"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 Harriet Klausner
Posted June 30, 2001