Pepper Basham has done it again! This was a delightful read from start to finish! The book is full of themes of second chances and redemption. The plot was well-paced and the characters were charming and witty. This is definitely one I'll read again! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

2.5⭐️ - rounded up.

I really wanted to love this, and there were some moments that were very sweet (particularly with Simon and his younger siblings) but unfortunately they weren’t enough to save this book for me. The middle third of the story was the strongest, when it felt like it had a clear plot and some actual interaction with our FMC/MMC, but the beginning and end thirds were slow and incredibly repetitive which made the story feel overly long.

I think the first problem I had is this didn’t feel like a regency romance. Phrasing, characterisations and behaviours were all from a much more contemporary (and American) story. Throwing in some stock phrases and a LOT of references to Sense & Sensibility aren’t enough to properly anchor the story in its historical setting.

Also, constant references to how witty and intelligent the FMC is without actually showing us any of that wit or intelligence in her conversations is a real failing. This book just wasn’t funny, and there was no back and forth between the main couple which is what usually carries a romance story for me.

My main issue though is that we don’t see Emme and Simon falling in love and that’s what I’m looking for. That’s what makes me kick my feet and hold a book to my chest, what makes me reread and adore the characters, and it’s just not in here. We are told they are IN LOVE, repeatedly, and despite the circumstances which drive them apart at the beginning of the story no one can compare to each other. But we’re never shown it as it happened before the book begins and this meant I didn’t feel connected to them as a couple, I wasn’t rooting for them to get together. I wasn’t desperate to see their HEA because I just wasn’t invested enough in their love story.

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

Pepper Basham does not disappoint when it comes to her writing. This lovely regency novel with some of the vibes of Jane Austen will leave you in awe. I will admit if I had to choose between having a husband or career I would probably choose the career. However things turned out for the best which is what matters in this book.
Our main heroine Emmeline thought she had found her handsome prince the dashing Simon. However, before they announced their engagement he disappeared without a trace. Instead of crying her eyes out she takes solitude in dedicating herself to her secret writing career. You have to admit she is brave in light of the situation and didn't resort to being dramatic.
However two years later Simon has returned and is in financial ruin. He is also responsible for his younger siblings and he needs a way to find a wealthy bride and fast. Emmeline being the kind and considerate soul she is agrees to help him. However, will helping him cause her to fall in love with him all over again.
Overall this novel was sweet and hilarious.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

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

A sweet and cozy romance with delightful characters and charming dialogue. Though it started off a bit slow, it was well worth sticking with—an enjoyable and heartwarming read in the end.

This novel absolutely captivated me! That kiss! It's brilliantly written, packed with humor, and radiates so much warmth. The characters are a pure delight, each one a joy to encounter. I love how the story doesn’t take itself too seriously—especially those hilarious moments when the heroine finds herself in utterly ridiculous predicaments. It draws you in even deeper! I can already see myself diving back into this gem for a re-read! Reading it felt like a refreshing breeze on a sunny afternoon—light, witty, and surprisingly touching. I couldn't tear myself away! The playful banter and the slow-burn tension kept me on the edge of my seat. Plus, I absolutely adored that the female protagonist was a writer herself!
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley. #SenseandSuitability
#NetGalley

This is a sweet regency romance of second chances, secrets, and the pull between duty and desire. Simon and Emme fell in love two years ago, but Simon disappears on the night Emme expected a proposal. Simon’s reappearance with a title and family responsibilities makes Emme question everything. You get a real sense of the depth of the friendship between the two main characters, not just the desire and attraction, which sets this book apart from many others of the genre. The characters are strong and well written, especially Simon’s family. In a few places, reactions didn’t quite ring true, and some of the resolution seemed a little too convenient, but it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

If this book were a debutante, it would surely be the diamond of the season. The banter, the pining, the mutual I-want-you-but-can't-have-you...it was cheff's kiss. This book is witty, funny and it touches on subjects that really touch on the reader's sensitivity and humanity to others. A man in an impossible situation, a woman who understands. This second-chance regency romance had me hooked from page 1 and I have been unable to think about anything else for the entirety of it.

Emme is tough, intelligent, witty and sharp. She's kind and compassionate, with a head for business and a heart for adventures. Simon is overwraught with responsibility, but kind nonetheless. His character is strong but troubled and he makes the most of what he receives. He is a good soul (and definitely a man written by a woman, cause he's perfect!) Their romance will steal your breath, without once entering the bedroom. Every kiss steals your breath and every brush of their hands will make you pine as hard as they do.

The children were so sweet and fiesty and fiercely good that I loved each of them for their unique personalities. I loved Aunt Bean's lessons in matrimony and Ben's friendship and character. Simon and Emme are both sweet, good characters, who's love endures the worst forms of torture.

Every moment of this book had me laughing, hurting, pining, loving and squealing!

Honestly, this wasn't my favorite from Pepper Basham. I found the characters hard to connect with and the plot conflict got annoying. Not a bad book, but I was looking for a little more.

I wasn’t so sure about Simon at first, but this novel quickly captured me with its Jane Austen setting and authoress heroine (relatable!).

The scheming aunts kept me guessing!

And oh that ending! I hope this is merely the beginning of a new series and that we get Teddy’s Arianna’s, Astor’s and even Selena’s stories soon!

I enjoyed reading this regency romance. It was a sweet story about second chance romance with a few secrets and obstacles to overcome. I liked the inclusion of Austen’s works within the story and the comparisons used to certain characters from sense and sensibility. I would recommend this book and look forward to discovering more from the author.

I enjoyed this book! Very sweet romance.
I loved the inclusion of one of the characters reading the Austen novel 'Sense and Sensibility', and how relatable it was to the story overall.
For the most part the writing was great, although there are parts that were kind of repetitive, which made certain aspects of the story drag a little.
There was witty dialog, a bit of humor sprinkled throughout, and some very emotional moments.
Clean romance with mild kissing.
Interesting supporting and side characters.
I loved little Fia and her pet frog 'Blast" - lol - which proved for some interesting and funny situations.
I look forward to more of this style of writing from this author!
I received an ARC from NetGalley, but my review is my own personal opinion.
I highly recommend this book!

A genuine gem! I was delighted by this book and charmed by its characters.

Our protagonist is Emmeline, a brilliant and thoroughly kind individual who, at the beginning of the story, had a blossoming romance with Simon, the nephew of a Viscount. Unfortunate circumstances, however, led to an abrupt end to their love story. Emmeline is forced to heal from her broken heart, and in the process, becomes a woman of strong character. She (secretly!) writes novels with the help of her dear cousin, unbeknownst to her family and friends. Two years later, Emmeline and Simon meet again. In dire straits now, Simon must find a woman to marry in order to keep his family and estate safe. Emmeline is forced back into proximity with Simon once again, and both must come to terms with what happened in their past.

A wonderful second chance love, with a bit of enemies to lovers! I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the development of their relationship. The children were absolutely loveable (and believable), and I wish I had a sister relationship like Emme and Aster. Every character felt nuanced and fresh, not caricatures of filling in plot lines. And of course, as an avid Jane Austen fan, I loved the nod to Sense and Sensibility as well. I'm very appreciative for the opportunity to review this book in advance! Thanks NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced copy!

This book is a modern twist on a Jane Austen classic—and I’m here for it! Even though it’s not an exact retelling of any of Austen’s books, there are elements of several of them.
Emme is an author—a scandalous profession for a woman in regency England. Simon is a viscount who needs money, and the only way he can get it is to get married and avoid scandal. While Simon and Emme readily admit their feelings for one another, they also acknowledge that marriage isn’t possible for them. So, Emme sets out to find Simon a wife, even if it means breaking her own heart in the process. Much hilarity ensues as Simon and Emme try to stay apart, but fate keeps bringing them back together.
This book has lots of fun elements, including a “daring” pond rescue, frogs, a chicken thief, a villainess we all love to hate, two meddling aunts, our favorite Jane Austen stories…and a happily ever after. What’s not to love?
Sense and Suitability is witty, sweet, and everything there is to love about regency romance!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book!

Sense and Suitability is a lovely novel about the trials that come for those courting in the Regency era. Emme and Simon find trouble in their courtship as they navigate social status, wealth, and family responsibilities. With a nod to Austen’s classics, Sense and Suitability is a story of love and longing, with the complications that come with some family antics. I enjoyed this story, but found it to move along a little slower than Basham’s previous novels. It was a lovely story overall.

This was such a delightful read! I love a Regency book and this was no exception. Our heroine Emme was written so beautifully and carefully, whilst Simon (wish he had a different name honestly - doesn't feel super Regency) was giving pretty heavy Mr Knightley energy, which I appreciated. The pacing was fairly steady, however I did find I missed a bit of world building. The story itself was very digestible but dare I say also a bit light on for me. Perhaps if there was a more detailed prose I wouldn't have minded so much but because there wasn't I missed a more detailed story. I also wish that the relationship was moreeee slow burn, like the longing looks etc..I absolutely adored the way the children were written though! Loved how chaotic Fia was.

I can't say having read/watched a lot of regency stories that I didn't know what was going to happen BUT sometimes you just go with it and enjoy it. A classic is a classic for a reason. It was very easy to read and I smashed it out in a day. Interested to see what other work the author comes out with and I will definitely read more of her stuff. Absolutely worth the read and a fun book as a bit of a palatte cleanser between other stuff!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my arc!

3.5 *’s
Great scenes with family and friends, sweet (if a bit melodramatic) romance, missed opportunity with the quartz (Emme would have made them real diamonds)

⭐️ rating - 4/5 pond drenched viscounts

Emmeline is a country gentleman’s daughter. She has wit, charisma, beauty and a kind heart. She has but once known love with the dashing Simon Reeves, but unfortunately that came to an abrupt end in a garden 2 years prior.
Now Emme is not interested in the marriage mart and is happy to write gothic romances under her pen name instead. Re-enter Simon, now Viscount Ravenscross, who is in a desperate need of money to repair this title and manor after his uncle and father decimated both and is in search of a wealthy wife.
Can Emme help as his newly minted platonic friend?! Or will they end up falling even more desperately in love than before?

This was a NetGalley ARC that I requested for it’s title and the fact that it was a regency romance (where my heart lives, I mean anyone that grows up with Austen never really stops loving regency romances right?!)

This book was a delightful surprise. It’s very well written. It’s funny and heartfelt. The characters are a delight. It never really takes itself too seriously, even making note of how ridiculous some situations the heroine gets herself into are, but this only further endears the reader to the story. I would pick it up again for a re-read in the future.

Definitely suggest for lovers of regency romance! It is a clean read though, so if you are here for smut, I suggest moving along to another title.
This book has the sweetest slow burn and the yearning is immaculate.

Bridgerton season 4 preview had me in a mood and this book was just what I needed until we can watch it in 2026 🥹 loved the chemistry of our main characters they had me giggling at some parts. The banter 👀 if you enjoy regency romance this is definitely a book you need to have on your radar. Highly recommend. Comes out Sept 17.

This story felt like a soft breeze on a sunny afternoon—light, witty, and unexpectedly heartwarming. I couldn’t stop reading. The playful banter and slow-burn tension made every scene feel alive, and I caught myself giggling more times than I can count. Their interactions were full of charm—awkward, sweet, and brimming with chemistry that made my heart flutter. Beneath all the humor was a quiet emotional pull that snuck up on me, and by the end, I was smiling like a fool. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just entertain—it wraps around you, makes you feel, and lingers long after the final page.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

🌶️Spice: 2/10 - kissing is described in some detail, and at the end, a honeymoon closed-door scenario.
☠️Language: 1/10 - really only if you count Blast!
🤓Plot: 8/10 - nicely thought out, had me snorting too many times, though a bit dragging when you reach 3/4 the way in.
🧙Characters: 9/10 - Both MC's were quite well developed, along with AUNT BEAN!😏

This was so adorable!! The ending had me swooning in my seat, and acting everything out!😊

Emme and Simon were great characters, and the children were even cuter. All the prose and how people spoke in that time was spot on, which I'm glad, because a lot of authors I've read who wrote on this era never get the language quite right. 💖

I only felt that the second half was dragged out a bit, though the ending was more than satisfactory.

All in all, this was a wonderful, funny read, along with the nice small Christian references in it!! Not big, but I liked how the author wrote it in.

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