Isabel and the Rogue
by Liana De la Rosa
The Luna Sisters - Book 2
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: June 4, 2024
Reviewed by PJ
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...
PJ's Thoughts:
If ever a character exemplified the saying "don't judge a book by its cover," it's middle Luna sister, Isabel. Used to being overlooked and underestimated, quiet, bookish Isabel is determined to put those qualities to good use while gathering information to help her beloved Mexico in its battle with the invading French. No one notices her slip away from balls, down darkened hallways to search empty offices...until someone does.
Captain Sirius Dawson is also much more than the rakish flirt he appears. This man has depths only known to a few. When he discovers what Isabel is up to, he takes it upon himself to protect her and also team up with her. What begins as partners in espionage turns into something deliciously spicy, but also tender, then gradually into deeper feelings. Only, one half of the couple isn't ready to acknowledge their feelings and the other half has plans of their own.
As with book one of this series, Ana Maria and the Fox (read my review), the sibling dynamic among the three Luna sisters is critical to the overall story. De la Rosa does not shy away from the fact that these three women stand out as being foreign and "different" in London, a fact that contributes to the ever-growing closeness among sisters who were pitted against one another while growing up. I love the ever-growing relationships among the three, enjoyed catching up with oldest sister, Ana Maria and am now even more excited for book three, youngest sister Gabby's story.
With Isabel, who has always felt the odd one out in her family, De la Rosa guides her through an evolution of self-discovery and self-confidence while never compromising her cultural heritage, personal ancestry, and love of country. I enjoyed watching Isabel step out of her comfort zone physically and loved how she asserts herself as a full member of her partnership - both working and personal - with Sirius. And, I absolutely adore the decisions Sirius makes at the end of their journey. I hope we're given a look into their future in book three.
You could read Isabel and the Rogue as a standalone but I enjoyed it much more for having read Ana Maria and the Fox first. It would be my recommendation to read them in order.
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Have you read Ana Maria and the Fox?
Do you enjoy bookish heroines who step out of their comfort zones for causes dear to their hearts?
How do you feel about grand gestures? There's a pretty big one in this book.
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 9 will receive a print copy of Isabel and the Rogue.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
*Anonymous posts must contain a name or email address to be included in the giveaway.
Another new to me author. You keep finding those. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! :)
DeleteI haven't read Ana Maria and the Fox yet. I definitely will at some point! I can relate to the bookish heroines - most of us who read your blog probably can. I enjoy seeing them come into their own. As far as grand gestures go, I generally like them however, there have been a few that just didn't quite measure up to what they needed to be in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the grand gestures, Glenda. This one definitely measured up for me. :)
DeleteI really enjoyed reading Ana Maria and the Fox, so as soon as I read your review I put myself in queue at the library for Isabel and the Rogue. Always game for a bookish heroine and/or a grand gesture!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed Ana Maria and the Fox. I hope you'll enjoy Isabel's story as well.
DeleteAna Maria and The Fox was captivating. Bookish heroines are special and unique. Grand gestures are so rare and something which I would appreciate and enjoy greatly.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying the cultural representation in this series, along with the adventure and romance.
DeleteI haven't read Ms. de la Rosa's books yet, but they sound great, and I'm really attracted to the idea of learning something entirely new from her settings/plots. I love historicals, but I'm pretty sure I could get myself to Gunthers (sp?) and whatever that garden dance center is called (having a brain freeze!) since they're featured so regularly in the books I read. And I'm all for stepping out of comfort zones and grand gestures! Characters (and people in real life, when you come to think about it) risking everything (especially one's pride!) for love makes a story unforgettable.
ReplyDeleteI have Ana Maria and the Fox in my TBR Abilene. Book number two in the series sounds wonderful - love the spy intrigue. I love bluestocking heroines who are demure, more inclined to read than to party. I love it when the hero “discovers” these ladies over the “first diamonds of the season”. Often these bluestockings are working with the misfortunate who need education, jobs, unwed mothers trying to help them out. Grand gestures are great when they have happy results and no one is hurt.Going to try and read Ana Maria’s story so I then can read Isabel’s.
ReplyDeleteNo I haven't read her books yet. I enjoy heroines that are not to show how smart they are an show their real selves
ReplyDeleteAna Maria and the Fox is on my e-reader AND on my bookshelf, LOL! I've heard such good things! I definitely do enjoy bookish heroines who are able to be bold with the right inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAs for grand gestures, I do enjoy them, but I also love the steady stream of smaller ones that really reveal someone's feelings...
--flchen1
I've not yet read Ana Marie And The Fox.
ReplyDeleteBookish heroines tend to quietly hide their inner strength, intellect, and bravery. It is nice to be able to see them spread their wings and come into their own. Even if it is done quietly and behind the scenes.
With some people, I guess a grand gesture is needed to get their attention and move them to make a life change. Even if that is not necessary, a grand gesture is a mice way to make someone feel special.