An Offer from a Gentleman: Benedict's Story, The Inspiration for Bridgerton Season Four

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.

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Benedict is probably my favorite Bridgerton brother for now, I really enjoyed this story! Heavy on miscommunication, but understandable for the time period. I think I definitely enjoy these kinds of stories more when there's a rebel involved.

Wow, these Bridgerton books are problematic at times. And very hard to review.

What I liked:

The Cinderella retelling.
The beginning and the end.
Violet, the matriarch of the family.
Anytime the Bridgerton siblings were gathered together.

What I didn't like:

How Benedict treated Sophie through the middle of the book.

Yes, he redeemed himself in the end, but it made me uncomfortable to read, at times. I guess the one silver lining is that I'm aware enough now to recognize that when a man, who's supposed to be the hero of the book, is being brutish with a woman, it's not sexy in the least. I keep hoping Julia Quinn figures that out with each book, but it hasn't happened yet. I wish she would, because there are good things about these books: they're charming, funny, and the women are strong.

Thankfully the adaptation has taken only the good qualities of these characters, as well as diversifying them and changing them for the better!

Wow, nothing like being manipulated and held against your will to get the heart fluttering.