In many ways, it simply felt like a book I’ve read several times before in the past few years. Both characters were nice and good people and they didn’t change much from start to finish. I love when a man is a simp, but I just think books right now are making them simp from page one which leaves little to the imagination. I also just wasn’t interested in the villain or waiting for him to show up and cause trouble. I did love the women’s health rep and as always Adriana’s beautiful writing and vivid illustration of how history actually looked. But overall, I spent most of the book bored…even with the sex scenes. Like who am I to be yawning at facesitting?? Somebody fix me.

As far as the series goes, however, I still wholeheartedly recommend it! Especially book two. If you haven’t read a historical romance recently—or aren’t in a slump of recent ones—I do think this will have a different feel for you, so definitely give it a read.

I’ve been deeply enjoying Adriana Herrera’s Las Leonas series of books, and this one, the last, wraps things up with a fiery doctor and a brand-new member of the aristocracy.

Doctora Aurora Montalban Wright has rebelled against the social caste by becoming a physician. Going unrecognized for her medical talents, she runs an above-board general medical clinic during the day and an underground clinic during the night which specifically treats women in need of reproductive assistance. It’s the kind of work that wins her negative attention from nasty people, and soon she finds herself in need of protection. She ultimately accepts an offer of security from a certain gentleman, someone she gets on with like oil and water.

That man happens to be Apollo César Sinclair Robles, the Duke of Annan, and he is definitely intrigued by Auora’s ways. Apollo too is a rebel: he deposed his father to take his title, and is now being frozen out by the House of Lords as a result of his shocking deed. Aurora and Apollo met during the World's Fair in France and had a brief assignation: he wants more, and she can't stand his ways. But more time spent together means that she's intrigued. She tells him she wants sex lessons, and he says yes. Soon, he wants to protect more than her clinic – he wants her as his wife. But Aurora - scarred by previous terrible relationships and wanting to keep her independence - demurs. Tensions arise... can the two find a happy common ground?

Yes! and as always, Herrera does it with aplomb. Aurora is the final member of the Las Leones women to get her man, and she definitely has earned her joy, even if she doesn’t think she deserves it.

Apollo, too, has a hard life after his father cast off his mother, leaving him as a biracial by-blow who had to fight for his title. He is understandably bitter about this, but life with Aurora reintroduces him to joy.

The romance here is complicated and bittersweet in a good way. Aurora has an excellent reason to want to avoid marrying him, he has an excellent reason to want her in his life, in spite of what it'll do to his chances in the House of Lords. There are real obstacles in their way and it's a joy watching Herrera's lovers overcome them. 

As always, Herrera’s research here pops, and the romance goes from cool to hot to romantically gooey in a credible way. I’ve loved this rock-solid series right from the beginning.  A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke is a perfect capstone to the series. It's a DIK all the way.

Adriana Herrera saved the best for last. A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, book three in Herrera's Las Leonas trilogy, is a steamy, compelling, endearing, action-packed, story that I did not want to put down. A Caribbean woman in Paris, fighting for her independence and right to care for other women. A Caribbean man determined to honor his mother's memory by claiming his rightful place in the peerage (fiery Black duke for the win). Adversaries to lovers. Danger around every corner. Found family of the heart. Hard-won happily ever after. This book has everything I love...and then some. If you have yet to discover the excellence of Adriana Herrera, this is a great place to start.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

Aurora and Apollo's story is one that is now, unfortunately, very relevant. Aurora is one of the few women physicians who performs clandestine care and procedures. Apollo is a newly member of the peerage who's trying to find his place in the world. Sparks fly when they meet and they start to recognize that the idea they had of each other is not all that appears. This book made me emotional because of the current state of women's rights to their own body. The romance although spicy, is secondary to her work and his wish to keep her safe.
Adriana gave her characters the perfect humanity to make them relatable. It was a fitting end to the series.

Aurora is used to having to make her own way in the world. Being an illegitimate daughter as well as a female doctor has not made it easy for Aurora. She chooses to risk her life saving women in desperate need of help. What Aurora does not need is the attention and protection of the antagonistic Duke of Annan. Apollo isn’t just physically drawn to Aurora, he truly believes in her work as well as empowering women. Even if Aurora wanted to have a formal relationship with Apollo, the aristocracy would look down on not just her but Apollo as well. Apollo has been fighting his own battles trying to earn the respect of his new title on his own terms. Can the two come together as a strong united front, or will polite society and politics tear them apart?

With a strong feminist at the helm, this historical romance sheds light on uncomfortable truths and the triumphs of a loving and supportive community. What a delight to read!

I absolutely adored this book. I thought the message was extremely relevant to today’s women. Could be very informative to other. As always, this book was very well researched and I enjoyed how much our main characters have grown throughout the series. I enjoyed that Apollo gave Aurora the room to grow into her own while also changing himself. The cameos of characters from the other two books was a welcome experience, and I enjoyed how they were able to give the main characters advice that was both true to their characterization and their books, as well as the growth that they would’ve had in between stories.

There is detailed spice in the story and I didn’t think that it took away from the overall plot.

i actually cant believe it took me so long to read this. it had absolutely everything in it that i love and i feae i will be chasing the high of my first read through for months. is it too soon to start it again?

Gosh, I have loved Adriana Herrera since I read the Dreamers series, and this latest installent into the Las Leonas series did NOT disappoint. This was so sexy and fun while giving the readers a chance to dive into the lives of these characters who represent folks that most don't usually hear stories about, especially in this time period. Aurora's commitment to women's healthcare and preserving her patients' right to choose felt very timely and important in our current political climate. Absolutely beautiful book.

A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera is a Historical Fiction romance steeped in lust and political drama. A story of family responsibilities and survival- every reader will get sucked into the story- especially after reading the previous books!!

I have absolutely adored the first two books in this series, so I was very excited to get an advanced copy of this finale, especially after I realized Apollo was going to be Aurora's love interest. Here we follow Aurora, a Caribbean doctor who is in Paris running an underground women's clinic, and Apollo, who we saw in the first book get revenge on his father and is now trying to navigating being a Black duke in English society. I think this is exactly the kind of book we need in 2025 and I highly recommend this book and series. I love what Herrera has done with this series, highlighting the diversity of a time and place that are typically very whitewashed and conservative. That being said, I think this was my least favorite in the series and I can't really put my finger on why. I think part of it is the trope set. I generally like FWB and antagonists to more but I think I struggled slightly with this combination and buying into the relationship because of that. Though it could have also just been my mood so I fully expect to like this more upon reread. Overall, a very solid series and I cannot wait to see what Herrera writes next!

📚 Read if you like: historical romance, diverse romance, dislike to love, spicy books, multilingual dirty talk, women’s reproductive rights, f*ck the patriarchy and aristocracy, well researched books

This is my first five star read of the year and I loved it SO much! This is the third and final book in the Las Leonas series of interconnected standalones based on a group of Afro-Latina women who are best friends and travel to France. I haven’t read the rest of the series yet but absolutely running to now because these characters are everything! So much depth and emotion in the MCs and their immediate friend group. The writing is so good and the historical aspect was so well researched - I love an author that sites their sources! I also think it’s very timely given the current state of affairs in the US right now - she is a badass doctor supporting women and making sure they have access to healthcare, including contraceptives and abortion. And he’s the first Black Duke of England fighting against racism in the aristocracy. And on top of all that, such a good romance with plenty of spice and multilingual dirty talk 🥵 HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series - I already borrowed the second book (An Island Princess Starts a Scandal) from Libby and starting it ASAP!

The way I love this series is OMG. I love historical romances but I struggled finding ones where I can relate to the characters in a deeper way. This one here hit all the points. Aurora is a character that I resonated with in various ways. Loved her personality and her connection with Apollo kept me sucked into this book that I did not want to put it down.

First I need to say thank you Harlequin Books and The Hive for making my dream come true with this Advance Copy. I am honored to have been able to have this chance to read and listen to this story. This was my first ever approval from a publisher of a book that is written by a Dominican author. I have felt so homesick lately so when I got this opportunity to read a story someone who is from home, it brought tears to me eyes. Getting the honor to read this will always be something I cherish so thank you so much.

Now for the review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Apollo and Aurora are THE couple! I mean a duke who is obsessed with a doctora who is saving women by providing necessary reproductive care, who doesn’t swoon over that? Especially when it a woman who loves to put him in his place, ahhhh! And there’s just something about a supportive man who you can lean on and finally rest on after having the world on your shoulders. I can go on and on about this book seriously!

I was able to listen to the audiobook for this and absolutely loved hearing Lola James’ performance. The way she was able to alter her voice for multiple characters to make it seem like a full cast truly is a gift. And when I say she performed, she PERFORMED! You can audibly hear the devastation, anger, and even smirk of the characters throughout the story. I was in awe listening to her the entire time and had to not audibly swoon! She has quickly now moved up to one of my favorite Latina narrators!

Being able to read this story gave me such courage and hope during times where the world is making women have limited room to speak, especially those who look and come from a place like me. It is exactly the kind of book that I am happy the entire world gets to finally read. Thank you Adriana for creating this story and sharing it with all of us when we need it the most.

This is the diverse, pro-choice, political, progressive, feminist romance novel we all need here at the beginning of 2025. I loved everything about this book. I can’t wait to go back and read the first two in the series.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Book 3 in Adriana Herrera's Las Leonas series. The books are interconnected, not in series and can be consumed in any order.

I loved this book! The romance was swoon-worthy and the story supporting the romance was timely and strong. This was a great book to read in these times.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book to be published February 4, 2025

Adriana's best Leona (and possibly book) yet omfg. I loved this book. I needed this book. I'm so grateful to exist at the same time as this book, trying times as they are, because Adriana will always remind us the importance of love and being loved and how that love will always lift us up and give us strength. Women who fiercely fight for each other and but also are able to be soft and cared for without it having any bearing on their independence.

Apollo. I know Adriana will always write a man down bad but Apollo Cesar Sinclair Robles takes the freaking cake. Aurora is the sun around which he orbits and that is that. Aurora, mi Leona. These two were destined for each other like no other pairing. Their stubborn and fierce and loyal and so so loving it hurts. They brought out the absolute best in each other and never shied away from when the other show them their worst. I have not loved a couple like this in quite some time and I'm so glad they're out in the world now.

This book is highlighted top to bottom and I'm going to have several copies.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦!

Paris 1889, Aurora is a courageous physician who runs an underground women’s clinic. She and her clients are constantly in grave danger. The beguiling, Apollo - Duke of Annan becomes a source of protection and a surprising ally.

This novel has strong feminist themes and a marvelous, diverse cast. I enjoyed that as much as Aurora is a strong, independent doctor who champions women’s rights and health care, she is also a woman who grapples with insecurities, especially about her own body. But the Duke willingly offers to lend a hand in this area.

This is not just a hot romance but a deeply emotional journey. Despite their stubbornness to acknowledge their feelings, the narrative is rich in substance and depth. It's a historical romance that feels incredibly timely. Don't forget to check out the Author's Note.



Thank you @HTPBooks and @ladriana_herrera for the gifted ebook via NetGalley and tour spot. #Atropicalrebelgetstheduke #htpbooks #historicalromance #newbooks

Aurora and Apollo are everything.. that’s all.

Ok really A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke is fantastic. It’s everything I love from Adriana Herrera- it’s steamy, the banter is top notch, Apollo is absolute hero perfection and the topics (while sensitive) are dealt with grace and sensitivity. We met Apollo and Aurora in the first book and their enemies to lovers storyline has been running in my mind ever since.

Aurora is a female fiery doctor running an underground womens clinic that (GASP) teaches women about safe sex, provides ab*rtions and contraction. Apollo has taken over his father ducal estate and is attempting to create a better life for its residents and have a place in the House of Lords, but it’s proving difficult as a Black man. When Aurora approaches him for some no strings sex, he sees his chance to get to know the woman that has taken over this thoughts.

The romance between Apollo and Aurora is hot from the start with the pent of energy of the two previous books and some “just one time to get it out of our system vibes”, I fell in love with Apollo’s dirty mouth and den of iniquity. Apollo has “touch her you die” vibes, his need to take care of her, and his love for her - as she is- rough hands, running from police and dealing with her inner feelings of being unwanted, cemented him as book boyfriend perfection.

The Leonas are the girl gang you want to be friends with! Aurora fighting for womens rights (which is completely relevant today when you would have hoped that a woman’s ability to choose how to treat their body would be a given right) hits so home right now.

Adriana Herrera is a master of her craft- if you haven’t read her Dreamers series, do it. A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke combines diversity, women’s reproductive freedom and deep emotional connection to create an amazing read. Plus some of the hottest sex scenes I have read lately.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

More and more of these types of stories have been being published in the last few years, and I have a feeling we’ll see many more. Adriana Herrera doesn’t pussyfoot around the topic of women’s health, body autonomy, and other similar subjects in this story. She goes all in, and in this hellfire of a year, it’s what we need. Especially since this book also includes a beautiful love story, fantastic friendships, and people who found their tribe.

I couldn’t wait for Aurora and Apollo to give in to their passion. While their witty banter was delightful in the previous book, it’s taken to a whole other level in this one. Aurora simply does not have time for men, romance, or any sort of fun. She doesn’t realize Apollo’s aim to distract her and get her in his bed has less to do with his physical attraction to her and more to do with how much he cares about her well-being. Every time it seems Aurora will soften, that hard armor goes back up. Apollo adores her fiery nature and loves to verbally spar with her. These two are fire in and out of the sheets.

Aurora is a goddess, but she tends to avoid her own turmoil. She shoves it down and keeps going to better the world for the women around her. Years of ignoring the pain and loneliness her family has thrust upon her is going to inevitably blow up on her eventually. One of the reasons Apollo scares her so much is how safe and protected she feels with him…it cannot possibly last.

You can tell the author did her research for this book, yet she doesn’t overwhelm the text with a list of facts; they are expertly woven into the tale. I’ll leave you with this quote from the Author’s Note:

“Men and their shenanigans when it comes to legislating women’s bodies are nothing new and neither is our resistance against it.”

We finally get Aurora and Apollo's story!! I’m a huge fan of this series and this book was the perfect closing. It gave me all feels!

Aurora is a badass! She's a doctor running an underground clinic for women giving them access to medical treatments they wouldn't have received otherwise. Matching her badass energy is Apollo who took revenge on his awful father and is now a Duke but because he's black he doesn't receive a warm welcome in the House of Lords.

Aurora and Apollo's fierce and swoony love story was perfect. I loved them so much. The way Apollo went above and beyond for Aurora without a second thought had me in TEARS! I've been waiting for these two to get together since A Caribbean Heiress in Paris and I gotta say it was worth the wait. I love that they both took risks not only for themselves but to help other people.

Now I’m just going to sit around hoping Adriana will write more historical romances!