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.

Thank you Berkley Romance for the free book and PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

It's here! I adored the first book in the Luna Sisters series, and I have been eagerly anticipating this book since. Isabel is the middle sister, and she sees herself as the invisible wallflower. But she decides to use that to her advantage by helping to spy for Mexico against the French Occupation.

She and Sirius clashed in their previous interactions in Ana María and the Fox. And they definitely start this book at odds with each other. He's the rake getting it on with any woman in any situation. Or is he?

I found it so fascinating to see both characters' journeys of how they saw themselves and of how they presented to others. The steamy scenes were hot. And I loved how a love of books and libraries was woven throughout the story.

Ruby Hunt narrated the three sisters' voices beautifully. However, I was distracted by her performance of the men's voices. They all sounded similar and unrealistically high pitched. It made me lean more toward reading the ebook or paperback than the audio format for this book.

I am just as excited now for book three, as I was for this book. though I suppose they could be read as stand alones, I definitely appreciated this book more for reading it as part of the series. Isabel's story had the perfect blend of history and suspense with a great romance.

4.25 stars

I really enjoyed the first book in The Luna Sisters series, Ana María and the Fox, so I knew I had to read this one! The cover is gorgeous and fits Isabel's character perfectly. I like that many of the characters felt familiar because we were introduced to them in the first book and this one really focuses mostly on Isabel and Sirius, obviously, with some other characters mentioned frequently but I really liked that Gabby had as big a role in this one as she did because now I want her book asap. Isabel is a book-loving wallflower, who feels mostly ignored by the London ton, much like she felt at home in Mexico from her father. She seeks to prove herself useful and is essentially acting as a spy for Mexico despite having no training and the fact that it's putting herself in danger to do so. While Isabel assumes no one notices her, there's one man who seems to always see her: Captain Sirius Dawson. His reputation as a rake gives him the perfect cover for his work as a covert agent for the British Home Office and he keeps running into Isabel in the most unlikely places. This book definitely gives a lot of spy romance vibes and clandestine meetings -- the latter of which is pretty common for historical romance but with this one it just feels like more. There's a lot of tension between Sirius and Isabel and both have some self-esteem issues that manifest in different ways. I like that they're both pretty assured in some aspects of who they are but are vulnerable in others and that they have their own support systems; for Isabel it's her sisters and for Sirius it's his friends Gideon (Ana Maria's husband) and Sebastian, the Duke of Whitfield (and hopefully Gabby's love interest in the next book 👀). The romance doesn't overtake the story, they spend a lot of time seemingly at odds, but I love the tension more for it and there are still some spicy scenes. I also love that they're so similar, even if it's not apparent to them. They have many of the same interests: reading, politics, cover affairs(; And they both struggle to feel worthy of the other. Their chemistry is palpable in every interaction and Sirius is so sweet to her and aims to make sure she feels comfortable in every situation -- he's just always looking out and it's very cute. There are a lot of great conversations throughout about history and colonialism that don't shy away from calling it out and I love the power Isabel and her sisters are given in this story by pushing the English characters of wealth and privilege to recognize the injustice and the hypocrisy. The dialogue is so thoughtful and well written in these scenes. The ending is sweet and the whole story is a rich historical romance with political intrigue and witty banter. I'm not usually much of a historical fiction reader but I really enjoy this series and I think it's a good fit for any historical romance reader but also for general romance readers wanting to try out historical romance as it's easy to read and relate to in some way.

Thank you Berkley for the digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The first book in the Luna Sisters trilogy was such a delight last year (you can find my review of it here) that I was eagerly anticipating the 2nd book in the series and let me just say, it did not disappoint. Isabel and the Rogue is the story of Isabel Luna, the middle sister, quiet and slightly awkward and overlooked in favor of her much more vicious younger sister.

But Isabel, quiet as she may be, is also hiding a secret. Tasked by her country, she is spying to help Mexico’s president flee to safety and evade the French who are trying to take over her beloved Mexico. When she is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time by none other than former war hero Captain Sirius Dawson, who happens to be a current British Intelligence officer, the two join forces to further their own separate goals and find themselves wildly attracted to each other.

I adore historical romances that go beyond the typical ballrooms and this book gives us a lot of actual historical context that goes well beyond Great Britain and also takes England to task for its colonizing behavior. Isabel, beneath her cool and calm exterior, is passionate about helping her country to retain its freedom and wanting to make her family proud. She is initially dismissive of Captain Dawson but soon finds herself attracted to him, even when she’s convinced that they couldn’t possibly have a future as she is determined to return to Mexico.

Sirius, for his part, has his own demons to overcome, much of it leftover from his experiences in the war. He is determined to help Isabel, at first because he feels compelled to protect her and eventually because he simply can’t seem to stay away, his growing feelings for her overriding all else.

It’s definitely a plot heavy book but the romance is not an afterthought. It is pretty obvious to see how these two characters who have a lot riding on both their respective shoulders manage to fall for each other through various ballroom shenanigans and library assignations and in one memorable instance, an unplanned ride on a hot air balloon. Theirs is a romance that feels fraught with tension and secrecy and urgency and a sense that the clock is ticking and time is not on their side. (Never fear, this is a romance novel after all and a HEA is guaranteed).

It is also very steamy and Isabel, who doesn’t really consider herself as pretty as her sisters or worthy of admiration and notice, finds herself the attention of not just Sirius, the hero of this book, but a VIscount as well, the very man who may hold the key to what both Isabel and Sirius are searching for.

We also get a glimpse of the couple in the first book, now settled and happy in married life as well as a tease of what’s to come with the final Luna sisters book (if my hunch is right and I do hope that it is, I am very eager for Gabriela’s book). The writing is rich and lush and the politics of the day plays a very important role in the overall story which is often missing in regency era historical romances.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this gorgeous and vivid world and spending time with the Luna Sisters. The ending comes complete with a beautiful grand gesture that caused my heart to give a happy little sigh, and really, what more can you ask for from a romance novel than that.

Liked this one so much I immediately went and bought the first one in the series!! I love reading culturally rich romances as well - keeps them interesting!

It is so hard to put into words my feelings about this book but know that I am IN LOVE! I did not want it to end 🤭 As a Mexican woman it is so hard to find books to relate to culturally specially when it comes to historical romance. I have never connected with characters the way I do with the Luna sister’s 🥹 + Isabel is a middle child like me & loves books! What else could I ask for ?! I am just so thankful to the author for sharing these magical stories with us!
The pacing was just right. I would say this is a medium slow burn which I love. Just loved the vibes.

Where are my Bridgerton fans at? 🙋🏻‍♀️ Do I have a book recommendation for you! 👀

ISABEL AND THE ROGUE by the incredible @lianainbloom is the second in a historical romance series (but can also be read as a standalone!) featuring three Mexican sisters living in London after they are forced to flee French occupation of their home country. Isabel, the middle sister, is the heroine of this novel.

Isabel is a woman after my own heart—very quiet and unassuming, but utterly determined to make a difference and do what she can to help the war effort, even from an ocean away. Using her wallflower status, she sneaks into wealthy family’s studies during balls and searches for information she can send to Presidente Juarez and her parents back in Mexico. You go girl!

Enter Captajn Sirius Dawson—lauded war hero and absolute rake! 😍 Sirius can’t stop thinking about Isabel, especially when he catches her somewhere she definitely shouldn’t be. Determined to protect her, he sets about trying to discover her secrets…without falling for her (yeah, nice try buddy).

When the wallflower and the rake collide though, things get STEAMY! 😏 But Isabel wants to return to Mexico and Sirius’s life is in London. What will they do??

You’ll have to read it to find out, obviously!

I adored this book from start to finish. The plot was fast paced and exciting, the chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts, and Isabel was such a lovely and relatable protagonist. Sirius absolutely captured my heart too (rake with a secret heart of gold and obsession for only our leading lady, anyone?). This is absolutely a book I’ll be reading again—kicking my feet and shrieking with delight the second time around too 😊

Isabel Luna is desperate to help Mexico from the intruding French. Since she is the quiet and bookish Luna sister Isabelle can slip away unnoticed and search for information while attending events of the Ton. When Captain Sirius Dawson catches her sneaking through a nobleman’s papers he can’t help but be intrigued. But Isabel knows Sirius is rake, having witnessed his romantic escapades herself. Sirius has been working for the Home Office ever since returning from war and has carefully cultivated a roguish persona as part of his work, including wooing women for information. Sirius’s current assignment is seeing if Viscount Westhope has any unknown connections to the French about plans for the Mexican occupation. When Westhope begins courting Isabel Sirius is ordered to get closer to her as well. When the truth comes out they are both deliberately getting close to the viscount for both their governments Isabel and Sirius decide to work together and share information. Will they be able to save Mexico from the French occupation? Will Isabel end up marrying the viscount?

This story is historical romance perfection! Not only does it have a mixing of cultures and historical relevance, but the romance is STEAMY!!! I can hardly wait for Gabby’s story!

I was lucky to be gifted an eARC of this book to review. This is the second book in the series, and I read and loved the previous one. So I knew a little of what to expect before diving into this story.

Unlike other companion series, you really need the first book to make the plot in this one make sense. It takes place a couple years after the first book, but it starts right in the action and expects you to know what has happened previously. But as far as the plot goes, I loved every second of it. Because of who our main characters are, this book has an air of intrigue and espionage. And I honestly loved it! I’ve never really read a book like this set historically. And both Isabel and Sirius have to get over some pretty big mental hurdles, which they do help each other work through.

There is a lot of conversation about colonization in this book, and the lack of action on other countries' part. This series is set during the French occupation of Mexico (in 1865), and Isabel is heavily involved in helping Mexico. And because of this, there is a political twist to this series. I loved it in the first book, and I love it in this book! This lends the feeling of more substance to the story than you might expect in your standard historical romance.

Overall, I love these characters and the writing of these stories. Liana De la Rose has definitely become an author that I have really come to love. And I can’t wait to see what other things she has in store in her future works.