Hi y’all!
It’s beginning to feel a lot like fall around here. I AM HERE FOR IT! I love fall so much, and we are leaning into all things pumpkin, apple spice, and falling leaves.
Today I am excited to share my review of Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham. I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Pepper’s latest book. When I heard she was writing a Regency novel and it had Jane Austen vibes, I was all in! This was such a delightful story full of compelling characters, witty banter, and beautiful romance.
Pepper has quickly become one of my favorite auto-read authors. I love her witty storytelling and heartfelt stories. Pepper’s characteristic charm and wit are on full display in this lovely second chance romance.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This book releases today, October 14th, 2025!
Book Summary: “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 problem – 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 Emme’s character and admired her confidence and kindness. She just exudes light and genuine concern even after experiencing grief and heartbreak. I loved seeing her connect with SImon’s younger siblings and how easily she befriends them. Her relationships with her cousin and sister were also lovely. I could see how genuinely they care for each other. Her clandestine role as an authoress was so fun! I loved how she writes from her heart and experiences, especially in her newest novel. And her wit and humor were so much fun. I loved her witty replies to Aunt Bean’s husband catching lessons and her clever retorts to Simon throughout the novel. Certainly, her relationship with Simon is central to the story and I loved seeing how perfectly suited they are together.
Simon has more depth and devotion than I expected, and I loved seeing him defend the people he loves most. He has also experienced harrowing difficulties with the untimely deaths of his father and cousin leaving him with a title, mounds of debt, and a crumbling family. He doesn’t always know what to do and he makes some big mistakes (like with Emme 2 years prior) but he is learning and trying to make things right. I loved seeing him connect with his younger siblings and really get to know them. And I loved how he finally realizes that love is more important than money. The ways he fights for Emme and their future together were so beautiful!
The love story is witty, charming, and so beautiful! I think Jane Austen herself would be impressed by subtlety and depth of their love. And I love the references to Sense and Sensibility throughout the book! Simon and Emme are reunited after a courtship that almost ended in a proposal years ago. But everything is different now. Or so it would seem. I loved how easily they fall back into their friendship and how they tease each other. I loved how Emme brings light and laughter back into Simon’s family and how she fits so well with them. I love the moment Simon realizes that money is not happiness and love is worth fighting for. And wow do they have some truly swoony kisses! The ending is absolutely beautiful. I love how it all comes together and how beautiful their happily ever after finally becomes.
Pepper just announced the next book in the series and I can’t wait to read more in this world!! Such a fun story that I absolutely loved experiencing!
What are your favorite historical romances?
Which are your favorite Jane Austen novels?
From Pepper’s Website: I wrote my first story when I was a nine year- old, freckled-faced tomboy in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (my earlier writings wouldn’t have been considered “books”, more like short stories). Coming from a long line of oral storytellers, weaving a good yarn seemed a typical part of my life. It wasn’t until I finished college, had two children, and a full-time job before I began to study the ‘craft’ of writing (you know when I had plenty of time).
Our family lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC, where I work as a speech-language pathologist by day and author by night 🙂
So…now I’m an older, freckled-faced mommy enjoying life, learning to write, and laughing often. My mom says that I must have a small bit of insanity because I don’t realize how stressed I ought to be.
I write historical and contemporary romances which, many times, include my love of Appalachia, Britain, and family.
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