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 instructor: the town rake.

"Sexy and witty . . . a clever regency romance that kept me giggling." --Joss Richard, international bestselling author of It's Different This Time

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 . . .

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

Author: Sophia Benoit
Publisher: Slowburn
Published: 06/23/2026
Pages: 448
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9781638933557


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 93
Publishers Weekly 03/09/2026

About the Author
Sophia Benoit is the author of Well, This Is Exhausting, writes regular columns in GQ and Bustle, and has written for WSJ, The Guardian, The Cut, Fatherly, Insider, Refinery29, Allure, PS, and more. Sophia doesn't have an MFA from anywhere, and probably isn′t ever going to, much to the chagrin of her father. She is the host of the sex and relationships Ringer podcast None of My Business. Originally from St. Louis, she now lives in Los Angeles with her dog and her boyfriend (but usually only spouses make it into bios, so don't worry about him).