Title: Look Before You Leap
(Miss Prentice’s Protegees #2)
Author: Virginia Heath
Published: June 2025
Genre: Historical Romance, Grumpy-Sunshine, Governess, Opposite Attract

Blurb:

Nine years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount of Wennington, was publicly humiliated when a reckless romantic gesture went very wrong. Despite that, his mother held tight to the promise he made her then: that she would have a house full of grandchildren by his thirtieth birthday, there’s not a grandchild in sight. His heart now lies with his land and work is his life. In desperation, his mother decides that if he refuses to venture back into society to find he future daughter-in-law, the only solution is t bring society to him via a weeklong houseparty so that she can find one for him. The first Guy knows about her plan is when her hand-picked gaggle of debutantes arrive at his estate, all competing to be his wife.

After failing miserably as a governess, Lottie Travers isn’t proving to be any better at being a lady’s companion. As the only girl in an all-male household growing up, she’s developed several bad habits she can’t shake and keep getting her dismissed. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings, Lottie still climbs a tree better than she embroiders, and still cannot seem to curb the desire to gallop astride a horse in breeches whenever an opportunity arises. But when the family farm in trouble, and her father now in dire need of her wages to keep it afloat, she’s determined to conquer her wildness once and for all and concentrate on her career.

My Review:

The book was very much entertaining with a sunshine Lottie and grumpy Guy accidentally bumping into each other while horse riding in the park. Their first encounter was full of disdain but as fate would have it, they were fatefully brought together again in another incident in which Lottie accidentally spilled soup on Guy. Lottie is a spirited and headstrong governess but as her employer, Guy’s aunt, is very demanding, she has tried to restrain herself from being wild as she needs her wager for her family. Guy’s attraction toward Lottie is immediate, but his wounded heart won’t let him repeat the past. Both Lottie and Guy’s family are heart-warmingly engaging and lovable. Guy’s meddling mother, aunt and friend bring so much fun to Guy’s romantic journey. This farm setting is so different from the hustle and bustle of London society. So entertaining and enjoyable.

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. One day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep. Follow her at https://www.virginiaheathromance.com/ or her facebook page Virginia Heath.