Review - - Gabriela and His Grace

Gabriela and His Grace

by Liana De la Rosa

The Luna Sisters - Book 3

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

A scandalous arrangement between a hellion heiress and destitute duke reveals truths that neither can outrun….

As the youngest and most rebellious daughter of the overly protective Luna family, Gabriela Luna Valdés claws after her freedom in any way she can. This time, her hunger for adventure has led her aboard a windswept ship bearing for her homeland, away from a mob of fumbling British suitors. But Gabby can’t escape her father’s expectation that she settle down to find a proper husband—a compromise she’s unwilling to make.

For Sebastian Brooks, Duke of Whitfield, the trip to Mexico is his last chance. His last chance to rectify his family’s estate and refill their dwindling coffers. And his last chance to match wits with the sharp-tongued but deliciously tempting Gabriela.

When Gabby finds herself in need of a hasty escape, Sebastian agrees to assist her…but their close proximity sparks a red-hot passion that could ruin all their plans. With scandal looming, can Sebastian convince Gabby his regard is sincere or will she sail away with his heart?

PJ's Thoughts:

Before I talk about this book, I'd like to pay tribute to the creators of the beautiful cover. The Luna Sisters trilogy has been blessed with covers that are representative of the rich, colorful, Mexican heritage of the main characters as well as the beauty of De la Rosa's writing but they have outdone themselves with the cover of this final book. It. Is. Stunning. 

I approached this last book in the Luna Sisters trilogy with mixed feelings. Saying goodbye to these characters filled me with sadness but at the same time, I was eager to take this journey with Gabby and Sebastian, the couple whose story I had been eagerly anticipating since book one. I just knew all that snarky banter in books one and two had to be hiding some amazing chemistry. I read their story in one day. They refused to let me set them aside until they had reached their hard-won happily ever after.

De la Rosa sent the series - and our couple - out on a high note with a fast-paced, adventurous, swoony story that made the most of many of my favorite tropes: road romance (on land and sea), forced proximity (only one ship cabin), only one bed (in that cabin), and adversaries to lovers (so many sparks). I loved the development of these characters, individually and as a couple. The author took her time with them, revealing hidden layers that showed the strengths and vulnerabilities of each along with the deep, emotional wounds delivered by members of their families. The growth, healing, and love found between Sebastian and Gabby was a joy to experience. I pulled so hard for these two. 

The Mexican historical and cultural representation in this book - in the entire series - added texture and richness to the stories, making them even more enjoyable and unique. The way De la Rosa weaved historical facts and figures into the fiction created a vibrant and authentic picture of what life might have been for these three Mexican heiresses whose parents sent them to England when their country was occupied. They made their mark across the ocean but the hearts that held their beloved Mexico close never wavered. 

If you enjoy richly textured historical romance with beautifully developed characters, historical accuracy, authentic cultural representation, complicated family dynamics, humor, heart, and happy endings, I highly recommend Gabriela and His Grace, as well as books one and two of this trilogy, Ana Maria and the Fox and Isabel and the Rogue. 

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. 

~~~~~~~~~

 

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.

Review - - To Tempt a Scandalous Lord

To Tempt a Scandalous Lord

by Liana De la Rosa

Once Upon a Scandal - Book 4

Publisher: Entangled:Amara

Release Date: June 21, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Alicia Lindsay, the dowager Countess Lindsay, has spent her life under the dominion of men-- leered at yes, but ultimately silenced and cast aside. But widowhood has granted her the freedom to voice her critiques against injustices in articles that have enraptured the nation. Resolved to bring about political change, Alicia's investigation of the newest party candidates leads her to the captivating, hardheaded Lord Inverray. She's unprepared when he proves to be not only charming but chivalrous when a slight wardrobe malfunction--with all eyes of the ton upon them--forces her to accept his proposal. Now she's keeping a huge secret from her soon-to-be-husband.

Niall Campbell, Marquess of Inverray, has spent years finding support for numerous legislations to help his fellow Scots. Now poised to grasp the party leadership, his success has been threatened by anonymous articles critiquing his campaign. Niall vows to find the author and silence them, no matter the cost. But when he finds himself engaged to an alluring widow with a sharp tongue, his plans get derailed in more ways than one...

PJ's Thoughts:

To Tempt a Scandalous Lord is the fourth book of a series but stands wonderfully well on its own, even though couples from the previous books make appearances. Meeting those couples shouldn't confuse readers though it might make you want to discover more about them by reading their books. 

One of the things I enjoy about De la Rosa's books is how she weaves pertinent issues of the day into her stories. In this one, both Niall and Alicia are politically-minded individuals, willing to use their words and actions to advance necessary reforms to benefit the disadvantaged population of England, especially children. The author's research shines in the way she presents the issues as a natural part of the story. She expands my knowledge of the time without me feeling like I've sat through a history lesson. 

Having a hero and heroine who barely know one another and are just beginning to acknowledge the desire they're feeling when they're "compromised" opens many opportunities for those characters to evolve, both individually and as a couple, something this author takes full advantage of. It also allows the reader to learn about the characters as they are learning about one another, making me feel like I'm traveling their journey to love and understanding with them. I like how Alicia and Niall challenge each other's beliefs, how they are open to listening and learning, even if some of the lessons are difficult to hear and take time to sink in. They both have significant growth arcs, and difficult decisions, that solidified my affection for them and my belief in their hard-won happily ever after. 

I typically don't enjoy one half of a couple keeping a (huge) secret from the other but I understand why Alicia feels she has no choice. Women of that time were too often, and too easily, silenced and she has important things to say. I was in her corner, cheering her on the entire way.

I will say that I found the first few chapters of the book to be a bit sluggish. If you have that same experience, I encourage you to keep with it. Once the book hits the 25% mark, the pace picks up. From that point on, I was fully invested and eagerly flipping pages until I reached the end.

If you enjoy historical romance with fully-developed characters, well-researched historical detail, witty banter, realistic issues, and a slow-burn romance, give this one a try. 

 

Review - - The Captain's Midwinter Bride

The Captain's Midwinter Bride

by Liana De la Rosa

Publisher: Author

Release Date: November 12, 2020

Reviewed by PJ

 

 

Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.

Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.

When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?

PJ's Thoughts:

If you're looking for a quick (114 pages) holiday romance with mature characters, heart-tugging emotion, passionate chemistry, and a sigh-worthy happy ending, this one's for you.

I really enjoyed the depth of emotion in this novella. Marrying for convenience at a young age, with Phillip leaving soon afterward for sea, and infrequent shore leaves over the course of his career, he and Annalise are more strangers than husband and wife. They've been wed for 25 years and have two children but they've never had a real marriage, never formed an emotional bond. I liked them a lot and was pulling for them the entire way. There are many issues they need to work through; not surprising after basically living separate lives for 25 years. I appreciated how De la Rosa took her time with them, navigating them through the awkwardness, the resentment, and the yearning while leading them to a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another. Leading them to what might just be a forever love. 

I also enjoyed the fact that Phillip's reunion with his entire family, not only his wife, was explored in this story. It was so poignant to watch him learn how to be a father to his adult daughter, on the cusp of a marriage that may not be in her best interests. He remembers the young girl who idolized her father but reality has placed him in the path of a resentful adult, firmly on her mother's side, who does not make their reunion easy for him. I enjoyed her journey as well. 

I don't know if the author has plans for future stories for this family but I'm invested in them now, hoping for a happy ending for Beth and definitely intrigued by Oliver. There are also a few other loose family threads that I'd like to see resolved. I'm curious to know what happened all those years ago, and why, and see justice for those who were wronged. I am not ready to say goodbye to the Daltons. 

Review - - To Tame a Scandalous Lady

To Tame a Scandalous Lady
by Liana De la Rosa
Once Upon a Scandal - Book 3
Publisher: Entangled:Amara
Release Date: October 21, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
    

In the wake of a fire that decimates his racing stock, Christian Andrews, the Marquess of Amstead, struggles to keep his family's stud farm from slipping into ruin and painstakingly rebuilds the program. When one of his prime stallions is injured, he notices his new assistant trainer has a special way with the horses. As talented as the trainer is, once he realizes he is a she…and a very beautiful, spirited she at that…he should sack her before scandal breaks. But it’s only weeks before the high stakes race he’s counting on to build back his fortune, and Flora should be by his side for the win.

Miserable under the weight of the ton’s expectations, headstrong Lady Flora Campbell laments her privileged life in London. Embracing her dream of working with racehorses, she disguises herself as a lad and slips away to learn as much as she can from England’s premiere expert, Christian Andrews, never thinking of the scandal she courts but the glory to be had.

Although she develops a tendre for the dashing marquess, she can never let on that she’s not only a woman, but the daughter of a duke...

My thoughts: 

I enjoy how De la Rosa gives her characters depth, realistic flaws, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles to overcome. I like how she challenges societal norms for the time in which she writes. And I love how she draws me into a story and into her characters' hearts and minds. 

Though Flora (a/k/a William) is the daughter of a duke, growing up in Scotland she was allowed to indulge her life's passion training horses and pretty much running her father's estate. But when she arrived in London with her siblings, that all changed and she was forced to give up the work that gives her purpose...that feeds her soul. I understood what drove her to disguise herself and seek employment with the man acknowledged to be the best horse trainer in England and I cheered her on as she did so. But I also appreciated the fact that she is not without flaws. I enjoyed her growth throughout the book and the (sometimes painful) lessons she learns.  

I also liked Christian even though at times I wanted to whack him upside the head. He's an autocratic male who thinks he knows best but he's also desperate to save his family's estate, while at the same time dealing with a fair share of grief and guilt over the events that have led him to this point. I liked the friendship that develops between him and Flora, the sizzling chemistry, and the mutual respect. I enjoyed watching them work together to train Asad. But I also understood the changes to those opinions and actions once William became Flora - even if I didn't much like them. The author has kept him authentic to the time in which he lives while also allowing him the room to evolve and change some of those opinions over the course of the story. I enjoyed his growth and turned the final page confident in his and Flora's happy future. 

De la Rosa has also surrounded our hero and heroine with an intriguing cast of secondary characters, both two and four-legged. I especially enjoyed Mr. Mubarek, the head trainer who came from Egypt with Asad, a canny elderly duchess, and both Christian's and Flora's brothers. I'm hoping we might see more of both Cedric and Niall in future books. As for those four-legged characters... The vast majority of this novel takes place in and around the stables on Christian's estate which adds another interesting layer to the book. I fell in love with Asad and his stable-mates right along with Christian and Flora. They are each lovingly, and realistically, depicted and I enjoyed getting to know each of their unique personalities. 

While this is the third book in a series, it stands well on its own. 

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | KOBO

 

Liana De la Rosa is a historical romance writer whose stories are set in the Georgian and Late Regency periods. As a longtime fan of the romance genre, Liana can remember sneaking Harlequins into her bedroom to read on the sly. After her second child was born, her husband challenged her to write her own book and she’s been writing ever since. Liana is a proud graduate of the University of Arizona and enjoys cheering on her alma mater in all things (BEAR DOWN!). When she’s not writing witty heroes, saucy heroines, and secondary characters screaming for their own stories, she’s a wannabe domestic goddess and fashionista who wrangles a rambunctious brood of small children with her patient husband in Arizona.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST

 

To Tame a Scandalous Lady

Review, Guest Post & Giveaway - - To Resist a Scandalous Rogue by Liana De la Rosa

To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
By Liana De la Rosa
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Release Date: June 24, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 

For Finlay Swinton, Viscount Firthwell and only son of a powerful earl, life has been a lark…until he discovers a terrible family secret that could ruin him. Determined to make a name for himself free of scandal’s shadow, he runs for Parliament. However, he encounters Charlotte, the mysterious woman who disappeared after their one night together, and he finds it impossible to stay away, despite her working class status and Jewish faith that threaten to destroy his chance for success.

Widowed, penniless, and desperate, Charlotte Taylor secures a teaching position at a foundling home and relaxes into a predictable existence. That is, until Finlay, the man she shared one romantic night with, reappears, a specter from her past. He ignites her passion, even while he threatens the precarious foundation on which she’s rebuilt her life. But when those from her past return to endanger her hard-earned security, she’ll have to reveal his secret or go to prison.

My thoughts:

De la Rosa tackles controversial issues with care and sensitivity in this cross-class, interfaith, historical romance set in Regency England. The obstacles to a relationship between an Anglican viscount in a hotly contested race for political office and a Jewish widow teaching at a foundling home seem insurmountable. There were many times when I had no idea how the author would be able to pull off a happy ending for these two. Yet, I never stopped believing in Charlotte and Finlay's ability to find a way. 

I enjoy a historical romance that also teaches me about the time and place in which it is set and the author does a good job of immersing readers within the political processes of the time. I found it fascinating. I also learned more about the social evolution (or perhaps revolution is the better word) of the times and the dedicated struggle for emancipation of various groups within England. The book is well researched and it shows.

But what I most enjoyed about this book were the characters, both primary and secondary. De la Rosa brings them to life, engaging both my interest and my emotions. At the center of the story, of course, are Finlay and Charlotte; well-crafted, likable characters searching for their places in life and finding love where they least expected. The females in the book are strong and the female friendships formed, solid and enjoyable. Then there are the steal-your-heart orphans that Charlotte teaches. I wanted to take them all home. Even the distasteful villains threatening Charlotte are vividly portrayed.

As I said earlier, I had no idea how the author was going to solve some of the obstacles in the path of this couple's happiness, in particular their different religions, but, in the end, she satisfied me with what was probably the best solution available for the times. And then she gifted readers with an epilogue, set 29 years into the future, that touched my heart, gave me hope, and caused me to shed more than a few (happy) tears.

I don't know what De la Rosa has planned going forward with this series but I sure hope it's more books. There are a few more unmatched characters in need of a happily ever after!

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Liana De la Rosa joins us today to share what it's like for a Latinx author to write British-set historical romances. Please give her a warm welcome!

Writing British-set Historical Romance 

as a Latinx Author

By Liana De la Rosa

            A frequent refrain I have come to expect from my father since I started writing romance is, “When are you going to write a book set in Spain? Or the Caribbean?” As a proud Nuyorican (a New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent), he’s proud of his culture - my culture - as well he should be. Our Puerto Rican heritage is rich, lush, and colorful, with a fascinating history ripe for a historical romance author to mine. The same is true of my mother’s Mexican American heritage, and I’ve long played with series ideas set in the Latinx diaspora but I’ve yet to write them. Why? As a Latinx author, shouldn’t I want my books set in places my ancestors lived and flourished?

            The short answer is yes. The long answer is more complicated.

            When I first began reading historical romances, I devoured any Highlander romances and Regencies I could get my hands on. I fell in love with the language, the etiquette, the titles, the desires and passions simmering just below the surface of respectability. The settings became familiar to me, even though I’ve yet to visit London or the Highlands of Scotland. When I’m searching for a new book to read, I almost always select a Regency or Victorian romance first.

            So when I started to craft my own stories, I set them in a world I knew. A world where the rules were known to me as both a reader and a writer. And because these backdrops are familiar, I knew books set in the Regency, or the Victorian era, or in Scotland were appealing to readers…making them attractive to agents and editors in turn.

           Because ultimately I wanted to sell books. Writing romance novels is definitely a passion, but I also wanted it to be a viable profession, and that meant writing to the market. So it seemed wise, as a new author trying to establish herself in a crowded field, to write stories that allowed the reader to understand from the onset what was expected of the hero and heroine, and what sort of social constraints they were working with.            

            I’ve been blessed that my Once Upon A Scandal series has found a home with Entangled. The stories may be set in England, but they highlight a diverse cast of characters who overcome obstacles set by society’s social protocols. The first book featured a biracial duke from the Caribbean, and my new release, TO RESIST A SCANDALOUS ROGUE, stars a Jewish heroine from a working class background who wins the heart of a viscount standing for Parliament. I researched at great length the political process of the era and also the realities my heroine, Charlotte, faced as a Jewish woman in Regency England. Thanks to a dedicated editor and the insight provided by sensitivity readers, I’m hopeful I portrayed Charlotte and her experience respectfully.

           My new work-in-progress series is not set in London or even on the Continent, but in the mountains of South Asia. The departure from the known to the unknown has involved fascinating research that has rejuvenated my creative spirits and has made me fall in love with these new characters and their stories. I hope that readers who have enjoyed my Regencies will trust me to take them somewhere new and different. For the adventures I have in store will take readers to new heights, quite literally.             

            And one day, I will write that series set in Spain…or perhaps I’ll set it in the Caribbean or the Mexican occupied Southwest. The opportunities are endless, and I look forward to exploring them.

            For historical romances set in Spanish-speaking settings, check out the Sugar Sun series by Jennifer Hallock. The trilogy takes place in the Philippines during the Philippine-American War of the early 1900s. Also, Lydia San Andres’ Arroyo Blanco and Ciudad Real series are set on a fictional island in the Spanish Caribbean, but share similar customs to those found in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

Readers, do you enjoy historical romances that take you out of London to more exotic locales? 

Do you enjoy stepping out of the Regency comfort zone with cross-class romances, interfaith couples, and diverse characters? 

Have you read Liana De la Rosa's books yet?

One person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, July 5 will receive a signed, print copy of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue. (U.S. only)

For more information about Liana De la Rosa and her books, visit her website or connect with her online at Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.