E-galley Review: Isabel and the Rogue (The Luna Sisters #2) by Liana De la Rosa

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa
Series: The Luna Sisters #2
Published by Berkley on June 4, 2024
Genres: Adult Historical Romance
Pages: 352
Source: the publisher
Format: E-galley
My Rating:
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Blurb:

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…

My Review:

I bought the first book as one of my Book of the Month Club picks last year. I had actually started it last month, but didn’t get it finished in time to start this book, but I wanted to go ahead and get this one done since it was an e-galley. I was enjoying the first one, but I think maybe this one caught me quicker because maybe Isabel and her bookish invisible personality remind me of myself.

This was a pretty quick read for me, although I will admit to kind of skimming through the steamy scenes, as one of the words used always makes me cringe a bit even if maybe it is historically appropriate? It starts with c then unn then y. I liked the opposites attract type of story this was. At least the fact that Sirius was a rogue, and Isa a wallflower. Even if his reputation wasn’t completely deserved.

Both of them were really perfect for each other with their love of reading as well as natural need to help those around them. They both were stubborn and I always like that type of relationship as well. Another thing I loved about the story was all the different historical stuff. I loved not only the Mexican war aspect that Isa’s family was dealing with, but also the talk of suffragettes, the hot air balloons, the French and British issues, etc. I feel like the Mexican things are something not often touched upon and I like seeing more of that and learning more. I especially liked how the author talked about the facts to go with those things in a little extra at the end of the book.

I hope to go back and finish reading the first one when I get time, as well as reading about the third sister, Gabby, when her book comes out!