smitten fool right along with them.
I really enjoyed HIS GRACE, THE DUKE and not just for the romance but the writing, characters and all-around vibe. I see myself reading this author again when I'm in the mood for a historical romance but with a twist. 4 Stars!
Memorable Quotes
"I won't ask you for anything. I just...need to be where you are."
"I've wanted you from the moment I met you, Rose...but I've wanted Burke since I knew what it meant to want."
"She's knocking on your door, James. Let her in or let her go."
"You are the missing piece of us, Rosalie. You are the fourth piece we always needed, but never knew how to find. You belong with me. You belong to us."
"The way I want to please you...worship you. I would set you as the axis on which my world spins."
After that mini cliffhanger from book one I was curious to see where Rosalie and her men would end up. It was a never a question they were all end game with how they felt about each other but I was excited to see the drama of how they would get there. HIS GRACE, THE DUKE delves more into the dynamic of this found family with new revelations of deep feelings that have been hidden between the men. It was not really hinted at in book one even if I did suspect but I loved how it all came together and that was never any jealousy. Plus, the spice was *chefs kiss* and a lot more present in this installment. These four have a love that many would be envious of, and they show that love to each other every day sometimes with a simple look. I adored them all and by the end I was a smitten fool right along with them.
I really enjoyed HIS GRACE, THE DUKE and not just for the romance but the writing, characters and all-around vibe. I see myself reading this author again when I'm in the mood for a historical romance but with a twist. 4 Stars!
Memorable Quotes
"I won't ask you for anything. I just...need to be where you are."
"I've wanted you from the moment I met you, Rose...but I've wanted Burke since I knew what it meant to want."
"She's knocking on your door, James. Let her in or let her go."
"You are the missing piece of us, Rosalie. You are the fourth piece we always needed, but never knew how to find. You belong with me. You belong to us."
"The way I want to please you...worship you. I would set you as the axis on which my world spins."
July 2, 2023
4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️ 4 🔥 🤍
February 20, 2024
Be bold and set yourself free. That’s what I got from this delicious story
August 20, 2024
DNF 15%
I’M. SO. BORED.
I’M. SO. BORED.
December 18, 2022
I did not enjoy this as much as the first book. I think really this story didn’t need two books, so the second half of this one just dragged. And dragged. I had to work so hard to finish it.
Also I found the sexual connection between the men kind of sudden for the most part. Esp since two of them were previously straight.
I think my biggest complaint is all the ownership talk and possessiveness. It just never seems to sit well with a polyamorous relationship. It just felt like the claiming talk the your mine and I’m yours talk was endlessly repetitive and frankly boring.
Oh - and one thing I found quite distracting was how Rosalie almost never needed a maid to dress her. At one point James leaves Rosalie completely naked in an abandoned room during a big event, and there was no description of how she got herself dressed and presentable enough to escape back to her room. And yet in other situations it’s part of the story that she can’t dress by herself.
Overall I think it only needed to be one book with a capable editor, not two. There just wasn’t enough plot to carry over two books.
Also I found the sexual connection between the men kind of sudden for the most part. Esp since two of them were previously straight.
I think my biggest complaint is all the ownership talk and possessiveness. It just never seems to sit well with a polyamorous relationship. It just felt like the claiming talk the your mine and I’m yours talk was endlessly repetitive and frankly boring.
Oh - and one thing I found quite distracting was how Rosalie almost never needed a maid to dress her. At one point James leaves Rosalie completely naked in an abandoned room during a big event, and there was no description of how she got herself dressed and presentable enough to escape back to her room. And yet in other situations it’s part of the story that she can’t dress by herself.
Overall I think it only needed to be one book with a capable editor, not two. There just wasn’t enough plot to carry over two books.
July 27, 2024
4⭐️ 3🌶️
July 24, 2022
5+⭐️ 5+🌶
Wow! Just wow. This is by far my favourite book of the month and definitely one for my top reads of the year. It was perfection. Emily really hit it out of the park with the spice in this book. The number of times I told my friends to drop everything and read this series was insane. I highlighted just about 90 passages. There was so much I wanted to come back to and relive.
The first book was all about getting to know the characters and watching the sexual tension build. But this book was all about them indulging in each other. I loved each and every one of the main characters. They complimented each other so well. I knew this was a RH but I didn’t realise it was MMMF and I loved seeing how James, Burke, and Tom found their confidence in loving each other through loving Rose.
I wish I could read this book for the first time again. It is going to stick with me for a while. Thank goodness it is a duet because I don’t think I could handle another Emily Rath cliffhanger.
Before I even started the first chapter in the second book let me tell you all the things Emily did right.
- She put a note that this was the second book. I have a friend who is notorious for picking up the second book thinking it is the first. So this definitely would have helped her.
- A bullet pointed recap of book one
- Content and trigger warnings!
I cannot recommend this book enough. I’m off to buy the physical copies because I need these on my shelves.
Wow! Just wow. This is by far my favourite book of the month and definitely one for my top reads of the year. It was perfection. Emily really hit it out of the park with the spice in this book. The number of times I told my friends to drop everything and read this series was insane. I highlighted just about 90 passages. There was so much I wanted to come back to and relive.
The first book was all about getting to know the characters and watching the sexual tension build. But this book was all about them indulging in each other. I loved each and every one of the main characters. They complimented each other so well. I knew this was a RH but I didn’t realise it was MMMF and I loved seeing how James, Burke, and Tom found their confidence in loving each other through loving Rose.
I wish I could read this book for the first time again. It is going to stick with me for a while. Thank goodness it is a duet because I don’t think I could handle another Emily Rath cliffhanger.
Before I even started the first chapter in the second book let me tell you all the things Emily did right.
- She put a note that this was the second book. I have a friend who is notorious for picking up the second book thinking it is the first. So this definitely would have helped her.
- A bullet pointed recap of book one
- Content and trigger warnings!
I cannot recommend this book enough. I’m off to buy the physical copies because I need these on my shelves.
December 10, 2022
Oh my. Oh my. Oh my! It’s not often a book leaves me speechless! I think I have felt every emotion amongst these pages! I really didn’t know which direction this story was going to go in after the previous book. And I don’t think I could have imagined anything better!!
.
Firstly how is it that I have come to love George?? And I loved the friendship between him and Rosalie! Even the dowager managed to have a smile from me!
.
Ok my biggest thing that I love are the different elements and types of love that each relationship is formed from. Rosalie and Burke’s is like an animal lust - mating for life. Rosalie and Tom are like magnets and anchors to one another. They have a pull and tenderness that is unbreakable. Burke and Toms love is like a need and longing. Burke and James are like everlasting soulmates. And Rosalie and James is infinite.
.
I’m sure there are elements of this book that aren’t to everyone’s taste and that’s ok. But I was drawn and intrigued by things I never thought possible. I cheered and hoped for things I never normally would. And thats what great writing and a fantastic story and author can do!
.
And the 🌶🌶 has got to be some of the most insane and intense scenes I have ever read in my life!! And I’m not one to easily blush but after several scenes I had to have a glass of water to cool myself down!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! A 100% MUST READ!!!!!!
.
Firstly how is it that I have come to love George?? And I loved the friendship between him and Rosalie! Even the dowager managed to have a smile from me!
.
Ok my biggest thing that I love are the different elements and types of love that each relationship is formed from. Rosalie and Burke’s is like an animal lust - mating for life. Rosalie and Tom are like magnets and anchors to one another. They have a pull and tenderness that is unbreakable. Burke and Toms love is like a need and longing. Burke and James are like everlasting soulmates. And Rosalie and James is infinite.
.
I’m sure there are elements of this book that aren’t to everyone’s taste and that’s ok. But I was drawn and intrigued by things I never thought possible. I cheered and hoped for things I never normally would. And thats what great writing and a fantastic story and author can do!
.
And the 🌶🌶 has got to be some of the most insane and intense scenes I have ever read in my life!! And I’m not one to easily blush but after several scenes I had to have a glass of water to cool myself down!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! A 100% MUST READ!!!!!!
July 19, 2022
My ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, I already knew I was going to love this book, but Emily Rath knocked it out of the park! 🔥👌😘
If you love Bridgerton, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility or any regency era romances, but never wanted the FMC to choose and/ or wanted more spice, then this is the book duo for you!
Start with Beautiful Things and then onto His Grace, The Duke.
His Grace, The Duke delivers the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Both books are dual POV, well written and have good plot to go with our romance.
A fun and amazing way to improve upon regency area romances!
I was over the moon when I got the email with the ARC of this book, and after almost every chapter I was squeeling with excitement from how much I was enjoying it. I frequently laughed out loud and was on the edge of my seat in parts.
5/5 would recommend to everyone!
I will have this duo on my re-read lists for future.
The character development was amazing, I loved the main characters in BT but I fell even more in love with them in HGTD.
* Slight Spoliers Ahead*
.
..
...
.....
......
.......
My favourite things about this book:
🔥 the spice level was perfect and so well written
🔥 the pure love the MMCs have for each other - when reading some RH I struggle to see them together all of the time, but you just know that James, Burke and Tom were always supposed to be together, the love and care for each so much.
🔥 George becoming Roselie's friend, I didn't see it coming, but it was amazing, and felt truly warming to read. I think George's character development was my favourite.
🔥Burke being so possessive of them all, when he first says 'mine' 😍 👌
🔥 James calling Roaslie angel 😘
🔥 the ⚔️ was also amazing. I've seen Emily's tiktoks about her sword crossing rating system and she delivered!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, I already knew I was going to love this book, but Emily Rath knocked it out of the park! 🔥👌😘
If you love Bridgerton, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility or any regency era romances, but never wanted the FMC to choose and/ or wanted more spice, then this is the book duo for you!
Start with Beautiful Things and then onto His Grace, The Duke.
His Grace, The Duke delivers the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Both books are dual POV, well written and have good plot to go with our romance.
A fun and amazing way to improve upon regency area romances!
I was over the moon when I got the email with the ARC of this book, and after almost every chapter I was squeeling with excitement from how much I was enjoying it. I frequently laughed out loud and was on the edge of my seat in parts.
5/5 would recommend to everyone!
I will have this duo on my re-read lists for future.
The character development was amazing, I loved the main characters in BT but I fell even more in love with them in HGTD.
* Slight Spoliers Ahead*
.
..
...
.....
......
.......
My favourite things about this book:
🔥 the spice level was perfect and so well written
🔥 the pure love the MMCs have for each other - when reading some RH I struggle to see them together all of the time, but you just know that James, Burke and Tom were always supposed to be together, the love and care for each so much.
🔥 George becoming Roselie's friend, I didn't see it coming, but it was amazing, and felt truly warming to read. I think George's character development was my favourite.
🔥Burke being so possessive of them all, when he first says 'mine' 😍 👌
🔥 James calling Roaslie angel 😘
🔥 the ⚔️ was also amazing. I've seen Emily's tiktoks about her sword crossing rating system and she delivered!
July 22, 2022
A very satisfying conclusion!
It has all the fun scheming and scandal of Pride & Prejudice and Bridgerton, but it’s a reverse harem!
Yes, you have to read Beautiful Things first.
I loved all the character development we get to see with James and George in particular. Burke and Tom are both steady rocks from very early on. And Rosalie is very likable, though how one woman can manage the emotional needs of three men is beyond me. I did love that they each seem to meet a different need for her.
The smut, the opera box scene, the sword crossing …👩🍳💋
I’m a sucker for emotional connection between everyone in a polyamous relationship and this book definitely had a plethora of it!
Great job, Emily!!
It has all the fun scheming and scandal of Pride & Prejudice and Bridgerton, but it’s a reverse harem!
Yes, you have to read Beautiful Things first.
I loved all the character development we get to see with James and George in particular. Burke and Tom are both steady rocks from very early on. And Rosalie is very likable, though how one woman can manage the emotional needs of three men is beyond me. I did love that they each seem to meet a different need for her.
The smut, the opera box scene, the sword crossing …👩🍳💋
I’m a sucker for emotional connection between everyone in a polyamous relationship and this book definitely had a plethora of it!
Great job, Emily!!
May 14, 2023
Copying what I said in my review of the first book but I also want to add that this is the book series I'm comparing other book series to. This is the care I want given to every character I ever read from this point on. If they're not giving what this book gave I don't even want to talk about it. Poly wins every. single. time.
Show stopping, incredible, unmatched, fantastic, world rocking, unforgettable etc etc. I haven't been this obsessed with a story since Black Sails fanfic of 2017 like I'm dying with love for this story.
This is my favorite read of the year so far and I doubt anything else can rival it. It's perfect. No notes.
No. Notes. Period.
Show stopping, incredible, unmatched, fantastic, world rocking, unforgettable etc etc. I haven't been this obsessed with a story since Black Sails fanfic of 2017 like I'm dying with love for this story.
This is my favorite read of the year so far and I doubt anything else can rival it. It's perfect. No notes.
No. Notes. Period.
July 27, 2022
the best!
I read the first one a few months ago and just fell in love with everyone.
But the second book! The second one!!
Just perfect. Had me yelling pretty much every chapter.
From joy, and anger, and just utter ridiculousness. (Did I cry at one point at 1am? Yes. Was it made better like a
chapter later? Also yes)
George is still a utter mess and I love him sm.
BURKE. my man.
TOM A FREAK & I love him
James. Sir. I want to wring your neck and make you take a nap.
And Rosalie 😏girl got it
I read the first one a few months ago and just fell in love with everyone.
But the second book! The second one!!
Just perfect. Had me yelling pretty much every chapter.
From joy, and anger, and just utter ridiculousness. (Did I cry at one point at 1am? Yes. Was it made better like a
chapter later? Also yes)
George is still a utter mess and I love him sm.
BURKE. my man.
TOM A FREAK & I love him
James. Sir. I want to wring your neck and make you take a nap.
And Rosalie 😏girl got it
May 8, 2023
Okay wow; this had a lot of spice and regency drama and you know what? I was into it. I think I liked this one marginally less than the first, but I think that was because it was really long and a bit dragged out; like some of this could have been cut, and some of the first book been cut and made one book- I still would have been satisfied. It was a little cheesy in parts but I can overlook it for the reverse harem goodness. I would probably give this 4.5 but because it’s Goodreads and I really like Emily Rath’s world building I’m going to round up.
July 18, 2022
This is how you do a second book. This is how you follow up a cliff hanger. My goodness this was fantastic.
We begin right where we left off. Rosalie and James arriving in London.
James and his stubborn ways killed me for most of the book…but in the best way possible. The angst and frustration were well worth it. That man, I swear.
Whew boy…Burke coming in HOT when they ran off without him and Tom. 🥵
Tom not far behind but dealing with the past. 😬
Then George, the BFF we didn’t see coming 😂
He endeared himself to me. I loved how he had Rosalie’s back when she needed it most.
The developing romantic relationships between the men as well as with Rosalie was so good. This wasn’t MM for the sake of having MM. Their love was true and had depth.
The group fighting to be together. To keep Burke from marrying someone he didn’t want to but also trying to help the lady who also didn’t want to be married. To get James to see where he belonged was at the center. For Rosalie to face her fears and trust in their love.
Rosalie and her men are good people.
I laughed and I cried. The feels were felt. I’ll be singing this books’s praise and I’ll be reading it again and again.
We begin right where we left off. Rosalie and James arriving in London.
James and his stubborn ways killed me for most of the book…but in the best way possible. The angst and frustration were well worth it. That man, I swear.
Whew boy…Burke coming in HOT when they ran off without him and Tom. 🥵
Tom not far behind but dealing with the past. 😬
Then George, the BFF we didn’t see coming 😂
He endeared himself to me. I loved how he had Rosalie’s back when she needed it most.
The developing romantic relationships between the men as well as with Rosalie was so good. This wasn’t MM for the sake of having MM. Their love was true and had depth.
The group fighting to be together. To keep Burke from marrying someone he didn’t want to but also trying to help the lady who also didn’t want to be married. To get James to see where he belonged was at the center. For Rosalie to face her fears and trust in their love.
Rosalie and her men are good people.
I laughed and I cried. The feels were felt. I’ll be singing this books’s praise and I’ll be reading it again and again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
Loved this conclusion!
This book was an amazing conclusion to this duet. While regency will never be my favourite genre, I was completely blown away by this book. It was fastpaced, well-written and just overall outstanding when we talk about characters, plot and relationship development.
This book was an amazing conclusion to this duet. While regency will never be my favourite genre, I was completely blown away by this book. It was fastpaced, well-written and just overall outstanding when we talk about characters, plot and relationship development.
September 12, 2023
I loved this book. I'm not sure that anyone can write poly bisexual stories quite like Emily Rath. It's believable, based on communication and just all around fun to read. I did still hate that in the end they had to hide their relationship from the world but it is a regency romance. And it definitely wouldn't have been tolerated if they were out and proud about it. It was a great ending!
February 21, 2024
Emily Rath does it again!! The smut was smutting. The Duke’s redemption arc was masterful and I’m happy that the romance wasn’t the only happy ending. Lots of reviews said that it was too long, but I didn’t feel that way at all, there was much more smut than the first book, which took a lot of time, but that’s to be expected.
July 17, 2022
After waiting for what felt like ages (even though it was only a few months), I was lucky to receive an advance copy of His Grace, The Duke. It was so fun being dropped back into the dramatic world of Rosalie and her gentlemen, this time as they navigate the new social challenges, dynamics of Corbin House, and all of the pomp and circumstance around the pending nuptuals. Rath does a great job of bringing more depth and dimension to the characters we fell in love with in Beautiful Things, continuing to make them leap from the page while providing additional details into their past. And, if you were a fan of the rascal George Corbin in book one, you will get to know him even better in book two, which was so delightful (he may be my new favorite character).
While BT had more of a slow burn between Rose and her gentlemen, that fire is LIT going into HGTD and that flame only continues to build. This book covers a lot of ground (and other things), but Rath does a great job of keeping you engaged, on your toes, and feeling like the characters are after more than just some hanky panky. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice, and love a strongwilled female lead, I would definitely recommend His Grace, The Duke. But make sure you’ve read Beautiful Things first :)
While BT had more of a slow burn between Rose and her gentlemen, that fire is LIT going into HGTD and that flame only continues to build. This book covers a lot of ground (and other things), but Rath does a great job of keeping you engaged, on your toes, and feeling like the characters are after more than just some hanky panky. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice, and love a strongwilled female lead, I would definitely recommend His Grace, The Duke. But make sure you’ve read Beautiful Things first :)
February 21, 2023
4.75⭐️ I just loved seeing these characters for more time! There was a lot more spice in this one, which was fun. But the story itself took a lot of time to develop. But a great ending for these characters.
July 23, 2022
Note: this is not a stand alone, you need to read Beautiful Things first before starting this book.
This duology is wonderful. Its' a Regency Romance with a twist. Rosalie will not be trapped by the cage that is marriage. James, Burke & Tom are three best friends. The developing love between the four of them is deep and delightful. The slow-burn of book one paid out in book two. The second book turns up the heat (and the kink) from the start.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
This duology is wonderful. Its' a Regency Romance with a twist. Rosalie will not be trapped by the cage that is marriage. James, Burke & Tom are three best friends. The developing love between the four of them is deep and delightful. The slow-burn of book one paid out in book two. The second book turns up the heat (and the kink) from the start.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
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