Much ADO about Everything - by Madeline Bell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Beloved author of The Austen Affair, Madeline Bell, returns with a twist on Shakespeare featuring fiery exes, scheming friends, and sweet revenge.

Beatrice and Richard. Once-soulmates-turned-mortal-enemies.

Ten years after a devastating breakup, the two feuding exes are forced into proximity to serve as the maid of honor and best man at the wedding of their closest friends. For one weekend, Beatrice and Richard need to put aside their pride, spite, and weirdly exhilarating hate-fest in order to celebrate a more functional couple's happy ending. The thing about a feud, though, is that when it's the only thing tying you to the person who broke your heart, it's really hard to let it go. And isn't it better to fight with your mortal enemy (*cough* the love of your life) than to never speak at all?

Over the course of the weekend, six friends reconnect for an Italian wedding extravaganza--and a scheme is hatched to get the exes back together. Inspired by Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, this is an ensemble story about the friendships that evolve with us as we grow up, from barely-adults in college to fully-formed humans, warts and all. And of course, it's a heart-pounding second-chance love story about two stubborn, prickly, hilarious exes with sizzling chemistry. Beatrice and Richard's hatred is so fiery it risks explosion. But maybe burning things down is the best way to start over.

Review Quotes

Praise for Madeline Bell's The Austen Affair

"Enjoyably goofy. . .The time-travel element is a fun twist, and the comedy is weighted with just enough darker emotion." - The New York Times

"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

"If you love Pride & Prejudice and Bridgerton, you're practically guaranteed to love this book...The Austen Affair holds its own among modern classics like Austenland and Lost in Austen. I laughed, I cried, and I thanked the universe for letting me live in a time when women aren't considered trollops for not wearing gloves in public." - Buzzfeed

"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

"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

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