Review & Giveaway - - Isabel and the Rogue

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.