Book Details
Look Before You Leap
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?
Book Review: Look Before You Leap
Genre: Regency Romances
Hello Book Friends,
Today I’m reviewing the second novel in Virginia Heath’s Miss Prentice’s Protégées, Look Before You Leap. Lottie Travers is unable to keep her unruly habits out of her professional life. Lottie is given a last chance as a lady’s companion, where she finds herself face-to-face with the man who nearly trampled her and her horse, Lord Guy Harrowby, a Viscount and nephew to her new employer.
This was a fun frolicking story about two people trying to maintain their duty to their family and in Guy’s case, his estate, while trying not to fall in love with his aunts lady’s companion. Their meet cute was adorable, quickly establishing the grumpy + sunshine and enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope.
My only concern was the turning point towards the end of the novel. I felt like Guy’s reaction was way too explosive. His outburst and subsequent vitriol towards Lottie was a bit much. And Lottie’s passive reaction, didn’t feel like her sharp witty self that readers see from the very beginning.
Most romance novels have the third act breakup or circumstances that put the two lovers out of reach. For me, this one could have been flushed out a bit more, where there’s more remorse on Guy’s part for his actions and Lottie in my opinion should have stood up for herself when confronted by Guy about her knowledge of the surprise event.
If you enjoy Regency romances, with a Cinderella-ish type story then check out Heath’s latest novel, Look Before You Leap.
Happy Reading ~ Cece
RATING: 
– Satisfyingly Inked
About the Author
When Virginia Heath was a little girl, it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Now her Regency rom-coms (including the Wild Warriners and Merriwell Sisters series) are published in many languages across the globe. Thirty-two books and four Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.
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publication details
| Pub Date | ISBN | Page Count | Publisher | Age Group | Source & Format | Review Posted Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-Jun-25 | 978-1250896094 | 320 | St. Martin’s Griffin | Adult | NetGalley, Digital ARC | May 11, 2025 |
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From the Publisher
Check These Out:
Ladies in Hating, Alexandra Vasti
All’s Fair in Love and War, Virginia Heath
Check out our review:
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Welcome Reader!
I’m Cecelia and I’m so glad you’re here! You’ll find honest reviews, book recommendations, along with other bookish essentials. So happy you stopped by!
– C
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ABOUT THE CREATOR
CECE BECKMAN
Cece holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach. She lives in California with her husband and children. When she’s not reading or writing reviews she can be found wandering book aisles at local bookshops, drinking iced cold lattes with cold cream foam, or passing the time with her cats.
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