An Offer from a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3) by Julia Quinn

 

From Goodreads

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

My thoughts

I borrowed a copy of this from BorrowBox the digital lending side of my local Library.

I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10.

This is the third in the Bridgerton series and I found that the premise of this was loosely based on Cinderella, in so much as she has a wicked stepmother and two stepsisters who aren't very nice towards Sophie.  They all treat her as a servant as opposed to the illegitimate child of their deceased husband and stepfather.

I enjoyed this story that featured Benedict Bridgerton, who took on the role of Prince Charming in some respects and Sophie Beckett, his Cinderella that he fleetingly met one night and never forgot.  As their paths cross a couple of years later he is drawn to her again, not realising that they may already know one another.  Will he ever have his happy ever after and will she get hers? 

This Bridgerton series is pure escapism and they are historical romances with twists and turns along the way, often tinged with elements of humour too.  If you have not read one yet, why not start at the beginning and let yourself be immersed in the lives of the Bridgerton family.