What do you think?
The Bancroft Sisters
The Very Definition of Love
Bridgerton meets Emily Henry in this fresh take on regency romance about a wallflower writing a dictionary of bawdy slang who arranges her own marriage to the ultimate the town rake.
'Sexy and witty . . . a clever regency romance that kept me giggling' JOSS RICHARD
1816 - Harriet Bancroft doesn't mind that she's on her fifth season with no marriage prospects, 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.
Enter the ultimate teacher . . .
When Harriet accidentally finds herself in a compromising situation with the notorious rake Lord Alexander, she has no choice but to sort of kidnap him 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 love has a different lesson in mind . . .
Soon Alexander's rakish lifestyle is not nearly as fun as spending time with Harriet, and Harriet's beginning to worry that she might actually like 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.
Tropes
❤️
'Sexy and witty . . . a clever regency romance that kept me giggling' JOSS RICHARD
1816 - Harriet Bancroft doesn't mind that she's on her fifth season with no marriage prospects, 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.
Enter the ultimate teacher . . .
When Harriet accidentally finds herself in a compromising situation with the notorious rake Lord Alexander, she has no choice but to sort of kidnap him 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 love has a different lesson in mind . . .
Soon Alexander's rakish lifestyle is not nearly as fun as spending time with Harriet, and Harriet's beginning to worry that she might actually like 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.
Tropes
❤️
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,856 reviews
November 7, 2025
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.
June 23, 2026
I really thought this one would work for me and i'm definitely in the minority here but... unfortunately it just didn’t.
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴅᴀɴᴄɪɴɢ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ” x ᴍᴀᴛᴛ ᴍᴀᴇsᴏɴ
0:12 ─♥────────── 3:57
The biggest issue was that I had such a hard time connecting with both the story and the characters. The writing itself wasn’t bad, but something about it never fully pulled me in, and I found myself struggling to stay invested from the very beginning. I almost DNF’d multiple times, especially during the first half 😔
Harriet honestly frustrated me quite a bit. I understand that she’s meant to be a wallflower, but her level of naivety felt unbelievable at times. It was especially confusing because we’re constantly told how intelligent she is and how passionate she is about compiling a dictionary of slang and indecent words, yet she seemed completely unaware of things that felt like basic knowledge??????? How did she know NOTHING about the body. It just didn’t add up for me, and she often came across as immature and whiny rather than endearing.
Alexander wasn’t much better for me. The book makes it very clear that he’s a rake, but I never really understood what drew him to Harriet in the first place??? He just somehow changed his ways for her?? Their relationship felt rushed, and I never bought into their feelings. The chemistry just wasn’t there for me, which made the romance difficult to invest in.
The second half was stronger than the first, but the constant miscommunication became exhausting. It felt like there were always excuses keeping the characters apart, and by the end I was more frustrated than emotionally invested.
I also think the book tried to juggle too many tropes without spending enough time developing the actual relationship or plot. It felt like new tropes and situations kept getting thrown into the story, but none of them were explored deeply enough to make a strong impact. Instead of building naturally, a lot of the romance and conflict felt like it was happening because the trope required it rather than because it made sense for the characters.
Overall, I think the premise had a lot of potential, and I can absolutely see why other readers enjoyed this one. Sadly, I just never connected with the characters or romance enough for it to work for me 🤷🏼♀️
things to know about the book ↓
♥️ enemies-to-lovers
♥️ marriage of convenience
♥️ miscommunication
♥️ only one bed
♥️ scandal
♥️ he gives her lessons
♥️ regency era
♥️ rake x wallflower
♥️ written in 3rd POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 12, 18, 21, 31, 32
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ ♥️ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
regency romance?! i'm not so sure about this 😭
but i loved the first season of bridgerton so maybe just maybe...
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴅᴀɴᴄɪɴɢ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ” x ᴍᴀᴛᴛ ᴍᴀᴇsᴏɴ
0:12 ─♥────────── 3:57
The biggest issue was that I had such a hard time connecting with both the story and the characters. The writing itself wasn’t bad, but something about it never fully pulled me in, and I found myself struggling to stay invested from the very beginning. I almost DNF’d multiple times, especially during the first half 😔
Harriet honestly frustrated me quite a bit. I understand that she’s meant to be a wallflower, but her level of naivety felt unbelievable at times. It was especially confusing because we’re constantly told how intelligent she is and how passionate she is about compiling a dictionary of slang and indecent words, yet she seemed completely unaware of things that felt like basic knowledge??????? How did she know NOTHING about the body. It just didn’t add up for me, and she often came across as immature and whiny rather than endearing.
Alexander wasn’t much better for me. The book makes it very clear that he’s a rake, but I never really understood what drew him to Harriet in the first place??? He just somehow changed his ways for her?? Their relationship felt rushed, and I never bought into their feelings. The chemistry just wasn’t there for me, which made the romance difficult to invest in.
The second half was stronger than the first, but the constant miscommunication became exhausting. It felt like there were always excuses keeping the characters apart, and by the end I was more frustrated than emotionally invested.
I also think the book tried to juggle too many tropes without spending enough time developing the actual relationship or plot. It felt like new tropes and situations kept getting thrown into the story, but none of them were explored deeply enough to make a strong impact. Instead of building naturally, a lot of the romance and conflict felt like it was happening because the trope required it rather than because it made sense for the characters.
Overall, I think the premise had a lot of potential, and I can absolutely see why other readers enjoyed this one. Sadly, I just never connected with the characters or romance enough for it to work for me 🤷🏼♀️
things to know about the book ↓
♥️ enemies-to-lovers
♥️ marriage of convenience
♥️ miscommunication
♥️ only one bed
♥️ scandal
♥️ he gives her lessons
♥️ regency era
♥️ rake x wallflower
♥️ written in 3rd POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 12, 18, 21, 31, 32
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ ♥️ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
regency romance?! i'm not so sure about this 😭
but i loved the first season of bridgerton so maybe just maybe...
November 21, 2025
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 😍✨🎀
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.
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.
July 1, 2026
This feels like a classic historical romance in the best way. Harriet is a bluestocking wallflower who's been corresponding with a scholar about her favorite subject: linguistic vulgarities. She normally hates going to balls but is finally excited to attend one - because her mysterious etymologist will finally be in Town! But when she arrives at the ball and (totally logically!) goes to wait for her scholar in the library, she's instead met by the biggest rake of the Ton, Lord Alexander. Simply by being in the room with her (and, to be fair, looking quite closely at her arm where Harriet has written a vulgar euphemism), Alex compromises her. And hop! they're off to Gretna Green.
It will come as no surprise to any romance reader that Alex turns into a real wife guy even before the wedding. It's basically torture for him to have to share a carriage ... or a room ... or a bed with Harriet. They take a bit of time to finally get together (there's a smidgeon too long of an odd miscommunication conflict, considering how well the two have been in expressing their wants and needs to each other beforehand) but it's such fun to read that you almost don't notice.
This is funny, sexy, and like I said feels like a classic HistRom.
33-Word Summaries:
Meg: Harriet is really hot but she’s the least hot in a family of hotties so she thinks she’s uggo. Alexander doesn’t want to admit his wife’s hot but he honestly can’t deny it.
Laine: Sometimes the only way for a man with a family promise not to procreate to get over himself is to have his hand forced by propriety, a kidnapping, and a really great dress.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
It will come as no surprise to any romance reader that Alex turns into a real wife guy even before the wedding. It's basically torture for him to have to share a carriage ... or a room ... or a bed with Harriet. They take a bit of time to finally get together (there's a smidgeon too long of an odd miscommunication conflict, considering how well the two have been in expressing their wants and needs to each other beforehand) but it's such fun to read that you almost don't notice.
This is funny, sexy, and like I said feels like a classic HistRom.
33-Word Summaries:
Meg: Harriet is really hot but she’s the least hot in a family of hotties so she thinks she’s uggo. Alexander doesn’t want to admit his wife’s hot but he honestly can’t deny it.
Laine: Sometimes the only way for a man with a family promise not to procreate to get over himself is to have his hand forced by propriety, a kidnapping, and a really great dress.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Did Not Finish
August 20, 2026DNF at 30%
All this man talks or thinks about is sex and I’m already over it.
___
I guess I’m into historical romance now 🤸♀️
All this man talks or thinks about is sex and I’m already over it.
___
![Profile Image for Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1746468325i/66224803._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
June 3, 2026
Who knew that touching hands could lead to a lady kidnapping a lord?
"Drink up and then tell me what you did," she said with an irritated sigh, as if Alexander were the one not performing his usual role in this scene.
"Why do you presume it was me?"
"I never take a man's side if I can help it."
Harriett, a wallflower and middle child of four sister is once again forced to attend a ball, only to watch (one of) her younger and the elder sister being surrounded by men.
All this changes when she’s discovered with a duke in a library, sadly not doing anything scandalous but touching hands (but you can never know what people interpret and fantasize in scandals), so she does the only sensible thing: She kidnaps the duke (who’s also a rake btw.)
While learning of naughty words and their meaning brought them the scandal in the library, it also brings them quite close after. Really, really scandalously close.
While I had lots of fun with the banter and the way they discovered their friendship, I was rather surprised how fast the spicy scenes were integrated.
Next to nearly no time to get to know each other before doing something spicy, we also have lots and lots of miscommunication.
But, I did have a few things I liked, like the banter, the sisterly love, the way he tried to get closer to her by searching and lending her books.
Also, I absolutely adore this cover.
"Drink up and then tell me what you did," she said with an irritated sigh, as if Alexander were the one not performing his usual role in this scene.
"Why do you presume it was me?"
"I never take a man's side if I can help it."
Harriett, a wallflower and middle child of four sister is once again forced to attend a ball, only to watch (one of) her younger and the elder sister being surrounded by men.
All this changes when she’s discovered with a duke in a library, sadly not doing anything scandalous but touching hands (but you can never know what people interpret and fantasize in scandals), so she does the only sensible thing: She kidnaps the duke (who’s also a rake btw.)
While learning of naughty words and their meaning brought them the scandal in the library, it also brings them quite close after. Really, really scandalously close.
While I had lots of fun with the banter and the way they discovered their friendship, I was rather surprised how fast the spicy scenes were integrated.
Next to nearly no time to get to know each other before doing something spicy, we also have lots and lots of miscommunication.
But, I did have a few things I liked, like the banter, the sisterly love, the way he tried to get closer to her by searching and lending her books.
Also, I absolutely adore this cover.
July 14, 2026
a delightful addition to what I like to call “the unthinkable has happened: I’ve fallen for my spouse” subgenre of romance
September 1, 2026
"Most ruination happens gradually, but every once in a while, something goes catastrophically wrong in an instant."
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This was so fun.
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I don't really read historical but I couldn't resist this cover
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This was so fun.
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I don't really read historical but I couldn't resist this cover
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.
September 28, 2026
4.25/5
wife who never stops talking x husband who is always listening!!!!
okay historical romance, i see you!! i cannot express what a fun time i had reading this. it may have taken me almost two weeks, we hate a reading slump, but the story was so worth that time! alexander and harriet became my very favorite people while reading this and i wish we could've seen more of them loved up at the end! i know this is going to be a series so i'm hoping for many future cameos of this overly loved up married couple!!
harriet wants to know everything, me too girl! specifically though, she wants to know words and their definitions and their origins. very quickly she moves past basic words and into words of the sexual variety, thats when she finds herself in a compromising position with alexander and they are to be wed. alexander is a notorious rake which makes him an odd choice for a husband but a perfect choice to help harriet with her special interest. seeing these two grow so fond of each other actually had me swooning. they obviously had so much chemistry, but through it all they became friends and developed such an admiration for each other. once i got into it, the four hundred pages flew by. i just wanted to spend more and more time with them in carriages and at balls and talking to sailors!!
historical romance is a genre i have been neglecting terribly and thats my bad. this was such a fun starter historical book and i cannot wait to read about the rest of the bancroft sisters! if they're anything like my queen (or duchess) harriet, i will fall for them immediately!! these feels like an odd comparison, but if you liked the sex columnist element of "lets kiss and tell" by joss richard, you should read this. we love to see books being published about sex positivity and the importance of educating yourself (for sexual and nonsexual reasons)!!
wife who never stops talking x husband who is always listening!!!!
okay historical romance, i see you!! i cannot express what a fun time i had reading this. it may have taken me almost two weeks, we hate a reading slump, but the story was so worth that time! alexander and harriet became my very favorite people while reading this and i wish we could've seen more of them loved up at the end! i know this is going to be a series so i'm hoping for many future cameos of this overly loved up married couple!!
harriet wants to know everything, me too girl! specifically though, she wants to know words and their definitions and their origins. very quickly she moves past basic words and into words of the sexual variety, thats when she finds herself in a compromising position with alexander and they are to be wed. alexander is a notorious rake which makes him an odd choice for a husband but a perfect choice to help harriet with her special interest. seeing these two grow so fond of each other actually had me swooning. they obviously had so much chemistry, but through it all they became friends and developed such an admiration for each other. once i got into it, the four hundred pages flew by. i just wanted to spend more and more time with them in carriages and at balls and talking to sailors!!
historical romance is a genre i have been neglecting terribly and thats my bad. this was such a fun starter historical book and i cannot wait to read about the rest of the bancroft sisters! if they're anything like my queen (or duchess) harriet, i will fall for them immediately!! these feels like an odd comparison, but if you liked the sex columnist element of "lets kiss and tell" by joss richard, you should read this. we love to see books being published about sex positivity and the importance of educating yourself (for sexual and nonsexual reasons)!!
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
May 27, 2026
The men of the ton are absolute fools, which is something me and Alexander can agree upon. Harriet is a fucking DIAMOND and it’s a crime nobody noticed. I have been on a major regency romance kick recently and this perfectly scratched that itch. I devoured this in one sitting and now I’m all moony-eyed over Harriet.
Harriet is the second born daughter of a bankrupt noble, entering into her fifth season with no marriage prospects. Shes accepted this fact and has turned her attentions toward her sisters and collecting new bawdy words for her slang dictionary. When a misunderstanding leads to a compromising position with the notorious town rake Lord Alexander, Harriet must strong arm him into an elopement to save her family’s reputation. Their marriage is meant to be in name only, but they soon find their mutual attraction and feelings begin complicating things.
Usually I’m weary of the reformed rake trope, especially when the female character is an innocent virgin. But what I think worked great with this book is how unabashed Harriet is. She might be an “innocent,” but she very much wishes she wasn’t and her open curiosity completely taking Alexander by surprise really turned the trope on its head. The way she made HIM blush multiple times was to die for. I also appreciated how Alexander was a little bit of a loser. Even though he has so much charm and is a major flirt, he’s just a lover boy at heart and wants his woman to boss him around. It just took him some time to realize that. Harriet deserves a man who worships the ground she walks on. I was happy that she slowly gained so much confidence and finally realized that she was an absolute catch. I also loved their sexual chemistry and how much fun they have together.
I think the weakest part of this book was how Harriet’s relationship with her father was handled. Harriet’s dad just kind of came and went, but we did see how her low self esteem was a product of his verbal abuse. What I didn’t like was how him being physically abusive was just completely glossed over. There were some throwaway references to Harriet’s weariness around Alexander drinking. I thought it would lead to an important conversation between them but never did. It felt like more narrative exploration was given to Alexander and his family.
This was super fun and sexy, I was consistently giggling and twirling my hair. There’s just something so enjoyable about a chaste girl with a dirty mouth completely manhandling and scandalizing a renowned rake. Thank you Zando for the NetGalley ARC!
Harriet is the second born daughter of a bankrupt noble, entering into her fifth season with no marriage prospects. Shes accepted this fact and has turned her attentions toward her sisters and collecting new bawdy words for her slang dictionary. When a misunderstanding leads to a compromising position with the notorious town rake Lord Alexander, Harriet must strong arm him into an elopement to save her family’s reputation. Their marriage is meant to be in name only, but they soon find their mutual attraction and feelings begin complicating things.
Usually I’m weary of the reformed rake trope, especially when the female character is an innocent virgin. But what I think worked great with this book is how unabashed Harriet is. She might be an “innocent,” but she very much wishes she wasn’t and her open curiosity completely taking Alexander by surprise really turned the trope on its head. The way she made HIM blush multiple times was to die for. I also appreciated how Alexander was a little bit of a loser. Even though he has so much charm and is a major flirt, he’s just a lover boy at heart and wants his woman to boss him around. It just took him some time to realize that. Harriet deserves a man who worships the ground she walks on. I was happy that she slowly gained so much confidence and finally realized that she was an absolute catch. I also loved their sexual chemistry and how much fun they have together.
I think the weakest part of this book was how Harriet’s relationship with her father was handled. Harriet’s dad just kind of came and went, but we did see how her low self esteem was a product of his verbal abuse. What I didn’t like was how him being physically abusive was just completely glossed over. There were some throwaway references to Harriet’s weariness around Alexander drinking. I thought it would lead to an important conversation between them but never did. It felt like more narrative exploration was given to Alexander and his family.
This was super fun and sexy, I was consistently giggling and twirling my hair. There’s just something so enjoyable about a chaste girl with a dirty mouth completely manhandling and scandalizing a renowned rake. Thank you Zando for the NetGalley ARC!
August 31, 2026
there is a certain point when a character being so insecure starts to make a romance book unenjoyable. this book had that point.
there is also a certain point when we have to stop saying a book is inspired by (in this case bridgerton) and start saying it’s nearly a carbon copy. because harriet is penelope & alexander is sebastian. the town is even called mayfair for crying out loud.
hated how after being a virgin & not even knowing what masturbating was… the last chapter harriet is suddenly a wiz at everything to do with sex…. doesn’t make any sense.
lastly, whoever is reviewing this book saying 4/5 chilis for spice…. what VANILLA ASS SHIT have y’all been reading??? 1 sex scene in the entire book and it was the last chapter and it was horrible omfg.
there is also a certain point when we have to stop saying a book is inspired by (in this case bridgerton) and start saying it’s nearly a carbon copy. because harriet is penelope & alexander is sebastian. the town is even called mayfair for crying out loud.
hated how after being a virgin & not even knowing what masturbating was… the last chapter harriet is suddenly a wiz at everything to do with sex…. doesn’t make any sense.
lastly, whoever is reviewing this book saying 4/5 chilis for spice…. what VANILLA ASS SHIT have y’all been reading??? 1 sex scene in the entire book and it was the last chapter and it was horrible omfg.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5/5. Releases 6/23/26.
Heat Index: 7/10
—word nerd meets rake (or is he?)
—legitimate honest-to-God sex positivity in historical romance
—the lessons are PURELY anatomical, they swear
The Basics:
Harriet is a nerdy little wallflower looking to create a dictionary of dirty words—with the issue being that while she's very good at the words part, the dirty definitions somewhat elude her. Fortunately, an accidental run-in with the rakish and possibly sorta illegitimate Lord Alexander leaves her with no choice but to insist on a marriage (by way of possibly sorta kidnapping him). The marriage part is less than ideal, but Alexander does present a great opportunity for Harriet to learn about all those dirty words. And hey, he's not above using a hands-on approach if she insists! Of course, there's no way it'll be a marriage in anything but name only. And hands only. And mouth onliy. And...
The Review:
On Threads, I compared this to Tessa Dare and called it one of the best sex lessons-giving book I'd read in years. I fully stand by both of those things, because, um? Sophia Benoit has the historical romance "it" factor. This a book that feels like a historical romance from the early 2010s era (a golden chapter for histrom, in my opinion)—snappy, super sexy, willing to dip into drama and embrace the characters' flaws, and pretty openly feminist in a way that slips into its world perfectly.
At the same time, Benoit laces the story with a contemporary push. Yes, Alexander has a mistress, Giuliana. No, she isn't a shrew trying to wedge her way between the lovers. She isn't a flat sex object for him to rut on (no, they don't have sex on the page, and there are none of those shenanigans once Alexander realizes Harriet exists, which happens very early in the book). She's not a tragic figure. I'd love to read more about her, to be honest.
There's a confrontation of the gross old guard, a calling out of a type of man I think a lot of people glorify today because he seems, on the surface, the opposite of a slutty, seductive rake like Alexander. This I particularly loved: This acknowledgement that the perception of tameness, approachability, "safety" doesn't mean anything.
Because here's the thing: This is a romance through and through. The book is devoted throughout to Alexander and Harriet falling in love. And they have to get to know each other! To reveal their emotional soft spots naturally, whether through conversations after hookups or carriage rides or messy spiels because they can't hide it anymore. While Alexander is indeed rather seductive and knowledgeable about sex, there's a lot he hasn't let other people see.
The sex positivity oozes throughout this story. And most refreshingly, it understands that you don't have to give up an emotional slow burn in favor of a physical fast burn. You can have both! Alexander is deeply attracted to Harriet on a physical level early on (and vice versa). While the p in v of it all takes a while, they get physical pretty early on. The tension lies in them slowly getting to know each other, and it's so satisfying.
On top of all that, this is a super funny book. The amount of times Alexander just can't handle Harriet so much as biting her lip. My poor boy. The inherent hilarity (and historical accuracy) of Harriet's dirty words. Again—very Tessa Dare.
The Sex:
What I loved about this is that though there are many sex senes (this is a super sexy novel), most of them aren't p in v. This allows the characters to pretend to brush them off, but their growth proves them wrong. This is sex, this is intimacy, this is—well. Them falling in love!
While also going down on each other. A good bit.
The Conclusion:
A funny, romantic, hot book that's just made to help bring back the historical romance era. It's smart without ever forgetting that the priority is a sweeping, gorgeous romance. Love!
Thanks to Slowburn and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heat Index: 7/10
—word nerd meets rake (or is he?)
—legitimate honest-to-God sex positivity in historical romance
—the lessons are PURELY anatomical, they swear
The Basics:
Harriet is a nerdy little wallflower looking to create a dictionary of dirty words—with the issue being that while she's very good at the words part, the dirty definitions somewhat elude her. Fortunately, an accidental run-in with the rakish and possibly sorta illegitimate Lord Alexander leaves her with no choice but to insist on a marriage (by way of possibly sorta kidnapping him). The marriage part is less than ideal, but Alexander does present a great opportunity for Harriet to learn about all those dirty words. And hey, he's not above using a hands-on approach if she insists! Of course, there's no way it'll be a marriage in anything but name only. And hands only. And mouth onliy. And...
The Review:
On Threads, I compared this to Tessa Dare and called it one of the best sex lessons-giving book I'd read in years. I fully stand by both of those things, because, um? Sophia Benoit has the historical romance "it" factor. This a book that feels like a historical romance from the early 2010s era (a golden chapter for histrom, in my opinion)—snappy, super sexy, willing to dip into drama and embrace the characters' flaws, and pretty openly feminist in a way that slips into its world perfectly.
At the same time, Benoit laces the story with a contemporary push. Yes, Alexander has a mistress, Giuliana. No, she isn't a shrew trying to wedge her way between the lovers. She isn't a flat sex object for him to rut on (no, they don't have sex on the page, and there are none of those shenanigans once Alexander realizes Harriet exists, which happens very early in the book). She's not a tragic figure. I'd love to read more about her, to be honest.
There's a confrontation of the gross old guard, a calling out of a type of man I think a lot of people glorify today because he seems, on the surface, the opposite of a slutty, seductive rake like Alexander. This I particularly loved: This acknowledgement that the perception of tameness, approachability, "safety" doesn't mean anything.
Because here's the thing: This is a romance through and through. The book is devoted throughout to Alexander and Harriet falling in love. And they have to get to know each other! To reveal their emotional soft spots naturally, whether through conversations after hookups or carriage rides or messy spiels because they can't hide it anymore. While Alexander is indeed rather seductive and knowledgeable about sex, there's a lot he hasn't let other people see.
The sex positivity oozes throughout this story. And most refreshingly, it understands that you don't have to give up an emotional slow burn in favor of a physical fast burn. You can have both! Alexander is deeply attracted to Harriet on a physical level early on (and vice versa). While the p in v of it all takes a while, they get physical pretty early on. The tension lies in them slowly getting to know each other, and it's so satisfying.
On top of all that, this is a super funny book. The amount of times Alexander just can't handle Harriet so much as biting her lip. My poor boy. The inherent hilarity (and historical accuracy) of Harriet's dirty words. Again—very Tessa Dare.
The Sex:
What I loved about this is that though there are many sex senes (this is a super sexy novel), most of them aren't p in v. This allows the characters to pretend to brush them off, but their growth proves them wrong. This is sex, this is intimacy, this is—well. Them falling in love!
While also going down on each other. A good bit.
The Conclusion:
A funny, romantic, hot book that's just made to help bring back the historical romance era. It's smart without ever forgetting that the priority is a sweeping, gorgeous romance. Love!
Thanks to Slowburn and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 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!!!
June 24, 2026
EDIT: I actually haven’t stopped thinking about how awful this book is so I’m changing my rating for the second time. 2 ⭐️
I’ve been waiting to read this once since it was announced. This was a bit of a mixed bag, there was things I liked and things that didn’t work for me but I do think if you aren’t familiar with historical romances you might enjoy it more than me.
While the premise of writing a dictionary for vulgar words is unique and something I haven’t read before in a historical romance, I did want more from this that the majority of past histroms are able to give me such as: emotion, worldbuilding, setting, growth and depth.
I’ll start off by what I liked first. I do think that the writing is good here, it’s easy to comprehend and entertaining. I really enjoyed the mistress. I think of all side characters she was the most interesting and she wasn’t on page much. I’ll always be a sucker for a little light kidnapping in histroms and double points if it’s the fmc to do it 🤷♀️
Onto what didn’t work for me.
I found that our main couple are so inconsistent throughout that it was hard to really get a grasp of them. Harriet is referred to numerous times as smart and intelligent but she’s not? She continuously does and says stupid things and she’s writing a dictionary of vulgar words but can’t read into context clues as to what those words MIGHT mean? She also has an older and experienced sister so her being clueless about certain subjects just didn’t work for me.
Alexander is a rake (his mistress—who he continues to pay until like 80% but doesn’t sleep with— mentions he’s a lover not a rake and I cannot agree with this) and doesn’t want to marry, of course they get caught in a library and he refuses to marry Harriet. Alexander leaves so Harriet has to take matters into her own hands and kidnaps him and brings him to Gretna Green. On the way there he sees that he might actually have need of a wife because he has to charm this man of god who isn’t a fan of his lifestyle because he wants land?? (a reason that doesn’t get brought back up again)
The romance. Listen I LOVE growth and development it’s one of the things I adore about romances but Alexander doesn’t seem to do much in either respect. He is just such a lustful mmc that it’s hard to root for him. I don’t think he went one chapter without talking about Harriet’s boobs so much so that it felt like he fell in lust with her rather than love because they never actually talk about anything deeper than the physical stuff. This man also still thinks about how many women he’s bedded 70% into the book. It actually takes him until 87% in to stop talking/thinking about other women.
Harriet actually seems to regress as a character,in the second half of this book. Again I’m unsure what she sees in Alexander for her to change her mind on him.
There is sooooo much miscommunication in this book. I think it takes more effort to want to skew things to make it harder for yourself than actually just asking the other person what they meant by what they said or did. I can deal with a little miscommunication because nothing is ever straight forward but it seems like there was miscommunication over every single subject in this book and it got tiring.
Okay plot holes or things that irked me.some of these are a little spoilery!!!:
- the land?? The whole point of him marrying her was that he wanted the land and he had to look good in order to get it.. it wasn’t brought up!
- His brother. It’s mentioned like 60% in that he has a brother who’s sick, he’s brought into the picture but doesn’t really do anything?
- His father. His mother. Brought up a few times and never mentioned again
- The ring. She gave her ring away and never got it back?
- Her father. So he’s just left for good? I really don’t think a daughter can just banish you from your home.
- Money was just flung at all the problems towards the end that it just wasn’t satisfying.
I understand this will probably be a series but I needed more closure from this book considering we didn’t even get an epilogue and the next book will probably focus on another sister.
Overall it’s very much a historical romance debut. I think there’s a lot of potential though and just because this one didn’t work for me 100% doesn’t mean the next one will be the same.
I’ve been waiting to read this once since it was announced. This was a bit of a mixed bag, there was things I liked and things that didn’t work for me but I do think if you aren’t familiar with historical romances you might enjoy it more than me.
While the premise of writing a dictionary for vulgar words is unique and something I haven’t read before in a historical romance, I did want more from this that the majority of past histroms are able to give me such as: emotion, worldbuilding, setting, growth and depth.
I’ll start off by what I liked first. I do think that the writing is good here, it’s easy to comprehend and entertaining. I really enjoyed the mistress. I think of all side characters she was the most interesting and she wasn’t on page much. I’ll always be a sucker for a little light kidnapping in histroms and double points if it’s the fmc to do it 🤷♀️
Onto what didn’t work for me.
I found that our main couple are so inconsistent throughout that it was hard to really get a grasp of them. Harriet is referred to numerous times as smart and intelligent but she’s not? She continuously does and says stupid things and she’s writing a dictionary of vulgar words but can’t read into context clues as to what those words MIGHT mean? She also has an older and experienced sister so her being clueless about certain subjects just didn’t work for me.
Alexander is a rake (his mistress—who he continues to pay until like 80% but doesn’t sleep with— mentions he’s a lover not a rake and I cannot agree with this) and doesn’t want to marry, of course they get caught in a library and he refuses to marry Harriet. Alexander leaves so Harriet has to take matters into her own hands and kidnaps him and brings him to Gretna Green. On the way there he sees that he might actually have need of a wife because he has to charm this man of god who isn’t a fan of his lifestyle because he wants land?? (a reason that doesn’t get brought back up again)
The romance. Listen I LOVE growth and development it’s one of the things I adore about romances but Alexander doesn’t seem to do much in either respect. He is just such a lustful mmc that it’s hard to root for him. I don’t think he went one chapter without talking about Harriet’s boobs so much so that it felt like he fell in lust with her rather than love because they never actually talk about anything deeper than the physical stuff. This man also still thinks about how many women he’s bedded 70% into the book. It actually takes him until 87% in to stop talking/thinking about other women.
Harriet actually seems to regress as a character,in the second half of this book. Again I’m unsure what she sees in Alexander for her to change her mind on him.
There is sooooo much miscommunication in this book. I think it takes more effort to want to skew things to make it harder for yourself than actually just asking the other person what they meant by what they said or did. I can deal with a little miscommunication because nothing is ever straight forward but it seems like there was miscommunication over every single subject in this book and it got tiring.
Okay plot holes or things that irked me.some of these are a little spoilery!!!:
- the land?? The whole point of him marrying her was that he wanted the land and he had to look good in order to get it.. it wasn’t brought up!
- His brother. It’s mentioned like 60% in that he has a brother who’s sick, he’s brought into the picture but doesn’t really do anything?
- His father. His mother. Brought up a few times and never mentioned again
- The ring. She gave her ring away and never got it back?
- Her father. So he’s just left for good? I really don’t think a daughter can just banish you from your home.
- Money was just flung at all the problems towards the end that it just wasn’t satisfying.
I understand this will probably be a series but I needed more closure from this book considering we didn’t even get an epilogue and the next book will probably focus on another sister.
Overall it’s very much a historical romance debut. I think there’s a lot of potential though and just because this one didn’t work for me 100% doesn’t mean the next one will be the same.
August 6, 2026
Really delightful period romance which actually pays attention to the period. There is a torrent of "historical" romance in which women live lives that would have been impossible in the 19th century. This one does not do that. Harriet and Alexander are forced into marriage because of an innocent interaction in which they found themselves in a room alone, and he was seen touching her wrist. That is all it took.
Our MCs' hands are forced, and honor requires sacrifices -- Harriet's ruination would destroy the marriage prospects for her younger sisters. It turns out the pairing is a good one, however unfortunate its beginning. Both MCs, though, are afraid of love, having been products of abusive households who are living with the legacy of that trauma. There is a lot for both to work through, and that is sad, but even with the sadness, this is still romantic and pleasantly steamy. There were a few sections I thought dragged, which cost it a star, but that was a minor dent.
Audiobook note: The reader had a lovely voice, but her delivery is wooden. There is zero difference in tone between scenes where Harriet and her sisters discuss their father's cruelty and gambling and scenes where Harriet and Alexander enjoy the wonderful world of sexual exploration. Not great.
Our MCs' hands are forced, and honor requires sacrifices -- Harriet's ruination would destroy the marriage prospects for her younger sisters. It turns out the pairing is a good one, however unfortunate its beginning. Both MCs, though, are afraid of love, having been products of abusive households who are living with the legacy of that trauma. There is a lot for both to work through, and that is sad, but even with the sadness, this is still romantic and pleasantly steamy. There were a few sections I thought dragged, which cost it a star, but that was a minor dent.
Audiobook note: The reader had a lovely voice, but her delivery is wooden. There is zero difference in tone between scenes where Harriet and her sisters discuss their father's cruelty and gambling and scenes where Harriet and Alexander enjoy the wonderful world of sexual exploration. Not great.
July 12, 2026
What a wonderful debut!
I really enjoyed this one, especially the feisty, curious, and endlessly inquisitive heroine. She had me chuckling throughout the book with her determination and wit.
I'm also a sucker for the timeless wallflower-and-rake pairing, and this story reminded me of so many of my favorite historical romances over the years. It had that same charming, slow-building chemistry that makes the trope so irresistible.
It was also the perfect palate cleanser between all the fantasy and contemporary novels I've been reading lately.
While it didn't quite reach 4-star territory for me, it was still a solid and thoroughly enjoyable historical romance, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye on what Sophia Benoit writes next.
I really enjoyed this one, especially the feisty, curious, and endlessly inquisitive heroine. She had me chuckling throughout the book with her determination and wit.
I'm also a sucker for the timeless wallflower-and-rake pairing, and this story reminded me of so many of my favorite historical romances over the years. It had that same charming, slow-building chemistry that makes the trope so irresistible.
It was also the perfect palate cleanser between all the fantasy and contemporary novels I've been reading lately.
While it didn't quite reach 4-star territory for me, it was still a solid and thoroughly enjoyable historical romance, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye on what Sophia Benoit writes next.
June 25, 2026
┆ ⤿ 🌸 ⌗ started: june 19, finished: june 25
4 star 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
⤿ mini arc review with no spoilers.
⋆.˚ ★— read this with the sweetest yueting. i had the most amazing time yapping and giggling over alexander!! 💗
thank you to zando, sophia benoit and netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
tropes: ⋆˚࿔
.ᐟ opposites attract
.ᐟ rake x wallflower
.ᐟ spicy lessons
.ᐟ regency era historical romances
summary: ⋆˚࿔
harriet barrington has no interest in finding a husband. while society expects her to marry, she'd much rather spend her days compiling a dictionary of modern slang, especially the scandalous words men have long kept hidden from women. but when she's caught in a compromising situation with the infamous rake, lord alexander stirling, her reputation is suddenly at risk. with little choice, harriet takes matters into her own hands and forces alexander into a marriage of convenience.
their arrangement comes with one important rule: it's a marriage in name only. harriet can continue her research, while alexander is free to continue his carefree, rakish lifestyle. however, living under the same roof proves far more complicated than either of them expected. as friendship turns into attraction and stolen moments become impossible to ignore, harriet begins to wonder if the notorious rake might be more than his reputation suggests. meanwhile, alexander finds himself preferring his clever, unconventional wife over the life he once thought he wanted.
thoughts: ⋆˚࿔
i loved this story so much. even though the chapters were on the longer side, i never found myself losing interest. if anything, i kept wanting to read just one more chapter because i was having so much fun. i was constantly giggling at the banter, smiling at the little moments between harriet and alexander, and completely invested in watching their relationship develop.
harriet was such a lovable heroine. i admired how intelligent, curious, and determined she was, especially with her passion for writing a dictionary of scandalous slang. she felt different from the typical historical romance heroine, and i loved how unapologetically herself she was. alexander was also such a pleasant surprise. beneath his infamous rake reputation was someone incredibly caring, patient, and devoted, and it was impossible not to fall for him as he slowly fell for harriet.
their chemistry was absolutely amazing, and the marriage of convenience trope was executed so well. the slow burn, the witty conversations, the mutual respect, and the growing trust between them made every romantic moment feel earned. it was funny, charming, heartwarming, and surprisingly emotional all at once. this was such a delightful regency romance, and i finished it with the biggest smile on my face.
4 star 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
⤿ mini arc review with no spoilers.
⋆.˚ ★— read this with the sweetest yueting. i had the most amazing time yapping and giggling over alexander!! 💗
thank you to zando, sophia benoit and netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
tropes: ⋆˚࿔
.ᐟ opposites attract
.ᐟ rake x wallflower
.ᐟ spicy lessons
.ᐟ regency era historical romances
summary: ⋆˚࿔
harriet barrington has no interest in finding a husband. while society expects her to marry, she'd much rather spend her days compiling a dictionary of modern slang, especially the scandalous words men have long kept hidden from women. but when she's caught in a compromising situation with the infamous rake, lord alexander stirling, her reputation is suddenly at risk. with little choice, harriet takes matters into her own hands and forces alexander into a marriage of convenience.
their arrangement comes with one important rule: it's a marriage in name only. harriet can continue her research, while alexander is free to continue his carefree, rakish lifestyle. however, living under the same roof proves far more complicated than either of them expected. as friendship turns into attraction and stolen moments become impossible to ignore, harriet begins to wonder if the notorious rake might be more than his reputation suggests. meanwhile, alexander finds himself preferring his clever, unconventional wife over the life he once thought he wanted.
thoughts: ⋆˚࿔
i loved this story so much. even though the chapters were on the longer side, i never found myself losing interest. if anything, i kept wanting to read just one more chapter because i was having so much fun. i was constantly giggling at the banter, smiling at the little moments between harriet and alexander, and completely invested in watching their relationship develop.
harriet was such a lovable heroine. i admired how intelligent, curious, and determined she was, especially with her passion for writing a dictionary of scandalous slang. she felt different from the typical historical romance heroine, and i loved how unapologetically herself she was. alexander was also such a pleasant surprise. beneath his infamous rake reputation was someone incredibly caring, patient, and devoted, and it was impossible not to fall for him as he slowly fell for harriet.
their chemistry was absolutely amazing, and the marriage of convenience trope was executed so well. the slow burn, the witty conversations, the mutual respect, and the growing trust between them made every romantic moment feel earned. it was funny, charming, heartwarming, and surprisingly emotional all at once. this was such a delightful regency romance, and i finished it with the biggest smile on my face.
Did Not Finish
September 7, 2026DNF.
Thanks to a review for telling me douche has a mistress after they marry. Nope
Thanks to a review for telling me douche has a mistress after they marry. Nope
August 3, 2026
This is the kind of romance that I eat up every 👏🏼 single 👏🏼 time.
I love to read about curious women who then have to live with the consequences of their curiosity - in this case being caught with a notorious rake and then having to marry said rake to save her and her sister’s reputations.
Pleeeeeeease let there be sister spinoff stories!
Audiobook review: 5/5
Narration style: dual narration by Grace Blyth, Stewart Clarke
such a great audiobook! very pleasant accents.
thank you PRH Audio for this gifted listener copy 🧡
I love to read about curious women who then have to live with the consequences of their curiosity - in this case being caught with a notorious rake and then having to marry said rake to save her and her sister’s reputations.
Pleeeeeeease let there be sister spinoff stories!
Audiobook review: 5/5
Narration style: dual narration by Grace Blyth, Stewart Clarke
such a great audiobook! very pleasant accents.
thank you PRH Audio for this gifted listener copy 🧡
August 18, 2026
Kind of disappointed by this!! As Allie (@allisonsaplusreads) notes, The Very Definition of Love is just a little too breezy to accomplish what it sets out to do. Sophia Benoit follows Harriet, a shy linguist, and Alexander, the local rake, and the circumstances that force them to marry.
The writing is fine on its face - quippy, fast-paced, with some genuinely charming dialogue. But it’s when the book slows down when it’s at its best; it’s not a coincidence that the best scenes feature sex and arguments, because those are the only moments when TVDOL is forced to sit in the moment. Other parts which should receive that amount of detail - Harriet’s interest in vulgarity, her strained relationship with her father, John’s illness, Alexander’s drinking - are glossed over. I assume this is because Benoit insists on keeping things light, but a braver author would be able to find that balance.
There’s a lightness here that will work for many, but I need something with a little more grit. Great cover!
The writing is fine on its face - quippy, fast-paced, with some genuinely charming dialogue. But it’s when the book slows down when it’s at its best; it’s not a coincidence that the best scenes feature sex and arguments, because those are the only moments when TVDOL is forced to sit in the moment. Other parts which should receive that amount of detail - Harriet’s interest in vulgarity, her strained relationship with her father, John’s illness, Alexander’s drinking - are glossed over. I assume this is because Benoit insists on keeping things light, but a braver author would be able to find that balance.
There’s a lightness here that will work for many, but I need something with a little more grit. Great cover!
July 26, 2026
I honestly never would have picked this up for myself if it wasn't an Aardvark pick a couple month's ago - and that would have been a shame because I loved this!
The FMC, Harriet, is a bit of a nerd, with a strong love of etymology, and she wants to collect ALL the words (even the naughty ones) for her dictionary project. I loved this about her because I am also a word nerd. I loved how earnest and unabashed she was in her pursuit of knowledge and I love that Alexander, the potential Duke she marries, find these aspects about her to be charming - their relationship progresses in a really sweet way mainly due to Harriet's love of learning anything and everything lol
At first I did not understand them together but the more they got to know each other and the more you as the reader get to know them, the more they make sense as a couple and you can see how they compliment each other. Especially near the end just before and after the stupid, yet thankfully short, miscommunication trope that rears its ugly head and very nearly ruined the book for me. I really dislike a miscommunication trope but this one wasn't mind-numbingly stupid or out of place for two people raised to bottle their emotions and put up specific facades (the wallflower, the rake, etc).
I really enjoyed this author's writing as well, and this is a very, very readable book that is hard to want to put down. I ate this up in large chunks precisely because I hard time putting it down every night. The sex scenes were well done and featured consent and boundaries. I liked that their relationship was such an intense slow burn and I think Benoit did really well maintaining suspense but all trickle feeding us as the reader with some satisfaction with small encounters here and there.
I know that there will be a sequel but I don't know if it will feature Harriet and Alexander - I hope it does!! Or that they at least appear, since I think the series will follow one of Harriet's sisters next.
Recommended if you love regency romance, Bridgerton season 1, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, etc
The FMC, Harriet, is a bit of a nerd, with a strong love of etymology, and she wants to collect ALL the words (even the naughty ones) for her dictionary project. I loved this about her because I am also a word nerd. I loved how earnest and unabashed she was in her pursuit of knowledge and I love that Alexander, the potential Duke she marries, find these aspects about her to be charming - their relationship progresses in a really sweet way mainly due to Harriet's love of learning anything and everything lol
At first I did not understand them together but the more they got to know each other and the more you as the reader get to know them, the more they make sense as a couple and you can see how they compliment each other. Especially near the end just before and after the stupid, yet thankfully short, miscommunication trope that rears its ugly head and very nearly ruined the book for me. I really dislike a miscommunication trope but this one wasn't mind-numbingly stupid or out of place for two people raised to bottle their emotions and put up specific facades (the wallflower, the rake, etc).
I really enjoyed this author's writing as well, and this is a very, very readable book that is hard to want to put down. I ate this up in large chunks precisely because I hard time putting it down every night. The sex scenes were well done and featured consent and boundaries. I liked that their relationship was such an intense slow burn and I think Benoit did really well maintaining suspense but all trickle feeding us as the reader with some satisfaction with small encounters here and there.
I know that there will be a sequel but I don't know if it will feature Harriet and Alexander - I hope it does!! Or that they at least appear, since I think the series will follow one of Harriet's sisters next.
Recommended if you love regency romance, Bridgerton season 1, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, etc
April 1, 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.
July 2, 2026
Everything about this story irritated me. RTC
January 1, 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.
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!
September 17, 2026
A debut historical romance from a traditional publisher in 2026? Color me intrigued. I've had a copy of The Very Definition of Love for months, but due to life, didn't get to read it before publication. I finally got to it, and I am kind of mad it took me so long.
Thanks to Slowburn and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
Harriet Bancroft is firmly on the shelf, but endures season after season with her more beautiful—and conventional—sisters. When Harriet escapes to the library at a ball to look up a dirty word she heard a man say, she's accosted by Lord Alexander Stirling, second son of a duke who was in the library for an assignation with Harriet's sister, not her. But when they're caught by one of the biggest gossips in the ton, Harriet must take matters into her own hands to ensure Alexander marries her. With the help of her sister and his mistress, she abducts him, and they head to Gretna Green to elope. Harriet never intended to marry into the peerage. She planned to spend her time assisting her pen pal, Mr. Dawkins, with his dictionary of slang and maybe marry him, if all went well. But now she is forced into marriage to save her sisters' reputations, so she and Alexander have to negotiate what their future will look like. They agree to a marriage in name only, where they will live separate lives once they get back to London. The trouble is, Alexander ends up needing his wife's squeaky-clean reputation to rehabilitate his image for an important business deal, while Harriet is trying to deal with her alcoholic, gambling father and three sisters. Things are complicated and get even worse with all the feelings cropping up between them.
This book was a very interesting combination of the witty and the gritty in historical romance. Authors in this genre tend to fall on one side or the other. They either write effervescent, witty romances like Tessa Dare, Alexandra Vasti, or Julia Quinn, or they explore the grittier side of life like Sarah MacLean, Lorraine Heath, or Joanna Shupe. Only a few authors straddle the line, and even fewer do so in their debut novel. In The Very Definition of Love, we have the witty dialogue, madcap plot, and hilarity of the lighter historical romcoms, but confront some of the darker elements of Regency society via Harriet's father and the precarious position of women during the time. I think for the most part, Sophia Benoit did a good job of balancing the two, even if I would have liked more of the darker elements as a personal preference.
What I really appreciated about this novel was the way it tackled some of the common elements of historical romance in a modern, fresh way. Historical language is something I always enjoy because slang has changed so much over the years. Even in my lifetime, the words people use as slang have changed dramatically, so it's always fun to go back to the early 19th century and see what people were saying. The author included a glossary at the end, which was a treasure trove of definitions. The other element of historical romance that was turned on its head was the inclusion of Alexander's mistress. In Historical Romances of Yore, the mistress was usually an antagonist, but in this novel, she is Harriet's biggest ally with Alexander. I hope we see more of her in future books.
There are two small reasons why this is a 4.5-star read and not 5. First is that this book takes place in 1816, and there is no mention of the unseasonably cold weather that year. It was famously the Year Without a Summer, so if you're going to set a book in 1816—especially one that takes us to Scotland—it needs to be part of the novel. I also wanted more of a confrontation between Harriet and Alexander over his behavior when they first reenter society together. Harriet has long lived with her status as an invisible wallflower. She is constantly overlooked in favor of her sisters, and I think that would have been more exciting to explore between the two protagonists. We get some of it via Harriet's sister, which was great, but I wanted a little more conflict between our two main characters.
Overall, this was a lovely read, and I can't wait to see what Sophia Benoit brings to the genre next! 4.5 stars.
Thanks to Slowburn and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
Harriet Bancroft is firmly on the shelf, but endures season after season with her more beautiful—and conventional—sisters. When Harriet escapes to the library at a ball to look up a dirty word she heard a man say, she's accosted by Lord Alexander Stirling, second son of a duke who was in the library for an assignation with Harriet's sister, not her. But when they're caught by one of the biggest gossips in the ton, Harriet must take matters into her own hands to ensure Alexander marries her. With the help of her sister and his mistress, she abducts him, and they head to Gretna Green to elope. Harriet never intended to marry into the peerage. She planned to spend her time assisting her pen pal, Mr. Dawkins, with his dictionary of slang and maybe marry him, if all went well. But now she is forced into marriage to save her sisters' reputations, so she and Alexander have to negotiate what their future will look like. They agree to a marriage in name only, where they will live separate lives once they get back to London. The trouble is, Alexander ends up needing his wife's squeaky-clean reputation to rehabilitate his image for an important business deal, while Harriet is trying to deal with her alcoholic, gambling father and three sisters. Things are complicated and get even worse with all the feelings cropping up between them.
This book was a very interesting combination of the witty and the gritty in historical romance. Authors in this genre tend to fall on one side or the other. They either write effervescent, witty romances like Tessa Dare, Alexandra Vasti, or Julia Quinn, or they explore the grittier side of life like Sarah MacLean, Lorraine Heath, or Joanna Shupe. Only a few authors straddle the line, and even fewer do so in their debut novel. In The Very Definition of Love, we have the witty dialogue, madcap plot, and hilarity of the lighter historical romcoms, but confront some of the darker elements of Regency society via Harriet's father and the precarious position of women during the time. I think for the most part, Sophia Benoit did a good job of balancing the two, even if I would have liked more of the darker elements as a personal preference.
What I really appreciated about this novel was the way it tackled some of the common elements of historical romance in a modern, fresh way. Historical language is something I always enjoy because slang has changed so much over the years. Even in my lifetime, the words people use as slang have changed dramatically, so it's always fun to go back to the early 19th century and see what people were saying. The author included a glossary at the end, which was a treasure trove of definitions. The other element of historical romance that was turned on its head was the inclusion of Alexander's mistress. In Historical Romances of Yore, the mistress was usually an antagonist, but in this novel, she is Harriet's biggest ally with Alexander. I hope we see more of her in future books.
There are two small reasons why this is a 4.5-star read and not 5. First is that this book takes place in 1816, and there is no mention of the unseasonably cold weather that year. It was famously the Year Without a Summer, so if you're going to set a book in 1816—especially one that takes us to Scotland—it needs to be part of the novel. I also wanted more of a confrontation between Harriet and Alexander over his behavior when they first reenter society together. Harriet has long lived with her status as an invisible wallflower. She is constantly overlooked in favor of her sisters, and I think that would have been more exciting to explore between the two protagonists. We get some of it via Harriet's sister, which was great, but I wanted a little more conflict between our two main characters.
Overall, this was a lovely read, and I can't wait to see what Sophia Benoit brings to the genre next! 4.5 stars.
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