literary gluttony

Set in a lush, scandal-tinged Regency world, Beautiful Things follows a young woman navigating society’s rigid expectations while entangled in a deeply unconventional romantic dynamic. With sharp wit, emotional vulnerability, and a cast of compelling characters, this story leans into longing, power, and the intoxicating pull of connection—without confining itself to traditional rules of love.

There’s something undeniably indulgent about Beautiful Things—the kind of book you sink into and let wrap around you like silk and secrets. From the very beginning, I was completely pulled into Emily Rath’s take on a Regency romance that dares to ask, what if we didn’t have to choose? And honestly? I adored it.

This is very much a character-driven story, and that’s where it shines brightest. The central relationships are layered, emotionally charged, and written with a kind of intimacy that feels both tender and electric. Each character brings something distinct to the table, and watching those dynamics unfold—shift, clash, and ultimately deepen—was easily my favorite part of the reading experience. The drama? Delicious. The tension? Immaculate.

Now… let’s talk about the duchess.

She was the one element that kept this from being a full five-star read for me. There was just something about her personality that grated in a way I couldn’t fully shake. She felt sharp-edged in a way that didn’t quite click with me, and I found myself pulling back whenever she took center stage. That said, I do wonder if that reaction is intentional—if she’s meant to unsettle, to disrupt, to challenge both the characters and the reader. If so, mission accomplished… even if I didn’t exactly enjoy it.

What I did enjoy—immensely—was the emotional core of this book. Rath writes connection in a way that feels almost decadent. There’s a richness to the relationships, a sense that every glance, every touch, every moment carries weight. And in a genre that can sometimes feel predictable, the “why choose” element adds a fresh, compelling twist that kept me hooked.

The pacing leans more toward slow-burn, but it never felt dull. Instead, it builds—layer by layer—until you’re completely invested in where these characters are headed and how they’ll navigate the tangled web of their feelings and societal expectations.

And that ending? Let’s just say I am very ready for whatever comes next.

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Devour or Nibble?
Devour. If you’re craving a Regency romance that’s equal parts lush, dramatic, and emotionally indulgent—with complex characters and a romance that refuses to fit into a neat little box—this one is absolutely worth savoring.