Let Them Read Books: Book Blast! The Vatican Princess by C.W. Gortner

The Vatican Princess:

A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia

by C.W. Gortner

Publication Date: February 9, 2016

Ballantine Books Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook

400 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Infamy is no accident. It is a poison in our blood. It is the price of being a Borgia.

Glamorous and predatory, the Borgias fascinated and terrorized 15th-century Renaissance Italy. Lucrezia Borgia, beloved daughter of the pope, was at the center of the dynasty’s ambitions. Slandered as a heartless seductress who lured men to their doom, was she in fact the villainess of legend, or was she trapped in a familial web, forced to choose between loyalty and survival?

With the ascension of the Spaniard Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI, the new pope’s illegitimate children—his rival sons, Cesare and Juan, and beautiful young daughter Lucrezia—assume an exalted position in the papal court. Privileged and adored, Lucrezia yearns to escape her childhood and play a part in her family’s fortunes. But Rome is seductive and dangerous: Alliances shift at a moment’s notice as Italy’s ruling dynasties strive to keep rivals at bay. As Lucrezia’s father faces challenges from all sides, he’s obliged to marry her off to a powerful adversary. But when she discovers the brutal truth behind her alliance, Lucrezia is plunged into a perilous gambit that will require all her wits, cunning, and guile. Escaping her marriage offers the chance of happiness with a passionate prince of Naples, yet as scandalous accusations of murder and incest build against her, menacing those she loves, Lucrezia must risk everything to overcome the lethal fate imposed upon her by her Borgia blood.

Beautifully wrought, rich with fascinating historical detail, The Vatican Princess is the first novel to describe Lucrezia’s coming-of-age in her own voice—a dramatic, vivid tale set in an era of savagery and unparalleled splendor, where enemies and allies can be one and the same, and where loyalty to family can ultimately be a curse.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

Praise

"Assiduously researched and expertly crafted . . . . This unholy plunge into Rome's darkest dynasty is wholly engrossing." - Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author

"A spider web of Renaissance intrigue with a legendary cast . . . Impressive research, a lush background, and deft characterization make for a fascinating read." - Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author

"Elegantly written and deeply researched . . . Renaissance Italy is vividly brought to life. I’m captivated by this knowledgeable author’s take on the controversial Borgias." - Alison Weir, NYT bestselling author

About the Author

C.W. GORTNER holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California, as well as an AA from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.

After an eleven year-long career in fashion, during which he worked as a vintage retail buyer, freelance publicist, and fashion show coordinator, C.W. devoted the next twelve years to the public health sector. In 2012, he became a full-time writer following the international success of his novels.

In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard at Hampton Court, learned about organic gardening at Chenoceaux, and spent a chilly night in a ruined Spanish castle. His books have garnered widespread acclaim and been translated into twenty-one languages to date, with over 400,000 copies sold. A sought-after public speaker. C.W. has given keynote addresses at writer conferences in the US and abroad. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights, in particular companion animal rescue to reduce shelter overcrowding.

Half-Spanish by birth and raised in southern Spain, C.W. now lives in Northern California with his partner and two very spoiled rescue cats.

For more information visit C.W. Gortner’s website and blog. You can also find him on Facebook, Twittter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and YouTube. Sign up for C.W. Gortner’s Newsletter for updates.

Book Blast Schedule

Tuesday, February 9 Unshelfish Drey's Library The Maiden's Court CelticLady's Reviews Wednesday, February 10 The Lit Bitch The Never-Ending Book A Dream within a Dream What Is That Book About Thursday, February 11 Laura's Interests The Reader's Hollow Flashlight Commentary Friday, February 12 Let Them Read Books To Read, Or Not to Read Saturday, February 13 So Many Books, So Little Time Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne Sunday, February 14 100 Pages a Day With Her Nose Stuck In A Book Monday, February 15 A Book Geek A Bookish Affair Puddletown Reviews Tuesday, February 16 Just One More Chapter Historical Fiction Obsession Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More Wednesday, February 17 Impressions In Ink A Literary Vacation The Country Bookworm Thursday, February 18 The True Book Addict Ageless Pages Reviews Friday, February 19 Passages to the Past Kristin Un-Ravelle'd Book Lovers Paradise Saturday, February 20 Beth's Book Nook Blog One Book Shy of a Full Shelf Sunday, February 21 Carpe Librum (Seize The Book) Seize the Words: Books in Review Monday, February 22 Broken Teepee Book Drunkard The Reading Queen Tuesday, February 23 Teatime and Books View from the Birdhouse Historical Fiction Connection

GIVEAWAY!

To win a Borgia-Inspired Velvet Bag & Beaded Bracelet from C.W. Gortner please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below.

Rules

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