Secrets of the Eternal Rose Series Re-Release

If you love historical fiction, you'll want to pay attention. Today Fiona Paul's phenomenal Venom, the first book in the Secrets of the Eternal Rose series, is being re-released as Venomous Kiss. If you're a fan of historical fiction and haven't yet checked out this series, you need to do so now! It has the perfect mix of romance and intrigue and will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time you're reading!

Keep reading to find out more about the books in the Secret of the Eternal Rose series and its author, Fiona Paul!

Title: Venomous Kiss (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1)

Author: Fiona Paul

Publisher: The Studio

Release Date: March 17, 2016

Buy the Book: Amazon / B&N / Indigo

My Review

Cassandra Caravello has everything a girl could desire: elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, and a handsome, wealthy fiancé—yet she longs for something more. Ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon the body of a murdered woman, she’s drawn into the dangerous and tempting world of secret societies, courtesans, killers, and a mysterious street artist named Falco, who could be the most dangerous temptation of them all.

Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, but his habit of getting into trouble could destroy the perfect life Cassandra has built. Will she find the murderer before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Formerly published as Venom, Fiona Paul’s first installment of the Secrets of the Eternal Rose is perfect for fans of Jennifer Donnelly’s These Shallow Graves and Libba Brayès A Great and Terrible Beauty.

About the author

Fiona Paul lives in St. Louis, MO where she managed to pursued fancy universities to award her degrees in psychology and nursing. Between her studies, she traveled around five continents and spent time living in Thailand and South Korea (which is probably why she finds the idea of wearing shoes in the house a little weird).

In additional to writing, Fiona is somewhat obsessive about coffee, music, and adventure sports. Her future goals include swimming with great white sharks and writing a whole slew of novels, not necessarily in that order. For updates about Secrets of the Eternal Rose series, follow Fiona on Twitter @fionawritesYA.

Be sure to check out the free prequel story and be on the lookout for books two and three in April and May!

Title: Disastrous Desire (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #0.5)
Author: Fiona Paul
Publisher: The Studio
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Buy the Book: Amazon / B&N / Indigo

Eighteen-year-old Mariabella has recently elevated herself from the rank of common prostitute to the status of courtesan, a respected high-class escort for those men in Venetian society who can afford one. Mariabella steps out to attend a party on the arm of her powerful new patron, certain that the night will be filled with glamour, secrets, and adventure—but the world she has immersed herself in is more dangerous than she believes.

Donate miss this short story prequel set in the thrilling world of Fiona Paul’s Secrets of the Eternal Rose series. This few story also includes four chapters of Venomous Kiss, the first book in a romantic series tinged with true love and heartbreaking betrayal.

Title: Poisonous Touch (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #2)

Author: Fiona Paul

Publisher: The Studio

Release Date: April 12, 2016

Pre-Order: Amazon / B&N / Chapters

My Review

In the second installment of the Secrets of the Eternal Rose series, Cassandra Caravello is trying to forget Falco, the wild artist who ran off with her heart, as she grows closer to her strong, steady fiancé, Luca. But Luca has his own share of secrets. When he’s arrested by soldiers in the middle of the night, Cass’s life is once again thrown into chaos.

So begins her journey to Florence to prove Luca’s innocence. In the city haunted by whispers of vampirism, secret soirées and clandestine meetings of the Order of the Eternal Rose, Cassandra also finds Falco, who is working for the Oder’s eerily stunning leader, the Belladonna herself.

Nothing is as it seems in this seductive mystery, where the truth may be the deadliest poison of all.

Formerly published as Belladonna, Fiona Paul’s romantic series is perfect for fans of Jennifer Donnelly’s These Shallow Graves and Libba Bray’s A Great and Terrible Beauty.

Title: Dangerous Heart (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #3)

Author: Fiona Paul

Publisher: The Studio

Release Date: May 24, 2016

Pre-Order: Amazon / B&N / Indigo

Cassandra Caravello and Luca are fugitives, on the run from the law and the deadly Order of the Eternal Rose. As they pursue the only evidence that could save them, their worlds—and their romance—are torn apart by spiteful friends and murderous enemies.

When Cass finds herself ensnared in the Order’s twisted plot, Falco emerges once again as her only hope for freedom…but this time, Luca has a shocking scheme of his own.

From ancient mercenaries to sly magicians, clever courtesans and vengeful killers, no one can be trusted. In the breathtaking conclusion to the Secrets of the Eternal Rose trilogy, Cass must confront the Order and decide where her heart lies, once and for all.

Formerly published as Starling, this romantic mystery is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl and Jennifer Donnelly’s These Shallow Graves.

Blog Tour - Starling by Fiona Paul & Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure of being part of the blog post for Fiona Paul's Starling, hosted by Book Nerd Tours. This is the third and final book in her Venom series, and if you haven't already checked it out, you really should. And as part of today's blog tour, I have the pleasure of having Luca, one of the lovely boys from the story, here to answer a few questions. So without further ado, here is was Luca had to say.

What has it been like being away in France for your studies?

France! That seems so long ago when I think of everything that's happened in the past few weeks. It was…placid, you might say. I went to the university and quietly listened while lecturers and learned men spoke of courts and legalities. I spent most nights studying or writing letters to Cassandra. Returning to Venice, saving her from that wretched madman, it's helped me realize what's truly important. I don't crave excitement quite like Cassandra does, but I feel more alive, more passionate about everything, in her presence.

Did you come back to Venice only to protect Cassandra or were there other forces drawing you back to the city?

I was planning to return to Venice with the opes of setting a date for our wedding, but when I learned of my half-brother's depraved activities, I knew Cassandra might be in danger.

What has it been like reconnecting with Cassandra now that you are both older? Is she still the same Cass you knew before you went to France?

I have enjoyed reconnecting with Cassandra. I only wish it were under better circumstances. She is and she isn't the same girl, if that makes sense. The Cassandra I remember was this impulsive colt-like child. She was all arms and legs and thick wavy hair. Her handmaid was forever shrieking about her mussing her braids or getting her dresses dirty. Now Cassandra is more refined and elegant, but she still has that wild, impetuous streak in her where I never know exactly what she's going to do next.

Why do you think people are trying to hurt you and Cass? Does it have anything to do with the Order of the Eternal Rose and with why you were imprisoned?

It has everything to do with the Order of the Eternal Rose. I will not rest until I see the Order destroyed and its members punished. In the meantime, I will do whatever I must to keep Cassandra safe.

What do you think is going to happen now that you and Cass can't return to Venice? 

Cassandra and I must go in search of the Book of the Eternal Rose. Within its pages lies the evidence we need to destroy the Order. The books was in Florence at one time. Now we are unsure of its location, but we will find it if it is the last thing we do. 

Giveaway!

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About the Book:

The dark, seductive conclusion to the thrilling Secrets of the Eternal Rose trilogy!

In the final book in the trilogy, Cass and Luca are back in Venice trying to find the Book of the Eternal Rose to clear Luca's name and keep them both out of prison. But the hunters become the hunted when the Order of the Eternal Rose figures out their plan. Filled with twists and turns, danger and torrid romances, this novel brings the Secrets of the Eternal Rose novels to a thrilling, heart-pounding, sexy conclusion. 

Buy the Book:

    

About the Author:

Fiona Paul lives in the midwest but travels a lot since she can't breathe if she spends too much time away from the ocean. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in psychology and spent a year teaching English in Seoul, Korea while she was deciding what she wanted to be when she grew up. Answer: everything. In addition to being a teacher and writer, she's also worked as a sauté cook, sporting goods manager, veterinary assistant, and registered nurse. When she's not working, you can usually find her kayaking, reading, or helping turtles cross the road. Her future goals include diving with great white sharks and writing more books, not necessarily in that order. Venom is her first novel.

Connect with Fiona Paul:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Belladonna by Fiona Paul

Title: Belladonna (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #2)

Author: Fiona Paul

Publisher: Philomel

Release Date: July 16, 2013

Source: From publisher

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository / Indigo

Cassandra Caravello is trying to forget Falco, the wild artist who ran off with her heart, as she grows closer to her strong, steady fiancé, Luca. 

But Luca seems to have his own secrets. When he's arrested by soldiers in the middle of the night, Cass's life is once again thrown into chaos. She must save Luca, and that means finding the Book of the Eternal Rose--the only evidence that will prove he's innocent.

So begins her journey to Florence, a city haunted by whispers of vampirism, secret soirees and clandestine meetings of the Order of the Eternal Rose. And home to Falco, who is working for the Order's eerily stunning leader, the Belladonna herself. 

Can Cass trust her heart to lead her to the truth this time?

Nothing is as it seems in this seductive thriller, where the truth may be the deadliest poison of all.

Other than with a few exception, I do this thing with series where I'll read the first book and then promptly forget that there are more books to come. And that's why Fiona Paul's Belladonna had been sitting, unread, on my shelves for the last six months. After having now read it though, I remember why I love this story and these characters so much.

Cassandra is determined to forget Falco, the artist who ran to Florence and took part of her heart with her. After everything that's happened, Cass is ready to start the calm and stable life she had been promised when she was engaged to Luca. But things once again go off course when soldiers come to her aunt's palazzo in the middle of the night to take Luca away. Now it's up to Cass to do what it takes to save Luca before it's all too late. To do so, Cass must travel to Florence in the hopes of finding the Book of the Eternal Rose, the one thing that can help prove Luca's innocence. But in Florence, Cass can also find Falco, but after everything can she really trust him. And will her heart survive it all?

I said this back when I reviewed Venom, but I love the Renaissance. It's always been one of my favourite periods of history to study. So it's almost guaranteed that I'll read any story set in Renaissance Italy. And reading Belladonna, I was reminded of why I love those stories so much. The way Fiona Paul writes, it's almost as if the setting comes to life. As I'm reading, Renaissance Venice and Renaissance Florence take form and I was able to picture both cities as if I were right there. It allowed me to completely lose myself in the story, allowing me to enjoy it that much more. Beyond just the vivid setting, what kept drawing me back into the story was the intrigue and the mystery. This is the kind of story that constantly makes you question everything you know, and everything you're being told. Every step of the way, I felt like I just kept getting more and more confused. Until it was all laid out in front of me, and even then I still didn't trust what I was being told. I guess I'll just have to read the third book, Starling, to find out how it will all end.

Cass has always been a surprising character to me. She's not exactly what you have in mind when you think "Renaissance" and "teenage girl." Basically, Cass is the total opposite of what you would expect. She isn't afraid to do what it takes when it comes to the people she cares about, even when that means putting herself in harm's way. But still, I admired her bravery and her determination. What could use help sometime, is Cass's heart. After Venom, I would have said I was all for Cass being with Falco, but I'm not so sure about that anymore. But that's not to say that I'm completely sold on Luca either. Each boy definitely had his own merits, but it seemed like neither one of them was ever fully honest with Cass. It will be interesting to see how it will all play out in Starling. And hopefully, I'll finally get to see more of Luca. 

If you like intrigue and historical fiction, I strongly recommend you try reading Fiona Paul's Secrets of the Eternal Rose series. I loved reading Belladonna and I can't wait to see how the story will come to a close in Starling.

Blog Tour: Belladonna by Fiona Paul - Guest Post

Today I have the immense pleasure of hosting author Fiona Paul as part of her Canadian blog tour for Belladonna. I absolutely loved Venom so I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this tour. Be sure to keep reading for your chance to see an exerpted scene from main character Cass's journey from Venice to Florence and to find out more about the book and the author.

Fiona: Happy Saturday! Today I'm starting with an exclusive excerpted scene taken from Cass's journey from Venice to Florence:

    They had broken down near a crossroads, but both streets were completely bare of traffic. Open meadows stretched around ten, with tree-covered hills off in the distance.

    Marco cursed. "And only an hour outside of Florence."

    The driver knelt beside the fallen axle. "We can't move on until the damage is repaired."

    Just then, Cass heard a howl from the trees. She turned toward the noise and saw a pack of wild dogs across the field—four of them in total, slinking around the periphery of the tall grass.

    "Marco," she said, her throat tightening. "Dogs."

    Marco turned. "They won't bother us, Signorina Cassandra," he said. "We're too many. Dogs are cowards."

    The largest dog lowered its haunches to the ground, and the others followed its lead. But Cass couldn't shake the feeling they were watching her.

    Waiting.

    She stared back, not wanting to appear afraid, until the rhythmic drumming of hoofbeats drew her attention. A carriage was approaching from the direction of Florence. She watched the cloud of dust draw near, realizing it wasn't a carriage after all. It was an old wooden cart pulled by a short, squat horse. Two men in leather doublets were perched on the back of the cart, their boots dangling almost to the ground. Another man straddled the horse. When he spotted the disabled carriage, he slowed the horse to a walk and pulled up near the side of the road. Cass headed toward them to see if they could offer assistance. Too late, she realized what the cart was carrying.

    Bodies. 

    She stopped right in the middle of the road, hugging her arms around her waist. The scene brought her back to the night she had discovered Falco's secret. But these men weren't robbing graces. Apparently, they were going to dig them.

    The two men in leather doublets jumped off the back of the cart with their shovels and traipsed across the field. One of them pounded a wooden cross into the ground while the other began to dig. The third hovered close to the cart, glancing occasionally at the linen-wrapped bodies, as though he thought they might walk away.

    Cass wondered why they would be taken so far outside of the city to be buried. Curiosity outweighed her fear, and she started across the road again. Madalena followed her.

    "Be careful." The man—the driver—positioned himself between the girls and the cart.

    Cass glanced down at his hands. He wore a plain silver band around his thumb. "Are they…infected?" A ripple of fear moved through her. Luca's own father had contracted the plague from one of his servants. He had died in less than a week. 

    "Oh, they are infected all right," the man said. "With the Devil's own affliction."

    Cass struggled to understand his thick Florentine accent, but she was pretty sure she had heard him right. She leaned back from the bundle. With one hand, the man delicately parted the burial shrouds around the first body's face. The dead girl looked like her, with freckled skin and auburn hair.

    And she and a brick jammed into her mouth.

    "They are vampires," he said grimly.

Fiona: I picked this passage to highlight for four reasons:

1. It is creepy and awesome!

2. Seeding is important. Everything from the dogs to the girl with the brick in her mouth will become important again later, and it's more believable to readers if they see these things woven into the narrative, not just inserted for the first time where the plot demands them.

3. When it comes to travel, less is more. Editor's notes: Unless something relevant happens on the trip—as is the case here—best not to subject readers to endless descriptions of carriages, boats, seas, roads, mountains, hotels, etc. (Who, me?) Actually she said it nicer than that, but the meaning was clear :)

4. Never discount any random factoid you come across while researching, especially if you are writing a trilogy. A Paper Lantern intern discovered this cool article while putting together some information about Renaissance Venice: 

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/science/discoveries/2009-03-13-italy-vampire_N.htm

"Probably not useful," she said, "but interesting." This article became the basis for major plot point in Belladonna and that intern went on to become an editor and then leave to do even greater things. (She's currently a superhero). Thanks, B!

About the book:

Cassandra Caravello is trying to forget Falco, the wild artist who ran off with her heart, as she grows closer to her strong, steady fiancé, Luca. But Luca seems to have his own secrets. When he's arrested by soldiers in the middle of the night, Cass's life is once again thrown into chaos. She must save Luca, and that means finding the Book of the Eternal Rose--the only evidence that will prove he's innocent.

So begins her journey to Florence, a city haunted by whispers of vampirism, secret soirées and clandestine meetings of the Order of the Eternal Rose. And home to Falco, who is working for the Oder's eerily stunning leader, the Belladonna herself.

Can Cass trust her heart to lead her to the truth this time?

Nothing is as it seems in this seductive thriller, where the truth may be the deadliest poison of all.

About the author:

Fiona Paul is a writer and registered nurse from St. Louis, MO.

Fiona's Blog

Fiona on Twitter

Fiona on Facebook

Belladonna on Goodreads

If you missed it yesterday, be sure to check Read My Breath Away for a deleted and annotated scene from Belladonna. And if you want more, be sure to check out Book Nerd Canada on Monday for a special interview! 

Blog Tour: Venom by Fiona Paul

Title: Venom (The Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1)

Author: Fiona Paul

Publisher: Philomel

Release Date: October 30, 2012

Source: ARC from Publisher

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice's lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady's maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents' death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman--practically in her own backyard--she's drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin…and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery wave together in a stunning novel that's as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

The Italian Renaissance is without a doubt my favorite period of history. So when I first heard about Fiona Paul's Venom, I just knew that I had to read the book. Not only does it take place during the Renaissance, but it is also set in Venice which is an amazing city. And then I started reading and I found myself being carried away to another time and place.

Cassandra Caravello has always had everything she needed, being part of the elite of Renaissance Venice. But lately, Cass has wanted to escape the future that has all been planned out for her, especially her marriage to reliable Luca da Peraga. While out wandering the cemetery next to her aunt's villa, Cass meets Falco, a mysterious artist who makes Cass believe she might be able to escape her future. But then dead bodies start appearing all over town, and Cass decides to investigate with Falco's help. Though Cass may not be completely safe, and even the people she thinks she can trust might not be who she thinks they are. And the more time she spends with Falco, the more Cass wants to believe she can have a future different from the one that has been all laid out for her.

I absolutely love the Renaissance. It is not a period I would have liked to live in at all, but it is by far one of my favorite periods of history to study. And I love Italy, especially Venice. I've been lucky enough to visit the city and it was amazing. So when I heard about a YA novel set in Renaissance Venice, I knew I had to get my hands on it. And when I started reading, I immediately felt myself transported to another world. I found myself getting carried away reading, picturing the city alongside Cass. And to make things better, the story had that element of mystery that I absolutely love. Fiona Paul kept me guessing about who the guilty party was the throughout the entire story. But that wasn't all. The writing itself was was magical, and all the little details are what allowed me to be transported to another time and place. I can only assume an incredible amount of research went into the writing of Venom and that was made the story so believable while I was reading it. And that still wasn't all. The romance in Venom was sensual in a way that fit perfectly with the Italian Renaissance. Lust was everywhere, but love wasn't instantaneous. Instead, I got to see Cass's relationship with Falco and Luca as more of a courtship, again, fitting in perfectly with the time period. But what made the romance as great as it was are the characters themselves.

Cass was so different from what I expected. Knowing this was a book set in the Renaissance, I expected a typical Renaissance young lady. But that was not at all who Cass was. Sure, on the outside that's how she portrayed herself, but then below the surface there was this rebellious and adventurous girl who was just dying to come out. And that's the side of Cass I loved so much. I have to admit I also loved the side of Cass that came out whenever Falco was around. Around him, she was someone who wasn't afraid of saying what was on her mind, or doing whatever she wanted to do. And I think Falco's personality had something to do with that. Falco was definitely rebellious, but as an artist he was also a bit of a dreamer. And though he had his flaws, I could see what Cass saw in him. But there was also Luca, Cass's fiancé, and he was just as mysterious and intriguing as Falco. And he had this fiercely protective streak, willing to do anything to keep Cass out of danger. And Cass was torn between Falco and Luca, and I can see why.

Fiona Paul's Venom was a magical read. The writing took me to another time and place and as I was reading I could picture Venice in all of its Renaissance glory. This was a story that mixed mystery and romance in just the right doses, making it difficult to leave the story. My only wish is that I already had Belladonna, the sequel, to read.