Book Review: The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell

Title: The Austen Affair
Author: Madeline Bell
Pages: 336
Publication Date: Sept. 16, 2025
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Contemporary, Fiction / Historical
Synopsis:

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.

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I’m a huge Jane Austen fan, so this story appealed to me from the moment I saw it, and I was not disappointed. The Austen Affair is a fabulous read! It’s charming, funny, emotional, and wonderfully romantic. I adored everything about it: the characters, the time travel twist, the Regency setting, the Austen references, and the absolutely swoon-worthy romance that unfolds with the perfect amount of angst, romance, and humor.

The story follows two actors, Tess Bright and Hugh Balfour, who are cast as the leads in a Jane Austen adaptation. An on-set accident sends them spiraling back 200 years into the Regency period, where they have to figure out how to survive (and possibly get home) while keeping their wits—and reputations—intact. What follows is hilarious, heartfelt, and, at times, bittersweet, with an emotional depth I wasn’t expecting but absolutely loved.

Tess is such a fun and relatable protagonist with an amazing personality. She’s sharp, big-hearted, and quick-witted, even when she’s floundering in a world that expects her to be meek and demure. Her sense of humor is a major highlight of the story, and I laughed out loud more than once at her internal monologues and clever quips. At the same time, there’s a vulnerability to her that made me really connect with her, especially in how she navigates grief and her longing to honor her mother’s memory. As a fellow motherless daughter, I so understood her feelings.

And then there’s Hugh. Love him!! Quiet and serious, he starts out as a bit of a mystery and a total grump who is stoic and clearly not thrilled to be stuck with Tess. But as the story unfolds, we see his deeper layers. His loyalty, protectiveness, deep love for his family, dry humor, and his simmering emotional intensity just melted me, as did some of the swoon-worthy things he declared to Tess.

Hugh is the perfect complement to Tess in an opposites attract, introvert/extrovert kind of way. They have such amazing chemistry, and I love how their contentious relationship changes and blooms into something truly beautiful. They develop an ease with each other as they quickly learn to trust and support each other is so lovely. They have so many touching and funny conversations (like laugh out loud, left a smile on my face funny), and I love their banter too. Their relationship goes from superficial and unpleasant to a deep and lasting love, and it was fantastic!

I also have to shout out George, Hugh’s younger brother, who stole every scene he was in. He’s mischievous, clever, and delightfully dramatic in the best way. His interactions with Tess, Hugh, and the other characters were so charming and added another layer of warmth and humor to the story. Beyond the romance and the laughs, the book touches on themes of grief, self-worth, and the courage it takes to embrace change. Both Tess and Hugh are navigating their own insecurities and disappointments, and it was really moving to watch them find strength in themselves and each other.

The Austen Affair is fun and flirty, emotionally rich, full of clever Austen nods, and has such lovely messages about finding connection, embracing vulnerability, and rewriting your own story. There’s even a fantastic cameo that made me squeal just as much as Tess did. 😂 Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.