Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Ana María and the Fox

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.

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mari1532's review against another edition

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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!!

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hazelgirl21's review against another edition

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emotional 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

3.75

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amberinpieces's review against another edition

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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

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shannnne_reads_words's review against another edition

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emotional informative lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

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yourbookishbff's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective 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

After reading Liana de la Rosa's Daltons duo, I was excited to dive into her newest series start, Ana Maria and the Fox, book one in the Lunas Sisters series. While the pacing was challenging for me at times (I wish the marriage of convenience had happened sooner in the narrative, and I struggled with this extra slow, slow-burn), the sisters were a delight. I felt so much kinship to Ana Maria as a fellow older sister - always conscientious of parental expectations, hesitant to admit inexperience or self-doubt, and far more sheltered to the realities of the world than our younger siblings. Gideon was a perfectly starchy hero, and I love a man who is immediately devoted to his wife. I am anxious to read Isabel's story next!

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booknerderika's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Hands down one of my new favorite books!! It was entertaining and not as predictable as I expected for a romance! I kept assuming one thing only to be surprised by something else.

Ana María & Gideon were perfect for each other. I wanted more interactions between them, but I enjoyed the overall story and didn't feel like a lot of spice was needed. Although, I do hope there is more build-up in the next book. I want more angst and close encounters. If it is going to be a slow-burn enemies to lovers (which it seems like from the hints in this book) then I need more tension between the characters.

All that being said, the spicy scene dialogue was a little cringe, but I was willing to look past that since I loved the rest of the story so much. I can't wait for book 2!

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ashleycmms's review against another edition

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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.

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