The time it was about Isabel and the Rogue

Posted June 3, 2024 by Stacee in Interviews | 0 Comments

when I got the invite to interview Liana de la Rosa for Isabel and the Rogue, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. The first book in the series was a lot of fun, so I was excited to see what was going to be next.

Before we get to Liana’s answers, let’s check out the book.

Title: Isabel and the Rogue (The Luna Sisters #2)
Author: Liana De la Rosa
Pages: 352
Pub Date: June 4, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Find it: PRH | Bookshop | Goodreads

Synopsis: Isabel Luna Valdés has long since resigned herself to being the “forgotten” Luna sister. But thanks to familial connections to the Mexican ambassador in London, wallflower Isabel is poised to unearth any British intelligence hidden by the ton that might aid Mexico during the French Occupation. Though she slips easily from crowded ballrooms into libraries and private studies, Isabel’s search is hampered by trysting couples and prowling rogues–including the rakish Captain Sirius Dawson.

As a covert agent for the British Home Office, Sirius makes a game of earning the aristocracy’s confidence. He spends his days befriending foolish politicians and seducing well-born ladies in order to learn their secrets. But after he spies a certain sharp-tongued Luna sister lurking in the shadows where no proper debutante should venture, it’s clear Sirius is outmatched, outwitted, and soon to be outmaneuvered by the one woman he can’t resist.

Their mutual attraction is undeniable, but when Isabel discovers private correspondence that could turn the tide of political turmoil in Mexico, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect her country–even if this means ignoring her heart and courting danger…

Sounds good, right?

1. Please give the elevator pitch for Isabel and the Rogue.

A Mexican wallflower and a British spy team up to discover secrets of the ton…and discover they’re a perfect match.

2. While setting up the story line for Isabel, were there any plot points you immediately knew you wanted to include?

Because of my plantser writing style, I have an overall idea of what happens in a book, but rarely do I have the specifics. However, in Isabel and The Rogue, I knew almost from the beginning that the central relationship would pivot to romance in the under-the-desk scene. I wasn’t sure what exactly would precede Isabel and Sirius hiding under the desk, but I knew that things would drastically change for them—and get steamy—when they did.

3. Why do you love Isabel and Sirius and why should readers root for them?

I love how both Isabel and Sirius are able to see the other so clearly for who they are. Not who society or their family expects them to be; but who they are in their hearts. Sirius thinks Isabel shines so bright and doesn’t understand why others don’t notice; and Isabel recognizes how Sirius cares for those around him, and wants to care for him in turn. They accept each other unreservedly and whole-heartedly.

4. Were there any weird things you googled while drafting?

I had to Google if a lady bug was called that in England or not. (Answer: it’s called a ladybird, and I think that’s so charming!)

5. Without spoilers, which scene was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the very end. After everything Isabel and Sirius went through together, it was immensely satisfying to give them their HEA. I made myself cry I was so happy!

Speed {ish} round:

1. You find out that you’re being published for the first time. Describe the next 5 minutes.

Find my husband to tell him the good news. Promptly burst into tears. Spend at least a minute reassuring my kids that my tears are happy ones. Call my family members to share the news, and spend several minutes explaining that the chance of having my book made into a movie is, in fact, very small. Accept a glass of wine from my husband and celebrate!

2. What three things would you take to a desert island?

Water, sunblock, and a lighter.

3. You can only read one book for the rest of your life. What is it?

This question makes me want to cry because I honestly have no idea! And whichever book I select, I would suddenly grow bored of it and it would make me sad to grow tired of a book I once loved. So maybe I’ll just rewrite scenes from my favorite books to reread whenever I want. (I’m a cheat, I know!)

4. What is the one thing about publishing you wish someone would have told you?

How slowly it moves. Publishing moves at a glacial pace…until suddenly it doesn’t, and you’re swamped with tasks and news.

5. You wake up and discover you are Bella in Twilight. You know how it plays out. What do you do differently?

Move back to Arizona. Living forever in late stage capitalism, even with a wealthy, handsome vampire husband, sounds miserable.

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Liana De la Rosa is a historical romance author who writes diverse characters in the Regency and Victorian periods. Liana is a graduate of the University of Arizona, and in her past life she owned a mystery shopping company and sold pecans for a large farm. When she’s not writing, Liana is listening to true crime podcasts and pretending she’s a domestic goddess while she wrangles her spirited brood of children with her patient husband in Arizona.