An Offer from a Gentleman – Julia Quinn

Will he ever find his masked girl?

Title: An Offer From a Gentleman
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #3
Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

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 his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

Thoughts:
An Offer From a Gentleman is a some-what Cinderella retelling. We have our lead woman, Sophie – trapped in a house with a wicked “mother” and her evil (well at least one of them) daughters. Sophie is the bastard daughter of the count that lived there before, although she herself is not aware of this. Cue the drama.

Of course in a Cinderella retelling, the lead should have a Cinderella moment. This is where our lovely Benedict Bridgerton comes into the picture. You know, the second eldest brother in the Bridgerton family. Sophie and him meet at a masquerade, have a love at first sight moment together, and then Sophie disappears. Ultimately breaking Benedict’s heart… 😦

They end up being separated for a year (if I remember correctly) and during this time a lot of things have happened, at least for Sophie’s part. She’s been kicked out of her home after the lady of the house (read wicked stepmother lol) finds out that she borrowed her shoes (which she had borrowed, unknowingly to the step-witch, for the ball). So the next time we meet Sophie she’s working for another family, and this is when Benedict and her meet for the second time. Although, Benedict doesn’t realize it’s her… *crickets* u dumb? The way they meet for the second time isn’t ideal. Benedict has to save her from a tragic fate (won’t spoil why – but gawd.. can men just stop?) which leads him to whisk her away to safety. He’s very intent on taking care of her from that point on, even though he doesn’t recognize her – something Sophie does. DRAMA.

I really like how their relationship grows from there. It’s very cute. It’s very gradual as well, their growing feelings for another. I mean, yeah, Sophie’s been crushing on him for quite a while but during this time she actually gets to know Benedict for a longer period – you know for more than a couple hours lol. The problem for the two is that Benedict can’t let go of his mystery girl – Sophie, that is, but he doesn’t know that. Ahhhhh, why do things have to be so complicated? Because it’s a BOOK. Darn it.

Another thing I really liked is that Benedict took Sophie home to his family and got her a working place at Violet’s home – I really do adore the entire Bridgerton clan. They’re just so sweet! I really enjoyed meeting them all again – Eloise, Hyacinth, Penelope (I know she ain’t family really but she deffo feels like one). And it was really nice to see the way they treated their staff as well. They really took on Sophie and I found it very heart warming.

Buuuut if we’re being honest here, the romance is definitely what caught me. I do love me some love lol. But gawd if I didn’t feel frustrated over their will-they-won’t-they drama. THERE WAS JUST SO MANY THINGS PULLING THEM APART! All trivial of course, but what did I really expect from a romance novel?? Yeah, I’m always falling into the trap. Damn it Alva.

I did really love the ending though as well! It was so adventurous and angsty – aMaZING. It took a whole turn I did NOT see coming – and Quinn I just have to say thank you for that. This installment is definitely one of my favorites of the entire series!

I somehow ended up posting something Bridgerton related near Christmas time this year as well. Or you know, during Christmas, since it’s for me TODAY (the 24th) already – inSANE! In Sweden we celebrate on Christmas Eve ❤

However, if we ignore that it’s Christmas for a sec and get back to the Bridgerton world – I am insanely excited for the upcoming second season of the Bridgerton series on Netflix. Hopefully it will be out very very soon. Therefore, I found it appropriate to continue with my reviewing of the Bridgerton novels, so hopefully more people can find themselves emerged in the Bridgerton world *big smile*. Historical romance novels can never really go wrong, am I right or am I right?

I will also take this opportunity to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all that celebrate it! And to those of you who don’t I wish you a happy day, and Friday, as well!

Hugs!

The Viscount Who Loved Me – Julia Quinn

Kate Sheffield is not about to make it easy for Anthony Bridgerton

Title: The Viscount Who Loved Me
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #2
Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London’s most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better…
– Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry – he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield – the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands – and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister – but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…

Thoughts:
This novel was a most entertaining enemies to lovers story.

Before I begin the review I just want to mention that this is the second novel of a series. I would say though that it can be read as a standalone, however, things will make much more sense if it is read in the right order 😀 Now on to the review!

The Viscount Who Loved Me is the second installment in Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons series – whereas the oldest Bridgerton, Daphne’s brother, is in center, along with the most wonderful Kate Sheffield.

Anthony Bridgerton is finally ready to be married, he’s the eldest of the family and it is time for him to start a family on his own – so he can have heirs. And of course, since he’s the viscount, he shall have the “diamond of the season” – Edwina Sheffield. Annnnnnd here’s where the conundrum encounters, Kate Sheffield, the half-sister of the diamond, and she do not want her sister to marry the viscount. The scandalous rumors circling around about him does not fit in to the picture Kate has painted for sister. Kate is, like I mentioned before, the half-sister of Edwina. She lives together with her and her step-mother who married Kate’s father (and who have passed away). One might think that the step-mom storyline would mean that they have a troublesome relationship, but that is not the case. Mary Sheffield is like Kate’s biological mother, and has tended to her since she was three years old.

Like you’ve probably understood, I completely adored this novel. Especially Kate. I found her strong, witty and kind – all very good attributes to have. Her banter with Anthony was quite fun to read about, and I always anticipated their conversations. No one can say that the enemies to lovers trope isn’t good, it’s AWESOME (lol). No but jokes aside, the suspense and the unwanted (lol) attraction between “Kanthony” (the ship name) was really what made me rate this book so high. I could nOT stop myself from reading, it had me HOOKED.

Annnnnnd moving on to the next topic, Quinn’s novel, like any other book, or most books I’ve read at least, have a dilemma. Actually, there’s two dilemmas if you’re really counting them – but the one I’m thinking about regards just Anthony. Just like Simon had traumas in The Duke and I, Anthony has them as well. I’m not about to spoil what his difficulties are, but it has to do with his father (side note, very nice to read a little about the father’s impact on his children). Hmm, intriguing right? Although, I will say that it is actually quite sad 😦 Kate also has some difficulties, and we as reader’s get to know the real story about her mother’s death.

But sadness aside, it was really fun to see the other character’s again! Daphne, Simon, and the rest of the Bridgerton family. There was especially one scene in particular, where Kate is also in, that I really liked – those of you who’ve read it probably know which scene I mean haha. I can say that it includes croquet. But aside from the “original” character’s it was also really fun to meet new ones! Like Mary and Edwina, they were both lovely and very caring of Kate.

So to summarize, The Viscount Who Loved Me is definitely worth reading! Quinn has done it again, and she’s done it rather fantastically. The drama, the romance, the suspense. I really adored simply everything about this novel. Especially the predicament with Kate and Anthony. Gawd, I’m so excited to see them portrayed in Bridgertons season 2!

I hope you all have beautiful Monday, and an incredible week!

Hugs!

The Duke and I – Julia Quinn

Welcome to the world of the charming Bridgertons

Title: The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #1
Rating: 3,5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince – while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable… but not too amiable.

Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society – just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.

The plan works like a charm – at first. But amid the glitterings, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule…

Thoughts:
First of all I just must mention that this charming, and highly entertaining, novel has been adapted to a TV-series! Yay! It releases today, Friday the 25th of December, on Netflix, under the name of Bridgerton. I’m so excited! And as for why, you’ll find out now!

The Duke and I is the story about Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest sister, although not the oldest sibling, in the beloved Bridgerton family, and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings who doesn’t get along with his father. Daphne is a woman out in society looking for a husband, though she has yet to find one. Things aren’t easier since Daphne’s the oldest daughter and is expected to find a man soon. She’s at her third (I think lol) year “out in society”, and all men only sees her as a friend. Bummer.

Enter Simon Basset, the man who has a solution to their troubles. Because you know, he’s a Duke and all women want him – which is incredibly tiresome. Together Daphne and Simon concoct a plan (although in the beginning this definitely didn’t seem possible because of their tireless banter) where they pretend to court one another. Simple as that. Nothing could get in the way. Except for Simon’s growing jealousy when Daphne gets attention elsewhere. But more about that you’ll have to read in the book!

Hopefully I’ve made you a bit intrigued, but I can continue on speaking about the novel a while more.

One thing I really loved about it was the relationships Daphne had with her siblings and mother. Their father passed away a couple of years earlier, which made her mother a widow with 8 kids all by herself! Lady Violet Bridgerton is one strong woman indeed. I loved to read about the encounters between Daphne and her family. I, myself, would love to be a part of the Bridgerton family – they seem to be, as well as have, so much fun! And I can just imagine how exciting it must’ve been to live in London going on ball’s, although I much more prefer living in a society where women can decide over themselves. Nevertheless, it must’ve been a little bit fun to wear those big, beautiful dresses – but of course you must’ve lived in a fortunate family.

I must also mention Lady Whistledown, also known as Regency London’s own Gossip Girl. Her witty gossip elements, her Society Paper’s, were one of the funniest parts to read in Quinn’s novel. I also just completely loved how she tittle-tattled on every individual – especially the Bridgerton’s and the Duke, who every un-wed woman, as well as widows, has their eyes set upon.

Just to have it mentioned as well there are some adult parts in the novel, but honestly if one doesn’t want to read those particular parts it’s very easy to just skip it and read the rest instead. I have rated it as “Adult” though because that is what most people shelved it as on Goodreads. I would say that people 17 and over can read it, since I’d call this novel very light, and more humorous, as well as romantic. It is definitely worth reading!

All in all, The Duke and I was a very fun and romantic read! I would definitely recommend it to all. I have actually finished almost the entire 8 novel series! I’m just waiting for the last part to come out in Swedish 😀

The reason as for why this novel has “simply” gotten a 3.5 in rating is because it took me a while to finish it, and there were some parts that I just found odd (but if I would tell you about those this wouldn’t be spoiler-free). Daphne also annoyed me at sometimes, especially towards the ending – and those of you who have read it probably knows what I’m talking about.

Anyways, I hope this review has picked up your interest for Quinn’s novel (or novels perhaps). Although there may have been lesser good parts, you definitely won’t regret reading it!

Hugs!