Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group on June 24, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 320
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

In this hilarious second installment of a Regency romance series, a single lord is forced to settle down...and when a houseparty brings a happy-go-lucky lady's companion his way, his grumpy heart is unexpectedly warmed.

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?

⭐ 

Look Before You Leap

 by Virginia Heath (4★)

Virginia Heath delivers a regency romance that feels fresh and full of spark. Lottie and Guy’s banter was genuinely funny, and I loved how the story stepped outside typical ballroom fare to show us a heroine who’s more comfortable mucking stalls than waltzing. Their chemistry builds beautifully, and the backdrop of rural life added charm and stakes. While the ending caught me off guard, the supporting characters and strong leads made this a fun, swoony read with depth.