The Very Definition of Love

by Sophia Benoit

A plucky yet innocent wallflower writing a dictionary of bawdy slang arranges her own marriage to the ultimate the town rake. As sexy as it is witty and as charming as it is irreverent, The Very Definition of Love is Emily Henry for the regency era.

1816—Harriet Bancroft may be on her fifth season with no marriage prospects, but she’s fine with that. It gives her more time to write her dictionary of modern slang. Words are her passion, especially the exciting, filthy ones men have kept hidden from women for far too long. 

While researching late in the library during a party, Harriet accidentally finds herself in a compromising situation with notorious rake, Lord Alexander. To save her reputation and her younger sisters from ruin, Harriet has no choice but to slightly kidnap Alexander and strong-arm him into an elopement. This arranged marriage has a very particular condition—it will be in-name-only, leaving each of them to follow their own interests. For Harriet that’s her work; for Alexander, that’s women.

But soon Alexander’s rakish existence is not nearly as fun as spending time with Harriet, and Harriet’s beginning to worry about how much she actually likes her husband. Behind the closed doors of their respectable home, things become a little . . . complicated. After all, who better to teach her the very thorough meaning of these indecent words than the renowned lover, Lord Alexander Stirling? 

Perhaps this marriage will teach them both a little more about that word they’ve been avoiding—love.

If Carrie Bradshaw wrote a Regency romance. . . . Meet an irresistible new voice in sex and relationships columnist and lifelong romance fan, Sophia Benoit.

Enemies-to-lovers / Marriage of convenience / There’s only one bed / Yearning / A misunderstanding / He teaches her / Regency era / Rake x wallflower

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 23, 2026

Reviews

[Kimberlylovesreadingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley and Zando publishing for this Earc in exchange for an honest review ♥️🎀.

I have a big space in my heart for regency romance and this book didn't disappoint 🤭.

I read this book in one sitting because of how interesting it was.

Harriet, our fmc, is writing a modern slang dictionary and one day as she's researching in a library at a ball she's found in a compromising situation with the well known rake, Lord Alexander. 🙂

Alexander is used to women fawning over him but something about Harriet, the quiet Wallflower, makes him experience emotions that he doesn't want to explore.

I loved the dynamic between Alexander and Harriet, the tension was top tier.🛐 I found myself giggling at the funny banter between them🤭.

I just wish the epilogue was a little bit longer and that we actually read about Harriet 's reissure of the slang dictionary.🙂 Maybe it should have been written like months later instead of just the next morning.

Other than that I loved reading this and I hope we get books about the sisters.🤞🏾🙂

I can't wait to see the cover!!!! The cover is sooooo 😍✨🎀

[Lina]

4 / 5 Stars
This was pretty delightful and a fun romp. The gist is that Harriet is a big nerd (complimentary) who just wants to learn naughty words so that she is contribute to Mr. Dawkin’s dictionary and make some money for her sisters. When she is found in a compromising situation with well-known rake, Alexander (he is literally holding her wrist in a library when they are alone but that is SCANDALOUS for their time), they have no choice but to get married. Chaos ensues.

You will probably like this book if you like:
🌸 Regency era historical romances
🌸 Opposites attract
🌸 Rake MMC x Wallflower FMC
🌸 Spicy lessons
🌸 Reformed Playboy MMC x Virgin FMC
🌸 Oops, there’s only one bed

I really enjoyed Harriet and Alexander together. Alexander is a rake (cough, man slut, cough) but he is a thoughtful, kind rake with a traumatic past that makes you root for him. Harriet is shy and nerdy and sometimes comes off as very naive but again, there are good reasons for it. They are both really endearing and they work together as a couple. She throws him off balance which I LOVE and he just stares at her with stars in his eyes. This is another idiots to lovers story because neither one gets that the other likes them and they make assumptions and jump to conclusions. While I would find that annoying in other books, I think it worked here because these two just don’t have the life experience to do otherwise.

There is definitely some insta-lust but Alexander lives his life very … penis forward so if there wasn’t insta-lust it would seem out of character. I did find it slightly unbelievable that Harriet knew literally NOTHING about sex. Like I get that there was no sex education in Regency times but girl, you didn’t talk to your older sister about sex? Or like do any self discovery of your own ever? You’re learning these bawdy terms and none of them seemed interesting to piece together in a practical sense? I feel like I needed a little more about why she would be so clueless because it started to feel like a plot device instead of an understandable character trait.

Overall, this was fun and had some of my favorite tropes. I learned a lot of fun words and there is a literally glossary at the end.

Thank you Zando Projects | Slowburn and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 23, 2026
___________
Pre-Read Thoughts: It really tickles me that we call slutty men "rakes" in historical romances. (And of course, women don't get a cutesy term like that but you know, the patriarchy). Also prepare to be sick of me when I learn all of the "bawdy terms" from this book.

[Nicole is Reading Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This is the kind of book that you need to force yourself to put down or else you’ll stay up all night reading it.

As far as regency romances go, this one was top-tier. Harriet and Alexander were such a good pairing: the intelligent, overlooked wallflower and the rakish, bastard son of a duke - a matched made in chemistry heaven. The tension and spice were immaculate, but there were also many tender and romantic moments between them that made their connection feel so genuine.

If I had nitpick anything, it would be that I was hoping for a bit more from the final scene. Regardless, this book exceeded my expectations!

Thank you NetGalley and Zando (Slowburn) for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Berry ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ (Updating Reviews!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sophia Benoit, Zando/Slowburn, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

5 / 5 ⭐️ I ATE THIS UPPPPPPP omg
3 / 5 🌶️

I devoured this book in a day. Absolutely loved it, wouldn't change a thing, Harriet and Alexander live rent free in my mind now.
Marriage of convenience? Yes.
The tension?? Yes.
SPICY lessons??? YES!
ONE BED???? YES!!

I had such a good time reading this. Regency-era books aren't typically my thing, but I am so glad I took a shot and requested this arc, because it brought me so much joy! I was charmed from the very beginning.

Harriet, our sweet little wallflower FMC, is so timid, naive, and smart in such an endearing way. Her personality doesn't feel too forced. I loved her, and reading about her so much!
Alexander is... a capital R rake. A bastard child of the duke. But ohhhhh my gosh. He was just so thoughtful. It was so easy to fall for his character.

After an accidental meeting, they get roped into quite the tricky situation, and the only way for them to move past it is to... get married. The marriage of convenience plotline was executed flawlessly.
Together, they were SO cute. I thought they both suited eachother nicely, and I truly did root for them til the end!

This was such an amazing read, and an even more amazing romance debut novel by Sophia Benoit!

♡ pre-read ♡

I am going to devour this regency era marriage-of-convenience book HEHEHEHE

[Silvy (silvylinings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you’re looking for something to fill the bridgerton season 4 sized hole in your heart, THIS IS THE ONE!!!! THIS IS IT!!!!

i have been CRAVING a romcommy historical romance ever since i forced myself to stop rebingeing bridgerton over and over again, and this cured me. of everything. of every single ailment that has ever existed in my mind body and spirit, actually. THIS WAS A DELIGHT AND I’M OBSESSED WITH IT AND I NEED MORE LIKE A BLACK HOLE OF HISTORICAL ROMANCE BANTERY YEARNING THAT WILL NEVER BE SATISFIED.

i’ve been a sophia benoit follower for years, used to read (and submit to!) her advice substack back in the Despairs Of My Early Twenties, and was utterly GIDDY when she released well, this is exhausting. so naturally i genuinely writhed on my floor in romance reader GLEE when i saw she was taking her talents (wit, charm, creative geniusry) to the historical romance subgenre.

AND THIS DELIVERED IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY. i’m not a seasoned historical romance reader, but i do dabble (feverishly & enthusiastically, as all hyperfixations manifest), and this hit all of my boxes. a handsome heir-to-the-dukedom rake who is ALSO a golden retriever angel baby boy??? a smart, witty wallflower with a penchant for vulgarities? A KIDNAPPING!! AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE!! a forced proximity DELIGHT in every possible way!!! i tore through this in 24 hours with delighted joy in my heart and i’m begging for more.

this was clearly painstakingly researched, hilariously funny, and hits all of the trope boxes with a sizzling spicy cherry on top. i’m obsessed, actually, and i can already tell this is one i’ll reread over and over again for the next 3-5 business years while we wait for bridgerton season 5 to cook.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to slowburn for the chance to read this early!!! i loved literally every second of it and also learned something in the process (catch me casually dropping the word godemiche at the next book club meeting). pick this up when it releases so i can relive it vicariously!!! i beg!!!

[°✧ susu ✧° · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the PERFECT book to satiate my regency romance needs. Especially for the upcoming Bridgerton season that’ll be out by the time this releases!

The tension was absolutely delicious. There really is no other way to describe it. From cute banter to meddling sisters and a noisy ton, every element brought Harriet and Alexander together even when all they intended to do was be far apart as possible.

Harriet and Lord Alexander are found in a compromising position, which forces them to wed. Although Alexander avoids the act as much as possible.. he kind of gets kidnapped by Harriet? 😭 She just wants to avoid her family from getting ruined and I mean, you go girl. So this ends up being a forced proximity, marriage in name. But after spending so much time together, Alexander can’t help but think of Harriet and realizes he doesn’t want anyone else.

They are so so cute. The bashful nature of Harriet does well with Alexander confident ‘rakish’ one and they compliment each other very well. Also Harriet isn’t afraid to be herself around him, when she usually sticks to the sidelines and is quote on quote a ‘wallflower’. He cares for her and her sisters’ wellbeing, and really really hope they get books too!

Great chemistry and highly recommend.

[Allison E · Rating 2 out of 5]

The thing about this book, is that I did not like it very much. At first I was like it’s probably just because of the impeccable historical romance series that shall not be named which I just finished. Surely it’s the comparison thieving my joy right? Nope. I actually just don’t like this book.

A wallflower semi kidnaps a notorious rake and semi forces him to marry her after getting caught in a compromising ! position with him. She’s also trying to compile a dictionary of scandalous leaning slang words and he exists to well, mostly think about her.

While I wouldn’t say the writing here is bad, the author’s voice is distinct and quite breezy actually, I really couldn’t stand either of the two main characters. They weren’t even annoying to me in the interesting way. I like a character if they’re annoying in an interesting way.

Harriet the fmc is a very whiney “wow is me, everyone thinks I am ugly and no one ever notices me and everyone likes my sisters more than me and I am such a wallflower !!” kinda gal. She also genuinely acts like she was born yesterday. Like displayed a level of naivety that made me want to bash my head in. You could argue “well she’s a wallflower, that’s her character type.” Trust me I’ve met wallflowers I like. I’d push Harriet in front of a moving carriage if it would cease her blithering.

The love interest Alexander loves women. He loves all women so so much. The author wants you to know this. He is a lover with seemingly no particular taste in who he beds. What is it about Harriet then that causes Alexander to stop his man whore ways? He doesn’t know. And I don’t know either.

Sorry to sound like such a Scrooge. Add that to your dictionary Harriet. You annoyed me so much I have become a disgruntled miserly old man. I reject the fun of this story !!

Hehe here is where I say my classic line that I think a lot of ppl would still have fun with this. It’s classic regency type shenanigans.

[Stroop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly charming! Harriet’s goal in life is to co-author a dictionary of slang and curse words. She has long given up on finding love. Enter Lord Alexander…literally. He walks into a room where Harriet is alone and they are discovered in a compromising position. While they agree that marriage is their only solution, they also agree that they should basically do whatever they want behind the scenes as they don’t have a real marriage. However, going back to “normal” may prove difficult as their feelings for one another develop.

This is a fun read. Harriet is a plucky and endearing lead and Alexander is sweet and thoughtful (even though he may not think so). 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Zando and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

[Fifi’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you too are in your Bridgerton era, you’ll love this one! I’m absolutely obsessed with the regency era. Also the Victorian era. And rococo. I am the definition of an old soul, who loves the aesthetics of old time periods, is allergic to anything modern in decor (but still very much enjoys modern plumbing, medicine, and women’s rights, ya know). For those who love to romanticize the aesthetic part of historical time periods though, this book is very much like Bridgerton in that sense, where it is an idealized, romanticized version of the regency era. Things weren’t at all easy back then, though it’s easy to romanticize it, since the fashion, architecture, and aesthetics are so glamorous. And for those who know the reality of historical eras but can’t help but romanticize it, this book is chock full of fancy balls, the season, rakish dukes and earls, silk stockings, and high society.

I hate comparing everything to Bridgerton but this really is somewhat similar in concept. An innocent woman and a rakish lord are forced into marriage for the sake of reputation after being caught in what looked like a compromising situation. Even down to the lord refusing to father a child, it’s got more than one similarity to Bridgerton season 1, though it’s got enough differences to stand on its own. At the heart of it, this is an enemies to lovers about an innocent lady of high society and a rake forced into marriage, and I ate up every bit of it.

This book really is for a certain type of reader; either it’s your thing or it isn’t. People who don’t love historical fiction may be bored. People who love the regency era may even call this a favorite. It sticks to its genre and it does it well. I’m very much in my Bridgerton era and a regency like this was exactly what I wanted. Is it the cutest love story in the world? Not really, but the aesthetic is peak. Aesthetic driven readers will appreciate this one. It’s cute, funny, tongue in cheek, and so unserious sometimes. The ending was a little rushed, but I can’t complain! I loved Harriet’s sisters and hope we get books about them next.

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

[Katie McNeely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot tell you the last time I started and finished a book in the same day. This book was quite the education 👀

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's been soooooo long since I've dived into historical romance. Historical romance IS the reason I'm into the genre in the first place. Truly my first love. I knew from the cover alone I wanted to get my hands on this one.

It didn't disappoint and gave me exactly what I was hungry for. Utterly charming and such a sweet and fun story. The chemistry was great. The banter even better. Writing was great! Honestly, it's a fun read.

My biggest complaint, and what held me back from going with four stars, is Harriet's naivety drove me crazy. It got to the point where it was almost comical. I also wish there was an epilogue to make the ending a bit tighter.

Thank you to zando and netgalley for the arc!

[lina ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

// thank you to the publishers and netgalley for providing me with an arc!

this book deserves all the love it’s going to get and more. i actually cannot remember the last time i enjoyed a regency romance this much (and i’ve read a lot). let’s start with: the cover is absolutely stunning. but also, i read this whole book in one morning (from 10am until 2pm) without meaning to (i had studying to do) because it was so addictive that i simply could! not! put it! down!

i loved both our main characters, but the cast of side characters was also so rich and felt so real to me. i’d love to see some of those characters get their own books. i loved how much personality both our main characters had, and how well they suited one another once they let their true selves show.

i really don’t know what else to say except compliments to sophia benoit. this was an exceptional debut into the romance genre, and i’m so excited to see what else she’s going to cook up.

+ rounding this up to 5 stars because it's a tragedy this book has as little reviews as it does, and it deserves the world.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s been so long since i finished a book and immediately wanted to start it again because i just enjoyed it so much. this did that for me!!
i will definitely be saying LOTS more closer to release, but WOW this was tens across the board for me. i had such a blast reading it.

[☆Laura☆]

Harriet Bancroft ha pasado gran parte de su vida en el papel menos interesante de cualquier salón londinense: el de la hija mayor que nadie invita a bailar. Acostumbrada a observar desde la sombra mientras sus hermanas acumulan atenciones, ella se refugia en sus libros y en la correspondencia secreta que mantiene con un académico que desconoce su identidad. Una noche, mientras intenta ampliar su peculiar colección de palabras poco decorosas, termina en la biblioteca de un baile donde se cruza con Lord Alexander Stirling, el segundo hijo de un duque, célebre por su encanto y por la facilidad con la que evita cualquier compromiso. Lo que ocurre allí no debería significar nada, pero una interrupción inoportuna convierte un malentendido en un escándalo. La sociedad ya ha decidido su destino y ambos deben enfrentarse a una unión que ninguno planeó. A partir de ese encuentro forzado surge una relación que desafía sus prejuicios y que revela cuánto pueden cambiar dos personas cuando se ven obligadas a mirarse sin disfraces.


___


Lo único que no me gusto que es Alexander no termino su relación con Giuliana, ya no son amantes, pero quedaron como amigos. Además me quedo la duda de si le seguirá dando dinero y me imagino que se quedara con la casa.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[QuirkyTofurkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

LISTEN. This book isn’t perfect—and if I were more like Harriet, I’d be able to provide a million synonyms for imperfect—but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it one iota. There were some deeply emotional moments between our leads, and the secondary characters were delightful. I am currently taking applications for a mistress psychologist of my own (strictly platonic).

If I have one real complaint, it’s that the plot felt a little chaotic at times. Maybe one too many plot devices? A few conflicts were left dangling (I’m looking at you, Daddy Dearest). But it’s fine. I’m fine. We’re cool. I don’t need every storyline tied up in a neat little bow. But I am vindictive.

That said, I went into this book hoping to pick up some delightfully filthy 1800s slang and emerged with an entirely new vernacular. Ms. Benoit, I myself and everyone around me thank you for this gift. My reading of this book may be temporary, but the edification will be eternal.

I have never used the dictionary function on my Kindle more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Zando Projects, and Sophia Benoit for this advanced reader copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

I hope by the time of publishing, the Americanisms have been edited out along with the repeated usage of the word 'nonce' that is absolutely not being used correctly by the author.

I especially hope they've been remedied by publication because they're the only major faults in this book. It's a delight from beginning to end. Harriet is a bookish, chatty, overlooked wallflower but manages not to become a cliche or come across as so innocent that she's annoying. I loved her and how she completely enraptured Alexander.

There's a little of The Devil in Winter here except instead of striking a bargain like Evie and Sebastian, Harriet has to kidnap Alexander to abscond with him to Gretna Green.

The book isn't quite as screwball as the blurb implies, but that's not a bad thing. They spend so much time together and in conversation on the page that you really get to see their relationship grow and thrive.

[justclayreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Would have been 5 stars because it actually does have me wanting to read more regency romance, but that pesky miscommunication trope at the end was very unsavory for me. It also didn’t really make sense for the characters since they were excellent communicators up until that point. It was a bit of whiplash for sure. It does get cleared up rather quickly though.

Other than that, I love Alexander and Harriet as a couple. The banter was bantering. They truly do complement each other so well. Their character archetypes are kind of similar to popular jock and nerdy/shy girl. This was such a dreamy romance. I delight and something different from what I usually read. I’m on the hunt for my next historical romance now. If you like shows like Bridgerton, I would highly recommend this!

Thank you to Zando/Slowburn for the gifted finished copy via NetGalley.

[A.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was actually read in one day.
This book scratched every itch. There was yearning. It was sexy. It was fun. I giggled out loud. I swooned. Every tbr needs it.

[Maria Bru · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIG thanks to Zando and NetGalley for this arc xx
I had sooo much fun reading this book. I needed some good romance to get out of a reading slump and, to be honest, I couldn’t put this one down.
The situations in this book are ridiculous, making it even more fun. Forced proximity, banter and dual pov had me GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET.
Exactly what I needed and will be recommending it once its out in June x
God, I LOVE love

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to Slowburn/Edelweiss for the ARC // This was delightful and reminded me of a steamier version of A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin, which inspired similar ~feelings~.

The leads had great chemistry, and the dual perspective lended itself well to seeing their relationship develop. I loved the banter between Harriet and Alexander — and how Harriet never had to compromise on who she was or her voracity for knowledge. (Also, points for the absolutely gorgeous cover!)

[Grace Oeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to the team at prh for the advanced reader’s copy through netgalley // I’d say this is more of a 4.5 stars, because i loved the banter and the characters felt so vibrant for me! also, talk about YEARNING. slight spoilers, but this is the book that made me realize i love the “oops, I’m in love with my wife!” trope 🥰

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmm…. Hello, Sophia. I need more Harriet and Alexander. Thanks.

Regency romances are still relatively new to me, and if I continue reading them, I genuinely hope they’re like this one. The banter… Phenomenal. The characters… Lovable. The story… Just a fantastic time. Like Harriet, I absolutely loved learning new words. (Old words?) You can tell how much work Sophia put into researching phrases and such for this book, and it just really makes the story all that much better. (She even shares definitions of certain words and phrases at the end!)

Girl meets boy. Boy and girl get caught in compromising (for the 1800’s) position. Girl kidnaps boy. Girl and boy slowly fall in love. Girl and boy DON’T FREAKING SHARE THEIR AFFECTIONS WITH EACH OTHER LEADING TO BOTH INFURIATING AND HILARIOUS OUTCOMES. Okay.. I’m chill, I’m chill. I might not have been chill with the amount of times I wanted to slap either of them at any given moment, but I’m over it. (Not really.) As much as the lack of communicating angered me, I still couldn’t help but eat this book up. Seriously… THE FREAKING BANTER! This book had me laughing, swooning, crying, just feeling a myriad of emotions. I will say that I’m a little upset at the ending, but that’s really just because I want more. I want more of their story to exist. I want to be able to read more about them and follow up with their families and relationship. I’m being greedy. 😂

Some bullet points because I can’t just keep repeating how much I enjoyed this book…
-Loved Harriet’s curiosity and growth.
-Philippa and Presley were both such a vibe.
-Learning new (old) vulgar words.
-Character development.
-I can’t say this enough, BANTER. chef’s kiss
-How Alexander treated Harriet even before falling in love. 🥹
-Wishing Alexander had gotten that danged punch in…
-Sooooooo many good quotes to save.

Very small amount of my highlights… (None too spoilery.)
-Philippa adjusted her posture, dabbed carefully at her lips, and glanced down at her bodice to make sure it was sufficiently in danger of exposing her nipples.
-His shirt was off. Gone. It might be floating in the Nile for all she Knew. Harriet had gotten used to breathing while looking at his exposed neck, but when Lord Alexander removed his shirt to reveal the entirety of his bare chest, that did her poor respiratory system in. She inhaled sharply, promptly choked on the air she'd inhaled, and spun around quickly to have a coughing fit facing the wall, which seemed approximately one percent less embarrassing than continuing to face him.
-"Alexander," she pleaded.
"Yes?" he teased.
"Please," she begged, although she had no earthly idea what she was begging for.
But he did. He seemed to know precisely what she was asking for.
-In a fit of madness, she spoke:
"Oh my, you are the most handsome man l've ever seen." The smile that cracked open his face was almost worth her embarrassment at having let the words escape her mouth.
"I'm inclined to agree," Presley said, and Harriet had no idea how serious he was. It sent her into a fit of giggles, which she tried desperately to cover.
-Thank God she talked so much; it gave him the perfect cover for watching her mouth.

I could share soooooo many more, but that’d basically be giving away the whole book. 💀 Definitely, definitely, definitely recommend!
I was blessed with an early copy of this book thanks to Netgalley, and I will absolutely be buying the physical copy when it comes out.

[♡ ⋆˚✿˖° Rox ✦☽ ݁⋆⭒˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me state the obvious: Sophia Benoit can WRITE. For most of the book I was giggling and kicking my feet, completely and utterly charmed. For the last 30%, when the plot and I didn’t see eye to eye, the writing style kept me going. It’s really that good. I will definitely read whatever Sophia Benoit publishes in the future!

While the main plot is pretty straightforward (rake + wallflower = marriage of convenience), I found myself excited for the ride. And indeed, the actual carriage ride to and from Gretna Green was THE high note for me. After their return to London, my enjoyment started dipping and not for the lack of drama.

Now I know that this is entirely objective (as it is my personal opinion and all), but there were some things that happened that didn’t sit well with me. Allow me to go into heavy detail.

1. The financial aspect.
I know it’s not the most romantic thing to start with, but I find it baffling how Harriet (the pragmatic, head of her house, accountant of her house etc etc) did not sort out this aspect with Alexander DURING the travel to Gretna Green, or, indeed, absolutely any other time after it. That Alexander, who knows that Harriet’s family is in a severe financial situation and doesn’t even begin to THINK about helping is bad enough, but Harriet forgetting about it, too? What’s her excuse? She has two sisters to take care of, sisters she loves and shields from their abusive, gambling, drunkard father - but she doesn't request any financial assurances from her husband to meaningfully, realistically, help the people she loves most? I find that very strange.

2. The mistress aspect.
Listen. I get it, okay? Alexander loves women or rather loves fucking them. On top of fucking them every chance he gets (almost fucking Harriet’s sister, at first), he also financially supports his mistress Giuliana. A house. Staff. Jewels. He doesn’t extend the same care to his wife or her destitute family but fuck it, right? Alexander kept Giuliana in the lap of luxury for the entirety of the story while his wife had to a) give the only money she had to her father to get him out of the house, b) work in hopes that she’s receive payment (she didn’t) and c) give her wedding ring (the only valuable thing she possessed) to her father to get him away (again). My eye was THIS CLOSE to twitching.
I guess I’m still pissed about the financial stuff. Sorry. Let’s move on to the mistress part. Giuliana. Giuliana. Giuliana. Her only purpose in the story is to: 1) offer sex and have Alexander say no, and 2) be nude (or close to it) while Alexander talks about Harriet. Let me get into this second point because this one felt unforgivable to me. Although Giuliana is not at fault completely (Alexander is the asshole), I had hoped that, as a girl’s girl (as Giuliana was clearly trying to be) she would l know that Harriet might not want masturbation techniques to be provided by her husband’s mistress (delivered in the nude, too). Am I crazy?

Thank you NetGalley for sharing the arc for The Very Definition of Love in exchange for an honest review.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! Going to be completely honest, I submitted a request for this book on a whim bc the premise and cover looked like fun and I'm so happy that I did!

The Very Definition of Love is an exquisitely hilarious historical romance romp about a wallflower named Harriet and a wealthy rake Alexander. Harriet is on her fifth coming out ball with no marriage prospects in sight, being overshadowed by her gorgeous sisters. Which she's totally fine with, as her main passion in life is to co-write a dictionary and learn many new (and often dirty) words that most proper young ladies would not be privy to. From here enters Alexander, a well-known womanizer and a duke's bastard, and he has his eyes set on charming Harriet's sister Philippa, but when he slips out of the ballroom for their rendezvous he finds himself in a compromising situation with Harriet instead. Knowing that there is no way to save their respective reputations without a marriage of convenience, Harriet takes matters into her own hands by kidnapping and loading Alexander into a carriage with his butler and mistress' help (absolutely insane to write out, but it works hilariously!) to elope and begin said marriage of convenience.

I'm usually a bit hesitant to read books with overtly sexual themes because it's not always done tastefully but this book has done it in such a way that makes perfect sense for the characters, the time period, and plot. When we first meet Harriet, she seems to be a very shy and naive sort of person, but once she's starts talking and the wheels of her curious mind start whirring, she's unstoppable! And of course the same can be said of Alexander, who often hides behind the facade of an affable playboy when all his heart truly wants is for someone to show him the love he's always secretly craved and to in turn shower that person with devotion and affection. Seeing these two open up to each other, banter and flirt endlessly, and best of all discover each other together (not only physically but emotionally) had me kicking my feet and giggling late into the night.

Also, I can't only gush about our FMC & MMC without mentioning how Giuliana, Harriet's sisters, John, and Presley were all such great supporting characters. I really felt how much they all loved and supported our main leads in their own ways- lending a listening ear, giving much needed advice (especially when Harriet and/or Alexander were being thick-headed haha!), and overall being great friends and family.

Safe to say I gobbled this up in no time and enjoyed every minute!

[Mora ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ/ꜰɪɴɪꜱʜᴇᴅ: 21 ᴅᴇᴄ/22 ᴅᴇᴄ
ᴅɪꜱᴄʟᴀɪᴍᴇʀ: ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ꜰᴏʀ ꜰʀᴇᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ/ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇʀ ᴠɪᴀ ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴍʏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ꜰᴜʟʟʏ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ.
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ: ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏɴᴠᴇɴɪᴇɴᴄᴇ, ʀᴀᴋᴇ x ᴡᴀʟʟꜰʟᴏᴡᴇʀ, ʀᴇɢᴇɴᴄʏ ᴇʀᴀ, ʜᴇ ᴛᴇᴀᴄʜᴇꜱ ʜᴇʀ, ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ
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Rating 4.25/5 | Spice 4/5 on the romance.io scale (1= Glimpses and kisses, 2=Closed door, 3=Open door, 4=Explicit open door, 5=Explicit and plentiful)

I really didn't expect to like this book as much as I did! I usually read contemporary as English isn't my native language and historical writing can be hard. But as the book is about a dictionary (and the book having one too!) it was actually delightful. The book is very well written.

FMC is insecure/shy, she gets proven again and again that people only care about her sisters. It made it very easy to root for her. I liked to see how MMC changed from a rake.
The book is very much a slow burn. I really liked that. The book heavily leans into it's premise at times but it also made this romance unique.

I did miss an epilogue. It made the book end so sudden and I didn't feel completely satisfied.

𖹭 The relationship
The relationship is driven on mutual misunderstanding. Over the course of the book they realise they want more from eachother than just a marriage on paper, but both think the other doesn't.
I really liked how different they were from eachother. FMC's inexperience never read as childish to me, it was written as curious.
This book did a very good job of mixing lust and love. When physicial things finally happen, they feel earned and real.
Over the course of the book I "fell in love" with MMC too. He has a caring personality.
There is a miscommunication but it didn't make me hateread which I sometimes do. It made the pining much better.

Ი𐑼 The smut:
The book is very "he teaches her" with her being inexperienced but enthusiastic to learn. The intimacy builds gradually. There is an emphasis on female pleasure. The scenes are sensual and very character driven. I never got bored of any scenes, and it actually takes really long for more than "feeling eachother up" to happen. It was rewarding. The scenes are explicit but not overly.

ೀ Characters:
MMC
About: Lord Alexander Stirling, late 20s, Notorious rake, Bastard son
Appearance: Jetblack hair, deep brown eyes, broad shoulders
FMC
About: Harriet Bancroft, Wallflower, Wo-writing a dictionary of modern slang
Appearance: Chestnut dark hair, gray eyes. strong brows, full lips

✦ Features:
Standalone
HEA
Vanilla smut
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[Natalie Escotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get my hands on The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit — her introduction to Regency romance — and I’m thrilled to say it absolutely delivered!

This story follows Harriet, a self-proclaimed wallflower with far more fire than society gives her credit for, and Lord Alexander, a notorious rake who is far too handsome for his own good. After they’re found in a compromising position, Harriet does the only logical thing (obviously): she essentially kidnaps him to low-key force him into marriage. And honestly? Respect.

Harriet’s motivations made her impossible not to root for. She’s determined to protect her sisters from further ruin, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to secure their future. That fierce loyalty creates the most delicious forced proximity between her and Alexander — filled with denial, tension, reluctant care, and the slow unraveling of a man who never expected to be surprised with a women.

The “vulgar” dictionary plot added such a fun, clever layer to the story. I found myself constantly looking at the definitions alongside her, and I loved how fully Benoit committed to this detail. It wasn’t just a quirky trait — it felt integral to Harriet’s voice and independence.

Harriet has long considered herself invisible in other people’s eyes, and watching her experience the freedom of being fully herself with Alexander was such a delight. She has absolutely no filter with him — she gets on his nerves in the most entertaining way, and I genuinely laughed out loud at their exchanges. Their dynamic felt balanced and empowering.

Where Harriet sometimes struggled with self-doubt, Alexander’s growing admiration and reluctant devotion felt like quiet validation. And the way she talks him into seeing her perspective? The way he bends for her? Chef’s kiss.

“That man was a blighter. Unfortunately, objectively, he was quite a gorgeous blighter.”

If I had one small complaint, it’s that the ending felt a bit rushed compared to the rich buildup of the rest of the novel. I would have loved more time with them fully settled into their relationship — and I’m especially hoping we get to see more of Harriet’s sisters in future stories.

Overall, The Very Definition of Love is sharp, witty and romantic. A bold and confident Regency debut that embraces its heroine’s unconventionality and lets her shine.

[Alice Turrini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for an ARC of this book!!

London, 1816, Harriet is on her fifth season with no marriage prospect and a fixation with words and books. During a ball she found herself wandering in the library and in a compromising situation with well-known rake, Alexander. Deciding that she needs to be married to the man in order to protect her sisters' and her own status and reputation she kidnaps the man and they elope in an arranged marriage with rules that allow them to continue their old life. All they want is for Harriet to go back to her work with words and for Alexander to meet with a different woman every night once again, or is this not all they really want?

I don't usually read regency romances, however this book satisfied and overcame my expectation in a surprising way for me. It's entertaining, funny and easy to read despite the language that is, of course, period appropriate. I loved Alexander's yearning and the banter between him and Harriet, they definitely work as a couple and their chemistry is off the charts. A great point in this book are the words that are used and the setting. Both of them are time appropriated, the descriptions allow you to enter in the story and adjust to the time it is set in and the glossary at the end of the book is a genius move. I learned so many new words (most of them are smut words but still words).
What I didn't enjoy particularly was the end which felt rushed and I think it needed at least one more chapter to give the story a proper ending.

"The very definition of love" by Sophia Benoit is out on the 23rd of June 2026 and it's a must-redd for every romance reader out there (regency or not)!

Here’s what you should know:
❤️Regency era historical romances
❤️Enemies to lovers
❤️Marriage of convenience
❤️Yearning
❤️Opposites attract
❤️Rake MMC x Wallflower FMC
❤️Spicy lessons
❤️Only one bed
❤️Two povs, 3rd person
❤️Spicy level: 3/5

⚠️TW: alcohol abuse and abusive father (mostly mentally but he also hit another character)

[Michelle Brashars · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so so happy to get the arc for The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit!!! I love historical romance and love seeing Slowburn putting one out!!! I was hooked from the very first page!! Harriet is a bluestocking wallflower who had been out for five seasons and is totally fine to not get married. She has 3 other sisters and she lives at home with 2 of them trying to keep her household afloat while her abusive father gambles their money away. Harriet loves words and is working on a list of slang that’s usually kept from ladies. Unfortunately when she’s in a library at a ball, Lord Alexander Stirling, the bastard second son of a Duke, mistakes her for her sister. When they’re discovered alone and her reputation is sure to be compromised, Harriet basically kidnaps Alexander and forces his hand in marriage. Alexander is a well known rake. He loves women and hates his father. He has no plans to ever marry or have a family, and extremely put out by his new wife. She’s a yapper of the highest degree and he’s just constantly out there fighting for his life in every conversation with her. These two are ADORABLE!!! Alexander is surprised to find that he actually really really likes his wife. He wants to spend time with her and bed her. She seeks his help in sating her carnal curiosities without actually sleeping together. So there’s sexy lessons and lots of spicy touching 🥵🥵🥵🥵 so so hot!!! I laughed and cried in this book. The writing was wonderful and engaging. I absolutely loved it, but I felt like some things were left unresolved! I needed more on like 3 topics and I was sorely disappointed that the end was the end. I kept checking for more chapters. I will absolutely read more historical romance books from this author though. It’s still a five star for me because up until it was over I was so giddy reading this.

[k · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t even tell you how excited I was when I received this ARC! Regency romance is what got me back in to reading as an adult. No regency era romance that I have picked up since then has gripped me… until this!Sophia Benoit is wildly witty and devastatingly charming.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the concept of a naive wallflower writing a dictionary full of slang words. Pair that with being found in a compromising situation with the town rake and her kidnapping him and arranging her own marriage, the story promises to satisfy any sort of sexy regency craving you might have.

I laughed so much during this book. The tension between Harriet and Alexander is one of my favorites. It was hysterical when Harriet would ask him about specific slang words and he didn’t want to ruin her by talking to her like that. But it would also make him very “excited” that a woman was asking him this kind of stuff and Harriet had absolutely no idea that she was actually torturing him. It is absolute GOLD.

The side characters were great. Loved the different slide stories with Harriet’s sisters and father, and also Alexander’s father and brother, oh and his mistress. The reason I’m giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 (which it really had the potential to be) is because the ending was very abrupt. The resolution between Harriet and Alexander seemed rushed. I was truly shocked when I turned the page and the acknowledgments popped up. There are many loose ends within the subplots. Usually I’m ok with this when you can tell it’s going to be a series so you will get questions answered in the next book, but I don’t feel like the story is properly set up for that. I would absolutely love a second book though.

Overall, would recommend.
Thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the ARC of The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit.

[Addie Reads Often · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the past few months, I've gotten really into historical romances, specifically from older authors who started writing in the 80s or 90s. After a while, regency romances all feel like the same story: a rake and a virgin. He uses women. She is an innocent. He eventually takes her virginity (often with, perhaps dubious consent?).

And yes, this book is also a rake and a virgin... but stick with me! TVDoL has the great elements of "classic" regency romances, combined with features that appeal to modern women.

Alexander might be a self-described rake, but he's more of a guy who just likes to have sex and seeks out women who are looking for the same thing. He delights in satisfying his partners and himself. Plus, he keeps a very happy mistress (who you will adore, I promise!).

Meanwhile, Harriet is unabashed about her thirst for knowledge of crude language definitions and debauchery. After a moment with Alexander that could lead to her ruin, Harriet takes matters into her own hands to remedy the situation (on the advice of Alexander's mistress [again, I promise you will love her and I don't want to spoil anything by saying more]).

From here, Harriet continues her education into understanding things that men are allowed to know and do, but women are not. She is truly such a fun character who tries to push boundaries and support those she loves.

TVDoL was such a fun read, with the perfect amount of sexual tension, banter, and build up. The cover and title are perfect. I learned many new words from Harriet's venture into writing dictionary definitions and from the author's writing style. Even though it's another rake/virgin story, and there's a bit of a miscommunication trope/third act sort of break-up... both of which I don't love, but everything works perfectly in this story. I look forward to more books from Sophia.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.