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mari1532's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
#23For23 (hosted by @bookwormbullet on The Story Graph; learn more at: https://www.23for23.net/)
I listened to this audiobook through my library via the Libby app.
Brief Summary: As France continues its aggressive occupation, Ana María Luna Valdés and her sisters have been sent by their father from Mexico to relatives in England. Upon arriving in London Ana Maria attempts to make her father proud, but the longer she is away from home she begins to enjoy the less restrictive nature of her daily life.
Gideon Fox is a young member of Parliament attempting to end British support for the Atlantic slave trade. As he attempts to secure the final vote he needs to pass the resolution he meets Ana Maria. Gideon's passion peaks Ana Maria's interest.
As events unfold Ana Maria learns to follow her heart as much as her head and Gideon learns that love can only make him stronger.
Thoughts: This is one of my new favourite historical romance novels. De la Rosa is an incredible writer and I loved every aspect of this book from the writing, to the plot, to the characters.
The way that Ana Maria and her sisters grow as individuals and in their relationships with one another was beautiful and I am so happy that each of them is going to be getting their own books.
I enjoyed how Ana Maria learned new political ideas while in London and through her association with Gideon. Her growth was both interesting and heartening to see.
Gideon was also such a dreamy male character. The strength of his convictions was admirable and the way there was a slow burn between him and Ana Maria was so swoony.
I would highly recommend this book!!
I listened to this audiobook through my library via the Libby app.
Brief Summary: As France continues its aggressive occupation, Ana María Luna Valdés and her sisters have been sent by their father from Mexico to relatives in England. Upon arriving in London Ana Maria attempts to make her father proud, but the longer she is away from home she begins to enjoy the less restrictive nature of her daily life.
Gideon Fox is a young member of Parliament attempting to end British support for the Atlantic slave trade. As he attempts to secure the final vote he needs to pass the resolution he meets Ana Maria. Gideon's passion peaks Ana Maria's interest.
As events unfold Ana Maria learns to follow her heart as much as her head and Gideon learns that love can only make him stronger.
Thoughts: This is one of my new favourite historical romance novels. De la Rosa is an incredible writer and I loved every aspect of this book from the writing, to the plot, to the characters.
The way that Ana Maria and her sisters grow as individuals and in their relationships with one another was beautiful and I am so happy that each of them is going to be getting their own books.
I enjoyed how Ana Maria learned new political ideas while in London and through her association with Gideon. Her growth was both interesting and heartening to see.
Gideon was also such a dreamy male character. The strength of his convictions was admirable and the way there was a slow burn between him and Ana Maria was so swoony.
I would highly recommend this book!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual content
One of the main characters has a drug slipped into their drinkamberinpieces's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, Slavery, Blood, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
levesc17's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
tense
slow-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? N/A
3.75
A slow burn romance with a diverse crew and history that isn’t often depicted in Victorian romance books. It was really interesting as a reader because at the 60% part of the book, the plot suddenly becomes suspenseful and tense filled with political sabotage— I wasn’t expecting it because the first half proceeds so much more like a slow burn romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Misogyny and Racism
Minor: Slavery, Violence, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and War
thirdeyeangel23's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book was good, but not for the reasons I wanted to read it 🥴 Ana Maria and the Fox is a historical romance that focuses on three sisters who find refuge in London after the Mexican government is overrun by the French. While adjusting to her new life Ana Maria finds herself under the scrutiny of Gideon Fox, nobleman and first black member of parliament. Let’s talk pros and cons…
Pros: The Luna sisters were truly the star of this story. I loved getting to know each sister and seeing how these characters re-captured their sisterhood.
Cons: if the romance is only in the last 15% of the book can you really call it romance? Gideon was an interesting character who’s motivations were commendable, but that also made him fail as a love interest for me. He spent a good portion of the story judging Ana Maria. The marriage of convenience doesn’t take place until the last 50 pages of the book and by then it was difficult to really believe his feelings for her.
The overall writing style and characters really shined, but the execution of this book’s greatest selling points fell short for me. All I’m all I’m invested in the story of these sisters more than the romance and plan to continue the series for that reason.
Pros: The Luna sisters were truly the star of this story. I loved getting to know each sister and seeing how these characters re-captured their sisterhood.
Cons: if the romance is only in the last 15% of the book can you really call it romance? Gideon was an interesting character who’s motivations were commendable, but that also made him fail as a love interest for me. He spent a good portion of the story judging Ana Maria. The marriage of convenience doesn’t take place until the last 50 pages of the book and by then it was difficult to really believe his feelings for her.
The overall writing style and characters really shined, but the execution of this book’s greatest selling points fell short for me. All I’m all I’m invested in the story of these sisters more than the romance and plan to continue the series for that reason.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Colonisation, and War
jackiepreston's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Slavery, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism, Death of parent, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, and Classism
katelynnelawson's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-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? No
3.75
While it suffers from pacing issues, this slow-burniest of romances between Ana María, a Mexican heiress who has flex Mexico during the French occupation and must lie low due to her connections, and Gideon, an up-and-coming Member of Parliament who must remain scandal-free, is satisfyingly sweet with a steamy finale.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Kidnapping, and Colonisation
Minor: Slavery, Murder, War, and Classism
savvyrosereads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Rating: 4/5 stars
Ana María and her sisters have fled to London from Mexico for their safety during the French occupation in 1863. Against both of their better judgment, Ana María begins to fall for handsome member of Parliament Gideon Fox, but the two fight to keep a lid on their attraction—until political forces push them together once and for all.
I really loved the concept of this one, which is a Victorian romance with super diverse characters that deals with aspects of history I was previously unfamiliar with and excited to learn more about. Overall, I found this to be fun and a relatively quick read—I got through most of it in a single sitting. I also LOVED the commentary about race, class, colorism, colonialism, and politics in this era in general.
That said, I also found myself wanting a bit “more” somehow—this is a slow burn in the extreme (the action doesn’t really pick up until nearly 200 pages in, in my opinion) and there were some aspects of the plot where I really needed to suspend my disbelief.
Still, I liked the characters, and I find myself really looking forward to both of Ana María’s sisters’ books, based on the hints and foreshadowing we got here. On balance, I’d definitely recommend picking this up if it sounds interesting to you!
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: diverse historical romance; political themes; “my wife”
CW: Kidnapping/violence; sexism; racism; mentions of slavery
Ana María and her sisters have fled to London from Mexico for their safety during the French occupation in 1863. Against both of their better judgment, Ana María begins to fall for handsome member of Parliament Gideon Fox, but the two fight to keep a lid on their attraction—until political forces push them together once and for all.
I really loved the concept of this one, which is a Victorian romance with super diverse characters that deals with aspects of history I was previously unfamiliar with and excited to learn more about. Overall, I found this to be fun and a relatively quick read—I got through most of it in a single sitting. I also LOVED the commentary about race, class, colorism, colonialism, and politics in this era in general.
That said, I also found myself wanting a bit “more” somehow—this is a slow burn in the extreme (the action doesn’t really pick up until nearly 200 pages in, in my opinion) and there were some aspects of the plot where I really needed to suspend my disbelief.
Still, I liked the characters, and I find myself really looking forward to both of Ana María’s sisters’ books, based on the hints and foreshadowing we got here. On balance, I’d definitely recommend picking this up if it sounds interesting to you!
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: diverse historical romance; political themes; “my wife”
CW: Kidnapping/violence; sexism; racism; mentions of slavery
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Death of parent, and War
lauramparis's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Kidnapping, and War
Minor: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
bookish_afrolatina's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Ana María and The Fox is an historical romance with a slowwwww burn. I think this is partly because of the emphasis the author placed on Catholicism in the lives of the main characters and Ana María’s position as the eldest daughter in an elite Mexican family in the 1860s. As mentioned often in the book, Ana had been primed from a young age to believe that she had to be perfect and give herself up to being a political pawn for her father. So don’t expect to get much steam until the last quarter of this book.
I like that the beginning of this series sets us up with three sisters who have to learn to get along and understand one another, too. They aren’t immediately trusting of one another and hold back because of the way their father pitted them against one another.
Gideon is a broody babe that I think kind of resembles the Duke from the first season of Bridgerton. Although, he’s much more serious due to his position in British politics and his racial background. As a Black man, he’s constantly trying to make sure that his every action and detail of his appearance are beyond reproach just to be taken seriously. So he’s not exactly playful for much of the book. I’m sure you’ve already guessed that Ana María brings out a different side of him.
I loved learning about this part of history and I look forward to learning more in the next Luna sisters books.
(It doesn’t hurt that one of the sisters has the same name as me 😉)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Kidnapping
Moderate: Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
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