Reviews

Isabel and The Rogue by Liana De la Rosa

jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Liana De la Rosa stuns again in Isabel and the Rogue! I was hooked before I even started the book because of Isabel. Isabel is the bookish heroine of my dreams. She's on a top secret mission for Mexico to ensure the safety of the Mexican government and her family during the French Occupation. She hasn't made much progress since the end of AMATF, but Captain Sirius Dawson flips that on his head when he finds Isabel sneaking around in another man's study again. 

Isabel and Sirius really did something to my fragile little heart. There's plenty of spy antics and not-so-harrowing escapes, but the soft moments between Isabel and Sirius are the star of the show in my opinion. I'm a sucker for a reformed rake and Sirius is definitely one of my favorites of all time. He's just so swoony. 

It's literally impossible not to root for Isabel. I walked away from this with a much deeper appreciation for sisterhood. Isabel and her sisters are the most realistic siblings I've read in a while. I'm begging everyone to pick up this series of interconnected historical romances! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

mpurr's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

So far my favorite romance book of the year. I really enjoyed this book. 
The characters are lovable and plot is interesting. I love the idea of covert affairs and to see it set in this time, with these characters was amazing. 
Isabel is shy, smart and maybe even hesitant to change. She has you rooting for her to be successful in all her different ventures 

Thank you NetGalley for the read! 

annathebanana's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

viewsvibesbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

5.0

bookishmillennial's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
 disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial

This was yet another beautiful historical romance by Liana De La Rosa, this time focusing on our bookish, wallflower Isabel. She is hoping to find out any British intel that will help aid Mexico during the French Occupation, and eventually has plans to return home to Mexico. That is, until her world is turned on its axis by covert British agent, Captain Sirius Dawson. They meet their match when they stumble upon one another's hidden agendas!

I swooned with each moment between Isabel and Sirius, and thought the romance was *chef's kiss*. Their tension built slowly but surely, with Isabel's exploration of what could bring her happiness and peace. I rooted for Isabel so hard! Though I adored the romance, the ways in which De La Rosa weaved in the historical elements was seamless. De La Rosa provides such intriguing commentaries using the historical background, and I felt fully immersed in the setting and how it only added to Isabel's journey.

I love this series of interconnected romances, and am so grateful to read Liana De La Rosa's work!

steam rating
: 3 out of 5 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kimberlyyyreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review!

As Mexican Middle child bookworm, this book was so exposing (in the best way) . Isabel was a character that I deeply saw myself in and could relate to. This is the kind of representation that I adore and appreciate.

Isabel is an absolute favorite character of mine, seeing her flourish and find love that was reassuring for her made me so emotional because she truly deserves the best.

Liana De La Rosa did such an amazing job in writing Isabel's story, she truly didn't disappoint.

I love how Isabel didn't cave into the ton's judgment. She is such a badass on her own, and I am glad that this book showcased her talents. She is more than a Wallflower!!!

Sirius is literally perfect for Isabel, he sees her for who she is and allows her to shine. Seeing him go from a Rake to a star struck obsessed partner to Isabel was so fulfilling. Seeing his passion and love for Isabel made me sooooo feral.

I think it's important to acknowledge that a huge part of the book is the historical aspect, so the romance isn't the only main feature that is showcased in this book. I enjoyed the historical richness of this book!

Political intrigue is another one of the main factors in this book, which I believe everyone should be aware of!

When I catch Lady Needham I will literally FIGHT her... (You guys will understand soon enough)

I loved the ending too, I cannot share exactly what happened due to spoilers but guys I am afraid that it devoured!

I am excited to see what Liana de la Rosa has next in store for Gabby!!

kateuzbooks's review

Go to review page

5.0

Thank you NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this! This is my first time reading from  the author Liana De la Rosa and reading this book has really encouraged me to read more from her. I loved the history from the time the book takes place in, the world felt a lot more accessible to read about than some other books I’ve read that are also set in the same periods. The tension and the pining between Isabel and Sirius was immaculate!

booknerderika's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I love this series and this book made me so happy!! Out of all the Luna sisters, I feel that I can relate the most to Isabel. Not only because I'm also the middle sister but because I'm also the darkest of my sisters and the bookish one who hates social settings. I loved every moment of this story and that ending had me kicking my feet with glee. I can't wait for this book to be released so I can get a physical copy to read again. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

zie's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The second installment of this series and by far this is my favorite one. Isabel is a young woman after my own heart. 

A story of romance with a sprinkling of political intrigue set in London during the Victorian era. Isabel is the middle daughter/sister. She is for all intents and purposes a wallflower. And she uses it as a weapon to help her beloved home in Mexico. 

This novel is incredibly swoon-worthy. Isabel and Captain Dawson. Phew! No spoilers, but there's a scene where they're hiding under a table... Yeah. 

Can't wait for the next book! 

Rating: 4/5


* ARC courtesy of NetGalley *

missclaudiaar's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.5

"Why do you call me sunshine?"
"Because everything seems brighter when you're there."


I loved this book so much! I loved getting into Isabel's head. I liked her enough in Ana Maria's book, but getting to see her true self shine and see everyone adore and appreciate her for who she is was so satisfying to read. As with Ana Maria and the Fox, there are wonderful quotes/conversations surrounding the ethics of colonialism and race; specifically colorism, which is something I feel like we don't talk enough about and it's just wonderful to see these conversations shine in a historical fiction novel. Super important and I definitely did a lot of highlighting and note-taking during those scenes.

Sirius Dawson, the man that you are. I thought Gideon Fox was swoonworthy but Sirius may have him beat (then again our duke hasn't had his chance to shine so he may beat them all, who knows). Getting to read him getting to know Isabel and see her for who she truly is was such a delight and when this man fell, boy did he fall hard. They're truly so matched and I adored them.

The ending was not what I expected to happen but it is so fitting for Isabel and I was really happy and satisfied with how their story ended. I can't wait to read Gabby's book, even though it'll be heartbreaking to end this wonderful series with the Luna sisters. At the end of the day, it's their sisterhood that is most important and still shines through in this second book. Gabriela and Isabel's relationship especially was so lovely and heartwarming to read, and I just adore these three women so much. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for graciously gifting me with an e-arc! Super grateful I saw the giveaway post on the author's instagram at the right time!