Sense and Suitability

De: Pepper Basham

Narrado por: Fiona Hardingham, Christopher Ashman

In this 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 possibly go wrong? Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance.

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 learned: 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?

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.

©2025 Pepper Basham (P)2025 Thomas Nelson

Delightful

I greatly enjoyed this story of a love that seemed impossible to survive. The characters were endearing while the villainess was conniving. This story hinges on priorities including loyalty and honor and making the best decisions as a result. If you love Jane Austin or regency novels in general you will fall in love with this story. I have loved every book by Pepper Basham that I have read or listened to over the years.

Delightful, heartwarming story!!

I can’t think of one single thing I didn’t love about this audio book! The dual narration was absolutely perfect, it was so easy to follow along throughout the story, and the different character characterization made it easy to tell which character was talking. The book is very well written, and the characters have so much depth and are so true to the time period! I loved the references to Jane Austin and Sense and Sensibility. What a fun twist to have the MFC be a gothic novelist! And the way she showed Christ’s love, being willing to put the needs of others before her own, just made me love her even more! This book has it all, fun bantering, heartbreaking choices, precocious children with hysterical animals scenes, and true love! I highly recommend this story, both in book and audio!!

Loved it!

I really enjoyed the humor, at times I laughed out loud. The characters were very well written.

Beautiful and Stunning!

It’s perfect! Aims for the heart and does NOT miss the mark! Superbly sweet and meaningful.

Basham + Austen = pure regency joy

Such a fun regency romance chock-full of Pepper Basham’s characteristic humor. You will absolutely fall in love with the whole cast (well….maybe not Aunt Bean). Chicken thieving and delicious kisses and a frog named Blast It All and lots of Jane Austen references….. what’s not to love!

Is There Any Genre Basham CAN’T Write?

Not a super-strict regency romance, so if that is important to you, just know that going in. However, it was much more “regency-esque” than I expected. The overall practicalities, dependence on wealth and social rules governing suitability, that prevent a love match to marry, were paramount in this story. Although its plot is its own telling, the longing of lost love as depicted in Austen’s S&S was expertly captured and evident throughout this story.

The whole band of characters have their own unique place in the storyline. Some you will love, some you will loathe and some will eventually grow on you. It is here that Basham continues to shine! Such differing personalities from young to old, yet they are all essential to the tale and, all but a few, bring their own endearments. (Every story needs some villains). The introduction of a chicken, a horse and a frog had me laughing so much I could barely read on! You will love those scenes!

And, yes, there is kissing. In Basham’s novels there is always kissing. Oh, my!
And nothing further.
Thank you.

All that being said—I am “all in” for the sequel!

The audiobook brings this novel to life using a male and female narrator for the Simon and Emme first person POVs. I believe this is my first introduction to these narrators and I thoroughly enjoyed listening.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased the audiobook.