Beautiful Things (Second Sons Book 1)

At twenty-two, Rosalie Harrow is unmarried and nearly destitute. She faces two unpalatable choices: marry a wealthy gentleman or work as a governess. When she receives an invitation to Alcott Hall, she believes she will meet the Dowager Duchess of Norland, a mysterious childhood friend of her late mother. Instead, she arrives at a house party where eligible women from high society compete for the hand of the newly single duke. Rosalie attempts to avoid the husband hunt while uncovering why she was invited. During her stay, she becomes drawn to three different men: Lord James, the duke's younger brother who holds significant power; Lieutenant Renley, recently returned from the West Indies and reluctant to marry; and Mr. Burke, whose temperament clashes with her own. As the Michaelmas ball approaches—when the duke plans to announce his bride—Rosalie must navigate the competing interests of these men while resisting marriage itself. This slow-burn historical romance is set in Regency England.