This book got me back into my historical romance era after years!!

Isabel and the Rogue is a love letter to the quiet girls - the ones who have been underestimated by the world and by themself. This is the middle Luna sister’s story and a tale of finding your voice. Isabel is a brilliant, wise, observant, and devoted woman who yearns to fill a bigger purpose in life than looking pretty and marrying a wealthy man. She has aspirations and dreams, and she goes after them.

This book has all the best parts of a historical romance — the delicious yearning, dancing at balls, and of course the utter lack of propriety between hero and heroine when they are confined to a small space together without a chaperone. On top of that, it offers a fresh, non-Western perspective on the global events of the time. For context, the Luna sisters have fled their home in Mexico City because of a military occupation by Napoleon and the French army. Their parents have stayed back in Mexico because their father is among the Mexican president’s cabinet. Now, the three sisters find themselves in Victorian high society, with Isabel tasked to secretly gather information on the members of the ton who may be linked to occupying French forces. Her contacts back home thought her wallflower-ish ways were well-suited to slipping into the shadows and gathering intel without a trace. She certainly didn’t predict that her sleuthing would attract the interest of a known rake and rogue!

Without a doubt, my favorite part of this book is the social commentary on colonialism. Isabel and her sisters are not shy to remind the British gentry of the heavy hand their countrymen have had in pillaging and colonizing other cultures. Basically any time one of these stuffy British guys goes to defend the British Museum, these sisters shut it down! They are proud of their home and heritage, and that point of view is SO REFRESHING to read in a historical romance! MORE like this, please I am begging you!

While the MMC Sirius Dawson is not my favorite regency man, I did think he was properly obsessed with Isabel so in my book he’s alright. Otherwise, I had such a fun time reading this book and it got me super interested in the other Luna sister books - since I had not yet read the first one. I will definitely be reading more Liana De la Rosa as I get back into my historical romance kick with the recent release of Bridgerton!!

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance, NetGalley, and the author for sending me a digital ARC <3
4.5 ⭐️

So far my favorite romance book of the year. I really enjoyed this book.
The characters are lovable and plot is interesting. I love the idea of covert affairs and to see it set in this time, with these characters took it up a notch.
Isabel is shy, smart and maybe even hesitant to change. She has you rooting for her to be successful in all her different ventures

Thank you NetGalley for the read!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

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.

Even knowing I was going into this story without reading the first in the series, I really enjoyed reading Isabel's story. There was a moment in IatR where Isabel mentions that the sisters grew up disliking each other and being pitted against each other, on their father's demand. I don't know how to explain it, but the relationship between Ana Maria, Isabel, and Gabby seems like they have only recently been on the mend. They are close and love each other, but it's lacking the true-blue closeness that comes with your sibling being your best friend all your life. It's truly well done.

I wish Isabel had more confidence because a gosh-danged viscount was openly courting her, but I'll admit her reasoning for not believing in herself was pretty good. I really liked the relationship between Isabel and Sirius and lord, that scene under the desk? Ok.

I even really loved the fact that Sirius was late to the ship. It wasn't a perfect airport scene. He was too late! The only thing I wish for the novel was that he made the decision to go to Mexico on his own. His friends had to talk him into it. Dumbass.

DNF
I wanted to like this so bad. I love historical romances and the plot of this sounded great. Unfortunately I DNFed by like 10%. There was just way too much telling. Because of that, it felt like the narrator was keeping me at distance, never letting me get close to experience the scene or even ground me in a scene. Especially since there was a fair bit of flashbacks throwing me out of the front story randomly. But honestly, those flashbacks had more showing and was more dynamic and interesting than the front story.
I like the concept and goal of this story, sadly the execution of it was too tough for me to read. I found myself skimming pages way too early on in the book that I knew my opinion most likely wouldn’t change.
That being said, I know this will definitely be someone. The writing style just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

Isabel Luna is the bookish middle child sandwiched between her elder politically-savvy sister and her younger charming sister. Often overlooked, Isabel uses her relative invisibility to spy on British nobility to find anything that could be helpful to her native Mexico during the French occupation.

Captian Sirius Dawson is a war hero who doesn't feel he deserves the accolades. He was shot early in the conflict and was hospitalized before the battle truly began. He carefully cultivates a rakish persona to hide his work for the Home Office. When he catches Isabel snooping during a party, he offers to help her find information for Mexico.

The inevitable push and pull between Isabel and Dawson is an entertaining ride, especially since neither wants to ruin the seemingly conflicting hopes and dreams of the other. Recommended for fans of historical romance looking for a more diverse cast.

Representation: Mexican main character and side characters, war veteran main and side characters

Luna sister number 2 and just as lovely and fun! I really enjoyed stepping into Isabel’s shoes for this one. Learning who she was and what she wanted, her dreams and wishes, her fears and how she shows her love for those around her was special. And of course watching her relationship with Sirius blossom was just wonderful!

Liana De la Rosa SHINES in her follow-up to Ana Maria’s story in her Luna Sisters series, “Isabel and The Rogue”!

Thank you to Berkley Romance and Net Galley for the ARC of this 5-star historical romance. Liana is a master of combining skin-heating love affairs with important social discourse that affects the world her characters inhabit. People do not exist in a vacuum. We love to say love conquers all, but what does that really mean if we don’t explore the obstacles the characters are up against personally, politically, socially, psychologically, economically, and racially? Liana does not shy away from this narrative and instead chooses to embrace the complexity of it all, which results in characters who feel so real your chest aches. Isabel and Sirius's love story is intense, intimate, and is as much a journey of romance as it is one of introspection, self-love, and healing.

Taking place after the events of “Ana Maria and the Fox,” Isabel’s book begins in 1865, which is towards the end of the Second French Invasion of Mexico. Isabel and her sisters are the daughters of a high-ranking member of the Juarez cabinet and they had been sent to London for their safety, and hopefully to broker some support for Mexico in England, at the start of the first book. But while Ana Maria and Gabriela thought all three of them were in London with the same objectives, their incredibly proud and shy wallflower middle sister had another mission…..

Isabel and The Rogue has EVERYTHING:
📚 Spying, subterfuge, and espionage
📖 “Lessons”
📚 Praise
📖 Nicknames
📚 Appearance of our beloved characters from the first book. The way I fell even more in love with the Duke than I already was. Electric. Hold onto your petticoats.
📖 Swoony men who trip over themselves for the women they are falling so desperately in love with every single day they share the same air.
📚 Sisterly bonds (we get so much more Gabby and I love her!)
📖 Found family (including male friendships)
📚 Discussions of colonialism and repatriation
📖 Libraries and museums (THESE ARE SACRED locales in this book, and no, I will not elaborate)

Between the release of Isabel’s book and the premiere of Bridgerton Season 3, it is truly a season for the Wallflowers. Isabel is hilarious and one of the proudest characters I’ve ever read. She does not suffer fools and possesses a powerful, reserved fortitude. Unfortunately, she believes herself to be invisible and unremarkable, especially compared to her sisters, which is in no small part the result of how they were raised by their father (I'd love to have a chat with him, by the way). Isabel also combats colorism as she favors her indigenous heritage more than her sisters, who favor that of their shared Spanish one. I know I said this in my review of book 1, BUT THIS IS SO IMPORTANT and IATR is a perfect example of why Latina voices need to tell our stories.

Now, we need to talk about Capitán Sirius Dawson, our MMC, our rogue. A rogue he might be, but the Captain will not tolerate those speaking ill of Isabel Luna, even Isabel Luna herself. He’s observant and noble, to the point of torture. As readers will learn, Sirius is tragically in his Tortured Poet Era and it will break your heart. Guilt is toxic and Liana explores mental health beautifully and with care in this novel. Sirius is a caretaker at his core and I did not expect that going into the book, or really any book led by a rake or rogue for that matter, so that was a winsome twist and such a testament to Liana's talent. As readers will see, he tends to Isabel’s emotional needs (and her physical ones too) while also demonstrating a DEEP understanding of the support women deserve in a society that does not value them as equals. His acts of kindness reflect someone who knows the depth of women. Isabel clocks it in real-time and it makes her fall harder. I think this will resonate with modern readers because we are experiencing something of a girlhood renaissance ourselves where we are reclaiming things that we were mocked for as being shallow simply for being feminine and Sirius would be one of the men supporting the movement.

But let’s get to matters of the heart, shall we?
Sirius worships Isabel and it hits him like a freight train because he cannot stop himself from making this captivating and intelligent woman his business. One of my favorite compliments he ever thinks about her is how expressive her eyebrows are. As a Latina, more often than not, a defining feature in romance for a Latina female main character is “she’s so curvy.” Not Sirius, because he’s noticing everything about Isabel including things she’s not even saying. The expressiveness of the sisters was something I adored in the first book, especially because it was actually a plot point, and I loved seeing a different flavor of that quality articulated in this book. Latinas are not a monolith. Once again, Liana exemplifies why representation is important.

Also, we have to talk about it: The SPICE. Sirius’s level of adoration borders on obsession, but since it’s 19th-century Victorian England he says things like, "Look at you. I can’t believe you let me touch you" and throws around "darling" in ways that will turn you into a puddle. He is both polite and oh so bossy while praising HIS Isabel, who by the way, despite calling herself a Wallflower, is NOT a shrinking violet in this respect and you love to see that. She is staunch in her choices and I did not expect her to be such a rational libertine so I loved it! Needless to say, I was unprepared. That’s all I’ll say because I don’t want to spoil but buckle up. Liana dialed the heat UP in this second book.

But I think what I enjoyed most about the romance between Sirius and Isabel is how they encouraged the other to just live. Their journey was to learn to love themselves THROUGH each other. Sirius doesn’t think Isabel needs to come out of her shell, he fervently believes the world is the one who needs to see the value of her shell and who she is because she’s brilliant and clever and a force. He sees her struggling to be more palatable to society so she can have value and he won’t stand for it. He makes sure she has all the space to change, but only if she wants. Sirius pulls off some gestures of affection I have never seen and made me kick my feet. He’s there to encourage her to be exactly what she wants to be. And Sirius, our broken boy, Isa helps him see he is worthy of good things and happiness despite certain events and people (I would like to have a chat with his brother, by the way). Their individual journeys toward self-actualization do not go as they expect thanks to strong stubborn streaks, with heart-pounding highs and heart-wrenching lessons learned, but they are made for each other. Isabel and Sirius are two of the bravest characters I’ve ever read in romance while also being painfully fearful people at the same time. Well-written and complex, Liana delivered a pair that will immerse you in their world and their souls. With an ending I did not see coming and had me on the edge of my seat gasping and crying, I have no doubt in my mind that “Isabel and The Rogue” will be a summer bestseller.

I will end this review with some final remarks. First, a heartfelt thank you to Liana, Berkley, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an ARC of “Isabel and The Rogue.” It was an honor and pleasure and I can’t wait for everyone to read this book. And secondly, below please find two little conversations, with no context, which play in my head on a loop. “To vex” hits different in historical romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I can’t imagine why I thought I could do this. Me, timid, awkward Isabel Luna.”

“Stop that,” Sirius growled, dragging his hand up to cradle her face. “There is nothing about you that is timid or awkward. The Isabel Luna I know is fearsome. Sharp-witted. Quotes Frankenstein with clever ease. You dazzle me. Please don’t allow the words written in that letter to speak louder than the words I’m telling you right now.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Vexing is not the word I would use to describe it.”

“What word would you use, then?” she breathed.

“Intoxicating. Mesmerizing. Hypnotic. Are those enough words?”

“Only you think those things of me.”

“I doubt that, but then most people are fools.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Isabel and The Rogue by Liana De la Rosa comes out June 4, 2024!

Warm-hearted, sweet, and filled with passion, Isabel and The Rogue does a beautiful job continuing Lina De La Rosa’s tale of the three Luna sisters. There’s adventure, derring do, growth, and a tender but sensual romance all within its pages.

Isabel Luna Valdés feels completely invisible in her own family. The middle child, her parents ignore her in favor of her other siblings. When she’s offered the opportunity to work as a spy hunter by the British ambassador to Mexico, she says yes, hoping to aid her country as it prepares to rebel against the French Occupation. Captain Sirius Dawson is her quarry. The handsome Sirius plays the louche man-about-town, but in reality, he works for the British Home Office as a spy who charms and (sometimes) seduces society ladies for secrets.

Isabel is like no one Sirius has ever met before, and they soon find themselves matching wits in the ballroom and beyond. Isabel’s mission grows more intense, and Sirius must decide between his love for Isabel and his loyalty to his country.

Isabel and the Rogue is romantic, spirited, and thoughtful about the impact of colonialism in Mexico. Isbael is a terrific heroine, the romance is great, and the research solid.

But I’ll also admit the hero’s name absolutely distracted me, as I kept getting Harry Potter flashbacks every time I saw the name “Sirius”. As a character, he’s roguish yet gentle, knows exactly what he’s doing and how to get it – and when to hold back and let Isabel lead. And in terms of the prose, the use of italics in this one is sometimes annoying, but that is a minor quibble.

Isabel and the Rogue showcases a sweeping, tender romance and it isn’t afraid to make you stop and think about what it has to say. It more than earns its DIK status.

Isabel and The Rogue is a cute, historical romance featuring a diverse cast and wholesome sisterly bonds. I found the pacing to be a bit slow at the beginning, but once the plot started picking up, I enjoyed the story! I was able to relate with Isabel a lot, especially seeing as I’m quiet, awkward, and bookish. Isabel’s insecurities were easy to identify with and I found myself reflected a lot with her as a character. Witnessing how Sirius never saw Isabel as the least desirable sister or boring in conversation made me swoon a little. He quoted poetry in the most romantic moments and was absolutely a charmer in the most sincere ways. This was overall adorable and I had fun along the way!

Synopsis:
Isabel is a Mexican heiress who escaped to London after the French invade Mexico in an attempt to colonize it. Before she leaves Mexico with her sisters, she’s recruited by her sister’s ex to fish for information regarding the French army through her new connections in London. Isabel utilizes her quiet, understated nature to sneak away at parties and search for any clue on what the French are up to in offices and studies of the Victorian elite. After being caught during the act by Captain Dawson, a British war hero, she finds herself utilizing his connections to glean more information. However, the attraction between them grows and with Isabel eventually returning to Mexico and Captain Dawson’s reputation as a rake, she’s hesitant to give in.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and the author for an early copy!

A big thank you to Ms Liana De La Rosa and Berkley Romance for an early copy of Isabel and the Rogue. This book was the perfect way end to my trip to Mexico City.

Isabel is the quiet often overlooked middle sister, easily overshadowed by her strong eldest sister Ana Maria and her vivacious outgoing little sister Gabby. But she has learned to use her ability to blend into the background to complete a dangerous task to help out her family and Mexico. Enter Captain Sirius Dawson, who has also cultivated a persona to help him complete his own missions. When he finds out Isabel’s secret plans, he will do anything to keep her safe. And along the way, the wallflower Isabel will that deep down, she is as powerful as her sisters.

I do not include historical romances often in my TBR and every time I read a Luna Sisters book, I wonder why. Because I loved this book. Watching Isabel come alive and learn how important and smart she is and getting to go on this journey with her was amazing. That ending I was not expecting it to play out the way it did. I actually had a Chayanne song, Y Tu Te Vas going through my head during that boat scene. Trust me, listen to it. It works so well.

I am so excited to read Gabby’s book next!

"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!!!!