The Austen Affair
- Judith D Collins
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
By: Madeline Bell
Narrator: Stephanie Németh-Parker
Macmillan Audio
ISBN: 978-1250420718
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: 09/16/2026
Format: audio
My Rating: 4.5 Stars (ALC)
Two feuding co-stars in a Jane Austen film adaptation accidentally travel back in time to the Regency Era in this delightfully clever and riotously funny debut
Tess Bright just scored her dream role starring in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. It's not just the role of a lifetime, but it’s also her last chance to prove herself as a serious actress (no easy feat after being fired from her last TV gig) and more importantly, it’s her opportunity to honor her mom, who was the biggest fan of Jane Austen ever. But one thing is standing in Tess’s way―well, one very tall, annoyingly handsome person, actually: Hugh Balfour.
A serious British method actor, Hugh wants nothing to do with Tess (whose Teen Choice Awards somehow don’t quite compare to his BAFTA nominations). Hugh is a type-A, no-nonsense, Royal Academy prodigy, whereas Tess is big-hearted, a little reckless, and admittedly, kind of a mess. But the film needs chemistry―and Tess’s career depends on it.
Sparks fly, but not in the way Tess hoped, when an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen’s era. 200 years in the past with only each other to rely on, Tess and Hugh need to ad-lib their way through the Regency period in order to make it back home, and hopefully not screw up history along the way. But if a certain someone looks particularly dashing in those 19th century breeches…well, Tess won’t be complaining.
A wickedly funny, delightfully charming story, The Austen Affair is a tribute to Jane Austen, second chances, and love across the space-time continuum.
My Review
Madelaine Bell captivates audiences with her enchanting performance in her latest witty romantic comedy, THE AUSTEN AFFAIR.
This delightful debut follows two feuding co-stars in a lavish adaptation of a Jane Austen classic. Amidst their bickering, they unexpectedly find themselves transported back in time, where the charm of the Regency era adds an exquisite twist to their tumultuous relationship, leading to unexpected romance and hilarity.
About...
Tess Bright has finally landed her dream role in a mesmerizing adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved coming-of-age novel, Northanger Abbey. As the anticipation swells, so does the pressure for Tess to prove herself as a serious actress. This isn’t just another role; it’s the performance of a lifetime and a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, a devoted fan of Austen’s timeless works.
Yet, standing in her way is the infuriatingly charming British actor, Hugh Balfour. A quintessential type-A Royal Academy prodigy, Hugh exudes confidence and aloofness, seemingly uninterested in anything other than his own ambition. Their personalities clash like thunder and lightning, as Tess, a big-hearted yet recklessly spirited individual, struggles to navigate the chaos of her personal life and the demanding world of film.
With the fate of her career hanging in the balance, Tess knows that the film desperately needs authentic chemistry between its leads. But can she manage to fake a connection with someone who annoys her at every turn?
Just when sparks begin to fly—though not in the way they had ever anticipated—a freak electrical accident catapults Tess and Hugh back in time, thrusting them into the enchanting yet restrictive world of Jane Austen’s era.
Stranded in a bygone age, with only one another to rely on, Tess and Hugh must navigate the complexities of historical society, all while steering clear of altering the course of history itself. How will they manage their undeniable tension, and can they find common ground amid the whimsy and challenges of the 19th century?
My reflections…
THE AUSTEN AFFAIR is an exhilarating journey, brimming with humor, charm, and a vibrant energy that pays a delightful homage to the beloved Jane Austen.
With a captivating blend of romance, family dynamics, explosive fireworks, second chances, and enchanting time travel, the story introduces a cast of engaging and endearing characters who grapple with the weight of societal expectations and their own personal dilemmas. These elements will keep you completely engrossed in the narrative.
This heartfelt tale artfully intertwines contemporary and historical fiction, offering readers a delightful concoction of whimsy and romance that is simply swoonworthy. It's a rollicking escapade filled with fun and sentiment that you won't want to put down! A dazzling debut, and I look forward to seeing what Bell comes up with next.
Audiobook...
I had the distinct pleasure of immersing myself in the enchanting performance of the incredibly gifted Stephanie Németh-Parker. Her voice, perfectly attuned to the whimsical charm of this delightful romantic comedy, weaves a spell that draws you in and keeps you captivated from the very first moment to the last. This irresistible tale is sure to leave you smiling long after it concludes!
Recs...
For those who cherish the timeless charm of Jane Austen, THE AUSTIN AFFAIR is a delightful journey that intertwines the twists of enemies-to-lovers romance with the wit and warmth of a modern-day rom-com. This enchanting tale explores the complexities of family dynamics and the beautiful possibilities of second chances, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates the nuances of love, rivalry, and the bonds that bind us.
Special thanks to Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2025, and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 16, 2025
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Praise
“Bell sprinkles in enough references to Austen’s works to satisfy any fan, but she also creates a love story that is genuinely moving in its own right…The story blends the wit and stakes of an Austen novel with the steaminess of a modern romance. A delightful homage to Austen with plenty of its own romantic charm.”
- Kirkus, Starred Review
"Bell makes a meal of the Austenian setting and does a fantastic job peeling back her well-matched leads’ layers as they learn to let go of first impressions. It’s an utter delight."
- Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“In the honored tradition of Austen novels, this story is peppered with engaging and lovable characters dealing with societal expectations that challenge personal desires…Readers looking for an enemies-to-lovers trope, strong family connections, laugh-out-loud banter, and homage to all things Austen will devour this in one sitting.”
- Booklist, Starred Review
"Equal parts cheeky, swoonworthy, and heartfelt, The Austen Affair is a love letter to Jane Austen and her passionate fandom. This tale pulls you in with irresistible banter and 'opposites attract' mischief, and stays with you for the found family, the exploration of love and loss, and the timeless allure of Regency-era romance."
- Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute
"Warm, witty, and delightful, The Austen Affair is a heartfelt rom-com joy. Bursting with chemistry and Austen Easter eggs, it’s the perfect romance for anyone who’s dreamed of falling into their favorite Austen story."
-Alexandra Vasti, USA Today bestselling author of Ne'er Duke Well
"Madeline Bell has resurrected Jane Austen in more ways than one in The Austen Affair, an absolutely delicious time-travel romp that combines regency-era set dressing with fresh, resilient, sexy protagonists. This book is a gem for anyone who never got over Darcy’s hand clench or is dying to hear daresay in a sentence. With writing that moves deftly from contemporary to historical, characters that unfurl like pearls in an oyster, and *chef’s kiss* Austen references, this romantic debut has got to be on your reading list!"
- Clare Gilmore, USA Today bestselling author of Perfect Fit
"The Regency period, time travel, and an utterly charming contemporary romance all rolled into one novel? Yes, please! I loved this so much!"
-Trish Doller, international bestselling author of Float Plan
"If you’ve ever wanted to live inside a Jane Austen novel, open this book! The Austen Affair is the perfect escapist romp. As soon as I closed the cover, I missed these characters. Hugh and Tess are the perfect, witty guides for a window into Jane Austen’s world."
- Tiffany Schmidt, author of A Date with Darcy
"Bell turns the wit and charm all the way up. It is a perfect read for fans of Austen adaptations and also an excellent suggestion for those looking for a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline."
- Library Journal
About the Author
Photo Credit: Blue Sky's Studio
Madeline Bell grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. Writing as Christine Calella, she is the author of two YA novels, The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray and Liar's Kingdom. Like any rom-com heroine worth her salt, she is a lovably clumsy New Yorker with an office job in a creative field.
