Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - 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

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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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crystalisreading's review against another edition

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adventurous informative lighthearted

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

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hazelgirl21's review

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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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onlyonebookshelf's review

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emotional informative 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

4.0

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this_momma_is_booked's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Well this was freaking delightful! Historical fiction is hit or miss for me - there's a thin line between interesting and "this literally could have been set in modern times." Ana Maria and the Fox is definitely in the former group! The actual history woven into the story was fascinating to me. The characters are strong and witty and brave and joyous. I loved the depictions of the balls and how Ana Maria refused to dull her sparkle to fit in with British aristocracy. I love the pining. Ugh this was just so good! Can't wait for the next one!

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bettybumpkins's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this one, especially the end. Romance was so to start, but I agree with another reviewers assessment that Gideon is a man to go all " my wife" in the best way possible.

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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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