Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for the opportunity to listen to Sense & Suitability by Pepper Basham. This novel is due out October 14, 2025.

Emmeline met Simon all by chance. They quickly went from friends to love, but due to circumstances, he left without a reason given to her. After two years, he's returned. Now with a title, a home in disrepair, and younger siblings to care for, he has to try and repair what he can.

Emmeline has already had two season without finding a husband, and hope is running out. She has also been keeping a secret that could cause a scandal, and only her cousin knows about it. Emmie has forgiven Simon, and offers her friendship again, even though both wish for more.

This regency romance has it all. Love, a bit of chaos, scandal? Its all in there. This was such a delightful romance. It was clean, but even my smut friends could find joy in this one. It's exactly what I was hoping for. Honestly, this may be a 6 star read for me!

Make sure to pick up your copy on October 14th! It's absolutely worth it!!

From the first interaction between these characters, I screamed, "Oh my God, what chemistry they have!" Her falling in love with Simon made the story even more engaging. Plus, I loved how the plot and romance unfolded so naturally. Best couple of 2025? Definitely.
And about the wonderful audiobook: I loved the British narration, oh Lord, it made me feel even more invested in these characters and setting.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the eARC.

Phenomenal! 'Sense and Suitability' proves once again that Pepper Basham can write across genres with ease. I’ve enjoyed her Appalachian historical romances and her contemporary romances, and she delivers Regency romance just as beautifully. She’s simply an excellent writer.

Emme and Simon are wonderfully likable leads—endearing in their strengths and relatable in their flaws. Second-chance romances built on misunderstandings can sometimes test my patience, since the longing is so clear, but here the obstacles felt genuine and meaningful. The pacing was just right, maintaining tension without dragging things out, and the first exciting kiss comes soon enough while still keeping the romance clean.

The side characters add wonderful charm—from Emme’s loyal cousin to Simon’s rambunctious siblings. Even the antagonists, like the mischievous Selena and the meddling aunts, are written with an entertaining flair. Altogether, the story feels full and lively, layered with warmth, wit, and heart. I daresay it stirred in me the same emotions as Jane Austen’s works—wholesome, engaging, and rich with character. I’m not sure if there will be follow-up books, but there are several young men and women here whose journeys toward love I’d happily enjoy reading - starting with Thomas!

Special thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for access to this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Pepper Basham has done it again, bringing her signature humor and swoony romance to the Regency era. Her first foray into Regency is adorable and entertaining from the very first page. Emmeline is immediately relatable and lovable, and I instantly wanted her to find her happily ever after. Simon's dire circumstances make his initial reaction understandable, even while I hated it for Emme. His siblings are absolutely adorable, and I loved every single scene they were in! They definitely stole the show with their sheer cuteness, especially little Sofia.
Of course, Simon and Emme's chemistry is swoon-worthy, and reels in the reader from the very beginning. I loved that Simon tried so hard to figure out how to make sure his siblings were taken care of while still being able to be with Emme. Their HEA is so sweet and poignant.

I also listened to the audio version of this book, and absolutely loved it! The voice actors' accents bring the story to life. Honestly, I'll never complain about listening to Christopher Ashman narrate something! Both were great, and their delivery gave the characters even more depth. Love it!

Clean Regency romance from the author of the very fun Skymar series. In her latest, we’ve got Simon, the rogue aristocrat who must care for his siblings and maintain the dilapidated family estate and Emmeline, the independent young woman a few seasons into the “husband market.” Years before, they were suited and seemed headed for the altar, but now they must figure out how to be in the same room together for another “season.” Each harbors a secret, which they are sure would destroy their reputation, and a torch for the other, which they are sure is unrequited.

This is a sweet, quick, uncomplicated read for anyone who likes a lot of romance in their comedy and no spice. It was more ROM than COM on the whole, but it was actually more “romance” than I find enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I did not like Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. But when I saw Pepper Basham had a book coming out loosely based on it, I knew I had to read Sense and Suitability. Why? Because Pepper Basham wrote it. Also, this is Basham's first foray into the Regency genre.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have read several of Jane Austen's books and have not enjoyed them. However, after reading Sense and Suitability I want to go back and read Sense and Sensibility again, to see what I missed, and to see how closely Suitability is based upon Austen's version! Confused yet?! Me too.

Seriously, when an author can take a book that you did not enjoy and make you want to read it again, you know it's a good book. On the other hand, Sense and Suitability has so much of Basham in it, it's truly its own book. It can be enjoyed whether you have read the original version or not.

I really liked Emmeline. She is compassionate and sweet. Her character shines through, and she is always looking for the good in everybody. I love her interactions with her Aunt and her cousin as well.

Poor Simon has had a hard time of it, and you can't help but root for him as well. I love his tenderness with his siblings. I also love their mischievous natures. Thea with Blast is hysterical! You can't help but root for Simon and Emme together. Anyone with eyes in their head can see they belong together. However, two meddling Aunts may make that impossible.

I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the narrators: Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman did a fantastic job with the dual narration of this novel.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for the opportunity to listen to this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

A Charming Austen-Style Romance with Heart and Humour

What a delightful historical romance! Sense and Suitability captured everything I love about a story written in the spirit of Jane Austen. It has all the essential ingredients: sparkling humour, clever and witty conversation, genuine mutual pining that tugs at the heart, and—refreshingly—a real, believable reason for the characters’ separation rather than a contrived or manufactured obstacle. That depth made the romance all the more satisfying when the pieces finally came together.

Pepper Basham’s writing shines with warmth and charm, delivering a story that feels both classic and fresh. The balance between light-hearted banter and emotional weight was beautifully done, keeping me thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

I listened to the audiobook and loved the choice of a dual narration. Having both a female and male narrator added richness to the experience, and their voices complemented each other perfectly. It made the characters feel even more alive and added an extra layer of enjoyment to an already lovely read.

Sense and Suitability was a warm, witty, and heartfelt historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling and feeling uplifted—exactly what a good Austen-inspired story should do.

⭐️3.5 Stars- A Cute and Lighthearted Proper Romance Story

Coming Soon!!
Publication Date: October 14, 2025

If you are a fan of regency romance that is lighthearted and fun, this one was wonderful.

I loved the main character Emme who showed not only beauty but a kind heart and sharp wit. A heroine worth cheering on as she navigated the obstacles of the ballroom, as well as her secret identity as a published female author.

⭐️Why Not 5 Stars?
The plot was a bit on the predictable side for me. As sweet as the story was, I was hoping for a little more twist or challenge for the main characters.

⚠️Content Consideration:
•Spice Level: Kisses Only
•Profanity: None

Thank you @ThomasNelson, @Zondervan, and @NetGalley for the ARC audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham is marked in Good Reads as a clean Regency rom-com, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love—until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could go wrong???

Emmeline Lockhart had a failed "coming out" season and now it's her 3rd, wanting to only forget the past and not look for a husband as she is doing quite alright on her own and is a success in secret - being a woman writer - shocker - I know.

Simon Reeves fell for Emmeline and he had only wanted to let her know his intentions, when he learned of what his father did and after his father's death, Simon is left picking up the pieces and must find a wealth bride to restore honor to his family's estate. Simon has never forgotten Emmeline nor his love for her and when he sees her again, can he hide his true feelings, find a path forward?

I absolutely loved this light-hearted read that had me wanting more and not putting it down. The author did a great job of sharing her love of Jane Austin and weaving that into her own. Loved ever minute!

Sense and Suitability is an easily read regency romance, that has just about everything the genre needs. A swooning love story, well rounded characters you root for, and just a touch of chaos. I really enjoyed listening to this book, and I found myself rooting for the couple almost from the first page.
I am not a big fan of second chance romances, but this one was cute. The miscommunications were real - although maybe dragged out a little too long before the resolve - and the character’s reactions felt human. I did enjoy the parallels to Sense and Sensibility and I also didn’t mind the characters discussing it for the most part, but some of the Jane Austen references became a tad too much for me.

The plot was pretty predictable, but nothing you wouldn’t expect from the genre, and the characters were definitely what pulled this book up in my rating!

Overall 4.25/5. I enjoyed the book tremendously and would definitely recommend it to fans of (regency) romances

This is Pepper Basham's first foray into the Regency genre and she has done a masterful job of it. The story is lively, with snappy main characters and delightful little side characters ages 5 and 8. Add in an occasional frog and you will wish the book never ended. I highly recommend reading this book.

There are no swears only 1 time period swear, brief mention of alcohol, and level 1.5 Kisses only. First person, present tense dual POV.

I listened to the audiobook and the dual narration was great and easy to listen to.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from @Netgalley and @thomasnelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#senseandsensibility #thomasnelson #netgalley #pepperbasham

So excited to have gotten an ARC of this audiobook! The narrators both did a great job and kept me engaged throughout the entire story.

This was one of the more lighthearted rom-coms I’ve read, it was just so cute (also my first regency-era romance)! The main characters are charming and I enjoyed getting both of their perspectives, but also really appreciated that all of the side characters are fleshed out and well-written. I think it’s worth mentioning that I haven’t actually read any Jane Austen, but still enjoyed the nods to her stories regardless. It’s obvious the author put a lot of research into making this historical romance feel realistic (yet fun), and it definitely paid off!

The audio was good and clear.
The story was ok.
Just not my kind of story. I am not keen on old time way of telling a story

Thank you NetGalley for this Audio Arc!


This Regency romance was impossibly cute! I adored Emmy as a main character, she was feisty and witty and didn’t let rumors get to her. Instead she and her sister Astor were so comfortable in their own skin it was refreshing to read about girls who didn’t conform to the normal a lady waits until a man chooses to marry her. Simon I liked lol. He was sweet but I didn’t like that he stood Emmy up and never said anything. I kept waiting for him to tell her and beg for forgiveness and found that part lacking. I loved his siblings ! Really great read and has me excited to read more regency styled books !

I’m a huge Pepper Basham fan, so I was really excited to read Sense and Suitability, and it did not disappoint! This book is funny, sweet, and totally charming. Emmeline is awesome and knows exactly what she wants, and Simon’s mix of regret and sincerity made their chemistry so real. Plus, the kids and the frog Blast added extra fun and heart to the story.
Pepper’s humor shines in this Regency setting, and the slow-burn, second-chance romance kept me hooked the whole way through. If you want a light, cute romance with lots of laughs and swoony moments, this one’s definitely worth reading!

Thank you netgalley for an audio arc of Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

This book was a delight!! My favorite Jane Austen story is Sense and Sensibility so a whole book incorporating it and putting a spin on it was so fun. I loved Emme and Simon and their love/longing for each other was so palpable! I had a copy of the ebook and the audio and went back and forth, but I thoroughly enjoyed Basham’s writing style and also really enjoyed the audio—both the FMC and MMC voices were great.

This regency includes so many great elements—independent FMC, family relationships, MMC who falls completely head over heels, pining, longing, stolen glances, and becoming the hero of your own story.
This is totally a book I would come back to again.

*Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zondervan Fiction Audio for an early copy of the ebook and audio!*

After two failed seasons, Emmeline Lockhart has given up on matrimony, content with her secret success as an anonymous author. But when Simon Reeves—the charming man who once broke her heart—returns in financial ruin and in need of a friend, she agrees to help him find a respectable bride. Yet as old feelings resurface and sparks fly, Emmeline must decide whether some love stories are worth rewriting after all.

I never would have guessed that this was the author’s first Regency book. The details and research were beautifully written. I especially enjoyed the references to Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. It found the right balance between being a realistic Regency and being a fun romance.

Emmeline and Simon are fantastic characters. I empathised with them both and understood their actions. I wanted them to get back together by the end of the book. The two readers who read the book did a fantastic job bringing them to life.

Overall, this is a great clean Regency book that I would recommend to any fan of the genre.

I really liked this book, Simon and Em were so lovable together and as individuals, I could understand their reasons to act as they did, but I felt that it dragged a little bit too long. But other than that it was really lovely and his siblings were so cute, and the villain was just villainous enough to give it a little bit of oh no, but not too much.

Pepper Basham does it again! Her story telling wraps around you pulling you into another character another world. Sense and Suitability embodies the regency era bringing back the style of Ms Austen with its wit, honor and social classes. The swoony romance and family dynamics are my favorite parts. The narrator was fantastic she kept me engaged the entire time. You can never go wrong with a Basham novel. So thankful to netgalley for an early copy my opinions are my own.

I love a well written Austen remake and this one is perfect. I loved that it wasn’t a direct rewrite but more an homage to s and s. It also had Easter eggs for other Austen stories and the characters we all know and love were embodied in their story in an endearing manner. This story had everything a regency romance needs to be entertaining and most importantly had a hero that Austen would have approved of.
The narrators did an amazing job with this story. I loved how perfectly they personified these characters.