The Lion and the Rose

Everything I love about Quinn is on full display here: lush descriptions of fashion and food, complex characters who are harboring their own secrets, not to mention an absolutely epic declaration of love near the end of the novel. I've reread the last couple of chapters repeatedly because it's just so romantic. That said, I won't rush to recommend this duology to everyone. In order to get to the satisfying ending, the characters go through some pretty dark times. After all, this is the Italian Renaissance, a time known for its brutality as much as its beauty. However, if you can read through it, you will be justly rewarded. I know I can't wait for my next reread.