This was super cute, liked every bit of it. Really enjoyed Emme's character, witty and intelligent filled with compassion. The banter between the leads was delightful. The right amount of pining although I wish we could've witnessed the meet-cute and the courting period. It was all very adorable.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

This book is one to treasure! The ending is perfect, and the journey to get there is filled with heartwarming scenes, laugh-out-loud funny incidents, and can’t-help-but-smile descriptions. And the cover? It encapsulates this story so well!

As I reflect on this book, it makes me smile all over again. It was a pleasure to read! The depth of how suddenly life can change is balanced with joy, resulting in a charming, heartwarming novel. There are so many clever, unexpected moments, with a dash of enemies-to-lovers and a nod to 1995 Mr. Darcy. Yes, read that again. You know what I’m talking about.

Simon’s struggles with being the oldest son and becoming a father-figure to his younger siblings are beautifully written. They are simultaneously sorrowful and heart-melting, and his willingness to put others and his responsibilities before himself is wonderfully depicted.

Emme is a marvelous FMC with a generous heart, a ready smile, and great determination. I love that she continued to build a life after having her heart broken.

Did I mention the longing? No? Well, this story has a heaping measure of it. Simon and Emme’s affections know no time. Theirs is a love that endures, and the sweetness and sincerity of it spills on to the pages.

Lastly, I loved the Sense and Sensibility references, and I adored how the unusual was played against expectations in both of their circumstances. Simply put, I loved this book! Sense and Suitability is utterly delightful!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Thank you to @netgalley and to Thomas Nelson for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

What an easy five stars this was!

I adore Pepper Basham’s writing and humor (she nails the banter every time,) and her books are always some of my favorites. I was SO thrilled when I heard she was writing a regency romance, and this book was certainly all that I hoped it would be.

I loved the nods to Austen titles, especially “Sense and Sensibility,” and I absolutely loved Emmeline and Simon. The whole host of characters in this book were lovely. I want a sequel!

This book touches on the importance of fiction and how fiction can point people to truth and to Christ, just like nonfiction can. This is such an important conversation!

“Sense and Suitability” is a sweet/clean, second-chance regency romantic comedy. I did see the book advertised as an enemies-to-lovers romcom, but I don’t think that this title quite fits with my idea of an enemies-to-lovers trope, though there are definitely some *justified* bitter feelings. ;) Just thought I would share that thought, in case it could be helpful to anyone. As always, feel free to ask any questions!

I highly recommend “Sense and Suitability!”

Sense and Suitability is a new Regency romance from the beloved Pepper Basham. This story also has lovely Sense and Sensibility vibes in it as well--perfect if you know the story well. It's not a retelling or anything. But the characters are living at a time when Jane Austen's books are being published.

I LOVED Simon's siblings!! And Emmeline's aunt had me cracking up with her etiquette rules. I do love Pepper's style of writing. The frog named Blast was hysterical. ;)

This is a second chance, enemies to lover book. A great and entertaining regency romance. YOu will definitely find a character you really like. :)

4 STars
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for my ARC. All opinions are 100% my own.

Sense and Suitability was a first read for me. I enjoyed the story line of recapturing a love that has gone awry. Making right what went wrong and the ups and downs to get there--Knowing in the end that love will conquer all!!!

I loved this book! Emmeline was such a fun character and I loved her so much. I love a regency lady who has a secret career everyone wouldn’t approve of. Simon was great and learning about what happened to tear them apart before was fun. I recommend!

This is the first time I have read a book by this author, and I believe this is her first Regency romance.

The writing was fluid, and immediately pulled me into lives of the characters. The romance and the feelings of both Simon and Emme felt very real. True, we don't see them falling in love, they already have a history, but the way they resumed their relationship was realistic enough for me. The plot was enlivened by Simon's siblings and Emme's aunt. What bothered me was the constant referencing to Sense and Sensibility. I know the plot is loosely based around the book, but for the characters to constantly mention the book and draw parallels became a bit tiresome by the end.

All in all, a good book. with excellent writing, a clean romance and a happy ending.

I thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Set in Regency England, Emmeline (Emme) and Simon get a second chance at love in this slow burn romance. It has been two years after Simon left Emme the night he was going to propose, leaving her heartbroken. Now, Emme has to encounter her former suitor as the Viscount of Ravenscross, after the sudden passing of his cousin and his father. Trying to keep his estate afloat and caring for his younger siblings, Simon is in need of a wealthy bride. Emme realizes she has a chance of helping, including trying to find a suitable bride for Simon. Yet their feelings for each other only strengthen...

This is a sweet homage to Jane Austen with lots of heart and fantastic secondary characters!

❤ FMC has a secret
❤ MMC needs to marry rich but still only has eyes for her
❤ Can two people who were so close to marriage be only friends?
❤ Second Chance
❤ Slow Burn
❤ Banter and wit
❤ Jane Austen / Sense and Sensibility references

Sweet / swoony kissing only

4 / 5 stars

Loved every bit of this story! Even though I could predict the end I wanted to know the details of how they would get to that end!

Great read!

'Sense and Suitability' is a historical romance with a cute couple who had a past but don't have a future.

The story is clever, with the situation being deliciously melodramatic, the romance intense, and the characters interesting. It was also nice to read about the main girl, Emme, being an author and talking about books with her love interest, Simon. Her relationship with her cousin was also sweet and funny at times. The kids were cute as well.

However, in the second half, the story got tiring to read about almost the same twist, and the characters' relationship got frustrating. I would also have liked to learn more about Simon's other siblings as well.

The ending was kind of rushed as well.

Finally, the writing style was enjoyable.

This review is also posted on GoodReads and Storygraph

So fluffy...I'm in love that what i can say now , since I'm a huge fan of jane Austin sense and sensibility and other works , I read this book with high expectations and yes it was a great read

This was a cute Sense and Sensibility retelling, though it took me a lot longer than it should have for me to realize that. The nods throughout the story and the discussions between the main characters were nice touches as an Austen fan.

Simon’s siblings were adorable and funny. You couldn’t help but root for them and want to give them a giant hug. Charlotte’s spunk and Sofia’s feral-ness made for entertaining and wild situations.

I liked that the ending was a realistic HPE. Their problems weren’t all magically resolved and there was future work to be done, but it was still a satisfying ending.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The book was well written. It is very slow paced and if you’re not into that then this may not be the book for you.

I enjoyed the writing and the obvious inspiration from Sense and Sensibility I felt it was similar to other regency era books I’ve read (think Bridgerton series).

While I enjoyed the book it didn’t pull me in and lock my focus. A easy read and very lighthearted.

What an absolutely delightful story with a unique plot and loveable characters, with the exclusion of those villainous wretches. Travel back to the days of lords and viscounts when reputation was held in the highest esteem and marriage determined a woman's security and social status. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the publisher and author through NetGalley for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.

"Sense and Suitability" is a Christian romance set around 1814 in England. Emme and Simon bring out the best in each other, but Simon needs a wealthy bride to help restore the debt-ridden estate that he's inherited. Emme 'only' has 2,000 pounds as dowry plus a secret 3,000 pounds invested in the Funds. Even if that was enough, Emme writes Gothic novels under a male name, and being an authoress would ruin her reputation and make her unsuitable. Considering how concerned they were about her reputation, it's strange that Simon kept asking her to meet him alone, in the dark, in a garden during balls. And she readily agreed to it. Then again, rather than approach her father for permission to marry her, he proposed during a dance at a ball. I suppose it was meant to be funny, but I got hung up on how a gentleman would never do that.

The main characters were engaging and tried very hard to do the right things. Emme and Simon intended to avoid each other due to their continued attraction yet ended up encountering each other in a series of humorous encounters. Then add in Simon's two younger sisters, who seemed determined to cause chaos. Both referred to God throughout the book in little comments related to what they were seeing or doing. There was no bad language or sex. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, humorous novel.

It’s a Pepper book, of course it was a smashing delight!

I have loved everything I’ve read from Pepper Basham, and when I heard she was taking on a regency rom-com, I knew it was going to be amazing!

Jane Austen lovers will appreciate the nods to Sense & Sensibility. I loved the twist she made with the hero character and which S&S character he relates to. It’s a nice redemption of sorts.

This enemies-to-lovers meets forbidden romance will have you laughing over the antics of matchmaking scheming aunts and the mishaps of little siblings (& a pet frog named Blast, iykyk) while also bringing a touch of thoughtfulness and consideration. Also, the angst be real. SO MUCH ANGST. Perfect for fans of Audra Wells, Esther Hatch, Martha Keyes, and Ashtyn Newbold.

Pepper nailed it! And can we take a moment for that cover?!?!?! I’M IN LOVE!

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC!

4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I live Peppers writing she never disappoints. I’ve never read a regency romance but I am here for it! I loved the main character Simon and Emme it was such a sweet read.

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham is a Regency romance featuring Emmeline Lockhart, the daughter of a country gentleman with a secret: she’s been writing and publishing novels under a pen name. Scandalous! Or at least, the book wants us to believe it is. Enter Simon Reeves, now Lord Ravenscross, who once courted Emmeline but vanished without proposing. Turns out, he inherited a crumbling estate and needs a wealthy bride to fix it all. Cue the main conflict: I can’t marry you, I need money! Over and over.

The story leans into its Austen influence, but without quite capturing Austen’s sharp wit or emotional depth. Most of the plot hinges on people having polite conversations, then gradually changing their minds. Even Emmeline’s big secret—that she’s an authoress—is treated like a potential relationship-ender… until suddenly, it’s not. Everyone shrugs and moves on. The stakes never feel high, and I never once doubted how it would end.
It’s a clean, cozy read with a classic setup, but ultimately pretty predictable. I’m giving it 3 stars for charm and effort, but it didn’t leave a strong impression.

Would I reread it? Probably not. Would I recommend it to a friend who wants a super low-drama Regency where nothing really bad happens and everyone ends up happy? Sure, why not.

I love books by Pepper Basham and her first regency novel was no disappointment.

However, the cute artsy cover made me think it was a rom-com. This regency, though it has humorous situations isn’t what I think of when I think rom-com. It reads more like Pepper’s Freddy and Grace mysteries series.

If you love Sense and Sensibility, then you’ll love the references throughout the entire novel.

I enjoyed this story about Emme and Simon – young sweethearts torn apart by circumstances out of their control. Returning a few years later, Simon is desperately trying to save his family legacy and dig out of the family scandals left behind. Emme is resigned to living life as a secret authoress, and as a country gentleman’s daughter. Circumstances are impossible to overcome as society dictates what must be done.

There are juicy secrets, angsty scenes, hilarious situations, characters that are oh-so-stuck-up, and a solid thread of hope woven throughout each scene.

If you enjoy Pepper’s writing, you’ll love this novel. And if you enjoy regency romances, give this one a try!

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I've read many Regency rom-com novels over my lifetime, and this one is high on the list!

A fun and charming homage to Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, the story follows Emmeline and Simon as they go from lovers to enemies to friends, and the pure chaos that brings to not only their lives, but also the lives of their friends and families.

I enjoyed Pepper Basham's writing style and how she integrated Jane Austen into the plotline. And speaking of plotlines, our main couple were fleshed out well, with lots of depth to their individual characters and their story together.

With some fun, quirky twists throughout the novel and a few troublesome little siblings, Emmeline and Simon's love story is one for the ages!