Ana María and the Fox

The eldest of three daughters, Ana María Luna Valdés strives to be the perfect daughter, niece, and sister. When she and her sisters are sent to England after the French occupation of Mexico, Ana María sees an opportunity to break free of expectations and discover her own independence, even though all the eyes of the British elite are upon her. Having started at the bottom of society, Gideon Fox climbed the ladder to become a member of Parliament. When Ana María’s and Gideon’s paths cross, unexpected and exhilarating love blooms between the two. De la Rosa’s (“Once Upon a Scandal” novels) series starter is a slow-burn romance. Narrator Ruby Hunt nails the various accents and dialects, even that of the villainous earl who is after Ana María’s fortune. Her characterizations of Ana María and Gideon bring out their individual personalities and strength of character. Though the book is slightly less steamy and more willing to tackle issues such as racism, equality, and human rights, fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this first book in a new series. The author even includes a note about the historical context and her inspiration for writing the novel.