With Bridgerton’s new season around the corner, I wanted to talk about the book that inspired it: An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn.

In this episode of Modern Fiction, I share my honest thoughts on Benedict and Sophie’s story, why this book is often considered the most controversial in the Bridgerton series, and why I personally enjoyed it and didn’t find Benedict offensive.

This is not a recap and not a full book vs show comparison — think of it as a relaxed, spoiler-light discussion, like chatting about Bridgerton over coffee.

I also talk about:

• Why Season 2 is still my favorite Bridgerton season

• My concerns after Season 3

• Trailer differences already visible for Benedict’s season

• Sophie Beckett as a character and why she anchors the story

• Lady Whistledown now that her identity is public

• Francesca, John, and why I hope the show handles her story carefully

• Why Benedict might be the most relatable Bridgerton sibling

A full book vs show comparison will come after the season is released.

💬 Let me know your thoughts — did you love An Offer from a Gentleman, or did you struggle with it?

This is not a serious review. This is me, a girl who loves Dexter maybe a little too much, sitting down to scream into the mic about Dexter: Resurrection. We’ll revisit the original show, throw some shade at New Blood, and then dive into the chaos of this new season that somehow feels just as good as the classic Dexter we all got obsessed with. Consider this episode my therapy session about America’s favorite serial killer.

P.S. The sound is a bit weird because I had some issues with the microphone. Hopefully you'll still enjoy tho!

In this emotionally charged episode, we dive into Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas — the book that finally made Eva accept that Chaol is not endgame (it’s okay, we’re all healing).

We unpack our complicated feelings about Rowan and Aelin as a couple (spoiler: we’re not fans), gush over Elide and Lorcan — our new favorite duo — and cry actual tears over Elide’s emotional reunion with Aelin.

Also: Dorian’s glow-up, Manon’s romance arc, Lysandra’s epic sacrifice, Aedion’s ongoing annoyance, and the sheer joy of seeing the gang back together again.

We end the episode by naming our personal MVPs and LVPs — both for this book and the series so far.

You’ve been warned: we have a lot of feelings.