I’m always excited to try a new Regency romance author. When I was asked by Ann Hawthorne to listen to the audiobook version of An Authoress and a Viscount, I was happy to give it a chance. I wasn’t disappointed. This witty, novella length story takes a unique approach to Regency romance by placing the main characters inside the royal court. It’s an opposites attract, good girl/bad boy romance with plenty of sparks without going beyond a closed door romance.

Lavinia Dudley gained fame and the notice of Queen Charlotte with her first novel. Asked to become one of the Queen’s dressers, she soon finds herself under intense scrutiny. She’s teased by other courtiers because of her father’s music teacher profession, and her lack of understanding court customs. Her writing is also suffering. When she meets Lord Granville, she’s both attracted and repelled by the known rake. When he offers to help her escape court life, she considers the exasperating man’s offer.

Hugh, Lord Granville excepted the prestigious title of an equerry to the King for one main purpose, to avenge his father’s reputation. While missing home, he frequently finds himself indulging in bad behavior. When he meets Lavinia, a cunning scheme develops. But, when they visit Cheltenham together with the court and frequently find themselves in each others’ company, he begins to see Lavinia as more than just a means to an end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook version! The witty, crisp dialogue was made all the better with the fabulous narration. Mary Jane Wells captures all the characters so well including those with German accents. She really brings out the emotion and humor.

At around four hours, this engaging story was easily to listen to in a day. I was completely captured by the upright, rule following Lavinia and the charming, bad boy Hugh. I loved their banter and Hugh’s slightly naughty remarks. I enjoyed watching them go from tolerating each other to falling in love. The story was interesting with all the court customs, as well as amusing. The slow burn romance and reformed rake aspects were also fun. There’s a bit of intrigue they’re involved in and I enjoyed seeing them work together to solve the problem.

Definitely recommend to Regency romance fans who don’t mind a bit of innuendo. It’s a clean romance with a little spice. Looking forward to future books by this author. I was offered an advanced listener copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

CW: Allusions to Hugh’s rakish past including his proclivity for seducing married women, but with very little detail. There’s also a time where Lavinia considers giving into temptation. ( )