"Very enjoyable Regency romance"
The Bridgerton masquerade party is the hottest ticket in
London during the 1815 season. Desperately wanting to
attend, Sophie Becket, illegitimate daughter of a deceased
earl, knows that her hateful stepmother Araminta would
never allow a 'servant' like her to attend. Unable to
resist, Sophie serendipitously dons a costume without the
consent of Araminta. At the gala event, Sophie enjoys
herself especially after meeting co-host Benedict
Bridgerton, but Araminta learns of her deception and throws
her stepdaughter out of the house. Three years later, Sophie works as a maid struggling to
keep her virtue until Benedict sees her. Though he does
not recognize her as the woman he has dreamed of since the
bash of 1815, Benedict obtains a job for her in his
mother's household. He tries to persuade her to become his
mistress, but though she loves her princely savior, she
rejects his offer. However, he soon realizes he wants more
from his beloved. AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN is an entertaining Regency
romantic rendition of Cinderella that actually starts slow,
but accelerates to SST sped once the plot veers from the
fairy tale. The story line turns quite entertaining as a
romantic romp with a confused Benedict struggling with
loving Sophie and the mystery woman from his ball. Sophie
starts off as a wimp, but once she is thrown out of the
house, she becomes an intrepid lead protagonist who
provides the perfect partner to the handsome Benedict.
Julia Quinn offers sub-genre fans an entertaining novel. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 30, 2001
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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? Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
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