We chat with author Liana De La Rosa about Isabel and the Rogue, which follows a Mexican heiress who defies Victorian society to protect her country a British war hero makes it his new mission to protect her…
Hi, Liana! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hola! I’m Liana, a Gemini sun/Sagittarius moon MexiRican (Mexican American/Puerto Rican) from southern Arizona who enjoys a good Bloody Mary while listening to true crime podcasts or my favorite romance audiobook.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I frequently crafted short stories as a child, and then turned my attention to writing customer service reports as an adult. However, I didn’t seriously write fiction until I was in my 30s. I was a stay at home mom with two kids under two, and my youngest was colicky. Nights were long and days exhausting, and I devoured romance novel after romance novel to stay sane. It was my husband who saw how much joy I derived from reading romance, and suggested I try writing my own novel…and the rest is history!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I can’t remember the first book I read, but the first book I remember reading critically was The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. I was fascinated by the late 17th century setting, and most especially by the FMC, Kit, who was born and raised in Barbados before moving to a Puritan community in New England. Reading about the challenges Kit faced and the opinions her new neighbors held about her and her abilities was really eye-opening for me as a young reader, and I think many of the FMCs I’ve written as a romance author have possessed a bit of Kit’s rebellious, independent nature.
- The one that made you want to become an author: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean. The surprise reveal at the end about Chase rocked my world, and prompted my husband to challenge me to write my own romance novel!
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: I read The Traitor by Grace Burrowes years ago, and I still remember how it made me ugly cry. Sebastian, the MMC, is the “villain” in the previous book, The Captive, but his book makes it clear that Sebastian was anything but a villain. Burrowes wrote about heavy themes with skill and care.
Your latest novel, Isabel and the Rogue, is out June 4th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Two wounded bookworms find love.
What can readers expect?
Tension! So much tension, sexual and otherwise, exists between Isabel and Sirius, as their goals both align and are at odds. And because of Isabel’s deep love for her home country, the story is infused with rich details about Mexico’s history that is not often included in historical romances.
Where did the inspiration for Isabel and the Rogue come from?
While writing Ana María and The Fox (Luna Sisters 1), I realized that I wanted Isabel to have a secret purpose that was hers alone. As the reserved middle sister who often felt overlooked for her beautiful and charming sisters, it was important for Isabel to have something for herself. A reason to stand out. So I built the plot of Isabel and The Rogue around this notion of a wallflower coming into bloom.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Isabel may have been my most favorite character to write. In the author’s note of Isabel and The Rogue, I mentioned that I initially viewed her as a Jan Brady sort of character (insecure and awkward)…until I spent time in her head and realized how very brave and clever and brilliant she was. Writing her happy ever after was a joy!
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on revisions to the third Luna Sisters book, which focuses on youngest sister Gabby. She’s the fiery, sarcastic one who swoops in to defend her sisters, but she also has a vulnerable side she tries hard to hide. I’ve loved watching her match wits with Sebastian, the Duke of Whitfield, who doesn’t want to smother Gabby’s fire, but rather wants to be her safe place to land. Their book will release in summer 2025!
Lastly, are there any books you’ve enjoyed picking up this year or releases you can’t wait to get your hands on?
I am incredibly excited to read A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell! It’s a queer Victorian historical featuring a trans man, a botanist, and bicycles. Since Joanna wrote it, I’m certain it’s going to be delightful!
I’m also looking forward to getting my hands on Barely Even Friends by debut author Mae Bennett. It’s a grumpy sunshine spin on Beauty and the Beast but make it steamy, and I just know I’m going to love it!
