The Austen Affair - by Madeline Bell

About the Book

"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."-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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

"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

"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, author of Love Interest

"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 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 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

Madeline Bell grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. Like any rom-com heroine worth her salt, she is a lovably clumsy New Yorker with an office job in a creative field.