Pick up Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne after Hallmark's adaptation

When it comes to classics, no one does romance better than Jane Austen. Sometimes though, she needs a bit of an upgrade.

Thankfully, loads of people are up to the challenge including Hallmark. The brand recently added its take on Sense and Sensibility as part of the brand's Mahogany umbrella and honestly, it's such a fun idea.

No doubt this is in large part to everyone's love for Bridgerton but it also brings to mind something else and that's Nikki Payne's books. While these books aren't part of the series, the two she released with Berkley are both inspired by Jane Austen.

Whether you're looking for something to enjoy after watching Sense and Sensibility or need something to hold you over until Bridgerton, then you need to check out Nikki Payne's books.

Loved Hallmark's Sense and Sensibility? Try out Nikki Payne next.

While we're focusing on Nikki Payne's second release, I'd be remiss to not also recommend Pride and Protest. This is her remix on Pride and Prejudice but this time, we're following Liza who is trying to save her city from Dorsey, a corporate CEO. While the two get off on the wrong foot, it's clear the attraction is there.

If you haven't read Nikki Payne before, I think Pride and Protest is the best place to start. It gives you an idea of her writing style and just how she reworks the original story. Since this is where I started, I can't deny that she hooked me and that's why I had to talk about Sex, Lies and Sensibility after hearing about this movie.

Since these two are just loosely related, I do think you can start with Sex, Lies and Sensibility before going back to Pride and Protest. SLS focuses on two sisters: Nora and Yanne who are given the impossible task of renovating an old cabin. Things get complicated when they meet Bear who is giving tours of it like he owns it.

As with most Jane Austen books, these two start off on the wrong foot but slowly begin to understand and thaw to each other. While this is an incredibly slow burn, the romance between Nora and Bear is so worth the wait. We also see Yanne get a chance at happiness which is honestly so sweet. Plus the book features a Black woman ending up with a Native American man which we rarely see.

Nikki Payne is truly rewriting the script when it comes to modernizing Jane Austen so if you liked Hallmark's recent adaptation, then why not give her a try? These are out in paperback, ebook, and audiobook so you truly have no excuse to not give these books a try.