Seahorses & Sensibility: A Neurodivergent Regency Romance at Sea

by Aimee Easterling

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency, Romance, Amazon

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

About the author

Aimee Easterling is a USA Today Bestselling author writing on the boundary between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She specializes in spunky shifters and invites you to dive into her werewolf world in the Wolf Rampant trilogy, the spinoff Bloodling serial, and her new Alpha Underground series.

Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.

Reviews

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia Pemberton dreams of becoming a naturalist but women are not taken seriously and considered too delicate for serious scientific study. But she has a plan that will enable her to document marine species and prove to everyone that she is capable of serious scientific study and research. Dominic Ashworth, aka Duke of Everleigh, chose the life of a ship's captain in order to save his family estate. After years at sea, he never expected to find a stowaway aboard his ship, especially a very attractive stowaway of the opposite sex.
I loved these wonderful characters. Lydia is smart, but has a hard time relating to other people, while Dominic is a gentleman through and through and despite the objections of his crew, decides to not only let Lydia stay aboard but to also conduct her research. I think these characters were realistic, complex and beautifully written. Adventure on the high seas, a sweet romance, an unexpected twist, and a happily ever after. I now have to confess that I have very seldom read regency romance, but I am so glad that I read this wonderful book, and I will happily recommend it to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit different than Aimee's usual books, but I greatly enjoyed it. There are no wolf or fox shifters, just two humans with all human problems. Set in a time where woman were considered to be...less, Lydia comes up with a scandalous plan to prove she is just as good of a naturalist as any man. It involves stowing away on a merchant ship long enough to make it inconvenient to return her to shore. Luckily, the captain, Dominic, finds her fascinating and allows her to take over his cabin and basically, his ship.

Let's just say that Lydia has some problems when it comes to interacting with the human race. She is focused on her research to the detriment of most relationships. Dominic is trying desperately to be the total opposite of his father, but his obsession with Lydia may cost him everything.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one of my favorite authors decided to step out of her normal genre (urban fantasy/paranormal) to write a regency romance, I knew I had to give it a try and let me tell you, I’m so glad that I did! I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved Lydia, I loved that she was a scientist at heart and I loved her neurodivergent quirks. I loved the found family, the romance was sweet, and I liked that Dominic was a sweet, upstanding guy trying to do the right thing for his crew and their families. I enjoyed this book so much that I will happily follow Ms. Easterling as she continues to write in this new-to-me genre!

[Jason Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story, disliked the title

This is a really fabulous story; MC Lydia and Dominic are very easy to like as is the crew. The wording really enabled me to picture exactly what was happening. First romance novel I've ever read set in the Sargasso Sea. My only quibble is with the title. I find it misleading, especially since I found it nothing like Sense and Sensibility. It actually reminded me a little bit like O Henry's The Gift of the Magi. And yes, write a story about Charles.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimee is writing along a different theme. It's a very light romance (until the end).

Lydia wants to be recognised as a naturalist and wants the opportunity to do some real research. She stows away on a sailing boat so that she can get some rare samples. Naturally the captain can't throw her overboard.

She learns to be a person and to communicate with the others on board.

Nice story.

ARC from author

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads.

I received a free copy of this as part of a stuff-my-kindle event.

This story is fun and cute. I enjoyed pretty much the entire cast of characters, especially the FMC and the MMC.

My only complaints would be that the "third act break-up"/miscommunication was a bit much and the spice was "fine" and not really needed.

Still, I would recommend this book.

[Tanya Feddern-bekcan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet and cozy tale

This is a very sweet and cozy tale. It’s a stand-alone book though she is writing a second book based on one of the main character’s friend. I’m looking forward to read that one as well.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seahorses & Sensibility, by Aimee Easterling, is a sweet, endearing tale that is guaranteed to take your heartstrings and tie them in a nautical knot. This is a story of a freethinking woman way ahead of the antiquated times. She has dreams, goals and purpose and nothing is going to stand in her way of accomplishing her mission. Especially not a handsome ship's captain. Except this captain has a mission of his own, and if he accommodates her delays he may lose everything his merchant ship is sailing for. The crew is wary of her, and she is socially awkward around them. How is she ever going to make this voyage she has been preparing for for 3 years a success? And how are both she and the captain supposed to save their hearts when they are worlds apart? Read Seahorses & Sensibility for a wonderful, lighthearted voyage with a rare female naturalist and a besotted captain. I highly recommend it!