"When a Mexican heiress defies Victorian society to protect her country a British war hero makes it his new mission to protect her...

Isabel Luna Valdés has long since resigned herself to being the "forgotten" Luna sister. But thanks to familial connections to the Mexican ambassador in London, wallflower Isabel is poised to unearth any British intelligence hidden by the ton that might aid Mexico during the French Occupation. Though she slips easily from crowded ballrooms into libraries and private studies, Isabel's search is hampered by trysting couples and prowling rogues - including the rakish Captain Sirius Dawson.

As a covert agent for the British Home Office, Sirius makes a game of earning the aristocracy's confidence. He spends his days befriending foolish politicians and seducing well-born ladies in order to learn their secrets. But after he spies a certain sharp-tongued Luna sister lurking in the shadows where no proper debutante should venture, it's clear Sirius is outmatched, outwitted, and soon to be outmaneuvered by the one woman he can't resist.

Their mutual attraction is undeniable, but when Isabel discovers private correspondence that could turn the tide of political turmoil in Mexico, she's willing to do whatever it takes to protect her country - even if this means ignoring her heart and courting danger..."

Oh, but every good heroine knows that ignoring your heart works out in the end!

Not my favorite, but it was sweet and sexy at times.

This book is the second in a series of interconnected standalones about the Luna sisters. I will confess I have not read the first book. However, after reading this book I don't think you necessarily have to do so. That being said, there is mention of events that occurred in the first book. So if you plan to read book one I'd obviously recommend reading it first. Characters do cross-over and apparently the sister's closeness developed during the first book. Since I read only this one I initially assumed they had always been close until it was mentioned otherwise.

Alright, with the preface out of the way, let's get down to talking about this book.

I liked quite a few elements of it. The historical backdrop. The banter. And the writing was easy to get into. The reason this isn't ranked higher is because it didn't wow me. Nothing about the book particularly stood out. The romance is pretty standard for a classic rake meets wallflower romance. I do appreciate the latinx representation and the discussion around colonization (e.g. how Europeans tend to pillage war-torn countries to "protect artifacts" rather than help the actual people living there). But ultimately I'm reading the book for its romance elements and those just weren't too memorable.

Am I disappointed with the book? No. But would I go around recommending it to everyone? Also no.

But for those looking for an easy-to-read historical romance, this may be your cup of tea.

Isabel and Sirius were a great match in spy activities. Really enjoyed the historical part of the story with actual events that happened during this time in Mexico US France and UK. How the history was tied with to the romance aspect was done seamlessly. Sirius’ gaze always finding Isabel in a crowd was always a delightful moment.

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I wanted to like this one a lot more than I did, but unfortunately, I couldn’t finish it. It’s more heavy on the spy plot (which I don’t love spy/espionage plots in general anyway) than the romance. And it gets very tiring hearing how unwanted and inadequate Isabel finds herself as the middle sister. Liana’s historical detail is still great and so well researched but I just can’t get into this one.

But! If you’re a big spy plot lover and enjoy a good slow burn? This will be right up your alley!

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review!

As Mexican Middle child bookworm, this book was so exposing (in the best way) . Isabel was a character that I deeply saw myself in and could relate to. This is the kind of representation that I adore and appreciate.

Isabel is an absolute favorite character of mine, seeing her flourish and find love that was reassuring for her made me so emotional because she truly deserves the best.

Liana De La Rosa did such an amazing job in writing Isabel's story, she truly didn't disappoint.

I love how Isabel didn't cave into the ton's judgment. She is such a badass on her own, and I am glad that this book showcased her talents. She is more than a Wallflower!!!

Sirius is literally perfect for Isabel, he sees her for who she is and allows her to shine. Seeing him go from a Rake to a star struck obsessed partner to Isabel was so fulfilling. Seeing his passion and love for Isabel made me sooooo feral.

I think it's important to acknowledge that a huge part of the book is the historical aspect, so the romance isn't the only main feature that is showcased in this book. I enjoyed the historical richness of this book!

Political intrigue is another one of the main factors in this book, which I believe everyone should be aware of!

When I catch Lady Needham I will literally FIGHT her... (You guys will understand soon enough)

I loved the ending too, I cannot share exactly what happened due to spoilers but guys I am afraid that it devoured!

I am excited to see what Liana de la Rosa has next in store for Gabby!!

I loved the first book in this series, and Isabel's appearance in that book had me eagerly awaiting her own story. It did not disappoint! Quiet, bookish Isabel who feels like she's outshone by her sisters, and who uses that to her advantage, is such a relatable heroine. She deserves the best, and De la Rosa delivers with Captain Dawson as the perfect hero for her. As a bonus, the attention given to real history with all the details about Mexico and France just elevate the historical part of the story into something absolutely fascinating (speaking as someone who did not enjoy history when she was forced to learn it in school).

Of course, I should known better than to be nervous as Liana De la Rosa captivated me with her last release. Even so, I started Isabel and the Rogue with no idea of what to expect and it ended up making me love this story.

This time, we’re following middle-sister Isabel who feels invisible yet she’s using it to her advantage to help her home country of Mexico. While the war is going on, she’s trying to get as much intel as she can. Of course, she’s not being as sneaky as she hoped as Captain Sirius Dawson finds out and immediately wants to help.

Isabel is reluctant at first as she feels constantly overshadowed and there’s always that simmering layer of tension between the two. While they try to fight it, it’s obvious they’re meant to be. I truly could not put this book down as we’re following these two sneaking around to find intel while also trying to ignore just how strong their feelings are and it’s a delight.

What made me love the book most though was the grand-gesture at the end. I don’t want to give too much away but I felt like my heart was going to rip out of my chest. Once you read it and find out what it is, it will truly make you fall in love with these two and their story. If anything, it gets me even more excited about Gabby’s book which is hopefully next.

Whether you’re craving a good historical or just need something to escape into, Isabel and the Rogue is the perfect romance to kickstart your summer reading.

This is an incredibly special historical romance that does the three things I require in order to enjoy this subgenre: 1. It builds an emotionally rich relationship and brings the heat 2. It is immersive and requires readers to engage with the complexities of colonialism and racism in historical context and 3. It brings the knowledge and research that adds to my understanding of a historical era. Liana De la Rosa weaves a gorgeous story of two people who are not the masks they present to the world and who grow into their more authentic selves together. I love Sirius and Isabel so very much, and this author is now an autobuy for me!

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Romance, and Liana De la Rosa for this eARC. This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series and this book made me so happy!! Out of all the Luna sisters, I feel that I can relate the most to Isabel. Not only because I'm also the middle sister but because I'm also the darkest of my sisters and the bookish one who hates social settings. I loved every moment of this story and that ending had me kicking my feet with glee. I can't wait for this book to be released so I can get a physical copy to read again.

**Content Warnings**
Sexual Content, War

Isabel and Sirius, I have no idea how I could love you more than I loved Ana Maria and Gideon…. But it happened, okay???? I am simply obsessed with this wallflower x spy/secret agent historical romance. Plus, they’re both bookworms and it’s just everything booktube would love. Liana De La Rosa, keep doing what you do because it is working!!!!

This is the second book in the Luna Sisters series and while I think I enjoyed the first book a little more, I still really enjoyed this historical romance. Isabel is an intriguing character and I enjoyed getting to know her better and see her grow. The author does a good job of balancing the romance with the plot, mixing in history and politics.

I absolutely adored Liana De La Rosa's delightful historical romance debut, "Ana Maria and the Fox", and has since championed her book to all of my historical romance readers. Her latest release "Isabel and the Rogue" skillfully avoids the sophomore slump and will surely gain her new fans. Isabel and Sirius may be very different at a first glance, but they share many commonalities which make them both extremely suitable to become spies for their individual purposes. Their chemistry sizzled in this book and watching them dance around themselves was a pure pleasure to read. The combination of suspense, historical fiction, and romance makes the story richer plus with a complex, relatable Latine main character is just chef's kiss. More please!

The second installment of this series and by far this is my favorite one. Isabel is a young woman after my own heart.

A story of romance with a sprinkling of political intrigue set in London during the Victorian era. Isabel is the middle daughter/sister. She is for all intents and purposes a wallflower. And she uses it as a weapon to help her beloved home in Mexico.

This novel is incredibly swoon-worthy. Isabel and Captain Dawson. Phew! No spoilers, but there's a scene where they're hiding under a table... Yeah.

Can't wait for the next book!

Rating: 4/5

* ARC courtesy of NetGalley *

4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to a 5)
"Why do you call me sunshine?"
"Because everything seems brighter when you're there."

I loved this book so much! I loved getting into Isabel's head. I liked her enough in Ana Maria's book, but getting to see her true self shine and see everyone adore and appreciate her for who she is was so satisfying to read. As with Ana Maria and the Fox, there are wonderful quotes/conversations surrounding the ethics of colonialism and race; specifically colorism, which is something I feel like we don't talk enough about and it's just wonderful to see these conversations shine in a historical fiction novel. Super important and I definitely did a lot of highlighting and note-taking during those scenes.

Sirius Dawson, the man that you are. I thought Gideon Fox was swoonworthy but Sirius may have him beat (then again our duke hasn't had his chance to shine so he may beat them all, who knows). Getting to read him getting to know Isabel and see her for who she truly is was such a delight and when this man fell, boy did he fall hard. They're truly so matched and I adored them.

The ending was not what I expected to happen but it is so fitting for Isabel and I was really happy and satisfied with how their story ended. I can't wait to read Gabby's book, even though it'll be heartbreaking to end this wonderful series with the Luna sisters. At the end of the day, it's their sisterhood that is most important and still shines through in this second book. Gabriela and Isabel's relationship especially was so lovely and heartwarming to read, and I just adore these three women so much.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for graciously gifting me with an e-arc! Super grateful I saw the giveaway post on the author's instagram at the right time!

Another fantastic story from the Luna Sisters series!

Isabel is my new favorite sister, like all the best wallflowers she’s smart, loyal, and fearlessly dedicated to those she loves. Her pairing with Captain Sirius Dawson is delicious.

I can’t recommend this series enough! The dedication alone had me hooked.

Wow just Wow! I thought this book would interesting! I am also a woman of color and love the Spanish language!
This author is new to me, what a rollercoaster ride!
There was several times it seemed there was no way for a happy ending to be achieved! Then an unexpected twist and turn in the story from a villain previously unknown.
Three sisters not beloved but constantly pitted against each other in Mexico by a father who knew they were stronger together!
Ana Maria Luna is the eldest and betrothed for political gain to her father’s choice in Mexico who publicly flaunts his mistress!
These women Ana, Gabby and Isabel came across treacherous seas and a country torn apart by war for their safety!
Gideon Fox is a self made man! He is part Scot’s and his grandmother was a slave! So he fights for injustice and is a strong voice in Parliament and has powerful friends!
Because of his fight to end slavery and all Britain’s ties he has to be very serious and circumspect! Not one whiff of scandal or his name in a tabloid can come near him until a ray of sunshine hit him squarely in the chest!
This story is unputtadownable! This is not a word but a fact! Bravo

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story as well as learning more about Mexican history during this time period. Overall though I found the book to be a bit boring. The dialogue was stilted (maybe it was trying to sound old-fashioned?) and I got tired of listening to Isabel's inner dialogue on how unremarkable she was. I get it, you're the ugly/boring/antisocial/awkward sister. Also, I did not read the first book and there were many references to the plot and characters from that book that made parts of this book confusing to me.

This was another winner in the Luna Sisters series, it had a great overall romance element to it and enjoyed the historical setting of this story. The characters were what I was expecting and thought they had a great overall feel to them. I enjoyed how well Liana De la Rosa wrote this and I wanted to read more in this world.

This was a great installment in the Luna Sisters series! I really enjoyed watching Isabel come into her own, gaining confidence and strength, all while fighting for her people back home in Mexico. I'm loving that historical romance is branching out and not just telling the same old stories, as we can see with the Luna sisters. Sirius was a wonderful hero - gentle, sweet, strong, definitely cinnamon roll vibes. The way he encouraged Isabel in her work and built up her confidence was wonderful. A charming book and I can't wait to read Gabby's book!

I enjoyed this one just as much as the first book. Can’t wait to see what’s next for the Luna sisters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting this arc.