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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
1153 people are currently reading
20909 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rath
22 books11.3k 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 cats in the Pacific Northwest. She can be found online at EmilyRathBooks.com, on Instagram @emilyrathauthor and on TikTok @emilyrathbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 626 reviews
May 14, 2023
this was too long ❤️
February 20, 2026
For a full spoiler version of this review, please check out my blog,
spoiledbooks.blogspot.com
This is the second book in the Second Sons series, and it picks up immediately after Beautiful Things—with more drama, more spice, and absolutely zero chill. Set in the Regency era, the story follows Rosalie Harrow as a midnight escape to London turns into a full-blown social scandal involving dukes, viscounts, soldiers, and far too many feelings to keep tidy.
This book is long, indulgent, and unapologetically outrageous. The banter is sharp, the stakes are high, and the romantic entanglements lean firmly into why-choose territory 🔥 While some of the male leads blur together, the story is wildly entertaining and fully committed to its chaos.
Is it ridiculous? Yes.
Was I hooked anyway? Also yes.
This is the second book in the Second Sons series, and it picks up immediately after Beautiful Things—with more drama, more spice, and absolutely zero chill. Set in the Regency era, the story follows Rosalie Harrow as a midnight escape to London turns into a full-blown social scandal involving dukes, viscounts, soldiers, and far too many feelings to keep tidy.
This book is long, indulgent, and unapologetically outrageous. The banter is sharp, the stakes are high, and the romantic entanglements lean firmly into why-choose territory 🔥 While some of the male leads blur together, the story is wildly entertaining and fully committed to its chaos.
Is it ridiculous? Yes.
Was I hooked anyway? Also yes.
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.
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
July 31, 2025
560 pages for this dude’s name to be horatio
July 19, 2025
I came for the dirty/hot MMFM and stayed for a well-written, captivating love story.
Why choose, indeed.
Burke took her wrists and stretched her arms up over her head, pinning them to the bed. His face loomed over hers. “Do you trust us, love?” Her chest rose and fell with each breath as she held his gaze. Renley’s hands were on her thighs, his breath warm between her legs. The sensation raised gooseflesh down her arms. “Yes.” Burke smiled, kissing her forehead. “We are going to cherish you, Rosalie. Give us your body, and we will make it our temple.”
###
“My angel, please look at me.” Sniffling, she looked up, her eyes red and puffy. “I am in love with you. We are all in love with you. If you will give me one last chance to prove myself, I will never make you doubt me again. You are the moon in our skies and we the tides, helpless to avoid your pull. There is no escaping you. I don’t want to escape. I want to be lost in love with you forever.”
I don’t blame her. I couldn’t choose either 🤤
Why choose, indeed.
Burke took her wrists and stretched her arms up over her head, pinning them to the bed. His face loomed over hers. “Do you trust us, love?” Her chest rose and fell with each breath as she held his gaze. Renley’s hands were on her thighs, his breath warm between her legs. The sensation raised gooseflesh down her arms. “Yes.” Burke smiled, kissing her forehead. “We are going to cherish you, Rosalie. Give us your body, and we will make it our temple.”
###
“My angel, please look at me.” Sniffling, she looked up, her eyes red and puffy. “I am in love with you. We are all in love with you. If you will give me one last chance to prove myself, I will never make you doubt me again. You are the moon in our skies and we the tides, helpless to avoid your pull. There is no escaping you. I don’t want to escape. I want to be lost in love with you forever.”
I don’t blame her. I couldn’t choose either 🤤
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!
November 20, 2025
What a book!!!!!🫠 Oh my! Oh my! WOW!!!!
I never thought George of all people would have become one of my favourites but there you have it!!
I never thought George of all people would have become one of my favourites but there you have it!!
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.
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.
September 30, 2025
emily’s crazy for this one
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.
August 20, 2024
DNF 15%
I’M. SO. BORED.
I’M. SO. BORED.
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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.
December 19, 2025
[5]
5 star for the vibes and a good time reading this haha
Being able to discuss this book in real time with everyone was like the best time ever. There was so much scandal, so much yearning, and oh so many eye rolls.
5 star for the vibes and a good time reading this haha
Being able to discuss this book in real time with everyone was like the best time ever. There was so much scandal, so much yearning, and oh so many eye rolls.
January 16, 2024
Oh, did you not expect me to continue this series?
And listen to me now, I don't know if I'm the only reader in the middle of the Venn Diagram that is historical romances and Marauders fanfiction from before 2007, but I am HERE TO TELL YOU that at one point in this story's lifecycle, it was Marauders fanfiction. If you do not know what Wolfstar is, or the difference between M for Mature or E for Explicit stories, move along, this polyamorous historical romance is not for you. I am claiming it for everyone else in my weird little Venn.
Rosalie = Lily
James = James
Burke = Black, Sirius Black
Renley = Remus Lupin
I will be accepting no further questions, I know I'm right #wolfstarforever
And listen to me now, I don't know if I'm the only reader in the middle of the Venn Diagram that is historical romances and Marauders fanfiction from before 2007, but I am HERE TO TELL YOU that at one point in this story's lifecycle, it was Marauders fanfiction. If you do not know what Wolfstar is, or the difference between M for Mature or E for Explicit stories, move along, this polyamorous historical romance is not for you. I am claiming it for everyone else in my weird little Venn.
Rosalie = Lily
James = James
Burke = Black, Sirius Black
Renley = Remus Lupin
I will be accepting no further questions, I know I'm right #wolfstarforever
June 20, 2024
Ended up with multi sexual relationships that I felt were just .. overdone and most of narrative was sex not plot.
January 23, 2026
This is the second book of the Second Sons series, set in Regency-era England. It works best, providing greater enjoyment, if the first book, Beautiful Things, is completed. The first book is available for Prime members to freely access.
The fate of main character Rosalie Harrow has been dictated from the start by the woman who summoned her to Alcott Hall, the residence of the Duke of Norland. The dowager Duchess has messaged Rosalie claiming she had been a friend of her late mother while residing in their childhood homes in Richmond. Rosalie has only inherited a legacy of debt from her deceased parents, her father’s gambling debts, and her mother’s medical debts. She arrives at Alcott Hall penniless, mud spattered, exhausted, and confused.
However, once there as shown in this second book, her wit, her strength, and her uncompromising principles drive her. Having found herself allegiant to the Dowager Duchess who has paid off her debts, she further her binds to the powerfully manipulative Dowager promising to maintain the secrecy of her motivation for the debts repayment. It is this loyalty oath that threatens her desired relationship with the duchess’ second son, James, a man who values honesty and loyalty from all he allows in his inner circle. Unless Rosalie confesses the Duchess’ reasons for her involvement and purpose in Rosalie’s life, her son James remains distraught and distrustful of her, despite his attraction to her.
In this book, eldest son, Charles, the Duke, has been pushed to wed and provide an heir. And as eligible women arrive for the gala to become part of this elaborate ceremony akin to a modern day series of The Bachelor, Rosalie serves the Duchess as a social networking spy of sorts, learning which of the women has better character, intentions, and possibilities for her son.
In this book, relationships evolve and intensify especially among James and his long-term childhood friends, including his most loyal friends, a resident and near sibling, Burke, and a naval officer Tom. What unifies these men enabling them to profess depths of their feelings for each other is their shared love for Rosalie.
The plot conflicts escalate as the near competition for the opportunity to become Duke George’s Duchess stirs jealousy, gossip, and anger. Rosalie becomes a pawn rescued from the Duchess’s clutches by her son George who rakes Rosalie as his ward, to protect and counsel. Ultimately, it is Rosalie who will provide friendship and counsel to her Duke who lovingly calls her Cabbage.
There is drama and intrigue, wedding debacle, royal reshuffling, near assassination, and pageantry delivering a most satisfying read.
The fate of main character Rosalie Harrow has been dictated from the start by the woman who summoned her to Alcott Hall, the residence of the Duke of Norland. The dowager Duchess has messaged Rosalie claiming she had been a friend of her late mother while residing in their childhood homes in Richmond. Rosalie has only inherited a legacy of debt from her deceased parents, her father’s gambling debts, and her mother’s medical debts. She arrives at Alcott Hall penniless, mud spattered, exhausted, and confused.
However, once there as shown in this second book, her wit, her strength, and her uncompromising principles drive her. Having found herself allegiant to the Dowager Duchess who has paid off her debts, she further her binds to the powerfully manipulative Dowager promising to maintain the secrecy of her motivation for the debts repayment. It is this loyalty oath that threatens her desired relationship with the duchess’ second son, James, a man who values honesty and loyalty from all he allows in his inner circle. Unless Rosalie confesses the Duchess’ reasons for her involvement and purpose in Rosalie’s life, her son James remains distraught and distrustful of her, despite his attraction to her.
In this book, eldest son, Charles, the Duke, has been pushed to wed and provide an heir. And as eligible women arrive for the gala to become part of this elaborate ceremony akin to a modern day series of The Bachelor, Rosalie serves the Duchess as a social networking spy of sorts, learning which of the women has better character, intentions, and possibilities for her son.
In this book, relationships evolve and intensify especially among James and his long-term childhood friends, including his most loyal friends, a resident and near sibling, Burke, and a naval officer Tom. What unifies these men enabling them to profess depths of their feelings for each other is their shared love for Rosalie.
The plot conflicts escalate as the near competition for the opportunity to become Duke George’s Duchess stirs jealousy, gossip, and anger. Rosalie becomes a pawn rescued from the Duchess’s clutches by her son George who rakes Rosalie as his ward, to protect and counsel. Ultimately, it is Rosalie who will provide friendship and counsel to her Duke who lovingly calls her Cabbage.
There is drama and intrigue, wedding debacle, royal reshuffling, near assassination, and pageantry delivering a most satisfying read.
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.
September 14, 2025
3/5
Well, I don't know what I expected because this is not my first Rath rodeo.
This book was unnecessary. It was so repetitive and the relationships became SO unbelievable - I know, I know, it's a why choose historical romance, I hear you, but I could only suspend my disbelief so much. I think these two books should have been edited down into one and we should have lost at least 50% of their "Do you choose me? Do you love me?" scenes. You've said this countless times already, you've already gotten together TONS of times, HOW ARE YOU STILL SO UNSURE??? Good lord(s).
Well, I don't know what I expected because this is not my first Rath rodeo.
This book was unnecessary. It was so repetitive and the relationships became SO unbelievable - I know, I know, it's a why choose historical romance, I hear you, but I could only suspend my disbelief so much. I think these two books should have been edited down into one and we should have lost at least 50% of their "Do you choose me? Do you love me?" scenes. You've said this countless times already, you've already gotten together TONS of times, HOW ARE YOU STILL SO UNSURE??? Good lord(s).
July 7, 2024
Too long. Just way too long. And since this is a continuation of the first book (which didn't really have an ending) the throuple had no reason to just not be banging all the time, I guess, and sometimes it felt like every other chapter was a spicy scene. I was exhausted by all of the sex and I wasn't even the one having it. Like Jesus Christ, when do they ever sleep? Also, the amount of anal sex is just a bit...much. Especially considering how messy that was bound to be without the kind of ahem preparation that would be needed to make it tidier. This book's one redeeming quality was also perhaps one of its more confusing ones, which was that the Duke, George, was turned into a good guy somehow? Like, in book 1 he was a gigantic asshole and then suddenly in book 2 he becomes likable. I might have DNF'd the book around 60% due to the repetitive nature of the sex scenes if I hadn't been curious about how they were going to get rid of George. I kind of knew based on the title that James was going to somehow get the title because the book just wasn't about George. Before I started the book I thought perhaps the author would give him a convenient horse riding accident or something and since he'd been unlikeable that would have been fine with me. But when that didn't happen, I wanted to know how James would become Duke. The way that occurred seemed wildly improbable, but oh well. If you love a ton of double penetration and increasingly improbable sex scenes, this book is for you. If you don't like waiting for hundreds of pages to get to a rather unsatisfying conclusion, then it might not be. YMMV.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
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.
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."
November 30, 2025
3 stars
3 for spice
His Grace, The duke was very repetitive with spicy scenes, interactions between James and Rosile, and a number of scenes dealing with the same insecurities of the characters kept popping up. It got very redundant and took me out of the story so much. This book could have been at least 100 pages shorter. I won't say too much about the story because this is the second book in the Second Son’s series by Emily Rath. I still really liked the characters and the overall plot.This one was much spicier than the first book and I do mean a lot. It is really interesting how they are trying to navigate this why choose a relationship during the regency period, not to mention that because of the number of characters there is a lot of action and drama happening. I will be continuing this series. I am really invested in what's going to happen with everyone but overall this story was fine for me.
I received an ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
3 for spice
His Grace, The duke was very repetitive with spicy scenes, interactions between James and Rosile, and a number of scenes dealing with the same insecurities of the characters kept popping up. It got very redundant and took me out of the story so much. This book could have been at least 100 pages shorter. I won't say too much about the story because this is the second book in the Second Son’s series by Emily Rath. I still really liked the characters and the overall plot.This one was much spicier than the first book and I do mean a lot. It is really interesting how they are trying to navigate this why choose a relationship during the regency period, not to mention that because of the number of characters there is a lot of action and drama happening. I will be continuing this series. I am really invested in what's going to happen with everyone but overall this story was fine for me.
I received an ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
July 2, 2023
4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️ 4 🔥 🤍
February 20, 2024
Be bold and set yourself free. That’s what I got from this delicious story
January 26, 2026
Did this book need to be over 500 pages? No. Did I still have fun? Absolutely.
June 6, 2025
I don’t even know what to say. Where do I even start? The whole duology between Rosalie & the men, 2/5 stars rating.
I’ll just start off with the characters.
Rosalie: Fuck me, is she infuriating as hell! I love that she’s witty and clever and all, and I understand that she doesn’t want to be tied down in a loveless marriage, which is totally reasonable, although it doesn’t make me feel any empathy for her because of her behavior. Because fuck! How can she be so fucking GREEDY and SELFISH? She leads those men on—kissing them, flirting with them, having intimate sex with them, creating a “friendship” with them but promise nothing in return? She wants them to keep being by her side and love her but no one else but doesn’t want to return the favor of having a future with them as husbands and wife BUT friends with benefits? GIRL, quit wasting their fucking time. James is right! She’ll only end up hurting them in the end with her bullshit rules she has. Her jealousy and possessiveness towards the men, like she doesn’t have the right to be that and tell them not to do something she doesn’t like. She doesn’t own them! She’s just a passing fling, sounds like it.
The men (Burke, Tom & James): What? The? Actual? Fuck? They are straight men turned bisexual. Make it make sense! There is no sexual tension between them in the first book. Why now in the second??? I have no problem if they’re gay or whatever but could you have at least give them some internal love conflicts to begin with since the first chapter of the first book between them? Some forbidden love between them because they’re interested in each other although society disapprove? I wish they weren’t ALL gay, tbh, just to flow with the timeline and mindset of a historical fiction. Don’t make James bi because he has so much on his plate. Imagine struggling with being a silent duke but being in love with a man in a forbidden romance? Give him a break! The forbidden love between Burke and Tom, fine but PLEASE have some push and pull to begin with—with a REAL slow burn.
I dislike the fact that the men had to bend down to Rosalie and her bullshit rules. It’s a heartbreaking rule. I scratch your back, why can’t you scratch mine? It’s only fair. James is like the only person with logical senses and strong internal conflict. While the rest of them, it’s meh. 🫤 The scenes when Rosalie kept coming face-to-face with Marianne Young and she kind of just blamed it on Tom, making her doubt him when he told her SO MANY TIMES that he only has eyes for Rosalie. It’s pretty emotionally draining. And because the men weren’t by her side, leaving her unprotected and getting attacked although she said she doesn’t need protecting???? Like what the hell do you want??? Protection or no protection???? You’re an independent woman; you got it yourself. You don’t need men to protect you although it’s in their nature. 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️😒 Why can’t you let the men play the knight who saves the princess?
The story: Slow burn? It was with the first book and then the second book just took a nosedive. The fucking slow burn turns into annoyance and no progression and so much fucking repetition, that I was LITERALLY getting bored as fuck that I fucking skimmed through it—especially the SEX scenes. The spice was great, no lie, but it was too repetitive. Right when you thought you’re getting a little progress with James, just a 🤏🏼🤏🏼🤏🏼🤏🏼 bit, but it goes back to being boring and bad. Stagnant. Or maybe like a chart that’s going bear but not bull. If you get the stock market terms. It’s infuriating and a waste of time.
I honestly don’t know what’s the storyline here anymore. Or if there’s even one. So much empty threats and promises, that doesn’t even move the main characters—it doesn’t rattle them. They don’t even care. The whole plot is basically getting the duke engaged and married. Nothing interesting.
Any positive note: Like I said, I love the FMC being witty, clever and etc. I love that it’s historical because it’s been ages since I’ve read one. It gives me a new set of fresh eyes. I love that it’s a duology with Rosalie’s story because I can’t do a long series anymore…unless it’s worth my time. I love the men characters to a certain extent.
Hrm…not sure what else to say, although there’s a bunch of things I want to vent about with the FMC. 🤣 infuriating.
I’ll just start off with the characters.
Rosalie: Fuck me, is she infuriating as hell! I love that she’s witty and clever and all, and I understand that she doesn’t want to be tied down in a loveless marriage, which is totally reasonable, although it doesn’t make me feel any empathy for her because of her behavior. Because fuck! How can she be so fucking GREEDY and SELFISH? She leads those men on—kissing them, flirting with them, having intimate sex with them, creating a “friendship” with them but promise nothing in return? She wants them to keep being by her side and love her but no one else but doesn’t want to return the favor of having a future with them as husbands and wife BUT friends with benefits? GIRL, quit wasting their fucking time. James is right! She’ll only end up hurting them in the end with her bullshit rules she has. Her jealousy and possessiveness towards the men, like she doesn’t have the right to be that and tell them not to do something she doesn’t like. She doesn’t own them! She’s just a passing fling, sounds like it.
The men (Burke, Tom & James): What? The? Actual? Fuck? They are straight men turned bisexual. Make it make sense! There is no sexual tension between them in the first book. Why now in the second??? I have no problem if they’re gay or whatever but could you have at least give them some internal love conflicts to begin with since the first chapter of the first book between them? Some forbidden love between them because they’re interested in each other although society disapprove? I wish they weren’t ALL gay, tbh, just to flow with the timeline and mindset of a historical fiction. Don’t make James bi because he has so much on his plate. Imagine struggling with being a silent duke but being in love with a man in a forbidden romance? Give him a break! The forbidden love between Burke and Tom, fine but PLEASE have some push and pull to begin with—with a REAL slow burn.
I dislike the fact that the men had to bend down to Rosalie and her bullshit rules. It’s a heartbreaking rule. I scratch your back, why can’t you scratch mine? It’s only fair. James is like the only person with logical senses and strong internal conflict. While the rest of them, it’s meh. 🫤 The scenes when Rosalie kept coming face-to-face with Marianne Young and she kind of just blamed it on Tom, making her doubt him when he told her SO MANY TIMES that he only has eyes for Rosalie. It’s pretty emotionally draining. And because the men weren’t by her side, leaving her unprotected and getting attacked although she said she doesn’t need protecting???? Like what the hell do you want??? Protection or no protection???? You’re an independent woman; you got it yourself. You don’t need men to protect you although it’s in their nature. 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️😒 Why can’t you let the men play the knight who saves the princess?
The story: Slow burn? It was with the first book and then the second book just took a nosedive. The fucking slow burn turns into annoyance and no progression and so much fucking repetition, that I was LITERALLY getting bored as fuck that I fucking skimmed through it—especially the SEX scenes. The spice was great, no lie, but it was too repetitive. Right when you thought you’re getting a little progress with James, just a 🤏🏼🤏🏼🤏🏼🤏🏼 bit, but it goes back to being boring and bad. Stagnant. Or maybe like a chart that’s going bear but not bull. If you get the stock market terms. It’s infuriating and a waste of time.
I honestly don’t know what’s the storyline here anymore. Or if there’s even one. So much empty threats and promises, that doesn’t even move the main characters—it doesn’t rattle them. They don’t even care. The whole plot is basically getting the duke engaged and married. Nothing interesting.
Any positive note: Like I said, I love the FMC being witty, clever and etc. I love that it’s historical because it’s been ages since I’ve read one. It gives me a new set of fresh eyes. I love that it’s a duology with Rosalie’s story because I can’t do a long series anymore…unless it’s worth my time. I love the men characters to a certain extent.
Hrm…not sure what else to say, although there’s a bunch of things I want to vent about with the FMC. 🤣 infuriating.
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