I loved the trio of questionable characters in this enthralling telling of the era of the Borgia Pope, Alexander the Sixth, through the voice of Guilia Farnese (a.k.a., the Venus of the Vatican and the Pope's lover (!); her cook Carmelina; and Leonella, her bodyguard.

This story has all the good stuff: power and the politics,, beauty and fashion, and so many secrets that people are willing to go to great lengths to protect. I loved all the references to food! Looking forward to book 2.

The first book in the Borgia series- Quinn writes a page turner that plunges you into the life and times of the famous Pope Alexander VI and his mistress 'la Bella', Madonna Giulia Farnese. Historically accurate, the story is depicted in the detailed life of this exceptional beauty who proves to be not just that; she is feisty, kind, and super smart. This was a delightful read which included, Roman delicacies, a look into fashion, for which Giulia was the ultimate trendsetter. The book is also filled with the intrigues and political dynamics of the times. A time when the Boegias ruled everything and beyond. I enjoyed this book immensely.