The Borgias were a truly fascinating family, but of course, I can say that with the luxury of not living in the same time period as them. I enjoyed both Cesare and Maddalena's perspectives in the story, even if their relationship was a very, very, slow burn. A truly memorable novel!

I was instantly drawn to this book not only from the title (I have a weak spot for anything Borgia) but the cover is stunning!!
I really liked this, I can't say I loved it which is a real shame as it does have everything I look for in a historical, but there was something rather off about it, something I can't quite put my finger on. I thought it was a little on the slow side, which made reading a little distracting if I am not fully immersed in a book my mind wanders and I'm afraid it did here which is a shame as this story once it did find pacing which I could become engaged with was pretty good. The characters as you would expect from the era darkly seductive and compelling, and the twists kept me from closing the book altogether.
Overall, a decent story it just felt a little too long-winded!

It's taken a little over 3 months to finish this book. It was a bit of a sludgefest to get through it mostly because of all the italian that would take my brain so long to sound out that I'd end up just skipping over words entirely. Reader error. Not the book or author's fault.
Why 3 stars? Because I went in, knowing what most of the general public has known about the Borgia's, and while I'm glad the author really researched this well, I didn't learn much that was more interesting than what I already knew.
The book also didn't really start to pick up and become interesting until about 60% in.
I also expected a much better ending and I have to say I didn't get one and there were so many loose ends that weren't tied up I could not believe I was on the last page when I was.

Ever since I read The Most Beautiful Girl in Florence, I couldn’t wait to read the author’s next book. After reading this book, I was a little disappointed. The love story between Cesare and Maddalena did not really seem like they were truly in love as the book tries to portray them to be. It seemed that Cesare chose simply because she was just available and in his eyesight. I could not connect with any of the characters on any emotional level. I do like the fact that the author did her research on the Borgias. However, there are better books about them particularly The Borgia Bride, Blood and Beauty, and Madonna of Seven Hills!

The Borgia Confessions: A Novel by Alyssa Palombo



Borgia… A name synonymous with Greed, Power, Corruption and Passion. Most everyone is familiar with the story of Rodrigo Borgia and his ascent to the papacy. Stories swirl around his children that are the stuff of legends and lore. In this telling of the story by Palombo, she takes on the bad boy of Cesare and turns him into a sympathetic and likable figure. This work tells the story of Maddalena Moretti who moves to the Vatican Palace and becomes a servant to the Borgia family. By doing so, she is in possession of ALL of their dangerous secrets. Cesare is supposed to be a man of the church but she can’t help but want him in a very non-spiritual way. But will Cesare’s greed and ambition become his downfall?



Who doesn’t love a good Borgia story. The only thing really missing from this one was poison. It was mentioned once (I think) but that seemed to be their hallmark in other versions of the story. I loved how this was written from the perspective of BOTH Cesare and Maddalena. While being full of historic details, it was a very quick read. Any fan of historical fiction in general should pick this one up. Four out of Five stars!



Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Griffin for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow – this is an extremely powerful, captivating novel on an equally powerful family. The novel does great justice to this family that used anything within their power in their quest to rule and wealth.

The novel is told from two viewpoints, the wealthy eldest brother of the Borgia family, Cesare, and a maid, Maddalena.

Cesare never wanted a life dedicated to God, he wanted to be a military man. But as a Borgia, he has to do what his Father tells him to do. On the outside, he seems kind, thoughtful, caring and a wonderful man of God. On the inside lies something darker, as we get glimpses of this throughout the novel.

Maddalena is a typical woman of this time period – she was forced to marry a man much older than her at a young age. This marriage ended soon after when her husband died. She escapes her past by heading to Rome to work at the Vatican, instead wanting to devote her life to God. She is kind, religious, thoughtful but naive and trusting. She wants love but is afraid of it and her previous marriage has made it hard for her to understand what love is and should look like. Her beauty attracts Cesare and she begins a journey down a very dangerous road.

As we follow these two characters and how their relationship (one that can never truly be) develops, we are also exposed to the backdrop of war, betrayal, murder and more. Reading the novel, I found myself looking up the Borgia family to learn more about this family and time period. This is my favourite part of a good read, when it engages you and you want to learn more!

This is an excellent story from start to finish, I never quite knew what would happen next. I couldn’t put the novel down, I had to keep reading and learning more about this powerful and downright vicious family. I loved the characters and how she develops them. You feel as though you know Maddalena, you want to be her friend and give her guidance but your heart also breaks for her goodness and trusting nature. You may despise the Borgia’s but you just can’t stop reading, you want to know what they will do next. This is a definite must read novel!

I really wish I loved this book as much as I did with the first book I read by her years ago but unfortunately this book fell a bit flat. My biggest issue was that my expectations were very different. It turned out that this book was very politically heavy with little romance. However, I was under the impression that there the romance would play a larger role with politics being more of a side plot. I also didn't care much for the characters. I liked Cesare in the beginning as he seemed quite honorable but as time went on, I found my respect for him grow less and less. The same went for Maddalena. There were many times when I found her naive and innocent which frustrated me. That being said, the book was very rich in culture and the writing was fantastic - perfect for the setting. It just didn't live up to my expectations.

2.5* review

I LOVE reading about the Borgias. So much opulence, family drama, intrigue, and sex. This book had all of that and more! Told from the perspectives of Cesare and Maddalena, a servant in the Vatican Palace, we are shown both sides of the coin on how the haves and have nots were treated and the power they possessed. Alyssa Palombo has the ability to transport the reader through time and place us wherever she wants us. Great book.

I was always intrigued by Borgias, especially after reading a book written by Mario Puzo, which had me fixated on the topic. I watch and read everything that can be found about them.
Ms. Palombo's book is a really intriguing take on the story of Borgia's clan and how their fates were entwined in Italy's history. This book concentrates on Cesare and Maddalena's story, but it was not the main purpose of this book. Especially when this book is not historical and some elements are added just for the story purpose.
Cesare is a Cardinal of Valencia, he has everything when he's following his father, but he wants nothing more than to be a soldier, someone not bound by the holy vow.
Maddalena is a servant that serves at Pope's palace and after one dreadful event she meets Cesare and everything now is about to spin.
Those two very unlikely to meet people start something in the middle of political affairs and wars, a time that was not gracious for anything besides brutal force.
I enjoyed the style of this book and I have high hopes for the next book that will be written by this author.

Oh gosh the Borgias. There is so much juicy drama here left for us to uncover. I love how centuries after they lived they are still a source of intrigue and wonder. With that being said I loved this book. I read it after a difficult surgery when I was stuck in bed and I love how much this story transported and captivated me. The Borgia confessions are filled with power, love, ambition and of course scandal. Words cannot express how much I loved this book. Incredible.

Thought provoking book set in fifteenth century Italy.
There was a lot of information to wade through and the book is based on a real family and events taking place.
Descriptive writing that kept me engrossed .

Pub Date: 11 Feb 2020
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Rome August 1484
Cesare likes to evasedrop on his father's conversations with his mother. His father is meant to become pope . Cesare wants to be a soldier but his father wants him to become pope as well.
Rome August 1492
Maddalena
The bells of St Peteus are ringing at the popes death . Maddalena is to help clean the Sistine chapel and bear witness to the new pope.
Cesare
Rome Sept 1492
He is now Archbishop of the Valencia.soon he will be cardinal. And lucrezia will marry. Cesare misses how little of God there is in running the church.

I really liked Maddalena,Lucrezia and Cesare❤️bit slow paced in parts

I loved the alternating chapters with the two leading characters each telling their story as you read through the book!

DNF. I may try again later but it wasn't gripping me like other Alyssa Palombo reads have before. Maybe it is because I am not super invested in the Borgia era of Italian history.

I tried desperately to get into this book, but it just did not happen. I found myself concentrating on the injustice and corruption in the church system of the time, which really took away from the characters and a good deal of the plot. When approaching it I had hoped this would not be the case, but I must give the author a shout out for staying true to the time frame. I am really not able to recommend it either way. My best advice is to read the synopsis and the excerpt and give it a go if it sounds interesting.

Officially the first book I've read that's set before the 1800s, The Borgia Confessions was an extraordinarily well-researched depiction of the infamous Borgia family during Rodrigo Borgia's reign as Pope in the 1490s. Fictional storylines weaved with factual events, characters were pulled from their place in history and reanimated at Palombos hand; made flesh again to relive their sordid tales and commit their heinous crimes.

I'm not the first to admit that I knew absolutely nothing of Cesare Borgia (the eldest son), his siblings, or his parents before I began reading Palombo's detailing of Rodrigo Borgia's rise to the prestigious and powerful title. I researched whilst reading, and found that it really added to the experience, and filled in the very minimal blanks in the plot. As the author took some scandalous liberties with the storyline, I wanted to make sure I knew the basic and general lay of the land (character and scandal-wise). I liked that once I did that, I found that I cared very little for the strategic scenes about war, invasions and attempts to overthrow existing rulers (though my brain would have melted regardless), and instead enjoyed the power and lust-fueled relationships that Palombo handed to me.

I found it the most excellent choice to use Cesare, and a fictional lady servant Maddalena, as the two perspectives throughout the narrative. As a reader, I was able to glimpse both sides of the political turmoil, one view coming from the comforts and false sense of security on the inside, and the second, from the general public during some significant changes to their lives. It's when these worlds collide that things get interesting, more dangerous (and to much a readers' dismay, lustier--though I thoroughly enjoyed these bits).

I can only write this review as a lover of fiction, and an appreciative student of accidental learning through said fiction. I don't seek out the historical fiction genre, but I know a book deserving of praise when I see one, and The Borgia Confessions is definitely not to be missed by those who are truly fans of both historical fiction and the lives, and misdeeds, of the Borgia family.

I just finished reading the book, and while the story is still fresh in my mind, I would like to say that I enjoyed every moment reading The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo. Although I am a big fan of reading historical fiction, I rarely read novels set in this time period (the late 15th century), and to be perfectly honest, prior to reading this book, I admit I heard of "The Borgias", but that is about all. From the moment I started reading this book, and until the last page, it was difficult for me to put it down, wanting to know what would happen to bold "Cesare" (pronounced chezahray), dear "Maddalena", sweet "Lucrezia", and of coarse, the rest of the Borgia family! In fact, as Alyssa writes in the authors note, I look forward to a sequel, to continue to follow the Borgia family.

Thank you so much to #netgalley for giving the e-ARC to read in return for my honest review of #theborgiaconfessions. Congratulations to Alyssa Palombo on achieving her dream of writing the book of her dreams. 5 stars!

The Borgia Confessions sweeps us into the world of 1492, where religion and politics are inextricably linked, and power emanates from the church. We glimpse an imagined story based on historical facts. Of how Rodrigo Borgia becomes Pope and uses his illegitimate children as pawns in his quest for more dominance and power. Told from two points of view, that of a country maiden servant, Maddalena, and Cesare, Rodrigo’s eldest son, we witness the conspiracy, intrigue, deceit, love, and all the emotions in between as the author catapults the reader into the heart of this unstable time.

Though Cesare would rather join the military, Rodrigo ensures Cesare’s immediate role is linked to the church, as he is made a cardinal just out of boyhood. His other siblings are carefully placed in positions that strengthen Rodrigo’s position of power. Marriage being a prop to ensure alliances.

While Rodrigo recognizes the cunning mind Cesare possesses, this Pope doesn’t always hold Cesare’s council. Despite his role as Cardinal, Cesare is very much still a pawn in his father’s power play. Yet as he gains more insight, he begins formulating his own wants and desires, while still playing his father’s game.

Through Cesare’s eyes, the reader unravels the pieces his father wields. As his decisions and actions don’t always align with his father’s, we are able to appreciate the layers and complexity of Cesare, and what truly drives him as a man and as a politician. In some regards he is noble and respectful of women and his family. Yet in another vein, he is vengeful, deceitful, and not afraid to use violence when it will progress his agenda. I want to unfailingly like Cesare but it’s not so easy. For him to survive in this world and progress his ambitions, he must engage in questionable acts.

Maddalena, a fictitious character created by Palombo, also plays a crucial role in fleshing out the Borgia family. In her role as servant, she navigates the varying demands placed upon her by her peers, her mistress, and Cesare. In so doing, as she entangles herself with the family, she learns of secrets that can ultimately hurt herself and those around her.

What I love about this book is how no one is perfect. All of the characters seem to shape power in ways that mold their desires, yet also make up for deficits they perhaps lack. There is no shining knight, nor is there anyone who is without any redeeming qualities. Their choices are not always clear as to whether the ramifications are for good, nefarious reasons, or because it must be so, without any reference to goodness or badness. And who do the decisions support? And why? Moreover, the historical references to events make the story even more compelling as much of the plot happened in real life. The fictional aspects only add color to the story, presenting a potential what if it happened like this?

Beautifully written, The Borgia Confessions will not disappoint the curious reader. One need not be a die-hard historical fiction fan to appreciate the well-woven plot, character development, and lush descriptions. I highly recommend.

Thanks to #netgalley and #StMartinsPress for the opportunity to read and review this interesting book.
(Pub date Feb 11, 2020)
I've always been fascinated by the Borgias. The author writes from the POV of Cesare and a fictional servant girl Maddelina. It is fiction, but lots of factual history included.
Pope Alexander had just ascended the papacy, and he has plans to create a dynasty through his 4 children.
Cesare is forced to become an archbishop, then cardinal at 18. The book then tells of Juan, Lucrezia and Jorge's places in his grandiose ideas. Maddelina is in service to Lucrezia. I enjoyed reading how the author describes the unfolding of the events in Italy from 1492 to 1499. I recommend if you're interested in this period of history.

The author stated she wanted to teach, entertain and provoke thought and she did all three. This was an easy story to follow. I often feel that historical fiction gets bogged down with dates and war strategies and the plot gets lost. The Borgia confessions delivers a story of intrigue and so much murder. I had no idea what the story of the Borgia encompassed but I was blown away. I want to read and discover more of what I obviously missed during catholic school.

I really enjoyed the dual point of views of the powerless and powerful. Maddalena shows what happens from the servants point of view and it was interesting to see how the powerful have a limited scope of thought.