I rated it as 3 stars, but it is a positive neutral for me, rather than just neutral. Probably the first time I was torn between 3 and 4 to the point where I considered the damned 0.5 rating.

I picked up this ARC as a short&sweet palate cleanser book, a silly little romance to enjoy in the middle of the hurdle that is babel (this critique is coming soon-ish). I am and always will remain a fan of all Austen adaptations, interpretations and retellings - no matter the media. I was hoping this would remind me of 2003 movie adaptation, and it sort of did. If you add time travel/isekai moment to the list.

It was a lot more anachronistic than I would've preferred, but it is manageable if you treat it for what it is - a printed feel good romcom. Ideally, though, the characters from the past should remain true to their time period and the isekai-ed main characters be comically trying to fit in too much and thus sticking out in the crowd.

Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised that it had some good depiction/insights of dealing with grief and healthy mature love. While I do not agree that love for a partner can substitute love for a parent (hello Ancient Greek love types), I think the way Tess progressed from being consumed by her loss to finally being able to move on was done quite well.

ALSO, queen Reese Whitherspoon would've loved the fact that "what are we gonna do" question is asked by a man for a change.

Additional points for making the male main character autistic-coded - even if the intention was to make him fit into grumpy x sunshine trope, to me he 100% read as autistic. His monologue about speaking to people with an outdated script or the need to use flowery language to make people inclined to do business with you spoke to me on a spiritual level.

I would definitely recommend this to a few of my friends if they were looking for a quick cheerful read to unwind.

Loved this book! Time travel to regency times, enemies to lovers, family bonding, grief - what more could I ask for? Main characters were perfect.

3.5/5

The Austin Affair by Madeline Bell is a fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers romance novel. The two main characters, Tess Bright and Hugh Balfour, are actors cast in a film adaptation of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. An electrical shock sends them back 200 years to Jane Austen's time – the Regency era. Hugh and Tess have to maintain the ruse that they are part of that era until they figure out how to project themselves forward in time.

The beginning of this book was very fast-paced and got to the point immediately. So much so, I wish there was a little more context and scene setting. At the start of the book, there was preexisting animosity between Tess and Hugh, but there wasn’t an initial event that sparked this hatred. Tess is a go-with-the-flow, slightly messy, improv-loving actress who doesn’t understand why Hugh is so stoic and uptight. Hugh sees Tess as an absolute train wreck and is annoyed he has to work with someone so messy, both professionally and personally. There were a few moments that emphasized their differences, such as when Tess went off script and adjusted Hugh’s cravat, which caused him to freak out and stop the scene. While this moment highlighted their professional differences, I felt the story lacked a deeper context for their hatred.

Hugh and Tess shot into the past so early on in the book, I felt like I was missing the enemies part of the enemies-to-lovers trope. As Tess was falling for Hugh, she thought about their audition for Northanger Abbey. She referenced a “spark” they had while auditioning, which solidified the casting director’s decision to choose them for the roles. I wish Bell had explored that scene and included it as the first chapter of the book. There was so much potential to introduce Tess and Hugh and delve into that initial “spark”, which would have foreshadowed the romance that comes later in the book. I would have loved an incident to pinpoint the exact moment their initial attraction turned sour. This would have set a basis for the tension on set once filming started. I think that would have rounded out the enemies arc.

Most scenes lacked the amount of imagery I wanted to pull me into the Regency Era. Even after reading the entire book, I still have a hard time picturing what the two main characters look like. Hugh is described as having dark hair, dark eyes, and being tall, and Tess has dark hair. Aside from these vague physical descriptors, I was left in the dark. There were some great moments, such as when the group went to Beacon Hill and finally reached their destination. In that moment, Bell’s imagery and emotional descriptors made me feel like I was in Regency England, overlooking a small town and enjoying a picnic with my friends. A few added paragraphs to preexisting scenes would have enhanced the story.

Bell did a great job developing side characters who added to the depth of the story and world-building. I adored the Balfour family, especially Hugh’s multi-great-grandfather, George, who at that time is a hyperactive, imaginative six-year-old child. Hugh’s awkwardness trying to navigate being himself and playing the part of his distant ancestor was anxiety-inducing, yet adorable and entertaining.

I wish I could rate this book higher because overall, The Austen Affair was such an enjoyable read, and I couldn’t put it down. The romance between Tess and Hugh was so sweet and exciting, especially set in the period of the early 1800s. Social propriety of the time created exceptional tension during their budding romance that I loved, but between the lack of imagery and basis for enmity, I had to rate the story slightly lower than I would have liked.

I absolutely loved this time travel romance. It was funny, wistful, and romantic, and Jane Austen herself made multiple appearances throughout! The characters stole my heart. I grew to love Hugh even though he was rude and standoffiish in the beginning. It's clear that Tess softened his edges and helped him believe that he deserved to be loved, and that he gave Tess confidence that she was not alone and that he would protect and care for her. They made such a lovely couple that I would definitely want to read about them again! I wish we could know more about their lives together post-Northanger Abbey. Kudos to Madeline Bell whose writing career I will follow from now on, and thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

I have always loved a good time travel story, and The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell manages to blend it beautifully with romance and historical fiction. The novel follows Tess Bight, who has landed her dream role in a Northanger Abbey remake, an opportunity that could make or break her career. Unfortunately, her co-star Hugh Balfour takes an instant dislike to her and dismisses her acting abilities.
While filming, the two are caught in an electrical accident that transports them back to the Regency period, specifically to Hugh’s ancestral home during Jane Austen’s time. As Tess and Hugh struggle to adapt to the past, they must carefully navigate Regency society and avoid altering Hugh’s family history. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic brings plenty of sparks to their interactions, and their adventures in the past are both entertaining and filled with twists. The time-slip concept is cleverly executed, keeping the story fresh and engaging.

With numerous nods to Jane Austen herself, the novel strikes a delightful balance between homage and originality. I quickly found myself rooting for Tess and Hugh as a couple and their surprisingly strong communication for a romance novel added an extra layer of charm. This book was an absolute treat, and I can’t wait to read more from Madeline Bell.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

4/5 stars

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I found the characters to be a bit dense at times. I was concerned at first that they would only have an interest in each other due to be thrown into the same situation, but I was proven wrong; they did have some deep moments that warranted a deeper connection. Overall, a quick and light read.

I love Jane Austen and Hollywood-set romances so there was much to love in this one. The premise is wonderfully absurd, but the light tone kept it well-balanced — it also helped to balance the exploration of grief at the center of the story. It was interesting to read a time slip romance where the MCs happen to look right in place in the past, due to movie set costumes and family resemblances. It allowed the story to skip a lot of the typical time slip elements and forge a new direction.

I think it can be tough to make enemies to lovers work in contemporary romance, but there was solid reasoning for Tess and Hugh’s dislike of each other. And their arc from enemies to lovers felt natural and romantic. This was a fun, unique romance read.

So, everyone in Regency England just accepts that there are time travelers? Also their acting was that good and there were zero cultural (or hygiene) surprises? Also simply replicating the inciting event fixes everything? Like, a backup plan could have been...good?

THE AUSTEN AFFAIR by Madeline Bell is a romantic, fun, and clever time travel romance. This book does enemies to lovers in such a great way. It's Jane Austen meets time-travel romantic comedy. The premise - accidental time travel from modern day to Jane Austen's England - sucked me in but the characters and pacing kept me binge reading until the very end. Before I gush on more, let me tell you what this book is about.

The main character, Tess Bright, has suffered a recent loss. It's caused her acting career, which had some promise, to falter. Surprisingly, she's cast as the main female lead in a movie based on Northanger Abbey. Unfortunately, the main male lead is Hugh Balfour, a stuck up, perfectionist, method actor who doesn't want to have anything to do with bright, sometimes messy but always fun, Tess. In the middle of an argument, something happens and they are transported to Regency England. How will they survive in this day and age? Will they ever stop despising each other? How will they be able to return to their modern time? Will they want to? Read this fun, entertaining, funny, and clever book to find out.

What I loved most about this book:
- The enemies to lovers romance had such a gradual and fulfilling build
- The parallels and call-backs to Austen's work made this Austen fan very happy, indeed
- The voice in this book was fantastic. It was fun and sometimes sad to be inside Tess's head. What a great character -- flawed, human, and with a gigantic heart.
- I totally related to Hugh in this story. I have perfectionist tendencies, and understand the anxiety that goes along with catastrophizing. Also - who doesn't love an attractive man with a posh English accent?
- It was entertaining to read about the Regency setting and all that it entails from etiquette around courting to the potential violence of a duel
- Bonus points for the Balfour family, even George, the rascal!

What didn't work:
- I can't think of anything. I had so much fun reading this story. As long as the reader doesn't have a problem suspending their disbelief about a couple of lucky happenstances, they will have fun, too.

THE AUSTEN AFFAIR is an enjoyable read with a fantastic premise, strong characters, and an enjoyable enemies to lovers romance. I highly recommend it. Don your Regency best, then pre-order this beguiling novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.

I received an advanced reader copy of The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell. While this isn't my typical genre, my love of Jane Austen and the promise of a fun enemies-to-lovers romance drew me in.

The novel has a charming premise, blending literary fandom with modern romance. There are plenty of clever nods to Austen's work that fans will appreciate. However, the story itself sometimes felt uneven. The chemistry between the main characters had its moments, but their transition from adversaries to romantic partners lacked the emotional build-up I was hoping for. Additionally, while the setting and Austen-inspired elements were enjoyable, some of the plot twists felt predictable and the pacing lagged in the middle.

Overall, The Austen Affair is a light, enjoyable read that will appeal to Austen enthusiasts looking for a modern twist, but it didn’t fully sweep me off my feet the way I hoped.

Thank you to Madeline Bell, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a really fun, quick read, perfect for Austen fans! The leads in a Northanger Abbey film (who don’t get along) get transported in time back to Jane Austen’s era. Tess and Hugh have little in common and clash a lot at the beginning, but they have a very sweet enemies-to-lovers romance.

Admittedly, I find the time travel premise of it a bit silly, but that was part of the charm for me. It’s mostly a light, entertaining read, but there was also some depth to the characters and their experiences. I really loved all the Jane Austen references and quotes, and of course the references to some of the film adaptations. If you’re an Austen fan, there’s a lot to love here!

From the very first page, it captures your heart with its warmth and natural flow. The narrative is perfectly paced, allowing the plot to unfold seamlessly without ever feeling rushed or forced. What struck me most was how believable the characters and their relationships felt; everything developed organically, drawing you deeper into the story with each turn. If you're looking for a read that leaves you smiling and thoroughly satisfied, this book is an absolute gem worth experiencing.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

As a lover of all things Austen, as soon as I saw the title and read the description I knew I had to read this. What I thought might just be a cute fun story had a lot of heart in coping with grief, anxiety, and that feeling like you’re a mess and will never be enough, and then finding yourself and strength again. The enemies to lovers banter was great and I loved the nod to Austenland with the Hot in Herre mention (iykyk). I really loved this, and it was the perfect, curled up in a chair while it’s pouring outside read.

The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell is a charming and witty romantic comedy that combines the allure of Jane Austen's world with a modern twist. The story follows Tess Bright, an actress hoping to revive her career by starring in a film adaptation of Northanger Abbey. However, her co-star, Hugh Balfour, a serious method actor, is less than thrilled about their pairing. Their on-screen tension takes an unexpected turn when an accident sends them back in time to Regency-era England.

Bell's writing is engaging and filled with humor, capturing the essence of Austen's novels while adding a contemporary flair. The chemistry between Tess and Hugh is palpable, and their journey from enemies to lovers is both heartwarming and entertaining. The time-travel element adds an exciting layer to the story, allowing readers to experience the Regency era through the eyes of modern characters.

The novel also delves into themes of grief and personal growth, as Tess navigates her mother's death and her own insecurities. These elements add depth to the story, making it more than just a lighthearted romance.

Overall, The Austen Affair is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of Austen's works and anyone looking for a fun, romantic escape. Bell has crafted a story that is both nostalgic and refreshing, offering a perfect blend of romance, humor, and adventure.

I found myself smiling often, both at the clever references and at how naturally the story unfolded. It was a warm, intelligent, and completely charming read that made me want to revisit Austen’s originals immediately after. The characters quoting Austen added so much charm.

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

⭐️=3.75 | 😘=5 | 🤬=4.5 | ⚔️=1.5 | 18+

summary: she’s an actress playing Catherine Morland and gets sucked back into the Regency era with her costar. will they find their way back to the modern age?? will they get caught making out???? who can say!!

thoughts: yes, this was a silly goofy giggly delightful time. no, it’s not a perfect book; I quite frankly couldn't care less about them finding an electric machine to return to the modern day? like how did they even know that would work in the first place?? obv it’s silly time jump nonsense but my suspension of disbelief was slightly fighting for its life on that front. also I have this arbitrary rule for romance novels where you are allowed to mention Taylor Swift only once, and it mentioned her twice but like how much do I really care about that?

however!! you can tell that this book was written by a true Austen fan. that energy is on basically every page, and it feels very real in that sense, while still having a bit of the bodice ripper suspension of disbelief energy; it was a good balance, imo. loved the main couple and their dynamic for the most part, but most of all it was just, like, the vibes. good vibes!! a fun time!! very much enjoyed myself—read it in two sittings, and it kept me up at night! like in a good way!! (view spoiler) huzzah!

ARC - Thank you so much st martin's griffin publishing!

I LOVED this! A time travel, magical realism book set to the backdrop of a Jane Austen novel? Yep, sign me up!

This was such a fun read!! When I saw the description for the book, I just knew I needed to read it. A time travel to Regency era romcom, count me in!!

Tess and Hugh are adorable characters each with their own imperfections. Tess is "messy" and feels big feelings, Hugh is closed off and robotic. But once we start diving in, we see all the layers that make them so much more and so uniquely themselves. Their differences help them fit together like cute puzzle pieces.

This will make for a fun summer read and would be perfect as a bookclub book!! I look forward to looking up other books put out by this author.

Includes:
•Enemies to friends to lovers
•Major swooning
•Cinnamon roll MMC
•Opposites attract
•Grumpy-Sunshine
•Time travel

Big thank you to St. Martin's Press, Madeline Bell, and NetGalley for an eArc to read and review!!

This book was an UTTER DELIGHT.

Tess and Hugh are both actors working on a film adaptation for Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. Tess is a bit of a mess, as she lost her mother a year ago, and was recently let go from her television series gig. Hugh is orderly, controlled, and of course, a method actor and cannot be bothered to be friendly to Tess. Tess and Hugh naturally hate working with each other and in the heat on an argument on set on day, they find themselves zapped back to the Regency times 200 years prior.

Tess and Hugh must quickly adapt to the Regency times if they don’t want to draw suspicion. High tea, town gossip, balls, betrothals, and a fake engagement are afoot! This book was laugh out loud funny and I loved all the small town Regency gossipy characters. I really enjoyed Tess and Hugh’s character development while being stuck in the past. Aunt Fanny and Hugh’s meddling family were spot on, too! This book is perfect for Austen lovers and anyone who enjoys a classic enemies to lovers with a dash of time travel.

🌳 Enemies to lovers
🌳 Jane Austen inspired
🌳 Time travel/time slip
🌳 Swooning…PINING!
🌳 Opposites attract

What a delightful and fun rom-com! I love a good Regency read, and the modern twist in this one was so refreshing!

While the stakes were never high and the plot is somewhat predictable, I flew through this read and thoroughly enjoyed every word!