This was hands down my favorite book in the Las Leonas series! Aurora is an iconic female lead, fighting tirelessly to ensure women have access to healthcare and resources to escape abusive marriages, an uphill battle in a time when such efforts were almost impossible. Sadly, this story reflects the influence of recent political shifts, highlighting the continued policing of women’s bodies and limited access to life saving care, which added a powerful layer to the narrative.

Apollo faces his own challenges as the first Black duke navigating acceptance in the House of Lords, grappling with the immense pressure and prejudice that comes with it. From their first meeting, Aurora and Apollo share undeniable chemistry what seems like disdain is really a “I’d like to jump your bones” vibe, haha.

Their journey is a beautiful one, as they tackle both personal struggles and external challenges, ultimately supporting each other while making lasting impacts on the communities they care about. The pacing was spot-on, drawing me in with every twist and turn. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!

I liked the concept, I love that it’s a diverse historical romance but I don’t think historical romances are for me.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.

**

This is the third book in the series Las Leonas and it tells the story of Doctora Aurora Montalban and Duke of Annan. These two have met before in the previous books and there is a lot of tension between them, tension that pretty much starts the book off with a bang (wink wink). As they keep getting closer physically, Aurora especially struggles emotionally over her connection to Apollo while he has already fallen hard. Their HEA feels earned and perfect.

I haven't read the previous two books in the series before but that is something I need to remedy stat after reading this book. I loved the tension, the character arcs and the spice in this book a lot. And there is plenty of spice and none of it feels repetetive which is amazing. Each time Aurora and Apollo came together I was definitely feeling it. The emotional slow burn also worked well here, there was a lot to unpack from both of them and how they got to the end felt worthy of a trip.

I also really like how the book covered a lot of sensitive subjects around women's health, the need to be perfect and composed at all times, the prejudice of mixed heritage and Black people and all of that really highlighted the unjustness of the world in that time. I love how Aurora was fighting against the path set out for her and the moments where she was passionate about changing the world, even in small ways, were some that struck deep with me. I feel the author did a fantastic job at incorporating social commentary to her work, applause for that.

I'm off to read about Ethan and Luz Alana as well as Manuela and Cora next because I really fell in love with this historical romance series and the strong women making waves.

*4.25

Thank you to Canary Street Press & Harlequin Trade Publishing for the free e-Arc in exchange for an honest review! 💜

What an unforgettable story!

I am a big fan of the Leonas, they are all inspiring, dedicated, and courageous. My favorite thing about them is that they each stand out in their own way and Dr. Aurora Montalban did that!

Meeting Aurora in The Caribbean Heiress takes Paris, I knew her book was gonna to be life changing. Especially knowing she's a Black Latina Doctor who runs her own clinic!

Aurora is passionate and resilient. She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. I love her confidence but I truly enjoyed how we got to see her upbringing and how exactly she views herself.

Finding out her reason for her underground clinic and how despite society's expectations she chooses to continue to run it and saves hundreds of women's lives was truly so amazing. She literally is outstanding.

I want to take a moment and applaud Adriana Herrera because the amount of love and time she took to write this is so visible. I am simply in awe of her storytelling and admire her writing.

Auroras' story was so important to hear, I hope that everyone has a chance to read it! She not only is vulnerable but she gains even more confidence and becomes the best version of herself in this book.

I am Doctora Montalban biggest and loudest supporter, and you should be to!

As for Apollo... He is so charming and caring. He knows how to not only emotionally be caring but physically as well (iykyk ;)

Apollo sees Aurora for what she is and more. His love and admiration for her is so vibrant literally everyone in the room could catch glimpse of it a mile away!

He not only supports her endeavors but he encourages her passions. He is not intimidated by Auroras talents or by what she does. Everyone needs someone as devoted as him!

Their banter and chemistry is truly off the charts! if you guys like me were desperately hanging onto their tension ridden conversations in the past books... well guys...you will get SERVED exactly that and more!

this was such a perfect amount of angst, yearning, and pillow gripping concoction of a novel!

I am completely thrilled for everyone else to tune in!

I read and enjoyed the first two books of Las Leonas. They were a fresh kind of historical romance, taking place during the exposition in Paris instead of London and featuring Black, Caribbean women as the heroines. A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke felt different from the two previous books in the series, though, because it is doing my favorite thing in historical romance: it engages in a dialogue about our modern predicament through the lens of a historical setting. This is the kind of stuff I live for. You find it in the best works of the early 90s which engage with The Year of the Woman, the historicals of the Great Recession that dive into discussions of class and it's evident recently in LGBTQ historical romance.

Dr. Aurora Montalban and Apollo Cesar Sinclair Robles, now the Duke of Annan, have been at each other's throats since they met back in book one of this series. She is a focused, serious medical practitioner while he has a reputation for being a rake and a flirt. Aurora is irritated by everything Apollo says and he can't help but provoke her. Aurora is one of the key players in an underground women's clinic in Paris that works with community practitioners (midwives) to assist women with reproductive care, contraception and other women's health issues. They perform both legal and illegal procedures, which leaves them open to arrest and assault. Apollo follows Aurora one night as she goes to see a patient and decides he wants to help her with a building and some protection, but Aurora also wants something from him: lessons in passion. The two enter into an affair but they can't help but fall for each other.

Most of the newer historical romances I have read that try to do something Important come off as preachy or pedantic. It takes a lot of skill to enter into one of these complicated, nuanced conversations about what's happening in our current world in a novel because you still have to tell a compelling story. And in the case of genre fiction, you have to follow the conventions of your genre. Adriana is one of the best in Romance right now because she is able to do both of these things at the same time. She writes the compelling romance– with a big helping of spice in this one– but is able to weave the political and social commentary in seamlessly. Aurora's character is inextricably tied to the work she does, including abortion care, because of her history. Aurora never feels like she is preaching about bodily autonomy or explaining the basics to the reader because this is her life's work.

If you've read the previous books in this series, you understand where Apollo has come from– he is a Black man who was left for dead by a prejudiced father but has come back to claim his place in a largely white (and racist) society. His position as "the first" impacts every choice he and his family make in the book. Especially his aunt. I found her to be compelling because she is both fiercely proud of Apollo but also pushes him to conform. In my reading of this, it came from a place of fear, that he would not achieve his potential after she has made it her mission to get him to this place. It was an interesting dynamic.

I'm going to be thinking about this one for a while. Historical romance is being dropped left and right by traditional publishing and that makes me really frustrated because I want more books like A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke. I want more books that feature "unconventional" main characters (AKA non-white characters that trad publishing has often ignored). I want to see conversations about our world through the lens of the past, but it becomes harder to write and publish these books when the main apparatus of the industry refuses to put money or effort behind them. If you are a historical romance fan or if you are interested in engaging in a conversation about the rollback of bodily autonomy in this country, you should read A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke.

ARC Review: A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke
Pub Date: February 4, 2025

Newly minted Duke, Apollo, is struggling to assert his place in society. He needs to find a bride and decides to come to Paris for a multitude of reasons - one of which is Aurora, who he had a one time tryst with and now can't stop thinking about. Aurora has too much going on with her work as a doctor to have time for Apollo's antics, but no one can deny that their chemistry is explosive.

Holy Crap I LOVED this book!!! Apollo is down SO BAD for Aurora and she is so prickly and standoffish. Man I just ate this up with a spoon and would do it again! This book starts out with a bang and the heat level just gets higher and higher as the book goes on. He is just so irrevocably obsessed with her - the literal definition of heart eyes. Their banter is just *chef's kiss* good - I didn't want to stop reading.

One of the things I want to point out here is Adriana's use of language. Both Apollo and Aurora are Afro-Latine and speak Spanish and utilize quite a bit of Spanish with each other, which makes total sense. I don't speak Spanish but never ever did I feel like I was missing out on something. In many cases, Adriana gives us clues to what is being said and in others you just get the context. It helped me be even more immersed in the book even though I don't speak the language. They've both experienced racism and being on the outskirts of society and while Aurora is content with the place she has created for herself, Apollo is fighting for recognition as a Duke. This is the crux of the conflict between the two - even though Aurora may have more feelings than she cares to admit, she knows she could never be the Duchess that Apollo needs.

The author's note regarding reproductive rights today is absolutely worth reading. Aurora helps run an underground clinic for women - providing necessary care (including abortions) in a time that doesn't feel all too different from our own in some ways. I loved how, though Apollo was concerned for her safety, he never suggested she stop her work. In fact he provides the things that she needs (such as a location) to do her job more efficiently and effectively.

This was my first 5 star read in 2025 and I will be thinking about it for a long time! Thank you to Canary Street Press for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved this one, Adriana Herrera hasn't missed yet! The love that develops between Apollo & Aurora feels so real and they love each other for their messy-ness not despite it. Aurora is an inspiration. The author's note only added to my love of the book getting to read some of the real world inspiration. I'm so appreciative of getting the chance to read this as an ARC before release thanks to Netgalley!

I really wanted to like this but it fell flat for me. What will say is that the work the FMC is doing and the underlying themes about women’s rights was a plus.

This story is incredible and I ate it up!
I love Aurora and her work and her values and reading about a woman doing this work in this (fictional but obviously parallels to real) era. I love how down bad our mmc is for our badass heroine. I clearly need to read the other books in this series because just wow.

I mean...I'm never going to NOT love a historical romance featuring a doctor ahead of her time with real tie-ins to historical medicine!!! Our romance is also stellar with the rich playboy who is now searching for meaning after finding revenge emptier than expected. I will certainly be picking up the prior novels in this series! I will say I was a little bit confused to be dropped into the third book as to how the world is set up (re: EuropexLatin America) but found it to be overall a fun book and my slow wits can catch up when I read the rest of the series.

THE historical romance of 2025— A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke is poignant, unabashedly political in its unflinching portrayal of the dire necessity of women's healthcare access, and INSANELY sexy.

Apollo and Aurora's chemistry has built over the course of the series, and seeing it in its full glory is EVERYTHING. Apollo was the secret son hellbent upon revenge against his shitty dad, and now he's claimed his rightful place as Duke. Meanwhile, Aurora served as the voice of reason in the last two books, except it turns out she's perhaps the biggest risktaker in her friend group— For one, she's running an underground women's clinic and is being terrorized by men in power for daring to treat women where other doctors refuse to. For another, this book STARTS with Aurora propositioning Apollo for some no-strings fun.

Apollo is *obsessed* with Aurora right from the get-go; they've had this charming, light enemies-to-lovers thing since book 1 and you get a lot more of that here except very one-sided because Aurora doesn't give quarter, even when Apollo is diving head-first between her legs and basically worshipping her pussy... and her. And to be fair, Aurora has been betrayed by the men in her life, and that too at a horrifically young age. Apollo advocates for her in a way that strikes a perfect balance between progressive and old-school *alpha hero*. Basically, if you like a clever, prickly heroine paired with an enormously charming, quite rakish hero with a chip on his shoulder.... this is the book for you.

Plot-wise, a lot of the story involves Aurora's women's clinic and the increasingly precarious position it's in. Adriana doesn't shy away from depicting the specifics of medical procedures (I learnt quite a lot), and more broadly, the systemic suppression and abuse of young women, often women of color, by the men around them. Apollo and Aurora continue their relationship under the assumption there's a deadline, because Apollo has to marry a proper debutante to increase his social and political standing.

Apollo and Aurora are people of color in relatively privileged positions— both are Afro-Latine and Apollo is a duke, while Aurora is from a wealthy family and was educated to be a doctor— but that does not mean they are immune to both systemic and interpersonal racism, both outside and within the community, especially in Aurora's case. Aurora is mostly content with her outsider status, but Apollo is conflicted about whether he should use his privilege for good from the inside, or if he can take on systems of oppression from the outside. And while I don't think all the villains in this story got their comeuppance, Adriana Herrera did a wonderful job of decolonizing Apollo and Aurora's happily-ever-after in a way that doesn't hinge on white acceptance.

The sex:

BONKERS HOT, like, I genuinely to an extent I have not read in a traditionally published historical in a while. Apollo is a little rough and a lot take-charge, but also just super smooth in the way he coaxes Aurora to let go of her inhibitions until she's just as vocal of her desires. There's a lot of biting, a lot of sniffing, a loooot of pussy worship and body worship in general, and Apollo's dirty talk is TOP NOTCH.

Standout scene is probably a jealousy-induced couch bang after Aurora comes across Apollo entertaining a prospective bride... IN THE NEXT ROOM, after which this man cleans her up and pockets said handkerchief and announces his intention to keep it under his pillow because she smells so sweet, like COME ON. No one's doing it like these two.

Also, I do appreciate the use of condoms throughout the book.

Overall:

This book is proof that a book CAN be political and sexy and in 2025, we could do with more of both. I can't recommend A Tropical Rebel enough for anyone looking for a swoony, satisfying romance that packs a punch in all the right ways.

Thank you to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 3.75/5
Pub Date: February 4th

I have been waiting for Aurora and Apollo's book since A Caribbean Heiress in Paris and their story might be my favorite of the three in the series. Aurora, Doctora Montalban, works to help women throughout Paris receive the healthcare they desperately need. Apollo, new heir to a dukedom, is working to become a part of a class hierarchy that does not want him there. Aurora and Apollo's chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS and they fall in love while overcoming serious obstacles, past and present. This book feels incredibly modern and addresses issues women have continually faced without being anachronistic. Aurora is an incredible heroine and Apollo's love and passion for her is so fun and heartwarming to read. Herrera weaves in difficult topics, moments of strength within found family and SWOON worthy romance to create a truly great, well-rounded book that also feels so important.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

There is SO MUCH story here! The wonderful ride of the Las Leonas series ends with an epic story that takes us from Paris to Nice to the Dominican Republic.

Aurora's journey prior to the start of this series included living in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Philadelphia (for medical school) and she's become a fierce advocate for women's health in Belle Epoque Paris. Her medical clinics publicly provide treatment during the day, but her team does some less-than-legal work at night when women need reproductive care.

Apollo is now adjusting to his new position as a Duke and is torn between doing things to fit in and charting his own course. He quickly realizes that his interest in Aurora is more important than jumping through society's hoops, which would include marrying a member of the ton.

Aurora and Apollo clash repeatedly, as she wants to be independent and he wants to be permanently attached to her side. Their relationship is funny, but a little sad, as Aurora doesn't think she deserves to have it.

Of course, there's an HEA in store, but not without two subplots involving a man from Aurora's past and Apollo's nemesis. If there's anything I would change, it would that the destruction of the nemesis would have been prolonged so it was even more embarrassing.

The writing is lush and fun. I liked that the Spanish wasn't translated - learn some Spanish, people! Seriously, though, the contextual cues are there so a non-Spanish speaker isn't left wondering.

Is it really over? No more of these fantastic characters? I'll miss them.

I'm posting this ARC review early because THIS is the energy I want to go into 2025 with. As we're preparing for an incoming administration that seeks to take away our reproductive rights, I really appreciated seeing how far back fights for these causes went.

Doctora Aurora Montalban Wright has spent her life working to prove herself. Not only is she a female physician in Belle Epoque Paris, she is a Black physician at that. The doctora works tirelessly to give women access to the care and information they need to make informed decisions about their own bodies. Apollo César Sinclair Robles has inherited a dukedom sooner than he expected and wants to use his new position of power to both care for those under his protection and incite change. But he'll need connections to do it. There's just the matter of his distraction with Doctora Montalban.

The new duke is absolutely undone by the doctora's rough hands, tweed suits, sharp tongue, and bravery. The chemistry between these two was insanely good. I loved their dialogues in Spanish, their respect for one another in spite of their barbs, and their dedication to their causes.

I'm sad the Leonas series is done, but very excited to see what Herrera writes next!

On a side note, as a historian of medicine in Latin America, I want to commend Herrera on her research. Her bibliography cites such strong voices in this field and she really did the work to make this both inspirational and historically accurate.

THIS is the romance we all need in 2025! A fiery female doctor running underground abortion clinics in 1880's Paris and reluctantly falling for a Black duke who can match her energy and makes her actually take care of herself. Or let him take care of her, in more ways than one...

It's very steamy with characters who are passionate not only about each other, but also about the change they want to see in the world. And they aren't afraid to to take risks and get their hands dirty along the way. I was cheering in a number of these scenes, but the romance is also swoon-worthy. Get your hands on this, and the rest of the series ASAP! I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.

That cover grabbed me and the compelling story of a black woman physician in Paris 1889--and the duke who loves her--captured my heart. This is thrilling Book 3 in the author's amazing Las Leonas series, highly recommended for fans of multicultural historical romance. I loved it!

If you’re a fan of swoon-worthy romance and rich historical settings, The Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera is a book you’ll want to eat up. This delightful tale offers a perfect mix of steamy passion, sharp wit, and cultural richness that sets it apart from your typical historical romance.

The chemistry between Manuela, a fiercely independent heroine with ambitions that defy societal expectations, and Arthur, the charming duke who’s captivated by her spirit, is absolutely electric. Manuela is bold, intelligent, and refreshingly modern in her outlook, while Arthur brings a combination of aristocratic elegance and genuine vulnerability that makes him irresistible.

One of the standout elements is its vivid depiction of the Caribbean setting, which breathes life into the story and adds a layer of authenticity. Adriana Herrera masterfully weaves historical details with a celebration of Caribbean culture, creating a backdrop that feels as vibrant and dynamic as the characters themselves.

Herrera continues to redefine historical romance with her inclusive, empowering narratives, and The Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke is no exception. Thank you to Adriana Herrera and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC—I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: Perfect for fans of strong heroines, lush historical settings, and romances that celebrate diversity and independence.

I could not put this down. Oh my god. A historical romance about a black woman doctor running an underground women’s health clinic in Paris?? Her love interest is a Duke who lets her use his apartment to see clients???? I’ve been waiting to read this book my entire life!!!!!

In constant awe of Adriana Herrera's work. She is an author in her own caliber and this book is at another level. This story was a great way to say goodbye to Las Leonas. I related so much to Aurora, it was such a hard story to read it was very emotionally heavy but it was done so beautifully. Apollo is my favorite MMC and he will be impossible to beat. The line that brought so much emotion out to me was : "I love you, I believe that you always will, even when I can't love myself." That was just beautiful.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

This is the best Herrera book I’ve read.

It’s so perfect I don’t know how I can do it justice in a review. It’s sexy, pro-choice, smart, funny, political, progressive, feminist, so hot omg, anti racist, pro women, a great example of found family, insanely romantic, richly diverse, and the writing is even more spectacular than all that.

Apollo is a bad ass burn em down wealthy duke drowning in his obsession with/love for Aurora. Aurora is a doctor and women’s rights activist on a mission to use her privilege for good. When these two juggernauts combine forces, no one can hold them back.

Also the glimpses of the previous couples, the spouses of the Leonas ride or dying for each other, and the collective women owned farm community in France, are icing on top.

Herrera is rapidly becoming a HistRom giant and I hope the publishing world takes note.