Recent Read: Ana Maria and the Fox

I cannot tell you how much joy reading this wonderful new historical romance brought me! I absolutely loved this book by Liana De la Rosa and cannot wait for the next books in the series about Ana Maria’s younger sisters.

I love a good historical—and they are the romance books I first read as a teenager—but I’m going to let you in on a secret. I don’t always enjoy when historicals have absolutely bonkers plots as many in the past have. Part of what I Iove about the historical sub-genre is the fantasy element where you get lost in that world as it’s so out of our time it feels like a different world entirely. That being said, I still want it to feel realistic—like something that could have plausibly happened.

 To me, this book felt realistic while also boosting the fantasy because it focused on a time and events that are not the normal setting for most historical romances. Set in 1863, Ana Maria and her sisters have fled Mexico City for their own safety as their father is connected to Governmental leaders while the country is in upheaval under French occupation. Arriving in London, they have been sent to live under the protection of their Uncle Arturo who is the Mexican Ambassador to England. Out of place in a new society with new social rules, they are thrust into the spotlight to set a good example of Mexico and raise awareness of what is happening in their country.

 It is while out at a gathering one night that Ana Maria first meets Gideon Fox. Gideon is an MP in the House of Commons and is fighting to abolish the Atlantic slave trade, a matter near and dear to him as he is descended from a woman who was enslaved in America before claiming her freedom in England. Gideon has fought hard for his reputation and recognition coming from nothing and having had to elevate himself.

 Both outsiders with larger missions, Ana Maria and Gideon are immediately attracted to one another, but fight their attachment as it could prove detrimental to their ultimate goals. When other with political ambitions pose threats, they are forced to come together and are finally able to give into the feelings that were already there.

I loved everything about this. I always enjoy political story lines and I read this right after I finished drafting my second book where politics also plays a part, though less integral. I only wish my own story was as well written as this one, and I loved Gideon’s social justice focus. My kind of hero!

In short, if you like historicals, especially non Regency or European focused, you will love this book. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Liana De la Rosa.