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.

The Las Leonas series by Adriana Herrera ends on a spectacular note with the final romance between our third Leonas, Aurora, who meets her match in the strong Duke, Apollo. This book was incredible from start to finish. A compelling, timely romance that speaks volumes on women’s rights and reproductive health. I loved everything about it and am so grateful this book exists.

I loved this book! It was just what I wanted in a historical romance. The female main character was very well written and I loved reading her story.

Beautiful book.

I was so excited to finally get Aurora and Apollo's story. Their tension in the other books had me screaming and it was so nice to finally see their banter and their overall them falling in love. Apollo just owns my heart. This was such a fun read and a great way to finish this series. I am obsessed with this especially seeing my beautiful Caribbean women in the past trying to change the norm.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The last installment in Adriana Herrera's Leona's trilogy does not disappoint! Having met our two main characters and witnessing their chemistry in book one set my anticipation quite high for this one and it delivers. Aurora Montalban is a doctor at a time when women were not wholly accepted into medicine. She dedicates her practice to helping women with no means to help themselves and uses her knowledge, wealth, and power to make women's lives better. The timeliness of Aurora's story could not be more spot on. Aurora's chemistry with leading man Apollo is off the charts. Their attraction is palpable and the spice in this book is top-notch. Apollo is more of a supporting character than co-lead in his own right but that didn't fully take away from my enjoyment of the dual pov romance. It's just something to note. The book also serves as a satisfying end to the Leonas trilogy.

Name of the publication/blog/outlet/social media account where your review will be published/posted: This review will be posted on Goodreads today (12/26) and Instagram closer to the date of publication.
Run date for when the review or a social media post with a review will be posted/published: IG 2/4 and IG stories in the lead up.

I appreciated the emphasis on women's reproductive health. I loved that the female protagonist was a doctor. I love the diversity in this interconnected standalone series so much and what it brings to the historical romance genre. What I did not love was the spice. I thought the dialogue was super cringey and I could not get past it.

I've loved the tension simmering between Aurora and Apollo, so I was beyond excited to read their story. As with all the other Leonas, Aurora is a fierce lady who is determined to succeed. She has a passion for women's rights and safety, going to far lengths to help women in trouble. When the location she's been using as a secret women's clinic is compromised, Apollo offers up a property that he isn't using. Lots more tension and banter occur. Apollo is also settling into his new role as Duke-- a black Duke in 1800s society, to boot, and lots of roadblocks that come with that.

I have really enjoyed this series! I did feel like this one bounced around a lot, but it could also have just been that my brain wasn't super settled while reading. I also wanted a bit more steam!! Super lovely overall, love a strong willed heroine, especially one with a background that we don't usually see in historical romance. I hope we see more historicals from Adriana Herrera!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

A great conclusion of Las Leonas.

This story for me was something more personal, as a Mexican woman, I deeply loved and appreciated the representation of people who might look like me in historical settings and this is not something that I read everyday. And that although it might have been more challenging than other people, they still fought to be happy.

I was intrigued by Apollo since he appeared on the first book and what to say about Aurora? She is just so badass and fierce, I love her.
They way these two complement each other and how passionate they are about what and whom they care was amazing and so good to read.

I would recomend to read CW, but still, this is a book you don't want to miss, it was perfect and the type of historical romances we need and deserve.

I certainly hope this is not the las historical romance that we have by Adriana Herrera


Thanks to the publisher for the eArc

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.