Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Series: Bridgerton #3
Published by Recorded Books on 2016-11-30
Length: 12 hours and 22 minutes
Reviewing Audiobook from Audible
Rating:
Reading Challenges: 2023 Audiobook Challenge, 2023 Backlist Reader Challenge, 2023 Finishing the Series Reading Challenge, COYER 2023
Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball - or that Prince Charming would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.
Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other - except perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet if he offers her his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?
I have slowly been working my way through Bridgerton, and yes, I know I’m super late to the party here. I discovered the series because of the show on Netflix, and I love them equally. An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn is the third book of the series and features Benedict. I’ll be completely honest here, this is probably going to be my favorite book of the series. It will be really hard to beat this one. I love a rag-to-riches, Cinderella story and this one is that to a tee, complete with a masquerade.
Sophie Beckett is the bastard daughter of a wealthy aristocrat. After his untimely death, she is left in the care of her stepmother who is an awful woman and would throw Sophie out on the streets if not for a clause in her late husband’s will. If she cares for Sophie, she gets an extra allowance each month from the estate. One night, the servants of the house who love Sophie get her ready for a masquerade ball that the stepmother and her stepsisters are attending. For one night, Sophie is carefree and has the honor of dancing with one of the ton’s most eligible bachelors. When he asks for her name, she flees leaving behind a glove. The next morning her stepmother discovers what happened, and before anything can be done Sophie leaves.
I like Sophie. She is a great character to follow. She doesn’t have much, but she does have her own morals, and she sticks to those. Her encounter with Benedict has stuck with her all these years. He may not have known who she was, but she knew him, and he still haunts her dreams. Benedict has never forgotten the girl he danced with all those years prior. No one has stirred him to propose, and he still catches himself looking for her. Then he meets Sophie.
I love how the author brings these two together. We see the immediate chemistry during their one dance and then flash forward several years. The angst and pining for each other during their time apart ramps up the chemistry on the page. Their banter is perfect! I loved Sophie and her refusal of Benedict’s offer. She sticks to her morals because for her it is all she has. And Benedict is oblivious to it all 😂
Overall, I loved An Offer From a Gentleman. I cannot wait to see this story played out on screen. Benedict is unlike Anthony or the Duke, and I love how Quinn shows that with his treatment of Sophie. Sophie is wonderful too. If you are a fan of the series or enjoy historical (loose) romance, I highly recommend it. While it can be read as a standalone, do keep in mind that there will be spoilers to the previous books in this one as the characters do pop up. Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t note that I listened to the audiobook. Rosalyn Landor makes the story come to life! Highly recommend audio if you enjoy that format.
I’ve only read the first one, which I loved the tv show. Didn’t love the second season, so didn’t read the second book yet. And I’m so excited for Colin’s story, that I haven’t read this one yet either! I need to get back into the series. Thanks for sharing!
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