First of all, thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to be an early reader. It's definitely a roll I take seriously. And because I take it seriously, I'm a bit torn about how to rate this book.

On one hand, it is a very clever idea to modernize and retell Sense and Sensibility with characters of color while highlighting indigenous culture and history. I think a lot of what was represented in the book was hugely important and it definitely gave this book a more serious undertone compared to many romance books. But, it was also very funny in parts and the spicy scenes were extremely hot.

But, I did find it to be a bit of a slog to get through. It was just difficult to read. Sometimes I'd want MUCH more explanation and detail because it seemed like a lot of relationships were of the "now-you-see-it-now-you-don't" variety. People got together and split up so fast it never gave me time to connect to the pairing. It was also tough to follow the Lu storyline, and it didn't really ring true that Bear would be acting as he was about it. There was a lot of drama, but so much was only partly fleshed out. People got so mad so fast and yet I wasn't able to relate to why. The dialogue was short and stilted; I think this might be the author's writing style, so anyone who adored her first book will probably adore this one as well.

I do love the author's humor and she reallllly knows how to write spice... but its the other storytelling that I don't quite vibe with. This one wasn't an all-time favorite for me, but I'm sure it will find an audience.

Wow! I had high expectations because I LOVED Pride and Protest but wow did this one blow me away. Nikki Payne did an incredible job taking the soul of Sense and Sensibility and making it relevant for modern readers. Nora has Eleanor’s strength, character and ability to should burdens without complaint. Yanne has Marianne’s emotionality and sense of distain for societal expectations. I loved that this book was duel POV so we got to see more of Bear’s life than we do of Edwards in the original. Nikki Payne did an incredible job showing his sense of duty and how much he wanted Nora even knowing he couldn’t have her. I also really appreciated the care Nikki took with showing experience of being Abenaki as well as black in the United States. One of the reason I love to read is that I love to see how other peoples experiences are different from my own. I love that romance genre is becoming more inclusive and giving me more opportunities to learn about other racial and cultural groups while reading my favorite genre. I would love to read more romance books with characters of color. I am someone who really struggles with favorites. I usually can’t even pick my favorite book for a month but I am going to say that this book is my favorite book I have read this year. I can’t wait to see what Nikki Payne writes next! I’d love to read more Austen retellings but Nikki if you want to go a different direction that’s fine too. If you write it I’ll read it! Everyone should read this one and please don’t expect me to stop talking about this one anytime soon. I’ll be recommending it for years!

I can’t remember the last time a book sank its hooks so deeply into my heart, but I loved these characters fiercely, and all I wanted to do once I reached the end is go back to the beginning and read the whole thing all over again. An absolute must read that left me grinning ear to ear.

I read this book from (virtual) cover to cover in one night, and I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. The characters are fully flushed out and dynamic, and as a result, the romance that develops between them is well-earned and sexy as hell. I was sad when it was over, but so thankful that I stuck around for the ride. Nikki Payne, you will always be famous.

The narrative skillfully addresses themes of identity, love, and the clash between urban and rural lifestyles. Nora's journey of self-discovery and her determination to breathe new life into the inn resonates with readers. The contrast between Nora's city life and Bear's intimate connection with the land adds depth to their evolving relationship.

One of the strengths of "Innate Bonds" is its portrayal of the picturesque Maine setting, vividly brought to life through the author's descriptive prose. The challenges faced by the characters, both internal and external, contribute to the story's rich tapestry, making it a compelling read. Additionally, the mysteries surrounding Bear's past add an element of suspense, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.

While the plot is engaging, the characters steal the show. Nora's transformation from a pampered city girl to a resilient innkeeper is a testament to the author's skill in character development. Bear's internal struggle with his past and the emotions Nora unwittingly awakens create a nuanced and emotionally charged dynamic.

"Innate Bonds" is a delightful blend of romance, family drama, and self-discovery. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and evocative setting, it is a heartwarming story that will leave readers rooting for Nora and Bear as they navigate the challenges of love and renovation in the enchanting coastal landscape of Maine.

Say it with me.
IR romance books can be more than Black women and white men. And look, perfection isn’t real but Nikki sure as hell came close.
The books opening page mentions a certain kind of tape and I was hooked from then on.
The Black rep. The Indigenous rep. Gorgeous. Just gorgeous.

I was lucky enough to win an eARC of SEX, LIES AND SENSIBILITY by Nikki Payne through a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe and happy autumn!

A really unique take on Sense and Sensibility that built up my emotions and destroyed them in a matter of pages. A surprising but hugely enjoyable read - highly recommended!!

At the funeral of their late father, Nora and her sister learn the shocking and humiliating news that their mother was his mistress, and they were his hidden family. Their father’s legitimate family spitefully give them 30 days to vacate their lifelong home. Their only inheritance is an isolated house in rural Maine.

But there’s a catch- they have to find a way to make it a profitable inn- and fast- or else they’ll lose it. When they arrive, they find the house is beyond dilapidated and needs substantial work and money to get it to be habitable. Luckily Nora meets Ennis "Bear" Freeman, a local and member of the Abenaki tribe. Bear is struggling with financial woes of his own that threaten to ruin him and his entire community, yet he is still eager to help her reach her goal despite this. However, shameful secrets from Nora and Bear's past are now making it impossible for any chance of this budding relationship to become serious.

With super sexy scenes, deeply emotional storylines, and strong Black and Indigenous representation, this retelling inspired by Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will appeal to readers who enjoy diverse, smart, and highly entertaining contemporary romances.

Payne’s second in a series is set within the same world as the first but is a marvelous standalone.

This book ripped me apart and slowly stitched me back together, tears and all. Sex, Lies, and Sensibility explores the links between family, duty, and culture and what happens when you find your person outside those bounds. Nikki Payne has mastered her Shakespeare retellings and woven a world where Nora and Bear are the stars, and we all just live in it. As the clock runs out, we hope for a world where love conquers duty so our leads can beat back the tide of tradition and establish something new for themselves. But will they forge that new path together? You'll have to read this glorious tearjerker to find out!

Nora and Yanne inherit a dilapidated estate in rural Maine upon the death of their father. To recover any inheritance, they move there and restore the abandoned space to a habitable status. While Yanne's head remains firmly in the stratosphere, Nora, our runner, lives with her feet firmly planted on Maine's soil. Having had her trust broken publicly in the past, Nora is even less likely to take any happiness for herself when she starts to develop feelings for a thoughtful and loving Abenaki man, Ennis (aka Bear).

Nora and Bear, Cancer and Capricorn, are so stubbornly fixed on saving everyone around them they refuse to accept any slice of happiness for themselves. They are so afraid of perpetuating the past that they can't see what's right in front of them (and how heartbreaking is that?).

It is SO, so good-- so preorder it now. I'm telling you, you'll love it.

PS: Nikki Payne does fantastic things with the character of Marianne (Yanne). I'm all about Yanne- she's flighty, pulls Tarot, and adores her sister Nora more than anything else. Ok, that's not true. She loves love more than anything else. But this story adapts Austen in such a brilliant way I stopped comparing Yanne to Marianne and just began to love her as herself. Can we please get a Yanne story?!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy to review.

Ahhh!!! This book! The characters! The tension!! I loved every minute of it. The writing was top notch. I love the backstories of all the characters. The love between bear and Nora was beyond tender and thoughtful. I love how they fell into each other and needed one another. The love scenes were very hot btw! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Will be recommending to anyone that will listen!

Nikki Payne has done it again, y'all! Sex, Lies, and Sensibility is such a fun, hilarious rom-com full of hijinks and thoughtful representation set in the heart of rural Maine. I loved following Nora, Bear, and the wild shenanigans their siblings and friends get up to while trying to patch up the beach house that Nora and her sister Yanne suddenly inherited. Watching Bear and Nora try to fight their growing feelings while dealing with the devastating situation Bear found himself in with his ex also made me want to throw the book against the wall with all the yearning and pining between them! Overall, I really enjoyed this follow up to Pride and Protest, along with the thoughtful Indigenous and Black representation and knee-slap funny dialogue, and I can't wait to see what Nikki Payne writes next! I'd rate this novel 4.25 stars rounded up.

I enjoy a retelling that really gives a new story. There was a lot going on and without knowing the original I think it kept me from fully being invested.

𝘚𝘦𝘹, 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 is Nikki Payne’s take on the well-known Jane Austen novel. Like she did with 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵, Payne takes the Austenian characters and plot and modernizes them, telling a familiar story but with BIPOC characters, a different sociopolitical bent, and some spicy scenes.

In this novel, Shenora “Nora” Dash is a beautiful black woman and former track star who dropped out of university and gave up on her ambitions years ago due to a college sex tape scandal that still haunts her today. Now, she is a pharmacy tech trying to turn her and her sister’s meager inheritance—a rundown property called Barton Cove in coastal Maryland—into a profitable inn. Over the course of ten months, she struggles to renovate the place and fight her growing attraction to handsome Ennis Bear Freeman, a local trail tour guide, a member of the Abenaki tribe, and her new business partner. Bear is attracted to Nora as well, but feels blocked by his duties to his community, financial obligations, and secrets of his own.

The book is an interesting spin on a classic story and it delves into important topics like reputation, identity, and responsibility. Nora is a great character with realistic issues that many women share. However, I found it difficult to root for her relationship with Bear, despite their hot scenes together. The author spends a lot of time expounding on the reasons why Bear feels he cannot be with Nora, so much so that I felt it weakened him as a romantic lead. That said, I do appreciate the effort put into freshening up a story with diverse characters and contemporary issues. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. My review was posted on August 25, 2023 to https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5554554797.

I really liked this book. I thought it was a very well written spin on an Austen title. I will be recommending this one a lot.

There is a lot going on, so pay attention. Fans of her other book should definitely enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.