Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: The Lion and the Rose – Kate Quinn

From the national bestselling author of The Serpent and the Pearl comes the continuing saga of the ruthless family that holds all of Rome in its grasp, and the three outsiders thrust into their twisted web of blood and deceit . . .

As the cherished concubine of the Borgia Pope Alexander VI, Giulia Farnese has Rome at her feet. But after narrowly escaping a sinister captor, she realizes that the danger she faces is far from over—and now, it threatens from within. The Holy City of Rome is still under Alexander’s thrall, but enemies of the Borgias are starting to circle. In need of trusted allies, Giulia turns to her sharp-tongued bodyguard, Leonello, and her fiery cook and confidante, Carmelina.

Caught in the deadly world of the Renaissance’s most notorious family, Giulia, Leonello, and Carmelina must decide if they will flee the dangerous dream of power. But as the shadows of murder and corruption rise through the Vatican, they must learn who to trust when every face wears a mask . .

Series: The Borgia Chronicles #2
Release Date: January 7th 2014
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Shannon
Rating:

Buy the book at:

Reviewer’s Thoughts

I’m going to do a little something different with this review today.  First off, I’m giving this book 3 Cocktails.  Why am I prefacing my review with that information?  Here’s why.  I didn’t finish the book.  Now this is by no means the fault of the author or the storyline.  Kate Quinn created a world, with some rather charming characters and others equally as evil.  My problem came with the fact that this is just not a time period in historical romances that I enjoy.  I thought I might try it and see if Kate Quinn could sway me to it.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t be.  That by no means is a reflection on this book or the author, but more one on me.

The storyline centers around Guilia, mistress to the current Pope, who finds herself with a price on her head.  Unsure of who to trust, she relies on her bodyguard, Leonello and cook, Carmelina, to help her survive the threats.  There is lots of intrigue and no one is sure who can be trusted.  Given the plot, I was certain I could get into this.  Alas, I just couldn’t get into the time period.  However, I’m positive for those that enjoy Renaissance era historical romances, this will be one that  you enjoy (especially if your like your Vatican particularly corrupt).

So don’t let this review sway you.  If you like Renaissance era books, definitely give this one a try.

a Rafflecopter giveaway