Customer Reviews

An Offer From A Gentleman

5 star:		(98)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Whenever reading a Julia Quinn novel, it's always an all nighter for me! Forget the family, chores? What the heck is that? You want dinner? Here's the take out menu - call for delivery! The only thing that would get my eyes unglued from the pages, would be an emergency, and then the book would come along with me.

An Offer From A Gentleman has characters that are witty and humble with just the right amount of spunk and fire to their personalities. Having a Cinderella in the context of being able to keep her wits about herself and remain mostly practical except when they both come into contact with each other.

Benedict and Sophia both seeking the loves they felt was intangible was a clencher yet their souls told them otherwise. Thank Goodness for that! This novel was fun, adventurous and absolutely heart-rendering,

I was cheering when her step-mother got her just rewards! I guess my family is used to my laughter, tears and cheers when reading a Julia Quinn novel, and dare the person that tries to interrupt when I'm engrossed.

Julia, I look forward to your next novel with abated breath as always! You warm the hearts of many of your fans!

FINALLY!  ...Like many of you, I too have been anxiously waiting for this book.  I have loved both THE DUKE AND I (1st book of the series) & THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVE ME (2nd book). The Bridgerton's are all adorable LOT.  I enjoyed each and every one of them... So naturally, I expected to love this book just as much.  However, I am surprise that it has exceeded my own expectation.  I read it late last night after I got home from work, 11:30pm and finished it just an hour ago, 7:30am.  Try as I might, I just couldn't put it down.  Embarrassingly, I still have that Tingle-Goosebumps feeling, not to mention a silly smile is still imprinted on my face!  To think I haven't even slept yet...and I have duty at 3pm again today.  HA! I will be daydreaming of Benedict and Sophie then.  I will definitely read this book again tonight!   I tell you this book is dreamy!  Romance story telling at its best!  It's been a long time since a book thoroughly affected me this way. Truly a heart quenching, heart warming read. 

The Editorial Reviews pretty much sums up the book synopsis so I'll just throw in my opinion of the book without summarizing it:

At first, I thought this book is going to be another RETELLING of a CINDERELLA story, which I don't mind at all.  I thought I'd pretty much know what will happened next and how this book will end but I was wrong.  Ms. Quinn is truly such a gifted writer.  She knows how to use the fairy tale Cinderella story we all know and love.... then she molded it with her own ideas, filling it with humor and hearty twists for a spunk of uniqueness.  There is no "Dark-Past", "Bad-Boy", "Rakish-Rogue" image here for Benedict Bridgerton, which was a refreshing change of character from the books I've been reading lately.  He is actually normal and very Gentlemanly-Decent and Proper.  Sophia is no over-uppity, spunky-witty noblewoman.  She struggled all her life. Struggled to find happiness. She does have principles and values yet she is also human, weak to a fault esp. when her heart is concern.  She wanted to be loved and to be accepted all her life... She longed to BELONG... That was her weakness, of which she felt when she's with Benedict and his family. Oh, how she makes me teary. The confrontation, confession, revelations were all heart quenching. The ending was a great relief! 

I normally would prefer lots of updates and apprearances of the heros/heroines of the previous books in the series. In this book however, there is very few appearances of Anthony and Dafne... and even none of Simon and Kate yet I still give this book a 5 stars rating. You see, despite that small niggle, I still felt satisfied and complete with this book. There was updates of their children and that seems to be enough. Probably because Benedict and Sophie's love story caught me deeply, overwhelmed me that it made me forget about the others. Or probably it's just Ms. Quinn's style of writing that just leave her readers fully content in the end.

The Lady Whistledown Gossip Column is as always the added intrigue not only in this book but all throughout the entire series.  I tell you, the more I read, the more I know for sure who this person is.  I can't wait to read the next book on this Bridgerton series. I am assuming it's Colin's and Penelope? Hmmm.... I honestly don't want this series to end! I fear it is close to its end.  Ugh~ Well, I suggest you all start ordering Julia Quinn's BRIDGERTON SERIES. It is definitely a PLEASURE and a DREAMY read.

I began reading the Bridgerton series before I knew that it was a series. After beginning with book four I decided to go in order and thereafter have been reading in sequence. Books one, two, and four are fabulous. Three, not so. In all the other books Benedict is a non-character. I agree with another reviewer, all we know about him is that he is the tallest. This is a character that Ms. Quinn definitely short changed on her way to giving him his own story. Poor guy, all he ever seems to do is just hang around his brothers while they (Anthony and Colin, Gregory is still too young) are Bridgertons with a capital "B". Benedict has no substance. What does he do all day or even all night? If you are looking for clues in the other books, you will be sorely disappointed.

I almost gave up on this book. I would read a chapter and then go fold the clothes from the dryer. Read a chapter and walk to the mailbox. Read a chapter and (horror of horrors!) go watch mindless drivel on television. It did not capture me. I had to read over 250 pages !!! before I actually cared about EITHER character. Sophie was cinderella. Even so, I didn't particularly care. I forced myself to finish it because I have an unwritten rule with myself that I cannot begin a new book until I've given the current one a fair chance. It was a duty, and not one I relished until I finally became engaged in the lives of these two people. All the other members of the family were still as interesting as in previous novels. I got a sneaking suspicion that Ms. Quinn thought of Benedict as "number two" also. Her writing is wonderful. She tells her stories with wit and a charm which make me want to keep reading. But, for me, Benedict and Sophie never became my friends. He treated her, even before he began to care for her, in a manner which would never have happened in that time period. They were both incredibly familiar with one another, even in the presence of others (beginning with Mr and Mrs Crabtree) and not just while they were alone. A servant would NEVER have been so forward as to throw a candle stump at someone so high above her in rank. Yes, Ms. Quinn wanted us to see her as a spirited heroine but many, many of Sophies actions were ridiculous for a servant.

It finished well, not great, just well. Frankly, I was glad to get it over with because I have a mountain of books left to read. I'm thinking seriously about changing that unwritten rule. I've run across some real clinkers from some Regency romance authors lately but not, I'm glad to say, Julia Quinn. I think this was just a hiccup.

This book is OUTSTANDING. I couldn't put it down. A truly romantic and moving story.

I've read all eight of the Bridgerton series (the first four are all fantastic -- the last two are by far the weakest), and while I know most people prefer Anthony or Colin, give me Benedict! I think what I liked most about this story is that the hero was actively pursuing the heroine through the entire book and didn't have any "issues" or "hangups" like the heroes of the first two books ("The Duke and I" and "The Viscount Who Loved Me," both great).

I also really loved Sophie and understood her plight. I've read a lot of comments about how other readers couldn't understand her decision not to reveal herself to Benedict immediately, but it made sense to me because of her fear of getting caught (she was facing jail time, and possibly hanging!) and her fear of him in general, getting too close, etc. After awhile, I guess she should have come clean, but I can understand how it became harder and harder for her to admit that she hadn't been entirely truthful. Plus, she still thought it wouldn't make any difference - it's not like she believed they would have a fairy-tale ending once he discovered who she was.

As far as Benedict goes, he came across as much kinder and sweeter than Anthony and more mature and level-headed than Colin (not that I don't love them both also, great heroes all). From his point of view, he was making her a good "offer" and we can't really judge his actions in terms of what someone would do today. He wanted to be with her the only way he knew how, and was willing to do whatever he could to make that happen.

Highly recommended for any fan of Julia Quinn and historical romances in general.

In an updated version of Cinderella, we fall in love with Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett and learn what it is to hate with Araminta.

How enchanting can life be when everyone knows you only as "Bridgerton" or worse yet, "one of those Bridgertons"? Simple, when the air is charged with excitement and you turn around to come face to face with your destiny! That's what happens when Benedict spies the Lady in Silver.

Sophie Beckett is overjoyed when Prince Charming sweeps her off her feet and kisses her senselessly... who would have guessed that stealing away to a masquerade ball would change her life forever? Unfortunately for Sophie, bad luck holds true when her evil stepmother Araminta realizes she is the mysterious woman in silver. Turned away without a cent, Sophie must make her way on her own, for once in life happy that Araminta gave her hard lessons in servitude!

Be careful what you wish for!

After fruitlessly searching for his Silver Lady, Benedict tries to go on with his life and ends up becoming the savior to a servant when his vile host gets a little out of hand. Wouldn't it surprise Benedict to know he has just saved his Silver Lady? Not expecting his mystery woman to be part of the working class, recognition is not part of the deal, at least for Benedict. Sophie on the other hand, knows her savior immediately, and is more than a little concerned when he leaves her no choice but to let him "rescue" her with a job offer with his mother!

If you've read the Bridgerton Series, you will love this latest installment. If you haven't had the pleasure, I urge you to read The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me. These characters come to life, and you will become part of the family!

Sophie is strong, even when vulnerable and her beauty shines from within. Benedict, for all that he is the Second Son, has a presence that cannot be ignored. His charming wit and ability to persuade is astounding! When recognition finally dawns on Benedict and Sophie's past comes back to haunt her, will their fragile love survive?

An Offer From A Gentleman is Cinderella at its best and reminds us yet again what a genius Julia Quinn truly is. Come fall in love with Sophie and Benedict, find out what's new with the Bridgertons and let's not forget Lady Whistledown! I bet I can guess her identity, but I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!

This is a MUST if you love real 'prince charming-Cinderella-type' stories! It had the wicked stepmother (worse than Cinderella's by the way) two wicked stepsisters and a chance for an illegitamate daughter of a deceased earl to attend the 'ball of the season' in style! BUT...she must return by midnight before the wicked stepmother realizes her late husband's 'love child' has duped her! Can she do it? What if the 'prince charming' of this tale was none other one of the most handsome of the famous Bridgerton brood? Benedict Bridgerton to be exact??? This is the third book in the series and wonderfully entertaining! A real twist on the 'striking midnight' cliche!

~Sophie Beckett was shocked herself that she was able to pull off the daring stunt and sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball, but what she didn't realize was that she captured the heart of one of the elusive Bridgerton brood forever! Now as the clock strikes midnight and she must go home to a life as dull as wood and scrub floors and wait on her wicked stepmother and sisters, she dreams of what 'could've been' had her father actually acknowledged her for more than just his by-blow with a maid so many years past. But Fate has a weird way of making dreams come true...or do they?

Benedict Bridgerton wasn't prepared for the vision in silver that graced his mother's hall. Who was she? He was instantly in love. Just when he thought he found the love of his life, she was gone. Years later, after dreaming of the woman in silver, he comes upon a helpless woman who stirs a memory...but, it can't be her...the vison in silver...for this woman was dirty, skinny and a housemaid. But, ever the gentleman, Benedict saves her from a fate worse than death and helps to secure her a job and roof over her head. This is when things become too complicated for him to bear...who IS she? And why does she regard him as of she KNOWS him from somewhere? Why do her eyes make him think of that night at the ball? He is determined to find out and in the process he finds himself in love with the mystery woman garbed in maid's clothing. And when he does find out who she is, will he sacrifice his position in society for her? Or will he let her blow in the wind like everyone else and lose his chance at 'happily ever after'...

Great read! The author also teases us at the end with the identity of the ever mysterious Lady Whistledown. I have the feeling the next book in this excellent series will be about her! I can't wait! Hurry Ms. Quinn! I am anxiously awaiting the next in this series!!!

Tracy Talley~@

"An Offer From a Gentleman" does indeed revolve around the Cinderella motif, but while Julia Quinn doesn't really veer very far from this plot device, she has breathed new life into the stock characters of Cindereall, the Prince and the Wicked Stepmother so as to make this novel really enjoyable and a fun read. Briefly, the plot unfolds as follows: the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood, Sophie Beckett, has lead a life of unrelenting hell at her stepmother's (Araminta) hands; and she decides one night to slip out of the house and to attend a masked ball. There, she attracts the attention of the very handsome and eligible Benedict Bridgeton. They spend a few magical (and romantic) moments together until Sophie spots Araminta, and decides to escape before Araminta discovers her presence. She leaves a very disappointed Benedict behind her as well as a glove with the Penwood insignia on it. Benedict tries to track his mysterious lady using this glove, but has no success in finding her. In the meantime, Sophie who has decided that she has had enough of Araminta's anger and hatred, decides to runaway. Two years go by -- Sophie has been working as a maid in the country; while Benedict, who has not forgotten his mysterious lady, spends his time attending balls and other social functions hoping to find her; when fate throws Benedict and Sophie unexpectedly together again. Benedict walks in on the attempted rape of Sophie by her employer's son and rescues her. Chivalrously, he then offers her a position at his mother's estate. Sophie is stunned and heartbroken at the same time: all her daydreaming has finally come true -- here's her prince, and he's just rescued her, and he doesn't even recognise her as the lady from the masked ball! Things take an even more ironical turn for Sophie when she discovers that Benedict has decided not to marry at all since he has lost all hope of finding his masked lady. In the meantime Benedict discovers that he has a dilemma of his own: his is growing more and more attracted to Sophie, but this seems to make a mockery of his feelings for the masked lady. How can he reconcile his desire for Sophie with what he feels for his lady?

What will happen? Will Benedict discover that Sophie and the masked lady are one and the same? Unfortunately the path to their happiness doesn't only lie in Benedict's realisation that Sophie and the masked lady are one and the same. There's also the matter of Sophie's illegitimate birth, as well as Araminta. What will happen when Araminta discovers Sophie's whereabouts? Will her hatred for Sophie inspire her to scale new heights of malice?

"An Offer From A Gentleman" is the third novel in the Bridgerton series, and it is the best to date. "The Duke And I" was rather good, and while "The Viscount Who Love Me" (the second book in the series) was not as good as the first one, it was still a goodish read. This novel however surpassed the first two in every way. Everything just gelled together really well -- character developments, the story line, manner in which events unfolded and were paced -- all this came together in such a way as to make for some really riveting and enjoyable reading. What was especially compelling and interesting (for me anyway) was the characters. For example, Cinderella/Sophie is not the meek and willing drudge from the fairy tale we're all familiar with; indeed when Sophie decides that she' s had enough of Araminta, she ups and leaves in order to start a new life for herself. And one cannot help but admire this character, who doesn't allow anyone or anything to curb her spirit, her sense of self worth or her principles. Sophie is someone who has experienced a lot of hard knocks, and yet she has not allowed her experiences to tarnish her in any way. I also liked that Benedict's mother, Violet figured more prominently in this novel than in the previous two, and that we got to see another side of the woman who is usually portrayed as hell bent on marrying off all her children. In this book we see the lengths that Violet will go to in order to defend and protect those she really likes and loves. I thought that the final showdown between Violet and Araminta was priceless.

"An Offer From A Gentleman" is a really enjoyable read. If, like me, you weren't really blown away by the first two books in the series, don't hesitate. This novel is really worth reading.

This story was entertaining, and the characters were well-developed, but this book was a Cinderella rip off. This book was my first exposure to Julia Quinn and I enjoyed it but cannot say that I loved it. I will still give this author more of a chance because it was good enough to see what else she has out there.

If you're looking for a romantic novel that is very original and terribly witty I do not recommend this book, however if you're just looking for a light and easy read you won't be disappointed.

Sensible, you say? How boring! But let me tell you, after fifteen years of reading romance novels where the plot is propelled by silly people doing stupid things, I appreciate a story where conflict and resolution is believable and real. This is my second Julia Quinn novel, and she's already on my list of romance novelists (along with Susan Siezmore and Jo Beverely) who write believable, complex characters whose motivations and actions are comprehensible and intriguing.

In this take on the old Cinderella story, Sophie Beckett is the "ward" of the Earl of Penwood. It's an open secret that she is his illegitimate daughter, but she lives in his home with modest luxury and not-quite benign neglect from her "guardian". Her life takes a turn for the worse when an evil stepmother and her two daughters (whose characters all owe a great debt to the movie Ever After) join the household, and Sophie's decline is complete when her father dies, and she becomes a servant in her stepmother's house.

Enter, of course, Prince Charming; in this case, Benedict Brigerton. He sees Sophie across a crowded room, and the two are immediately attracted. Alas! She wears a mask, and flees at midnight, leaving only a glove behind her (no, Benedict does not cross the country searching for maidens whose hand fit the glove).

Two years later, Benedict rescues a housemaid from being attacked by a group of drunken boors at a country house party. It is indeed Sophie, who has been on her own since her stepmother found out that she attended the masquerade and threw her out of the house. What follows is the tug-of-war between emotion, society and propriety. Benedict, who is more drawn to Sophie than anyone since his mysterious lady, and who honestly wants to protect and cherish her, asks her to be his mistress; while Sophie, who has been in love with him since the night of the masquerade, is torn between wanting to be with him, and a soul-deep abhorrence of bearing an illegitimate child like herself. The emotion between the two of them brought tears to my eyes.

The only quibble with the book is that, after being sweetly honest and true, crashes into an ending which is both unbelievable and lackluster. But the experience is well-worth it. And one wonders who Lady Whistledown is, whose bon mots on Society head each chapter (I have my suspicions, and I'll definitely be buying the next book to find out if I'm right!)

This is a Cinderella story. Which is the reason I bought this book. I love the story of Cinderella. In this book Cinderella is called Sophie. She is the daughter of a Earl & she is reduced to that of servant when her father passes and her stepmother takes over. She has two stepsisters. One just like the mother, cold and unfeeling and the other Posy who is kind but scared to let her feelings be known. They go to a masquerade ball being held by the Lady Brigerton, who is forever trying to get her children married. She has two eligible sons but neither seem very interested in marriage. Benedict the older of the two and the second son is the hero of this tale. Sophie sneaks into the ball and only has until midnight in which to live out all her fantasies. She is imediately spotted by Benedict and he spirits her away to a private terrace. The attraction is imediate and electric. The share a brief kiss but times runs out and before he knows her name she is gone. Two years later after being thrown out of her step mother's house, she is saved by Benedict from a terrible fate. He doesn't realize that she is the dream girl from the ball and is very confused by his strong feelings towards her. They both try and fight their mutual attraction for each other but passion and love win out. I really enjoyed this book and I'm going to go back and read the first two books in this series.