Book Review: Her Majesty The Queen Investigates “A DEATH IN DIAMONDS”
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Author: S.J. Bennet @sophiabennett_writer
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing @harlequinbooks Canary Street Press @canarystreetpress @harlequin_audio
Thank you @netgalley for th ARC and ALC,

It is 1957, in the early days of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, and two of the earliest mysteries are set before the queen. It will be intriguing to observe how she establishes a pattern for her involvement in these mysteries. Her Majesty resolves the mysteries and provides anonymous support to Scotland Yard, accomplished with the assistance of her secretary. The queen encounters the murder of a woman working as an escort, along with the man who hired her. The deceased woman is found wearing a stolen tiara, leading to British tabloid headlines of the 'tart in the tiara.' As the story unfolds, numerous secrets begin to surface about some of society's upper crust. Naturally, any book about the Queen would not be complete without mention of Prince Philip, leaving one to wonder if some of his secrets are involved in this murder. A second mystery occurs during a state visit to France, directed at the Queen. Is someone within her inner circle attempting to hurt and discredit her? She doesn't know who to trust, except for her secretary, Joan. The two of them collaborate to uncover the identity of the person behind this plot and their ultimate endgame. The Queen, still in the early stages of her reign, with the country recovering from the aftermath of World War II, seems somewhat apprehensive at times. This apprehension is understandable, given her responsibilities as a young wife, mother, and monarch. This book was a delight to read, and for this American reader, the late Queen became even more relatable. Although the book fell outside of my typical genre, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

#queenelizabeth #queenelizabeth #deathindiamonds #read #reading #readreadread #readmorebooks #readersgonnaread #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks #booknerd #bookaddict #bookphotography

I listened to the audio version of this book, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The narrator did an excellent job with both male and female voices in the dual POV of this story. The author did an amazing job on the writing, and I couldn't stop reading. I thought it was historically accurate, well rounded characters, and a story that kept me entertained the entire time. What more could I ask for? I can't wait for more from this author. I highly recommend this to the historical fiction and romance readers.

Thank you Net Galley, Harlequin Audio, and Adriana Herrera

I liked this, I did, I really did. I just think it could have been a lot shorter. There seemed to be a lot of repetitiveness and a few scenes that could have been combined or shortened. Also the one guy showing up at the end with a gun seemed like an afterthought. But, I still liked the story and I liked seeing a heroine going after what she wanted. I also liked the incorporation of a timely subject in a historical setting when it came to the services that Aurora was providing to the women of Paris. This series has been a lot of fun and I hope to see more like this that feature BIPOC characters throughout history.

The audiobook narration was fantastic. Frankie Corzo is one of my favorite narrators and she always does a fantastic job. As with any dual POV though I would have loved to also have a male narrator, but Frankie does a great job with male voices so it's not missed too much.

YOU 👏🏽 GUYS 👏🏽 this might be my new favorite historical romance of all time. Adriana Herrera does it again with swoony romance, FMCs with ironclad resolve, and historic context that both educates and empowers. I found myself tearing up in the author’s note where she talks about the resilience of uterus-bearers in times where bodily autonomy is under attack. It was both humbling and empowering to learn about the historically organized networks of women and people who knew reproductive rights are human rights.

Aurora and Apollo’s romance was something I’ve been looking forward to since book 1, and it lived up to everything I could’ve hoped for and MORE. While we definitely had some “touch her and lose your teeth” moments, I loved how Aurora fully held her own in most instances.

I honestly can’t sing enough praise for this book. Adriana’s writing has fundamentally changed what I expect from historic fiction/romance and I will read anything she writes.

The audiobook was wonderfully performed by Frankie Corzo and they absolutely brought Aurora’s character to life.

The third installment of the Las Leonas series follows Aurora, a fierce doctor advocating for women’s rights in 1889 Paris. The historical accuracy and the social commentary of this novel are right on point. There’s also romance, spice, and pastries, all set in Paris and London. I loved seeing Luz Alana and Manuela (the other two Leonas) in Aurora’s story, but this book can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. I also think the series is great for fans of the Bridgerton TV show who yearn to see a Latina protagonist in the cast!

This audiobook was perfection! The narrator perfectly matched Aurora and was emotional and entertaining to listen to. I will definitely be listening again soon!

First and foremost as always thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Now the good stuff because holy hell this was some GOOD stuff!!! A Tropical Rebel gets the Duke is book 3 in the Las Leonas series but can be read as a stand alone. Not having read the first two, I can confidently say that book 3 definitely has me loading the first two books into my Kindle. This book was the perfect amount of steamy, spicy and swoony! Aurora and Apollo were such a beautiful pairing. In the current political climate that we’re in the relevance of this book is just unreal especially considering this is a historical fiction. Aurora is the character that we need now, she’s a kick butt FMC who advocates for women’s right to basic health care. And Apollo? He is all the touch her and die vibes that make us swoon!!!

Gah! I loved this one!

Historical Fiction with some spice? Loved it so much!
A female doctor and a possessive MMC ? Yes please!

This was everything I wanted it to be and more! I really enjoyed the nuance just went into crafting these characters and their history, and how well Adriana handled it. I’ve heard great things about her work, and I see why it’s so beloved!

Adriana Herrera is writing some of the best romantic tension I've ever read. I fall in love with her characters every time. And Aurora and Apollo in A Topical Rebel Gets the Duke are no exception.

Aurora is a force to be reckoned with. She is strong, determined, and principled. She puts herself in harm's way to help other women. She has never had anyone she can rely on except her two good friends Luz Alana and Manuela. As a result, it's hard to get past the walls she's spent a lifetime building to protect herself. But Apollo is certainly up to the challenge. The way he fights for Aurora had me swooning. This man had the determination to match Aurora's and it was seriously hot. And I can take or leave spice in a book; it is just not what I'm reading for. But the spice in this book is so damn good. Like good Lord 🔥🔥🔥

I really enjoyed the audiobook. It's single narrator but she knocks it out of the park. I was immersed in the story start to finish. And the character voices are very clear, so I never lost track of who was speaking. 1.25x speed was perfect for me.

Thanks to Harlequin Audio, NetGalley, and Adriana Herrera for the ALC!

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:

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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.

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.

Lola James was the most perfect narrator for this book. She brought Apollo and Aurora to life in the best way possible.

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.

🎧 The audiobook was a delight to listen to. Frankie Corzo is a new-to-me narrator. She did a fantastic job distinguishing the characters and adding dynamics to the story.

Thank you @HTPBooks and @ladriana_herrera for the gifted ebook and tour spot. #Atropicalrebelgetstheduke #htpbooks #historicalromance #newbooks
Thank you @harlequin_audio for the gifted audiobook. #audiobooks

Oh my gosh I don't have the words to describe how absolutely fantastic this book is! I adore Adriana Herrera's writing because she is an expert at crafting characters who so clearly belong together and bringing them together in the most satisfying way possible. This book was successful for me on all levels - I loved the romance and I adored the historical period being discussed as well. I was swooning and kicking my feet all the way through this book. This story is painfully relevant for our times. Aurora is a doctor providing abortions and other necessary medical care to women who desperately need it. Her determination to do what was right regardless of what the law or these women's husbands had to say about it was so inspiring. If you love your historicals with fiery FMCs then this is the book for you! I also adored Apollo (our Duke). He was so genuinely thoughtful and caring. It was delightful to see him fall hard for this fierce woman and then have to work hard to convince her that he would increase her independence rather than trying to impede it. Watching this woman who is so used to having to do everything on her own find a partner who wanted to support and take care of her was absolutely adorable to read about. Despite the class difference between them, their relationship always felt very balanced and I was over the moon when they finally got together. This story was incredibly spicy but also equally heartfelt. That balance is hard to strike but Adriana Herrera did it perfectly here. Please pick this book up! This is a historical romance that I believe will work for old histrom readers and new readers alike.


The narrator's voice was absolutely lovely to listen to! I definitely recommend picking up this book in audio format because it definitely enhanced the story.

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.

The audiobook was excellent! As a non Spanish speaker I really liked being able to hear the actual pronunciations. The narrator had a lovely voice that was really soft and easy to listen to.

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

This is the third book in the series and takes place during the 1880’s in Paris.
Aurora is a doctor running an underground women’s clinic. Apollo is a Black Duke struggling to settle into his new role. The two come up with an agreement that will be mutually beneficial. I thought the storyline was so interesting and I enjoyed learning more about Apollo and Aurora’s backstories. I couldn’t get enough of the witty banter and the chemistry is off the charts. This is such a fun series and I’m a bit sad it’s over.

Read if you like:
💜Historical romance
💜 Diverse characters
💜Strong female MC
💜He falls first

I think it’s fitting that I’m writing this review on a day I hear about traditional publishing not renewing contracts for historical romance authors. And I am absolutely flummoxed because I want so many people to hear voices like Adriana Herrera’s. She has written a story that does so many things for the historical romance genre and makes it intellectually stimulating and relative to what romance readers desire. Let’s tick off those items, shall we?

-Afro-Latine hero and heroine deserving of a love story
-A setting in the Belle Epoque era in Paris
-A female physician running a secret clinic for women
-A do-gooder hero who only has eyes for his “Fiera”
-The hottest, steamiest sex scenes a romance reader could ask for (one right off the bat)
-Accepted queer characters
-Historically interesting medicine (don’t check my Google search history)
-Realistic conflict and emotional tension between the mains
-Beautiful swoony writing

I fell so hard for Apollo and Aurora. Their story can easily be read as a standalone, but I would encourage you to read the full Las Leonas trilogy. I loved how Apollo worked to get through Aurora’s hard exterior shell—he sees her vulnerability and tends to her with patience and persistence and it made me love him so much for it. I loved how strong Aurora was, partially because she had no choice but to be, but also because she was in a position to be strong for others that could not. I loved the setting and unique place in history that permitted for this story of Bipoc characters to exist. And holy cow did I love the intimate scenes between Apollo and Aurora. If any of this sounds remotely interesting to you as a reader, take a chance on the beauty that is this story. I hope Aurora and Apollo work their way into your heart the way they did mine. I would also definitely suggest you listen to this one. Frankie Corzo kills it with her narration and has a wonderful voice that can switch between brooding masculine to high pitched feminine effortlessly. I will definitely search for more audiobooks narrated by her. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭
Historical interest: 📜📜📜
Emotional swooniness (yes, that’s a word. I made it up): 🥹🥹

Wow, Herrera does it again! I absolutely loved Aurora and Apollo's love story - it was so delectably steamy AND sweet.
I always admire how Herrera has tackled these political subjects in her historical romances as well. Aurora's fight for women's equality and the healthcare they receive felt especially impactful to read in our current timeline as well.
Overall, a well rounded romance and narrated perfectly. I really enjoyed listening to this on audiobook!

This book is EVERYTHING!!! From the minute I met Aurora and Apollo in A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, I knew their story would be my favorite and Adriana did not disappoint! What a way to say goodbye to our fearsome Leonas. I know it's a bold statement but this one was my favorite in the series. There is so much heart in this story. I identified so much with Aurora and her need to serve patients especially in women's health. I appreciate so much how Adriana shows that even though both Apollo and Aurora are both POC, his male status still affords him privilege over Aurora. It's important to recognize that marginalized folks can still have advantages over each other and Adriana did it so well. The narration was absolutely amazing and I loved how the narrator was able to capture each character, even the side characters, with their own personality and voice. Would definitely recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley, The Hive, and Harlequin for providing me an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was insanely swoony, filled with so many historical facts and stories that honestly made me wish I read more books such as this one! This amazing book follows the bold and independent Dr. Aurora Montalban Wright, who runs a secret women’s clinic in 1889 Paris. Her dangerous work draws the attention of Apollo César Sinclair Robles, the newly appointed Duke of Annan. Despite their differences, Apollo is determined to protect Aurora, and their partnership soon turns into a passionate romance. As Apollo adjusts to his new title and responsibilities, Aurora struggles with the idea of fitting into aristocratic life while guarding secrets from her past. When old enemies resurface, the two flee to the French Riviera, where they must decide if love is worth risking everything. The narrator did a wonderful job at bringing the characters to life with such a captivating voice, I have no more words to describe how giddy I was while listening to these audiobook. I simply couldn’t stop playing it!