Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own. Ana Maria and the Fox was one of my favorite books last year so I’ve been extremely excited for Isabel and the Rogue!

I really loved Isabel. She is so used to not being seen and being the quiet introverted sister. Isabel has been in England with her sisters for two years but she’s feel like she belongs.


She is determined to help her family by finding information about French movements. She’s know Sirius for a while as he’s a friend of her sister’s husband. He has a reputation as a rake so she’s sure he won’t be the one for her. They keep being thrown together as he’s working for the government.

I loved how Sirius saw Isabel for who she really was. There was so much tenderness between them. This is a unique series since it covers a part of history that I knew nothing about. The narration by Ruby Hunt was fantastic but I would also love a male narrator for Sirius’ part.

The second book in the Luna Sisters series, this book follows the introverted but determined lady Isabel as she works to spy for the country of Mexico while also falling in love. Isabel and the Rogue is set in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and this historical fiction story has two POVs: Isabel and Sirius. While Isabel secretly gathers information to send back to her home government, Sirius does the same for England. The two bump into each other quite often at events, setting off an attraction and affair that cannot be quashed. This book has romance, secrecy, swoonworthy emotional declarations, and lots of heartwarming sister moments between the three Luna sisters. (Please be warmed that there is mention of PTSD, as well as lots of spice!)

Overall, while I enjoyed learning more about the history of Mexico, England, and France, the story itself fell a little flat for me. It felt like the same scenes kept happening over and over, with neither main character being bold enough to take a stance and go after what they wanted until the end of the book. The romance was cute, though!

Thanks, NetGalley and Berkley, for the digital ARC!

Loved the representation but much like with the first book in the series, I feel like the romance took a backseat to everything else going on and that made it hard for me to root for Isabel and Sirius as a couple.

Isabel and The Rogue is a fantastic historical romance. If you are a fan of antagonists to lovers, spying and intrigue, with the bonus of a story featuring a Mexican main character, don’t miss Liana De la Rosa’s latest book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Isabel Luna always feels like the overlooked middle sister. Ana Maria and Gabby are more glamorous, but since the three began living in exile in London to escape war in Mexico, they have become much closer. Even her sisters don’t know that Isabel has been spying on the ton, though, and attempting to find information to help Mexico fight off the French. During one of these secret searches, she meets up with war veteran Sirius Dawson. Although she doesn’t know it, the dashing rogue is also searching for information. At first, they spar whenever they meet, but it’s soon obvious that there are other feelings involved. But can either indulge in romance while serving their separate countries?

I’m on the record as loving a romance that involves plenty of intrigue and banter, and Isabel and The Rogue excels on both counts. Not only do sparks fly every time Sirius and Isabel are in the same room, but they are both smart characters who can hold their own in any intellectual conversation. There is so much great chemistry and tension between them, and their steamy scenes are top notch.

Isabel is misjudged by everyone, and she’s rightfully frustrated that people constantly underestimate her, mostly because she’s an introverted woman of color. While Sirius initially writes her off, it’s satisfying to watch him realize the truth and finally appreciate the real Isabel. Besides being an amazing romance, this book shares so much about war in Mexico in the 1860s, and it’s a refreshing change from your average London ballroom story.

I adore Isabel and The Rogue. Any historical romance fan will love this story, but especially if you like smart, intelligent characters whose chemistry is off the charts. I can’t wait to see what Liana De la Rosa writes next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a sweet and spicy historical romance! I truly was not expecting to enjoy this story as much as I did.

Watching the attraction between Sirius Isabel and Sirus grow was so exciting. Sirius was so swoon-worthy to me, especially since I am a total sucker for a British MMC. I went into this book expecting minimal spice, and I was pleasantly surprised by the steamy scenes! I absolutely loved their chemistry

Something that really stood out to me was the conversations surrounding colonialism and colorism. I've seen a lot of historical books conveniently leave out the not-so-nice aspects of those time periods, and I found it so refreshing that an author took the time to acknowledge those issues.

I loved the Latinx representation, the diversity, the history, the romance, I just loved everything! I haven't read the first book, Ana Maria and the Fox, but I will definitely have to read it after experiencing how good Liana's writing is!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkely Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Liana De la Rosa stuns again in Isabel and the Rogue! I was hooked before I even started the book because of Isabel. Isabel is the bookish heroine of my dreams. She's on a top secret mission for Mexico to ensure the safety of the Mexican government and her family during the French Occupation. She hasn't made much progress since the end of AMATF, but Captain Sirius Dawson flips that on his head when he finds Isabel sneaking around in another man's study again.

Isabel and Sirius really did something to my fragile little heart. There's plenty of spy antics and not-so-harrowing escapes, but the soft moments between Isabel and Sirius are the star of the show in my opinion. I'm a sucker for a reformed rake and Sirius is definitely one of my favorites of all time. He's just so swoony.

It's literally impossible not to root for Isabel. I walked away from this with a much deeper appreciation for sisterhood. Isabel and her sisters are the most realistic siblings I've read in a while. I'm begging everyone to pick up this series of interconnected historical romances!

Liana De la Rosa and her Luna sisters series are my new favorites on my historical fiction shelf. Ana Maria and the Fox was a stunning debut and Isabel and The Rogue is the sizzling follow up we have needed! Now give me Gabriella and her duke, they have to be next!

This is front-loaded with "enemy" impressions Isabel and Sirius have of one another from their time during the previous book, Ana Maria and the Fox, and I was just like, "OK, if you say so." I wish the vague enemies to lovers dynamic didn't rely so heavily on past squabbles, because it wasn't convincing. Couldn't something have happened NOW from which to draw fresh blood?

Anyway, I think this series adds diversity to historical romance. But I just don't like the writing. It's so expository, almost lecturing. I didn't finish Ana Maria and the Fox and I'm not going to finish this one. The characters don't have enough personality or depth; I feel nothing for them and, therefore, I'm not invested in their romance.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a link. I appreciate it!

When two society spies meet, it's obviously true love. Isabel is the "overlooked" middle sister. She (and her political handler) think this means she's the perfect choice to skulk around townhouses in England digging up information that will help the Mexican cause against the French aggression. Sirius is her British counterpart, "enjoying" liaisons with women and cultivating friendships with men so that he can support the British cause. He also overlooks Isabel, until one day he realizes she's doing the same kind of sneaking around she is. They've both leveled their aims on the same target in the hopes of finding out information about the French. Isabel is allowing the man to court her, while Sirius is just wining and dining him. Too bad Sirius and Isabel can't keep their hands off when they're around each other...

This is a fun, high heat novel. These two similar characters share the same motivations, skills, and passions, so they're a great match. The ending was unexpected, but also perfect, and might have been the best part of the book (besides Sirius's absolute devotion to Isabel's pleasure, of course).

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

This book got me back into my historical romance era after years!!

Isabel and the Rogue is a love letter to the quiet girls - the ones who have been underestimated by the world and by themself. This is the middle Luna sister’s story and a tale of finding your voice. Isabel is a brilliant, wise, observant, and devoted woman who yearns to fill a bigger purpose in life than looking pretty and marrying a wealthy man. She has aspirations and dreams, and she goes after them.

This book has all the best parts of a historical romance — the delicious yearning, dancing at balls, and of course the utter lack of propriety between hero and heroine when they are confined to a small space together without a chaperone. On top of that, it offers a fresh, non-Western perspective on the global events of the time. For context, the Luna sisters have fled their home in Mexico City because of a military occupation by Napoleon and the French army. Their parents have stayed back in Mexico because their father is among the Mexican president’s cabinet. Now, the three sisters find themselves in Victorian high society, with Isabel tasked to secretly gather information on the members of the ton who may be linked to occupying French forces. Her contacts back home thought her wallflower-ish ways were well-suited to slipping into the shadows and gathering intel without a trace. She certainly didn’t predict that her sleuthing would attract the interest of a known rake and rogue!

Without a doubt, my favorite part of this book is the social commentary on colonialism. Isabel and her sisters are not shy to remind the British gentry of the heavy hand their countrymen have had in pillaging and colonizing other cultures. Basically any time one of these stuffy British guys goes to defend the British Museum, these sisters shut it down! They are proud of their home and heritage, and that point of view is SO REFRESHING to read in a historical romance! MORE like this, please I am begging you!

While the MMC Sirius Dawson is not my favorite regency man, I did think he was properly obsessed with Isabel so in my book he’s alright. Otherwise, I had such a fun time reading this book and it got me super interested in the other Luna sister books - since I had not yet read the first one. I will definitely be reading more Liana De la Rosa as I get back into my historical romance kick with the recent release of Bridgerton!!

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance, NetGalley, and the author for sending me a digital ARC <3
4.5 ⭐️

So far my favorite romance book of the year. I really enjoyed this book.
The characters are lovable and plot is interesting. I love the idea of covert affairs and to see it set in this time, with these characters took it up a notch.
Isabel is shy, smart and maybe even hesitant to change. She has you rooting for her to be successful in all her different ventures

Thank you NetGalley for the read!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

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.

Even knowing I was going into this story without reading the first in the series, I really enjoyed reading Isabel's story. There was a moment in IatR where Isabel mentions that the sisters grew up disliking each other and being pitted against each other, on their father's demand. I don't know how to explain it, but the relationship between Ana Maria, Isabel, and Gabby seems like they have only recently been on the mend. They are close and love each other, but it's lacking the true-blue closeness that comes with your sibling being your best friend all your life. It's truly well done.

I wish Isabel had more confidence because a gosh-danged viscount was openly courting her, but I'll admit her reasoning for not believing in herself was pretty good. I really liked the relationship between Isabel and Sirius and lord, that scene under the desk? Ok.

I even really loved the fact that Sirius was late to the ship. It wasn't a perfect airport scene. He was too late! The only thing I wish for the novel was that he made the decision to go to Mexico on his own. His friends had to talk him into it. Dumbass.

DNF
I wanted to like this so bad. I love historical romances and the plot of this sounded great. Unfortunately I DNFed by like 10%. There was just way too much telling. Because of that, it felt like the narrator was keeping me at distance, never letting me get close to experience the scene or even ground me in a scene. Especially since there was a fair bit of flashbacks throwing me out of the front story randomly. But honestly, those flashbacks had more showing and was more dynamic and interesting than the front story.
I like the concept and goal of this story, sadly the execution of it was too tough for me to read. I found myself skimming pages way too early on in the book that I knew my opinion most likely wouldn’t change.
That being said, I know this will definitely be someone. The writing style just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

Isabel Luna is the bookish middle child sandwiched between her elder politically-savvy sister and her younger charming sister. Often overlooked, Isabel uses her relative invisibility to spy on British nobility to find anything that could be helpful to her native Mexico during the French occupation.

Captian Sirius Dawson is a war hero who doesn't feel he deserves the accolades. He was shot early in the conflict and was hospitalized before the battle truly began. He carefully cultivates a rakish persona to hide his work for the Home Office. When he catches Isabel snooping during a party, he offers to help her find information for Mexico.

The inevitable push and pull between Isabel and Dawson is an entertaining ride, especially since neither wants to ruin the seemingly conflicting hopes and dreams of the other. Recommended for fans of historical romance looking for a more diverse cast.

Representation: Mexican main character and side characters, war veteran main and side characters

Luna sister number 2 and just as lovely and fun! I really enjoyed stepping into Isabel’s shoes for this one. Learning who she was and what she wanted, her dreams and wishes, her fears and how she shows her love for those around her was special. And of course watching her relationship with Sirius blossom was just wonderful!

Liana De la Rosa SHINES in her follow-up to Ana Maria’s story in her Luna Sisters series, “Isabel and The Rogue”!

Thank you to Berkley Romance and Net Galley for the ARC of this 5-star historical romance. Liana is a master of combining skin-heating love affairs with important social discourse that affects the world her characters inhabit. People do not exist in a vacuum. We love to say love conquers all, but what does that really mean if we don’t explore the obstacles the characters are up against personally, politically, socially, psychologically, economically, and racially? Liana does not shy away from this narrative and instead chooses to embrace the complexity of it all, which results in characters who feel so real your chest aches. Isabel and Sirius's love story is intense, intimate, and is as much a journey of romance as it is one of introspection, self-love, and healing.

Taking place after the events of “Ana Maria and the Fox,” Isabel’s book begins in 1865, which is towards the end of the Second French Invasion of Mexico. Isabel and her sisters are the daughters of a high-ranking member of the Juarez cabinet and they had been sent to London for their safety, and hopefully to broker some support for Mexico in England, at the start of the first book. But while Ana Maria and Gabriela thought all three of them were in London with the same objectives, their incredibly proud and shy wallflower middle sister had another mission…..

Isabel and The Rogue has EVERYTHING:
📚 Spying, subterfuge, and espionage
📖 “Lessons”
📚 Praise
📖 Nicknames
📚 Appearance of our beloved characters from the first book. The way I fell even more in love with the Duke than I already was. Electric. Hold onto your petticoats.
📖 Swoony men who trip over themselves for the women they are falling so desperately in love with every single day they share the same air.
📚 Sisterly bonds (we get so much more Gabby and I love her!)
📖 Found family (including male friendships)
📚 Discussions of colonialism and repatriation
📖 Libraries and museums (THESE ARE SACRED locales in this book, and no, I will not elaborate)

Between the release of Isabel’s book and the premiere of Bridgerton Season 3, it is truly a season for the Wallflowers. Isabel is hilarious and one of the proudest characters I’ve ever read. She does not suffer fools and possesses a powerful, reserved fortitude. Unfortunately, she believes herself to be invisible and unremarkable, especially compared to her sisters, which is in no small part the result of how they were raised by their father (I'd love to have a chat with him, by the way). Isabel also combats colorism as she favors her indigenous heritage more than her sisters, who favor that of their shared Spanish one. I know I said this in my review of book 1, BUT THIS IS SO IMPORTANT and IATR is a perfect example of why Latina voices need to tell our stories.

Now, we need to talk about Capitán Sirius Dawson, our MMC, our rogue. A rogue he might be, but the Captain will not tolerate those speaking ill of Isabel Luna, even Isabel Luna herself. He’s observant and noble, to the point of torture. As readers will learn, Sirius is tragically in his Tortured Poet Era and it will break your heart. Guilt is toxic and Liana explores mental health beautifully and with care in this novel. Sirius is a caretaker at his core and I did not expect that going into the book, or really any book led by a rake or rogue for that matter, so that was a winsome twist and such a testament to Liana's talent. As readers will see, he tends to Isabel’s emotional needs (and her physical ones too) while also demonstrating a DEEP understanding of the support women deserve in a society that does not value them as equals. His acts of kindness reflect someone who knows the depth of women. Isabel clocks it in real-time and it makes her fall harder. I think this will resonate with modern readers because we are experiencing something of a girlhood renaissance ourselves where we are reclaiming things that we were mocked for as being shallow simply for being feminine and Sirius would be one of the men supporting the movement.

But let’s get to matters of the heart, shall we?
Sirius worships Isabel and it hits him like a freight train because he cannot stop himself from making this captivating and intelligent woman his business. One of my favorite compliments he ever thinks about her is how expressive her eyebrows are. As a Latina, more often than not, a defining feature in romance for a Latina female main character is “she’s so curvy.” Not Sirius, because he’s noticing everything about Isabel including things she’s not even saying. The expressiveness of the sisters was something I adored in the first book, especially because it was actually a plot point, and I loved seeing a different flavor of that quality articulated in this book. Latinas are not a monolith. Once again, Liana exemplifies why representation is important.

Also, we have to talk about it: The SPICE. Sirius’s level of adoration borders on obsession, but since it’s 19th-century Victorian England he says things like, "Look at you. I can’t believe you let me touch you" and throws around "darling" in ways that will turn you into a puddle. He is both polite and oh so bossy while praising HIS Isabel, who by the way, despite calling herself a Wallflower, is NOT a shrinking violet in this respect and you love to see that. She is staunch in her choices and I did not expect her to be such a rational libertine so I loved it! Needless to say, I was unprepared. That’s all I’ll say because I don’t want to spoil but buckle up. Liana dialed the heat UP in this second book.

But I think what I enjoyed most about the romance between Sirius and Isabel is how they encouraged the other to just live. Their journey was to learn to love themselves THROUGH each other. Sirius doesn’t think Isabel needs to come out of her shell, he fervently believes the world is the one who needs to see the value of her shell and who she is because she’s brilliant and clever and a force. He sees her struggling to be more palatable to society so she can have value and he won’t stand for it. He makes sure she has all the space to change, but only if she wants. Sirius pulls off some gestures of affection I have never seen and made me kick my feet. He’s there to encourage her to be exactly what she wants to be. And Sirius, our broken boy, Isa helps him see he is worthy of good things and happiness despite certain events and people (I would like to have a chat with his brother, by the way). Their individual journeys toward self-actualization do not go as they expect thanks to strong stubborn streaks, with heart-pounding highs and heart-wrenching lessons learned, but they are made for each other. Isabel and Sirius are two of the bravest characters I’ve ever read in romance while also being painfully fearful people at the same time. Well-written and complex, Liana delivered a pair that will immerse you in their world and their souls. With an ending I did not see coming and had me on the edge of my seat gasping and crying, I have no doubt in my mind that “Isabel and The Rogue” will be a summer bestseller.

I will end this review with some final remarks. First, a heartfelt thank you to Liana, Berkley, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an ARC of “Isabel and The Rogue.” It was an honor and pleasure and I can’t wait for everyone to read this book. And secondly, below please find two little conversations, with no context, which play in my head on a loop. “To vex” hits different in historical romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I can’t imagine why I thought I could do this. Me, timid, awkward Isabel Luna.”

“Stop that,” Sirius growled, dragging his hand up to cradle her face. “There is nothing about you that is timid or awkward. The Isabel Luna I know is fearsome. Sharp-witted. Quotes Frankenstein with clever ease. You dazzle me. Please don’t allow the words written in that letter to speak louder than the words I’m telling you right now.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Vexing is not the word I would use to describe it.”

“What word would you use, then?” she breathed.

“Intoxicating. Mesmerizing. Hypnotic. Are those enough words?”

“Only you think those things of me.”

“I doubt that, but then most people are fools.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Isabel and The Rogue by Liana De la Rosa comes out June 4, 2024!

Warm-hearted, sweet, and filled with passion, Isabel and The Rogue does a beautiful job continuing Lina De La Rosa’s tale of the three Luna sisters. There’s adventure, derring do, growth, and a tender but sensual romance all within its pages.

Isabel Luna Valdés feels completely invisible in her own family. The middle child, her parents ignore her in favor of her other siblings. When she’s offered the opportunity to work as a spy hunter by the British ambassador to Mexico, she says yes, hoping to aid her country as it prepares to rebel against the French Occupation. Captain Sirius Dawson is her quarry. The handsome Sirius plays the louche man-about-town, but in reality, he works for the British Home Office as a spy who charms and (sometimes) seduces society ladies for secrets.

Isabel is like no one Sirius has ever met before, and they soon find themselves matching wits in the ballroom and beyond. Isabel’s mission grows more intense, and Sirius must decide between his love for Isabel and his loyalty to his country.

Isabel and the Rogue is romantic, spirited, and thoughtful about the impact of colonialism in Mexico. Isbael is a terrific heroine, the romance is great, and the research solid.

But I’ll also admit the hero’s name absolutely distracted me, as I kept getting Harry Potter flashbacks every time I saw the name “Sirius”. As a character, he’s roguish yet gentle, knows exactly what he’s doing and how to get it – and when to hold back and let Isabel lead. And in terms of the prose, the use of italics in this one is sometimes annoying, but that is a minor quibble.

Isabel and the Rogue showcases a sweeping, tender romance and it isn’t afraid to make you stop and think about what it has to say. It more than earns its DIK status.

Isabel and The Rogue is a cute, historical romance featuring a diverse cast and wholesome sisterly bonds. I found the pacing to be a bit slow at the beginning, but once the plot started picking up, I enjoyed the story! I was able to relate with Isabel a lot, especially seeing as I’m quiet, awkward, and bookish. Isabel’s insecurities were easy to identify with and I found myself reflected a lot with her as a character. Witnessing how Sirius never saw Isabel as the least desirable sister or boring in conversation made me swoon a little. He quoted poetry in the most romantic moments and was absolutely a charmer in the most sincere ways. This was overall adorable and I had fun along the way!

Synopsis:
Isabel is a Mexican heiress who escaped to London after the French invade Mexico in an attempt to colonize it. Before she leaves Mexico with her sisters, she’s recruited by her sister’s ex to fish for information regarding the French army through her new connections in London. Isabel utilizes her quiet, understated nature to sneak away at parties and search for any clue on what the French are up to in offices and studies of the Victorian elite. After being caught during the act by Captain Dawson, a British war hero, she finds herself utilizing his connections to glean more information. However, the attraction between them grows and with Isabel eventually returning to Mexico and Captain Dawson’s reputation as a rake, she’s hesitant to give in.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and the author for an early copy!

A big thank you to Ms Liana De La Rosa and Berkley Romance for an early copy of Isabel and the Rogue. This book was the perfect way end to my trip to Mexico City.

Isabel is the quiet often overlooked middle sister, easily overshadowed by her strong eldest sister Ana Maria and her vivacious outgoing little sister Gabby. But she has learned to use her ability to blend into the background to complete a dangerous task to help out her family and Mexico. Enter Captain Sirius Dawson, who has also cultivated a persona to help him complete his own missions. When he finds out Isabel’s secret plans, he will do anything to keep her safe. And along the way, the wallflower Isabel will that deep down, she is as powerful as her sisters.

I do not include historical romances often in my TBR and every time I read a Luna Sisters book, I wonder why. Because I loved this book. Watching Isabel come alive and learn how important and smart she is and getting to go on this journey with her was amazing. That ending I was not expecting it to play out the way it did. I actually had a Chayanne song, Y Tu Te Vas going through my head during that boat scene. Trust me, listen to it. It works so well.

I am so excited to read Gabby’s book next!

"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..."

Oh, but every good heroine knows that ignoring your heart works out in the end!