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!

4.5 Stars! This was such a cute book. The main characters are Emmaline and Simon and they were both so lovable. Simon didn’t make the greatest decisions but he makes up for it throughout the book. I still find it mind blowing that it was so frowned upon that a woman be a writer & make her own money. It shows just how far we’ve come from way back when women weren’t allowed to do anything. Simon’s siblings were too cute! This is a sweet second chance romance, Enemies to lovers with witty banter, longing, adorable siblings, no sexy times, duel points of view, a hidden “scandalous” career, with a nasty rival and an HEA ending. I’d definitely recommend reading this one. It was very entertaining.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

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

I discovered Pepper Basham's books here on NetGalley and fell in love with her writing and easy storytelling, she never disappoints. This book is a captivating romance, hard to put down. I liked how she wrote the second-chance and miscommunication tropes, nicely detailed.

In this book, she shows the reality that sometimes, love is not enough, but that it can overcome every adversity. Our main characters, Emmeline and Simon, have been separated for two years because of a slight miscommunication, which eventually ended happily, regardless of scandals, finances and aunts who want to help.

Overall, I give this book 5, well-earned stars.

Delightful homage to “Sense and Sensibility”. This book is perfect for those who want regency romance without spicy scenes. There is definitely chemistry and kissing, but should be no pearl-clutching. This second-chance romance follows Emme and Simon, who were close to getting engaged until Simon ghosts her in a garden. Two years later, they enter each others orbits again as Simon, now head of a struggling estate, is seeking a wealthy wife. Emme decides he needs a friend after learning of his situation and meeting his younger siblings. Showing Christian charity, she decides to help Simon find a wife as well as befriend his younger siblings who have lost a lot in a short amount of time. This story highlights the societal pressures for women, and marriages. Nice, fast read that will hold your interest. Pick this one up at your bookstore.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson Fiction, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This book just kept getting better and better! I love Pepper Basham’s delightful characters—so charming and full of personality. The witty banter kept me smiling, the comedic scenes had me laughing, and the sweet romance had me sighing and cheering for these two the whole way through.

There’s such a relatable warmth in this story, woven together with a strong sense of hope that lingers long after the final page. And for fellow Jane Austen fans—the Sense and Sensibility references are the perfect cherry on top!

A heartwarming must-read for 2025!

I absolutely loved this story. The characters were loveable!
There was so much passion without the spice, I loved that Emme wrote their love story and Simon got to read it.
Hilarious twist at the end with Simon joking about Emme proposing to him!

This is such a beautiful love story without all the graphic sex scenes. Would be happy to recommend this to my grandma and that is the highest praise

This is Pepper Basham 's Regency debut, if I recall correctly, and she has hit it out of the park! So good!! I'm definitely a fan and have read a lot of her contemporaries as well as Freddie & Grace mysteries, and "Sense and Suitability" is now firmly my new favorite Basham book!

This book is so sweet, with two people who are soulmates separated by very real circumstance. There is some miscommunication in the beginning, but later I love how Simon and Emme are open and put each other's well-being first in trying to resolve their situation.

It's also a love letter to women authors, women's fiction, readers, Jane Austen, and above all "Sense and Sensibility"!

“Gentlewomen had to be rescued by patrimony, inheritance, or death, for they are not usually given a living and were certainly not allowed to earn one”

I have read a couple of Pepper Basham books and they are okay. I think Basham has found her sweet spot with this one. In fact, I would read a sequel/series of the characters in this book. Regency romance, humor, and family drama? Yes, please. Mark your calendars for October 2025 because that is when this beauty hits shelves.

Disclaimer: None 🙌

Thanks to @netgalley I received an advance reader copy for free in exchange for an honest review.

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!