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The Luna Sisters #1
Ana María and the Fox
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 familia. So, when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge during 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's 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?
Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna familia. So, when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge during 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's 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?
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2023
396 people are currently reading
25885 people want to read
About the author
Liana De la Rosa
14 books858 followersLiana De la Rosa wrangles her children by day, and writes USA Today Bestselling romance by night. For details on her current project, visit her at lianadelarosa.com or find her on social media under @LianainBloom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,543 reviews
November 8, 2023
The potential was there. The execution, however, was not.
I had high hopes for this, given it follows a marriage of convenience, historical fiction, and Mexican representation. Parts of the tropes were one of the best parts about this.
Ana María follows traditional roles of not only a woman, but as the eldest sister, and part of this goes into the representation of a Mexican family with women in it. This was incredibly authentic and real, especially during that time. We really see how much Ana María struggles internally and outerly, with decisions she has to make for her sake and her sisters, as well as how much pressure she has. I appreciated how the author kept this part of the story as real as she did because of how common it was, but also how historically accurate it felt. From Ana María’s inner monologue, to how she was treated, to her defenses of her sisters and family. Ana María also has some character development going on throughout the whole book, where she fights her inner conflicts, which allows the reader to see how much she struggles. Her parts of inner struggles felt real. She stands up for herself and her family in many ways, especially when facing racism, classism, and general discrimination, which shows a stronger side of her character. I also thought Ana María was generally a strong character (although not always) with how she wouldn’t let herself be shaken down every time. No matter how embarrassing a situation felt, she didn’t let that stop her from presenting herself as a valuable person.
Admittedly, Ana María’s sisters were more interesting and appealing to me. Her sisters, Isabel and Gabby, have very distinct personalities. While Ana María is the eldest daughter/sister, Isabel is the the more reserved, quiet, and shy book-lover, whereas Gabby is the one who doesn’t hold back, much more blunt, and straight forward. I loved all their different personalities and how they acted with everyone. I’m looking forward to reading their stories when they come out.
However, there isn’t much else I can say about this story that I liked.
I believe this story is loosely and falsely marketed. We’re set to believe it has a marriage of convenience, yet that didn’t happen until 69% of the story. The blurb literally says “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...” Before that, the two main characters, Ana María and Gideon, spend most of their time talking, spending time with their family/friends, or thinking about each other. The marriage then felt rushed and is lacking in almost every department necessary for me to root for a relationship. If you’re going to market your story as a marriage of convenience, at least follow through with it. How is it a marriage of convenience but it does not happen in the beginning and instead more than halfway through? Because of this, it feels forced. There is also hardly any room for development after that. Some may say that Gideon and Ana María had chemistry, but with how conflicting their feelings were presented for most of the time, especially in their inner monologue, it was difficult to see where the relationship would lead to.
The marriage of convenience hardly feels useful and relevant when the main conflict happens towards the end. Throughout the story, as the two characters get to know each other, both have contradicting thoughts, leading to some push and pull. Ana María is a strong character when it comes to her family, but when it came to Gideon, she was much weaker, emotionally and mentally. She would tell herself she didn’t care about him, yet shortly after would think about how much it devastated her that Gideon “dismissed” her. On the other hand, Gideon is supposed to come off as an “aloof, broody, and stoic” male character (the usual), yet his broody attitude was hardly a problem with the people around him, he didn’t stand up for Ana María on certain times, and became quickly weak when it came to his business, investments, and political structures surrounding him.
I’d also like to mention that the sudden POV change on chapter 19 was completely unnecessary. This is the story of Ana María and Gideon, yet we get Isabel’s POV, where we are hinted towards a possible relationship between her and Captain Dawson. While this can be considered helpful in terms of knowing what the future book may hold, it would have been much better if we saw this happening through the eyes of Ana María and/or Gideon. I’m sorry to say it, but sudden and unexpected POV changes ruin a story and provide nothing helpful. It is better to see that course of action through the eyes of our main characters instead of completely switching voices.
I am positive that many people will enjoy this story. The fact that it is a historical fiction with Mexican representation and even has some historical knowledge is already a step forward in the romance genre as a whole. There will be a lot to appreciate, but unfortunately, the majority of it fell flat for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had high hopes for this, given it follows a marriage of convenience, historical fiction, and Mexican representation. Parts of the tropes were one of the best parts about this.
Ana María follows traditional roles of not only a woman, but as the eldest sister, and part of this goes into the representation of a Mexican family with women in it. This was incredibly authentic and real, especially during that time. We really see how much Ana María struggles internally and outerly, with decisions she has to make for her sake and her sisters, as well as how much pressure she has. I appreciated how the author kept this part of the story as real as she did because of how common it was, but also how historically accurate it felt. From Ana María’s inner monologue, to how she was treated, to her defenses of her sisters and family. Ana María also has some character development going on throughout the whole book, where she fights her inner conflicts, which allows the reader to see how much she struggles. Her parts of inner struggles felt real. She stands up for herself and her family in many ways, especially when facing racism, classism, and general discrimination, which shows a stronger side of her character. I also thought Ana María was generally a strong character (although not always) with how she wouldn’t let herself be shaken down every time. No matter how embarrassing a situation felt, she didn’t let that stop her from presenting herself as a valuable person.
Admittedly, Ana María’s sisters were more interesting and appealing to me. Her sisters, Isabel and Gabby, have very distinct personalities. While Ana María is the eldest daughter/sister, Isabel is the the more reserved, quiet, and shy book-lover, whereas Gabby is the one who doesn’t hold back, much more blunt, and straight forward. I loved all their different personalities and how they acted with everyone. I’m looking forward to reading their stories when they come out.
However, there isn’t much else I can say about this story that I liked.
I believe this story is loosely and falsely marketed. We’re set to believe it has a marriage of convenience, yet that didn’t happen until 69% of the story. The blurb literally says “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...” Before that, the two main characters, Ana María and Gideon, spend most of their time talking, spending time with their family/friends, or thinking about each other. The marriage then felt rushed and is lacking in almost every department necessary for me to root for a relationship. If you’re going to market your story as a marriage of convenience, at least follow through with it. How is it a marriage of convenience but it does not happen in the beginning and instead more than halfway through? Because of this, it feels forced. There is also hardly any room for development after that. Some may say that Gideon and Ana María had chemistry, but with how conflicting their feelings were presented for most of the time, especially in their inner monologue, it was difficult to see where the relationship would lead to.
The marriage of convenience hardly feels useful and relevant when the main conflict happens towards the end. Throughout the story, as the two characters get to know each other, both have contradicting thoughts, leading to some push and pull. Ana María is a strong character when it comes to her family, but when it came to Gideon, she was much weaker, emotionally and mentally. She would tell herself she didn’t care about him, yet shortly after would think about how much it devastated her that Gideon “dismissed” her. On the other hand, Gideon is supposed to come off as an “aloof, broody, and stoic” male character (the usual), yet his broody attitude was hardly a problem with the people around him, he didn’t stand up for Ana María on certain times, and became quickly weak when it came to his business, investments, and political structures surrounding him.
I’d also like to mention that the sudden POV change on chapter 19 was completely unnecessary. This is the story of Ana María and Gideon, yet we get Isabel’s POV, where we are hinted towards a possible relationship between her and Captain Dawson. While this can be considered helpful in terms of knowing what the future book may hold, it would have been much better if we saw this happening through the eyes of Ana María and/or Gideon. I’m sorry to say it, but sudden and unexpected POV changes ruin a story and provide nothing helpful. It is better to see that course of action through the eyes of our main characters instead of completely switching voices.
I am positive that many people will enjoy this story. The fact that it is a historical fiction with Mexican representation and even has some historical knowledge is already a step forward in the romance genre as a whole. There will be a lot to appreciate, but unfortunately, the majority of it fell flat for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2024
He’s a ten but he wants to abolish slavery more than he wants to date you which actually makes him a fifteen
February 19, 2024
✨My Wife 😤✨
If you want a book with big MY WIFE energy, this is definitely a book you should pick up. Personally, I was even more fond of the my DARLING wife energy 😇. Once the romance took off, I was obsessed with their dynamic as a married couple.
Ana María is the eldest of three sisters and has always give herself to the betterment of others, as well as her father’s political ambitions. Hence, the “let me take care of you” in their marriage was SO important and hot. It’s a micro trope that I ADORE. I only wish that the romance hadn’t have taken such a back seat to the plot until like 70%.
✨
**Potential Spoilers Below**
My main point of confusion with the book was the pacing and scope of certain events. The characters and history were so vivid and lush, but the way in which scenes were delivered sometimes overshadowed them.
I do think this book suffered just a bit by being the first in a series and had a lot of situations to set up for future books. I can’t wait to see how Gabby and Isabel’s romances play out. The situations for them (as presented in this book) are more enemies to lovers, seeming to track from general disgust (but obvious attraction) to love.
This one was instant, yet forbidden, attraction because of an engagement and possible attachment to scandal—two tropes I’m just not that fond of. Gideon couldn’t be with Ana María because she would bring scandal to his political ambitions. Ana María couldn’t be with Gideon because she had an prior arranged engagement. I’m fine with instant attraction, but the delayed gratification of it didn’t quite make sense and felt a bit too delayed.
✨
The relationship seemed to really start once the two got married around 70%. They barely spent any time together until they were married, and that was interrupted by the third act happenstance.
I get why the end happened the way it did, and that it needed to occur after the marriage so he could have his desperate “my wife” pleas (hot), but I wish this particular event would’ve happened earlier when the first attempt was made. This just derailed the romance once more. I also expected her father to play a bigger role in the ending—I’m both happy and confused by how that was all relegated to the epilogue lol.
✨
Also from what I heard, I’d expected this to be not only a quicker burn, but also a hotter one. This is my fault for assuming, but I was ready for SCORCHING chemistry. I was definitely sad to learn that she already had a fiancé because that kinda wrecked the lust train I wanted to ride. Their first kiss was pretty lackluster and I accidentally passed right on over the sentence that initiated it.
The sex was very good, but brief and vague or closed door at some other moments. I highlighted a lot of scenes and conversations between the two in the latter half of the book, and wish we’d gotten more of their sexual tension and seduction from the first half.
**End of Spoilers**
✨
Overall, historical romance as a genre has been incredibly white-washed, so I was fascinated by Ana María and the Fox from the first. De la Rosa’s research (talked about in the author’s note) was new information to me and the way she wove Mexican history into the book was captivating and incredibly well written. A lot of the book focuses on the three Luna sisters adjusting to life in England, as well as Gideon’s efforts to continue to dismantle the slave trade via legislation. So while the romance did at times feel like a side plot, I was eager to read the book for the rich history and beautiful writing, and was never bored.
I can’t wait for the next books in the series! I liked this one, but I think the overall setups (enemies) of books two and three will hit a bit different. I’m excited to see how Isabel and Gabby flourish without the shadow of their father and/or if it becomes a greater issue. The sibling relationship was lovely and I can’t wait to explore that even more, as the sisters were just learning how to be friends rather than adversaries.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️*/5
*I think there were a solid 1.5-2 sex scenes. All happened after 70% and were all pretty quick. We got some more fade to black moments and summed up bits. I wish he would’ve leaned further into the praise kink bc that was Hot. (No good girl here because that wouldn’t have made sense for the characters, but there was definite praise!!)
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
If you want a book with big MY WIFE energy, this is definitely a book you should pick up. Personally, I was even more fond of the my DARLING wife energy 😇. Once the romance took off, I was obsessed with their dynamic as a married couple.
Exhibit A: “I’m going to take care of your needs, darling. Do you want that?”
Exhibit B: “Whatever gave you the idea that I’d be a gentleman in the bedroom?”
Ana María is the eldest of three sisters and has always give herself to the betterment of others, as well as her father’s political ambitions. Hence, the “let me take care of you” in their marriage was SO important and hot. It’s a micro trope that I ADORE. I only wish that the romance hadn’t have taken such a back seat to the plot until like 70%.
✨
**Potential Spoilers Below**
My main point of confusion with the book was the pacing and scope of certain events. The characters and history were so vivid and lush, but the way in which scenes were delivered sometimes overshadowed them.
I do think this book suffered just a bit by being the first in a series and had a lot of situations to set up for future books. I can’t wait to see how Gabby and Isabel’s romances play out. The situations for them (as presented in this book) are more enemies to lovers, seeming to track from general disgust (but obvious attraction) to love.
This one was instant, yet forbidden, attraction because of an engagement and possible attachment to scandal—two tropes I’m just not that fond of. Gideon couldn’t be with Ana María because she would bring scandal to his political ambitions. Ana María couldn’t be with Gideon because she had an prior arranged engagement. I’m fine with instant attraction, but the delayed gratification of it didn’t quite make sense and felt a bit too delayed.
✨
The relationship seemed to really start once the two got married around 70%. They barely spent any time together until they were married, and that was interrupted by the third act happenstance.
I get why the end happened the way it did, and that it needed to occur after the marriage so he could have his desperate “my wife” pleas (hot), but I wish this particular event would’ve happened earlier when the first attempt was made. This just derailed the romance once more. I also expected her father to play a bigger role in the ending—I’m both happy and confused by how that was all relegated to the epilogue lol.
✨
Also from what I heard, I’d expected this to be not only a quicker burn, but also a hotter one. This is my fault for assuming, but I was ready for SCORCHING chemistry. I was definitely sad to learn that she already had a fiancé because that kinda wrecked the lust train I wanted to ride. Their first kiss was pretty lackluster and I accidentally passed right on over the sentence that initiated it.
The sex was very good, but brief and vague or closed door at some other moments. I highlighted a lot of scenes and conversations between the two in the latter half of the book, and wish we’d gotten more of their sexual tension and seduction from the first half.
**End of Spoilers**
✨
Overall, historical romance as a genre has been incredibly white-washed, so I was fascinated by Ana María and the Fox from the first. De la Rosa’s research (talked about in the author’s note) was new information to me and the way she wove Mexican history into the book was captivating and incredibly well written. A lot of the book focuses on the three Luna sisters adjusting to life in England, as well as Gideon’s efforts to continue to dismantle the slave trade via legislation. So while the romance did at times feel like a side plot, I was eager to read the book for the rich history and beautiful writing, and was never bored.
I can’t wait for the next books in the series! I liked this one, but I think the overall setups (enemies) of books two and three will hit a bit different. I’m excited to see how Isabel and Gabby flourish without the shadow of their father and/or if it becomes a greater issue. The sibling relationship was lovely and I can’t wait to explore that even more, as the sisters were just learning how to be friends rather than adversaries.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️*/5
*I think there were a solid 1.5-2 sex scenes. All happened after 70% and were all pretty quick. We got some more fade to black moments and summed up bits. I wish he would’ve leaned further into the praise kink bc that was Hot. (No good girl here because that wouldn’t have made sense for the characters, but there was definite praise!!)
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
September 27, 2023
2 stars
I'm not doing a typical review for this book I am just going to list pros and cons
Pros:
-Interesting historical facts about Mexican immigrants to England during the war, France invading Mexico, etc...
-Positive depictions of Hispanic characters
-Truly beautiful/stunning/gorgeous book cover
Cons:
-Literally zero plot until about 60-70% of the way into the book
-Lackluster romance with profoundly unsexy spicy parts
-Little to no character development, they were all just oddly fully formed and not much growth happened
-Rushed ending
I wanted to like this one more than I did, I *might* be willing to read a book about one of the other sisters but I am not sure at this point.
I'm not doing a typical review for this book I am just going to list pros and cons
Pros:
-Interesting historical facts about Mexican immigrants to England during the war, France invading Mexico, etc...
-Positive depictions of Hispanic characters
-Truly beautiful/stunning/gorgeous book cover
Cons:
-Literally zero plot until about 60-70% of the way into the book
-Lackluster romance with profoundly unsexy spicy parts
-Little to no character development, they were all just oddly fully formed and not much growth happened
-Rushed ending
I wanted to like this one more than I did, I *might* be willing to read a book about one of the other sisters but I am not sure at this point.
April 5, 2023
❤︎ If you want to read a slow-burn historical romance, read this one asap.
I'm a huge Liana De la Rosa fan and when I first saw she was going to publish a new book, I was so excited for her. Especially when I read the synopsis and the plot already intrigued me so much. It's the story of a Mexican heiress who escapes to London with her two sisters during the French occupation in Mexico. There, she can finally get to be free and not follow all these rules her father has been giving her since she was a child. Even though she knows at one point she must return (and even marry the guy her father picked for her), she wants to enjoy London in her own way and finally have a relationship with her sisters.
But she never expected to meet the dashing Mr. Gideon Fox. The sparks FLY, THEY FLY, as soon as they meet. You can see clearly that they are perfect together, but there's the thing that she has a fiancé back home and also he is currently securing votes to abolish the slave trade, especially in South America, so getting distracted by the new heiresses appearing in town is definitely not the way to do it. But he cannot deny the fact that Ana Maria is the girl for him and throughout the whole story you'll see him PINING AND YEARNING AFTER HER. Every time she comes into the room and LAUGHS... he can't help but search her out. He knows her laugh and he knows what he'll see if he turns. There's so much yearning, my friends. IT'S UNREAL!!!
࿐*⁀➷ I loved everything about this book! I hope everyone gets to read it soon. It is a slow burn, so if you're not comfortable with that, don't read it. Their first kiss happens in 200 pages, so it takes a whiiiiile. For me, I love it so much, but I know that people will think differently. So, please keep that in mind if you do start reading it.
I'm a huge Liana De la Rosa fan and when I first saw she was going to publish a new book, I was so excited for her. Especially when I read the synopsis and the plot already intrigued me so much. It's the story of a Mexican heiress who escapes to London with her two sisters during the French occupation in Mexico. There, she can finally get to be free and not follow all these rules her father has been giving her since she was a child. Even though she knows at one point she must return (and even marry the guy her father picked for her), she wants to enjoy London in her own way and finally have a relationship with her sisters.
But she never expected to meet the dashing Mr. Gideon Fox. The sparks FLY, THEY FLY, as soon as they meet. You can see clearly that they are perfect together, but there's the thing that she has a fiancé back home and also he is currently securing votes to abolish the slave trade, especially in South America, so getting distracted by the new heiresses appearing in town is definitely not the way to do it. But he cannot deny the fact that Ana Maria is the girl for him and throughout the whole story you'll see him PINING AND YEARNING AFTER HER. Every time she comes into the room and LAUGHS... he can't help but search her out. He knows her laugh and he knows what he'll see if he turns. There's so much yearning, my friends. IT'S UNREAL!!!
࿐*⁀➷ I loved everything about this book! I hope everyone gets to read it soon. It is a slow burn, so if you're not comfortable with that, don't read it. Their first kiss happens in 200 pages, so it takes a whiiiiile. For me, I love it so much, but I know that people will think differently. So, please keep that in mind if you do start reading it.
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April 13, 2023What an absolutely amazing cover. Glorious.
Romance about a Mexican heiress exiled to London, falling in love with a British politician in the mid Victorian. Excellent premise and very much my jam, but I just didn't click with the writing style, and thus couldn't settle to it. A clear case of 'it's not you it's me' as many people will roll around in it with glee. Hey ho, horses for courses.
Romance about a Mexican heiress exiled to London, falling in love with a British politician in the mid Victorian. Excellent premise and very much my jam, but I just didn't click with the writing style, and thus couldn't settle to it. A clear case of 'it's not you it's me' as many people will roll around in it with glee. Hey ho, horses for courses.
May 24, 2023
Ana Maria is one of the daughters of a powerful political family. She and her sisters are secretly sent to London during the French occupation of Mexico where she meets Gideon Fox, a mixed race member of Parliament determined to outlaw all that allows Britain to continue to profit off the slave trade.
This is a very slow burn romance which can be hit and miss for me and in this case it was a miss because we didn't always have enough one on one interaction between Gideon and Ana Maria for me to find their chemistry believable. There was so much talk of tension and pining but I didn't actually feel any sparks between them until their wedding night which was much later in the book that the synopsis implied. For a book marketed off the marriage of convivence it didn't happen until well after the halfway mark.
While I appreciated that Ana Maria was very outspoken about racism, slavery and women's rights I didn't like her approach. It was very in your face. Shortly after we meet her she's at a ball lecturing someone about it in a way that felt a little unrealistic and took me out of the scene. Every time this book handled issues it was just so over the top. A scene that comes to mind is how shocked and appalled Ana Maria and her sisters were when some woman suggested she whiten her skin. It was almost comical how that scene was played out.
To be quite honest I was bored until the conflict start picking up after the 70% mark. I spent most of the book wading through the repetitive dialogue and fact dropping while trying to connect with these characters. It had all the elements to make a good story but that got lost and it ended up feeling like yet another beautiful gowns regency romance.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
This is a very slow burn romance which can be hit and miss for me and in this case it was a miss because we didn't always have enough one on one interaction between Gideon and Ana Maria for me to find their chemistry believable. There was so much talk of tension and pining but I didn't actually feel any sparks between them until their wedding night which was much later in the book that the synopsis implied. For a book marketed off the marriage of convivence it didn't happen until well after the halfway mark.
While I appreciated that Ana Maria was very outspoken about racism, slavery and women's rights I didn't like her approach. It was very in your face. Shortly after we meet her she's at a ball lecturing someone about it in a way that felt a little unrealistic and took me out of the scene. Every time this book handled issues it was just so over the top. A scene that comes to mind is how shocked and appalled Ana Maria and her sisters were when some woman suggested she whiten her skin. It was almost comical how that scene was played out.
To be quite honest I was bored until the conflict start picking up after the 70% mark. I spent most of the book wading through the repetitive dialogue and fact dropping while trying to connect with these characters. It had all the elements to make a good story but that got lost and it ended up feeling like yet another beautiful gowns regency romance.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
July 20, 2025
rating: 3.25✨
loveeee the concept, but the execution did not deliver for me.
i will try the next book in the series tho to see if i like it more.
loveeee the concept, but the execution did not deliver for me.
i will try the next book in the series tho to see if i like it more.
March 22, 2024
EDIT: Enjoyed a second read ever more than the first
If you are looking for a grump/sunshine marriage of convenience historical romance, THEN THIS IS YOUR BOOK.
Formulating all my thoughts. I'll have a full review up soon.
If you are looking for a grump/sunshine marriage of convenience historical romance, THEN THIS IS YOUR BOOK.
Formulating all my thoughts. I'll have a full review up soon.
April 7, 2023
We are loving the new trend of more multicultural historical romances, and Ana Maria and the Fox is a great new addition. Ana Maria and her sisters are Mexican heiresses with connections to the democractically-elected government. When the French invaded, they were sent to England to lie low until they can return to Mexico. But their uncle, who also happens to be the Mexican ambassador, has other ideas: why not use his beautiful, lady-like nieces to garner support for the Mexican regime?
This means that Ana Maria begins moving in English Society, where she meets Gideon Fox, idealistic MP. The two share an immediate connection, but neither feels they can act on it. On Ana Maria's side, she's engaged to be married to one of her father's political allies. On Gideon's side, he's devoted to his career and a foreign wife won't be of much help. The references to the Second French Intervention in Mexico brings to light a part of history that is often overlooked (not forgotten, just never mentioned) in historical romances. Gideon's circumstances are also appealing, as he devotes his political energy to the abolition of slavery throughout the empire.
It's a slow burn, but the passion is simmering the whole time. We're looking forward to more in the series!
7-Word Summaries:
Meg: It’s a slow burn, but it burns.
Laine: What happens in London, stays in London.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
This means that Ana Maria begins moving in English Society, where she meets Gideon Fox, idealistic MP. The two share an immediate connection, but neither feels they can act on it. On Ana Maria's side, she's engaged to be married to one of her father's political allies. On Gideon's side, he's devoted to his career and a foreign wife won't be of much help. The references to the Second French Intervention in Mexico brings to light a part of history that is often overlooked (not forgotten, just never mentioned) in historical romances. Gideon's circumstances are also appealing, as he devotes his political energy to the abolition of slavery throughout the empire.
It's a slow burn, but the passion is simmering the whole time. We're looking forward to more in the series!
7-Word Summaries:
Meg: It’s a slow burn, but it burns.
Laine: What happens in London, stays in London.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
April 17, 2023
BOTM pick and I did not enjoy this book in the slightest. I would have definitely stopped if it weren’t for book club. The “love story” went from a small sizzle to a poorly written, over-the-top chapter about sex that I actually laughed through. The writing was bland and repetitive. Read like a YA book. The history piece was hard to follow and somewhat vague. I’ll give 2 stars as the last third did pick up a little bit, but that’s just me being generous. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
Also- can we talk about how the term “little wife” was used multiple times? Barf!
Also- can we talk about how the term “little wife” was used multiple times? Barf!
November 14, 2025
hello hispanic rep in a historical romance!!! this was actually the first one i’ve seen guys where is OUR REP???
that aside, this was pretty damn good! thisssss is a mmc who YEARNS 🙂↕️ he was down bad from the first moment (even though he shouldn’t have been) and mixed with the solid political intrigue and historical events, i really appreciated this book! i can’t wait to read about the sisters!! 💫
that aside, this was pretty damn good! thisssss is a mmc who YEARNS 🙂↕️ he was down bad from the first moment (even though he shouldn’t have been) and mixed with the solid political intrigue and historical events, i really appreciated this book! i can’t wait to read about the sisters!! 💫
October 14, 2023
Really cute book. A very fun way for people to learn about history while have a pinch (handful) of romance and sisterly bonds integrated into it. I really liked reading how these 3 sisters take their lives into their own hands while creating a stronger bond with each other. I want Isa and Gabby’s books as soon as possible.
Happy Hispanic heritage month! 🤍
Happy Hispanic heritage month! 🤍
June 13, 2023
3.5 Stars
This is one of those cases where the synopsis does not actually match the plot of the book. If you read the back of this book you would assume you would be reading a Marriage of Convenience romance....but that's not what this book is. It's less a Historical Romance book and more a Historical Fiction book with some romance.
Ana Maria and the Fox takes place in England during the American Civil War. It's about the Luna sister who are Mexican heiress who had to flee Mexico because Mexico was at war with France. The oldest sister Ana Maria soon becomes fascinated by Gideon Fox a member of Parliament who descends from African American slaves.
The romance was just okay for me but the history in this book kept me hooked. I had no idea that Mexico went to war with France but now I want to know more. I love reading Historical Fiction because it makes me want to do more research on parts of history that don't get much attention.
If you want a Romance, this book might not be for you. But if you want a quick fun Historical Fiction novel with a side of Romance than think about giving this book a try.
This is one of those cases where the synopsis does not actually match the plot of the book. If you read the back of this book you would assume you would be reading a Marriage of Convenience romance....but that's not what this book is. It's less a Historical Romance book and more a Historical Fiction book with some romance.
Ana Maria and the Fox takes place in England during the American Civil War. It's about the Luna sister who are Mexican heiress who had to flee Mexico because Mexico was at war with France. The oldest sister Ana Maria soon becomes fascinated by Gideon Fox a member of Parliament who descends from African American slaves.
The romance was just okay for me but the history in this book kept me hooked. I had no idea that Mexico went to war with France but now I want to know more. I love reading Historical Fiction because it makes me want to do more research on parts of history that don't get much attention.
If you want a Romance, this book might not be for you. But if you want a quick fun Historical Fiction novel with a side of Romance than think about giving this book a try.
March 24, 2024
GIDEON FOX, MAN OF CONVICTION, NO GENTLEMAN IN THE BEDROOM, WITH HIS HOT EYES AND HIS STOIC FACE -- I'D LET HIM READ ME POETRY OR PARLIAMENTARY TRACTS ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
April 15, 2023
I probably should have DNF’d this one
March 27, 2024
I liked it but the end felt rushed. So much build up for all of the plot to happen in the last 30% of the book.
September 28, 2023
This was so lovely and fascinating—a historical romance that captures so many intertwining aspects of a historical moment of time, from the French occupation of Mexico to the trans-Atlantic slave trade (that persisted to South and Latin America even after Britain and the US had abolished it)—all told from the ballrooms and countryside of England. I loved both Gideon and Ana María’s romance and the relationship between the three Luna hermanas; Liana sets up the next books so well here and I’m so looking forward to learning Isabel and Gabby’s stories too.
September 6, 2023
So very good! I loved Ana Maria's and Gideon's story. A very nice slow burn/ marriage of convenience. I also loved the three sisters' relationship. When sisters love and support each other the story can only be made better. The one and only thing I didn't love was a specific plot device I really feel like is over used. I'm just over it. But other wise I enjoyed this one so much and I wouldn't have wanted to miss this story because of that one thing. This was my first Liana De la Rosa book, but it absolutely will not be my last. Happy reading!
June 29, 2023
A very slow-burn historical romance between a Mexican heiress and the grandson of an enslaved woman who is trying to change things in British Parliament. I really liked how much history was woven into this and toward the end became more invested in the story. However, the pacing is extremely slow for most of the book and I wanted more early development of the romance. It made the end feel a bit rushed in terms of the romantic arc. That said, I would read more in the series and I love that we're getting more books like this.
October 7, 2024
This was very good.
However, the actual formal 'romance' is about 70% into the book🤷🏾♀️
Still I quite enjoyed this and look forward to the next installment in this series.
However, the actual formal 'romance' is about 70% into the book🤷🏾♀️
Still I quite enjoyed this and look forward to the next installment in this series.
August 30, 2025
Ana Maria and the Fox has a good concept. Miss De la Rosa managed to have diverse and interesting characters. The thing that putting me off is the banter.
Somehow I found the banter is off. Not interestinf enought to hold my attantion.
3 stars
Somehow I found the banter is off. Not interestinf enought to hold my attantion.
3 stars
April 3, 2023
As soon as I saw the cover of Ana María and the Fox, I knew I needed the book in my life. And I was right – I loved it! It’s such an interesting and swoon-worthy historical romance and a captivating start to a new series by Liana De la Rosa.
Intelligent and vibrant, Ana María is conflicted between the stifling expectations of her family and her own hopes and dreams. She spent so much of her life being the obedient and dutiful daughter that she has never really learned who she is outside of that life. Now in London and not under the thumb of her domineering father, Ana María finally gets the chance to figure out what she wants. She has a great arc, and I loved seeing this vivacious, funny, and strong woman flourish.
Fleeing during the French occupation of Mexico because of family ties to the Mexican government, Ana María and her sisters are newly arrived in London. The sisters have been pitted against each other since childhood, and Ana Maria, Isabel, and Gabriela were not close. However, since fleeing Mexico, their relationship has changed. No longer so fully controlled by their parents, the sisters bond and start to support and rely on each other. I think their time away from their parents has given them independence and the freedom to figure out who they are and what they want in life, and the sisters all want more connection with each other. They’re all great! Each sister is dynamic and interesting, and the sisterhood vibes are strong.
Gabriel is an equally compelling character. Like Ana María, Gideon is treated like an outsider, and they both face racism, colorism, and prejudices as they interact with society’s elite. It seems like neither is fully accepted, and they both know it. However, Gideon doesn’t let these prejudices get in the way of his goals. Hard-working and serious, he’s determined to use his influence in Parliament to create change, especially when it comes to abolishing the Atlantic slave trade. A biracial man whose mother was a former slave, this is a cause that is important to him, and his unwavering and singular dedication is admirable. Also, his fight to abolish the slave trade adds an important layer of historical context to the novel, creating a thought-provoking exploration of the global and societal issues of the time.
I always enjoy reading historical romances, especially when I learn something new about a specific time period, and this story is packed with history. Ana María and the Fox examines issues and events that I don’t often read about in historical romances, and I found it so interesting. The story takes place during the Civil War in the US, but it focuses on the complex relationships between England, Mexico, and France at the time, as well as the struggle to abolish slavery globally. It was so fascinating to see England during the American Civil War and to learn about the similar and different issues they faced during this time.
The slow-building relationship between Gideon and Ana Maria is also fantastic. Their romance has a forbidden feel to it as Ana Maria is betrothed to someone back in Mexico. It was an arranged marriage and not a love match. However, it prevents Ana Maria from embracing her growing feelings for Gideon. Gideon, for his part, is focused on his career, and he doesn’t want to do anything that will get in the way of his goals. I have to say. I loved seeing this buttoned-up, serious and stern man become completely smitten and undone by Ana María. The pair has amazing chemistry, and their slow-building romance is filled with longing and yearning. I love the interesting and intellectual conversations they have as much as their flirty banter and angst-filled interactions.
I would definitely recommend Ana María and the Fox. It’s an immersive read that balances love, politics, and history in a way that’s engaging, thought-provoking, and swoon-worthy. This is the first of the sisters’ stories, and after loving this one, I’m eager to see what’s in store for Isabel and Gabriela in future books in the series. Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Intelligent and vibrant, Ana María is conflicted between the stifling expectations of her family and her own hopes and dreams. She spent so much of her life being the obedient and dutiful daughter that she has never really learned who she is outside of that life. Now in London and not under the thumb of her domineering father, Ana María finally gets the chance to figure out what she wants. She has a great arc, and I loved seeing this vivacious, funny, and strong woman flourish.
Fleeing during the French occupation of Mexico because of family ties to the Mexican government, Ana María and her sisters are newly arrived in London. The sisters have been pitted against each other since childhood, and Ana Maria, Isabel, and Gabriela were not close. However, since fleeing Mexico, their relationship has changed. No longer so fully controlled by their parents, the sisters bond and start to support and rely on each other. I think their time away from their parents has given them independence and the freedom to figure out who they are and what they want in life, and the sisters all want more connection with each other. They’re all great! Each sister is dynamic and interesting, and the sisterhood vibes are strong.
Gabriel is an equally compelling character. Like Ana María, Gideon is treated like an outsider, and they both face racism, colorism, and prejudices as they interact with society’s elite. It seems like neither is fully accepted, and they both know it. However, Gideon doesn’t let these prejudices get in the way of his goals. Hard-working and serious, he’s determined to use his influence in Parliament to create change, especially when it comes to abolishing the Atlantic slave trade. A biracial man whose mother was a former slave, this is a cause that is important to him, and his unwavering and singular dedication is admirable. Also, his fight to abolish the slave trade adds an important layer of historical context to the novel, creating a thought-provoking exploration of the global and societal issues of the time.
I always enjoy reading historical romances, especially when I learn something new about a specific time period, and this story is packed with history. Ana María and the Fox examines issues and events that I don’t often read about in historical romances, and I found it so interesting. The story takes place during the Civil War in the US, but it focuses on the complex relationships between England, Mexico, and France at the time, as well as the struggle to abolish slavery globally. It was so fascinating to see England during the American Civil War and to learn about the similar and different issues they faced during this time.
The slow-building relationship between Gideon and Ana Maria is also fantastic. Their romance has a forbidden feel to it as Ana Maria is betrothed to someone back in Mexico. It was an arranged marriage and not a love match. However, it prevents Ana Maria from embracing her growing feelings for Gideon. Gideon, for his part, is focused on his career, and he doesn’t want to do anything that will get in the way of his goals. I have to say. I loved seeing this buttoned-up, serious and stern man become completely smitten and undone by Ana María. The pair has amazing chemistry, and their slow-building romance is filled with longing and yearning. I love the interesting and intellectual conversations they have as much as their flirty banter and angst-filled interactions.
I would definitely recommend Ana María and the Fox. It’s an immersive read that balances love, politics, and history in a way that’s engaging, thought-provoking, and swoon-worthy. This is the first of the sisters’ stories, and after loving this one, I’m eager to see what’s in store for Isabel and Gabriela in future books in the series. Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
February 23, 2023
Ana María Luna Valdés and her two sisters have been secretly sent to London to seek refuge during the French occupation of Mexico. Experiencing their first taste of freedom, the sisters are tasked with entering society and shining a sympathetic light on Mexico's plight. Member of Parliament Gideon Fox is also trying to curry societal and political favor, attempting to secure the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all. Ana María and Gideon share an attraction, but neither are free to act on their feelings.
This is the first book in the Luna Sisters series. In July of 1863, the trio of Mexican heiresses are shipped to London after French-led forces seized Mexico City as part of the Second French intervention in Mexico. Their father is an important advisor to the Mexican president and their mother believes they would be safer on English soil (...not necessarily so). Their uncle, a Mexican ambassador to England, hides their true connections and arranges for the sisters to be chaperoned by a well-respected member of society.
Despite having a fiancé - hand picked by her father - back home, Ana María can't help but be attracted by Gideon Fox. The rising MP has his own political storyline, flighting for a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. When Ana María finds herself threatened by a villainous nobleman, Gideon has to decide what's more important: his heart or his votes.
I enjoyed this book, but it does suffer from being the first in a series and trying to do too much. The historical setting and political landscape get a lot of attention, and Ana María's sisters are also highlighted to set up for future books. Because of this, the book feels like it slants more towards historical fiction and the romance sometimes feels secondary. Ana María and Gideon's relationship doesn't really pick up and run until about the 65% mark. But, if you can stick with it, there's a lot to like about this story.
The Luna sisters have been isolated and controlled in Mexico, completely under their father's thumb. The trio are not close at the start of the story, but their sibling relationship develops and grows. They start to stand up for one another, like when their chaperone suggests sister Isobel needs to lighten her complexion or after a situation arises at a house party. I also liked how Ana María wanted to expand her mind, and how Gideon grew to appreciate Ana María's opinions and world view. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Tropes: Class/Cultural Differences, Political/Govt Work, Kidnapped, Protector-ish
Steam: 1
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the first book in the Luna Sisters series. In July of 1863, the trio of Mexican heiresses are shipped to London after French-led forces seized Mexico City as part of the Second French intervention in Mexico. Their father is an important advisor to the Mexican president and their mother believes they would be safer on English soil (...not necessarily so). Their uncle, a Mexican ambassador to England, hides their true connections and arranges for the sisters to be chaperoned by a well-respected member of society.
Despite having a fiancé - hand picked by her father - back home, Ana María can't help but be attracted by Gideon Fox. The rising MP has his own political storyline, flighting for a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. When Ana María finds herself threatened by a villainous nobleman, Gideon has to decide what's more important: his heart or his votes.
I enjoyed this book, but it does suffer from being the first in a series and trying to do too much. The historical setting and political landscape get a lot of attention, and Ana María's sisters are also highlighted to set up for future books. Because of this, the book feels like it slants more towards historical fiction and the romance sometimes feels secondary. Ana María and Gideon's relationship doesn't really pick up and run until about the 65% mark. But, if you can stick with it, there's a lot to like about this story.
The Luna sisters have been isolated and controlled in Mexico, completely under their father's thumb. The trio are not close at the start of the story, but their sibling relationship develops and grows. They start to stand up for one another, like when their chaperone suggests sister Isobel needs to lighten her complexion or after a situation arises at a house party. I also liked how Ana María wanted to expand her mind, and how Gideon grew to appreciate Ana María's opinions and world view. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Tropes: Class/Cultural Differences, Political/Govt Work, Kidnapped, Protector-ish
Steam: 1
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 24, 2025
Will be in my next vlog
April 6, 2023
Cute. Not amazing.
Very Bridgerton, if Bridgerton addressed colonialism. And I love that. But the writing itself is very sweet, almost sickeningly so. Every single characters’ dialog was always so kind and loving, to the point were it’s jarring and unrealistic to read.
There were zero interpersonal conflicts between any characters, besides that of the “villain.”
It just felt fake.
And overall the pacing of the story was a little weird.
But beside that it was a cute read. So simple I finished it in a day. It’d be a good beach read.
Very Bridgerton, if Bridgerton addressed colonialism. And I love that. But the writing itself is very sweet, almost sickeningly so. Every single characters’ dialog was always so kind and loving, to the point were it’s jarring and unrealistic to read.
There were zero interpersonal conflicts between any characters, besides that of the “villain.”
It just felt fake.
And overall the pacing of the story was a little weird.
But beside that it was a cute read. So simple I finished it in a day. It’d be a good beach read.
October 25, 2022
Everybody and their sisters should read this book.
RTC
RTC
August 23, 2023
This is my new favorite historical romance. I absolutely loved the premise of this book. Ana Maria was kickin knowledge and droppin facts throughout. And don't forget the rest of the Luna sisters, they are all smart and badass women. The romance doesn't really hit until more towards the end, but there was so much important historical information throughout. I highly recommend reading the author's note as well.
December 13, 2024
Fun and different with political intrigue. I loved this!
January 2, 2025
Ana María Luna Valdés and her sisters have fled to London to escape war-torn Mexico. While out on the town (allegedly to help foster support for their homeland), Ana María meets the super sexy Gideon Fox, a member of the House of Commons who is working to ensure Atlantic slave trade is stopped. After a series of Intense Conversations, Gideon and Ana María end up married!
1. I am annoyed by how much I did not like this?
2. I loved the concept of a Mexican heiress taking on London! I enjoy historicals about non-titled people! I thought a new perspective on the French-British relations (and the French occupation of Mexico) would be an interesting departure for a novel set in Victorian Britain! These were all things I was excited about: and while they were there on paper, the actual novel just.....didn't....do anything with any of them.
3. Ana María is the oldest daughter of a senior cabinet member of the exiled president Juárez. aAt the beginning of the book, she's emerging from a sheltered and controlling childhood and adolescence where she was kept ignorant of the world around her to better manage her (and her sisters), but by climax/denouement, she's instead portrayed as someone "raised at her father's knee" in political maneuvering in order to be a better asset to his political ambitions.
Here's where I say: okay? Can both be true? Maybe—but it would take a lot more nuanced characterization than offered in the text to make that feel accurate. Instead, we're helpfully told these things, and Ana María helpfully stumbles across documents that allow her and Gideon to overcome the shadow of the Big Bad. Basically, Ana María doesn't come across as anything other than a simple cutout, propped up for the doll-housing (you know, where an author moves their toys around in order to make things happen, vs. the characters themselves (or even events) having any sort of driving momentum to move things forward).
4. The prose definitely doesn't help with this issue, as it's repetitive and simplistic, rehashing motivations and decisions like there's a chance we missed them the chapter before. There are a few places where things are stated, and then the characters have a whole conversation about it and then come to the realization of the thing that was already stated: an example of this was later in the book when Ana María's relationship with her sisters is described (their month in exile has made them friends!)—and then they have a chat about supporting one another no matter what, and end with "So much has changed [...]] now the thought that [her sisters] might make that trip back home ... is enough to reduce [Ana María] to tears." YEAH WE GOT IT THANKS.
It's like we're being told, then shown, then told again (in case we're all idiots and missed it somehow).
5. There's also just A LOT of stuff crammed into this thing: the French occupation of Mexico; the thread of patriarchal oppression that must be overcome; the threat of being ransomed by French supporters; the need to increase votes for the abolitionist bill; the threat of gossip and scandal to bring down everyone; the exiled fiance; bonding over Catholicism; etc. Like: it's just a lot, and since so much is left so superficial, nothing carries any real weight or meaning to the characters (and also then to me).
6. Gideon suffers from having a Very Important Mission to Ensure the Absolute Abolishment of the slave trade, which gets sidelined because of international French drama, Catholicism, and sex. Why his life's work gets sidelined when he's able to Do His Boners doesn't ever get examined in a meaningful way: we're just told it still matters, and here's 3 chapters of sex, and a kidnapping, and a confession of love! THE END.
7. I also wasn't a huge fan of how loudly telegraphed the couples for the later books were? Like, they seem logical but it does remove a certain excitement about getting to meet the hero/ine in their own books when certain things have already been put out there.
1. I am annoyed by how much I did not like this?
2. I loved the concept of a Mexican heiress taking on London! I enjoy historicals about non-titled people! I thought a new perspective on the French-British relations (and the French occupation of Mexico) would be an interesting departure for a novel set in Victorian Britain! These were all things I was excited about: and while they were there on paper, the actual novel just.....didn't....do anything with any of them.
3. Ana María is the oldest daughter of a senior cabinet member of the exiled president Juárez. aAt the beginning of the book, she's emerging from a sheltered and controlling childhood and adolescence where she was kept ignorant of the world around her to better manage her (and her sisters), but by climax/denouement, she's instead portrayed as someone "raised at her father's knee" in political maneuvering in order to be a better asset to his political ambitions.
Here's where I say: okay? Can both be true? Maybe—but it would take a lot more nuanced characterization than offered in the text to make that feel accurate. Instead, we're helpfully told these things, and Ana María helpfully stumbles across documents that allow her and Gideon to overcome the shadow of the Big Bad. Basically, Ana María doesn't come across as anything other than a simple cutout, propped up for the doll-housing (you know, where an author moves their toys around in order to make things happen, vs. the characters themselves (or even events) having any sort of driving momentum to move things forward).
4. The prose definitely doesn't help with this issue, as it's repetitive and simplistic, rehashing motivations and decisions like there's a chance we missed them the chapter before. There are a few places where things are stated, and then the characters have a whole conversation about it and then come to the realization of the thing that was already stated: an example of this was later in the book when Ana María's relationship with her sisters is described (their month in exile has made them friends!)—and then they have a chat about supporting one another no matter what, and end with "So much has changed [...]] now the thought that [her sisters] might make that trip back home ... is enough to reduce [Ana María] to tears." YEAH WE GOT IT THANKS.
It's like we're being told, then shown, then told again (in case we're all idiots and missed it somehow).
5. There's also just A LOT of stuff crammed into this thing: the French occupation of Mexico; the thread of patriarchal oppression that must be overcome; the threat of being ransomed by French supporters; the need to increase votes for the abolitionist bill; the threat of gossip and scandal to bring down everyone; the exiled fiance; bonding over Catholicism; etc. Like: it's just a lot, and since so much is left so superficial, nothing carries any real weight or meaning to the characters (and also then to me).
6. Gideon suffers from having a Very Important Mission to Ensure the Absolute Abolishment of the slave trade, which gets sidelined because of international French drama, Catholicism, and sex. Why his life's work gets sidelined when he's able to Do His Boners doesn't ever get examined in a meaningful way: we're just told it still matters, and here's 3 chapters of sex, and a kidnapping, and a confession of love! THE END.
7. I also wasn't a huge fan of how loudly telegraphed the couples for the later books were? Like, they seem logical but it does remove a certain excitement about getting to meet the hero/ine in their own books when certain things have already been put out there.
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