Isabel and The Rogue

By: Liana De la Rosa

Narrated by: Ruby Hunt

When a Mexican heiress defies Victorian society to protect her country a British war hero makes it his new mission to protect her…

Isabel Luna Valdés has long since resigned herself to being the “forgotten” Luna sister. But thanks to familial connections to the Mexican ambassador in London, wallflower Isabel is poised to unearth any British intelligence hidden by the ton that might aid Mexico during the French Occupation. Though she slips easily from crowded ballrooms into libraries and private studies, Isabel’s search is hampered by trysting couples and prowling rogues—including the rakish Captain Sirius Dawson.

As a covert agent for the British Home Office, Sirius makes a game of earning the aristocracy’s confidence. He spends his days befriending foolish politicians and seducing well-born ladies in order to learn their secrets. But after he spies a certain sharp-tongued Luna sister lurking in the shadows where no proper debutante should venture, it’s clear Sirius is outmatched, outwitted, and soon to be outmaneuvered by the one woman he can’t resist.

Their mutual attraction is undeniable, but when Isabel discovers private correspondence that could turn the tide of political turmoil in Mexico, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect her country—even if this means ignoring her heart and courting danger...

Loved this one!

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.75

General Thoughts I really enjoyed the first in this series; I loved this one. I loved the FMC/MMC so much, and their chemistry together was great. I loved how much we learned about the characters and how real they felt. The author did a great job bringing them to life. They felt so real. This story was so rich too. I enjoyed the quiet strength of the FMC, who self-identifies as a wallflower, and her desire to help. I loved the MMC riddled by guilt and trying to atone for his "past sins." I enjoyed learning more about this time in history that I had previously not known more about. I suspect this may be my favorite of the three books, but I can't wait to read the next one. Definitely spicier than the first.

Spice Meter: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥.5 Deliciously, decadently spicy. Not overwhelmingly so, but definitely there.

Romantic Tropes
-historical fiction
-romance
-teach me
-dislike to like
-close proximity

A Latina in Europe during the 1800’s

I love seeing Latinas represented around the world during this time period! This romance had depth with characters and feelings. It had a multilayered plot, and was sexy!

Hooked from the first sentence

Liana de la Rosa has done it again. Superb writing, incredible romantic tension, a beautiful book to cure my Bridgerton hangover!

Need a post-Bridgerton read?

Ana María and the Fox is one of my favorite historical romances that I have ever read. It is absolute perfection in book form. I was super excited for this sequel because I loved the first book and the characterization of Isabel that it showed. I was hyped for her book and the fact that it was going to focus on a more bookish wallflower-type character, but with a spy sub-plot.

In the end, though, I felt like the spy sub-plot kind of took priority over everything else in the book. I love what Liana is doing with her super research historicals that feature perspectives and times that are not often written about, but I feel like in this book, the romance fell victim to an over-indulgence of plot. I didn't really feel the love or chemistry between Isabel and Sirius because it didn't feel like there was any real time spent on developing that relationship.

The things that I did love were the continued development of the Luna sisters' relationships with each other and the fact that I was learning new things about the period that I didn't know previously. Liana de la Rosa should get major props for her research (even though I did complain about it taking the forefront - I see the hypocrisy, don't worry).

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free gifted copy.

DNF

I loved Ana Maria and the fox. I was looking forward to this one. But all the chemistry with Sirius didn’t feel earnest. Isabel’s insecurities while understanding, sometimes was just distracting. She was confident in some moments and insecure in others. I DNF. I still look forward to Gabriella’s story.