I was a bit leery when I first saw the title (Janet Austen is one of my favorite authors and I wasn’t too sure about the nod to Sense and Sensibility), but this book was an absolutely delightful regency romance that I think even Austen herself would be proud of! Sweet characters, engaging plot, witty banter, themes of redemption and devotion.

If you love Bridgerton but don’t want the spice, you’ll love this book!! 👏🏽 While it is definitely closed-door/no-spice, it still has some steamy moments. No language, violence or gore. I’d recommend to mature teens and adults.

Emmeline thought that Simon was going to propose to her, but he bailed on her at the last minute. Now both of them have been given ultimatums to find a spouse this season or else. Simon needs money, Emmeline doesn't have a large enough dowry. The problem is they are in love with each other, but there is a black mark against Simon and Emmeline would rather not get married if she can't have Simon.

There are several interesting characters who flesh out the movement of the plot--Aunts for both Simon and Emmeline feel that they have a say in what happens in their niece's or nephew's lives, even to the point of choosing spouses for their charges.

Pepper Basham writes compelling novels that grasp the reader from the very first pages all the way through to the end. She seems to know what her readers want and delivers with a flourish. I love the way she puts a plot together and her settings are spot on for the story she is telling.

Four Strong Stars.

My Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

First book I’ve read of PB. Really enjoyed it. It was well written, funny and had a good pace. I hope there are more books to come and this is a series of sorts cause I would really like to the stories of Aster, Ben and Thomas…

An absolute Austen! A delicious page-turner that embodies the very essence of a Jane Austen novel with a strong female lead, sprinkles of rom com, and, of course, social realism. With every character so thoughtfully crafted, I feel I must deliver no less than a 5 star rating (an absolutely rarity for me). A must-read for the fall!

Second chance romance of a secret novelist and A fallen viscount. No way Emme going to forget the hurtful day of her life. Being stood up by the person whom she gave her heart to. Maybe a rake will always be a rake. 2 years later, they met, they stumble against each other, they avoid, but they still keep falling for each other.

I, for a second, was not in the mood to read another novelist trope. You know, the trope with writer block, real life inspiration, etc. But this one I would say doesn’t touch much on the conflict being an author. Although it is linked to the whole plot story. What I’m trying to point out is not something bad, it’s more on the way of creating Emme characteristics related to her being an author. And even though the story doesn’t include Emme being an author much; writing or having writer's block, I like the way this book tries to point out happy endings only happen in fiction. It creates the relation of Emme being a novelist is an important plot.

The whole story was cute with a sprinkle of light humor (you know the type of everyday humor not the exaggerated one) and cute children characters. My heart never fails to melt everytime Fia makes her entry with Blast (even though I don’t like Blast as a creature). And not gonna lie the slow burn was good. How many times Emme and Simon successfully made my cheeks, hands and tummy blush with their interaction? Probably a lot. Not sure why though hahaha maybe because of the amazing writing or painfully slow of slow burn.

Gorgeous gorgeous novel that I stayed up later than acceptable to read! Second-chance regency romances are a little rarer to come by than the usual insta-love, so I really appreciated this treat from Pepper Basham. Simon's care for his siblings, Emme and Thomas' friendship, and of course the crackling tension between Simon and Emme brought this novel to life. Seeing Simon's reaction every time Fia called out the frog's name was priceless. And Thomas was a GEM: "It's one thing to love a woman for the way she makes you feel, but it's another thing entirely to admire her for who she is." - I need him in a sequel! My only small personal criticism is that from the blurb, I was expecting more of the 'matchmaking friend' element, but it stayed more in the 'hurt former lovers' territory than friends for the majority of the novel. However, I'm more than happy to trade that in, given Emme and Simon's iconic reunion scene a couple of years after he vanished- it's one that's going to be replaying in my mind a lot ;)

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All comments and opinions are my own.

Four stars! I read this all in one setting, what a sweet Regency period romance. I love a forbidden love story. This one has a Viscount and a country gentleman‘s daughter who fell in love seasons prior but circumstances, change, and duty calls.

I absolutely adored 'Sense and Suitability'! I love Pepper Basham's expert writing skills that hook me in and send me to another place and time, all with charm and an uplifting tenor. I didn't see how this could ever turn out positively for Emmeline and Simon, but with great diligence to the sense of the time period hope was fulfilled for me. I knew that there had to be a happy ending, but I just didn't see haw it could happen, but Pepper Basham skillfully wove the trail to happiness. I was sorry when it ended and I want more of these characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚}

“𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚖 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚛 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎.”

🌷Release Date: October 14, 2025🌷
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If you find yourself looking for a regency tale about a heroine slighted by a well-known rake—only to be reunited with him in a HEA—then this is the perfect book for you! You’ll find the MCs accidentally sharing hiding spots at balls to escape the clutches of eager suitors—and maybe indulging in a kiss or two while they’re at it—along with some hilarious moments including wild children and meddling aunts. This book was full of comedic moments and even more comedic characters. I would definitely recommend it to any regency fans out there!

All that being said, I did not find myself enjoying this book as much as I’d first hoped I would. It may have been because I wasn’t in a particular “regency reading” mood when I picked it up, or it may have been my romance burnout popping up again. Whatever it was, it significantly lessened my enjoyment of this story and made it a bit of a drudgery to get through. I did find myself enjoying a few moments here and there throughout the story, but for the most part, the plot fell a bit flat for me.

One of my biggest issues was definitely the romance. I just couldn’t get on board with it—and with that being the main plot of the story, it made the book significantly dull for me. I really wanted to root for the MCs to get their HEA, but, in all honesty, I couldn’t have cared less whether they ended up together or not. By no means am I saying the book was the problem—I fully own that it was all me and my current reading mood. I think this book could be an easy favorite for any readers looking for a fun regency romance!

Read it for:
🌷 Swoony romance
🌷 The dearest siblings
🌷 MMC reading Sense & Sensibility
🌷 FMC is a secret authoress
🌷 A pond scene involving the MCs
🌷 Meddling aunts
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I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. All opinions listed are purely my own.

Pepper Basham's books never disappoint. Just when I think she's done it all, she jumps into a whole new genre and hits it out of the park! This book is a unique take on regency romance that keeps the modern reader interested, while still sticking to the roots of the genre. I enjoyed the humor, family relationships, hopeful message, and happy ending. Read it, you won't regret it!

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

From the very first pages I felt catapulted into a world that smells of tea, social conventions, scandal, and stolen glances behind a fan, everything I love in a good regency romance.

What won me over immediately was the Jane Austen vibe: you can clearly sense the author's influence, both in the narrative style and in the construction of the characters. And for a lover of her novels like me, there could not have been better bait. The title itself is a play on words with Sense and Sensibility, and the novel really manages to pay homage to its spirit while maintaining its own original voice.

I especially loved the female characters: they are bright, determined and never predictable. The male protagonist's two little sisters, then, stole my heart. They are lively, intelligent, with that hint of sass that makes each of their scenes unforgettable.
The love story is well constructed, with sharp dialogue and moments of tenderness that made me sigh more than once. But what impressed me most is how the author manages to bring out the personal growth of the main characters, making the happy ending not only desirable but also deserved.

If you like Bridgerton-style novels, you will find the same mix of romance, emotional tension, and well-thought-out family dynamics in this story.

Overall, this was a sweet and enjoyable read. The concept was charming and had the promise of a modern twist on Austen vibes, which I appreciated.

The FMC was definitely the highlight for me—strong, compassionate, and refreshingly grounded. I really loved how her kindness wasn’t portrayed as weakness but rather as a quiet strength. She carried the story for me.

That said, the middle of the book dragged a bit, and I found myself waiting for the pacing to pick back up. I also struggled to fully connect with the romance. The tension and emotional build-up between the main characters felt a little underdeveloped, so the relationship didn’t quite have the payoff I hoped for.

It’s worth noting this is a clean romance, so if you’re looking for a sweet story with no spice and a wholesome tone, this might be a great fit.

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