The Very Definition of Love

Sophia Benoit

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.

ISBN

9781638933557

Language

English

Page count

448

Edition

Paperback

Sale date

June 23, 2026

Dimensions

5.5 x 8.25

About the Book

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 Alexander and strong-arm him into an elopement. This arranged marriage has a very particular condition—it will be in-name-only, leaving each of them to follow their own interests. For Harriet that’s her work; for Alexander, that’s women.

 

But 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?

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

Reviews

The Very Definition of Love is sexy and witty. Sophia Benoit wrote a clever Regency romance that kept me giggling.”

- Joss Richard, international bestselling author of It’s Different This Time
“Sophia Benoit’s The Very Definition of Love is hot, heartfelt, and witty. This smart and sexy Regency romance is the very definition of a page-turner.”
- Lauren Kung Jessen, author of The Fortune Flip

The Very Definition of Love is a witty, sexy, and deliciously fun romp! Historical romance readers will love Sophia Benoit’s charming debut!”

- Liana De la Rosa, USA Today bestselling author of Ana María and The Fox