A Caribbean Heiress in Paris

Las Léonas, Book 1

By: Adriana Herrera

Narrated by: Nneka Okoye

"A romp-filled and refreshingly diverse historical romance."—Buzzfeed

Paris, 1889
The Exposition Universelle is underway, drawing merchants from every corner of the globe…including Luz Alana Heith-Benzan, heiress to the Caña Brava rum empire.

Luz Alana set sail from Santo Domingo armed with three hundred casks of rum, her two best friends and one simple rule: under no circumstances is she to fall in love. In the City of Lights, she intends to expand the rum business her family built over three generations, but buyers and shippers alike can’t imagine doing business with a woman…never mind a woman of color. This, paired with being denied access to her inheritance unless she marries, leaves the heiress in a very precarious position.

Enter James Evanston Sinclair, Earl of Darnick, who has spent a decade looking for purpose outside of his father’s dirty money and dirtier dealings. Ignoring his title, he’s built a whisky brand that’s his biggest—and only—passion. That is, until he’s confronted with a Spanish-speaking force of nature who turns his life upside down.

From their first tempestuous meeting, Luz Alana is conflicted. Why is this titled—and infuriatingly charming—Scottish man so determined to help her?

For Evan, every day with Luz Alana makes him yearn for more than her ardent kisses or the marriage of convenience that might save them both. But Luz Alana sailed for Paris prepared to build her business and her future; what she wasn’t prepared for was love finding her.

"Herrera excels at propelling the romance genre and its form forward, and this book is no exception... Herrera is crafting swoony historical romances that aren't afraid to engage with the realities of the 19th-century while still making a bid for hard-earned happily-ever-afters."—Entertainment Weekly

Can't get enough of the Las Leonas?

• Book 1: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris
• Book 2: An Island Princess Starts a Scandal
• Book 3: A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke

©2022 Adriana Herrera (P)2022 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Critic reviews

"A fresh and vital new voice in romance." —Entertainment Weekly

Great narrator

The narrator has a beautiful voice and can go in and out of dialects very well. Enjoyed the story too

Exceeded my expectations!!!!

This book should be read by every Latina.

It represents us so well!! and talks about all of the hard ships we've overcome.

The author did a fabulous job! she has a new fan.

Not a fan

Let me begin by saying I am known for "course" language and my willingness to discuss anything, no matter how taboo. That being said, the sex was overkill.

it's hard to take a book seriously when it reads like it should be being sold in a grocery store with a picture of a woman with heaving bosom and Fabio with his hair flapping in the wind. The main character is annoying. Is she fierce and independent or a little girl/damsel in distress? Also, the voice was 21st century at times and unrealistic. I couldn't finish it.

Caribbean mixed with the Scots

This was an intriguing story of a Caribbean woman trying to run a successful business during the late 1880’s. Vivid details of the Caribbean, Paris and parts of Scotland. Bonus, this book was unbeknownst to me spicy!!

Best book I’ve read in a long time

Love love loved every second of this story entertaining the entire time must read for sure !!

Love this narrator!

She expertly pulled off all the accents, and did an excellent job with the steamy scenes. The book itself had such rich characters, an exciting plot, and great pacing.

Delightful

Very interesting story, I really enjoyed learning about the Caribbean trade during the 1860. Also learning about Scotland and there liqueur trade , how they were in the Caribbean doing business . But the best part is the character build up with the Leona’s, and there friendship . The main two characters are wonderful and the chemistry is intoxicating. The reader makes this book come to life, she is phenomenal with her perfect accent. I highly recommend this book. I will be listening to the next one in the series.
Enjoy,
Leslie M.

So different but so comforting!

Set in Paris with a Dominican heroine and a Scottish rogue of a hero, this book is as unique as it is familiar. Romance readers who love a Romance focused on character will eat this up. Luz and Evan are layered, compelling, flawed and fierce. Thoroughly enjoyed their story and i want to read more of las leonas!

Dominican Dream

Wow, just wow!! As a Dominican woman, that with such a diverse background this story sows the stories oh how my ancestry came to be. With people of different continents falling in love and still hungry for successes of business and independence.

Way to show the draw of the Caribbean

Well, it has always been apparent that the Caribbean pulls people in. Whether it be it's warmth, beauty, food . . . people. This was a good love story. I enjoyed it.

3.5 stars