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kaitrates's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Like others have noted, this one leans historical fiction with romance. TBH I struggled with at times, despite my love of learning about history through histrom. I felt like the book could've done a bit less setup (e.g. did we NEED the info about Gabby and Isa's current feelings on their future matches?) and replace it with a bit more romance. Because, y'all, when these two fools are on the page together? They shine! Their interactions were the highlight of the book for me, from pushing aside their feelings in the name of duty to the most romantic wedding to their endless days in bed (featuring a bonus praise kink).
I'll continue with the series, not only because I do enjoy de la Rosa's writing but also because I'm so eager to see Gabby and Isa fall so hard for these men who *supposedly* drive them nuts. Though, if Isa doesn't get a library scene I will be BIG mad lol. I think I'll enjoy book 2 more both because its got enemies to lovers vibes and also because I'll go in knowing what to expect re: the breakdown of history vs romance.
All in all I do recommend this book and am so excited for more and more publishing houses to *finally* sign more authors of color for histroms. Here's to this continuing and growing, giving space to tell the stories that constantly get swept under the rug.
I'll continue with the series, not only because I do enjoy de la Rosa's writing but also because I'm so eager to see Gabby and Isa fall so hard for these men who *supposedly* drive them nuts. Though, if Isa doesn't get a library scene I will be BIG mad lol. I think I'll enjoy book 2 more both because its got enemies to lovers vibes and also because I'll go in knowing what to expect re: the breakdown of history vs romance.
All in all I do recommend this book and am so excited for more and more publishing houses to *finally* sign more authors of color for histroms. Here's to this continuing and growing, giving space to tell the stories that constantly get swept under the rug.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Sexual content and Kidnapping
Minor: Violence
Colorismamberinpieces'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
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
ashleycmms's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.5
This is a hard one to rate, but a fun one to read nonetheless. Due to the identities of the main characters we have a lot of politics (and frankly some racism) at the forefront of the story. This caused the romance to start out almost as an instalove moment, but I do think the couple had several opportunities to connect, banter, and show their tenderness towards one another. Ana Maria and her sisters grow closer over their time in Europe, being able to be away from their father and his controlling tendencies, they learn who they are and stand proudly in that, which I loved. What didn't work for me, was the repetitive nature and the plot's slow going nature until around 60% into the book. I spent most of the book questioning how these two were even going to be able to get together and then when the catalyst arrived it seemed sort of out of nowhere and rushed. The characters really are the kindest (and some are the cruelest) however, so I'm considering continuing the series for sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, and War
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
sydapel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
If you read Adriana Herrera's latest series and/or want to explore more of how BIPOC characters were existing in HistRom spaces that tend to white dominant, I highly recommend this. It has a very good balance of history, character and dramatic plot. I do wish that the sister relationship dynamics had been better developed, but overall a really solid read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Kidnapping, Colonisation, and War
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
purplepenning's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Dutiful eldest daughter and Mexican heiress Ana María Luna doesn't expect to find a taste of freedom in the rigid high society of Victorian England. When she and her sisters are sent to England to escape the invading French forces in Mexico City, however, she discovers that she has also escaped the domineering control of her politically ambitious father. She relishes the opportunity to discover who she is when her life isn't dictated to her. One thing she knows — she does not want to fall for a politically ambitious Englishman, so the intriguing spark she feels around the somber Mr. Fox must be ignored.
As much a well-researched historical novel as it is a slow-burn romance, ANA MARÍA AND THE FOX does some heavy lifting for the books that will follow it, but the patient reader will have their rewards. You'll find dances and house parties and Bridgerton vibes with Latin American color, a glimpse of some world affairs during the U.S. Civil War, dastardly plots and adventurous action, a wedding night that's worth the wait, and a teaser for some intrigue to come in the next Luna sister book!
As much a well-researched historical novel as it is a slow-burn romance, ANA MARÍA AND THE FOX does some heavy lifting for the books that will follow it, but the patient reader will have their rewards. You'll find dances and house parties and Bridgerton vibes with Latin American color, a glimpse of some world affairs during the U.S. Civil War, dastardly plots and adventurous action, a wedding night that's worth the wait, and a teaser for some intrigue to come in the next Luna sister book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Sexism, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Racism, Slavery, and War
laurenalysse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexism, Violence, and Alcohol
shaipanda's review against another edition
4.25
I really liked this!! For some reason this took me longer than I thought it would and maybe wasn’t as engaged as I would’ve liked but overall I had a good time with this and really liked Ana and Fox together :)
I also think this was a solid series starter and I’m excited to hopefully read the other Luna sisters stories when those come out
I also think this was a solid series starter and I’m excited to hopefully read the other Luna sisters stories when those come out
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Sexism, and War
Minor: Slavery, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Also brief colorist sentiments towards a side character that is called out in the book and discussed and also emotionally neglectful and distant parenting discussed