🌸✨ Oh, what a charming little gem! Sense and Suitability is a delightful Regency rom-com that dances straight into your heart 💖 with wit, humor, and just a sprinkle of scandalous charm. Emmeline Lockhart is a heroine you'd want as your best friend—smart, sassy, and fiercely independent, having already made her mark as an author in a world that demands perfection 🌟. Her vow to steer clear of love is tested when the man who once broke her heart—Simon Reeves—needs her help to save his family estate 🏰 and his reputation. The sparks fly as they navigate their undeniable chemistry, all while sharing witty banter and adorable moments with mischievous children and even a frog named Blast 🐸.

Basham’s playful storytelling and charming characters make this a perfect read for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James who adore sweet, low-spice romance with a witty twist. 💕 The humor is lively, the emotions genuine, and the setting so vividly romantic—you'll be transported to a world where social rules are tight but love is even tighter. Emmeline’s fierce independence and Simon’s earnest vulnerability make them a match that’s both messy and magical, proving that sometimes love needs a little rewrite ✍️💘.

Will Emmeline play matchmaker without losing her heart again? Or will love rewrite their stories in a way neither expected? 📖✨ Whether you're swooning over Simon’s sincere apologies or giggling at Blast’s antics, this book is a cozy, feel-good escape that balances charm, wit, and a dash of heart-melting romance. A truly heartwarming, lighthearted journey—perfect for anyone craving a love story as lovely and lively as a garden in full bloom! 🌹💫

I love Regency Romance and was very excited to read Sense and Suitability, especially as it is Pepper Basham's debut in this genre and I was very curious. She brings her own warm and sensitive signature to the Regency era. The story is lovingly written, with main characters who quickly grow on you. I particularly liked the fact that the focus is not only on the central love story, but also on the life around it: family, friendships and personal challenges.

Emmeline has long since turned her back on love, especially since Simon Reeves, once her epitome of the perfect gentleman, left her without a word of explanation. But now Simon is back home and in trouble: after inheriting the family title, he is facing ruin. The estate is in ruins, his siblings are doing what they want, and the only hope lies in a wealthy marriage befitting his status, for which, according to society , Emmeline is no longer an option. Nevertheless, she offers him her help, not as a bride, but as a friend. But old feelings are not so easy to shake off...

Emmeline and James are two wonderfully drawn characters who develop credibly over the course of the story, both through external circumstances and through their influence on each other. Their connection is authentic and touching.

The audio book was superbly recorded. Emmeline's narrator fitted her character perfectly with her British accent and her cheerful, friendly voice. James' narrator also conveyed his warm, caring personality very well. Both added depth to the characters and enriched the listening experience.

Another highlight was how the author shows that money alone is not a solution to family or personal problems; values such as solidarity, friendship and responsibility take centre stage.

Towards the end, the plot seemed a little drawn out in places and I would have liked a little more tension in the final conflicts. Nevertheless, the finale was well-rounded and satisfying.

All in all, a successful Regency Romance audiobook with heart, humour and depth. I look forward to more from Pepper Basham in this genre!

My favorite by author Pepper yet! If you love Regency Romance, this gem is for you! The sibling bonds, hilarious dramatic meddling aunts, and whiity banter between Emmeline & Simon made it impossible to put down. Full of society drama, gossip, humor, with a wink at Sense and Sensibility, this light hearted novel was medicine my to my soul..
The narrators were great!

Sense and Suitability is my first read from Pepper Basham and it did not disappoint! Personally, Regency Romance and Rom Com are my favorite genres and I am so glad Pepper has ventured in to them! She nailed it with this book! The narrators did an excellent job! I would highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was such a fun clean Regency rom com. I typically don’t like adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels but Pepper Basham did a great job of making the story its own. Hope to see more!

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel—until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate—or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs—has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic—no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There's just one small the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?

I LOVED this story!!! Emme and Simon are so good together and I’m so happy they got a second chance to make it work. The love was always there, but Simon’s duty to his family and his title along with Emme’s scandalous secret profession keep them apart. Emme is the perfect addition to the family and Simon’s younger siblings adore her. They are not above piracy, bank robbing, or kidnapping in order to help their brother get his girl 💀💀

As the author, I prefer not to write a "review" for myself but wish to give a shoutout to the AMAZING narrators of this story. I enjoyed the delightful flexibility of both Christopher Ashman and Fiona Hardingham. Their ability to help me FEEL the emotions of these characters was superb. I adored writing this book and getting to hear it come to life with such charm and skill was icing on the cake!

I have a soft spot for historical romances that involve a second chance. Emme and Simon were captivating from the start, and the narration brought their story to life. Extra points, is you love well-written sibling dynamics and a healthy amount of pining.

This is Pepper Basham's first Regency romance and it is delightful! The wit and banter are fun and the love story is so sweet. It's a clean (no spice) sotry about how love can overcome crazy odds and was just so fun to read. I really hope Basham ends up writing more books like this! I absolutely love her writing style! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

Pepper Basham has done it again! This audiobook was delightful from start to finish! The plot was well-paced and the characters were charming and witty. This is definitely one I'll listen to again! The narration was superb!! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Swoonaliciously delightful!!!! Pepper Basham’s versatility as an author astounds me. She does justice to her first foray into the Regency Romance genre and, while I’m not surprised, (she is a fave author for a reason, after all) I am sooooooo impressed! And, mercy, but let Pepper’s bantering talent loose in a Regency drawing room and….blissfully bookish swoons abound. Fainting couches are a must to get through this book unscathed!

The author’s signature humour shines throughout this story. So many laugh out loud moments! Often courtesy of a trio of unruly children, especially the youngest imp and her special frog friend. H-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s.

And the second chance, enemies to more romantic tropes are played out to perfection. Lots of lovely tension and emotional layers. Along with the agonies of societal expectations of the day thankfully punctuated by some truly memorable toe curling scenes! Thud! I do so enjoy an impossible love story that triumphs in the end.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Sense and Suitability’ (love that pun-y title!) and thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration performed by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman. The way they delivered all the emotion and humour made for an absolutely brilliant listening experience.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Sense and Suitability is a delightful blend of charm, wit, and heartfelt moments. The characters are easy to root for, and the story strikes a lovely balance between humor and depth. A warm, satisfying read that leaves you smiling.

I absolutely loved this book. It was great fun to listen to and had loveable characters whom I found easy to root for. I highly recommend this audiobook, you can't go wrong with it. Tropes include second chance and forced proximity.

This book was an absolute delight and I loved all the Jane Austen references. The ending was exact what I had hoped for and it left me feeling great the rest of the day. The writing is excellent and with zero spice, this book held its own. Definitely recommend!

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

This is a delightful Regency romance. Not really an enemies-to-lovers romcom, rather a forbidden love. The reference to Jane Austen's novel works quite well, and even the book in subject makes a cameo in the story.

Emmeline and Simon are exactly the characters one would expect in a Regency book, and the cast is complete with the playful and cheeky siblings as well as the straitlaced and meddlesome aunts.

I have read the book and listened to the audio version in parallel. Fiona Hardingham as Emme and Christopher Ashman as Simon were doing a great job narrating the book.

A lovely melding of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and Pepper Basham’s creativity.

Recommended for anyone who loves books by Jane Austen, feisty female characters, or sweet and clean romance.

Huge thank you to Pepper Basham, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to enjoy this well read audiobook!

Pepper Basham’s new regency era novel, Sense and Suitability was such a cute Austen-esque romance.

The protagonist, Emmeline Lockhart, thought that she had found her soulmate in Simon Reeves during last year’s Season, but his two-line note broke off any understanding and broke her heart. As it was, their small village wasn’t rife with options, so Emmeline threw herself back into her secret and shameful hobby: writing. It allowed her an outlet and a way to make some money of her own, even though she was too scared or embarrassed to spend it.

Flash forward to this year’s Season, and Simon isn’t just Simon anymore. He’s been saddled with a title, and Emmeline is being forced to marry by her aunt, who doesn’t want to see her alone and unprovided-for. And in customary Emmeline fashion, she accidentally bumps into Simon at a ball, where she then finds herself living an Austen novel’s plot.

But as Simon is now titled, there is no way that an authoress, who is the daughter of a country gentleman, could ever hope to marry him. And as his home is in disrepair with no funds left, there is no way that Simon can marry someone without a huge dowry.

Can Emmeline find her own happy ending?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this wonderful audio ARC!!

I LOVE REGENCY ROMANCE BOOKS! They hit a sweet-spot of my preferred genres of historical fiction and fantasy. Pepper knocked it out of the park with this one. It was cute, the characters were complete cinnamon rolls, and Pepper really made you emotional over the turmoil of their situation. Ahhh! Cannot say enough good things about Sense and Suitability. I also love that it borrowed from and referenced the Queen of Regency Romance, Ms. Jane Austen, herself. It was cute that Pepper used Sense and Sensibility as an inspo but then also used the book as a plot device in her interpretation. Really brilliant! Normally, I'm more of a spicy romance reader, but this book kept my attention while still being squeaky clean, which is rare these days. Brava!

Regency romance readers! Assemble!
We have here a marvelous specimen of the clean variety!

The plot you ask? It is quite simple.
Our heroine, Emmeline Lockhart was literally left on read by the man she had put all her hopes on, Simon Reeves. He left her waiting for a proposal, disappeared, and her reputation almost went down the drain. But she is prepared for a future with no husband! She is a famous novel writer! Scandalous!
Yet when Simon is back her heart still aches for him and evidently there had to be a reason for all that happened. For one, his hands are full with his unruly sibling and the estate. But there has to be more that he is not telling.
Maybe, just maybe, there is still a chance?

Pepper Basham writing is simply delightful and the story she created will for sure keep you entertained and engaged.
Perfect for a cosy day of relaxing reading, especially if you are listening to the audiobook. Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman narrations are a treat!

You want banter? Check.
Numerous references to Jane Austen and her work? Check.
A hero that is as smitten as our Colonel Brandon was? Check.
Surprise chicken attack? Check.

“Sense and Suitability” is a must read!

Pepper Basham’s foray into regency romance is completely perfect!! With her exquisite sense of humor and proclivity for mischief with main characters, I was delighted and entertained from start to finish. Emmeline and Simon are so perfectly suited and even when they know they can’t be together, their integrity and loyalty are commendable. Thank goodness love always wins! Their journey to happily ever after is filled with poignancy, humor, romance, and all the emotions that kept me fully engaged. I am so happy with this new genre for Pepper and I genuinely hopeful for more to come.
Having the privilege to listen to the audiobook was especially fun as the narrator did an excellent job representing all the characters and bringing them to life.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Oh my, how I loved this story! I am a sucker for anything remotely related to the works of Jane Austen! And this one was adorable! I loved the way the characters came together with such beautiful writing. I loved the way the story reflected Sense and Sensibility! So well crafted and another fabulous story from this author! I also thoroughly enjoyed the narrators! They did a wonderful job portraying such wonderful characters! Loved it!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this story, all thought and opinions are my own!

I had so much fun listening to this book! It’s the perfect mix of romance, humor, and just the right touch of Regency drama! Plus Emme was such a sweet standout character for me! She’s clever, kind, and has this compassion for everyone that made me just fall in love with her right from the very beginning! And Simon… well, let’s just say he may have had a rough first impression, but learning his reasonings and watching his growth made the story so satisfying.

Plus, the side characters were such a treat too! Between the younger sisters shenanigans and Aunt Bean’s rather interesting lessons, I definitely laughed out loud more than once! And I just have to say, the sibling dynamics added so much heart to the story.

Between the humor, the sweet romance, and those tender emotional moments, this book kept me smiling from start to finish. If you love a good Austen inspired story with a fresh, fun twist, this one’s definitely worth picking up! (And worth picking up even if you aren't a big Austen fan ;))

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham is an absolute delight for Regency romance lovers—especially those who enjoy a witty, low-spice story with charm, banter, and a dash of scandal. Emmeline Lockhart is a heroine to root for: independent, sharp-witted, and determined to protect her dignity (and her heart) after being left high and dry by the oh-so-charming Simon Reeves. I loved how she wasn’t your typical Regency heroine—her success as an anonymous author added a refreshing twist.
The romance between Emmeline and Simon is layered with tension, second-chance longing, and just enough vulnerability to make the emotional payoff incredibly satisfying. Simon’s fall from fortune and his need to protect his younger siblings sets the stage for heartfelt moments, clever banter, and personal growth on both sides.
Pepper Basham’s writing strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart, with nods to classic Regency style but a modern wit that keeps the pace lively. If you’re a fan of Tessa Dare or Eloisa James but want a cleaner read without losing the sparkle, this is a perfect pick.
My only tiny quibble—and the reason for the half-star deduction—is that I wanted a bit more resolution in the final chapters between Emmeline and Simon’s past hurts. Still, the journey was charming, the characters engaging, and the ending satisfying.
Verdict: A witty, tender, and charming Regency rom-com that’s perfect for cozy afternoons.

I Adore This Story! I listened to the audio book and enjoyed every minute! The dual narrators are outstandingly talented and bring vivid personality and emotion to the characters. The writing is fantastic with engaging storytelling. Simon and Emmy are amazing characters who are selfless and kind. The journey through the ups and downs of their relationship is full of heart and tender romance. The ending is very satisfying and delightful! I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy clean regency romance. I was given a copy of the audio book of this story for review. This is my honest opinion.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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"!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’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 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

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!

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!

I love Pepper Basham's writing style and have been enchanted by each book of hers that I have read, so I jumped at the chance to read her first foray into Regency romance, and I'm so glad I did!

Sense and Suitability is witty, romantic, and (as with all of this author's books) chock full of endearing characters. I enjoyed the nods to Jane Austen and her books as well as the parallels that were drawn.

The audiobook makes for an addictive listen. Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman breathe life into these characters in a way that engages the senses and captivates the listener.

I highly recommend this charming and delightful book!

If you are a fan of Austen and regency romance this is a MUST READ!!

Emmeline is expecting a proposal from Simon, but instead she is left heartbroken without a single explanation as to why.

Two years have passed and Simon is back. After the passing of his cousin and father, Simon has taken on the title of Viscount and also all the debts they had accrued. He is in need of an advantageous marriage this season to take care of his siblings and the estate. The only problem is that he can’t get Emme out of his head…or heart.

This was such a sweet and enjoyable book. The witty banter was top notch. I was rooting for them from the very start and loved their journey to finding each other again.


Read if you like:

-Regency romance
-Romantic comedy
-Witty banter
-Second chance romance
-Low spice


Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

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!!

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.

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.

Never expected to find my favorite regency rom-com accidentally just because it was a Jane Austen “retelling,” but I fell in love 🥺

What I loved the most, I must say, is that it wasn’t quite literally a retelling of Sense and Sensibility, but the book was rather something they bonded over, kinda. And as someone who has loved Jane Austen for so long, it made me so happy to read it and remember that long before our time, women around the world have been admiring her.

Sense and Suitability follows Emmie, or FMC, who has now had two failed social seasons, including one where she was a breath away from getting engaged before he quite vanished without leaving a trace; met or MMC: Simon Reeves. With a third season ahead, Emmie finds herself in quite a predicament when Simon returns.

Emmie doesn’t really find the idea of becoming a spinster that tragic; after all, she has a small secret: she’s an author (a gothic author, kinda) and the anonymous novels she has been publishing with the help of her cousin have paid some very decent royalties.

So, what more does a girl need? But fate may be stronger. When inevitably Emmie and Simon start running into each other, she realizes there is much more behind his escape than some cold feet. And worst of all, the undeniable chemistry remains, even when she tries to be a good friend and help him find a suitable bride.

This second chance, clean regency romance was such a pleasant surprise for me. The banter was impeccable, and my absolute favorite thing was the portrayal of a kind-hearted, tremendously smart girl who had to go against societal norms in a period when women weren’t allowed to do as they pleased. In times when Jane Austen’s romances were barely agreeable for people, there were women like Mary Shelley or the Brontë sisters being judged for delighting us with their creativity and brilliant minds, just like Emmie. A five stars read for me!

I know I have to stop squealing in utter delight so you can hear yourself think to read my reactions. Pepper Basham did it again, this time as Regency (a tad faith-based; slight mentions of prayer) romance! Oh and, the audiobook eARC I obtained was fantastic! Emmy and Simon are a marvelous "second-chance" couple who discuss the anonymously-published "Sense and Sensibility" during the course of her trying to help him find a suitable wife so his younger siblings can have a true home and he can use his aunt's allowance to save his crumbling estate since his inherited title came with debts. *takes deep breath and grins* I love the world the dual narrators masterfully painted as we saw (read as listened to) Emmy and Simon rediscover they still care for one another yet are duty-bound to part once her matchmaking for him since she is a country gentleman's daughter with a small dowery.

Meanwhile, Emmy hasn't let anyone, even her family aside from one cousin who handles her business affairs, in on the little secret that she is an authoress who pens Gothic novels (think the literary content of "Northanger Abbey"); yet, she finds inspiration in "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride and Prejudice" and begins a novel more like her lived experiences. Will Simon be the hero in Emmy's own personal love story or will they be parted by societal expectations and family obligations?

"Sense and Suitability" has genuinely been one of the most heartwarming stories I've read in a while. Not only were the characters extremely endearing, but the vast array of human emotions and complexities of love made the story relatable. Pepper Basham used this novel to explore feelings of grief, love, loss, regret, forgiveness, and duty to one's family vs. duty of one's heart. Emmeline Lockhart is a strong-willed yet kind character with a love of reading and writing. She quickly became one of my favorite FMC's this year. I truly hope that Pepper Basham continues her Regency Romance career by writing another story in this series about Emmeline's sister Aster. The narrators of this audiobook were perfect and made this story come alive. I highly recommend this story to anyone who has a love for clean Regency Romance and Jane Austen.

I have read several of Pepper Basham’s contemporary novels and definitely enjoyed them but she knocked this Regency debut out of the park. One of my biggest complaints about some historical fiction is that the characters don’t get enough page time together to make me believe the connection. This was not the case here. I loved every moment that we got with Simon and Emmy - from the swoony kisses and tension filled interactions to hilarious moments involving Simon’s siblings to the hard conversations.

I loved the Jane Austen references. Any Austen fan will love how those details are weaved into this story. While not at all a copy of her stories, it is a nod to the author herself.

Simon’s family added just the right amount of comedic relief for this doomed romance story (though there is a happily ever after - worry not). I giggled multiple times at the antics of the children and Simon’s attempts to tame them. You just have to read this so you can meet Blast the frog.

Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman were perfect choices for the narration. I love dual point of view stories and they did a great job bringing these characters to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Kisses

Austen retelling
family bonds and sisterhood
second chance
redemption and healing
faith themes
closed door romance

This modern Austen retelling had me hooked from the very first chapter. Emmeline’s journey is full of wit, charm, and heartfelt family dynamics. Her romance with Simon builds with just the right mix of tension and tenderness. I loved the narrators for bringing the characters to life and making every moment shine. It is uplifting, romantic, and full of heart.

Content Warnings:
-mentions of grief and family hardship
-kissing only
-no language

*Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and the author for a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Pepper Basham did it again! Every time I pick up one of her books, I know I’m in for witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and characters who completely steal my heart. Sense and Suitability was no exception.

The premise hooked me right away: Emmeline, secretly a successful (and anonymous) author, wants nothing to do with marriage after being burned by Simon Reeves. Until he comes crashing back into her life, desperate to restore his family’s ruined estate and reputation. Emmeline agrees to help him find a “suitable” bride, but of course, their lingering chemistry complicates everything.

I loved how the author balanced humor with heart. The banter between Emmeline and Simon was top tier—sharp, playful, and so full of tension that I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Emmeline as a strong, independent heroine who refuses to settle was perfection, and Simon’s journey from a careless charmer to a man of sincerity and regret felt so satisfying.

I also listened to the audiobook, and the narrators were fantastic. Their voices fit the characters so well, capturing Emmeline’s wit and Simon’s charm beautifully. The performance made the story even more immersive, and I genuinely think it enhanced my reading experience.

This book had me grinning one minute, swooning the next, and fully invested in their story from beginning to end. The romance was messy, inconvenient, and utterly delightful—the exact kind of love story Emmeline herself might have written.

Ok if that wasn’t just adorable. I received an ALC of this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. This story follows our heroine, Emmaline who is recovering from a heartbreak while trying to keep the scandalous secret of her authorship of published novels from ruining hers and her family’s reputation. Meanwhile, who shows up back for the social season but the very man who broke her heart two years ago! But things are not always as they seem, and he just may have some secrets of his own.

The author did such a wonderful job paying homage to Jane Austen’s characters and style of writing, while successfully crafting her own unique plot and characters. The banter was fantastic. And there were many moments I was laughing out loud. By the end, I couldn’t keep my smile to myself.

The narrators also played their roles wonderfully and were very engaging to listen to.

This story is perfect for lovers of Jane Austen who enjoy no/low spice regency romances.

I’ll definitely revisit again when I’m in the mood for something lighthearted and feel-good!

I really enjoyed listening to Sense & Suitability by Pepper Basham, which I’d classify as a sweet, second chance at love, historical romance. While listening to the audiobook, expectedly narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman, I was engaged emotionally, and could easily visualize what was going on in the story.

The story begins when our heroine, Emmeline, is essentially jilted on the night she expected a marriage proposal from Simon. Emmeline is very likable, despite being an independent thinker and, secretly, a published author of Gothic novels. Unbeknownst to Emmeline, what prevented the proposal was that Simon unexpectedly inherited a deteriorating estate, and he became responsible for rearing his youngest brother and two sisters. The rest of the story occurs two years later when Emmeline accidentally uncovers what happened to Simon on the night of her jilting, and she cannot resist helping him out, including finding him a rich wife to help restore the estate.

What makes this story stand out from other regency romances are the secondary characters; the children are extremely entertaining with several laugh out loud moments, and the actions of the two overbearing aunts are hilarious. As an added bonus, there were no salacious details surrounding the “romance”! The older I get, I want more story and no sex scenes, and this story was perfect! I cannot recommend this audiobook enough and can’t wait to listen to the next Pepper Basham audiobook!!

Loved this book! Sense and Suitability is a CLEAN regency romance. The couple gets a second chance after a breakup that took them both by surprise a few years ago. Filled with overbearing family members (with their true motives revealed, which I love!), adorable siblings, and a secret occupation by the female main character, this book was such a fun read.

The romance is kept to kissing only. And while there is plenty of scandal involved, none of it is sexual in nature. I would recommend this to teenagers and older who are looking for a delightly regency romance to enjoy. I was given the opportunity by the publisher and NetGalley to read an advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for this ALC of Sense and Suitability.

This was such a sweet and clean romance. It had all of the Bridgerton vibes, which is a huge plus for me. I could feel the two main characters’ love for each other, and I was rooting for them the whole time. This was also stressful at times because I could not figure out how they were going to be able to have a HEA, but the author was able to do it beautifully.

I listened to the audiobook and both narrators did a good job.

Sense and Suitability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🫑 closed door

This regency era second chance Romance is exactly what I wanted and more! Emmeline and Simon were almost engaged until the death of his parents promote him to Viscount. Circumstances pull them apart but fate brings them back together a few years later.

Emme was an FMC that you can’t help but love and her second chance with Simon was perfectly written. Aside from some small aspects that I would have loved more info on, this was a beautiful story!
Read if you love:
>Regency Era
>Second chance
>hidden identity
>faith themes
>slow burn

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the ALC. These opinions are my own 🥰

Now listen here, this book had me hooked from the get go. And I mean HOOKED!! I couldn’t wait to get in my car and drive to work just so I could listen to this audio.

First off, the story itself was Divine! I mean the yearning between Simon and Emy was next level. Not to mention the witty banter between them. They both love each other so dearly but circumstances pull them apart. As a matter of fact they keep them apart for a vast majority of the book but it is so worth it for that ending.

Their love for each other makes you swoon. It’s one of those true loves. You know, the one that will sacrifice everything for the sake of their loves happiness. One that will conquer all obstacles no matter the cost. Because nothing else has meaning without love.

I’m obsessed with all things regency and this book just encapsulated all the best bits of Jane Austin with a dash of Bridgerton. The perfect combination if you ask me.

The audio itself was SO GOOD. 😊 I will admit it took me a minute because I went from listening to some graphic audio books to this where there are only two narrators. BUT my god, Simon’s voice….🫠

Both narrators did such a good job with this, I absolutely adore it. So much so, that I will be ordering the physical copy when it releases.

Thank you so much NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this arc audio book.

A wonderful book! The audio narrator really pulled me into the regency era and the author did a fantastic job describing the people and places so that I felt like I was there with the characters. The siblings quickly became favorite characters. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this book. ❤️📚

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Sense an Suitability
By: Pepper Basham

Historical Fiction|Humor & Satire| Romance

I have to say a first for me from author Pepper Basham, eloquently written!!

The narrators were great in bringing so much detail to each character bringing them to life and giving them their fitted identities!!


Lord RavenCross
Emilene Lockhart

What a love fairytale set in a part of history where the lord’s, lady’s,estates, proper etiquette,family name and wealth were important. When women weren’t allowed to be educated. Women authors were a no no…but love prevails
regardless of opinion!!

“Will you let me love you for all the days of our lives, Emilene Lockwood”

“No fantasy can compare to this the reality of his lips, his strength, his scent, the romance of paper and ink no matter how eloquent
Held no candle to the fiery truth of him”

Emilene came with her own strengths and Simon to match!

Simon supported her writing regardless of opposition, in fact he encouraged it!!

“I look forward to the adventure”

The Raven Cross Estate

I truly enjoyed this novel and wholeheartedly recommend!
Thank you @NetGalley @Thomas Nelson Zondervan Fiction Audio

Loved the story of Emmeline and Simon. Set in the regency era. They both have secrets and obstacles. They are well suited for one another. The characters and plot are quite memorable. Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors. Outstanding narrator. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC and an audio ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

This thoroughly enjoyable regency romance took me back to when I first fell in love with the genre. When I was in high school I cleaned houses to save for college and one day an old retired librarian (the same age as my grandma!) who I cleaned for sent me to the basement to clean some shelves under the stairs. That was where I found and fell in love with Georgette Heyer's regencies.

Sense and Suitability is a chaste traditional regency in the classic tradition. It is a joy to read with great characters even beyond the hero and heroine developing their family members as real people. The conflict is believable and not contrived. It is great for readers who want a good story but want to avoid explicit steaminess.

Thank you to Pepper Basham, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the ALC! I was accepted for the ebook months ago, but can never resist a wholesome, well-done audiobook. :) I always appreciate dual-POV romances, and it becomes evermore real when the characters are so beautifully portrayed by voice actors who do their job well.

I loved this story so much! I used to think that I didn't like historical fiction/romance very much(I thought they were boring), but Pepper Basham is proving to me that I've simply not read the RIGHT historical romances. This is only my third book from Basham, but she is very quickly becoming one of my auto-read/auto-buy authors. The wit of the characters, the internal dilemmas, and the gripping romance had me hooked from the very start.

I have long been a sucker for second-chance romance, and I LOVED Emmeline and Simon's desperation surrounding their own second chance at love, paired with the well-loved forbidden romance trope. I can't recall too many of the details as I finished this a couple weeks ago(silly me procrastinating sitting down and writing my review), but this book was simply delightful and I cannot wait to read more from one of my new favorite authors.

This was so good! I loved the narrators and how committed they were to telling the story. This is dual pov with two narrators and they were both great. They did a lot of accents so it was easy to discern between the different characters and I was completely pulled into this story. There were so many funny moments where I laughed out loud because of how the narrators delivered the line. This was a very solid audiobook and I enjoyed listening to it!

As far as the story itself, I loved this! The romance was so sweet and funny and I adored all the characters. The tropes in this were so fun and I really enjoyed the book overall!

Read this if you like regency era slow burns, single guardian, and second chance romances.

5⭐️ Another fabulous book from @pepperbasham! This is the perfect Bridgerton vibe to help us through the long wait for the new season. If you love Bridgerton but want a no spice story, look no further. You can never go wrong with her characters. One of the things I always love in her books is the side characters. They are always just as entertaining to read about. 5⭐️ narration by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman. I loved these two for Em and Simon. They reeled me into these characters lives from the very start. The narrations of the kids were so good. So many good chuckle moments.

Emmeline has two failed seasons under her belt. Honestly, she hopes they continue to fail. Emme hasn’t wanted anyone since the man she thought would propose never showed up. She has a plan though. Her writing dream has become a reality with three novels published. Even though Emme has found success writing, she must keep it a secret to prevent further scandal.

Simon knows a bit about scandal in his family. Now Lord Ravenscross, he must try to salvage what little good reputation his family has. The money is running out and Simon must marry soon and well. But there’s one person he ever considered marrying, and he left her the night he meant to propose.

When the season begins, Emme and Simon will come face to face again. Will their spark still be there? Will Emme be able to forgive Simon? Will Simon choose love or money?

Thank you to @netgalley @thomasnelson and @pepperbasham for the advance reader and listener copies. Sense and Suitability will be available October 14th!

Amazing regency story from Pepper Basham! Highly recommend. The audiobook narrators are lovely as well.

As a huge fan of Pepper Basham's, I was delighted when I learned she would be writing a Regency romance. This book met my expectations and left me hopeful Basham will write more in this genre.
I love that this book was not what I expected in some ways and yet it had the humor and heart I love in Basham’s books. It felt original in the genre and I like that the ending wasn’t “easy” or “perfect” for the main characters. Emme and Simon had the kind of connection and chemistry that just oozed from the pages and I was here for it and for them from the moment the story started. I love how this was a second chance romance with characters who loved each other so much, they truly cared about the other’s well-being and family more than their own desires. The dynamics in this book were complex and entertaining. I could feel the way the two pined for each other and the build-up and romantic tension were on point for me.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel. I thought both narrators did well with their respective POVs and it was easy to follow along and get into while listening.
I recommend this book.
I received an advance listening copy from Netgalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My my my. I am late to weigh in on this regency party and feel like all of my thoughts will just be echoing everyone else's and how delightful for all of us to be right!

I love Austen. I love Austen Adaptations. I love a ton, especially since I do not have to live in one. I love a fiery feisty authoress who has perfected perfection in her work. Sense and Sensibility was my first Austen Adaptations and so finding it in other adaptations always makes me smile.

Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman bring Pepper Basham's smartly crafted words to lush life so respectfully I wanted everything to be real.
~Sincerely, sm for bb

This regency romance was charming, heart warming listen.
Firstly, both narrators brought the story and all characters to life with the voicing of the children (especially Thea) bringing a smile each time. their voicing enhanced the story's pacing and immersion.
Emmeline was a strong willed FMC that did not bend to the societal pressures which was done in a natural way. Both Emmeline's and Simon's characters felt developed with good interweaving of past events to give a meaningful backstory. However, there were multiple communication issues that did get repetitive and started to become frustrating.
Whilst the ending followed a predictable path towards the HEA the overall warmth and chemistry between the main characters made the ending satisfying instead of cliche.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable romance with strong narrators, memorable characters with a great amount of humour and sarcasm.

Thank you to Uplit Tours and Thomas Nelson for the ARC, ALC, and finished copy of Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham. All opinions are my own.

I had been wanting to read a book by Pepper Basham for a while because I had heard such good things about her books. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to read Sense and Suitability early because it is such a fun and entertaining book. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

While I haven’t read Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen yet, it did not take away from my enjoyment of this book at all. The story was entertaining, the romance was swoony, and the cast of characters were so endearing and funny.

I loved the yearning in this book with the back and forth between Simon and Emmeline. They had great romantic chemistry, and I was rooting for them the whole time.

The side characters in this story were such a great addition. I absolutely loved Simon’s siblings, and I found them to be one of my favorite parts of the story. I also enjoyed Emmeline’s relationship with her cousin and how he encouraged her in her writing.

I did listen to the audiobook for this story, and while I didn’t dislike it, it also wasn’t my favorite. Fiona Hardingham is one of those narrators for me that has a great voice for her main character but not the best voices for side characters. Christopher Ashman was fine for Simon’s voice, but I also didn’t find his part to stand out either. I would definitely read this book again, but I don’t know that I would choose this format again.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves closed door historical romances that are sweet, funny, and just an overall good time.

This book is everything you could hope for in a contemporary rendition of a regency era novel. Readers will benefit from a familiarity with Jane Ausen's Sense and Sensibility, but watching the movie will do the trick if reading the book isn't feasible. It's not necessary but it will certainly help with many of the references. This was a joy to read. I alternated between the e-book and audio book narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman. The audio narration was excellent. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing e- and audio- arc copies in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book was just a lovely, heartwarming, and fun read. Served as a great palette cleanser between heavy books and gave me enough wit and romance while also addressing real life issues that the character during the Regency era would have face. Emmeline and Simon were torn between desire and duty, maintaining societal norms and being true to themselves. It was written beautifully so that the reader can't help but fall in love with the characters, especially the younger siblings who were beyond endearing. There was kindness, honesty, and while there was a bit of a miscommunication trope that happened before the start of the book, it was discussed in such a way that I, a reader who generally despises that trope, thought it fit in beautifully with the characters' emotional growth and really highlighted how good the main couple is together. All of the siblings were gems and I would love to see a Bridgerton-style story continuing with each of them as they get older and find their own loves. I loved the tension and the build up of the relationship and the cozy/clean vibes of the story didn't make it any less swoon-worthy. I will absolutely come back for more Pepper Basham in the future!


*Thank you to Netgalley and to Pepper Basham for the advanced copy of this book!

Absolutely loved this book! It was such a sweet, funny, soon worthy regency romance. It’s a very Bridgerton-esque story but completely clean! So if you’re looking for a good period romance without all the spice this is an amazing option!

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the clean Regency romance you’ve been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight but the stakes low in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.

Christmas came early!

Sense & Suitability is a gift to be unwrapped with the turning of each page! The storytelling is full of wit, strength, vulnerability and emotional depth. Oh and that regency tension that comes from a gaze held too long or a brush of the hand that has you SQUEALING with giddiness is the cherry on top!

I listened to the audiobook (narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman) and still can't find the words to articulate how stupendous this was! Fiona voicing Emmeline (FMC) had that perfect balance of sweet and strong and really brought out the sass when alone with Simon (MMC). Oh and the heartbreak of choosing "sense" over "self" came through in every pause and inflection. Just a brilliant performance!

Gahhhh and that regency swoon was in full force with Simon's POV (voiced by Christopher). Not going to lie he truly got me to go from hating the guy to pleading for him to succeed by the end! Each interaction with his siblings made my heart melt a little more until I was a complete puddle. "Blast" was the comic relief I wasn't expecting. 🤣

Watching the characters find themselves within the pages of Sense and Sensibility was the bow that perfectly wrapped this story up. This is one of the BEST regency romance releases of 2025! An absolute must-read.

I absolutely love Basham’s books so I was very excited to participate in a review blast of her first regency romance. Not only is the story wonderful, it’s full of delightful banter, smart and authoress FMC, and a roguish MMC, I was immediately hooked. There are also mentions of my favorite Jane Austen book, Sense and Sensibility. Simon’s appreciation of the book and his comparisons to characters was enduring.

I am saying this a lot, but oh well! I also loved that Emme was an author is disguise and how it helped her family and other happenings. (I don’t want to say too much!)

We meet Emme and Simon when she’s expecting a proposal but all Emme receives is a rejection and no answers. Two seasons later, they see each there again, and Simon is in need of help and the sweet, selfless Emme offers to help him find a governess for Simon’s siblings and a rich wife for him. All while the two are fighting their feelings for each other.

The characters in this book are so well done. Simon’s siblings are adorable. The name of the pet frog, Blast, and its antics had me laughing. I loved Aunt Bean with her lessons and the in the end for Aunt Agatha. The ending was perfectly done. There are some pretty great kisses mixed in too.

The audio narrators, Fiona Hardington and Christopher Ashman, do an excellent job. I especially loved Hardington’s voices for the kids. Each narrator brings so much to the already lovely story.

Huge thank you to the publisher for the ALC. All views are my own.

I adored this story! An ode to Sense and Sensibility (obviously), this story is a lovely Regency romance about Emmy and Simon. Two years prior, they were in love, and on the night he was to propose a drastic change in his life's circumstances prevented that from happening. Feeling betrayed and without any explanation as to why Simon had abandoned her, Emmy's hurt led her to believe the wild rumors that ran rampant around town.

At present, Emmy's aunt has taken it upon herself to ensure that Emmy will have a successful season - and find herself a husband. Emmy is more concerned with the news that Simon has returned to town, how can she avoid him? What will it be like to see him again after all this time?

Meanwhile, Simon has been suffering through the past 2 years as he tried to rebuild his family's estate and care for all his siblings alone. His aunt arrives with an offer to alleviate all his troubles - but only if he finds a wife before the season ends. A wife that comes with a dowry large enough to save the estate, which means his continued longing for Emmy will have to be set aside. For, although she has all the qualities he longs for in a wife, she does not have the money he needs to save his family from ruin.

I loved the banter between the two MCs. The longing between them kept me listening (I had the audiobook) all day and I finished in 1 sitting. I hope this becomes a series, the Regency period is one of my favorites. Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors and I adored this book! The narrators for the audiobook also were wonderful!

Thank you to NetGalley, Pepper Basham, and the publishers for my free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review

Recently off a 6 month book club of reading Jane Austen, this book was a treat. Great story for Austen and no-Austen readers alike. I really appreciated the character development and story.

For the audio narration, I feel that was top notch as well. I’ve already flagged this for my book club.

Another totally delightful read!! And, it’s about an author!!! *** BUT... NOT YET RELEASED!! ***

Emmeline Lockhart is in love... with a virtual Prince. That is, until she isn’t. And, it’s not at all what you’d expect! =0

Simon Reeves is that virtual Prince. He comes from a long line of ‘royalty’, and has multiple siblings... who he now finds himself in charge of...
Although he is in love with Emmeline (Emme), he cannot marry her. No, he must find a bride with a large dowry in order to put his estate (and affairs) back in order.... But, how can he do that, when his heart belongs to Emme???

And so, the story goes...
And we must listen along, and cry, and yell, and wonder... the whole time!

But, what a sweet story it turns out to be!!!
And there are kids, and frogs, and so much more!

5 big, bright, loving ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for me!!!

#SenseAndSuitability by @PepperBasham and narrated beautifully by @FionaHardingham and @ChristopherAshman.

*** IT HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED! PLEASE LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON 10/14/25…so, next week!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson and #ZondervanFictionAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

Overview:

Language 🤐: Clean

Romance ❤️‍🔥: Kisses only (non descriptive)

Violence ⚔️: None

⚠️Mention of lost family members grief related to that⚠️

Tropes/Micro tropes
- Dual POV
- Second Chance Romance
- Meddling Aunts
- Husband Catching Class
- Estate in Ruin
- Authoress FMC
- Electric/Explosive and semi hilarious first re-encounter
- Wonderful Familial Bonds
- Lovable side characters

My Thoughts:

This was my first Pepper Basham book and it surely will not be my last! I didn't realize that this was her first Regency book and she totally knocked it out of the park with this book! I enjoyed every second of this book! I was able to receive both an ARC and ALC of this book and could not put it down!

The set up of Emmeline waiting to be engaged and to then be spurned is a compelling start that pulls you right into the story where you feel so much sympathy for our misfortunate FMC who has had two failing season since her failed first relationship. In comes a meddling Aunt whose goal it is to help her find a marriage by the end of the season and cure her of her hopelessness in this regard. Luckily her cousin Thomas helps to balance out the absurdity of his mother's determination.

Then there's Simon who has been facing absolute ruin because of decisions his predecessors made. He's been left to clean up a mess he inherited and has had to make so many sacrifices in order to try and save his family from ruin. He is back after a failed attempt to college his sister who ran away and has neglected his other siblings who are now running a muck trying to deal with the same blows that Simon has been recovering from. Add in a friend Ben who has as much whit and humor as he does wisdom and an Aunt with demands that come along with an allowance that will help save him from ruin and you have the perfect storm.

Emmeline and Simons first reintroduction to one another after two years is absolutely one for the books 🤣 It's all the chaotic emotions reemerge and coming to understand that everything was not as it seemed. These two truly struggle through what it means to be just friends as they try and help support one another.

There's such wonderful banter, absurdity from meddling aunts and wonderful family bonds and friendships in this story. If you love a closed door regency this one is for you. There are many sweet moments as well as moments of reconciliation, forgiveness and growth. This book truly had me in its grips the whole time. It was truly utterly delightful and I hope there will be more to come of these delightful character in Pepper Basham's future books!

There are Sense and Sesabailty spoilers in this book which I've not read that book but didn't feel like I had to know the book to enjoy the references to it (it definitely will enhance your experience if you have read it though)

The audiobook was well done and so enjoyable to listen to! It is Dual narrated with the narrator reading and doing the voice of everyone when it is in each characters respective POV. It was well done and a great listen!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and ALC of this wonderful book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

I found myself completely engrossed in this story, enjoying it immensely whether I was reading the text or listening to the audiobook. The portrayal of the enemies-to-lovers trope was absolutely outstanding, and I was particularly captivated by the depth of the character development and the engaging interactions between them. The audiobook narrators played a crucial role in bringing the narrative to vivid life, enhancing the overall reading experience significantly.

Basham's latest book, and first foray into Regency England, is a delightful story filled with the whimsy of romance and the heartache of reality with the quaint backdrop of a small English town. Emmy and Simon are heartwarming main characters, and their sacrificial love for each other and their families is particularly inspiring.

Through the intrigues and humorous events, the beauty and strength of healthy, supportive family relationships shines, endearing the supporting cast of characters to the reader as much as Emmy and Simon. The wealth of wisdom, encouragement, humor, and annoyances (all familial relationships are subject to them, even when they're good relationships) provided by their siblings, cousin, and aunts enrich the story, and make me hopeful more stories from St. Groves featuring Aster, Thomas, and Ben at the very least, with cameos from Emmy and Simon, of course.

The narrators chosen for the story do an incredible job, thoroughly immersing listeners in the world of St. Groves, doing perfect voices for iconic characters like Aunt Bean, Miss Hempston, and Sophia.

After a failed courship, Emme is determined to avoid Simon and concentrate on her secret writing career when Simon returns to the village after inheriting his family's title. When Emme learns the tragic reason that Simon left her with a somewhat bruised reputation and a fully broken heart, she is determined to help him and his young siblings, even if it means breaking her heart all over again. Simon needs a wife with money and a sterling character to repair his family's fortunes and reputation, and Emme is sure she can never be that woman. As Simon reads Sense and Sensibility, lent to him by Emme, he begins to see his own feelings and actions in a new light. Author Pepper Basham springboards her own work from Austen's in a fresh, clever way.

The book's chapters are either from Simon's or Emme's point of view. Fiona Hardingham narrates Emme's chapters, and Christopher Ashman narrates Simon's. Both readers do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.

If you are a fan of Regency Romance or Jane Austen, this story is not to be missed. If you are a fan of sweet romance in general, chances are you will enjoy Sense and Suitability. It's brimming with heart and humor. Thank you to Thomas Nelson Books and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Simon needs a wealthy wife to put his viscountcy to rights—but he can’t stop thinking about his lost love, squire’s daughter Emmeline. When their undeniable chemistry reawakens, can their impossible love story find a happy ending?

Oh, I loved this! It’s fun and romantic with a found family feel. Even though this is the author’s first Regency romance, the historical details are well done. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Pepper Basham has become an instant read for me, and Sense and Suitability did not disappoint. If you love Regency-era books and rom-coms, this is the book for you. It is a nod to Sense and Sensibility, which made it such a joy to read.

Emmeline is such a fun, loving character with a big heart. She is secretly an author of Gothic novels. Which could ruin her if her secret comes out. Simon is the gentleman who got away and disappeared, but has now returned for the social season. Little does society know, but Simon has been left with an estate in shambles, with no money to take care of it. Simon has younger siblings whom he is in charge of now that his parents have died. When Emmeline comes across Simon’s sister stealing chickens (this scene is hilarious), she sees that there might be more to Simon and why he vanished. When Emmeline overhears a conversation, she comes up with a plan to help save the Reeves family.

This second-chance romance was perfect, clean, and a kisses-only romance. Pepper Basham loves to write swoony, worthy kisses, so just a heads up for those who do not prefer detailed swoony kisses.

*I received a complimentary copy from the narrator and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Pepper Basham's first foray into regency era romance does not disappoint! A sweet, funny, and clean second-chance romance full of quirky, loveable characters.

Emmeline is being pressured by her family to secure her future the only way women in that era could - by marrying well. A few years prior, Emme was swept off her feet by Simon in a whirlwind romance that defied propriety. Unfortunately Simon ends things without explanation and goes abroad, leaving Emme heartbroken and the subject of scandal. Emme also has a secret that would bring even more scandal to her family should it be exposed. Simon returns now the unfortunate Viscount of an estate that has been left in shambles. He is in search of a bride with a fortune to help ensure the future of his family estate and to care for his siblings. Though both characters try to avoid each other, they are drawn together in a series of events involving their quirky families. Because she is kind and compassionate Emme sets out to help Simon find a wife that isn't her.

I loved this story! I loved the vibrant cast of characters who were kind and witty in the best way! There were several times that I actually burst out laughing. I adored Emme and once Simon's true motivations were revealed, he became the swoon-worthy lead we all want in an Austen-esque romance. I highly enjoyed all of the Jane Austen references. The hijinks and impropriety made for some hilarious moments. I loved the nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book. I generally enjoy everything that Pepper Basham writes but this may be my favourite yet. I hope she writes some more set in this era.

I listened to this on audio. It was narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman. I thought their voices were fantastic for all of the characters, ranging from a young child to elderly characters. I listened to the book sped up to a speed that sounds more like the speed of actual conversation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audio ARC of this fantastic story in exchange for my honest review.

Regency rom-com, full of chemistry, with strong themes of family and second chances.

Emmeline Lockhart is not looking for embarking on another season after the failure of the previous two to produce the desired result, and one of which resulted in scandal. Emmeline is witty, with a big heart, always ready to help. I loved the close bond she shares with her sister, and how they endure their aunt's coaching on how to secure a husband. I also enjoyed her exchanges with cousin Thomas, who is a brotherly friend and a source of a good portion of humor. I liked how she is challenged to see things differently as the facts are revealed.

Simon is a good brother and is doing what he can to provide for them the best that he can, though it is an uphill battle. He knows he must marry for money, but there is only one woman that his heart desires. I admired his dedication to taking care of his family.

Well written regency romance, full of romance, heart, humor, and wit, with strong likable protagonists. Engaging, with a well paced plot and great character interaction that brought a smile to my face. Wonderful read, clean content, with an adorable plot. Highly recommend!

Excellent narrators, great care to capture the nuances of the different british accents and pronunciations

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book was such a delight! The audiobook was fantastic, and the narrators brought every scene to life with so much talent and charm. I was completely drawn into Emmeline and Simon’s story, laughing one minute and swooning the next.

And I have to say, little sister Fia absolutely stole the show! Her wild reptile adventures had me giggling nonstop. The author captured a small child’s curiosity and chaos so perfectly that every scene with her felt real and hilarious.

Between the witty writing, lovable characters, and top-notch narration, this story was an absolute treat!

This book is AMAZING. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Its a breath of fresh air. The romance is so cute and the conflict is credible. I just loved it.

Also, I liked that the roles were somewhat reversed. He was the one who had to marry to save his family, and she was the rich (kinda) one. ANDDDD they married bc of their love, not for money or else.

Very very very recommended.

PD: I have also to praise the narrators, they were SO good. Specially the male one, he was fantastic

Sense and Suitability is a clean Regency rom-com. It’s a story about woman with a scandal in her past and (even bigger scandal in waiting if her secret gets reviewed) swears off love forever! Or untill the man who broke her heart needs help.

-second chance romance
-witty banter
-forbiden love

Two people inlove, two meddling aunts, bunch of younger sibilings and one secret author…👀

Emmeline is so carrying and loving. The definition of “ I can do it with a broken heart”💔 And Simon… he YEARNS like there’s no tomorow✨ That man is so sweet and so inlove with his girl(s). He deserves the

The narrators did a great job with the characters! The audiobook was very engaging and fun to listen to. Made me laugh and giggle more than once ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Delightful Audiobook Experience

Sense and Suitability is an absolute joy from start to finish. Pepper Basham blends classic inspiration with her own unique warmth and charm, creating a story that feels both timeless and fresh. The romance is sweet and heartfelt, with characters you can’t help but love as they navigate challenges, family dynamics, and the journey toward happily ever after.

The audiobook narration adds an extra layer of magic — the performance is engaging, expressive, and brings each character vividly to life. It felt like being swept right into the story, making it a perfect listen for cozy evenings or long drives.

This was such a heartwarming, witty, and uplifting tale, and I loved every moment of it. It’s a five-star listen that I’ll be recommending to anyone who enjoys faith-filled romances with a touch of classic charm.

If you love Regency romance with all the charm, wit, and heart—this one’s for you! 💕 With a secret author, second chances, witty banter, and just the right amount of yearning, this story is everything a feel-good read should be.

After two failed seasons, Emmaline is determined to protect her dignity—and her heart. She’s secretly found success as an anonymous author, and she’s sworn off men… especially Simon, the man who once seemed perfect before he disappeared without a word. When Simon returns to England broke, scandal-ridden, and desperate to rebuild his family’s fortune, he’s also hoping for redemption—and maybe another chance with the woman he left behind.

Told in dual POV and sprinkled with light faith themes, Sense and Suitability is a charming, closed-door Regency romance full of meddling families, old feelings, and the sweetest happily ever after. ✨

💫 Favorite Quote:
“The stars shone bright, their pinpricks of light a silent reminder of the vastness of the world—and perhaps a much greater Storyteller’s work.” 🌟

Another favorite from Pepper Basham! It's full of witty banter, beautiful family bonds, and of course swoony romance. Emmeline is about to give up on love after a disastrous end to her first season leaves her in scandal. Just when she thinks she can put it all behind her, Simon Reeves walks right back into town stirring everything back up. This clean regency rom-com was exactly the delightful read I've come to expect from Basham's books. I thoroughly enjoyed the ties back to Austen's writing, even though I haven't read all of her works.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to an audiobook copy of this book in return for my honest review.

🖋️Very Suitable Austen-esque Romance📖

I really enjoyed Sense and Suitability! This is the perfect regency romance pick. This was my first Pepper Basham book, and I thought she captured the spirit and essence of a Jane Austen-style story very nicely in her own original work. I really enjoyed how the novel was paced, and how the characters were well rounded and enjoyable. Much in the style of Austen, Basham entrances the reader through witty dialogue and the drama and scandal of every-day life of 18th century England. The MMC won me over almost immediately with the way he simply couldn't resist the FMC no matter how "unsuitable" everyone else deemed her for him. There were plenty of adorable moments throughout the story that kept it moving along nicely. It's a nice light hearted read.

*I received a free audiobook from Netgalley. The above opinions are completely my own.

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.

I’ll never tire of a Jane Austen retelling and this author weaves in all the delight and wit to a beloved tale. Everything is just so…scandalous…and I adored this second chance, no spice story with an enemies-to-love feeling. The dual narration is fantastic!

Emmeline has a secret and a past connection to Simon, who suddenly makes a reappearance back into her life. The themes of love and duty prevail, while matters of the heart creep in to twist things up. These two are such alluring characters and I love them together, but I really enjoyed the side characters: Aunt Bean and the siblings, and especially Blast It All, are fantastic!

All the chance encounters, longing, chemistry-laden undercurrents, swoony kisses, and shenanigans had me laughing and swooning. I love a sweet story that sweeps me away and this one is so amusing and fun. Great characters, an interesting plot, and outstanding writing make Sense and Suitability a winner.

Content: mild romance; off-page death of parent

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

Oh my goodness!!! Pepper Basham can do no wrong!!! 😍😍 The humor and banter in this book is top notch yet again! This regency romance has all the drama you need - forbidden romance, jilted lovers, orphans, improper ladies, balls, debt riddled estates, secrets, and misunderstandings. 😍 Simon and Emme are meant for each other but two seasons ago his life was changed at the most inopportune time for them. It’s so wonderful to see how Pepper weaves their lives back towards each other in unexpected yet amazing ways. Also, I HIGHLY recommend the audio book!! The narrators brought the story to life and I was totally immersed in the book thanks to them!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much to @netgalley, @tnzfiction, and @pepperbasham for the advanced copies of the book and audiobook!!

Emme and Simon have my heart!
This story is every bit as delightful as a Jane Austen novel, and in fact I believe that, were she alive today, dear Jane herself would be a huge fan of this book!
I’m a major Pepper Basham fangirl. She’s an auto-read author for me, I’ve read every one of her books and I will continue to read anything and everything she writes forever and ever! This is her first regency romance and I am in complete and utter awe at the amazingness that is this book!
This story completely captured me at page one and it still has not let me go!
Sense and Suitability transported me to the regency era and flooded my heart with feelings of cozy contentment and peacefulness, and I firmly believe this beautiful story is exactly what the world needs right now!
Second chance is one of my favorite tropes, and it was done absolutely brilliantly in this book!
As a writer I found myself relating quite a lot to Emme. Her wit, imagination, and her passion for writing as well as the constant influx of story ideas felt very familiar and relatable to me.
I also ADORED Simon so much, he’s just the BEST! A perfectly flawed gentleman who’s also dashing and completely swoon-worthy, what more could a girl ask for?
This book also has a PHENOMENAL cast of secondary characters who all became instant favorites! I loved Aunt Bean and all of the siblings, and Thomas was an absolute joy (he very much gave me Henry Tilney-ish vibes who is my favorite Austen hero so I seriously CANNOT WAIT for Thomas’s story!)
I seriously loved absolutely everything about this book! It’s one of my favorite reads of 2025 and I most highly recommend it! Even if you don’t typically read regency please give this one a try, you won’t be sorry you did!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher!
My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

This book was such a fun listen! Any fan of historical romance would enjoy!

A secret romance author and also a member of the ton? Scandalous! Due to her secret successful profession Emmaline doesn’t mind that she has two failed seasons and is looking forward to dedicating her spinsterdom to writing even more. Too bad she decides to (re)befriend Simon, the charmer of all social circles who needs a wealthy bride to save his family’s estate ASAP. Not to mention this is the same man who promised her forever years before and left town without a word, breaking her heart and hardening her writers resolve in the process. Will she be able to be a good friend and help Simon find a partner in life and love, or will the heart over take her common sense after all?

I recommend this character-driven Regency romance for fans of cozy rom-coms with heart.

In "Sense and Sensibility" by Pepper Basham, Emmy, a poor countrywoman, meets Simon, a wealthy socialite, at a party where they form an instant connection. Later, Simon ghosts Emmy on the night he planned to propose. Years later, their paths cross again, and while the spark is still alive, both are determined to maintain only a friendship.

Emmy and Simon are both genuinely likeable protagonists are easy to root for. While romantic tension takes a backseat, the novel excels in its cozy atmosphere as a new family unit forms around the couple. The personal growth arcs for major and minor characters (including an extra grumpy aunt) add depth and warmth. This familial development became the emotional anchor of the story for me.

The plot is lighthearted and predictable, though I found myself uncertain about the outcome at times. While the storyline provides necessary conflicts for character development, this is ultimately a character-driven narrative where relationships matter more than plot twists.

The dual narrators bring Simon and Emmy to life beautifully, with their authentic Regency-era accents enhancing the period atmosphere and overall listening experience.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Absolutely adored this book! They had me gasping, giggling, and then waiting until the very end wondering what would happen. The way this book tied in 2 of Austen’s stories (Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility) was both brilliant and entertaining! The characters even discuss Jane Austen and the scandal (!) of a female author in that time setting. It was a delight to listen to the love of books and how opinions of books were formed and being challenged. The audio version of this book kept me gripped from the very beginning to the very last minute.
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Author Pepper Basham for the ARC, all opinions are my own

What an exquisite, brilliant work of fiction! Since reading some of Jane Austen’s novels, I haven’t delved into any other Regency Era books other than some cozy fantasy novellas. So how fortunate was I when I came across Sense and Suitability, Pepper Basham’s debut Regency novel, which instantly transported me back into the clean romantic regency world I’ve loved for so long!

The authenticity was familiar and more than ‘suitably’ entertaining throughout every sentence with its wit, humour, banter, charm, internal conflicts and scandal!

It was easy to empathize with the main characters, Emilline and Simon, both amiable, endearing and misunderstood. And you feel that unease from certain minor characters who build up tension we’ve come to expect in this genre.

The proficient literary skill Pepper Basham possesses is evident in every effortless colloquialism, simile, metaphor, etc. She eloquently captures vivid detail of the characters’ surroundings and situation. And the lengthy dialogue’s precise language is consistent in properly reflecting the societal class from that era.

I can appreciate all of the research and labor of love that must’ve gone into to this carefully written novel, as is evident in the final product.

Thank you to the author, publisher Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing the ARC narration performed by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Asham. You couldn’t have selected more talented, vocally artistic actors to spring Emme and Simon to life!

***This review contains my own thoughts and opinions.***

"Poise... A lady must be calm, controlled, and composed no matter the provocation. You must not betray that you are most assuredly cleverer than the gentleman addressing you."


This novel was a delight! There were so many elements about this second chance romance I enjoyed, such as witty banter, endearing family members, and the emotional conflict of love vs. duty, and scandal vs. reputation. (A well meaning aunt gives the best lessons on courtship and marriage, as quoted above) Emmeline and Simon were on the cusp of engagement, when Simon suddenly and without explanation broke off their courtship, leaving Emmeline confused and heartbroken. Years later, both are still single, and Simon is in desperate need of a rich wife to bankroll the messy estate he's inherited. Emmeline may not have wealth, but she has made a living for herself as an author, albeit secretly to avoid scandal. Emmeline offers to help Simon find a suitable rich bride to help raise his younger siblings and restore his estate. Through this arrangement, they  are drawn back into each other's company. Emmeline encourages Simon to read Sense and Sensibility by A Lady. As he does, he sees himself in the male characters. He knows he might appear to be a Willoughby, and he doesn't really want to be an Edward Ferrars, but he wonders if he could aspire to be a Colonel Brandon. This is not an Austen retelling, but a nod to her classic novel with a young heroine who dares to be an authoress and a hero who is trying to sort out how to make his heart and the reality of his life mesh into happiness. This is a proper romance with lots of heart and chemistry.

Exactly what you want in a Jane Austen inspired romance!

As a huge Austen fan, I was immediately pulled in by the title and description of Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham and it completely lived up to my hopes.

This charming Regency romance follows Emmeline Lockhart as she navigates heartbreak, society expectations, and a secret that could change everything. The story is filled with Austen references and little Easter eggs that made my reader heart so happy.

If you love the Darcy hand clench moment, the miscommunication between Elinor and Edward, or the quiet yearning from Persuasion, this book is for you. This left me happy and eager to step back into the regency world- or at the very least rewatch some JA films!

Audiobook note: Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman are fantastic in this dual narration! They perfectly capture the banter, charm, and tension between characters. Highly recommend giving the audiobook a listen.

Thank you to @netgalley and @tnzfictionaudio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Pepper Basham does it again, this time with regency romance! What a fun book! I loved all of the references to Sense and Sensibility as the mmc was reading it per the recommendation of the fmc. This book had everything one could hope for in a clean regency romance, and I'm so glad I was able to read it. The audio was incredibly done with two readers, which I always appreciate. I hope there will be more in this series about some of the other characters we were introduced to in this one. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a romance reader in possession of a great TBR pile must be in want of a Pepper Basham novel.

And oh, what a charming novel Lady Basham has given readers in Sense and Suitability!

One would never guess this historical romance was Lady Basham's first literary foray into the Regency Era, so expertly has she captured the aesthetic, history, and vocabulary of the period. Featuring a vibrant cast of characters and a second chance romance between an Authoress and a Viscount, this book is an affectionate homage to Jane Austen sure to delight readers who ardently admire and love her work.

If you fancy a tale of propriety and pining, Sense and Suitability is sure to be your cup of tea!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.

A witty, humorous, and utterly heartwarming Regency rom-com! This book was exactly the refreshing and joyful read I needed after spending so much time with emotionally heavy epic fantasies like The Royal Assassin.

Emmeline, the daughter of a country gentleman, leads a double life as the secret author of Gothic romances—a scandalous pursuit for a lady of the Regency era. Two years ago, she met the charming and handsome Simon, who seemed to fall for her instantly. But if something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Simon vanished without explanation after asking Emmeline to meet him in the garden. Now, two years later, he’s back—and in desperate need of a wealthy wife to save his title from ruin. Knowing full well there can be no future between them, Emmeline selflessly offers to help Simon find a suitable match.

Emmeline is both independent and kindhearted. Even when her heart is at stake, she acts with grace and integrity, helping Simon out of genuine care rather than self-interest. She’s also strong-willed and stands up for herself when necessary. Honestly, Simon is incredibly lucky to have known someone like her.

The side characters are equally charming. I especially loved Thomas and Fia—Fia, in particular, is delightfully eccentric and unpredictable, yet she delivers one of the story’s most emotional moments.

The audiobook narration is excellent as well—the narrator truly brings the characters and humor to life.

Overall, this is a delightful, feel-good story. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something lighthearted, fun, and guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

This audiobook narration was INCREDIBLE!

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham was an absolute delight! This Regency romance had everything I love—rich characters, a heartfelt storyline, laugh-out-loud moments, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.

The story follows Simon, a man whose life is turned upside down after a series of family tragedies leaves him as Viscount and guardian of his siblings. Because of his new responsibilities, he breaks off his intended marriage to Emmaline—the woman he deeply loved. Two years later, their paths cross again. Simon is under pressure to find a wealthy wife, while Emmaline, still carrying a tender heart, shows incredible grace, support, and forgiveness toward him.

Emmaline herself was such a joy to follow. She’s secretly an author—a dangerous pursuit in the Regency era for a woman, especially one connected to Simon, who already faces scandal in the wake of his family’s troubles. This extra layer of tension added so much depth and made me root for her even more.

The writing was beautifully paced, the characters felt relatable and real, and the late summer/early fall setting created the perfect cozy Regency atmosphere. I especially appreciated the Christian elements woven naturally into the story—Pepper Basham did a wonderful job showcasing faith, love, and redemption.

This book made me laugh, swoon, and smile all the way to the sweet ending. I truly enjoyed every moment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest review—all opinions are my own.

⚠️ Content/Trigger Warnings:
• Death of Mothers from both main characters
• Death of MMC Father and other family members
• MMC has a sister that ran away and does not speak to the family anymore
*nothing death-wise is graphic in this book, nor explained in explicit detail. You see some grief regarding the loss of parents.

Third time may be the charm for Emmeline Lockhart in this fun and witty Regency romance. Her first social season started well but ended with her suitor, Simon Reeves, left her without a proposal and without a trace. Now the dashing rogue has found his way back to town to take care of his crumbling estate and wayward family. They find themselves drawn back to each other time and time again, and perhaps its fate? This one was such a fun and sweet read, I'll definitely be reading more by this author!

The relationships are wonderful, the wit, the dialogue, and the narrators brought all of the brilliant writing to life!

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham was such a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know much about it going in—it was recommended by a friend—and honestly, it’s not the kind of book I usually pick up. I don’t read a lot of Regency stories, but after this one, I just might have to start!

I listened to the audiobook version and absolutely loved it. The narrators were fantastic—engaging and expressive—and brought the characters to life in such a fun way. The story itself was charming, witty, and heartfelt. I found myself smiling the whole time and devoured it in less than 24 hours.

If you’re looking for something feel-good, cozy, and full of personality, definitely give this one a try. Even if it’s outside your usual genre, it just might win you over like it did for me!

I was beyond thrilled with this Regency romance from Pepper Basham! And I loved all of the nods to Jane Austen and her book, Sense and Sensibility, throughout the book. So much fun!

As the book opened, I was so excited for Emme and her excitement over an upcoming proposal and engagement with Simon. Only to have my heart plummet for her with what followed. But Emme is full of pluck and determination to find joy and power through the hard moments of her life. I just adored her character so much. I think most readers will have a hard time not adoring her character. I loved all of the writing nods and so much more about this book.

Simon has secrets and reasons for why he left Emme and didn't propose like they'd planned. But none of them will help him in his current family predicament. He's just trying to keep everything running and make sure that all of his siblings are being take care of, loved and happy. But he's falling apart at the seams. And in every good rom-com the two leads have to be brought back together again so they can fix the wrongs. And let me just tell you that I loved every moment of these two together. They are adorable. And are definitely meant to be! Your heart is going to love their story.

And Simon's siblings will win your heart over! Especially one with a pet frog named "Blast!" Hahaha! Oh my heavens, I laughed and giggled over all of his siblings' antics. Hold onto your hat Simon because you are in for one wild ride. The most amazing ride ever as you'll come to know your siblings even more and you'll have an adorably amazing young lady by your side. Yep, you're going to want this book in your life!!!

I did a combination of reading the digital book and listening to the audiobook. Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman were delightful narrators. I loved their accents. And I loved the joy and laughter and all of the emotions that they conveyed through their narration. They were truly delightful to listen to! You'll be sucked into this story and won't want it to end. And can I just say I can't wait for the next book!!!!!!!! Pepper Basham, you rock and are amazing!!! Thank you for this incredible book!!!

Content: Clean. Sweet kisses and nothing further. Some Christian elements but just sweetly added to the story. I loved it!

I received a digital copy of the book from Thomas Nelson Fiction, and the audiobook from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading & Listening!!!

All the stars for a Regency Romance that Jane Austen herself would pick up and read.

Congrats to Pepper Basham for a stellar Austen-related title. She has given us the essence of Austen without attempting to recreate a specific plot. It works.

Here are some things I loved about this one:

👱‍♀️Emmeline Lockhart, our heroine and a published author of gothic reads. Her literary successes are a secret to most who know her due to the Regency squeamishness regarding female authors. The second-chance romance trope with Simon has a bit of a Persuasion vibe.
👨‍🦱Simon Reeves, the one who got away without an explanation, has a complicated family situation and needs to marry money. Could there be another way? And when he walks out of that pond, you'll be thinking of Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.
👼Simon's younger siblings are opinionated and a delightful addition to the plot. His baby sister Sofia is adorable and loves collecting critters. Her little frog is named Blast after a favorite phrase of Simon's.
💑Even though Simon and Emmeline realize they are not a good match on paper, they can't deny the chemistry. Pepper Basham writes scenes with delightful banter and squeaky clean romance.
📚Emmeline shares a copy of Sense and Sensibility with Simon and he is immersed in the read. Will he be a Willoughby or a Captain Brandon?

There are many Austen retellings and related reads out there. I have tried many and been disappointed, but this one really was one I would recommend to Jane Austen herself. Her spirit was all through this read and I thoroughly enjoyed it on audio. Kudos to Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman for bringing this book to life.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book!!

I haven’t read a Jane Austen type book in a while and this one did not disappoint. The author did a spectacular job of giving the Jane Austen warm feelings. The story was captivating, the characters chemistry was evident. The side characters were entertaining and the frog…I loved it!! Additionally, there was also a welcome dose of humor and charm which was very much welcomed. The modern twist of not needing a man to take of you was refreshing. The story was well paced and the audiobook narrators were absolutely fabulous. I look forward to reading more from this author, hopefully more in the Regency era.

A heartfelt thank you to @pepperbasham @tnzfiction and @thomasnelson for the #gifted e-book, as well as the amazing #gifted audiobook.

This historical romance, elegantly set in the Regency era, captivates with its blend of heartfelt romance and sharp humor.

Emmeline and Simon's love story is simply enchanting. Their playful banter is not only delightful but adds a layer of depth to their connection. I particularly adored Aunt Bean and her entertaining etiquette lessons, as well as Aunt Agatha, whose gruff demeanor provided a delightful contrast. Simon's siblings brought an irresistible mix of charm, courage, and insight, enriching the narrative significantly.

Emmeline emerges as a fiercely independent character striving to navigate the stringent expectations placed on women of her time. Her unyielding love for Simon is heartwarming, yet her willingness to assist him and his family in finding the right governess and wife showcases her selflessness and strength.

The dual perspectives of Emmeline and Simon allow readers to intimately experience their struggles and triumphs as they navigate their relationship. The writing is truly exquisite.

The narrators excel in breathing life into each character, making us feel their emotions and longings profoundly.

If you cherish Regency-era romances filled with unforgettable characters and witty dialogue, this book is a must-read.

Sense and Suitability by Pepper

I adored this book! It’s a feel-good read, full of heart, humor, wit, and a fabulous cast of characters. While paying homage to Sense and Sensibility, this book has its own distinct voice and storyline. It’s thoroughly entertaining and engaging, well written and paced, with a plotline that was so enjoyable.

This is the author‘s first foray into Regency romance, but I hope it won’t be the last because she did an amazing job with this story!

If you love books with second chance romances, kisses only, heart and humor, witty banter, and Regency charm, you need to check this gem out! Highly recommended!

Both narrators did an excellent job, and their British accents added to the enjoyment of the audiobook.

Thank you to UpLit Reads, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Zondervan Fiction Audio and Pepper Basham for a copy of this audiobook. All thoughts are completely my own.

I absolutely loved this book! I don’t have much more to say other than I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it! I listened to the audiobook in just one day because I couldn’t stop.

Pepper Basham has such a charming way of writing. She beautifully captures the tone and elegance of a classic Regency novel while keeping it light, witty, and easy to follow. It feels like a love letter to Jane Austen fans — full of clever dialogue, tender moments, and that delightful slow-burn romance that keeps you smiling.

If you adore clean Regency romance with heart, humor, and a touch of Austen-esque flair, this one’s a must-read!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction, and NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. #SenseandSuitability #NetGalley

This was such a sweet regency-era romance! It follows Emmeline, or Emme, and Simon, who almost ended up engaged two years prior to the beginning of the book. That all changed when Simon disappeared without a word to Emme, leaving her wondering what happened. When the story opens, Simon has returned and Emme now wants nothing to do with him. However, it's clear that both of them still have feelings for each other. As the story progresses, Emme learns the truth about why Simon disappeared two years prior and wants to help him when she learns he is in financial trouble with his family estate, even though it means helping him find a different bride. At the same time, she's hiding a secret of her own which, if discovered, could ruin any chance she has of finding a suitable husband for herself.

I loved the pacing of this story. It kept me guessing whether or not she and Simon would end up together or not. Plus, they're relationship was so sweet! And their banter was fantastic; Pepper does an amazing job with character banter. Both Emme and Simon felt real and complex.. Even the side characters were well written! If you're looking for a clean, regency-era rom-com, pick up this book! You will definitely enjoy it!

Filled with the perfect blend of Regency romance and romcom humor this story will have you smiling through all the ups and downs in this enemies to lovers novel! I loved the dual narration.

I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Emmeline and Simon's story is a win! Pepper Basham writes a sweet story, where you can step into history, attend balls, and sneak off into well-appointed libraries. Simon, the rogue--or, is he? Emmeline, the smart heroine. Their past relationship is behind them both--an impossibility with the positions they each find themselves in. Readers will love going on this journey with the characters. Humor, great storyworld, a good breadth of characters. A really great read.

I highly recommend this audiobook. I'm often turned off by audiobooks because of cringy voice modulations (men trying to make voices high/ women trying to make their voices deep) that are so distracting and ridiculous. The narrators of this one had the appropriate accents, which added to the story world, and used appropriate vocalization tone changes to distinguish characters without it ever approaching the border with cringiness. The voice acting is appropriate (again, sometimes audiobooks suffer from over-acting). I'd look for more audiobooks with these two narrators.

Sense and Suitability

This author is one of my go-to authors for clean, swoony romances. Her writing is eloquent and stories are just fun and feel-good and have great messages about self-worth. And Sense and Suitability fits all of these descriptions. 
There were scenes that had me laughing out loud, wanting to scream at some of the characters because I didn't like them at first, smiling from ear to ear, and swooning in all  the best ways.

I loved that Emmie or Emmeline is a secret authoress. And I really loved her interactions with Simon's siblings, especially the little girls. The scene with the frog and the frog's name definitely had me smiling and the pond scene had me laughing. So good!

I loved that in the end Simon loved her for who she is, despite her reputation. I loved the romance between them and the longing and pining, ugh, sooo good! 

I definitely recommend this adorable romance! It is a winner in my book. And the audio was perfection! Especially the voice actor for Simon! But really both narrators did an amazing job. I highly recommend the audio for this one!

Favorite Parts:
Second Chance
Authoress
Chickens
Simon (Swoon)
Lottie and Thea
The frog
Aunt Beene’s lessons
Longing and pining
The ball
Jane Austen references
Flowers
Her manuscript
The Audio!
The ending!

Content Guide:
Clean kissing only; Loss of loved ones

Book Info:
Series: Standalone
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency Romcom
Romance Level: Clean
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
POV: Dual third person

Thank you to the author and publisher for the audio review copy. All thoughts are my own.

📖 🫖Sense and Suitability🫖
🧚🏻✍🏻 Pepper Basham
🗣️📜 Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman


🅰🅻🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆

WOW! This book blew my mind ! I devoured the audiobook in less than a day , and I swear my cheeks are aching with all the smiling and giggling!!!

Lemme first introduce you to the TROPES :
📜 Regency Rom-Com
🫖 Dual POV / Narration
🪭 Second Chance Romance
📜 Witty banter
🫖 Swoon wrothy Slowww burn
🪭 Low/No spice
📜 Sassy FMC who secretly writes Romantasy Novels
🫖 Broody Grumpy MMC who's Secretly soft
🪭 Adorable yet naughty smaller siblings
📜 Beautiful Familial bonds
🫖 Meddling Aunts
🪭 Jane Austen References
📜 Happily Ever After

This book was such a fun read , with the best combination of banter , angst and swoony slow burn.
The main characters Emmeline and Simon were absolutely incredible with lovely character development and such an amazing chemistry.

The adorably sassy and naughty sisters of Simon were two of my favourite characters of the book. And I truly loved how much Simon loved them inspite of all the dire circumstances (which I won't be going in details .. coz spoilers !! 👀)

Also I really REALLY loved how supportive Emmeline's dad was 🥰

All to say, this beautifully chaotic story kept me hooked they entire time and I just COULDN'T STOP LISTENING .

And the narration by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman PERFECTION !!! It was sooo good , they brought the characters to life in the best way possible and I swear it felt like I was in the middle of Downton Abby watching this story unfold right in front of my eyes !

All in all , it was a 5 ⭐ for me !

Thank you so so much Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, Pepper Basham and Netgalley for this wonderful ALC 💜

Pepper Basham is an American and the author of 28 books, 15 of them with an historical setting. I felt in good hands reviewing this digital recording of Sense and Suitability, narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman. It has the added bonus of the allusion to Sense and Sensibility and its English author Jane Austen. The anticipation was a good feeling even before the first word was spoken.

This is a sweet love story about overcoming the odds set against us and the perfect listen when the world around us is so at odds with itself.

This is my own honest review. With thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for a copy.

I've now finished this audiobook, and I am so happy to listen to this book. The plot was amazing, Emmeline and Simon are practically soulmates. The narrators of this novel were incredible, and I had such a great time listening to it.

In this clean Regency romance, 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 possibly go wrong?

I love Pepper Bahamas books they are the perfect closed door sweet romance.

The accents and fluidity of the narrator’s made this book so much fun. The characters were brought to life and was a lot of fun to listen to

Delightfully charming audiobook!

After two failed seasons, Emmeline Lockhart is determined to stay single and focus on her secret success as a popular (and anonymous) author. She once fell for the charming Simon Reeves, but he ghosted her without explanation.

Now he has reappeared, desperate to restore his family's ruined estate and reputation. Emmeline offers to help him find a wealthy bride, knowing they can never be together, despite the undeniable spark still between them. As old feelings resurface, Emmeline must decide if some love stories, especially the messy, inconvenient kind, deserve a second chance.

What you'll love:
second chance romance
dual pov
Regency era
duty vs. desire
Simon’s siblings
Aunt Bean's advice
Sooo much angst and longing!
THAT KISS!!
Secret identity
Perfect ending

Oh, my heart, I adored this book!! This swoony Regency romance sparkled with heart, wit, and all the anxious longing that comes with a second chance between two people trying (and failing) to put duty before desire. The story gave me ALL THE FEELS, and I was hooked from beginning to end and the narrators voices were FANTASTIC!

Emmeline is a strong, independent heroine with a lively sense of adventure and a secret identity, and she’s exactly the kind of trouble Simon never knew he needed. Watching her navigate his chaotic household full of younger siblings and emotional landmines while trying to keep her own heart in check was pure magic. The chemistry between them practically crackled off the page and oh my, that kiss!! Someone pass my smelling salts!

I also couldn’t get enough of the side characters, from Simon’s spirited siblings to the always opinionated (and hilarious) Aunt Bean. Truly hoping we’ll get more stories from these characters. (hint, hint)

If you love books with swoony second chances, slow-burn tension, and irresistible Regency charm, you’ll want this one on your shelf ASAP...like today! Read it now, thank me later. So much love for this book!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Sense and Suitability is a charming, witty Regency rom-com that will delight fans of clever, low-spice romance. Emmeline Lockhart is a heroine with a scandalous past and a secret talent for authorship, who has sworn off love after being abandoned by the charming Simon Reeves. She’s focused on her independence, her writing, and surviving the judgmental ton—but fate has other plans when Simon reappears, desperately needing her help to manage his crumbling estate and mischievous younger siblings.
Basham balances humor, heart, and social intrigue perfectly, as Emmeline navigates the fine line between helping her once-love and protecting her own heart. Their witty banter, simmering tension, and undeniable chemistry make for a delightful push-and-pull that keeps the listener invested. Meanwhile, the Regency setting adds just enough social drama and charm to enhance the story without overshadowing the romance.
This audiobook is a satisfying mix of clever matchmaking, heartfelt moments, and romantic tension. Sense and Suitability proves that even the most inconvenient love stories are worth revisiting—and falling for all over again.

After having her heart broken years ago, Emmeline Lockhart has no interest in finding a husband and would rather pursue her secret, scandalous career as a gothic novelist. But when Simon Reeves, the man who broke her heart, returns with a new title, a crumbling estate, and in charge of his three youngest siblings, Emme finds herself still drawn to him. Simon needs a woman with money, but he never stopped loving Emme and is willing to do anything to earn her forgiveness, even if that includes accepting her help in saving his family and finding him a wife.🌹

I’ve never actually read a regency romcom before, but when I saw this one by Pepper Basham, I wanted to give it a try, and it was positively delightful! I loved Emme’s character and her secret life as a novelist, and I loved Simon and how much he yearned and pined for Emme. I also loved Simon’s siblings- they were such a fun addition to the cast of characters. This book is full of wit and banter, and I appreciated the frequent Jane Austen references. I also appreciated how faith was naturally weaved into the storyline without being too on the nose. If you’re looking for a fun and clean regency romcom, I’d highly recommend Sense and Suitability!💜

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.📒

Pepper has once again written a delightful story that seamlessly combines humorous scenes with throught-provoking character growth and a sweet romance. I loved the vibrant characters. From Aunt Bean and her no-nonsense husband-catching lessons to little Fia and her frog-catching adventures, every character just came right off the page and into my living room. Emme and Simon's star-crossed relationship was so sweet. I loved watching them go from annoyance with having to see each other again to resignation that they could never be together to overcoming the obstacles that kept them apart. This story was perfectly relaxing as I went along with Emme and Simon's everyday lives but not lacking in entertainment. I highly recommend this book to all fans of regency romance. You will not be disappointed in picking it up!

Also, the narrators, @fionaspeaks and @christopherashmanactor, did an absolutely wonderful job with the audiobook. They both gave each character distinct voices, they were easy to understand, and they read with feeling. I would definitely read other books they've narrated.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book was fantastic!!!! Pepper Basham is a wonderful author, This is her first dive into regency writing and it does not disappoint! This is a sweet homage to sense and sensibility (obviously), However even if you have not read Austen's book, you will still fall in love with the characters here. This book had vivid language and the audiobook narrators were incredible.
This book has quite a few tropes, and all are done to perfection!
second chance love
found family
over zealous Aunts
off limits love
scheming eligible ladies
adorable, yet precocious children
Strong lead female
secrets & scandals

Everything about this book truly was wonderful. I was delighted to have the audio version, but I want reread it again with an actual copy!

*~ Most Likely to Make me deep dive in Regency books and shows~*

I love a good Regency rom-com and this book did not disappoint. From the very beginning I loved Emmeline and her balanced personality of a woman who seeks love and romance, but also is breaking glass ceilings and going against the tide of her time. I truly didn't know if Pepper Basham was going to redeem Simon in my eyes because of the way the book started and even some of his beginning narrative but, of course, she used his POV to explain his feelings and behaviors in a way that had you rooting so hard for he and Emmeline's second chance.

I listened to this story and really enjoyed the narrators. The woman's voice was so perfect and animated and the man's voice was smooth like butter. And of course I love the accents so that always helps.

Thank you to Net Galley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Pepper Basham for an ALC of this story.

All the stars for this darling story! Pepper Basham constantly wows me. Any genre she writes in is amazing. I was absolutely thrilled she wrote a Regency romcom. This book is such a love letter to Jane Austen & had me smiling, laughing, & swooning at the witty dialogue, heartfelt romance, lovely family dynamics, & the intriguing predicament the main characters find themselves in.

Emmeline Lockhart’s embarking on her third season with not much hope in sight, until Simon Reeves, the man who broke her heart & left without a word, returns. Emmeline, though, has a scandalous secret. She’s become a successful author which would ruin her reputation if discovered. So while she’s participating in the Season, she’s determined she doesn’t need a husband. While her feelings for Simon are still simmering beneath the surface, she does not want to get her heart broken again. But, the charming man appears at every turn. His circumstances have changed greatly & though he now has a title, he’s in desperate need of funds, & a wife with a sterling reputation.

Though Simon’s still in love with Emmeline, he has to think of his young siblings & crumbling estate. Emmeline offers friendship, but can he be satisfied with only that when she seems to fit him & his family so well. Torn between duty & love, will he be the Willoughby, Edward, or Colonel Brandon of the story, or his own special brand of hero?

I loved this book! I loved how it had elements of Sense and Sensibility, but was also completely unique. Emmeline & Simon are both such honorable characters, each trying to do what’s right in a difficult situation. I adored Emmeline’s interactions with Simon’s siblings who tend to run wild across the estate, stealing chickens, capturing frogs, & finding all manner of mischief. Simon definitely has his hands full, but is such a loving big brother.

The romance was a rollercoaster of emotion. I couldn’t wait to see how everything’d work out. The witty dialogue, charming characters, & sweet romance captured my heart. Loved every moment & the audiobook is phenomenal! Can’t wait for more!

I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.

First I would like to thank NetGalley, the Author, the Narrators and the Publisher for this ARC.

This is a lovely Regency Romantic yet Comedic Novel.
I especially loved the younger siblings and their love for mischief.
The story is cute, witty, funny, sweet, delightful and unique to what I mostly read.
It's a slow burn without any spice yet the spice wasn't missed. The banter between the FMC and MMC is spot on and makes up for the "lack" of spice.
I suspect that a Jane Austen novel would have the same feel of the story as "Sense and Suitability" and that she would be proud of the fact that her books still inspires so many people even after all those years. although I could not tell since I've never read anything by Jane Austen.
This is an enemies to lovers story and I do think that anybody who enjoys a good set of witty remarks, some chaos, an intense longing and the likable characters will enjoy this.
Our FMC is also ahead of her times. She is strong, steadfast, loyal and determined. And very recognizable and lovable.
I was very sad that the book ended and that I couldn't stay in their world.

"...𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥𝘭𝘺, 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘩𝘦'𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳.
𝘈 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦'𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴."

I've been so invested in this story from page one, it was that good. It definitely gives off Austen vibes, with the classic feel. I've really been enjoying the second chance trope lately, so that made this one extra special and enjoyable. 🩷
Emme has so much fire and determination in her, she was such an inspiration. I loved how she put that towards forgiving Simon and helping him.
His siblings really made the story as well. 🩷 They made me laugh so much, and pulled the story and couple together perfectly.
I'm very anxious and excited to see what the author comes up with next, I'll definitely be signing up for anything! 😍

*I received a copy for review, all opinions are my own

The main plot in this clean (no smut) Regency Era book is that a woman has her heart broken by a man 2 years prior and then he comes back into her life and needs help and she decides that she can help him out without stirring old feelings. This was the perfect Jane Austen-style novel. It had humor, pining, quirky characters, difficulties to surpass, and the ending that you wish for from the very start. I loved these characters and just felt a smile on my face while reading this book. If you love Jane Austen novels you will love this book! If I had one criticism it would be that I do think it could have been a tad shorter and edited down a smidge. Sometimes the story felt a bit repetitive but overall I truly loved my time with this book and highly recommend it! Thanks so much to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for my advanced audio copy!

A fun light spice (some kissing) regency romance for any Jane Austen fan. I’m so grateful to have received and arc copy from NetGalley

Things I liked about this book:
✅ like-able heroin
✅ reformed bad boy
✅ yearning
✅ family relationships
✅ believable conflict
✅ zero miscommunication

This was a cute story about this couples lasting love and mutual desire to support the other however that might be. I enjoyed all of the family characters too and how they supported our main couple. This is the perfect regency romance, feel-good mood read. 💜💜

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham was an absolute joy from beginning to end. The audiobook swept me right into the story with its charming narration and vivid characters. Basham has such a gift for blending humor, heart, and faith in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. I loved the witty banter, the warmth of the family dynamics, and the beautifully developed romance that honors Jane Austen’s classic spirit while standing confidently on its own.

The narrator’s performance truly brought the characters to life and made the story sparkle even more — it was the perfect companion for long drives and quiet evenings alike.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, the author Pepper Basham, and the publisher Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful audiobook. I adored every minute of it and can’t wait to listen to more from this talented author!

Pepper Basham has done it again with Sense and Suitability, a delightful Regency romance that perfectly captures the wit, charm, and warmth that make her stories so beloved. While the title may bring to mind Sense & Sensibility, this is not a retelling of Jane Austen’s classic. Instead, Basham creates a fresh, original story that still feels beautifully at home in the Regency world, a “Jane Austen–esque” tale with her own signature flair.

Everything readers love about Basham’s writing shines here: sparkling banter, heart-tugging emotion, God-centeredness and her distinct humor that makes you smile one moment and swoon the next. The second chance romance is done exceptionally well, with pacing that keeps you turning pages and characters that feel alive and real.

For fans of the Regency era or anyone who enjoys a clean version of Bridgerton, Sense and Suitability is a perfect pick. It’s elegant, clever, and full of heart, proof that Basham’s stories belong right alongside the best of the genre. I truly hope Pepper Basham continues writing more Regency novels in the future (though honestly, I’ll read anything she writes!).

"If the title hadn't fallen to him, he would have known a future with someone he loves, now he was Lord Ravencross, and duty had to come first."

Sense and Suitability tells the tale of Emmeline Lockhart, a determined young woman who’s sworn off romance after being left heartbroken by Simon Reeves, the man she once thought she’d marry. Two years later, Simon returns unexpectedly, no longer the carefree gentleman she remembers, but now the Viscount of Ravenscross, burdened with debts, responsibilities, and three lively wards to raise. When Emmie offers to help him find a wealthy and “suitable” bride, old feelings begin to resurface, and both must decide whether friendship or love will win in the end.

I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. Emmeline is a delightful heroine! She is intelligent, compassionate, and refreshingly modern on her views for the time period. Simon’s character growth is so endearing to witness reading and watching him transform from a man crushed by circumstance to someone rediscovering love, it felt real and not forced.
The chemistry between Emmie and Simon practically leaps off the page, and their banter had me smiling like a silly goose.

The supporting characters also bring so much to the story, Simon’s siblings, Fia, Lottie all are developed well and have their own personalities that really add to the story and bring it to life.
I listened to the audiobook and between Pepper Basham’s writing and Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman's narration, they all kept me engaged and I did not want to stop listening. The narrators did a great job at portraying the elegance of Regency England while adding genuine emotion and sparkling humor to an already great story.

Sense and Suitability is a cozy slow burn regency romance escape and a perfect read for fans of Jane Austen, witty banter, and sweet second chance love stories.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this ALC Audiobook.