Thank you to Berkley and Liana De la Rosa for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

rating: 3.75/4 star read

Isabel and the Rogue is a novel that tackles historical romance and political intrigue—not to mention that you have two bookworms trying to garner information that tends to lead to tension filled moments.

Read this if you are looking for a historical romance with representation and a strong female lead!

Isabel is our wallflower and despite that tag I enjoyed seeing her being so sure of what she wanted and going after it. She was hiding behind curtains and under desks, breaking and entering, all to protect her family and Mexico. She is brave and intelligent and I enjoyed her as a main character.

Having Sirius as her romantic partner felt like a perfect fit. Like her, he enjoys novels, but what sent that over the edge was that he read and stocked his library with what he thought she might enjoy. SWOON. Not to spoil anything but him reciting poetry to her in THAT scene! The dynamic between the two was swoon worthy.

Although I enjoyed the story and the characters I think I felt some sort of disconnect with the novel overall which made this book not be a 5 star read. There were moments where we would get a recap of conversations and moments and I wish we could have gotten dialogue instead to build more foundation for the characters and the relationships involved throughout the narrative. I also wished we would have gotten more detail or action with the political espionage portion of the story. There were times where it felt like not much was happening there and although that felt intentional at times, it would have amped up the tension and pace of the story if there had just been more to it.

I also commend Liana De la Rosa for having such strong female leads in her novels. There is a scene in the book where Isabel and her sister, Gabby, tackle the conversation of colonization and the theft of cultural artifacts with a professor and I think it was wonderfully done.

Despite this being a historical fiction novel I honestly felt like I learned so much. I had never heard of Sor Juana Inéz de la Cruz and since having read this book I have looked up the history behind her being.

10 out of 10, Would Read Again.

Thoughts💡
I loved this book. Isabel is strong and determined, and even though she comes off as quiet and shy she’s actually quite feisty underneath. She’s also brilliantly smart and used to being overlooked, and from most people she doesn’t seem to care but there are a few people whose indifference still manages to cut her. Yet, she’s clever enough to weaponize her ability to blend in as a hapless wallflower so that she can help her home country, Mexico. But like any good free thinking woman, she finds the time to put some dandies of the Ton in their place when the opportunity presents itself.

Even though Isabel stole the show for me, the romance plot with her hottie rake was still epic. There was a mix of espionage and spy tropes with Bridgerton vibes because this golden boy English Lord wasn’t just a rake, he was a decorated veteran with a tortured past that worked for his country in the “Home Office”.

Added to the mix of drama was a popular viscount that loves a quirky girl, and Isabel’s fiery, witty sister that wasn’t afraid to call a person out. The tale was well developed and spicy and the narrator was fun to listen to. I particularly enjoyed the way that Ruby Hunt, the narrator, was able to change her voice to represent a wide range of characters and accents in a believable way.

So Why Read It?
☝🏻 The MCs bond over books, then as the bond depends spicy shenanigans start happening in the library, under the desk, in a museum… well, you get the idea.
✌🏻 This chronically unseen middle sister is crazy smart and super brave, which is why she ends up elbow deep in espionage.
👉🏻 Which brings me to number three, spies with 007 vibes in the middle of the ton. The rake gives her lessons, or is he her look out, ehh it’s a mix. But really, he just wants under that hoop skirt and yearns for her heart.
🤌🏻 But the rake isn’t the only one that’s noticed this brilliant Latin beauty, there’s a viscount that wants to make her dreams come true and they both need him for information.
🤚🏻 If 007 Regency Wallflower Vibes don’t sound interesting then picture it in a Bridgerton setting. Now go get it. 🏃🏻‍♀️

✨Note✨This is book two, but can be read as a standalone.

Stats:📊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️ 💙💙💙💙💙
Audio & Narrator 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Historical Romance: Multicultural Regency Romance, “Bookish” Wallflower x “Golden Boy” Rake, Espionage & Spies, Spicy Shenanigans, Tortured Pasts, Political Turmoil, The Overlooked Middle Sister 📗
Third Person, Past Tense, Dual POV

I've been in a *bit* of a reading slump, and reading Isabel's story was a breath of fresh air. I've loved the Luna sisters since de la Rosa's first book: Ana Maria and the Fox, and Isabel feels so dear to me. It may be because we are both avid readers! The way she grows to see herself and love herself as so much more than the "invisible" middle sister made my heart happy.

Like the first book, this one expertly weaves romance, historical/political intrigue, and the very real feeling of trying to find home and feeling out of place. The facts surrounding Mexico's political history that are shared are fascinating and remind me that I don't know as much about Mexico's history as I would like.

Ahhhh and Sirius and Isabel? Chef's kiss. The yearning! The friendship! The heat! So, so good. Now I have to sit here and wait for Gabby's book!

I recommend for lovers of historical romance and badass female main characters.

Isabel Luna Valdés may not have experience as a spy, but she’s a wallflower who is often overlooked and prefers books to interacting with people, so she’s perfect for sneaking away without anyone noticing. Her mission is to find any information that could help her family in Mexico during the French Occupation. It’s too bad that Captain Sirius Dawson interrupted Isabel’s snooping by seducing someone while she was hiding under a desk! That incident reinforces Isabel’s disdain for Sirius and his reputation around town as a rogue when he’s actually a spy himself. And once a Viscount who may have information to aid Mexico takes a romantic interest in Isabel, Sirius vows to help however he can, including giving her a lesson in seduction!

There was a lot of ground work established in the first book, Ana María and The Fox, so I loved the faster pace of Isabel’s story and that we’re seeing her as an established sleuth although she’s not having much success.

There’s great tension between her and Sirius and because of his rakeish ways, the “gentleman” part is immediately gone anytime they’re alone and looking for information. Sirius is HOTT, and is so polite when he’s asking to taste, touch and f*%# Isabel. He even recites poetry in Spanish while he’s worshipping her. A KING!
I loved them together, and look forward to reading Gabby’s book so I can catch up with the Luna sisters again.

- Mexican FMC
- nemesis to lovers
- espionage
- moderate steam
- WDTK? Chapter 10

Special thanks to Liana De la Rosa and Berkley for opening the ARCs list to include 50 additional BIPOC and Latinx reviewers. I appreciate the opportunity! Opinions are my own.

I'm sure you've seen this book on lists of what to read after watching Bridgerton and they are so right! If you love Bridgerton, I'm confident you will love this book!

This is book 2 of the Luna sisters books and I loved it so much. I feel like it was written for me, and it was one of my favorite reads so far this year.

Isabel is quiet and maybe a little socially awkward. But she's also smart and clever and loves to read. Sirius is haunted by his past in the military, and now works as a spy. He has a roguish reputation and is quite charming.

There's not necessarily a meet cute since they already know each other from book 1, but there is a moment in a hot air balloon that makes them see each other differently. This scene is chef's kiss! Just perfection.

This book is full of stolen moments in libraries, and studies and museums. If risk of being caught is your thing, you will eat this up. Some moments are scorching hot and others are just achingly sweet and tender. I think my personal favorite scene takes place in a bookshop.

This book does have a third act break up, and I'm not a big fan of that generally. But I think it worked well for this story, so I couldn't be too mad about it.

If you are a romance girlie, please for the love of whatever you believe in, just read this book! I'm urging, begging, pleading with you 🙏 And then come talk to me about it because I want to gush about this book with everyone!

Thanks to Liana De la Rosa and Berkley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! This is another great read by Liana De La Rosa. I loved Ana Maria and the Fox, the first book in The Luna Sisters series, and was so eager to read Isabel’s story. I have to say, it did not disappoint!

The middle sister, Isabel has always felt unseen and unremarkable, especially when compared to her vibrant sisters. However, being a wallflower is a perfect cover, as she gathers intelligence to help Mexico. I love how Isabel uses her wallflower persona to her advantage. She is so much more than she gives herself credit for, and the fact that she is underestimated actually becomes one of her greatest assets.

Ok, Sirius Dawson. We have to talk about this super swoon-worthy, caring, gorgeous, literature-loving man because I think I’m in love. The rakish Captain Sirius Dawson works for the Home Office and becomes suspicious when his and Isabel’s paths keep crossing, and though Isabel wants to avoid the dashing man, Sirius promised her brother-in-law he’d look after her. A man burdened with guilt and suffering from PTSD, Sirius struggles with trauma from his past. He and Isabel both came from neglectful families, and this defined both of them in many ways. But being together changes them and gives them the safe space they both need. And the way he understands and appreciates Isabel when no one else really does, how he is awed by her and falls so deeply in love with her, made my heart melt. I didn’t think anyone would compare to Gideon Fox, but Sirius may have done it!

Isabel and Sirius have a fantastic rake/wallflower romance, though they both prove that appearances can be deceiving. Their banter-filled romance is filled with angst, pining, and a good amount of sexual tension, and I love how they see each other on such a deep level. The pair connected over so many things, and I especially appreciated their shared love of literature. How great is that? I always enjoy stories with characters who love to read as much as I do, and when the MMC loves to talk about books? He’s a keeper!! This part of the story felt like an ode to book lovers everywhere, and I adored the scenes where they discussed and read books, poetry, and more.

The social and political messages, the espionage, the history, the strong friendships (Sirius truly has an amazing found family), and the beautiful relationship between the Luna sisters – I loved it all. And the ending! It was absolutely perfect. There’s one more sister left, and I can’t wait for Gabby’s story. I see a romance brewing, and it promises to be just as swoon-worthy as this one.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Isabel and the Rogue is a pretty good read. I enjoyed the spy espionage aspects of this story and I think the author blended it well with bits of history. It will keep readers engaged.

I also like that Isabel and Sirius together.; they had good flow on page. I enjoyed that he loved that she was more interested in things outside of pretty dresses and balls. I do however; wished the author had focused more on building their romance as it felt lacking.

All and all, I liked this story. Would definitely recommend to readers who are looking for more POC representation in their historical romance.

Ever since I finished reading Ana María and The Fox last year, I’ve been eager to continue the Luna Sisters series. I already identified with middle sister Isabel in many ways: Like me, she’s introverted, shy, and loves books. However, in Isabel and The Rogue, we get to see other sides of her that she keeps hidden from all but those closest to her. I loved seeing these other attributes in her, like her bravery and determination to accomplish her (secret) missions.

Beyond being an overlooked wallflower, Isabel is also doing what she can to help Mexico overcome France’s occupation, and especially to save her parents and the Mexican president. This has her engaging in some light espionage in rich peoples’ studies instead of dancing with eligible young men. But Captain Sirius Dawson is as observant as Isabel herself, and it’s not long before he catches on to her clandestine activities. But will he stop Isabel… or join forces with her? And with the two of them spending so much unchaperoned time together, things are bound to get interesting!

One of my favorite features in historical romances is when the author infuses them with the social and political issues of the time. Both Luna Sisters novels are very political, and specifically about an international conflict I was not previously familiar with: the Second Franco-Mexican War. The Luna sisters are the daughters of a political figure who works closely with Mexico’s President Juárez, and they’re well-versed not only in Mexican politics and the conflict with France, but in social and political issues as a whole. Especially given how involved Isabel is with the war (not to mention the safety of her parents and the president), I really enjoyed learning more about this major piece of 1860s history. I also enjoyed other discussions around culture and politics, from Isabel’s conversation with Lady Needham about where so many goods come from to her later assertions about museums stealing artifacts from other nations. (Shoutout to The Gentleman’s Gambit by Evie Dunmore, which explores that latter issue in great detail!)

Isabel and The Rogue isn’t all about the middle Luna sister, though! The rogue in question, Captain Sirius Dawson, is a wonderful character in his own right. He comes across as a rake, but it’s a necessary byproduct of his work as a spy. In truth, he’s a man haunted by his past but filled with generosity and kindness. On top of that, he’s a big reader himself—major green flag! He’s cultured and open-minded, and he’s often on the same wavelength as Isabel. As opposite as they may seem on the surface, they’re well-matched in all the ways that matter, and they have excellent chemistry. No library, study, or bookstore is safe from their amorous pursuits! Despite the barriers to their relationship, including a divide in what side of the Atlantic they call home, they make an incredible couple. I love how they make things work by the end.

Isabel and The Rogue is a masterful work of historical fiction highlighting Mexican politics, strong Latina characters, and a happily ever after between two book-loving spies. I adore this series and can hardly wait to read the youngest sister Gabby’s love story with the Duke of Whitfield. That’s expected out next year, so stay tuned for my review!

He’s a notorious rake. She’s a bookish wallflower.

But there’s more to them than what the ton sees.

I love the push-pull tension between Sirius and Isabel, how—although she seems invisible to everyone else—he always sees her, how inquisitive and intelligent she is, and how hard he falls.

And their chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥.

I like that this series is different from your typical historical romance set in London, with it being centered around the Luna sisters from Mexico and their ties to the Mexican government during the Second Franco-Mexican War, and I can’t wait to read Gabby and Whitfield’s story next.

I received an advance copy of the book from Berkley and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

I freaking LOVE this series! I wasn’t expecting Isabel and the Rogue to usurp the first books position but it absolutely did. I loved Isabel she was such a beautiful contradiction! She was a wallflower but not without backbone and she was so incredibly smart. I also loved the way we got to watch Sirius fall in love with her!

I also have to admit that one of my favorite things about this series is how @lianainbloom weaves the history of Mexico through the story. This doesn’t feel like a typically flat historical romance. There is nuance and discussion and I was cheering so loud for Isabel when she was calling out the British museum for colonization.

This was just an enjoyable read from beginning to end and I absolutely loved it. Definitely recommend for fans of historical romance, enemies to lovers, and she falls first but he falls harder.

I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.

Apparently Isabel and The Rogue is the second book in the Luna Sisters series, but it did not hinder my enjoyment of this story! Based in history, this romance was sweet and satisfying. The historical basis is deeply interesting in recognizing the affect British colonialism had on the world, the repercussions of nationalism, and the ethics of "acquiring" historical art and treasures. I especially enjoyed the recognition that Mexico was colonized by Spain; Isabel is mentioned to take after her Purépecha family. Really, if you want a historical romance with some whitewash removal, this is a VERY good time.

For sensitive readers, there are scenes of graphic sexuality, references to war, PTSD, and referenced childhood neglect.

Isabel Luna has always been the shy, overlooked Luna sister, with her nose stuck in a book. After two years in England, her search for information to send home grows more important with every passing day that the French occupy her home of Mexico. But Sirius Dawson, the charming, gorgeous roguish friend of her brother-in-law has been keeping an eye on Isabel’s comings and goings at social events. Curious as to what she’s looking for in Lords’ studies while others are distracted, he finds that they may have similar objectives and offers to help her in her search.
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First and foremost, I love a rake x wallflower historical romance. The excitement, the banter, the way the rake never cares until he meets ~her~ gets me every time. Sirius Dawson, my man. The way they bonded over books and he /saw/ her exactly as she was and made sure she knew it. My heart aches for these two. This also included one of the most thoughtful, meaningful grand gestures I’ve ever read in a romance novel and it brought tears to my eyes. I also loved the incorporation of Spanish phrases in every conversation (as a former Spanish minor in college), and the fierceness of Gabby’s love for Isabel. Isabel and Dawson both had well-executed character arcs that felt natural and fully developed. An all-around delightful read!

If your are obsessed with this season of Bridgerton, this book will satiate your despair at the ending.

It's the second installment in the Luna sisters and despite her being a quiet and observant wallflower, the story is so vibrant. The dialogues all through out were so vivid and many of it felt like I was a fly on the wall.
The two MC's attraction is so palatable, I was rooting for them at every obstacle.
I know its only book 2 but I think its my fav in this series. Although I am very anxious for the youngest sister love story!

Isabel, a Mexicana living in England, is the definition of a wallflower. Bookish, quiet, a little socially awkward - and doesn't stand out for her beauty, political prowess, or exuberance like her two sisters. However - her ability to blend in allows her to sneak information from private studies to pass to Mexico amidst the French invasion. Striving to be of use and return to Mexico, Isabel does not realize she's being watched by the handsome rogue, Captain Sirius Dawson. He's intrigued and finds her to be exceptional. His rakish reputation doesn't do him any favors with her, but eventually their chemistry turns into feelings. Sirius has his own reasons for helping her, but what happens when Isabel decides to leave? This book was an absolute joy - like Mexican hot chocolate, it's a cozy hug with a bit of spice! It has all the things you love about a historical romance set in England, with the added benefit of a new culture joining the ton. As you can imagine, not everyone loves having three beautiful, Mexican sisters attending the balls, but I really enjoyed the insight to the Mexican history it provided! If you like: wallflower x rogue, historical romance, open door love scenes, sisterly bonds, grand gestures - this is for you!

This series is new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as i like wallflowers who win the hero's heart and the I had a lot of fun.
Well plotted, good chemistry between the characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Isabel and The Rogue by Liana De la Rosa is a captivating tale that skillfully weaves together suspense and intricate character development. The novel features a sizzling scene where the two protagonists find themselves trapped underneath a desk, adding an element of passion to the story. However, what truly resonates with readers is the dramatic and poignant ending that leaves a lasting impact.

De la Rosa's writing is well-crafted and sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the Victorian era. The author's note at the end of the book provides valuable context, enhancing the reader's understanding of the historical background. Isabel and The Rogue is a compelling read that brings a fascinating story from the past to life.

THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF THE LUNA SISTERS!!!!! Liana definitely delivered with Isabel’s story through and through. I absolutely loved the representation, the intrigue with Isabel’s secret doings, and the SPICE between her and Sirius. Historical romances fare well when there’s a subplot driving the MCs together, and the way in which it was done here had me excited to read and scared to finish. Can’t wait to see what’s in store with Gabby’s story 🤍

Read if you like:
🇲🇽 Mexican FMC
📚 Historical Romances
🌹 Wallflower FMCs
📖 Bookish FMCs
🔀 Opposites Attract
🔥 Slow Burn

If you read and enjoyed Ana Maria and the Fox, please make sure to read this one! This one felt very fun and similar in vibes, but also its own story and vibes in the series!

I really loved getting to see Isabel shine as a wallflower myself, I loved seeing her come into her own and find her place and to start to make the decisions for herself that will shape her future the way she wants it to look.

I really loved the slow burn and OMG, the way the love story came together and the story ended made me swoon soooooo much!

I am not a huge historical romance reader but I truly can’t wait for Gabby’s story!

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and PRHA for my gifted ARC and Audiobook copies!

No one writes swoony intelligent multicultural histroms better than this author! Isabel, a Mexican spy in Britain, and Sirius, a secret agent for the Brits, attract each other like magnets while jousting for their respective countries. A gem!

Genre: historical romance
England, 1865

Middle sister Isabel Luna prefers the periphery to the spotlight, but that doesn’t change the ferocity of her loyalty to Mexico. Working behind the scenes as a well-disguised spy gathering intelligence while seeking refuge in England, she meets Captain Sirius Dawson, former officer who now works for the Home Office also collecting secrets from diplomats and ambassadors and members of the ton. As their paths continue to cross in clandestine places it’s clear to Sirius that Isabel’s spirit outshines her wallflower tendencies…and that perhaps Sirius’s reputation as a rogue is a cultivated front for his role, rather than true to his heart.

This was such a good follow-up to Ana Maria and the Fox! The Luna sisters have such well-captured sibling dynamics, and even while Isabel is the quiet one, Liana de la Rosa makes it clear to the reader that a quiet wallflower doesn’t mean a withering wallflower. Isabel and the Rogue has a slow burn setup for the romance, but while the romance is ramping up, the political intrigue and history take the forefront.

Where I felt Ana Maria and the Fox did a lot of worldbuilding via “this is how historical romance works” for those newer to the genre, Isabel and the Rogue is for those of us already in love with the genre who want historical details and maximum swoon. Set against the backdrop of Second Franco-Mexican War, we see facets of mid-19th century world politics that we don’t often see in the genre. Even while the ballroom politics of England were the forefront of aristocratic lives, women like Isabel Luna have always been there to remind the ton that non-anglo-centric viewpoints and cultural achievements are not only valid but celebrated. For anyone who has concerns that this is “too modern” I urge you to read de la Rosa’s author’s note at the end of the book.