Definitely top 3 Austen novels! No big declarations of love like in P&P or Persuasion, the romance and affection are shown more through small actions (and third person proclamations). I would’ve loved to have “heard” the proposals instead of being told about them but I think people whose love language is acts of service will find Sense & Sensibility to be one of Austen’s most romantic novels ❤️

The romance is what I’d call a quiet romance/affection in the stolen glances and small actions offered by the love interests! So even though there aren’t big, obvious romantic gestures and words I was still giggling and kicking my feet over these characters.

The novel is also more about the relationship between Marianne and Elinor than romantic relationships. I loved watching them grow throughout the novel too! Colonel Brandon has my heart, he’s described as stern/serious but he’s just a big cinnamon roll softie!! And Marianne is me; Her love of books, Autumn, and her hopelessly romantic nature felt so near to my heart and relatable (even though I’m an elder sister like Elinor). 

It slowed a little in the middle but overall this book held my attention and I didn’t want to put it down. I have many highlighted and marked passages because as always, Austen’s prose is gorgeous! 

I’ve technically read all of Austen’s novels now-I did DNF Mansfield Park and I’m not sure if I’ll give it another chance or not-so these are my current (and possibly final) rankings:

1.Persuasion (my first Austen)

2.Pride and Prejudice

3.Sense and Sensibility

4.Northanger Abbey

5.Emma

6.Mansfield Park (for now as default since it’s the only one I DNFd)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)