An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

What I drank prior: Beers on beers! Went to Hysteria, a local tap house.

Goodreads Summary:

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

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 his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

My Summary: Sophia is a Cinderella-style secret bastard. While her father didn’t exactly love her, he did guarantee her an education fitting of his title and require that her stepmother consider her to be his ward without sharing her past. Since his death, unfortunately, Sophie has been a slave of sorts to her stepmother and denied the chance at her own life. Benedict, on the other hand, is the second Bridgerton son. With his older brother cornering the market on the household duties, he’s just sort of there. But he knows he needs to find a standup wife and uphold his place in society. When the two meet at a mascarade, it’s an immediate connection, but Benedict can’t figure out who the mystery lady is. Then he also meets a rando maid and is equally intrigued. Will the dumb dumb figure out they are the same person?

Spoiler-free Thoughts: I didn’t really love this Cinderella retelling. Props for a fairly oringal take, but not enough to make me love it. Plus Benedict was kind of an ass, within reason for the time period, but girl said no. Nonetheless, you’re supposed to be rooting for them. Their romance was a little too possessive for my taste, but I get it—period piece.

Characters: Sophie is our main female POV character and she is very sweet. Unfortunately that sweetness is hella abused by her very mean stepmother. And stepsisters to varying degrees. She semi- knows her worth and I applaud her for that. Benedict is a fairly quintessential second son. He knows that he doesn’t have the responsibility of his elder brother, but to his credit wants to still make something of himself. Bene isn’t my fave of the Bridgertons but may not be my least favorite. Or maybe he is, idk. Lady Bridgerton though is her best self, even if she’s not in the books as much as I would have liked. Her stepmother and stepsisters suck, though Posy is better than the others.

Plot: Most of the story took place pre-them getting actually together, which I thought was unfortunate. Other Bridgertons done a better job of this. It plays a lot like Cinderella, but with some much-enjoyed twists.

World Building: A solid continuation of the Bridgerton world with an amazing cameo by the matriarch. I don’t think you get to know many of the other Bridgertons in this one.

Writing Style: Hero and heroine romance POV.

Drink Pairing: Spiked lemonade. Damn do they love lemonade.

Rating: 3/5 shots

xxxo Minda