ARC Review: “Look Before You Leap,” by Virginia Heath

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Happy almost June, all! As someone that loves a good Regency romance, I was very excited to request this ARC for Look Before You Leap since it is from a different perspective: the governess. I am normally wary of romances that feature an imbalance of power, but Virginia Heath handles these types of romances with thought and care so there is never a hint of coercive behavior. Of course, I did not “look before I leapt,” and only realized after I received this ARC that this lovely book is a sequel to All’s Fair in Love and War, the first in the Miss Prentice’s Protegees series. As always, I read book one before reading book two for this ARC review. Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press!

From the Publisher:

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?

What I loved:

  • Lottie and Guy. Sometimes a lead is a hit or miss, or the love interest is dry/dull/stereotypical. Here, Lottie and Guy are both delightfully fleshed out. I love their banter, the actual robust backstories and personal histories each receive, and the competitive spirit. A perfect grumpy/sunshine trope done right.
  • Lady Fenton (and the butler). Lottie’s employer and Guy’s aunt Lady Fenton is the most delightful dragon auntie I have seen in a while. Any chapter with dialogue between her and Lottie, Guy, or Guy’s mom is an absolute gem. Paired with her relentlessly cheerful butler, who “embraces the suck” with aplomb, I could read a whole book dedicated to her early years.

What Worked Less Well:

  • The Lack of Smut. I have had a recurring issue with Heath’s books, where her characters are phenomenal but then do not really get to do much *behind doors* action. The result feels a little prim, when we are told that these characters yearn for each other.
  • The Debutantes. I know the hyperbolic debutantes vying for Guy’s affections were purposefully annoying, but their characterizations were so flat that it felt like a farce. It would have been nice to show them as individuals with wants and desires, and not just foils for how great Lottie is.

Conclusion:

Another phenomenal book by Virginia Heath! Despite accidentally getting the book 2 ARC, I finished book one and two in three days. Four waves from me! Look Before You Leap comes out June 24, so preorder your copy here to have it in time for a fun beachy July 4!

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