I love a good romance—historical or contemporary. But what I really enjoy is a novel that takes me to a place and/or time that I don’t know much about, then brings it to life for me. “Gabriela and His Grace” (the third and last of Liana De la Rosa’s series featuring the Luna sisters) does that.

The background to all three novels is the Second Mexican Empire of the 1860s. What Emperor Napoleon III of France thought he was doing when he established his puppet, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, on the Mexican throne, I can barely imagine, but it was an imperial age and Napoleon no doubt felt the push to compete with the British in India and perhaps even his own uncle of the same name. In any case, Maximilian’s arrival was greeted with joy by monarchists and considerably less than joy by supporters of the ruling president of the Mexican Republic, Benito Juarez.

The Luna sisters and their parents are on the side of Juarez, but they have spent the two previous books in London after being shipped off for their own safety by their parents. Since her marriage, Isabel, the second sister, has returned home with her British husband. Gabriela, the heroine of this novel, decides to return as well after a harrowing incident in a London drawing room. Naturally, since this is a romance, she has no sooner set foot on the boat than she discovers one of her fellow passengers is Sebastian Brooks, the eleventh Duke of Whitfield, with whom she already has a contentious relationship. And if you can’t guess where things go from there, well, you need to read a lot more romances.

Although definitely on the steamy side, this is a fun story, well told and richly brought to life. You might even learn some Mexican history along the way. I know I did.

I look forward to interviewing Liana De la Rosa on my blog (link below) after the book comes out at the end of August.

Mexican heiress Gabriela is the youngest daughter in the powerful and politically connected Luna family and is the only one who remains unmarried. In exile in London for the past few years due to the French Occupation in her homeland, she is determined to be more than a pretty face, cultivating relationships with the English nobility in support of her nation’s cause.

Reluctant to wed, Gabriela finds herself the target of opportunistic suitors, so she decides to return to Mexico. But what she doesn’t contend with is that the arrogant rake, Sebastian, the Duke of Whitfield, will be accompanying her on the long voyage.

Having gotten off on the wrong foot when they first met, they’ve spent years trading barbs in mutual disdain. As their travels bring them together, they learn they have a lot more in common than they ever imagined.

This third and final installment of the exhilarating Luna Sisters series is a tender and steamy Victorian love story, and a gratifying culmination of the loveable trio of sisters’ stories. De La Rosa once again showcases her unmatched skill in mixing romance and historical fiction with a spotlight on Latinx characters.

Gabriela and His Grace delivered on the slow burn between Gabby and Sebastian that has been happening since book one of the Luna sisters. I love a well done reformed rake, especially when the rake in question is a duke with daddy issues. I just can't help myself. But it's important to know that Sebastian was never a rake in the taking-advantage-kind-of-way (which in my opinion CANNOT be reformed) just in that his lack of self worth lead him to be flirtatious and see many women. That kind of character back story makes the emotional pay off here even better! Gabby is also so stubborn, and so ready to fight for her friends and her family that I think her forgetting to ask for help when she needs it, paired with a stubborn partner who is absolutely going to fight for her happiness no matter what, that is just so beautiful. I liked that both characters here also worked through parental issues that could not simply be resolved, because I think historically this is true---not every bad father can have a major turn around by the end of the book and come to their senses. Sometimes characters have to step away and break the cycle themselves, acknowledging that they cannot fix their parents, no matter how much they might want to. Just, the emotional depth to this book, paired with the steam, and the FINAL pay off of the slow slow three book long burn, make it one of my all time favorites. I loved it so much.

Side note, this book contains my favorite good girl to date, which is the delicious good girl of a man complimenting a woman on having punched an asshat in the face. THE GOODEST GIRL!!!! I can't wait to get my hard copy of this and put it on my shelf next to my beloved copy of Ana Maria and the Fox and Isabel and the Rogue.

Thank you so much to Liana De la Rosa , Berkley, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

5/5

Gabriela Luna Valdés has long felt the odd one out. As her eldest sisters have all married and gone on to contribute politically to Mexico back home and abroad, Gabi cannot help but feel adrift. After many years away from Mexico, Gabriela intends to return after a scandal leaves her with no other choice but to flee London altogether. Who should be called to provide a watchful eye on the ship bearing her home but Sebastian Brooks, the Duke of Whitfield, and Gabriela’s nemesis. But outside of the expectations of London society, Gabriela and Sebastian soon discover how little they actually know each other, and the sizzling chemistry underlying their years of hatred. Put simply, Gabriela and His Grace is historical romance perfection. Liana De la Rosa focuses on the end years of the illegal occupation of Mexico by the French as her heroine travels home to a world transformed, and I loved the windows into a part of history long uncovered within this genre. Liana De la Rosa entwines this tumultuous time in Mexican history with an exploration into home and how we can stand for our communities and ourselves. The hate to lovers arc is built up around this with the slowest of slow burns. I love seeing characters removed from their comforts so much that the facades come down and that is central to this romance. Liana De la Rosa really works to make Sebastian and Gabriela see one another, and that in contrast to their upbringings makes for some truly delicious tension. As an aside I don't think I will be moving on from the sharing-one-bed-on-a-boat scenes, they were really so so hot (thank you Liana De la Rosa). This was a scrumdiddlyumptious romance and I will be yelling about it more in time.

This review is now on my blog, a longer feature to come closer to publication!

The book was enjoyable and the characters lovable BUT the story dragged. I found myself bored with the first 50% of the book. My issues were (1) too much focus on historical/political context (2) relied heavily on the pre established antagonizing relationship of Gaby & Whitfield from books 1 & 2 (3) we did not get enough of quick witted sarcastic Gabby. I had high hopes for this book but it did not deliver the serotonin kick that books 1 & 2 did. Overall it was good and decent end for the Luna Sisters Series. I just wanted more out of Gabbys story.

Wonderful as always. I was very excited for Gaby's story and it did not disappoint. Loved that this one took place in Mexico. I am sad the series is over.

4.5 stars!!
Oooohhh, I knew Gabriela and Sebastian were going to be HOTT! Antagonists to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and these two had four years of pent up slights, banter and animosity to overcome before they could get their HEA. I appreciated how we spent time in Mexico, and learned more about the Luna parents, and why the sisters weren't close at the beginning of the series. Seeing Ana Maria and Isabel become more confidant, plus Gabby coming into her own with their support was wonderful. This was a slow burn — I wasn't expecting that! — BUT when Gabby and Sebastian eventually KISS, I was yelling FINALLY to myself. In some ways this story mirrored the first book with how it's paced, a quick marriage and then finally confessing their feelings to each other. Isabel's book is my favorite (because I'm most like her), but Gabby's story and the epilogue wrapped up the Luna sisters' journey, while also sharing insight into the Franco-Mexican war. Although I know Liana isn't writing historical romance next, I hope she'll have the opportunity to come back to it because she deserves to continue to tell stories about people who share her heritage, and we need more diverse voices to show people with the same backgrounds that they matter! Thank you to Liana and her ARC team for the free book, and I can't wait to read her upcoming contemporary!

- antagonists to lovers
- Mexican FMC
- moderate steam
-WDTK? Chapter 17

Def my favorite book in the series! Gabriela and Sebastian have amazing chemistry, and I absolutely love that a large part of the story takes place in Mexico. I didn’t particularly enjoy the drama/betrayal in the last act because it felt weak compared to the deeper conflicts taking place earlier in the book. Still, I will be seated for any other Historical Romances Liana De la Rosa writes in the future!

I just finished reading my ARC & I absolutely LOVED Gabby’s story! out of the the 3 Luna Sisters, Gabriela is fierce, independent, stubborn, courageous, and is not afraid to speak her mind. Although in the beginning she despised the Duke of Whitfield, Sebastian, I really enjoyed how their story slow burn love developed. They start off by not getting along to finding a friendship that then leads to passionate LOVE. It was such a beautiful ending. There was so much passion, and love between these two. I Also really enjoyed learning a little bit of Mexican history through out the Luna Sisters series. The book made me want to do my own personal research as well.

Liana De la Rosa exceeds expectations with the conclusion of her Luna Sisters trilogy. Historical romance is not dead and dying and I need more for Liana De la Rosa's stories within the histrom sphere. Gabriela has been a complicated character building tension with His Grace book after book and the pay off is sexy and tender. Well done!

This is the last book in the series about the Luna sisters. This is Gabby’s story with the Duke of Whitefield.. I really liked this book and I enjoyed this series. A good read!

The final installment in the Luna Sisters series has everything I wanted: Gabby's temper and the vulnerable heart hidden underneath, a very down bad Duke, only-one-bed-on-this-ship, reclaiming your independence from abusive parents, "oh shit I guess we better get married because I couldn't keep my hands off you in public," richly detailed world history, and a beautiful epilogue to cap off the trilogy. Liana De la Rosa is an auto-buy author for me.

This might be my favorite book in the series. Gabby is fiery yet vulnerable, and Sebastian’s wit and readiness to help made their dynamic so enjoyable. I loved the rich setting of 1860s Mexico, as Gabby battles perceptions of her beauty and navigates the political landscape. The story’s twists were unexpected, and the ending? Absolutely heartwarming.

I'm so sad that majority of the historical romance series I'm reading are ending this year. Gabriela and His Grace brings Liana's Luna Sisters trilogy to a close and it's going to stay with readers for a long time. The chemistry doesn't disappoint and the characters played off one another very well.

Thank you so much Berkley Publishing Group for the digital ARC!

For the past couple of years, I have been loving Liana de La Rosa‘s Luna Sisters series. Following Ana María and The Fox in 2023 and Isabel and The Rogue in 2024, the trilogy now comes to an end with the fiery youngest sister in Gabriela and His Grace.

I have been impatiently waiting to see how things would transpire for Gabriela Luna and Sebastian Brooks, Duke of Whitfield; these two have had antagonistic chemistry since book one! Now, as Gabby escapes an unwanted marriage in England, she flees home to Mexico, though she’s unsure of the reception she’ll receive there. She’s surprised when Sebastian is on the same ship with the same destination. With so much forced proximity, these two are sure to finally come to terms with their true feelings for each other.

As much as I loved the first two books, Gabriela and His Grace may be my favorite of the bunch. Gabby and Sebastian are so fun! She’s so temperamental yet vulnerable; he’s so wry and ready to help. I loved getting to know 1860s Mexico, their politics of the time, and how Gabby navigates a world that doesn’t see her beyond her beauty. Things unfold in surprising ways, but I love where it finally put our characters. And that epilogue! My heart.

I’m so excited for Gabriela and His Grace to come out! My full review will be published on August 26, 2025, when the book will be available for all to read. Please check back for my post then!

This was such an amazing addition to the Luna Sisters series! I loved Gabby and Sebastian’s relationship and the slowwwww burn was killing me. I was just begging for them to freaking kiss!!! Once it started though 👀👀 10/10

I was eagerly waiting for Gabby’s book when we first met the Luna sisters in book 1 and her story did not disappoint! Gabby, the youngest and most outspoken Luna sister has always intrigued me since I felt we shared many similarities. My heart ached for her so much while reading. Sebastian, the Duke of Whitford, the bane of Gabby’s existence or so she thinks, became one of my favorite men of this series! I loved how both him and Gabby came together and how supportive he was of her. I just love them both so much! But like always, my favorite thing about the series is the sisters relationship! I love their growth and seeing them bond over the past 3 books.

I also enjoy learning about the history of Mexico during this time period and I think Liana does a great job of balancing history and romance. I’ve learned so much while reading this series!

I’m sad to say goodbye but this series ended beautifully! Loved the epilogue and hey maybe one day we can meet the Luna sisters again!

Thank you to Liana de la Rosa and her team for letting me part of the street team and allowing me to reading this eARC!

“Gabriela and His Grace” by Liana De la Rosa is a fun historical romance that blends steam, wit, and family dynamics. Gabriela Luna Valdés is a fierce, independent woman who is determined to carve her own path in Victorian London. The banter between Gabriela and the duke is delightful, and the romance is rich with emotional depth.
While part of a series— which I did not know going into this book— this book stands well on its own. I do plan to read the other books to understand more background and context. The pacing did slow down around the 60% mark but overall it was engaging with plot twists, well-developed characters, and funny moments. I recommend to any romance or historical fiction reader.
Thanks to NetGallery and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this eBook in exchange for my honest review.

Gabriela is a compelling heroine-bold, intelligent, and fiercely passionate. Her dynamic with Sebastian crackles with sharp wit and simmering tension, reminiscent of An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn. Beneath their banter lies genuine admiration, with Sebastian valuing not only Gabriela's intellect but also her often-overlooked social acumen. Their romance is deeply felt, and despite its frustrating moments, the novel delivers a steamy, emotionally satisfying conclusion.

This installment in the Luna Sisters series delivers a satisfying conclusion, though it isn't without flaws. The pacing slows in places, particularly as the central conflict unfolds, making the resolution to Gabriela and Sebastian's romance feel drawn out. Additionally, while the novel incorporates significant historical and social themes, it only scratches the surface, missing opportunities to fully explore the rich backdrop of 1860s Mexico and European interventionism that I would have loved to see be explored more. I feel these elements add a richness and a depth to the story that historical fiction readers search for.

If you enjoy historical fiction and banter-laden romance this is a great pick for you. The characters are engaging enough that it can be read as a standalone without the reader being too lost. Look for this on August 26, 2025!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC!

In the summer of 2022, I stumbled across the first colorful, gorgeous cover for the first Luna Sisters book. I promptly devoured the book in a day or two as soon as it was available on Netgalley and wound up writing one of its earliest reviews. Since then, my love for this series has only grown. So it's bittersweet to be writing one of the earliest reviews of the third and final entry.

Gabriela has always been a firecracker, a true belle with a brain and a heart even greater than her beauty. If ANA MARIA was for the responsible, self sacrificing ones, and ISABEL was for the overlooked, prickly ones, GABRIELA is for the underestimated, oft-dismissed ones who are so much more than they seem, and who love and fight so fiercely. After becoming a target of unscrupulous fortune hunters, Gabby goes home to Mexico - but her reception there from her parents is not what she hopes. Along for the ride is Sebastian, a duke who hides sad secrets beneath his pleasant demeanor. I was reminded of a line from Much Ado About Nothing: "They never. meet but there's a skirmish of wit between them." Gabby and Sebastian can't help needling each other (especially from her side, at first), but there's real respect there too (especially from his side, at first).

Sebastian's enormous respect for Gabby's intelligence and skills (including her social skills - those "ladylike", traditionally feminine, subtle skills too often overlooked then an now) are central to their romance. It's why the final hurdle to their HEA is so frustrating, although it makes sense in the context of his own fears and past. But never fear, the series reaches the joyful conclusion we all desire, with some memorable (and very steamy!) scenes along the way (could the office scene surpass Isabel's desk scene? maybe?).

And, of course, these are historical romances with a real sense of *history*. In times like these, it's more important than ever to read stories of resistance, justice, and honor. I've always loved how seamlessly the real history of 1860s politics and European interventionism is woven into this series. This trilogy truly is a reminder of what we're losing with publishing's pullback on vibrant, well-written historical romances - but I'll follow this author's writing into any setting!