I've heard this book described as Gossip Girl meets Bridgerton and I completely agree with that. I would also add "meets Mean Girls"

I listen to the audio book and the first line is a dedication to Jane Austin followed by "sorry Jane". It had me hooked straight away.

I laughed, I cried, I got so angry I threw my headphone off and then I stayed up half the night listening to it.

If you are in a reading slump this is definitely the book to get you out of it!

This was a really fun read. Packed with friendship, scoundrels, scandals and romance, it reminded my of Austen crossed with Gossip girl/Mean girls.

Someone looking for historical accuracy might cringe in places but I thought Lex Croucher did a great job of integrating a grittier storyline than the typical regency romance. In fact, it’s a bit darker than the sugary cover might imply.

I really enjoyed Georgina’s easily influenced escapades, and personal growth. The Knightly/Emma vibes of Georgina and Thomas’ relationship were engage and I loved their relationship development.

As an audiobook, I found myself easily immersed in the story and flew through it. The character voices were distinct and enigmatic, and really brought their unique perspectives to life.

Thank you Bonnier UK Audio and NetGalley for this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Reputation follows Georgiana Ellers, a middle-class girl thrown into the opulent world of the Regency-era elite after meeting the captivating Frances Campbell. Georgiana navigates the highs and lows of high society, including unchaperoned visits with mixed-sex groups consuming drinks and drugs while questioning the true cost of acceptance.

I read the physical book version of Reputation by Lex Croucher about a year or two ago, before I started writing book reviews. However, I've fallen in love with audiobooks in the last few months and I'm even more in love with regency-based romances than ever before, so I jumped at the chance to listen to the audiobook version of Reputation. And I wasn't disappointed - I definitely preferred the audiobook to reading the physical book!

I think the main reason is Bessie Carter as the narrator. I suppose it's not a surprise that a trained actor performed the book better than the voice in my own head did as I read the book, but I definitely wanted to mention it. As a fan of Bridgerton (both the books and TV series), Bessie's voice was instantly recognisable, but I think more than anything else she was just really comfortable with the language and style of the book due to all of her period-based acting roles. As a result, it was a really natural and confident narration, but also quirky and full of character which was perfect for Georgiana and her new, wild friends.

I love that this is mainly a book about friendship. The relationships between Georgiana and her new friends Frances, Cecily, Jane, Jonathan, and Betty are the main focus of the story, rather than Georgiana's romantic relationship with Thomas which is like an added bonus. The power dynamics and the ways in which Frances takes her feelings out on her friends, pits them against each other and plays favourites, Mean Girls-style, is a story that makes sense in any setting - modern or Regency-era. The overall plot isn't realistic for the Regency era, as the behaviour the group displayed would never have been possible to get away with, but that doesn't reduce my enjoyment of the story. Thomas, as Georgiana's love interest, is a minor character until about 50% through the book but he acts as a calm contrast to the chaos of Frances.

I would definitely recommend the audiobook of Reputation. It really enhanced my enjoyment of this book because of the excellent narration.

Disclaimer: I received an ALC from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.