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This one just didn't get me hooked for some reason. It could have been the writing style or something else, but I just couldn't get through it.

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The first two chapters of Sense and Suitability move slowly but then Emme and Simon start running into each other and the story gets fun. Simon is absolutely swoon worthy. His devotion to Emme melts my heart. Emme is honorable and kind. There are so many other lovable characters in this book as well (the Aunts! Lottie! Fia!)

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

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Sense and Suitability was a fun and lighthearted regency read. Pepper can write any genre, from romance to mystery and theyโ€™re all fantastic. If you love a Pepper Basham book, you wonโ€™t be disappointed with this one!

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Emmie, an untitled gentlemen's daughter, and Simon, cousin to the Viscount of Ravenscross, fell in love and promised each other they'd be wed despite their differences in station. On the night Simon promised to propose, he didn't show. Leaving Emmie an undetailed note, her left her with a broken heart and to be ridiculed by society. Two years later, Emmie's reputation has recovered and she is being pushed to find a husband. Simon, now the Viscount of Ravenscross due to deaths in the family, is in desperate need of a bride--or namely, a bride with a large dowry. After a few chance encounters, Emmie offers to help Simon find a suitable bride for him and his family. With an even larger difference in stations, unresolved feelings from the past, and secrets of their own, can Emmie and Simon find happily ever after?

I loved this story! As someone who has read a lot of Regency era romances, I found Sense and Suitability to be fresh and stand out. One of the highlights of the story for me was the well-developed and dynamic cast of characters. Even the side characters were distinct and enriched the story, making ever chapter a delight to read. Emmie and Simon are each devoted to their families, and it was fun to see their relationships with their family throughout the book. The conflict between Simon and Emmie was very believable as well, which really makes you feel for them as they navigate the line between true love and duty. This is my first Pepper Basham novel, and I will definitely be going back to check out her other work. I am also crossing my fingers that we get another novel in this universe, following one of our side characters love story instead. Sense and Suitability is a fast-paced, second chance Regency romance that would be perfect for those looking for a clean, feel-good story with lovely characters. Expected publication is October 14, 2025.

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

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Sense and Suitability is a romantic regency romance that echoes and shadows, you guessed it, Sense and Sensibility.

Our two leads, Emme and Simon, had a whirlwind romance that was cruelly interrupted leaving Simon with a broken legacy and a large family to support and Emme with a broken heart and shattered reputation. Fate brings the two back together, but circumstances force them apart.

There's a lot to love in this. Witty and well-written characters, dramatic subplots, engaging humour. It's very Austen, but it also has a bit of a modern twist in it. I loved the way that Emme's hidden profession as an author was portrayed.

My only gripe, and it is a small one, is that the story stretches out a lot - particularly towards the middle and end.

If you like a bit of regency - definitely pick this one up!

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I have thoroughly enjoyed Pepper Basham's contemporary romances so far and I am a connoisseur of Regency-based novels at this point in my life, so I was intrigued to see what she would do with the setting. Overall, I enjoyed her characters, the romance was sweet and reflective, and the historical setting was pretty well done (by which I mean there were no details to stand out as glaring errors). My quibble with this novel is that the main characters seemed to be concerned for the other person in the relationship, but it often read to me that they were so wrapped up in themselves and their own failings that they couldn't see the big picture. Also, while the children in her novels are often adorable, Basham seems to be using children as a romance-building formula. I'd be curious to see two protagonists come together without the aid of children in a future novel. Overall a sweet read, especially if you're looking for clean Christian romance that isn't preachy or sanctimonious.

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Thank you Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC.

I wanted to love this more than I did. There was such a great premise - Regency second chance romance. I think it started a bit slow and that's why I couldn't get into it.

I feel there was a lot of potential here - I really loved the characters, I loved the incorporation of the Jane Austen aspect. The stand out for me was Simon and his siblings I think those relationships were so important.

It really starts to pick up in the second half, there's more development and relationships come together. It's a really quick and sweet read if you're looking for it.

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Pepper Basham just renewed my faith in the Christian romance genre. I was starting to think in order to be a Christian romance the writing had to be boring, robotic and lack any emotion. This was such a fun and sweet little rom-com. The fast pace kept me engaged the duration of the story and the characters were lively and lovable. I loved how the characters leaned on God and prayed throughout the story. It never once came off cheesy like it sometimes can, it fit in perfectly with the story and flowed well. I will definitely be recommending this to all of my Jane Austen and clean romance reader friends.

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I have to admit, the Jane Austen pun drew me in, but I stayed for the characters and story. I love this!

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๐Ÿ“– Book Review: Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham
A delightfully clever, no-spice Regency romp with Austenian wit and a whole lot of heart.

๐Ÿ“š Plot Snapshot
Emmeline Lockhart, secretly a successful author, has no intention of falling in loveโ€”especially not with Simon Reeves, the dashing but duty-bound man who once broke her heart. When Simon returns, hoping to rescue his crumbling estate by finding a suitable bride, Emme reluctantly agrees to helpโ€ฆ strictly as a friend. But in a world of meddling siblings, old secrets, romantic tension, and runaway frogs, it soon becomes clear: love rarely sticks to the plan.

๐Ÿ–‹ Writing Style Vibe
โœจ Dialogue-driven and delightfully Austen-esque
โœจ Filled with sly humor, emotional restraint, and charming tension
โœจ Warm and witty prose with moments of rich character introspection
โœจ Sweet romance paired with personal growth, second chances, and a dash of chaos

โค๏ธ My Highlights & Thoughts
๐Ÿ’• A modern homage to Jane Austen โ€“ Equal parts Persuasion and Sense & Sensibility, this story captures the spirit of Regency romance while adding its own twist.
๐Ÿ’• Emmeline Lockhart is a gem of a heroineโ€ฆwise, kind, and quietly fierce. Her compassion and inner strength shine in every chapter, making her one of my favorite female leads this year.
๐Ÿ’• Simon Reeves brings the brooding hero to lifeโ€ฆwith layers of regret, duty, and longing. Watching his emotional arc unfold is one of the best parts of the novel.
๐Ÿ’• Side characters truly shine here. Emmelineโ€™s cousin Thomas is the kind of older-brother figure every heroine deserves..wise, warm, and loyal. And Simonโ€™s siblings bring humor and heart, each one begging for their own story (please let this become a series!).
๐Ÿ’• The chemistry is soft and slow, but the emotional connection runs deep. Itโ€™s the kind of romance that simmers beneath the surface, grounded in past pain and quiet hope.
๐Ÿ’• Pepper Basham does character-driven stories so wellโ€ฆthoughtful, tender, and rich in emotional nuance.
๐Ÿ’• Sense and Suitability is a story of grace, grit, and finding your footing when life rewrites your plot. A top recommendation for readers who believe second chances are always worth the risk.

๐Ÿค” What Fell Flat (if anything)
If youโ€™re after fast-paced drama or sizzling tension, this oneโ€™s more of a soft glow than a spark. But its charm lies in its quiet depth and slow unraveling.

โญ Final Rating: (4.5/5)
๐Ÿ“š Shelf Status: Top shelf + Re-read-worthy

๐ŸŽฏ Perfect For Readers Who Love:
๐Ÿ’— Jane Austen-inspired love stories
๐Ÿ’— Second-chance romance without the angst
๐Ÿ’— Swoony-but-clean reads with depth and heart
๐Ÿ’— Gentlemen with guilty hearts and heroines who rise anyway

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An absolutely delightful romp through historical romance with a twist. The way I was rooting for these two idiots the entire time because neither had sense or sensibility and I ATE IT UP. Give me more more more. Perfect summer read. 10/10

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With Sense and Suitability, Pepper Basham did a great job replicating a Jane Austen novel. I appreciated our heroine's character in this book and how she was a bit feisty but also cared deeply for the people in her life and wanted the best for them, even if it meant she didn't get what she wanted. If this is to become a series, I want to read about Emme's sister finding a man who will help her fulfill her wanderlust and spend some time travelling with them!

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4,75 โญ๏ธ + โค๏ธ | ๐—ข๐—ป ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—˜๐—บ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ธ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜ ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐˜€ ๐˜€๐˜‚๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ด๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฒ๐—ฑ, ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ ๐˜€๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐˜€๐—ฎ๐˜†๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜†๐˜๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜€ ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด๐—ฒ๐—ฑ. ๐—ง๐˜„๐—ผ ๐˜†๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—น๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ, ๐—ฆ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ฏ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ธ, ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜„ ๐—ฎ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฉ๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐˜ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜€. ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ด๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—˜๐—บ๐—บ๐—ฒ, ๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐˜€ ๐—ฎ ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜๐—ต๐˜† ๐—ฏ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต ๐—ฎ ๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—ฏ๐—ถ๐—ด ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ด๐—ต ๐˜๐—ผ ๐˜€๐—ฎ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ต๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ต๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ณ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ถ๐—น๐˜† ๐—ณ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—บ ๐—ฟ๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—ป.

Where can I start? This was my first Pepper Basham novel and I'm happy to finally understand the hype. This story had me hooked!
With enough Jane Austen references to make my silly little heart happy, this book was a delight. The romance, the banter, the friendship and the writing had me obsessed. The conflict between the main characters was believable and their devotion to their families was admirable. Simon was always the most respectful gentleman (or lord, to be more exact) - which is something we don't see very often in Regency romance, almost like an Austen hero.

"๐˜›๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ข ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏโ€™๐˜ด ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฌ ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ค ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ด ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ."

Also, this book had me giggling! From Fia's little creatures to the chickens scene, I laughed like a little girl. I also need to mention Aunt Bean's lessons on the art of catching a husband - the different categories of charm and how if it all else fails, a lady can always resort to the ancient art of fainting.

"๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ด ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต, ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ช๐˜ณ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ฑ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ค๐˜ฌ๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต ๐˜ข ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ท๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅโ€” ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ฑ๐˜ด ๐˜ข ๐˜ฎ๐˜ถ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜š๐˜ต๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜บ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณโ€™๐˜ด ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฌ."

Pepper Basham's storytelling is so good! Even after reading I couldn't stop thinking about the characters. In fact, I miss them. There are still some mysteries left open - like Arianna's whereabout, for example - and I really hope for a sequel, maybe exploring Thomas or Ben. With or without it, I'll keep an eye on Basham's releases.

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

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I love Pepper so much!
This book is a fun time with nice people and great banter. As always the romance is cute and bring a deep conextion. Really good!

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I've recently discovered Pepper Basham books and I devour them so quickly! This one was no exception.

This was a fun, easy romance that gives me Jane Austin/Bridgerton vibes.. what could be better?

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC :)

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When the gentleman is in distress and the damsel decides to help, you just know itโ€™s going to be good โœจAnd It was the absolute sweetest read I picked up in June!

The story follows Emmeline, a secretly successful author, and Simon, the charming man who once broke her heart as they team up to save his estate and reputation without catching feelings again.

-๐Ÿ’Œ- But spoiler alert: feelings are caught or rather they never disappeared in the first place ๐Ÿ‘€

This book was my first ever Regency-era read, and I honestly didnโ€™t expect to love it this much ๐Ÿ˜ Emmeline is smart, independent, and secretly a successful author (which I loved), and Simon is the charming-but-flawed man who suddenly needs her help.

Thereโ€™s banter, thereโ€™s tension, thereโ€™s a frog named Blast, and subtle nods to Sense and Sensibility which I adored ๐Ÿฉท

Itโ€™s a no-spice, feel-good romance that had me grinning more than once. I gave it 5 stars without even thinking about it. It just made me happy. And now I want more books like this in my life ๐Ÿฅนโœจ๐Ÿฉท

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

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This book had me grinning, swooning, and muttering โ€œoh nooooโ€ under my breath more than once. A second-chance Regency romance with just the right mix of heart, chaos, and tension? Say less.

So hereโ€™s the setup: Emmeline and Simon met by pure chance, became friends, and yeahโ€”fell in love. Things were moving toward an engagementโ€ฆ until Simon pulled a disappearing act. No explanation, just a note. Classic heartbreak. Fast-forward two years: heโ€™s back. Now heโ€™s a viscount, dealing with a broken-down estate, way too much debt, and three younger siblings depending on him. He needs to marry for moneyโ€”meanwhile Emmie offers to help him find a bride. What could possibly go wrong, right?

Emmie completely stole the show for me. Sheโ€™s sharp, kind, and just emotionally layered in a way that makes you feel for her. Simon had to earn his way back into my good graces, but watching him show up for his siblings and try to rebuild? Yeah, it worked. The sibling dynamic was adorableโ€”Fia was a little ball of sunshine, Lottie had main character energy, and Will? Quiet, observant, and lowkey the most emotionally intelligent one in the house.

Also can we talk about the side characters? Ben, Aster, and Thomasโ€”spin-offs please. Aunt Bean was unhinged in the best way, and her โ€œlife lessonsโ€ nearly took me out.

This story had everything I love in a historical romance: accidental proximity, witty chaos, a slow-burn mess of feelings, and characters you want to hug and yell at in equal measure. It was my first time reading this author, but Iโ€™m already stalking the backlist because this absolutely won me over.

Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC!

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Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Such a fun historical romance with great characters. A perfectly delightful story!

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Do you love reading Regency Romances but donโ€™t love the bedroom shenanigans that might sneak up on you? This laugh out loud closed door romance is for you!
Emmeโ€™s aunt comes to town determined to find marriage matches for her nieces.
Our hero, Simon the Viscount, also has a meddlesome Aunt thatโ€™s determined to marry him off. Emma and Simon have a past with each other that needs to remain in the past.
If the plot doesnโ€™t sway you into reading this book thereโ€™s also frog or two compliments of Simonโ€™s little sister, Fia.

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

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This was the cutest book! First of all the cover is so cute and it made me want to pick it up! This is a closed door romance and I loved it so much!

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