Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana de la Rosa

Reviewed by GGGinny

What I drank: I started with a flight of rose, then went for frosé, and then prosecco. Its been a self indulgent evening

Goodreads Overview:

A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.

Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna familia. So, when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge during the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox.

Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now as a member of Parliament, Gideon’s on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all–a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana María is a distraction he must ignore.

But when Ana María finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection…but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?

Drunk Overview: the Luna sisters get sent to London because of the war in Mexico. While there they meet Gideon Fox, a member of Parliament who is focused on ending London’s part in the slave trade (because hes the grandson of an escaped slave). He and the oldesr Luna sister fall in love.

Drunk Thoughts: this book had some pacing issues

• I love a slow burn but there were about 150 pages of world building followed by too much happening in a short time and then an epilogue that covered too much
• Without saying too much, there was a fortnight that passed where a lot of stuff apparently happened that just wasnt mentioned until the epilogue
• I dont mind new info but holy shit, in a like 50 page span you had a proposal, an escape, surprise wedding, lots of sex scenes and a kidnapping
• WHEN IT TOOK 150 PAGES TO GET TO A KISS?!?
• I am a big fan of slow burn but the nothing, all, nothing, all pacing of this book was a bit disconcerting
• But what this book did really well was the pining
• They both knew the good reasons they shouldnt be together, but *gasp* they couldnt help themselves
• My favorite scene in the book might be Ana Maria loving their first kiss even knowing it was most likely their last.
• I also had an issue with telling rather than showing. Every two chapters the sisters mention “we won’t let our father come between us anymore”
• Which is sweet.. except. … we never see the sisters actually fight?
• There are descriptions of the ways they were pitted against each other, but that doesnt show through in the bokk
• Frabkly they seem to have a perfect supporting sister relationship.
• And there were a ton of moments to show minor irritances, or begrudgingly working together for Mexico. Instead it all felt a little picture perfect.
• Like that person who always says they’re so messing but their desk is spotless, family seems perfect, and just got a promotion
• Which gets me to the point that Ana Maria is always getting saved by Gideon.
• She was apparently raised at her politically savvy fathers knee but keeps getting into situations where she looks foolish and Fox had to save her.
• It was frustrating to have a character that everyone said was perfect make consistent, obvious mistakes that requirwd her to be saved
• Even the plot point at the end that gad her help Fox was overshadowed.
• I guess I just expect more from my heroines…
• (Theres also the matter of our hero abandoning his ideals as soon as he starts getting some that doesn’t sit right with me)
• Pause here – I know Ive complained a lot. But this is one of those books where Im complaining because I saw si much potential.
• Pacing can be fixed, plot holes can be fixed, so much of what Ive mentioned just needs better beta readers or a strong editors hand.
• Theres OBVIOUSLY another 2 books in the series
• And frankly I think thise heros and heroines will be more interesting
• In fact, the two “perfect” people falling in love is a much harder sell than people who mess up falling in love
• (Also the women’s chaperone was “conveniently” missing every time Ana Maria got in trouble 👀👀👀👀)
• I needed more anger in this book. Your friend’s security fucked up. You’re enraged. Yell or complain then cool down and apologize
• This book made righteous anger less interesting!
• FLAWED CHARACTERS ARE MORE FUN

What it Pairs With: for all I complained this book was fun. Pair it with a margarita and some solid outdoor time.

Rating: 3.75. So much potential. I think the next book will be better.