This novel is the third book in the popular Bridgerton series, which has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Set in Regency-era England, An Offer from a Gentleman follows Sophie Beckett and her romance with one of the Bridgerton sons, Benedict.
This romantic comedy is stuffed full of witty dialogue, charming characters and isn’t without some steamy scandals! Join us as we dive into the world of Bridgerton by Julia Quinn and explore the romance and drama of Regency-era England.
Julia Quinn delivers another winner in Benedict’s story. While the humor was less laugh-out-loud obvious than in other stories, it’s still here, as is the sweet love story and likable characters.
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About the Series
The Bridgerton series is a collection of romance novels written by Julia Quinn. The series is set in the Regency era of England, and follows the lives of the eight Bridgerton siblings as they navigate love, marriage, and society. Each book in the series is centred on one of the siblings, and follows their love story as they find their happily ever after. The series has gained a large following and has been adapted into a popular Netflix show.
There are nine books in the series:
- The Duke & I (Daphne & Simon)
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (Anthony & Kate)
- An Offer from a Gentleman (Benedict & Sophie)
- Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Colin & Penelope)
- To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise & Phillip)
- When He Was Wicked (Francesca & Michael)
- It’s In His Kiss (Hyacinth & Gareth)
- On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory & Lucy)
- The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After
We are also blessed with a number of collections , as well as two collections:
- The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton (Lady Whistledown’s Official Guide)
- The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown
- Lady Whistledown Strikes Back
Official Description
An Offer From a Gentleman
BENEDICT’S STORY
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.
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?
Our Overview
I couldn’t wait to get back to it and see what happened next. That is the mark of a great book.
Goodreads user Jessica
In this charming Cinderalla-inspired instalment of Bridgerton, we follow Sophie Beckett. She is the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood. The Earl takes her in as his ward, but the same can’t be said for the Earl’s wife, Araminta. She serves as the ‘wicked stepmother’ in the story. After the Earl’s passing, Sophie stays in the family, but serves as little more than a servant to her stepmother.
One night, she manages to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famous masquerade ball. With her identity a secret, she meets Benedict Bridgerton and the two become instantly smitten.
Even after two years, Benedict swears he will only marry his mystery woman. Meanwhile, Sophie has been kicked out of her home and has been forced to work as a maid. The pair reunite as Benedict rescues her from some unwanted advances. He pulls some strings and has Sophie working for his mother.
Despite Benedict not knowing Sophie is his love, he finds himself drawn to her and the pair grow close. Not to mention the Bridgertons grow very fond of the young lady as well.
Still with his heart on the mystery woman, Benedict asks Sophie if she would be his mistress. Given her history, Sophie has no interest in any illegitimate children receiving the same treatment she did.
Benedict conveys his dilemma to his mother, who assures him that she would not hold any grudge against him should he marry outside of their social class. Howerver, when he sees Sophie blindfolded, he realises that she was the mystery woman all along.
The pair have an argument as Benedict is angry at Sophie for hiding her identity and Sophie decides to resign. In another tragic stroke of bad luck, Sophie’s stepmother accuses her of theft and she is taken to jail. Eventually, with some twisted alliance with her step-sisters, Sophie returns home with Benedict and they plan their marriage.
Our Review
We adore the heartwarming Bridgerton series and this novel is no exception. The re was a lot of inter-class commentary in this novel which was especially interesting to read from both a ‘commoner’ and a regal perspective.
It was especially refreshing to read the novel from Sophie’s perspective. We found ourselves falling for the young woman and admiring her strength despite the cruel hand she’d been given at the hands of her step-mother. Benedict equally was interesting to follow, especially his near unwavering devotion to a woman he had only (knowingly) met once. Even more when he fell for Sophie, he was willing to marry someone outside of the social class, putting his reputation on the line.
This retelling of Cinderella is very charming, and adds a new twist with some of the additional turns in the story and added drama. Ultimately, it ends as a fairy tale, as do all Bridgerton books, with both Sophie and Benedict meeting their happy ever afters.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Fancy More…?
The Netflix Series
The hit Netflix series has taken off as an international sensation. With Bridgerton being renewed for season 3 and 4, we will surely be seeing the adaptation of An Offer from a Gentleman soon. Note that there are some differences between the novel and the series! We’d suggest both watching the series and reading the novels 😉
Check out the confirmation for season 3 with some cast teasers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Sophie and Benedict get married?
Sophie and Benedict do get married, and later in the series we find out they went on to have children.
Is An Offer From a Gentleman steamy?
There are quite a few steamy sex scenes in An Offer From a Gentleman, but they are not the focus of the novels, so those who wish to avoid them can skip over the scenes.
Which Bridgerton is An Offer From a Gentleman?
Offer From a Gentleman is the third novel in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn.
What is Offer From a Gentleman about?
Offer From A Gentleman is a Cinderella inspired love story, following Sophie Beckett, an illegitimate child of the Earl of Penwood on your quest of love with Benedict Bridgerton.
