Offer from a Gentleman, An: Bridgerton: Benedict's Story (Bridgertons, 3)

3.75/5

I had mixed feelings about this book and extreme whiplash from the other reviews.

I do not have significant complaints about this book. Yes, Benedict has asshole moments, but its a much different world in the 1800's and he more than makes up for it. Still, this was not my favorite of the series. It feels too much like Cinderella.

Since the Netflix series went out of order from the books, I was completely unfamiliar with Benedict’s story. I didn’t know what to expect but I was very pleased with the story I got! It was very ‘Cinderella Story’ and frankly I was here for it. I loved seeing a normal MC like Sophie. I like the high society thing but seeing a more realistic relationship develop was very appealing. Not only was Sophie a favorite for me, I love Benedict. I thought he was so protective and it was adorable hearing him talk about Sophie. The romance was gripping and I couldn’t wait to see what happened. Some parts did drag on a little but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

⭐️⭐️ A Cinderella Retelling That Missed the Mark I love a Cinderella story, but Benedict’s romance with Sophie felt bland and predictable. The beginning had promise, with the masked ball and the instant attraction between them, but everything after that felt repetitive and frustrating. Benedict, who started as one of the more intriguing Bridgerton brothers, lost a lot of his charm in this book. His behavior toward Sophie felt entitled, and the way he pressured her despite their very unequal social positions was uncomfortable. Sophie, while likable, deserved so much more than a hero who spent most of the book pining after the version of her he met at the ball instead of appreciating who she actually was. The second half of the book dragged, and the resolution felt rushed. The Bridgerton family once again was a highlight, but as a romance, this was disappointing and forgettable.

..

This is the second worst book in the series right after The Duke and I . I do not understand how anything about Benedict is supposed to come off as "gentlemanly". He made the story entirely unenjoyable because of the way he acted. He was a spoiled brat and a manipulative a-hole the entire time. I suppose if you find being blackmailed into spending time with a man hot and would like to repeatedly be told you aren't good enough to be his wife but are hot enough to be his mistress then Benedict is the perfect gentleman.

The only redeeming quality of this novel and why it gets two stars is Sophie. The first couple of chapters that are only about her life are fun and I had hopes for the Cinderella plot. Sophie is a strong female main character and I would have loved to see her shine more. Unfortunately, even though she is enjoyable she is completely overshadowed by how annoying Benedict is and he literally forces the fight and strength out of her. Also, can I just say how dumb Benedict was for saying he couldn't marry Sophie because of his love for the woman at the masquerade ball? He was literally ready to put a life of potential happiness with Sophie on hold because he was so hung up on a woman that he talked to for ONE hour YEARS ago.

In conclusion, I do not recommend this book and if Netlfix plans to bring Benedict's story to the screen then they have some serious work to do in order to make him appealing to a broad audience in any way.