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 & Giveaway - - Ana Maria and the Fox

Ana María and the Fox

Liana De la Rosa

The Luna Sisters - Book 1

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.
 
Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna family. So when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge from the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox.
 
Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now, as a member of Parliament, Gideon is on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all—a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana María is a distraction he must ignore.
 
But when Ana María finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection . . . but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?

PJ's Thoughts:

I was young (14) when I was first introduced to Mexico City. As an exchange student I lived with a Mexican family, was immersed into their daily lives and welcomed into their family with open arms. I developed a deep appreciation and respect for Mexico's rich culture, complex history, and wonderful people. Even though this book is set in England, critical parts of Mexico's history, as well as the rich cultural heritage of her people are brought to life. I could not be more delighted.

I loved the Luna sisters. What a breath of fresh air they are in the vast landscape of historical romance. I enjoyed the evolving relationship among them once they were removed from the power-hungry father who had pitted them against one another their entire lives. It was fun to watch each young woman begin to grow, out from under his control, while also begin to forge a new dynamic among the three of them. There are layers to these characters that I enjoyed exploring in this book and will continue to enjoy as the series unfolds.

While they are beautiful, wealthy, and educated, the sisters are also foreign women of color. They are "different." I'm glad that De la Rosa did not shy away from this aspect of their journey within London society, showing the fascination on the part of London's society but also the bias and disdain. I especially appreciate how she allows Ana María to find her place there without compromising her cultural identity. 

The romance between Gideon and Ana María is a slow, simmering, push and pull burn that reeled me in and kept me hooked. I loved these two together. They have similar values, respect one another, and would make an ideal match. There are, however, significant obstacles to overcome, not least of which are the impact a foreign wife would have on Gideon's political career (in particular, his need for political allies in his quest to pass an anti-slavery law), the fiancé in Mexico, chosen for Ana María by her father, and Ana María's deep love for her homeland. I appreciated the fact that the author gave them no easy answers. Watching them work together to find their happiness made it all the more satisfying. 

This one has my enthusiastic recommendation. I'm already invested in the other two Luna sisters, their potential heroes, and looking forward to new adventures in their books. 

Do you enjoy exploring new cultures in the romances you read?

Have you read anything by Liana De la Rosa yet?

Is there a particular culture you haven't read about yet in romance but would like to? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 7, 2023 will receive a print copy of Ana María and the Fox.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18