Am I weird if I didnt dislike this book as much as everyone else? So far Sophie is my favorite heroine and Benedict is a bit of a brat but it didnt turn me off from enjoying it.
Same here! I really liked the book, and also the second epilogue with Benedict and Sophie (and Posy!) is utterly charming. I think a lot of people like this book. After all, Benedict did come around in the end.
I think the real hero of this story is Violet! :) I just love her and I really liked seing more of the Bridgertons in this book, that's what saved the book for me :) I really liked Sophie and I was heartbroken for her and for how selfish Benedict was, and I was disappointed in him, but the scene with Violet, Benedict and Posy who come to rescue Sophie made my day, and I was just so happy for her and for the fact that Araminta didn't get away with what everything she has done! But it's clearly not my favorite book of the series!
I totally agree with all your feelings about Benedict, it was all about him, he was such a bully and so cruel and just felt he was entitled to sex just because it was what he wanted. I couldn’t get past it and it ruined the book for me. I’m afraid I only gave it 1 star on rereading it so many years later. I am loving these in depth vlogs of this series xx
Thank you Sarah! I totally get it. I remember loving this book so much as a younger woman. And it is probably due to how romantic it seemed in the beginning, but geez.. I read a lot of dark romance and he has so many traits of a narcissists I read in them. But wow... it was YIKES!
@@TheBookRefuge Just read the book the third time...yes, he was a selfish jerk sometimes, but also a young aristocratic man if his time. He never forced her to be his mistress, other men would have just taken advantage of her and not care about her feelings, even less consent (see the scene, where he saves her from the other men). To the end, Benedict apologizes, sees that his actions weren't right. I don't see anything really cruel or narcisstic I do sometimes wish certain situations were written a bit better, but I also try not to read historical romances through the eyes of/with expectations of someone from the 21st century. I'm aware, that these novels are very romantized and in quite some details not historical correct, but I also don't want to read a book where everything and everyone is perfect, doesn't have the need to make mistakes or bad decisions and grow. I'm too old to see things just black or white. Life is complicated, so are people. P. S. Love Sophie, too! 🙂
I'm reading this book these days and I'm glad that I saw the 'Benedict' in the tv show before the Benedict in the book. I wanted to feel a little bit giddy about their romance but I just can't swallow Benedict's character. I expected a lot from him and to find out he was such an entitled arse, I just can't bring myself to like him and the book. He ruined it for me. I was planning on finishing the book for the sake of just being done with it. I feel so bad for Sophie, she deserved better. But kudos to Julia for a fresh retelling of a Cinderella story. Julia's Bridgerton books could've been much better had the characters were more developed as well as the plot. It's just that, Bridgerton is so problematic.
I meant to comment on this video this morning when I watched it but forgot. I love to watch your videos when I'm putting makeup on. makes me feel like I'm chatting with a friend...yes, I talk to my screen 😂 .... 1. you mentioned something about being self conscious about something. I 100% assumed you are like the most confident person. maybe it's because you seem so comfortable and down to earth in your videos 🥰 2. you are brave. I'd be in so much pain and would not be able to film after a trip to the dentist. 3. I had a lot of the same options towards Benedict while reading this. He needed to graval more....if it seems like I'm binging all your videos, it's because I'm catching up. everyone's vlogmas got me behind.
I’ve only read the first four books. But out of all four heroes I like Benedict least. He was so sweet in the beginning and then he just... he does the sick thing. And I didn’t think he groveled like Anthony. Nor did I feel like it was “part of the game” like I did between Anthony & Kate.
I am bored at work and this rant made my day. I literally laughed out loud🤭. I am dipping my toe in historical and started, Again the Magic. Later this year I will dive into the Bridgerton series to tie me over until season 2.
Yeah just finished this one and... it's a mixed bag. One thing that kind've bothered me about the book that I'm not sure gets brought up much was how the story seemed to think it was tragic that Sophie in particular was reduced to a life of servitude and effective slavery. And I thought it was weird how the servants basically say, "Oh, someone whose the daughter of an Earl should not have to have our shitty lives. We're low-born so it's fine for us." I don't exactly read historical romance to get piercing insight into the conditions of the working class, but it was... awkward to me. As for Benedict... I think he might've worked better as you pointed out had we gotten any insight of why he is the way he is. Simon and Anthony get their deals explained in the prologues whereas Benedict is just kinda... all over the place. He is sharply perceptive about Sophie and what her background must be, but fails to recognize what he would consider the most important thing about her. (That she's the woman he insta-loved at the ball.) I just did not quite see why with his two older siblings married off, his sister to a Duke no less, and them having heirs why he's SO hung-up on marrying beneath his class. I get it was the times and all that but, the Bridgertons have always been presented as remarkably progressive. I feel almost bad saying this, but I liked the scenes where he's being aggressive and trying to trap her in, but I agree it just didn't seem appropriate for the story or at least not fleshed-out enough. The scenes when he snubbs Penelope and is dragging his feet about having to "play hero," to keep someone from getting raped almost made me throw the book across the room. Overall, I feel like Quinn was trying to go for a character with "hidden depths," (he's deep because he likes art...I guess?) but just kinda made a pushy, selfish, but sincerely loving weirdo.
I also have a similar kind of feeling for Benedict because in other two romances.. Both have to marry because they have caught in a situation but in this romance he finally decide that he will marry her only because she is the one..
I agree about the perceptive thing. Benedict was able to figure out quite a few things about Sophie during their conversation at the ball but then it took him so long to figure out it was her? I know it had been two years and she had cut her hair by that time but still. If he could figured out where she was living simply by talking about Whistledown articles, he should have been able to figure out her identity faster. And honestly the way he did find out jus felt so......dumb. Like, she had her eyes covered and he INSTANTLY recognized her because of her mouth?....Wtf? Honestly throughout the whole book I was thinking that Sophie was going to find that missing glove and he would realize through that somehow. I also agree about Sophie being forced into servitude being.....off. Her being a bastard does throw a wrench in things, but I did find myself low-key agreeing with Benedict about her choosing to be a servant and being stupid about it. Granted I'm not sure exactly what else she could have done exactly but the servants did say that she didnt have to do that. IDK. I think if they could have just talked things out and Sophie had been honest fully instead of just giving out half truths, some sort of solution could have been worked out.
@The Book Refuge I have a random question, does your hardcover of An Offer from a Gentleman have the stepback artwork on the back of the dust jacket? I'm slowly collecting the hardcover editions of the Bridgerton series and when I got this in the mail I was surprised it didn't have the stepback on the back like the others I've seen. I'm wondering if I got a different edition of it. Do some of them not have the artwork? Just curious.
Omg, I'm really glad, I found your video,. I finished An offer from a gentleman yesterday and I was so frustrated about Benedict's behaviour towards Sophie. I love Sophie, she's really great and also I enjoyed mrs Bridgerton and her daughers. Mrs Bridgerton is a queen! I was also frustrated because almost no one pointed out Benedict's behaviour on goodreads, It's similiar as in The duke and I, when Daphne clearly r*ped Simone and most of people didn't find it wrong or poited out on it. It was so wrong even though she had her reasons.
I hope Benedict is better in the show. He can make mistakes that can affect others but I hope he learns them and redeems himself in the show or owns up to his mistake and makes them better. And I hope Sophie can make mistakes as well as owning up to them eventually. Would be nice if they learn it together at the end when it seems like there’s no hope between them. I hope they do it like the Cobra Kai characters, which is a whole other story but like all characters in the show they can be jerks but they deal with issues that redeem them or they own up to it and make the best even if it’s too late, and in a way I hope they can makes fans say, “YES, -YES!!!!” Like in Cobra Kai😂.
I love your analysis on the brigdeton books and we almost always have the same thoughts about them, Benedict is also my least favorite bridgerton but not because of your reason unfortunately. I think you were not fair to the constraints that Benedict had. The class difference in that time was real and present as opposed to Simon that his troubles were from his past. Benedict did not realize that he could possibly just marry her and he had to let go of the city life that he had been used to, and move to the country for this woman eventually. Where I agree with you is that he didn't growl enough Violet kinda did the growling for him. He should have had the come to Jesus moment with Sophie, not just walk into the jail and proclaim her his fiancée (arrogant much?). But otherwise great job...loving your reviews.
I think it shows that he was a man of his time . Women didn’t have any power … and social perception and status is everything … I didn’t like this book either … I got rid of it
Because of time jumps, I am starting to think some of the show seasons will double up on plotlines. Like they won’t just be one book each.
Am I weird if I didnt dislike this book as much as everyone else? So far Sophie is my favorite heroine and Benedict is a bit of a brat but it didnt turn me off from enjoying it.
Yes me too
I loved it. I’m surprised I’m in the minority here. On book four so far and I’m not loving it so much.
Same here! I really liked the book, and also the second epilogue with Benedict and Sophie (and Posy!) is utterly charming. I think a lot of people like this book. After all, Benedict did come around in the end.
Why the actor who plays Benedict has to be so likeable. Now i'm afraid of what are they gonna do to him in the third season. 😅
I think the real hero of this story is Violet! :) I just love her and I really liked seing more of the Bridgertons in this book, that's what saved the book for me :) I really liked Sophie and I was heartbroken for her and for how selfish Benedict was, and I was disappointed in him, but the scene with Violet, Benedict and Posy who come to rescue Sophie made my day, and I was just so happy for her and for the fact that Araminta didn't get away with what everything she has done! But it's clearly not my favorite book of the series!
This is my favorite book in the series
I totally agree with all your feelings about Benedict, it was all about him, he was such a bully and so cruel and just felt he was entitled to sex just because it was what he wanted. I couldn’t get past it and it ruined the book for me. I’m afraid I only gave it 1 star on rereading it so many years later. I am loving these in depth vlogs of this series xx
Thank you Sarah! I totally get it. I remember loving this book so much as a younger woman. And it is probably due to how romantic it seemed in the beginning, but geez.. I read a lot of dark romance and he has so many traits of a narcissists I read in them. But wow... it was YIKES!
I didn't know this coz I just didn't have the guts to go past 2nd chapter
@@TheBookRefuge
Just read the book the third time...yes, he was a selfish jerk sometimes, but also a young aristocratic man if his time.
He never forced her to be his mistress, other men would have just taken advantage of her and not care about her feelings, even less consent (see the scene, where he saves her from the other men).
To the end, Benedict apologizes, sees that his actions weren't right.
I don't see anything really cruel or narcisstic
I do sometimes wish certain situations were written a bit better, but I also try not to read historical romances through the eyes of/with expectations of someone from the 21st century.
I'm aware, that these novels are very romantized and in quite some details not historical correct, but I also don't want to read a book where everything and everyone is perfect, doesn't have the need to make mistakes or bad decisions and grow.
I'm too old to see things just black or white.
Life is complicated, so are people.
P. S. Love Sophie, too! 🙂
I love that you can be so passionate about your reading 😍 I really enjoy your reviews!
Thank you! I obviously love her writing if it is able to get me this worked up.
Glad it went well. You’re a trooper filming the day after. ❤️❤️
I'm reading this book these days and I'm glad that I saw the 'Benedict' in the tv show before the Benedict in the book. I wanted to feel a little bit giddy about their romance but I just can't swallow Benedict's character. I expected a lot from him and to find out he was such an entitled arse, I just can't bring myself to like him and the book. He ruined it for me. I was planning on finishing the book for the sake of just being done with it. I feel so bad for Sophie, she deserved better. But kudos to Julia for a fresh retelling of a Cinderella story. Julia's Bridgerton books could've been much better had the characters were more developed as well as the plot. It's just that, Bridgerton is so problematic.
I meant to comment on this video this morning when I watched it but forgot. I love to watch your videos when I'm putting makeup on. makes me feel like I'm chatting with a friend...yes, I talk to my screen 😂 .... 1. you mentioned something about being self conscious about something. I 100% assumed you are like the most confident person. maybe it's because you seem so comfortable and down to earth in your videos 🥰 2. you are brave. I'd be in so much pain and would not be able to film after a trip to the dentist. 3. I had a lot of the same options towards Benedict while reading this. He needed to graval more....if it seems like I'm binging all your videos, it's because I'm catching up. everyone's vlogmas got me behind.
That makes me so happy. How sweet! I love when I watch someone who feels like a friend too. :)
I’ve only read the first four books. But out of all four heroes I like Benedict least. He was so sweet in the beginning and then he just... he does the sick thing. And I didn’t think he groveled like Anthony. Nor did I feel like it was “part of the game” like I did between Anthony & Kate.
I am bored at work and this rant made my day. I literally laughed out loud🤭.
I am dipping my toe in historical and started, Again the Magic. Later this year I will dive into the Bridgerton series to tie me over until season 2.
Yeah just finished this one and... it's a mixed bag. One thing that kind've bothered me about the book that I'm not sure gets brought up much was how the story seemed to think it was tragic that Sophie in particular was reduced to a life of servitude and effective slavery. And I thought it was weird how the servants basically say, "Oh, someone whose the daughter of an Earl should not have to have our shitty lives. We're low-born so it's fine for us." I don't exactly read historical romance to get piercing insight into the conditions of the working class, but it was... awkward to me.
As for Benedict... I think he might've worked better as you pointed out had we gotten any insight of why he is the way he is. Simon and Anthony get their deals explained in the prologues whereas Benedict is just kinda... all over the place.
He is sharply perceptive about Sophie and what her background must be, but fails to recognize what he would consider the most important thing about her. (That she's the woman he insta-loved at the ball.)
I just did not quite see why with his two older siblings married off, his sister to a Duke no less, and them having heirs why he's SO hung-up on marrying beneath his class. I get it was the times and all that but, the Bridgertons have always been presented as remarkably progressive.
I feel almost bad saying this, but I liked the scenes where he's being aggressive and trying to trap her in, but I agree it just didn't seem appropriate for the story or at least not fleshed-out enough.
The scenes when he snubbs Penelope and is dragging his feet about having to "play hero," to keep someone from getting raped almost made me throw the book across the room.
Overall, I feel like Quinn was trying to go for a character with "hidden depths," (he's deep because he likes art...I guess?) but just kinda made a pushy, selfish, but sincerely loving weirdo.
I also have a similar kind of feeling for Benedict because in other two romances.. Both have to marry because they have caught in a situation but in this romance he finally decide that he will marry her only because she is the one..
I agree about the perceptive thing. Benedict was able to figure out quite a few things about Sophie during their conversation at the ball but then it took him so long to figure out it was her? I know it had been two years and she had cut her hair by that time but still. If he could figured out where she was living simply by talking about Whistledown articles, he should have been able to figure out her identity faster.
And honestly the way he did find out jus felt so......dumb. Like, she had her eyes covered and he INSTANTLY recognized her because of her mouth?....Wtf?
Honestly throughout the whole book I was thinking that Sophie was going to find that missing glove and he would realize through that somehow.
I also agree about Sophie being forced into servitude being.....off. Her being a bastard does throw a wrench in things, but I did find myself low-key agreeing with Benedict about her choosing to be a servant and being stupid about it. Granted I'm not sure exactly what else she could have done exactly but the servants did say that she didnt have to do that.
IDK. I think if they could have just talked things out and Sophie had been honest fully instead of just giving out half truths, some sort of solution could have been worked out.
@The Book Refuge I have a random question, does your hardcover of An Offer from a Gentleman have the stepback artwork on the back of the dust jacket? I'm slowly collecting the hardcover editions of the Bridgerton series and when I got this in the mail I was surprised it didn't have the stepback on the back like the others I've seen. I'm wondering if I got a different edition of it. Do some of them not have the artwork? Just curious.
Offer From a Gentleman doesn't have a stepback back. It was never printed as such. JQ actually told me.
@@TheBookRefuge Got it. Thank you! And how cool you got to talk with Julia! Love your channel by the way. :)
Omg, I'm really glad, I found your video,. I finished An offer from a gentleman yesterday and I was so frustrated about Benedict's behaviour towards Sophie. I love Sophie, she's really great and also I enjoyed mrs Bridgerton and her daughers. Mrs Bridgerton is a queen! I was also frustrated because almost no one pointed out Benedict's behaviour on goodreads, It's similiar as in The duke and I, when Daphne clearly r*ped Simone and most of people didn't find it wrong or poited out on it. It was so wrong even though she had her reasons.
That is the Bridgertons always getting their way
Next is my girl Penelope and collin .. can't wait..also an offer from a gentleman was my least favourite from the series 🤦
Me too!! I am starting it today and I cannot wait.
Thanks sweetie for this, I couldn't get through the 1st chapter, I will have to wait for Benedict on netflix series.
I hope Benedict is better in the show. He can make mistakes that can affect others but I hope he learns them and redeems himself in the show or owns up to his mistake and makes them better. And I hope Sophie can make mistakes as well as owning up to them eventually. Would be nice if they learn it together at the end when it seems like there’s no hope between them. I hope they do it like the Cobra Kai characters, which is a whole other story but like all characters in the show they can be jerks but they deal with issues that redeem them or they own up to it and make the best even if it’s too late, and in a way I hope they can makes fans say, “YES, -YES!!!!” Like in Cobra Kai😂.
I love your analysis on the brigdeton books and we almost always have the same thoughts about them, Benedict is also my least favorite bridgerton but not because of your reason unfortunately. I think you were not fair to the constraints that Benedict had. The class difference in that time was real and present as opposed to Simon that his troubles were from his past. Benedict did not realize that he could possibly just marry her and he had to let go of the city life that he had been used to, and move to the country for this woman eventually. Where I agree with you is that he didn't growl enough Violet kinda did the growling for him. He should have had the come to Jesus moment with Sophie, not just walk into the jail and proclaim her his fiancée (arrogant much?). But otherwise great job...loving your reviews.
you have no idea how you saved me big time, I am at book 4 but I skipped book 2 because I don't know why I just didn't love it.
Idk I liked the book but everyone has there own opinions
I think it shows that he was a man of his time . Women didn’t have any power … and social perception and status is everything … I didn’t like this book either … I got rid of it