It suddenly made sense. Only twice in his life had he felt this inexplicable, almost mystical attraction to a woman. He’d thought it remarkable, to have found two, when in his heart he’d always believed there was only one perfect woman out there for him.

After the death of her mother, Sophie Beckett came to live with the Earl of Penwood. She knew she was his bastard but lived in comfort though without love until the Earl married Araminta. The woman and her two daughters hated Sophie because of her mere existence. The Earl died. To receive money from the Earl’s estate, Araminta must allow Sophie to stay in the house. She did but forced Sophie to work as a servant. Sophie turns twenty and is still a servant. The family is invited to a masquerade ball at the famed Bridgerton home. Sophie dresses the mother and sisters, and after they leave, the rest of the staff help Sophie dress for the masquerade ball in a silver gown. One night, just one night to be more than the scorned bastard of her birth. The beautiful vision in silver entrances Benedict Bridgerton and sneaks her away without learning her name or seeing her unmasked face. The mystery surrounding her and the instant chemistry between them make Benedict lose his control and he kisses her. The clock strikes twelve and Sophie races away, leaving a monogrammed glove. Araminta realizes Sophie had attended the ball and casts her out of their home.

I love Benedict - like all the Bridgerton’s; he is stubborn as heck but has a heart of gold (and the soul of an artist). I, like Sophie, was so resilient in her life after living through such horrible mistreatment - her spirit was never broken. I think Sophie overcomplicated things to herself. However, she commanded respect in her beliefs, especially from Benedict, and it was what eventually led them to have their happy ending. I think if she had done the simple thing or taken the easier way out, she would’ve been happy for a while but miserable in the long run. I also liked that they both accepted the faults in themselves at the end of the book. It was like they developed as characters like you would hope a real person to do.

This one was a whirlwind of romance, secrets, and passion! The echoes of the famous fairy tale are noticeable from the start, which I loved! I thought I knew the story, but Quinn added many other elements & twists, making it familiar but all her own.