The Audition

by Eugenia Riley

A Standalone Age-gap, Alpha Male, Professor/Student Romance!Is the maestro looking for a fling . . . or auditioning for a mate?

Maestro Verner Dietrich does not request, he dictates. He does not ask, he takes. He is an utterly charming tyrant, a martinet, a mesmerist. No one dares to defy him.

Dare I?

In 1968, I am an innocent little ingenue from a backwater Texas town, just arrived at a small, conservative Christian college, when famous German conductor Maestro Verner Dietrich barges into my life. Here to teach a summer workshop, the devilish scoundrel commandeers my audition for music class, assessing me for a wicked, illicit purpose of his own. From his first piercing, icy-blue stare, I am hooked. I soon find myself near helpless against his powerful personality and passionate sexuality, willing to do almost anything just to see him fix that devastating smile on me.

Rapidly he takes me in hand, conscripting me for his workshop and claiming me for the brief weeks we will be together. What defense have I against him? Only my heart, my soul, my emotions, all of which are rapidly succumbing to his formidable spell. Time is running out, for soon he will return to his very different world. Will I have a future with my mesmerizing, mercurial maestro? Am I woman enough to stand up to his dominance and satisfy his insatiable lusts? Or will I be discarded like so many others before me?

The Audition is Book #1 in Eugenia Riley's incredibly sexy and provocative new series, Maestro Standalones. Fans of The Audition will also love Eugenia's blazing hot Maestro contemporary romance Play for Me, Mate with Me, and Stay with Me. Or, read all three in the box set Maestro Complete Series!

Eugenia Riley is the award-winning, bestselling author of dozens of historical, contemporary, and time-travel romances, including A Tryst in Time, Tempest in Time, and Bushwhacked Bride. She has written for publishers including Avon, Bantam, Warner, Harlequin, and Dorchester. Ms. Riley’s Waltz in Time won her the HOLT Medallion for Best Book with a Southern Theme and Play for Me is the winner of the Bestsellerpub.com First Chapter Contest and a Finalist for the Carolyn Readers Choice Award. She has numerous romances available in Kindle.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Eugenia Riley is the award-winning, bestselling author of dozens of historical, contemporary and time-travel romances, including A TRYST IN TIME, TEMPEST IN TIME, and TIMESWEPT BRIDE. She is a #1 Bestselling Author of Time Travel Romance at Amazon and Kindle. She has written for publishers including Avon, Bantam, Warner, Harlequin and Dorchester.

Eugenia is delighted to announce the launching of Eugenia Riley Classics, a new imprint featuring all of your favorite Eugenia Riley historical, contemporary, and time-travel romances, finally available again in Kindle, NOOK, Kobo and at iBooks! Eugenia's currently available e-book list includes: WANTED ACROSS TIME; BUSHWHACKED BRIDE; BUSHWHACKED GROOM; PHANTOM IN TIME; EMBERS OF TIME; A CHRISTMAS IN TIME; LOVERS AND OTHER LUNATICS; TIMESWEPT BRIDE; TIMESWEPT BABY; THE PHANTOM OF THE BATHTUB ; TEMPEST IN TIME; and TWO HEARTS IN TIME.

Eugenia's latest release, WANTED ACROSS TIME, is an April 2013 release in Kindle, NOOK, Kobo, and at iBooks. WANTED ACROSS TIME is a wild and sexy romp back in time to the Wild West, in the tradition of BUSHWHACKED BRIDE and BUSHWHACKED GROOM.

Eugenia is especially acclaimed for her nine time travel romance novels. Her first two, A TRYST IN TIME and TEMPEST IN TIME, were Waldenbooks romance bestsellers in mass-market paperback; both titles sold out of print three times. Three of her time-travels placed on the Ingram's romance list; and EMBERS OF TIME was a top ten bestseller in time-travel at Borders. Eight of Eugenia's time-travels have earned 5 star ratings or better at Heartland Critiques, and all have won numerous high ratings and rave reviews in publications such as Romantic Times, Rendezvous, and The Literary Times. Reviewer Harriet Klausner calls Eugenia "the empress of time-travel romance." She has received thousands of fan letters on her novels, from locations all over the world.

Eugenia is the winner of the HOLT Medallion for WALTZ IN TIME. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas, a former English teacher and editor of TOUCHSTONE Literary Quarterly. She lives in Texas with her husband; they have two grown daughters and two grandchildren.

Reviews

[Marcy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Audition Book 1 is the first in Maestro Standalones Series by Eugenia Riley. If you enjoyed the original collection of The Maestro Books 1-3 you will not be disappointed with this .A Prestigious Conductor and a young Protege first time away from home . His worldly background and her Christian upbringing and sheltered life certainly play Into this story. Add in the age difference, twice hers just spices it up. There is so much to this story besides all the differences. How About Just Finding A Soulmate ! Don’t say the age is wrong ! It is Legal ! Love shows no age of what the Heart Feels ! Or she is too young to be married ! Just enjoy a story of Finding Soulmates !
Evangelina Burns was the daughter of a Christian Minister. Home was not only strict , but abusive. Off to college for so summer courses hoping to find a new start. Music was for her pleasure she was even self taught. Wanting to be an English major and just take piano lessons.
Verner Dietrich ,Maestro , Munich Philharmonic Famous was just the beginning of who he was. Reputation had a whole other list. Handsome, Charming, Womanizer and supposedly married. Leaving a trail of used woman in his path . Was it true ? Or just Rumors ?
Evangelina and Verner meet when she audition on the piano for acceptance to the program. He heard her play and the music touched his soul. They get introduced and there journey begins. He being demanding and she Naive though with a strong personality. Both with a Love of Music making it a common bond .Love being built making this Romantic Tale Touching, Compassionate, Protective, and Loving. It was so Beautifully told you can feel all the emotions, that I cried at the end . I look forward to more in this series.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Audition
Eugenia Riley

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Audition is Book #1 in Eugenia Riley's incredibly sexy and provocative new series, Maestro Standalones.

The Audition by Eugenia Riley swept me off my feet and left me breathless in the best possible way. Set in 1968, this age-gap, professor/student romance is anything but predictable. What begins as an ordinary college piano exam for 18-year-old Evangeline Burns quickly spirals into a life-altering encounter with the intense and enigmatic Verner Dietrich, a 38-year-old maestro with a commanding presence and a darkly seductive edge.

I went in expecting a steamy summer fling with a dominant older man and yes, there’s no shortage of heat, but what I got was so much more. This story is rich with emotional intensity, complex dynamics, and a deep, almost poetic connection between two souls who never expected to collide so powerfully.

Dietrich’s desire to dominate is undeniable, but so is his reverence for Evangeline. He doesn’t just claim her, he cherishes her, challenges her, and awakens her in every sense of the word. Their relationship walks the fine line between power and passion, all while reflecting the social tensions and evolving identities of the late '60s. Riley captures that era’s sensuality and rebellion with masterful prose and an immersive atmosphere.
This is not just erotica. It’s an exquisitely written romance that dares to ask: what if the roles we play are not always what defines us, but what frees us?

I was completely absorbed from the first page to the last. The Audition is provocative, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying and it has officially made me a fan of Eugenia Riley. I can't wait to devour more!

[Bells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evangeline, a self-taught piano prodigy and talented timpanist, found herself caught in a whirlwind romance with a world-famous maestro twice her age during a two-week college workshop. The German maestro, initially perceived as a womanizer, noticed her during an audition to pass her college music board exam.

Their paths crossed in the corridors, where he tuned into her playing, leading to an unexpected and controversial turn of events as he persuaded her into an intimate liaison that very day. In the aftermath, he took a forceful step, pushing her to join the workshop so that he could spend more time with her.

This forbidden romance added a layer of complexity to their connection, especially considering the norms of 1968. Verner's refusal to accept 'no' for an answer and his insistence on her participation highlighted the challenges of navigating relationships in that era. The narrative delves into the intricate dynamics of their connection, exploring the consequences and transformation that followed their impulsive decisions during those audacious times.

Despite the unconventional start, the maestro's transformative realization led to marriage, giving Evangeline the life she deserved. The story unfolds through the lens of their unique connection, embracing unexpected love and growth against the backdrop of a bygone era.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to its time period, THE AUDITION by Eugenia Riley, was a love story that we get to see unfurl and come to fruition. This is the first book in the Maestro Standalones series and it drew me in from the first page to the last even when its steaminess wholly took me out of my comfort zone.

This is the Maestro and Evangeline’s story. He’s the conductor of the Munich Symphony and a visiting guest artist at a small Christian college in Texas. She’s a student there taking summer classes but has an audition to take piano lessons in the fall. He unexpectedly hears her play, is totally smitten and entranced from that point on. It’s a whirlwind from that point on and a love story with an age gap romance.

There are a lot of reasons for them to keep their romantic relationship secret but is it possible with all the gossip already being spread about them? But even when there are real feelings though they come from different worlds and cultures, live on different continents and have a twenty year age gap, how viable is it? It’s a roller coaster of a ride filled with emotions that has a wonderfully portrayed happily ever after. The epilogue that brings us to the present day was the icing on the cake. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been born in 1950, the same year as the heroine, I could totally relate to the time period and the young innocent girl going off to college. She was not prepared to be swept away by Verner Dietrich the dashing German, world renowned Conductor, and very much her senior, who was to be the guest professor of her college’s workshop. When Verner heard Evangeline flawlessly play the piano at her audition he was enthralled. From then on the two were inseparable. He was beyond controlling, taking over her body and her very life. She was a moth to a flame, unable to resist him in any way, although she had a very sassy mouth, which he ultimately loved. Having read the entire Maestro series (and loved every page of it) , I think that Verner was even more controlling than that Maestro was, but Evangeline never seemed to mind. Maybe it was just because of her upbringing and the era she was raised in. Indeed, as the story went, it proved that they truly were soulmates and loved one another for a lifetime!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An audition that led to undying love

Verner, The Maestro, came to Texas for a two week summer program. To show and audition young musicians.
He was in the hall when Evangelina Burns played on the piano. He was amazed how she played so well. He fell for her right from the beginning.
He was mesmerized by her beauty and talent. He wanted her in every way.
He was known as a womanizer, but he knew he had to have this young woman. He was twenty years older than her. But he wanted to ravish her in so many ways.
He worried about being caught. He didn't care for himself. But he was intrigued and worried about her being thrown out of college.
She was a preacher daughter, and her mother was a school teacher. Very strict and condescending to Evangelina.
Verner knew he had to have her. He didn't want to share or be away from her.
Great story of two people who have many obstacles to work through. One was the age difference, and the other was being accepted by his colleagues.
Nothing stopped these two.
Great story by Eugenia Riley

[Star0925 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I almost DNF'd this book because of the questionable marital status. I'm glad I continued. The author's note asked that the reader keep in mind that the story is set in 1968 and judge the story by that time.

So we meet 18 year old Evageline, who is attending a Christian college. She's a preacher's kid who was raised in a strict home. Enter Maestro Verner Dietrich (20 years her senior), who becomes enthralled with her before he sets eyes on her through her music as she auditions for the music department.


Verner sweeps her off her feet and vows to never let her go. To find their HEA, they must navigate through the perceptions of others, rumors, scandals, and her parents.

Tropes Age gap, alpha hero, virgin heroine.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young, naive and inexperienced college girl, who has a great musical talent. Meets an much older, seductive and experience music maestro.
They start an affair that starts a tails spin for her. His friend thinks he is just up to his old tricks.
One of the Dean's wants him for herself and starts rumors about them.
Surprisingly the Maestro is enthralled with the young college student. But she is told rumors about him and does not trust him but can not stay away from him.
Will they have a HEA?

Her parents are awful people, you are not to abuse your child and if one does, the other should protect their child.

HEA does not usually happen between 2 people, one with power, experience rover the other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful Age Gap Romance. Verner and Evangeline's story is a very wonderful journey. This story grabbed my attention from the very first page and didn't let go until the very end. And what a beautiful HEA this story is. Along the way there are lots of twists that keep you on edge and guessing. One minute everything is fine, then the next doubt gets instilled into their brains. This story is very well written. I enjoyed the historical aspect of the year and how things were in that time period. All the characters are relatable. And the erotic scenes are very enjoyable. Overall I highly recommend this book. It's my first book by Eugenia and I am looking forward to reading more of her books. This is a must read

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a whirlwind ten day story where the glorified visiting maestro is doing a two week workshop at a small Christian college in a backwoods NE Texas town. When he hears Evangelina's audition to take piano lessons, he butts in and takes over, not just the audition critique, but her schedule and her body. He takes this preacher's daughter's virginity! He puts her into the last hour of his workshop, starring her on the timpani drums. He calls her to the front after the banquette but before the recital and goes down on one knee! Shocking as this late summer, early spring match is Riley handles it well. These two pianists manage an excellent life together.

[Ayezu Tamarapreye Okoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the preview copy on book sprout

A fiction of the experience of male and female Americans Verne and Evangeline occuring after the formers acceptance to be on a list(lee-saint/strike ) of conductors and the latter's experience as a student of a Christian school before the events of the assassination(ah/ar-sa-sea-nation with sa for great in ikwerre language in Nigeria) of Martin(Mart-in/inn) Luther(Loo-Ta with Ta for source in ijaw language in Nigeria). It's poetic fiction.I look forward to the full book.

[ljamison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this story. The year this story takes place and where made it somewhat difficult for me to connect with. But, I’m glad I persevered because this was a charming book about two people who fall in love fast and hard for each other. There was a big age difference between these two and of course the forbidden aspect of being her teacher. If you are willing to push through the difficulties of reading about a different time you are in for a great romance with some steamy moments.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I struggled to remember that is was written in a different time setting. But I really loved the character building and how detailed the story is. Evangeline fell so fast for her maestro and so did he for her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evangeline, so pure and so virginal, then there is Verner who is a known womanizer. When Verner meets Evangeline his life is changed. She is defiant and has a sassy mouth, but so pure. Verner is a celebrity and always gets what he wants.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the relationship between Evangeline and Verner. This story was very spicy and I enjoyed it quite a lot. I haven’t read many academic romance books before and I now have a new favorite genre. The way the ending tied everything up nicely was amazing too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good professor/student romance. The Audition did not disappoint at all. Everything was great about this story. From the book cover to the ending. It was such a beautiful romance between the two leads. The age gap and the time period were vital to add more humps to the story. Great characters development. Great pace. 🌶🌶🌶🌶 very steamy. Eugenia Riley does it again. I can't wait for book 2.

[Thea Kubicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Audition

Verne and Evangeline

Wow did this bring back memories since I graduated HS and started college in 1969 and I could really relate to the times. Verner was a little overbearing but he had Evangeline's best interest at heart and just what she needed to bring out the best in her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Francheska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age gap , spicy , teacher seduction … I don’t know how to feel about how rushed it felt to read . Wish we had more substance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not my usual genre of book, so maybe that’s why I wasn’t so thrilled with it. This book was very well written, it just wasn’t my favorite style.

I got this from Booksprout and I said I would leave a review. I hope those who love this genre read this book.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Most definitely not my jam unless I am prepping for the vocab section of the SAT’s

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story moves at a rapid pace. It is hot and steamy. The setting is a conservative Christian university campus in Texas in the 1960’s. Verner Dietrich is a visiting German conductor and Evangeline is a young student. The story takes the reader through their initial meeting and all the angst and drama of their relationship journey. The dialogue is witty and makes reading interesting. I was delighted in the way the author wrapped up the story and hope other readers will be too.