
Member Reviews

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

๐ Book Review: Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham
A delightfully clever, no-spice Regency romp with Austenian wit and a whole lot of heart.
๐ Plot Snapshot
Emmeline Lockhart, secretly a successful author, has no intention of falling in loveโespecially 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 helpโฆ 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.
๐ Writing Style Vibe
โจ Dialogue-driven and delightfully Austen-esque
โจ Filled with sly humor, emotional restraint, and charming tension
โจ Warm and witty prose with moments of rich character introspection
โจ Sweet romance paired with personal growth, second chances, and a dash of chaos
โค๏ธ My Highlights & Thoughts
๐ 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.
๐ Emmeline Lockhart is a gem of a heroineโฆwise, kind, and quietly fierce. Her compassion and inner strength shine in every chapter, making her one of my favorite female leads this year.
๐ Simon Reeves brings the brooding hero to lifeโฆwith layers of regret, duty, and longing. Watching his emotional arc unfold is one of the best parts of the novel.
๐ Side characters truly shine here. Emmelineโs cousin Thomas is the kind of older-brother figure every heroine deserves..wise, warm, and loyal. And Simonโs siblings bring humor and heart, each one begging for their own story (please let this become a series!).
๐ The chemistry is soft and slow, but the emotional connection runs deep. Itโs the kind of romance that simmers beneath the surface, grounded in past pain and quiet hope.
๐ Pepper Basham does character-driven stories so wellโฆthoughtful, tender, and rich in emotional nuance.
๐ 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.
๐ค What Fell Flat (if anything)
If youโre after fast-paced drama or sizzling tension, this oneโs 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)
๐ Shelf Status: Top shelf + Re-read-worthy
๐ฏ Perfect For Readers Who Love:
๐ Jane Austen-inspired love stories
๐ Second-chance romance without the angst
๐ Swoony-but-clean reads with depth and heart
๐ Gentlemen with guilty hearts and heroines who rise anyway

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

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!

4,75 โญ๏ธ + โค๏ธ | ๐ข๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฑ, ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐ฑ. ๐ง๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ, ๐ฆ๐ถ๐บ๐ผ๐ป ๐ถ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ, ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐. ๐ช๐ต๐ถ๐น๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฒ ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐๐บ๐บ๐ฒ, ๐ต๐ฒ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต๐ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฎ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ด ๐ฒ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ป.
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.
"๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏโ๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ด๐ต ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ค ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ๐ด ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ญ๐ฅ."
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.
"๐๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ต๐ข๐ณ๐ด ๐ด๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ณ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต, ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ช๐ณ ๐ฑ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ช๐ค๐ฌ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ญ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต ๐ข ๐ด๐ช๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ท๐ข๐ด๐ต๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ญ๐ฅโ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฑ๐ด ๐ข ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ค๐ฉ ๐จ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ข๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ๐บ๐ต๐ฆ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ณโ๐ด ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฌ."
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.

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!

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 :)

When the gentleman is in distress and the damsel decides to help, you just know itโs going to be good โจAnd 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.
-๐- But spoiler alert: feelings are caught or rather they never disappeared in the first place ๐
This book was my first ever Regency-era read, and I honestly didnโt expect to love it this much ๐ 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.
Thereโs banter, thereโs tension, thereโs a frog named Blast, and subtle nods to Sense and Sensibility which I adored ๐ฉท
Itโs 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 ๐ฅนโจ๐ฉท
~ I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book had me grinning, swooning, and muttering โoh 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 hereโs the setup: Emmeline and Simon met by pure chance, became friends, and yeahโfell in love. Things were moving toward an engagementโฆ until Simon pulled a disappearing act. No explanation, just a note. Classic heartbreak. Fast-forward two years: heโs back. Now heโs a viscount, dealing with a broken-down estate, way too much debt, and three younger siblings depending on him. He needs to marry for moneyโmeanwhile Emmie offers to help him find a bride. What could possibly go wrong, right?
Emmie completely stole the show for me. Sheโs 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 adorableโFia 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 Thomasโspin-offs please. Aunt Bean was unhinged in the best way, and her โlife 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 Iโm already stalking the backlist because this absolutely won me over.
Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC!

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!

Do you love reading Regency Romances but donโt love the bedroom shenanigans that might sneak up on you? This laugh out loud closed door romance is for you!
Emmeโs aunt comes to town determined to find marriage matches for her nieces.
Our hero, Simon the Viscount, also has a meddlesome Aunt thatโs determined to marry him off. Emma and Simon have a past with each other that needs to remain in the past.
If the plot doesnโt sway you into reading this book thereโs also frog or two compliments of Simonโs little sister, Fia.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

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!