Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham | Book Review with Giveaway (2) winners will receive a signed copy of Sense and Suitability (or winner's choice of Pepper Basham's books) and a $25 Amazon gift card! US 10/16

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Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Sense and Suitability
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Clean Regency Romance (Rom-Com)

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?

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?

My review

Pepper Basham’s writing plus Regency romance equals a perfectly delightful read worthy of more than 5 stars! Her sense of humor totally vibes with mine, so her books are must-reads for me. I completely adored Sense and Suitability!

Sense and Suitability’s characters leap off of the page, and some will leap right into your heart. Simon makes the perfect, swoon-worthy hero; he’s charming, handsome, and there’s more to him than meets the eye. I loved his siblings: William, Charlotte, and Fia. Fia really steals the scenes she stars in! This five year old little girl loves to be outdoors finding frogs and bugs, so she’s always a mess! Emme is a strong, independent woman of 20, so she’s in her third season. Of course, a fourth would be unacceptable, so her Aunt Albina descends upon the household to make sure Emme doesn’t end up a spinster! The remaining characters are just as well-developed. Some you love; some you love to despise!

I adored the romantic tension in this sweet, clean (only kisses) second-chance romance. Simon must put duty before love, and Emme, being his “friend,” decides to find him a suitable match. This leads to many humorous moments! One of my favorite moments occurs at the theatre, so be sure to look for that scene as you read! The banter between Simon and Emme is so entertaining because they’re perfectly matched!

I highly recommend Sense and Suitability for its wonderful characters, humor, complicated romance, and happily ever after! It’s a page-turning must-read for fans of the genre.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of southwestern VA, where she is the wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Connect with Pepper by visiting www.pepperdbasham.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a signed copy of Sense and Suitability (or winner’s choice of Pepper Basham’s books) and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!