by Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #3
Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Length: 12 hours and 22 minutes
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 3.5 cups
Will she accept the offer before the clock strikes midnight?
Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball. Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, waltzing 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. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. If he offers her his heart, will he sacrifice his only chance for a fairy-tale love?
AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN by Julia Quinn is the third novel in the delightful historical romance series, Bridgertons. Quinn has fun with this tale delivering a fairy tale retelling of the classic Cinderella complete with an evil stepmother. I delighted in the story even if miscommunication frustrated me.
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor, I quickly slipped back into the Bridgerton’s world as Quinn shared Benedict’s romance. We meet Sophie Beckett as a young child and learn her backstory as the bastard child of the Earl who raises her as his ward after her mother a house maid dies. While there were no mice or pumpkin carriages we do get a masked ball and a tête-à-tête with Prince Charming aka Benedict Bridgerton.
We have the mean stepmother and her two daughters and all the drama poor Sophie can handle. The romance that develops is complicated by miscommunication and Sophie’s unwillingness to tell Benedict who she is. Obviously, she doesn’t have the same social standing as him, and when he asks her to be his mistress, things get complicated. They do have excellent chemistry, but this story was missing the giggles I have come to expect from Quinn’s books.
We see growth from key characters and are treated to updates on previous couples. Quinn hints at the next story and I adored the inclusion of the 2nd Epilogue previously published as a novella which shares updates on Sophie and Benedict in addition to updates on the youngest stepsister.
I ended up listening to the audio narrated by the delightful Rosalyn Landor. While her male voices can be a bit on the stuffy side, she makes listening pleasurable.
I love the retelling and interaction at the Bridgerton household. We did get some excitement thanks to Sophie’s wretched stepmother. I adored Momma Bridgerton in this scene. While not a personal favorite this was still enjoyable to listen to, and I look forward to listening to the next novel in the series.
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn #Cinderella #audio equals swoons & laughter Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Kin
I read these, but they sound fun on audio.
kimbacaffeinate
They really are. Glad you loved reading these.
Olivia Roach
I haven’t started her series of this yet, but I can’t wait to because I love Julia Quinn’s accurate historical romance and always end up falling in love with her characters. This sounds like a great addition to the series. Brilliant review 😀
kimbacaffeinate
These have been such fun to listen to 🙂
Lover Of Romance
Even though this book isn’t my favorite of the series, it is pretty wonderful!! So many fun moments, I just love the banter between the siblings here.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed. Quinn still delivered even if this wasn’t a fav.
Evie
I’ve always loved Julia Quinn and her Bridgerton series. I think I have every paperback, and one I’ve yet to read is Its in His Kiss. I’ve had it forever but haven’t gotten around to reading that one. Great review as usual!
kimbacaffeinate
That is wonderful Evie. I am having a blast and love the new spin off series as well.
Paij
I love re-tellings! I have added this to my audible wish list! Great review as always Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Paij 🙂
Katherine
When Violet Bridgerton delivered the line “But I am more popular” I think I fell in love with her! Such a great scene. I agree this isn’t one of my favorites and one I haven’t reread though I did enjoy it. I think a relisten with audio would be fantastic!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, even a non-favorite is still enjoyable when its Quinn..LOL
Debbie Haupt
Awe 🙂 sounds fab
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you, Debbie 🙂
Steph
I have been really enjoying YA/MG re-tellings, it is interesting to see that they are happening in Adult fiction as well 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun Steph.
Lorna
I guess I am in the minority here. I don’t like fairytale retellings much. But I take it that this author uses a lot of humor in her other books? I do like that. I’ve started getting some historicals to read and even some to listen to, but I don’t think Quinn is one of them. Maybe I should try one by her. Thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
I like them, I wouldn’t want to read them every day, but they can be fun.
Angela
I’m glad you enjoyed this one even if it suffered from the dreaded miscommunication problem.
kimbacaffeinate
I did Angela. Yes, you just want to lock them in a closet until they behave!
Lily B
I own like.. 3 books from this series cause I really wanted to read it heh but have not started yet. I love that it feels like a fairytale retelling in a HR form. Her books do seem a little dense , maybe thats why I have not read it.
kimbacaffeinate
Her books are a blast and the new spinoff series is crazy good.
Sophia Rose
I can see how the anticipation of a more humorous tone and the miscommunication would frustrate, but neat that other elements were strong. And I do love a fairytale retelling. Eventually I’ll get to these. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It’s Quinn even if it wasn’t a favorite I ended up having a good time 🙂
Aleen
Gotta love Julia Quinn. Not a fan of the narrator, because of the stuffy factor.
Haven’t read this one but at least I know I can binge read these, if I ever have the time. 🙂 Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, but after three books I am getting used to her..lol
Nadene
I love fairy tale retelling., but miscommunication between the characters frustrates me. It is good that you still enjoyed in spite of the issues.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. But, this is Quinn and so I still enjoyed myself even if it won’t be listed as a favorite.
Laura Thomas
I enjoy retellings now and then. Especially humorous ones. This sounds so good. And that cover is spectacular!
kimbacaffeinate
This series has been a blast, and while this was missing something, I still ended up enjoying myself.
Lark
I love this series but you’re right, this one lacks some of the sparkling humor of my favorite books in the series. Still, I’m probably due for a reread! Glad you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you, Lark, it helps to hear I am not alone since I adore Quinn.
Angela Adams
I love new spins on timeless tales! Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed. Thank you, Angela. Looks like it will be in upper 70’s next week!
Suzanne
I’m a big fan of retellings and this sounds like a pretty good one, although I could easily see the miscommunication aspect of it getting a little old. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoy them too, and it was good, just not as good as I hoped.
Mary Kirkland
Glad to hear you liked it but hope the next one has more of what you’re looking for.
kimbacaffeinate
I have the next one ordered for review and look forward to it.
blodeuedd
I really should read the Bridgerton books
kimbacaffeinate
Oh my goodness yes, and oh lordy the spinoff series is to die for!
Jenea's Book Obsession
I am always up for a good retelling. This sounds like it would be a good one, the miscommunication might get me a little though.
kimbacaffeinate
While not my favorite, it was still a good listen 🙂
Quinn
This was the first Julia Quinn book I ever read! It totally hooked me on her books and historical romances on the whole. I’ve never re-read it though. Glad you enjoyed the audiobook. I’m not a huge fan of Rosalyn Landor. I don’t dislike her, but she’s not my favorite.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, not a top ten narrator, but she does well with these.
Michelle
I love reading books by Julia Quinn! She’s one of my favourite author. But… I can’t remember if I have read this before. Definitely want to read this again!
kimbacaffeinate
This was a first for me, and I am loving this crazy family.
Kristin
Accckkkkk!!! The dreaded miscommunication!!!!! Grrrrrr… I only enjoy that one if it’s done juuuuust right. And not too often. Maybe not WITH a Cinderella re-telling. Too bad it didn’t give you as many giggles 🙁 There’s always the next one, right?
kimbacaffeinate
I had a good time, but hope the next brings more of what I love.
Nick
I’ve read this one, and definitely did not love it as much as I’ve liked other books by Julia Quinn too. I agree about the humor. Her new series, the spin-off, is so much better for me!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, the new series is a freakin’ hoot. I am loving these on audio though, and have the next one coming.
verushka
Miscommunication is a trope that frustrates me no end, but that’s often made worse by how heavy handed it tends to be. I think this one doesn’t have that problem though — it sounds fun!
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun and aside from wanting to shake them, I had a good time listening.
Melliane
I love retelling as well! I haven’t tried this author yet but I have one of her books. I need to read it!
kimbacaffeinate
Quinn is a blast to read Melliane.