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The Very Definition of Love
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Expected 23 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 08:14:28
25 copies available
U.S. only
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
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
448 pages, ebook
Expected publication June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
February 24, 2026
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 😍✨🎀
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 😍✨🎀
March 29, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
April 14, 2026
I cannot form a complete thought - this book was SO CUTE
I picked it up on a whim bc I was in a weird reading mood & I didn’t want to put it down. An absolutely addicting regency romcom.
Rake x Wallflower x Forced marriage to save her reputation
SO so cute. This book comes out later this year & truthfully I haven’t seen much buzz about it but pls know - you need to read this. I’ll 100% be getting a trophy copy.
I picked it up on a whim bc I was in a weird reading mood & I didn’t want to put it down. An absolutely addicting regency romcom.
Rake x Wallflower x Forced marriage to save her reputation
SO so cute. This book comes out later this year & truthfully I haven’t seen much buzz about it but pls know - you need to read this. I’ll 100% be getting a trophy copy.
March 4, 2026
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!!!
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!!!
January 14, 2026
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.
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.
April 7, 2026
The Very Definition of Love is, quite truly, one of the best books I have read all year. I am just coming off the high of having finished it, and I can already assuredly say that Sophia Benoit has spoiled me for any book that I will pick up hereafter. I thought none could rival Tessa Dare in the historical romance department, but I have been delightfully corrected.
These characters - I love them as individuals, and I love them even more together. It’s so refreshing to have an MMC in a historical romance that accepts his lady exactly as she is, and encourages her eccentricities. ALEXANDER THE MAN THAT YOU ARE.
And Harriet - oh, Harriet. My innocent but not meek wallflower with an insatiable hunger for knowledge (a gal after my own heart).
I could read a whole series dedicated to these characters and not tire of it. This romance has it all: heart, swoonworthy love, banter, and great humor.
These characters - I love them as individuals, and I love them even more together. It’s so refreshing to have an MMC in a historical romance that accepts his lady exactly as she is, and encourages her eccentricities. ALEXANDER THE MAN THAT YOU ARE.
And Harriet - oh, Harriet. My innocent but not meek wallflower with an insatiable hunger for knowledge (a gal after my own heart).
I could read a whole series dedicated to these characters and not tire of it. This romance has it all: heart, swoonworthy love, banter, and great humor.
February 28, 2026
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.
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.
May 15, 2026
This book was filled with witty humor, warmth, and romance. 💖
Thank you to Zando Projects and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
You’ll find so much packed into this story: an accidental kidnapping, a compromising situation, a charming rake of a hero, a wallflower heroine, and plenty of conversations… and “not conversations” too. 😉
It’s such a delightful historical romance about two people who never expected to find love — especially not with each other.
Harriet attends a ball hoping to finally meet her pen pal and perhaps find something romantic… only to end up in the completely wrong place at the worst possible moment, with her reputation suddenly at risk. 🤦🏻♀️
She has been secretly corresponding with a scholar, helping him compile a dictionary of unusual words. The problem? He has no idea he promised Harriet 25% of the profits because he believes he’s writing to a man. 🙈
Meanwhile, Alexander is adored by nearly every woman in London — especially widows and unhappily married ladies. He loves balls, fencing, and women perhaps a little too much. One unfortunate mistake later, and he wakes up in a carriage speeding toward Scotland. 😅
Watching these two untangle the chaos they accidentally find themselves in was incredibly entertaining and charming. I highly recommend this to fans of historical romances looking for a light, funny, and heartwarming read. 💝
Tropes ✨
* 💃 Historical romance
* 😏 Rake hero
* 📚 Wallflower heroine
* 🔥 Forced proximity
* 💞 Unexpected love
* 🗡️ Charming rogue hero
* ✨ Romantic comedy vibes
* 🫶 Slow-burn chemistry
* 🔥 He “teaches” her 💦
* 🎀 Reputation at stake
Thank you to Zando Projects and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
You’ll find so much packed into this story: an accidental kidnapping, a compromising situation, a charming rake of a hero, a wallflower heroine, and plenty of conversations… and “not conversations” too. 😉
It’s such a delightful historical romance about two people who never expected to find love — especially not with each other.
Harriet attends a ball hoping to finally meet her pen pal and perhaps find something romantic… only to end up in the completely wrong place at the worst possible moment, with her reputation suddenly at risk. 🤦🏻♀️
She has been secretly corresponding with a scholar, helping him compile a dictionary of unusual words. The problem? He has no idea he promised Harriet 25% of the profits because he believes he’s writing to a man. 🙈
Meanwhile, Alexander is adored by nearly every woman in London — especially widows and unhappily married ladies. He loves balls, fencing, and women perhaps a little too much. One unfortunate mistake later, and he wakes up in a carriage speeding toward Scotland. 😅
Watching these two untangle the chaos they accidentally find themselves in was incredibly entertaining and charming. I highly recommend this to fans of historical romances looking for a light, funny, and heartwarming read. 💝
Tropes ✨
* 💃 Historical romance
* 😏 Rake hero
* 📚 Wallflower heroine
* 🔥 Forced proximity
* 💞 Unexpected love
* 🗡️ Charming rogue hero
* ✨ Romantic comedy vibes
* 🫶 Slow-burn chemistry
* 🔥 He “teaches” her 💦
* 🎀 Reputation at stake
May 11, 2026
We need more books where she kidnaps him! This one was a trope-tastic delight that sucked me in from the start. Harriet is a wallflower on a mission to create a dictionary of slang words. And when she’s accidentally discovered with the biggest rake in town, Alexander, she must solve the problem like she does all her family’s. Alexander is not interested in stopping his rakish ways, but he is immediately intrigued by this curious girl who writes words like “qu!m” on her arm. He’s uncertain of marrying her, but she can’t take no for an answer and quite literally kidnaps him for an elopement to Gretna Green. It’s a hilarious and bonkers good time, with characters that were instantly lovable and a writing style that hooked me right away.
I loved how Alexander was that charming type of rake, who might appear shallow on the surface but turns down bad by the 35% mark. Charming rakes are some of my faves, because they typically have really interesting layers to discover while also keeping me giggling. And Harriet is kind of a wonderful foil due to her ability to (mostly) see though her attraction of him. This is a classic- charming rake gets rocked when the girl he’s not really interested in (sure Jan) shows zero interest. And I eat that sh*t up, with a request for extra helpings please! The steam in this was sooooo well done, and this author knows how to bring the heat. While it could just be hot and descriptive physically, it also feels true to the characters and their playful banter. Needless to say, it was very hot and the scenes kept delivering on the amp up in intimacy.
I can not rave about this one enough- I really loved so much about it! This might be the author’s first historical, but you can tell she’s a fan of the genre and combines so many great tropes. She takes the classic wallflower and rake trope and does exactly what I want with it: there’s yearning, misunderstanding, “I’ll teach you” moments, and a lovely banter and chemistry between these two that I couldn’t get enough of. Neither character is one-note, or exactly what they appear, but thats what makes this specific trope work so well. He’s also a down bad man who has no idea he’s down bad, which is my favorite kind. And Harriet is the perfectly curious and hilarious wallflowers, with her interest in naughty words providing endless laughs. Harriet’s sisters are such a treat, and I really hope we get future novels with them! I can feel Sophia setting this up for us, and I hope she gets the chance to follow it through. Because they were all so interesting and unique.
Ultimately, this one is getting such high praise because Sophia blends the rom com of this so perfectly, while delivering high heat and delicious chemistry that you want to devour. I could not, and did not, want to put this one down when I started- it was a blast of a time!
Thank you to the publishers for an eARC of this novel.
I loved how Alexander was that charming type of rake, who might appear shallow on the surface but turns down bad by the 35% mark. Charming rakes are some of my faves, because they typically have really interesting layers to discover while also keeping me giggling. And Harriet is kind of a wonderful foil due to her ability to (mostly) see though her attraction of him. This is a classic- charming rake gets rocked when the girl he’s not really interested in (sure Jan) shows zero interest. And I eat that sh*t up, with a request for extra helpings please! The steam in this was sooooo well done, and this author knows how to bring the heat. While it could just be hot and descriptive physically, it also feels true to the characters and their playful banter. Needless to say, it was very hot and the scenes kept delivering on the amp up in intimacy.
I can not rave about this one enough- I really loved so much about it! This might be the author’s first historical, but you can tell she’s a fan of the genre and combines so many great tropes. She takes the classic wallflower and rake trope and does exactly what I want with it: there’s yearning, misunderstanding, “I’ll teach you” moments, and a lovely banter and chemistry between these two that I couldn’t get enough of. Neither character is one-note, or exactly what they appear, but thats what makes this specific trope work so well. He’s also a down bad man who has no idea he’s down bad, which is my favorite kind. And Harriet is the perfectly curious and hilarious wallflowers, with her interest in naughty words providing endless laughs. Harriet’s sisters are such a treat, and I really hope we get future novels with them! I can feel Sophia setting this up for us, and I hope she gets the chance to follow it through. Because they were all so interesting and unique.
Ultimately, this one is getting such high praise because Sophia blends the rom com of this so perfectly, while delivering high heat and delicious chemistry that you want to devour. I could not, and did not, want to put this one down when I started- it was a blast of a time!
Thank you to the publishers for an eARC of this novel.
May 10, 2026
Good Lord, this was a mind-numbingly boring read. I want to be kind but honest and I'm sure this author worked hard to write this book but here's the problem, or at least, one of the main problems in this book. She's a wallflower and he's a notorious rake and essentially, they're caught in a compromising position (nothing improper was actually going on) and she essentially kidnaps him and manipulates him into marrying her so they go on a road trip to Gretna Green to have a hasty marriage in name only except, this is a historical romance so of course, it turns to real love. And if that is, in fact, a trope I wanted to read, then I'd rather just read Devil in Winter by the unparalleled Lisa Kleypas. She's got a terrible father, he's got a terrible father, they both have siblings that are good (his brother is dying, meaning he will become the heir to the dukedom) and she's also obsessed with with co-authoring a dictionary of dirty words? IDK. There's some vague sex lessons and dirty word lessons and I think the main issue with this book is that there are too many tropes and not enough by way of actual plot. You can't just write a book full of tropes. I'm gonna confess, I mostly hard skimmed this book and I'm not entirely sure why either one of these people fell in love with the other but I also feel fully confident in saying that if I had read every single word of this book with great concentration, I would still be asking the same exact question. It's trying to be witty and subversive (oh, look, he's got a mistress but she's not evil, she's actually supporting the new wife and wants them to get together and be happy and gives him advice on how to sexually pleasure the wife) and I don't know, it just didn't work for me at all.
ARC from publisher, review is all mine.
ARC from publisher, review is all mine.
November 20, 2025
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.
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.
Read
May 17, 2026i was charmed! i 1) breezed through it in a day 2) genuinely giggled at points 3) will be reading the sequels (phillippa’s book in particular).
it’s still very much a debut— the tone of dialogue gets, as my friend allie says, “breezy” to the point of being overdone at times. the character work could be richer/fuller/more complete (why words? why dirty words? when? how? in this way? in general harriet is harder to put a finger on than alexander). there are points in the plot where it’s hard to follow exactly why something is happening, and the miscommunication doesn’t feel *totally* earned.
STILL. i think there’s something lovingly referential about the story to iconic historicals of the past (devil in winter, lord of scoundrels) and there’s more than enough to have a good time. closer to a tessa dare than a laura kinsale, if that means anything to you. i had a truly good time!
it’s still very much a debut— the tone of dialogue gets, as my friend allie says, “breezy” to the point of being overdone at times. the character work could be richer/fuller/more complete (why words? why dirty words? when? how? in this way? in general harriet is harder to put a finger on than alexander). there are points in the plot where it’s hard to follow exactly why something is happening, and the miscommunication doesn’t feel *totally* earned.
STILL. i think there’s something lovingly referential about the story to iconic historicals of the past (devil in winter, lord of scoundrels) and there’s more than enough to have a good time. closer to a tessa dare than a laura kinsale, if that means anything to you. i had a truly good time!
February 16, 2026
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.
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.
January 27, 2026
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!
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!
March 9, 2026
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.
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.
April 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGallet for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Get you a man who redoes his whole library and saves all the erotica for you to read and learn new slang terms!
This is my first regency romance read. I keep seeing them everywhere and I’m always temped to pick one up. The Very Definition of Love was amazing and I am officially an enjoyer of regency romance novels!!
Starting off, I really like the many different aspects of Alexander’s character. I like that Alexander’s character is in direct opposition to Harriet’s father. Harriet can own money and that doesn’t stress him out. He doesn’t abuse her or boss her around, like her father does. He is everything her father is not and that is nice to read. He doesn’t want to own her, he just wants to love her, and my knees feel weak reading it. I like that tried his best to do what her feels is right. I like that he’s honest and kind.
I also really enjoy how easy love feels between Harriet and Alexander. He smiles with her and feels emotions he’s never felt before (cough, LOVE, cough). He’s thought he’s felt them all, but he’s learning so much about himself with her. She trusts him to be honest about what words mean, and to be open with her. They’re both so playful together and make love fun again and I really enjoy reading that. AND THE SAILORS! Alexander loving Harriet came so easily to him.
Harriet is also a powerhouse on her own. She didn’t take shit from anybody, literally making her own personal dictionary of dirty words men hide from women. She’s so true to herself and forward and it is honestly my favourite quality about her. She takes charge! She doesn’t cower from her father, she sees the things she can control in a situation and acts accordingly. I loved her from start to finish.
The side characters have just as much personality as our two main characters and they were such a hoot to read. Giuliana is truly one of my favourite characters in this story. She is the reason everything stayed running smoothly. She took care of both Harriet and Alexander and ran a TIGHT ship making sure everything worked out. John is also a personal favourite of mine. I was worried for a while that he was only going to be mentioned during sad monologues, but when he started having time on the page, I was really happy to see how powerful his character was.
The tension and chemistry between Harriet and Alexander is INSANE! To have me literally blushing and reading 100 pages at a time because I need to know what happens next is crazy! Also side note, the smutty scenes in this book are some of the best I’ve ever read! Holy cow I think I stopped breathing after some of them.
ANYWAYS! Here are some quotes that I absolutely loved and will be updating after the book comes out so then everything is still correct!
"Any man who would overlook you is a fool, and I don't plan on being a fool."
"Harriet, all the ale in this tavern won't change the fact that even half as clever, you're twice as brilliant as most of us in this room.”
"I've already decided I'm going to love this question."
“Trying to guess a man's mind was like eating soup with a fork.”
"God's teeth, I've done it! I've rendered her speechless,"
“Harriet, I want you to love me because I love you."
Get you a man who redoes his whole library and saves all the erotica for you to read and learn new slang terms!
This is my first regency romance read. I keep seeing them everywhere and I’m always temped to pick one up. The Very Definition of Love was amazing and I am officially an enjoyer of regency romance novels!!
Starting off, I really like the many different aspects of Alexander’s character. I like that Alexander’s character is in direct opposition to Harriet’s father. Harriet can own money and that doesn’t stress him out. He doesn’t abuse her or boss her around, like her father does. He is everything her father is not and that is nice to read. He doesn’t want to own her, he just wants to love her, and my knees feel weak reading it. I like that tried his best to do what her feels is right. I like that he’s honest and kind.
I also really enjoy how easy love feels between Harriet and Alexander. He smiles with her and feels emotions he’s never felt before (cough, LOVE, cough). He’s thought he’s felt them all, but he’s learning so much about himself with her. She trusts him to be honest about what words mean, and to be open with her. They’re both so playful together and make love fun again and I really enjoy reading that. AND THE SAILORS! Alexander loving Harriet came so easily to him.
Harriet is also a powerhouse on her own. She didn’t take shit from anybody, literally making her own personal dictionary of dirty words men hide from women. She’s so true to herself and forward and it is honestly my favourite quality about her. She takes charge! She doesn’t cower from her father, she sees the things she can control in a situation and acts accordingly. I loved her from start to finish.
The side characters have just as much personality as our two main characters and they were such a hoot to read. Giuliana is truly one of my favourite characters in this story. She is the reason everything stayed running smoothly. She took care of both Harriet and Alexander and ran a TIGHT ship making sure everything worked out. John is also a personal favourite of mine. I was worried for a while that he was only going to be mentioned during sad monologues, but when he started having time on the page, I was really happy to see how powerful his character was.
The tension and chemistry between Harriet and Alexander is INSANE! To have me literally blushing and reading 100 pages at a time because I need to know what happens next is crazy! Also side note, the smutty scenes in this book are some of the best I’ve ever read! Holy cow I think I stopped breathing after some of them.
ANYWAYS! Here are some quotes that I absolutely loved and will be updating after the book comes out so then everything is still correct!
"Any man who would overlook you is a fool, and I don't plan on being a fool."
"Harriet, all the ale in this tavern won't change the fact that even half as clever, you're twice as brilliant as most of us in this room.”
"I've already decided I'm going to love this question."
“Trying to guess a man's mind was like eating soup with a fork.”
"God's teeth, I've done it! I've rendered her speechless,"
“Harriet, I want you to love me because I love you."
February 18, 2026
I cannot tell you the last time I started and finished a book in the same day. This book was quite the education 👀
December 26, 2025
// 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.
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.
May 12, 2026
You know, I don’t read many regency romances, but I think I might need to start because I had the best time reading this.
Much like Harriet, I have always considered myself a bit of a wordsmith. If not a wordsmith then a logophile, if you will. Harriet’s proclivity skews a bit more roguish, but man that made this story even more hilarious at times.
We have innocent, wallflower in Harriet and the rake that is Alexander forced into a marriage, in name only. But is it?
I do love a reformed rake and I love seeing the woman that tames that man and steals his focus. Harriet is everything he needs and nothing that he ever saw coming.
I just loved the journey they went on to find their happily ever after. I also loved that Harriet, while inexperienced, rarely felt embarrassed. She truly has this desire to improve and constantly learn about quite literally anything and everything. It’s such an admirable skill.
And one last thing before I go- This book had one of the best declarations of love in recent memory. That’s it. That’s all I’ll say.
Thank you so much to Zando for this early copy!
Much like Harriet, I have always considered myself a bit of a wordsmith. If not a wordsmith then a logophile, if you will. Harriet’s proclivity skews a bit more roguish, but man that made this story even more hilarious at times.
We have innocent, wallflower in Harriet and the rake that is Alexander forced into a marriage, in name only. But is it?
I do love a reformed rake and I love seeing the woman that tames that man and steals his focus. Harriet is everything he needs and nothing that he ever saw coming.
I just loved the journey they went on to find their happily ever after. I also loved that Harriet, while inexperienced, rarely felt embarrassed. She truly has this desire to improve and constantly learn about quite literally anything and everything. It’s such an admirable skill.
And one last thing before I go- This book had one of the best declarations of love in recent memory. That’s it. That’s all I’ll say.
Thank you so much to Zando for this early copy!
April 11, 2026
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Zando. This book! Harriet is a bluestocking working on a dictionary of vulgarities while trying to keep two of her sisters safe from their derelict, drunk, abusive father. She gets discovered in what seems to be a compromising situation. Alexander, who is the second son of a horrible Duke, is sleeping his way through London and revels in being dissolute, doesn’t offer for her so she kidnaps him (with the help of his mistress) and takes him to Gretna Green.
What’s supposed to be a marriage in name only (obviously) turns into more. I know this all sounds so generic trope-y but it is very well done. The characters are well developed with Loretta Chase level banter. I ended up liking Alexander more than Harriet. My only really gripe with her was that she was a little bit unbelievably naive, but it may be realistic for the era. I never expected to like his mistress (he does not sleep with her after they are married) but she’s great and I was pleasantly surprised by her relationship with Harriet.
My only criticisms are minor and not really problems. I would have liked to see more of John (Alexander’s brother) and maybe a confrontation between Alexander and Harriet’s father. I wanted a little more from the secondary characters but it’s because everything else was good. I also would have liked an epilogue just because I didn’t want the book to end. The glossary at the end is a nice touch. This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
What’s supposed to be a marriage in name only (obviously) turns into more. I know this all sounds so generic trope-y but it is very well done. The characters are well developed with Loretta Chase level banter. I ended up liking Alexander more than Harriet. My only really gripe with her was that she was a little bit unbelievably naive, but it may be realistic for the era. I never expected to like his mistress (he does not sleep with her after they are married) but she’s great and I was pleasantly surprised by her relationship with Harriet.
My only criticisms are minor and not really problems. I would have liked to see more of John (Alexander’s brother) and maybe a confrontation between Alexander and Harriet’s father. I wanted a little more from the secondary characters but it’s because everything else was good. I also would have liked an epilogue just because I didn’t want the book to end. The glossary at the end is a nice touch. This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
Freak yeah. I loved this raunchy Bridgerton-ish book. Harriet and Alexander? PERFECT
April 2, 2026
FIVE STARS!!
I love a good historical romance and this was such an amazing book I could not put down!!
I loved Harriet and Alexander and all the characters in between. I love the growth that everyone goes through and how he falls first. I also hope we get to see more of the story building from everyone in this book! (Her sisters!)
I need more from Sophia!PLEASE!
I love a good historical romance and this was such an amazing book I could not put down!!
I loved Harriet and Alexander and all the characters in between. I love the growth that everyone goes through and how he falls first. I also hope we get to see more of the story building from everyone in this book! (Her sisters!)
I need more from Sophia!PLEASE!
April 22, 2026
Absolutely divine! This one is for all my Bridgerton lovers…if you adore a heroine with gumption, confidence, strength, and endless curiosity, Harriet is your girl. She’s fearless when it comes to chasing what she wants (even if it involves Kidnapping a duke’s son 👀) and never backs down in the face of misogyny. Truly ahead of her time. The tension? Immaculate. The banter? Absolutely top-tier.
March 28, 2026
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!
I’m a huge fan of romance (including my great love for historical romances) but haven’t found read anything in the past year or so that blew me away. This was the hero I’ve been waiting for…the characters are excellent and the chemistry is off the charts. This novel is endearing, funny, sexy, briskly paced, and an utter delight.
Harriet is a smart, kind, chatty, and unphased by our brooding hero. I also greatly loved reading from Lord Alexander’s perspective in tandem. He is a love interest who oscillates between brusque and sweet in perfect balance. I also appreciated a handful of the side characters - in a weaker story the character of Giuliana would be a flat and conniving plot device. Instead she is funny, witty, and snarky, subverting tired “other woman” tropes in a breath of fresh air. I also loved John.
Slight spoilers ahead…my only true issues with this novel is the slightly slow start, miscommunication trope in the third act (always frustrating), and the abrupt ending. It’s possible the novel will have an epilogue by the time it hits shelves, but as it stands I felt like it ended much too quickly and could’ve been fleshed out more. Granted, that stands to show how much I was enjoying myself! I dearly hope Benoit wishes to write a million more romance novels in this vein.
I’m a huge fan of romance (including my great love for historical romances) but haven’t found read anything in the past year or so that blew me away. This was the hero I’ve been waiting for…the characters are excellent and the chemistry is off the charts. This novel is endearing, funny, sexy, briskly paced, and an utter delight.
Harriet is a smart, kind, chatty, and unphased by our brooding hero. I also greatly loved reading from Lord Alexander’s perspective in tandem. He is a love interest who oscillates between brusque and sweet in perfect balance. I also appreciated a handful of the side characters - in a weaker story the character of Giuliana would be a flat and conniving plot device. Instead she is funny, witty, and snarky, subverting tired “other woman” tropes in a breath of fresh air. I also loved John.
Slight spoilers ahead…my only true issues with this novel is the slightly slow start, miscommunication trope in the third act (always frustrating), and the abrupt ending. It’s possible the novel will have an epilogue by the time it hits shelves, but as it stands I felt like it ended much too quickly and could’ve been fleshed out more. Granted, that stands to show how much I was enjoying myself! I dearly hope Benoit wishes to write a million more romance novels in this vein.
Read
November 20, 2025Harriet 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.
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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.
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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.
March 11, 2026
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
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
February 8, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
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