Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath

I have to tell you that I hate when I vacillate on how to rate a book. Sometimes there are love-hate moments between the pages! Some parts are amazing and then some parts just make you crazy.

This author is well known for her historical romance stories and this one was a fun read with crazy antics, but a few parts got to me.

Coming out this summer, check out my thoughts below.

Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Pub Date: June 24, 2025
ISBN-13: ‎978-1250896094

OVERVIEW:

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 Review

I’ve read hundreds of historical romance novels from old-school writing to today’s contemporary spin on the historical romance era.

I love it when authors give license to developing their female characters with a backbone. They are opinionated, they do crazy Antics, and sometimes they might go a little too far. Lol.

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 the way he was continually manipulated by everyone in the book. I am not a big fan of manipulation of people and for me there were parts that 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.

3.5 rolled to 4 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.