This is a brilliant conclusion to Herrera's Las Leonas series. Aurora and Apollo have been sparring for two whole books now, and it's such a treat to see them finally fall for each other despite everything life tries to throw at them. It's not an easy HEA, but it's all the sweeter for their hard work. Though I'm very sad that this series is ending, I hope Adriana Herrera has more historicals in store for us. Historical romance needs her voice more than ever.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade for this ARC!

Regency + my favorite kind of FMC (a badass in a traditionally male role) >>>>>

Very in the vein of Evie Dunmore and India Holton. Extremely well done, you can tell this was researched. My only complaint was there were so many side characters and nicknames for characters it was hard to remember who was who. Overall, would definitely recommend.

A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera is as inspiring as it is steamy, and it is so steamy.

The third book in the Las Leonas series follows Doctora Aurora Maltaban, a doctor providing medical care for women in Paris in 1889 under heavy prohibition. She's had a few run-ins with the insanely handsome, Duke of Annan, Apollo Sinclair and has always found him infuriating. For his part, Apollo LOVES when Aurora is mean to him. Their passion progresses into a high stakes love affair that could cost the Duke his reputation if all of Doctora's secrets come out.

This is a beautiful love story with heavy social commentary. I really enjoyed the banter, and Herrera is amazing at drawing you into the passionate scenes. I think this was my favorite of the series, sending it off on a high note.

Thank you to Adriana Herrera, Harlequin.Harper Collins, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I honestly really enjoyed it. Four stars.

The only bad thing I can say about this book is that I'm terribly sorry to see this series come to an end. In A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, we get the long-awaited romance between Aurora and Apollo, which has been a slow burn since the first book in the series. They have insane chemistry, complete with hilarious and cutting banter. The plot is loaded with twists and angst, in Adriana Herrera's usual style of vivid world-building and delectable imagery. The politics of the book are absolutely on point and couldn't be more timely... slamming the Comstock Act and valorizing essential reproductive healthcare?? Be still, my beating heart!! Knowing that the leads are all good people, working for a better world, makes the whole story so much more satisfying.

One note: I highly recommend reading the rest of the series before diving into this one. It's so much better knowing the full backstory, and appreciating the many friends and family members in play. Not to mention, that opening scene might seem a bit abrupt!

Las Leonas Series is one of my favorite historical romance series. Aurora is such a strong and beautiful character that is unwavering in her convictions and I adored her for that. Apollo is swoony in that he is willing to give it all up and he is so smitten with her. I appreciated the discussions of women’s rights and reproductive freedoms it hits all too close to home right now and this book takes place in the 1890s.

A spicy and entertaining romance featuring two wonderful characters- Aurora a physician who is helping women and Apollo, a Duke who one expected or, it seems, wants. These two make a dynamic duo-there's great banter-committing to improving things. This leans in on social commentary about attitudes during the period that are almost never addressed, especially in this genre, but it does it with heart. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I missed the first two books but this was fine as a standalone and now I'll see out Herrera in the future.

An excellent ending to the Las Leonas trilogy. Seeing Aurora try to make up for her history by running women’s health clinics was beautiful. But add in Apollo’s inability to allow her to do things on her own for no good reason was both irritating like Aurora viewed it but also a sign of love even if neither one was willing to say it at the time. Herrera achieved her goal brilliantly at giving a voice to the historical Caribbean women and even though the battles fought in the book are still being fought it is a light in the darkness.

A romantic, captivating historical romance with two beautiful complex Latinx, leads, with women's right front and center.

A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, takes place in 19th-century Paris where we have Aurora trying to make amends with her past and Apollo who is trying to secure his future and that of his Duchy. Both of these characters have to navigate the rejection of their peers for being Afro-Latinx, and to pour salt on the wound Aurora also has to navigate her career as a medical doctor, not having the respect of her peers or her family.

I loved the character development of both of these characters, Aurora had walls erected around her that she didn't want anyone to penetrate. Well, Apollo is having none of it and just persists. Apollo shows up for Aurora, chipping away at the hard exterior little by little. First by agreeing to be her lover to help her reclaim herself on her terms, then by simply showing up for her even when she didn't know she needed it. Not in a way that made her feel less in control of her hyper independence, more so showing up for her in the spaces where she couldn't show up for herself, which I think is beautiful. Their dynamic was dreamy and full of witty banter. The spice in this book was fantastic, which I find that Herrera really excels at.

I would without a doubt recommend this book full of complex topics, swoony romance, with characters of different paths of life.

I have been waiting for Aurora and Apollo's story since the two came on the scene in the first Las Leona's book, and let me say I was not disappointed at all. While I don't typically like the FWB plotline in historical romance, largely because it can seem so far-fetched, totally worked in this story. I think it works so well because we already know Aurora and understand her motivations behind not wanting to be married and being forced into those constraints, losing her fiercely fought for independence. She's busy, not interested in marriage or children, plus she has a responsible way to prevent reproduction- why not get her rocks off with the hot ass Apollo? Plus, he's been after her since they met so it was one of those things I'm glad happened early. We've been teased the first two novels with their banter and sexual tension, so this was more about them developing a deeper connection. And Apollo is way deeper than either Aurora or myself expected. While I knew he wasn't the careless Duke he'd always portrayed, I was so glad we were introduced to his many layers.

Aurora was the absolute definition of stubborn, but I appreciated how Apollo continued to break through that. Her walls and strength (built up for Very Valid and F*cked Up Reasons) were the crux of her character, but seeing her softer side provided some of the sweetest and most heartbreaking moments in this book. Aurora is a doctor, and through her interactions with her patients and her constant concern for them, we see how big her heart truly is. And how much she deserves the dedication Apollo gives her, even when (throughout 90% of this novel) she doesn't see it herself. Seeing Apollo care for these patients as deeply as Aurora also adds to their emotional bond- she could only be with a man who truly understood the importance of her work.

This book was a clear 5 stars for me, but go in understanding that there are heavy topics being dealt with here. While the romance and humor exist, this is probably the most emotional of the Leonas stories. It's thought-provoking, moving, and beyond relevant even today. This book was so well-written and I'm so glad we got to explore this deeper world through Apollo and Aurora's love story. These two are the most deserving of their happy ending, and I couldn't have been more satisfied with the end of this amazing trilogy.

This is now my favorite book of the Leonas series and absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2025 already!!!
Adriana Herrera brings us an amazingly smart and resilient heroine finding the love she deserves with a head-strong, passionate, and dedicated man who will never stop fighting systems of oppression. I feel like the characters in this book (and the series as a whole) are whole people with rich lives.
Aurora's background hit me hard and I related a lot to her feelings of abandonment and shame. Something that brought me a lot of joy was the way Herrera showed the truth about being a Black woman (in any time, really) who is forced to put up a shield and take any hits that come our way; we need tenderness and care and love. We deserve to be adored, too.

The chemistry between Aurora and Apollo is off the chartsssss!!! These two can't keep their hands off of each other. I think that this is probably the most explicit of the three books, too, but I might reread them all just to make sure lmao!

If you've never read Historical Fiction before, I highly recommend this series, any books by Beverly Jenkins, and books by J.J. McAvoy.

WHEW! Herrera does it again!!! I am sad to see the end of Las Leonas but this was such an excellent book to round out the series. I found the content to be really timely to events in the US and it was interesting to have historical context as we live through this moment. As with the other two books, there was a wonderful balance of steam, friendship, humor, drama, and history which all contributed to a rich and complex read that I will certainly return to!!!

This was excellent, I was swept away from the first moment and captivated by aurora and Apollo throughout. When there is this much push/pull in a story it can easily get away repetitive and feel stagnant but Herrera kept the momentum and gave enough weight to aurora’s fears that her hesitancy was realistic. I also loved how Apollo basically never wavered in his support for Aurora.

Aurora is an amazing character, her story is modern and relevant today while also feeling grounded in the time period.

This is a solid book and I’m so glad I was able to read it! It has aspects that I love, i.e. arrogant rakes, women with careers, sexy boxing, BIPOC, queer representation, diverse perspectives, reproductive rights / family planning, female business owners! This is what we need more of in literature. Furthermore, if you like the “I can’t marry the Duke because it will ruin his Duke Career” trope, then you will like this book. The beginning was strong and hot. The epilogue was sweet and we got to see what happens to all of the Leonas. Finally, the sex scenes were spicy, diverse, and there were lots of them.
I would have loved if the author leaned into a bonkers Kleypasian 3rd act. The potential was there so I hope the author goes all out in future books!

I appreciate so many things about this book: I love the Belle Époque Paris setting! I love the characters. I love the whole romance plot arc (FWB to star-crossed lovers separated by their own goals)! The way the book is written made it tough for me to read: there are just a ton of comma splices and also sentence fragments. Weirdly, I feel like these might be personal grammar preferences of what I like to read, and also I'm certain that if I had consumed this as an audiobook I would never have noticed. I just couldn't get out of my own head enough to et into the tory without thinking about grammar, which made this a frustrating reading experience.

But here's the thing: I think historical romance with BIPOC characters, set outside of England, and dealing with more than just drawing room politics is really important. I love lighthearted "traditional" HistRoms, too! I think it's great that I get more diversity in my reading choices as a historical romance aficionado, and that more aspects of history get told. So, I'm really glad I picked this up.

Brief synopsis for you: Apollo is England's first Black duke; he received his title after having to present tons of evidence of his father's marriage to his mother, and yet he's still not accepted by his peers. His goal is to get "revenge" on his father by taking his rightful place i Society and utilizing the full power of the dukedom. This means marrying well. Aurora is a Black Mexican doctor with a fraught family history who spends her days and night providing gynecological services to Paris's needy. In other words, she's the worst possible choice for a duke looking for respectability. But they just can't resist each other...

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

This romance delivered! I had such high hopes for this book and I am so glad it was everything I was hoping for. It's steamy & passionate while at the same time giving readers a glimpse into the time period's injustices.

The romance here is full of yearning, drama and a but of dislike to lovers. It has so much an angst lover gushes over. Plus we get so many steamy moments between these two. Both characters are feisty and headstrong, which made their interactions endlessly entertaining. This book is definitely hot!

I thought Herrera did a fabulous job blending the romance with the political issues. Because it was so central to the characters (particularly Aurora) the plot was well executed. I think many readers will be able to empathize with Aurora. The plot was well researched, timely and entertaining.

I have not read the previous books in the series but found I could read this as a standalone.

Wonderful read! Would highly recommend, especially to historical romance or enemies to lovers fans.

Dang, a story about a Black Latina doctor providing reproductive care in 19th century Paris hits so hard in a post-Roe America.

I haven’t read the previous books in this series (yet), but I have read and loved some of Adriana Herrera’s other books, so I was excited to read this!

I loved Aurora’s character and her commitment to reproductive care. I loved Apollo and his total disregard for hypocrisy and protectiveness of Aurora.

Great story, no notes, gives me hope for the world.

In Paris, 1889, Aurora is a physician who runs a women’s clinic. Many of the women come in secret and is a risk to Aurora. Apollo exposed his father of his misdeeds and is now a duke. His aunt is trying to find him a suitable duchess but after one night with Aurora, she is all he wants. Aurora is too independent to want his help and knows that she would ruin him as his duchess. I really liked how Aurora would protect and take care of anyone who needed her. Her independence falters when she spends time with Apollo. I liked how he protected her and helped her in her profession, as well as many other women who were trying to run a business. Great story and romance.

Grateful to live in a world where I can turn to Las Leonas for hope in tough times. All three books in the series feature badass women of color in 1880s France. This one specifically features Aurora Montalban, a doctor operating an underground women’s clinic. It is scary to see that the ways we treat women’s reproductive freedom today is similar to back then, but it is equally empowering to see the ways in which women supported each other during these times.

I will say it seemed like the book needed another copy edit because there were numerous typos.

"He's not like other dukes...

Paris, 1889

Physician Aurora Montalban Wright takes risks in her career, but never with her heart. Running an underground women's clinic exposes her to certain dangers, but help arrives in the unexpected form of the infuriating Duke of Annan. Begrudgingly, Aurora accepts his protection, then promptly finds herself in his bed.

New to his role as a duke, Apollo César Sinclair Robles struggles to embrace his position. With half of society waiting for him to misstep and the other half looking to discredit him, Apollo never imagined that his enthralling bedmate would become his most trusted adviser. Soon, he realizes the rebellious doctor could be the perfect duchess for him. But Aurora won't give up her independence, and her secrets make her unsuitable for the aristocracy.

When dangerous figures from their pasts return to threaten them, Apollo whisks Aurora away to the French Riviera. Far from the reproachful eye of Parisian society, can Apollo convince Aurora that their bond is stronger than the forces keeping them apart?"

I always find it interesting that the woman is the one who must give up everything for the man... Time to flip the script?

A Tropical Rebel Gets The Duke, book three of the Las Léonas series by Adriana Herrera, is the historical romance I needed in my life in January 2025. Packed full of angst, yearning, enemies/dislike to lovers and well-done research into the plight of women in this time period, it was a deeply satisfying mix of romance and adventure that made it a breeze to speed read. I will absolutely be going back to read books 1 and 2, and while there are plot points from both (I’m assuming) in 3, it wasn’t necessary to read the first two to enjoy this one and I suspect that what is in book 3 will only make me enjoy the first two more. This book will have you screaming in equal measure at the injustices faced by anyone outside the straight, white, male European aristocracy as well as kicking-screaming-throwing up at how absolutely endearing and lovable both feisty main characters are. This is a romance that can’t be missed! I was so, so grateful to get an early copy of this for review. Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley!