This was a really engaging read, very quick and flowing, with fun interesting characters and a new take on the genre. The plot and character connections were both cute and intriguing, even if some aspects <spoiler>like the blackmail</spoiler> weren't my favourite, I would have preferred less tension coming from external agents and more from internal fears of the characters.
The romance is sweet and perfect to root for, and amazingly brought to life by the narrators, especially Emmeline's.

Oh my stars! I can’t express how sweet and lovely this new regency romance from Pepper is! Even more wonderful than I expected.

Just when Emmeline thinks her seems to be falling into place perfectly it falls apart terribly. Expecting a proposal from the dashing and attentive Simon Reeves, her hopes are dashed when he leaves her without so much as a by-your-leave. Heartbroken and with little prospects, she immerses herself in her secret life of writing and publishing novels.

Simon had every intention of proposing to Emmeline until his life changed in the blink of an eye. Left with crippling debt and the care of his family, he wouldn’t shackle Emmeline to a life of hardship. But when their paths cross again unexpectedly, the flame that had been banked soon sparks to life. He can’t deny his adoration and esteem, yet marriage must be financially advantageous and that is not a possibility with Emmeline.

Emmeline is shocked and angered to see Simon again. But when more information comes to light about his abrupt departure from her life she takes it upon herself to find him a bride while helping him care for his siblings. Setting aside her hurt and embarrassment, she takes on the role of friend, teacher, confidant, and matchmaker.

This was such an endearing and heartfelt story. Essentially lovers to enemies to friends, second chance, and hidden identity this book was full of everything I love. Side characters that steal the show, longing and slow burn, selflessness, and forgiveness. It’s wonderful from the first page to the last.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the audio. Christopher Ashman is a favorite and he does a fantastic job with Simon, as does Fiona with Emmeline.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

If you’re looking for a completely original idea in fiction, walk out. This isn’t for you.
If you’re looking for a trope-y romance full of cliches that still somehow manages to feel fresh and ADORABLE… this is it, babe.
I loved this. The Sense and Sensibility references made me want to go read that, the storyline made me want to revisit Bridgerton, and the overall vibe reminded me of crying happy tears at the Disney World fireworks show. I loved the characters; Emme was the best and I wanted more for her, Simon was… occasionally stupid but well intended (and his shoulders, my God), and everyone else felt like believable/understandable characters that helped make the setting more lived in. I listened to the audiobook and I think both the narrators did a fantastic job at delivering the emotions to keep the story engaging.
For those wanting to dip their toe into Regency romance, start here!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced edition of the audiobook!

Regency Beauty!

🌷This audiobook is superb! The way that the narrators bring to life every character is gold. They not only tell the story but really act it out to the point that you start to dislike certain characters, proving how inmerse you get into the story.

🌷The stoey as a whole is amazing from beginning to end! The way each character is written is perfect. This book has succeeded in making me love, laugh, and get angry all in one.

🌷Her overall story is captivating and every character is memorable! I can't say enough about the beauty of this book.

🌷It is a must read! Also no language and no spice and trust me it does not need it.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook edition of Sense and Suitability through NetGalley, and it was such an enjoyable experience. The regency drama immediately pulled me in fast. The characters were compelling, and the mix of wit, tension, and heartfelt emotion made this a pleasant and rewarding read from start to finish.

I recommend Sense and Suitability to anyone who enjoys historical love stories with a touch of drama.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an early audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

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! Love it so much I read it twice in quick succession!

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"!

This was my first book by Pepper Basham, and I was really curious to see how her style would carry into the Regency romance space — especially since this is her debut in the genre. What I found was a sweet, slow-building story that leans into warmth, friendship, and community just as much as it does romantic tension.

Emmeline has sworn off love — especially after Simon Reeves, the man she once imagined a future with, left without a word. Now he’s back, and his life is in full unravel mode: an inherited title, a crumbling estate, unruly siblings, and pressure to make a wealthy (strategic) match. Emmeline isn’t bride material anymore — at least not according to society — but she offers him her help as a friend. Of course, feelings never quite stay buried...

There’s a lot to enjoy here. Emmeline and Simon both feel grounded and emotionally real. Their relationship grows slowly but believably, shaped not just by history but by their choices. I especially appreciated how much space the story gives to side characters and themes like duty, loyalty, and the limits of wealth when it comes to solving actual problems.

I listened to the audiobook and it was lovely. Both narrators fit the tone and characters beautifully — especially Emmeline’s narrator, who brought a warm, engaging energy that made the listening experience even more enjoyable.

That said, the pacing dragged a bit in the final third, and I found myself wishing for a little more narrative tension and urgency. It wraps up in a satisfying way, but didn’t fully stick the landing for me.

Still, this was a gentle, character-driven Regency with a good amount of heart — and now I’m curious to explore more of Pepper Basham’s backlist!

Out October 14, Thanks to the Pepper Basham, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio & Netgalley for the ALC! It’s absolutely worth adding to your list.

I enjoyed this regency romance that referenced Jane Austen's works throughout.
Emmeline and Simon have a history together - one where he disappeared from her life 2 years ago. When they come back into contact with each other, they can't help reviving their old feelings. While they were apart, Emmeline has become a secret published author and Simon has become caretaker of his siblings and family estate. Both of these direct obstacles in their way to being together again.
In a nice twist, this romance features a young woman pursing a vocation as an author and everyone discusses the "new" Jane Austen books.
This book was a perfect piece of escapism and the audio feature both male and female narrators for the respective perspectives.

Book Title: Sense and Suitability

Author: Pepper Basham

Narrators: Fiona Hardingham & Christopher Ashman

Genre: Regency Rom-Com, Historical Fiction, Humor, Romance

Publication Date: 14 October 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

I received a free copy from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Introduction

💖 Oh, what a diamond of a book! Pepper Basham’s head start into the Regency era with Sense and Suitability was an absolute delight to listen to! I was curious to discover her signature humor and warmth brought to this genre, and she delivered way beyond expectations. This is a wonderfully fun, straight through rom-com story that felt similar to a hug in book form, and perfect for anyone who loves witty banter and swoon-worthy second-chance romances.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

✨ Enter Emmeline Lockhart who has sworn off love after the charming Simon Reeves broke her heart without a word on the night he was supposed to propose to her in front of the local ton. Some time later, she’s found success as a secret author, making her own way in the world, and starts considering no need for a husband. But fate has a mischievous sense of humor: Simon returns, now a titled gentleman facing ruin and saddled with a suite of unruly siblings. He desperately needs a wealthy bride, and though Emmeline isn’t an heiress, she agrees to help him find one—as a friend. Their plan, of course, goes hilariously awry as old feelings are rekindled and undeniable chemistry sparks between them.

Narration and Performance

🎧 The dual narration delivered by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman was in tune with the story! Their performances truly brought Emmeline and Simon to life. Fiona’s cheerful, friendly voice was a perfect fit for Emmeline's spirited personality, while Christopher’s warm, caring tone beautifully conveyed Simon’s new-and-improved character. The accents and emotional delivery enhanced the witty dialogue, making the listening experience immersive and utterly charming.

Overall Thoughts

✨ Overall, this book is a true treat for a variety of good stories! The most wonderful part was listening to Emmeline and Simon grow not just as individuals, but also together. They’re beautifully drawn characters who evolve through their shared struggles and influence on each other. I loved that the story focuses on more than just the central romance, exploring themes of family, friendship, and personal challenges. The lively banter, adorable children, and even a frog named Blast added so much humor and heart to the narrative. Basham’s ability to craft such a joyful and genuine story with authentic character development is pure magic.

📖 Loooking deeper at Emmeline’s character, you can tell that her persona is a fascinating blend of Regency-era social conformity and modern-day independence. She’s not just a woman who’s been hurt by love, rather, she's a woman who has proactively built a life for herself outside of society's expectations. Her secret life as an author goes beyond the mere plot setup and acts as a critical component of her character development. It demonstrates her intellectual prowess and her desire for self-sufficiency, which sets her apart from many of her peers. She has a deep understanding of men and relationships, not from personal experience, but from creating them in her novels. This unique perspective gives her a witty, almost meta-commentary on the social games she's forced to play. Her decision to help Simon, despite his past transgression, is a testament to her inherent kindness and her capacity for forgiveness. It also shows a surprising level of emotional maturity; she's not just running from her feelings, but actively facing them head-on, even if it's under the guise of "just being a friend."

🔖 On the other side, Simon, the main male character, has an arc that is a powerful example of a man's journey from a charming, almost superficial suitor to a genuinely earnest and responsible hero. While hurtful in his initial departure from Emmeline, it is revealed to be a choice driven from necessity and a deep sense of family duty, rather than a lack of feeling. As his backstory develops, it transforms his character into a more sympathetic and complex person who is no longer the carefree man that Emmeline remembers. He's been humbled by financial ruin and burdened by the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings. His desperation to save his family is his primary motivation His relationship with Emmeline develops not out of a casual flirtation, but from a place of shared vulnerability and mutual respect. His growth is defined by his transition from relying on his charm to relying on his integrity and sincerity, ultimately proving to Emmeline (and the reader) that he is a man worthy of a second chance.

Conclusion & Final Rating

💌 All in all, book lovers looking for a low-spice, hilarious, and heartwarming Regency romance, might find that this is a must-listen/read! Sense and Suitability is a triumphant side-debut in a new genre for Pepper Basham, filled with humor, depth, and so much love. It’s a perfect feel-good read that will leave you smiling long after it's over. I’m already hoping for more!

Final Rating: ★★★★☆

Book Tropes:

Second-Chance Romance

Enemies-to-Lovers

Witty Banter

Found Family

Regency Rom-Com


===========================================================================

Follow me on Substack for more exciting reads: https://substack.com/@cristinaciteste

I found this story to be quite delightful. I was drawn to it by the title since I love all things Jane Austen. Part way in I didn't think it was mirroring Sense and Sensibility very well and wondered if I'd misunderstood about that title but it did become clear. While the story pays homage to Austen's work, it isn't a retelling or a variation of the original story. However, there appears to be some likenesses in characters' behaviors between the two stories as characters compare themselves or others to Austens'. I loved all the references to S&S. Very fun.

There was a bit of repetition and I felt a slowing in the pace of the story in the middle somewhere but it didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the story. I thought it was fun read.

I liked the characters and their strengths and weaknesses. They both had both. And I loved the siblings in both families. The aunts were an aquired taste. Ha ha.

The narration was dual and I loved both of narrators. Well done.

ARC/ ALC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

To say that Pepper Basham’s latest novel, Sense and Suitability, is outside my usual read would be an understatement. While regency romances have had a huge resurgence in the book community (thanks in large part to Bridgerton), they are commonly filled with explicit content. Being that I read primarily clean/ closed door books, it made consuming modern versions of this sub-genre virtually impossible (at least to my knowledge).

Upon learning that Pepper Basham (one of my favorite clean/ contemporary authors) was penning her first regency novel, I knew I had to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. She not only made me fall in love with her story, but reminded me how much I love this time period. As a result, I pray she will put out more books like this!

I had the pleasure of consuming this book in multiple medias (e-book/ audiobook). While I found both options to be highly enjoyable, I truly feel this story needs to be heard. Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman, the voice actors who narrated the story did a fantastic job. Just getting to hear their accents made this story come to life.

Read this book for:
-Dual POVs
-Second Chance Romance
-Enemies-to-more
-Slow Burn
-Found Family
-Lovable Side Characters
-FMC with a secret (female empowerment)

Favorite Quote: “Follow your heart, not your hurt.”

QOTD: What regency romance and or author would you recommend to someone new to this sub-genre?

Special thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Zonder Fiction Audio, and Pepper Basham for allowing me to read/ listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A charming blend of Austen-inspired wit and modern-day heart, Sense and Suitability is a delightful read that balances humor, romance, and a touch of mystery. Pepper Basham crafts characters that are both endearing and relatable, with a heroine who’s quirky, intelligent, and refreshingly real.

The story pays homage to Sense and Sensibility while carving out its own unique path. The chemistry between the leads is sweet and slow-burning, and the Appalachian setting adds a cozy, grounded feel to the narrative. Basham’s writing is warm and engaging, with just the right amount of drama to keep things interesting.

I had the pleasure of experiencing this story in both print and audio formats, thanks to NetGalley. The audiobook narration was excellent—bringing the characters to life with personality and charm, making it easy to get swept up in the story.

While some plot points felt a bit predictable, the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable. If you love clean romance with a literary twist and a dash of Southern charm, this one’s worth picking up.

📖🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC and the Advanced Listeners Copy!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Made me feel like I went back in time. I loved the all the characters and the bonds formed. I think my favorite character might be blasted though. I loved seeing the main characters heart to help others and the relationship that formed from her being so vulnerable even after being hurt. I loved that i could enjoy a beautiful story without all the spice. Ialso enjoyed the narrators of this book. The voices added to the overall feel and setting and created for a submersive read. I'll definitely be adding this author to my reading list!

Thank you netgalley for the advanced readers copy of this book. The review was 100% my own and honest.

A cute and fun take on Sense & Sensibility! I'm not normally a big fan or reader of historical romance, but this one looked cute so I took my chances! The characters were fun and I especially loved the siblings and the energy/character they brought to the book. While it was mostly good, there are a few things that I wanted more of. The FMC being a writer seemed more of an afterthought and I wish more time had been given to that part of her character and life. When it was a conflict about people being scandalized about her being an author, it didn't feel authentic or like a real conflict. But other than that, I thought it was a fun and clean romance!

Emmeline is entering her third social season after two failed seasons in the past. She once liked Simon but then he left without saying anything. Now she is just trying to make it through another season.
Simon left Emmeline without saying anything because of some family problems that made the whole family fall apart. Now after a year, he is back in town and looking to marry. He needs a wife and money to keep his family together.
Emmeline helps Simon with looking for a wife for him. But can they spend all this time together without old feelings and desire coming up?

This is the second book I’ve read by Pepper Basham, and once again I’m not disappointed. I absolutely love how she writes and tells stories. There was never a dull moment in the story and it kept me engaged the whole time.
I loved the characters and how to get to know each other again. They resolved the struggles from the past and grew together again. The characters developed nicely.
I also listened to this book as an audiobook. The production was really nice and clear. The narrators were really good and I loved the different accents they did.
Overall this was a very funny and sweet regency romance. I recommend this read to everyone!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was my first book by Pepper Basham and I freaking LOVED it! The characters were charming, the banter was witty, and the romance had me grinning from ear to ear. I adored the Austen-inspired touches while still feeling like a completely fresh, original story. The setting was so vivid I felt like I was right there, and the heartwarming moments made me never want to put it down. Now I can’t wait to read more from this author!

This is a combination of Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility and Bridgerton. There are seemingly never-ending miscommunications between the FMC and MMC and others throughout the book. There were several times that I chuckled to myself while listening to this book. I did not particularly like the female narrator as her voice grated a little bit on my nerves, but this did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. I am interested in reading more from Pepper Basham in the future!

I'll admit, I was apprehensive at the start of this book. It feels very much like Bridgerton in a different font, especially because so many of the names are the same or similar. However, this book ended up growing on me quickly and has inspired me to do another re-read of Sense and Sensibility.
With all of the terrible toxicity that passes for romance in modern day books, I love to read books like this that have solid, well rounded, good-hearted main characters. This is definitely a book that has me wishing for a sequel.

Listen, I've been hurt before by Regency romances that promised wit and delivered cringe, but Sarah Basham's Sense and Suitability delivers a second-chance romance that feels both emotionally authentic and genuinely entertaining. Emmeline Lockhart, a secret authoress who has sworn off love after being abandoned by the charming Simon Reeves, finds herself in the awkward position of helping her former flame find a suitable wife. What could have been a recipe for manufactured drama instead becomes a thoughtful exploration of genuine obstacles—Simon's financial ruin, family responsibilities, and the social constraints that make their rekindled feelings genuinely complicated. Basham wisely avoids the trap of senseless miscommunication-driven conflict, instead crafting tension that arises naturally from circumstance.

The audiobook narration was transportive. I listened in one maybe two days max and have been thinking of the story for now nearly two weeks after finishing the book- something I hate to admit, rarely happens for me with the romance genre. For readers seeking a Regency romance with actual emotional maturity, Sense and Suitability proves that sometimes the best love stories are worth rewriting. It's the kind of book that makes summer gardening fly by and reminds you why Jane Austen-inspired fiction can still surprise us when it's done right.

Sense and Suitability is a sweet, clean stoTy with a charming idea at its heart. But oh my, it felt looong. Some chapters felt unnecessary and slowed the pace, and a lot of the same things happening . I found myself wishing for more sparkle in the details, especially with the outfits and the ambience. Cute story overall, just needed a snappier pace.