Much like the first title in this series, the cultural and historical elements of this story are nice, but the repetition is endless and the romance lacking. The discussions of political turmoil and colonization are good; there is more depth than a typical historical romance in that regard.

"Isabel and The Rogue" continues the political storyline from the first book, but has a bit more of a spy flavor. It's written dual-POV, but in a way that slows the story down. Almost every scene is repeated by both Isabel and Sirius, but the retelling doesn't add much to the narrative. I got bored very quickly. And then the ending is completely rushed - feels like it ended in the middle of a sentence! This was a disappointing shock after reading hundreds of pages of the same repeated scene.

This is the second in a series, and I would not recommend it as a standalone. Neither book was a win for me. I don't plan on continuing with the series.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Thank you to Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the free review copies!

. . . . . . . series info . . . . . . . .

The Luna Sisters follows three sisters who have moved to England from Mexico for their safety. You will see the couple from book 1, and hear about some of their adventures, so you may want to start with Ana Maria and the Fox. But if you’re just focused on the romance, this can be read as a standalone.

. . . . . . . book review . . . . . . . .

I am absolutely loving this series, and can’t wait for book 3! Isabel and Sirius are each separately looking for information to aid Mexico during the French Occupation, and keep bumping into each other. As they get to know each other, they realize that their first impressions of each other were wrong, and they have more in common than they could have realized!

My only minor complaint was that the slow burn went on a little long for me, but I absolutely loved the two of them together.

I really enjoy how De la Rosa weaves in historical elements for those of us who are unfamiliar with this part of history. I love when history is focused on the people - we are worried for Mexico not just because it’s a country that the LIona sisters care about, but because of the people they care about that are working for its independence.

🎧 The narration was fantastic. Ruby Hunt creates a wonderful vocal tapesty of unique characters.

I adored Sirius and Isabel's story! I just loved watching these two banter and work together. Such a fun couple!

I loved Isabel's resilience and character, and the author's homage to Mexican history in the details are delightful. While I loved Isabel and the women in the story, I found Sirius too besotted and the overall pacing too slow for me.

After reading Ana Maria and the Fox last year, I couldn’t wait for Isabel’s story! Isabel and Sirius (whom we met in book 1) were so sweet together and I enjoyed their relationship. I loved the historical romance aspect and how much we learned about the Mexican French conflict. It really enhanced the story and Liana De la Rosa wove the history in seamlessly. The steamy bits were wonderfully descriptive and I loved how Sirius was teaching Isabel about her own sexuality while at the same time respecting her. Isabel struggled with her self worth (especially being wedged between an older sister who was charismatic and charming and a younger sister who was stunning) and we got to watch her confidence grow. Isabel and the Rogue was a quick and light read with an adorable epilogue (I’m such a sucker for a good epilogue).

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for review consideration via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Berkley for the eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What a beautiful story from Liana De la Rosa!
I admit I haven't read book one in the series, Ana Maria and the Fox, but I will definitely be doing that soon.
Liana's writing is gorgeous and weaves a romance story that in and of itself is beautiful, but to set it against a geopolitical situation (the Franco-Mexican War) and to do so in a way that felt realistic while also being sensitive given the real long lasting impacts of any conflict, requires such skill.
I didn't know much about the Franco-Mexican war, but as I was reading the book, I would pause to go and do some research to better understand what was happening, which further increased my empathy for Isabel and what she is trying to accomplish in her mission to unearth information that may be valuable for her home country of Mexico.

I love the chemistry between Isabel and Sirius, and how as he gets to know her better and understand her, really becomes a champion for her. As well, the relationships between Isabel and her sisters is wonderfully portrayed, showing how sisters can be friends and confidants, but that these positions of trust aren't inherent because of the shared DNA, but require work and evolve and change overtime.

I particularly love how the book ended; I thought it was true to both Isabel and Sirius and frankly, I would happily read more stories about the two of them.

I look forward to the third book in the series, about the third Luna sister!

I loved this so much and it's perfect for fans of Bridgerton, especially season 3. The wallflower but make her a secret spy aspect was soooo fun! Isabel was relatable to me and I loved watching her become confident and see value in herself. The spice was fun too, though I took a star away for some of the bedroom talk, specifically from our MMC. I just cringed a bit.

🩷💛💚
📖Review
3.75🌟
📖Book 22/100
📚Isabel and the Rouge
💫Genre: Multicultural Fiction/Romance
✍️Author:
Liana De La Rosa

📝Synopsis 📝
Isabel is on a mission to gain her father’s respect and approval, so she agrees to travel across the sea to be a spy 🕵🏻 She’s then fancied my Sirius who is a well know Rake and by a wealthy Viscount, but they all have an agenda including Isabel. Will Isabel accept marriage, love, or an opportunity to become an important woman.

My thoughts 💭
This book was cute with a twist of spice I wasn’t expecting but all for it🥵 This gave me a modernized Bridgerton Vibe especially with the throw of our adorable European Man and the Hot Latina….great twist!
I really enjoyed reading this one about Isabel our wallflower whom everyone seems to dismiss, and Sirius our rouge/rake whom everyone notices. The beginning lacked a bit of hook for me but after they have that run in at the study 🥵 it takes off from there! It was such a diverse historical romance with plenty of facts that also lured me in. Isabel was so smart and slick that her character was just likable even when she didn’t know what she wanted. I hope there’s another book after this to follow Gaby, the other Luna sister. Definitely recommend if your into Regal Romance books 🤩
✨✨✨✨✨

💜Thank you so much @netgalley and @berkleyromance @berkleypub for approving this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨Publishing Date: June 04, 2024

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Liana wrote this for me, the wallflower with a kindling fire waiting to be seen by someone who can let her be free while loving her with a fierce touch. Beautifully written with a heart that sings to anyone who knows the power that lies in words.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

I’m thrilled to be a part of Berkley’s blog tour of Isabel and the Rogue. The three heiress Luna sisters were sent from Mexico to England to protect them during the French Occupation. Isabel is the sister who is easily ignored and dismissed during social events. It makes her the perfect spy to snoop in aristocratic homes during parties for British intelligence that may help Mexico during the war. Captain Sirius Dawson is a spy for the home office befriending foolish politicians and seducing well-born ladies to learn their secrets. He catches Isabel snooping in an office and it is on.

Neither one wants to admit what they are doing or why. It’s funny to see Isabel acting coy, believing she’s fooling Sirius that she’s just a silly, awkward girl. He knows better, and realizes that he is outmatched, outwitted, and soon to be outmaneuvered by her. Happy to play the careless rogue, he’s surprised to find he wants more than a fling with Isabel.

I loved Isabel. She is smart, focused, and fearless in her quest to aid her country. Despite her growing feelings for Sirius, she’s determined to unearth some evidence to aid her home country. She’s willing to sacrifice her future and happiness, which is a rare quality to find in someone so young. Sirius is open with his feelings for Isabel, putting his heart on the line to get the woman he wants. Talk about swoon-worthy – whew!

The book is a well-written, quick and easy read that will keep your interest. If you haven’t read the first book, Anna Maria and the Fox, you’ll want to go back and read it after this. I had no idea that France once occupied Mexico during this time period, so I appreciated the history interwoven throughout the story. The author did a great job of educating the reader without it sounding like a history lesson.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions are my own.

If you love Bridgerton, you are going to adore the Luna sisters! I would say between the first novel in the series and this one, Isabel and Sirius are my favorite couple. Sensual, erotic, hilarious, this book kept me on my toes and delighted me with its passion!

Isabel and the Rogue is the second book in Liana De la Rosa’s historical romance series, The Luna Sisters. Isabel Luna Valdés and her two sisters are Mexican heiresses. As we learn in the first book, there is great political turmoil in Mexico and so Isabel’s parents decide to send the three sisters to live in England, believing they will be safer there.

Isabel was the character I related to the most in the first book so I was excited to get her story in this latest installment. Isabel is the book-loving, wallflower in the Luna family, who is often overshadowed by her sisters. While she has resigned herself to being the “forgotten” Luna sister in most social situations, Isabel does realize that her ability to be “invisible” at parties provides her with the ideal opportunity to work as a spy, lurking in the shadows and slipping in and out of libraries and private studies, trying to secure vital British intelligence that will help her beloved Mexico.

Captain Sirius Dawson is a covert agent for the British Home Office and it turns out that he’s trying to do the same thing Isabel is and that they are after the same target.

The chemistry between Isabel and Sirius is undeniable from their earliest interaction and only intensifies the more time they spend together. They make such a great team and I loved all of their scenes together, especially as they grow closer and things really start to heat up.

I also really enjoyed getting to know Isabel better. I admired how passionate and determined she is about helping her country, even if it means possibly having to choose her country over the man she has grown to love.

Ruby Hunt narrates the audiobook and does a phenomenal job bringing this story to life. I listened comfortably at 2.0x.

Filled with romance, espionage, multi-layered characters, beautiful storytelling & more, Isabel and the Rogue has a little something for everyone.

Liana De la Rosa's "Isabel and The Rogue" is a triumph of historical romance, blending heart-pounding espionage with a tender love story. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and vibrant historical setting, the novel offers a thoroughly engaging read. Isabel and Sirius’s story is one of bravery, intelligence, and irresistible passion, making this novel a standout in its genre. Highly recommended for fans of historical romance and anyone seeking a tale of love and adventure set against a backdrop of political intrigue.

Tropes:
-Wallflower
-Spies
-Historical Romance

Arc received from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Liana's book is a fierce reminder why I love and push non-white historical romance so much. She does not shy away from the actual history (her authors note gave me chills) and includes strong brown women getting their fiercest HEAs. Sirius Dawson, the only gringo I root for in this book lmao. A man down bad for his woman but has his head to far up his own self-sacrificial ass to realize what is in front of him. I love Ana Maria and Gideon pero dios I adoreeeee Isa and Sirius. These books are only getting better, I cannot wait to see what's in store for book 3.

I bought the first book as one of my Book of the Month Club picks last year. I had actually started it last month, but didn’t get it finished in time to start this book, but I wanted to go ahead and get this one done since it was an e-galley. I was enjoying the first one, but I think maybe this one caught me quicker because maybe Isabel and her bookish invisible personality remind me of myself.

This was a pretty quick read for me, although I will admit to kind of skimming through the steamy scenes, as one of the words used always makes me cringe a bit even if maybe it is historically appropriate? It starts with c then unn then y. I liked the opposites attract type of story this was. At least the fact that Sirius was a rogue, and Isa a wallflower. Even if his reputation wasn’t completely deserved.

Both of them were really perfect for each other with their love of reading as well as natural need to help those around them. They both were stubborn and I always like that type of relationship as well. Another thing I loved about the story was all the different historical stuff. I loved not only the Mexican war aspect that Isa’s family was dealing with, but also the talk of suffragettes, the hot air balloons, the French and British issues, etc. I feel like the Mexican things are something not often touched upon and I like seeing more of that and learning more. I especially liked how the author talked about the facts to go with those things in a little extra at the end of the book.

I hope to go back and finish reading the first one when I get time, as well as reading about the third sister, Gabby, when her book comes out!

Two likable, complex main characters, a solid romance, and a beautiful depiction of sisterly love!! The pacing was a little off at times and the stakes were lower than what they could've been given the book's espionage premise, but overall would recommend this for lovers of Historical Romance.

Today I’m reviewing Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa. In this historical romance, we follow the young Mexican heiress Isabel Luna, who is desperate to find any British intelligence hidden by the ton that might aid Mexico during the French Occupation. After encountering the handsome Captain Sirius Dawson, during a risky search at a ball, she may find working with the rogue more beneficial than originally proposed.

Liana De la Rosa’s second novel in the Luna Sister’s series is a delight as it is a treat. Romance readers will love the undeniable chemistry between Isabel and Sirius as they work together to search for any intelligence that will help Mexico, as they move from one social event to the next.

Plus, Sirius will be your new cinnamon roll, as he tries, and fails miserably, at keeping his distance from Isabel. I believe friends, he falls first. SWOON.

Also, I loved how Liana De la Rosa touched on colonization and the theft of African artifacts exhibited at the British Museum (it’s a discussion between a British Professor, Isabel, and her sister, which I thought was really well done).

Book friends, this is a historical romance, romance readers will enjoy.

If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, he falls first, wallflower + rogue, diverse cast and spicy romance, definitely check out Isabel and the Rogue.

I enjoyed Ana Maria's story and again with Isabel the one that no one seems to notice. The romance between her and Cpt Sirius was tense. They kept finding each other alone together. There is fiery passion but she keeps getting reminded he's a rake. Though it's a cover for his assignments and she's trying to find information for her contact in Mexico. Love their push and pull and the jealousy.
Love the sisters together and can't wait for Gabby's story.

<b> Thank you to Liana De la Rosa, Berkley and Netgalley for an advanced copy for perusal. </b>


I had requested an ARC for this book before finishing Ana Maria and the Fox. It took me till the week before pub day to read it. Mostly because I had a harder time getting into AM & F. But I flew through these pages in record time! This is a wonderful read and a great continuation of the Luna Sisters adventures. This books will appeal to fans of the racial diversity Netflix Bridgerton but would love more accurate depth historical background alla Evie Dunmore and Adrianna Herrera.

Wallflower Isabel Luna , the overlooked middle sister, is trying to use her skills of blending into the walls to keep an on the elite of London society. Little does she know that her inexperience in espionage has brought her to the attention of Captain Sirius Dawson who uses his status as a 2nd Son of the Peerage to convincingly play at being a Rouge to do the same. Fascinated by Isabel’s desire to serve her country and haunted by his own past Sirius convinces her to allow for him to help her (benefits non-withstanding). Two book-nerds fall in love so there’s lots of fun to be had in personal libraries, bookstore encounters etc….

What to expect: 3rd person dual POV, opposites attract, he falls first, friends to lovers, espionage.

CW/TW: PTSD, implied social anxiety, Mexican FMC.

Note: This review went up on Instagram and Goodreads on Pub Day.

Luna has always been the quiet wildflower between her sisters. No one really paid attention to her, so it kind of played into her hand. She knows how to blend into the crowds or sneak away from them. It made her the perfect shy (not a full) to catch information regarding the British government's opinion regarding the war. She is always willing to help her country. Too bad that she got caught by Sirius when she sneaked into the location. 



Sirius plays into his reputation so well that he never noticed Luna's sneaky behavior, aka sneaking away from the crowds. And it definitely surprised him that no one noticed. She sneaked away and went into the library, looking for some kind of information. It’s pretty handleable if he thinks about it. It makes him take more notice of Luna. 



If you truly know me, you already know that I typically don’t like to read historical romance books. I find them very hard to read. However, this book was truly amazing! It literally outdid my experience regarding historical romance books. I need everyone to read this book because it is perfect in everything. The chemistry between Luna and Sirius was so off the charts that it made their banter between them more tensionful. You can already tell that they had some kind of attraction for each other, but they got closer together as they spent time together. You can see that slow-burn romance sizzling in between. Luna and Sirius scenes between them are just chef kisses and steamy!



I am now going to read future books by Liana de la Rose because she convinced me with her historical romance books! I literally need the next book in the series. I know that there’s going to be a fire between the younger sister and her brother-in-law friend. I can’t wait for it.