This was a wonderful conclusion to a wonderful series! Apollo and Aurora's love story was full of so much depth and feeling, I was swooning the entire time. I was also really impressed by how Adriana Herrera wove in so much history, without ever slowing down the plot or the romantic development. Highly recommend this series to all historical romance readers.

I have been sleeping on this series! I haven’t read the first two books yet, but that WILL change! There was enough recap that I never felt lost for reading this out of order. Women’s rights is a major theme, and I thought the horrific injustices of the times was well balanced with Aurora’s grit and determination. Plus Aurora and Apollo’s relationship development was full of snarky banter and tension, which helped offset the heavy themes. Absolutely loved this and the author's note really touched my heart.

Whyyyy do I keep stumbling into phenomonal book series on Book 3?? This last book in the Las Leonas series by Adriana Herrera is my favorite style of historical romance featuring smart, witty, strong-willed women bucking against the gender stereotypes of the time period. Aurora doesn't have time for silly love affairs because she is literally performing life saving medical surgeries in the middle of the night. Duke Apollo, new to his title, ends up in Aurora's bed and then offers her protection before realizing the two of them make a wonderful team. When danger arrives of their doorstep, the team must work together for safety and a potential HEA.

I loved the spice, tension, high stakes plot, and overall fast moving pace. I will absolutely be going back to read books 1 and 2!

I AM SO SAD TO SAY GOODBYE TO LAS LEONASSSS T-T

This book is the best in the trilogy in my opinion! Adriana Herrera really hit her stride with this trio and it shows in the last book. The pacing was excellent, the feelings were H*RNY, and the actions matched the words!!!!!!! What I love most about these books is the THEATER - I'm talking bellowing at the top of your lungs, i'm talking busting through doors, i'm talking sardonic banter that leads to romantic confessions. this book has it all

Aurora's story as a doctor performing life-saving procedures in the dead of night and never being sure if someone is out to get her or not.....y'all I was invested. Herrera does a great job of tying the characters stories together whether it be romance or drama. I've loved Apollo and his confidence since the first book and he did not disappoint. He was not about the games!!! He was only about his woman!!!

anyways I can't wait to own this trilogy highly recommend to regular readers of smutty historical romance you will never read an unseasoned HR again

Aurora does not have time for needing men certainly not a meddling Duke who won’t leave her alone. So whatever if he helps her out, teaches her self defense and offers her a building for her clinic... it doesn’t mean anything. Besides he needs to be off finding himself a suitable wife and that just isn’t her. But maybe a little fun can’t hurt right? Not if Apollo has anything to say about it he doesn’t just want a little fun he wants his doctura and he will do whatever it takes to make her his duchess. And he won’t be letting her out of site with her medical work gets her in a bad situation.

I loved Aurora and Apollo... I got why she was so resistant to him but I’m just over here like just say yes to the man why not? But of course Aurora is obviously more sensible than I am. I wanted to read this series but never got around to it until I got an arc for this book so I read them out of order 3, 1 and then 2. It didn’t really change much reading it that way I mean I knew the couples were going to get together it’s just the different paths to get there in each book.

I find myself struggling with Adrianna's writing style. This is the second book I've tried but found myself struggling to get through. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline otherwise.

This entire interconnected series following Las Leonas is incredible! I recommend starting at the beginning with A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, An Island Princess Starts a Scandal, and finally A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke. This order is perfect because you end with the best one. Apollo has recently taken hold of his title as duke and is figuring out his role within society. Aurora is a Physician that runs an underground women’s clinic. And her line of work she comes across certain dangers, and Apollo is more than happy to be the one to help and protect Aurora. They’re chemistry is unbelievable, it is off the charts, their banter is everything. They understand each other so well, so deeply, they see each other for who they are rather than what everyone else wants them to be. They are supportive of each other. They are there for each other when it matters. And there is nothing that Apollo wouldn’t do for Aurora. I absolutely loved seeing Luz Alana and Evan be so in love. I loved seeing Manuela and Cora. And this was an incredible closing to this world the amount of research that Adriana did in preparation for writing these books is incredible. I loved that she set out to show the world that POC people have always existed, especially in a space/genre that is overwhelmingly white. Adriana is incredible and I am excited to see what she writes next. Hopefully some more historical romance because we need it.

A perfect ending to a beautiful series. The focus of this series is to celebrate and bring recognition to Latina culture and history. The intention and research that Adriana put behind each and every one of these is admirable (stick around to the authors note at the end to see just how dedicated she was). These stories highlight the trouble women and minorities went through just to live the life they wanted. They are stories of diversity, empowerment, and feminine rage/power. Las Leonas is such a refreshing take on historical romance. The relationships are gorgeous, endearing, and the perfect amount steamy.

Aurora Montalban is a strong-willed physician that does what it takes to keep the underground women’s clinic running. When her half brothers cut off her inheritance, she isn’t sure how to keep the clinic running without the extra cashflow. Along comes the infuriatingly handsome Duke of Annan to lend a hand.

In the previous novels, the duke meets Aurora and this novel picks up with them having a long awaited one time midnight rendezvous.

Apollo was recently appointed as Duke after his estranged father passes away. He is struggling with finding his place in the position. Every step he takes, someone is either waiting for him to misstep or discredit him. In addition to those struggles, he cannot get a certain physician off of his mind. Apollo never imagined that striking this deal with Aurora would have him contemplating if she could be his perfect duchess.

I am so sad that this series is coming to an end, but this was a PERFECT way to wrap it all up. I cannot wait to read more from Adriana Herrera.

I keep trying and failing to enjoy romances. The characters in this story are endearing, but the writing style wasn’t for me. I wanted to try it because it sounded like a great story, but I’m not the right reader for it.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the whole Las Leonas series, and this was a perfect ending to the trilogy! Finally we get to see the love story of our dear Doctora, after her two compatriots have been paired off with their perfect matches. I really enjoyed this one because Herrera clearly did so much research into the era and feminism and women's issues of the time (and ours) but it came across as romance first, and preachy advocacy in a distant second. I always love enemies to lovers, and this had heat and fun mixed in with serious topics. I really recommend it, but read the other two books first- they do not have to be read in order, but I do think this story benefits from the world-building of the other Leonas books.

I can't wait to see what Herrera writes next- she's now an auto-buy author for me!

Omgggggg! Aurora and Apollo are everything to me! their love, their banter, their complete love for one another fits their journey perfectly. Our girl is the ultimate girls girl and doctor at that! Her love interest is rich, handsome, and smart mouthed. I love everything about this book and getting to see Aurora learn to allow herself the love she deserves was healing. A 5 star story across the board!

The love these two experienced was everything a true supportive love should be. Also, broaching the topic of women’s health care in its history and reflection of present day was fearless. Thank you, Adriana Herrera, for this absolute gem of a witty, sexy, healing, once in a lifetime love story.

I really enjoyed Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, especially the pacing and the engaging dialogue between the Duke and Aurora. Their interactions were sharp, witty, and full of chemistry, making their relationship one of the highlights of the story. This was such a fun and exciting historical romance that I have been needing! The pacing kept things moving smoothly, with just the right balance of action and character development. Overall, it's a fun read with great character dynamics that kept me engaged until the very end. I will be adding the previous two Leona’s books to my TBR.

I loved this book. The way the relationship grew slowly, despite the spice scene early in the book, was wonderful and it was great to really feel them both fall in love. I also really appreciated how much time and research Herrera put into women’s medical treatment of the time and how, rather than a third act breakup, there was drama that felt both realistic and important to the character’s growth. It was a great balance of heartache and humor. I’ll read anything this author writes forever.

Thank you to Adriana Herrera and NetGalley for the ARC.

I just recently started the Las Leonas series and this entry the best one yet! If you love a strong female lead and an historical setting overseas, you have to read these. I've been recommending them to many non-romance readers too, but I warn them - it can get pretty steamy!

Aurora Montalban Wright runs an underground women's clinic in 1889 Paris and begrudgingly accepts protection from the new Duke of Annan. Apollo César Sinclair Robles is new to the aristocracy, and at least half of them are waiting for him to make a mistake. He feels Aurora would be his perfect Duchess, but she doesn't agree. Apollo brings Aurora to the French Riviera when they're threatened, and hopes that he can convince her what they have is real.

This is the third book of the Las Leonas series, but you don't have to read those first. Apollo recently became the Duke of Annan, but society doesn't like it because he's Black and an outsider. His half-siblings love him, and it helps that his half-brother has fallen in love with a Caribbean woman. He is trying to rectify the financial ties his family has and do good work for the people, another thing society doesn't value. Aurora has her own drive to help women, who are subject to the whims of men in their lives. Childbirth, pregnancy, and even a fistula are subject to husbands directing care, so Aurora goes behind their backs to do it. This gets the police and those husbands angry with her. Apollo, already intrigued by her vicious remarks in his direction, wants to ensure her safety. This means teaching her self-defense and getting a clinic location where she can practice.

The dynamic between Aurora and Apollo is one of prickliness as well as admiration and respect. Aurora has her secrets regarding her past that we discover before Apollo does, but she's certain that their revelation would either repulse him or ruin him if the wider world discovers them. Apollo isn't concerned about it, given that he wants to change everything about those same expectations that he can. His aunt wants to conform to those rigid societal rules, giving weight to Aurora's worst fears. The figure haunting Aurora's past that helped drive her from her family and into medicine appears in Paris, and one of the main lords trying to drive Apollo out of the aristocracy also comes into play as a symbol of the wider world of racism and misogyny. There are many aspects of this book that were pulled from historical fact, including the medical practices and thought leaders of the time. I found that as fascinating as the dynamic between Aurora and Apollo. They have loving friends and family, who make great appearances throughout the text. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance and seeing them get together.

5/5 stars
3/5 spice

Tropes:
Hate to Friends to lovers
Afro-Latinx MCs
Close proximity
Obsessed MMC
Curvy FMC
Spanish nickname and phrases
He takes care of her
Feminism and Activism
Dual POV
Last in series

First off...I will not accept any criticism in regards to this book. If you don't like women unapologetically indulging in their sexual desires... don't read this book. If you don't like feminist messages and diverse characters... don't read this book. If you don't think politics should be in romance... DON'T READ THIS BOOK.

But if you're a fan of ALL THAT and more... then please read this book and the other two in the series.

This book is real and in your face about the historical impact misogyny played(and still plays) in women's healthcare. We have two MCs that disregard the risks in fighting for what is right despite facing backlash, racism, and classism. And in the midst of all this, they are each other's safe space to let go and truly be themselves free from judgment.

"Una Leona, esta mujer. He thought he might never tire of her, if she was his."

I just knew this final installment of Las Leonas was going to be a banger (figuratively and literally). The way Apollo appreciated and took care of Aurora (despite her hating being coddled) was just perfection. He might have deserved her vitriol every now and then, but he was truly enthralled by her passion and convictions. And when your partner can love you in your worst moments... OMG swoon. No matter how hard she tried to push him away, he just became more obsessed.

"Aurora Montalban Wright was a firestorm. They could burn each other down to ash."

And Aurora... my goodness, this woman was a warrior. She made her choices and stood by them. I loved her morals and intensity. Was she prickly and stubborn? Hell yeah. But damn she did she earn (and endure) her stripes. I was rooting for her to stick it to the man the entire time. And luckily, she had a partner who wanted to help her do it.

“From the first moment I saw you, I’ve wondered what went into the making of your grit, and now that I know, I want to burn the world down and rebuild it for you.”

I will never stop recommending this book and series. These are the kind of books that I wish I had as a young adult because damn it feels good to feel seen.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke is the knockout finale to Adriana Herrera's Las Leonas series. This series finale follows Aurora, a Black female doctor who routinely bucks societal convention in support of her deeply held convictions, through a season in 1889 Paris. The prior two books in the series, which take place largely concurrently, depict Aurora on the margins, often disappearing from the glittering world of the Exposition Universelle to some mysterious radical undertaking.

Prior to her own book. Aurora is presented lovingly, if somewhat indulgently, by her best friends. They support her unconditionally but perhaps don't fully understand her. A Tropical Rebel is instantly captivating because it suddenly thrusts this enigmatic character into sharp relief. From the first page, I finally understood who this character is and the stakes of her work. We quickly find out Aurora is involved with a clandestine women's health clinic, consulting the marginalized wisdom of midwives and healers to provide care to anyone who needs it, regardless of ability to pay. Aurora is spiky and abrasive because that is how she learned to survive, but we meet her on her way to an assignation with the rogueish Apollo, the first Black man to inherit a dukedom. These characters circle each other as they pursue their causes, finding kindred spirits in their passion for change. That passion also expresses itself in a truly incendiary and swoonworthy romance.

This is exactly the historical romance I needed in 2025. It is the sort of story that shows that we have been here before and can make a way for ourselves, even when social circumstances forces our backs against the wall. I loved every second of this book.

Enjoyed this fun, steamy story so much. Aurora and Apollo are both delightfully rebellious and easy to root for and this was the exactly the kind of escapism I needed this year!

3.5 stars
“I don’t want debutantes,” he told her, with a stubborn set of his jaw. “I want pugnacious physicians who threaten me with scalpels.”

I haven't read the other two books in the series, but this 19th-century romance set in Paris was sizzling. Doctor Aurora Montalban Wright and her friends came from the Caribbean months ago and found love and their purpose. Well, Aurora has certainly found her purpose in helping women in sticky situations. She isn't so clear on the love part. After all, Aurora, at a young age, caused quite a scandal. What type of man would be able to overlook that?

Enter Apollo César Sinclair Robles, a newly appointed duke who cannot deny that the beautiful doctor might just be the perfect duchess for him. But it will take a lot of convincing before these lovers take their relationship public.

Well, the spice was spicy, the banter was entertaining, and I liked both Aurora and Apollo. It's such a relief that we are living in a time where characters in historical romance novels are becoming more diverse. Also, this book gets points for having Apollo be the one who has fallen harder than Aurora. Although the "will they, won't they be together" went on a little too long, that is what the genre is all about.

If I did have a quibble, sometimes the spicy scenes tended to overshadow the important work that Aurora was doing. Her work helping her female patients was quite interesting and quite parallel to issues that exist even today.

Overall, I would be on the lookout to read other titles in the series and/or other books by this author.




Publication Date 04/02/25
Goodreads Review 16/02/25
#ATropicalRebelGetstheDuke #NetGalley.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to The Hive, Harlequin Trade Paperback, and Harlequin Audio for the advance reader and listener copies. These opinions are my own.

This is book three of Las Leonas, an amazing historical romance series by Adriana Herrera. I have been simultaneously eagerly awaiting this and wanting to put it off because it's the end of the series.

I absolutely adore Aurora, our female main character. She took a bad experience as a 15-year-old and used it as motivation to become a doctor focused on helping women. So much of this book highlights women's health and just how essential reproductive healthcare is. Good historical romances always shine a light on current society, and this does so especially well.

And then there's the duke, Apollo. We saw him turn society on his head in previous books (I recommend reading this as a series in order). And somehow he's even hotter in this book?! It might be the shirtless capoeira that does it.

The two of them together are so amazing. There's such depth and character growth. I want to re-read the entire series at a single go now. And having loved the audio format here, I might choose audio for all three on a re-read.

4.25 stars