I tend to be a critical reader. I nitpick and look for faults when I first start a book. I feel like a good book makes me want to push through any qualms I have and keep reading...this book did that! While I approached the story with my typical critical eye to start, I found that the characters won me over.

There seemed to be a lot of "telling" and not showing in the first 1/3 or so, but I was surprised to find that the book has stayed with me even days after I've finished it! My mind wanders to certain scenes and the way the book made me feel. I now have book #1 in this series on loan from my local library and look forward to reading it. This book is great for fans of Bridgerton, Pride and Prejudice, or Bridget Jones' Diary.

Look Before You Leap
by Virginia Heath
Pub Date: Jun 24 2025 |

Nine years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount Wennington, was publicly humiliated by a failed and reckless romantic gesture. Despite this, his mother clings to the promise he made her then: that she would have a house full of grandchildren by his thirtieth birthday. Still single, embittered, and swiftly approaching thirty, Guy's work is his life. In desperation, his mother blindsides Guy with a weeklong house party at his estate filled with annoying debutantes, all competing to be his wife.

After failing as a governess, Lottie Travers is struggling as a lady’s companion. Raised in an all-male household, she’s developed habits that get her dismissed. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings of how to be a lady, she climbs trees better than she embroiders and can’t resist riding horses astride, in breeches. But with the family farm in trouble, and her father now in dire need of her wages, she’s determined to conquer her wildness once and for all.

Even with his home full of eligible women, there is only one who catches Guy’s eye—though he tries to deny it. For Lottie, succeeding in her new role proves difficult when the Wennington estate is filled with horses, and a spark ignites between her and the grumpy lord. Will they remain stuck in their ways, or learn that they may just be the perfect match?

3.5 STARS!
Look Before You Leap offers a great twist in that the characters aren’t all high society crazy and that was not pushed in the storyline – well, except for marrying off the male lead asap. The female lead character is losing jobs and stressed to help her family survive a blight with their crops.

Heath pairs her with a great character. I just enjoyed him so much, and I felt horrible about the way everyone in the book continually manipulated him. I am not a big fan of the manipulation of people, and some parts really bothered me.

Overall, the story is fun, a bit wacky, and delightful. Plus, we get our happily ever after. The characters are great. The supporting characters are imaginative and not typical of a normal historical romance. They added so much to the story!

This book is a feel-good story loaded with humor, but we do get some strife along the way. Beautifully balanced, a tad racy, and a lovely ending. The cover… not so much.

Such a fun book! I am enjoying Virginia Heath’s runaway working ladies, and I found the enemies-to-lovers “Look Before You Leap” utterly charming.
Lottie is fiery and fun, while Guy has understandable reserve covering a cinnamon rol heart. The characters played well off each other, the dialogue was lovely, and I enjoyed the story line. The bit with the debutantes at the party was a bit tedious to read, but it suited the characters and story line and made me dislike the villains so much more. Overall, fun book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Virginia Heath, and St. Martin's Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I adored this book. Lottie is my favorite type of FMC. I understand that she kinda gives I’m not like other girls vibe but I feel like she is relatable. It was made apparent that they were meant to be together. Their banter was hilarious. I also adored the side characters. I felt like they made this book whole. I would have loved an epilogue. I know people don’t like them but it’s usually heartwarming to see where the author writes what they are doing now. I highly recommend it!

ARC REVIEW (thanks NETGALLEY and SMP!)

Eh

Lottie and Guys constant bickering got pretty tedious and seemed immature- he’s 29 and she’s 23! Everytime they’d kiss they would be interrupted and it just got me annoyed and bored.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I’ve been a fan of Virginia Heath for a while now, and Look Before You Leap just confirms why I love her books so much. She has this amazing way of blending wit, heart, and the perfect amount of tension—both romantic and emotional. This book was such a delight!

The banter was sharp, the chemistry was sizzling, and the characters felt so real. I was hooked from the very beginning and didn’t want it to end. Heath always delivers a comforting yet exciting reading experience, and this one might just be one of my favorites yet.Lottie is the kind of heroine you root for right away—she’s smart, a bit cheeky, and definitely not afraid to speak her mind. Lord Guy, on the other hand, is more of the buttoned-up, brooding type—but watching him slowly loosen up and fall for Lottie is just chef’s kiss.
Their bickering? Hilarious. Their chemistry? Off the charts. I laughed out loud more than once, especially when the mischievous kids and the stubborn dog got involved (yes, there’s a dog too—bonus points!). But it’s not just fluff—there are some really sweet moments that give the story heart and depth.

Honestly, this book felt like a cozy blanket and a cup of tea—warm, comforting, and just what I needed. If you love Regency romances that don’t take themselves too seriously but still give you all the feels, this one’s a gem.

If you’re a fan of clever dialogue, slow-burn romance, and stories that leave you smiling, this is a must-read. Honestly, Virginia Heath can do no wrong!

This really was just perfect, and this totally nails what you want it to when you are turning to a book like this. Historical fiction meets rom-com executed so well, and you know you are just going to keep loving these books as they come along. These books I find often vary in their quality, and this was fantastic. So much fun, definitely recommend!

I’ve been gathering my thoughts about for a minute. I like Virginia Heath as an author. She does good banter and bigger than life characters really well most of the time. But I’m not sure about Look Before You Leap, the second in an interconnected standalone regency series.

Some things I liked:
— Literally always here for a grumpy viscount
— And a deeply sarcastic butler, more of him please
— And and an old rich lady with no filter and no effs to give. Like I said, Heath does larger than life characters really well.
— The cover. I am like a small child attracted to bright jellybean colors

What I liked less:
— Big horse girl energy which is fine except
— You cannot convince me that constantly losing your job because you compulsively joy ride your employer’s horses is a quirky cute character trait
— The decisions made by two side characters to trigger the grand gesture were so needlessly cruel it was hard for me to get back on board.

I think on the whole I still like it, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a first introduction to the author.

4.25/5

Virginia Heath has done it again! This book was such a joy to read. I can't wait to read it again once it comes out and experience the audiobook of this story.

Lottie and Guy are such a great couple, and Lady Harrowby is a bit much but so much fun to read!

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★☆☆☆
𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭/𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 3/5
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: regency romance ~ grumpy x sunshine ~ enemies to lovers
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: regency romance

*DISCLAIMER: Thank you to the publisher, St. Martins Press, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

OVERVIEW
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I didn't go into this book expecting much, just a fun romance read, and thats pretty much what it was.  I've read 2 Virginia Heath books before, Never Fall for Your Fiancé and Never Rescue a Rogue, both of which I thought were good, but not exceptional. Nonetheless, I still enjoy Virginia's books for the most part. At times I find them a bit boring. There are certain parts of this book that feel a little lacking and I found the plot a little bland. It wasn't a page turner, but it was still a nice way to pass the time. If you like regency romance there is a good chance you will like this book, but I would recommend other books before this one.

CHARACTER REVIEW
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Both characters were fine. I liked Guy, he was a classic closed off, grumpy MMC, which I appreciated. Lottie was extremely headstrong, which is usually a trait I love in heroines, but she was almost TO headstrong. It was a little excessive and annoying, but I guess that was kind of the plot.

PLOT REVIEW
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Like I said above, a little boring at times, but still enjoyable. I LOVE the setting. Country manners, old Britain, and the beautiful countryside? Sign me up! Plus, Virginia does a good job with the regency era and making it seem realistic. The character's banter was cute at parts, and I liked the yearning on Guy's part and the tension between the two.

ENDING THOUGHTS
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I won't be rereading it, but it was ok. I still enjoyed certain parts. and the romance between the two was well written. I like the setting and the tropes but some of the other parts just feel a little flat.

Thanks! Ellie,

Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath is the delightful second installment in the Miss Prentice's Protegees series. The story follows Lottie Travers, who has gotten a job as a lady’s companion to Lady Frinton. Their journey takes them to Kent, where they stay at the estate of Lord Guy Harrowby. Guy’s mother has planned a week-long house party, filled with eligible women, in hopes of reintegrating him into society and finding him a wife.
Lottie and Guy don’t exactly hit it off at first. Guy is reserved, grumpy, and closed off. However, as this charming historical romance unfolds, the two share plenty of entertaining and memorable interactions. Lottie’s strength, confidence, and love for horses provide unexpected moments for the pair to break down their walls and connect on a deeper level.
The novel also features an array of wonderful side characters who add richness to the story. There is a blend of humor and heart that make the story a nice balance of romance and fun.

I’m a super fan of Virginia Heath’s Regency era rom-coms and her second book of the Miss Prentice Girls series is so tender and enemies-to-friends-to-lovers deviously fun. Viscount Guy Harrowby is nursing a 9 year anniversary of the broken hearts club and in a curmudgeonly slump his mother and aunt are determined to shake him out of. Lottie Travers, a horse riding, galloping, governess is determined to act now, think of consequences later. Her forthrightness and Guy’s rude oaf mannerism collide in the best of ways. I truly enjoyed “The Notebook” esque romance. Her optimism and his rainy cloud way of looking at the world may just provide the perfect balance for one another. They will forever challenge each other in the best ways and fight daily for their love.

An entertaining story about social norms and falling in love with someone who wouldn’t be socially acceptable. Loved the strong FMC with personality; I do wish her friends were fleshed out a little more. A lot of the side characters fell a little flat for me.
I did enjoy the love story and the spice, but I do not think I’ll continue the series. Sometimes the writing felt a little choppy. The story itself, with the family storyline and the school, can clearly be taken in other directions in the future.
3.25 stars
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

Do you love grumpy heroes and feisty heroines? Look no further than Look Before You Leap by the talented Virginia Heath. Look Before You Leap is the second book in Miss Prentice’s Protege’s, but it easily reads as a standalone.

Lottie Travers and her friends were students at Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies and she has returned to the school after losing her job as a governess. Lottie is at a crossroads and her future looks gloomy. She needs to find employment soon to help her family farm. Lottie’s love of horses and her creative way of finding a horse to ride has caused issues in her past employment. Yet despite the trouble it has caused she continues to need to ride and the faster the better. On one such wild ride in Hyde Park on a borrowed horse she meets Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount Wennington and sparks fly. Or hooves. Such a great meeting and Lottie and the Guy are destined to annoy each other all the while fighting a growing mutual attraction. This couple are obviously soul mates and there is more than their love of horses that bring them together. Throw in great side characters such as the hero’s widowed mother who just wants to throw him a birthday party, his outrageous but caring aunt who happens to be Lottie's new employer and a party of unwanted conniving debutantes, this story rolls right along with chaos and charm.

Guy and Lottie are a well-matched pair who navigate the pitfalls of their blooming relationship with humor and passion. There are funny situations and touching ones as well. Look Before You Leap is perfect for old and new fans of Virginia Heath. Look Before You Leap is one of my favorite books that Virginia Heath has written. Do yourself a favor and grab this book, I know you will love it.


Review ARC provided by St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin via Netgalley
Publication date: June 24, 2025
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
#Entertaining #Funny #Happily-Ever-After #Wonderful characters #Favorite Author

Lottie is a tomboy at heart but knows she has to work hard to be the lady her family needs her to be. Her family is struggling to run a family farm and her income is needed. After being let go from yet another position, she takes a position as a lady's companion of one of the most difficult women of society. Guy is a Lord burned by first love who wants to keep his mother happy. He agrees to a "small" gathering to celebrate his birthday. His mother and his aunt have other ideas. Lottie, as Guys aunt's companion, is part of the "surprise" which includes parading the tons most eligible bachelorettes to woo him into marriage. I love the regency era setting and style with just enough snark and sass to make it a great read.

Look Before You Leap is my first read by Virginia Heath, and I loved it. This book is the second in the Miss Prentice's Protegees series, and it is the story of Lottie and Guy, a most unlikely match. Lottie and Guy literally run into each other while on an early morning ride in Hyde Park in London. Both love horses and riding, and Guy finds himself unable to forget the tall woman who dressed him down and yet found and returned his beloved horse to him after their near collision.

Lottie has recently lost her position as a Governess, and is hired for a challenging position as a ladies' companion to Lady Frinton. She soon finds herself meeting Guy again as her new employer is Guy's aunt, and they head to his estate in Kent as she begins her new position. Lottie and Guy initially clash at every meeting, but find themselves drawn to each other. The more time they spend together, Guy feels like he is able to trust her, and Lottie tries to ignore her deep attraction to Guy. Lottie is also preoccupied by her family's troubles after a major crop on their farm has failed due to blight.

Lady Frinton and Lady Wennington, Guy's mother, soon start plotting a secret house party for Guy's 30th birthday with all invitees being eligible young ladies and their chaperones. They enlist Lottie to help with their planning, but as she gets to know Guy, she has some doubts about whether or not she should tell him about the party. When Guy learns about the house party, he feels betrayed by Lottie and shuts her out entirely.

Soon Guy is surrounded by many overzealous debutantes who compete with each other constantly to gain his attention. These characters provided some comic relief in their aggressive approach to charming Guy in their hopes of a marriage proposal. Guy is completely overwhelmed, but begrudgingly participates in the house party activities to appease his mother.

Ultimately, Guy and Lottie can't resist their attraction to each other. Lottie admires Guy's work and support of his tenants, and Guy deeply respects Lottie's work with his horses, especially her efforts in training his precious and challenging Arabians. After several misunderstandings, and Guy's initial reluctance to trust Lottie, they ultimately fall for each other. Some of the debutantes accuse Lottie of misdeeds, and Lady Wennington fires her and sends her back to London without delay. I didn't enjoy this part of this story, but all ends well and Guy and Lottie find their happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this historical romance, and want to go back and read Virginia Heath's other books. The story was very entertaining, and full of characters who offered a lot of comic relief. Guy and Lottie are a wonderful match and I loved reading their story.

Thank you to Virginia Heath, St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Literally LOL'd every chapter. This is book 2 in the Miss Prentice's Protegees series, but could be a stand alone book as well. The dynamic between Guy and Lottie is so enjoyable and it was nice to have a tall female lead in a story! This was a super fast paced book and kept my attention the entire time. One of the ones I just couldn't put down despite the need for sleep!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

A delightfully fun book that has you racing horses and sneaking to the stables. Then chemistry between Lottie and Guy was great, the gumpy old lady that Lottie worked for wasn't near as grumpy as she pretended to be. This is the 2nd novel that I have read by Virginia Heath and I look forward to reading the next in this series of Miss Pretence’s Protégées!

[Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]

Lord Guy Harrowby wants nothing to do with society - or love. But when his mother throws him a surprise 30th birthday party full of eager debutantes, the only woman who catches his eye is the one who isn't trying to impress him...

Lottie Travers has never been good at following society's rules, and it has cost her yet another job. Now working as a lady's companion, she's determined to tame her ways and help save her family's struggling farm.

Their first meeting? A disaster. Their second? Even worse! Yet no matter how hard they fight it, the pull between them is undeniable. Will their stubborn hearts keep them apart or will they risk breaking more rules for love?
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The prologue starts off slow, but if you stick with it, you'll find a fun historical romance that'll make you smile. After all, can you really go wrong with a grumpy viscount and a feisty lady's companion?

I *loved* Guy and Lottie's first meeting! He's brooding and she's bold. There's the perfect amount of tension between them. They are both stubborn and have such playful banter that I couldn't help but immediately find them charming. Guy clearly falls first and he grows so much (the grand gesture at the end? Chef's kiss!).

Guy's mother and aunt also bring a lot of humor to the story (so much meddling!), as do the rest of the background characters. They're all very entertaining and I hope there are future books that feature the other protégés!