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!

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham is a charming Regency romcom brimming with wit and heart. Emmeline, a secret novelist healing from past heartbreak, faces societal constraints and her eccentric Aunt Bean’s comical marriage schemes. Simon, now a viscount, wrestles with a crumbling estate and family responsibilities, his heart still drawn to Emme despite pressures to marry well. Their chemistry sizzles through sharp banter, tender moments, and societal hurdles. Basham’s vivid period setting immerses readers, while Emme’s cousin, Simon’s lively siblings, and the hilarious Aunt Bean add humor and depth. This second-chance, enemies-to-lovers tale balances longing, growth, and a rival’s schemes, culminating in a delightful HEA. Dual perspectives enhance the heartfelt narrative, making it a must-read for Regency romance fans. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am new to regency novels and if the rest are anything like Pepper Basham's new novel, "Sense and Suitabilty", I will be reading more. I enjoyed the journey through the book that the main male and female character went on together. The secondary characters are very fun! I would give this book 5 stars.

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

This is simply a delightful, charming story that was so fun to read. I loved the humor, the sweet tender moments, the longing, and tension and the way the characters grew in understanding and acceptance. I really enjoyed Emme and Simon’s story, it was so sweet, so much chemistry and with so many obstacles to over because of society’s expectations. Their siblings, Aster, Lottie, Fia and Will add so much wit, humor and fun to the story. Emme’s Aunt Bean was so hilarious and ridiculous with her lessons on how to catch a husband. A great Regency romance, that makes you feel like you are really reading in that time period. I highly recommend this book, grab a copy and enjoy!
Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy, this is my own opinion.

Review – Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

I haven’t picked up Sense and Suitability yet—not because I’m not interested, but simply because it hasn’t matched my current reading mood. Sometimes the timing just isn’t right for certain books, and I want to give this one the attention it deserves.

That said, I’m still really intrigued by the concept and Pepper Basham’s storytelling style. From what I know of her writing, I fully expect this to be a charming and heartfelt read, and I’m looking forward to diving into it when the mood strikes. If you're a fan of sweet, witty romances with classic inspiration, this one definitely seems worth adding to your TBR!

Emme had her heart broken two years ago by a man she thought wanted to marry her. She's moved on, pouring her emotions into her clandestine novels. Her aunt comes to stay, promising to have her married by the end of the season. She hopes her secret project will afford her the option of not marrying, though only her cousin knows her secret. When she discovers Simon, her former paramour, is back in town, she's determined to avoid him, though that turns out to be nearly impossible. Simon is struggling with the weight of his new and unexpected viscount title, the care of a mismanaged estate, and three of his younger siblings. If only he wasn't in need of money to help save his estate, he'd marry Emme in a heartbeat. His aunt has promised to support him as long as he avoids scandal and marries well. When Emme discovers Simon's struggles, she's determined to help him even though it means helping him find a more suitable wife. Can they move beyond their feelings or will they be able to come up with a way to get everything they want?

A very fun regency romcom with plenty of laughs, swoon, and heart.

This book was such a delightful read! Emmeline is witty, independent, and secretly writing scandalous novels- what’s not to love? When her ex, Simon, reappears needing help, the tension and chemistry between them are undeniable. The banter is sharp, the slow-burn romance is swoony, and the side characters (including a mischievous frog named Blast) add so much charm. It’s a clean Regency rom-com that had me grinning throughout. If you’re into second-chance romances with a dash of humour and heart, this one’s for you!

#SenseandSuitability #NetGalley

Emmeline Lockhart's disappointment consumes her with a failed engagement, leaving her broken hearted and part of the tons gossip. Emme finds a way to h=ease her broken heart by continuing to write novels under a male pen name.
Simon Reeves life falls apart the evening he was supposed to propose to Emme Lochart. His life as he has known it to be is falling apart at the seams. Now, two years later, he is ready to move forward and try to mend his crumbling estate and family. He must find a bride. If only he could tell his heart to forget Emme Lockart once and for all.
I loved this book! Simon's siblings are a hoot! This is a book that I would read again. Pepper Basham knows how to write clever and witty banter.

What a delightful cast of characters.
I was rooting for Emmeline and Simon the whole time. Courting the love of her life only to be unexpectedly spurned and left behind. Emme devotes herself to her secret writing projects. Only to have Simon return to the area. A lot of mischief and mayhem ensues. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this lovely book in advance!