Rating: 4 out of 5.

I’m thrilled to be a part of Berkley’s blog tour of Isabel and the Rogue. The three heiress Luna sisters were sent from Mexico to England to protect them during the French Occupation. Isabel is the sister who is easily ignored and dismissed during social events. It makes her the perfect spy to snoop in aristocratic homes during parties for British intelligence that may help Mexico during the war. Captain Sirius Dawson is a spy for the home office befriending foolish politicians and seducing well-born ladies to learn their secrets. He catches Isabel snooping in an office and it is on.

Neither one wants to admit what they are doing or why. It’s funny to see Isabel acting coy, believing she’s fooling Sirius that she’s just a silly, awkward girl. He knows better, and realizes that he is outmatched, outwitted, and soon to be outmaneuvered by her. Happy to play the careless rogue, he’s surprised to find he wants more than a fling with Isabel.

I loved Isabel. She is smart, focused, and fearless in her quest to aid her country. Despite her growing feelings for Sirius, she’s determined to unearth some evidence to aid her home country. She’s willing to sacrifice her future and happiness, which is a rare quality to find in someone so young. Sirius is open with his feelings for Isabel, putting his heart on the line to get the woman he wants. Talk about swoon-worthy – whew!

The book is a well-written, quick and easy read that will keep your interest. If you haven’t read the first book, Anna Maria and the Fox, you’ll want to go back and read it after this. I had no idea that France once occupied Mexico during this time period, so I appreciated the history interwoven throughout the story. The author did a great job of educating the reader without it sounding like a history lesson.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions are my own.