1--What is the title of your latest release?
ANA MARIA AND THE FOX
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
While researching immigration records, I came across those of Mexicans emigrating to the Europe, which sparked my interest, and I began researching historical events that would necessitate such a move. And then I remembered the French occupation of Mexico! From there, the idea for the Luna Sisters series was kindled, and I knew that the first book would start with the three sisters disembarking from the ship that carried them from their home in French occupied Mexico to safety in London.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Absolutely! Ana María is charming and kind and is curious about the world around her. I would love to be her bestie!
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Dutiful, protective, curious
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned so much! I knew general information about the French occupation of Mexico but not the specifics, and I enjoyed learning more about the major players behind the war, as well as the European sentiments surrounding it. I should not have been surprised that many European leaders approved of Napoleon’s actions in Mexico, but unfortunately, I was. I also learned that while the United States has always been Mexico’s biggest ally, members of the US government were hesitant to intercede on Mexico’s behalf when Napoleon’s troops invaded because there was a fear that the French would throw their support behind the Confederacy. It’s interesting to ponder how the Civil War may have been affected if the French had done so.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I wait until I’m done writing my first draft to edit. If I edited along the way I would never make progress because I would be lost in tweaking. I like to power through my first draft and leave a ton of notes for myself along the way. When I start working on revisions, I have a strong sense of what needs work but also a good understanding of who my characters are and a confident idea of how they would react in most situations.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I believe caramelized onions taste delicious on almost anything. When I have time, I like to caramelize some to keep on hand…although I usually just eat the leftovers out of the pan.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I write at the kitchen table, right next to the water jug. A very glamorous set up! I used to work in the den, but when the pandemic hit and my husband transitioned to work from home, I was relegated to the kitchen. I dream of having a she-shed one day, where I can set up a desk, my bookcases, and a cozy reading chair to relax and find inspiration in.
10--Who is an author you admire?
I’m a huge fan of Adriana Herrera! I love how she can write anything: glorious historicals, sexy and smart contemporaries, and completely bonkers paranormal romances. And her stories always celebrate Latinx characters and/or gay/queer characters. I would love to emulate her creativity, writing efficiency, and beautiful prose!
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean! The twist ending in the epilogue was so amazing and exciting that I have been trying to recapture that feeling with my own writing ever since!
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
The Luna Sisters series sold very fast - in around 48 hours! The submission materials went out to editors on a Wednesday afternoon, and I was on a call with my editor at Berkley on Thursday morning, and later accepted an offer from them on Friday afternoon. Because of the speed in which the process moved, I don’t think I fully appreciated how amazing the experience was until everything was accepted. It was a whirlwind, in the absolute best way, and I am so thankful I have a knowledge and steadfast agent to guide me through the process.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Romance (of course!), but specifically historical romance. I just love exploring new time periods and escaping completely from modern life.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
Right now, my favorite movie is Everything Everywhere All At Once. I laughed so hard I cried, then I bawled out right because it was so moving, and I also cringed so hard my cheeks were flaming hot! It deserved every award it received!
15--What is your favorite season?
Fall! After a long, hot Arizona summer, the cooler weather is such a welcomed relief!
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
My birthday celebrations have become much more low key the older I’ve become. I’m perfectly happy staying home with my family and blowing out candles on a tasty key lime pie. And because I have a late May birthday, the weather is warm enough to swim and enjoy outdoor time together.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I’m currently reading My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine and am absolutely loving it! This is Jenna’s debut, and it is witty and clever and so endearing. I think readers will adore Cassie and Frederick as much as I do!
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Mexican! As if it could be anything else.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
I have three very busy children, so free time is sometimes hard to come by, but I love nothing more than go for a family walk or curl up on the sofa with my husband and watch a movie. Or force him to watch TikToks I find funny.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Book two in the Luna Sisters series, ISABEL AND THE ROGUE, release in June 2024! That seems so far away, but I know it will be here before we know it!
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 family. So when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge from 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 is 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?
Romance Historical [Berkley, On Sale: April 4, 2023, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780593440889 / eISBN: 9780593440896]
Liana De la Rosa is a historical romance writer whose stories are set in the Late Regency and Victorian periods. Liana has an English degree from the University of Arizona. When she’s not writing books featuring unexpected characters, witty heroes, and intrepid heroines, Liana is reading fanfiction and pretending she's a domestic goddess while she wrangles her rambunctious brood of small children with her patient husband in Arizona.
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