Belladonna by Fiona Paul

Goodreads Blurb

Cassandra follows a trail of clues about the mysterious Order of the Eternal Rose to Florence. There she runs into a few familiar faces, including Falco, who is now working for a nine-fingered woman known as Belladonna. When Cass discovers Belladonna is involved in the Order, she won’t rest until she discovers the shadowy society’s true purpose, knowledge that will put her—and everyone she loves—in terrible danger.

Wow. Oh wow oh wow oh wow. I can not describe how much I love Belladonna, but I promise to do my best. Let me just say though, that I finished this in the morning at school, then put it in my locker (after squealing so much!) so that it wouldn't be harmed, right? During my entire first period, I couldn't stop thinking about the going  ons of Belladonna and went to my locker ASAP to read it again! I never reread books right after finishing. Moral of the story? Belladonna is a must-read, Venom is a must read, you all MUST READ THEM. They're seriously heartbreaking sometimes, and I wanted to cry. A lot. 

Cass definitely sounds like a noble woman dead-set on her goal. She had all the makings and morals of a noble woman, except she had some definite spunk in her that makes you love her instantly! Honestly, she hasn't changed a bit since Venom, though she's definitely wiser and less naive than before. She's still a strong character, in my opinion, but there's definitely a lot of vulnerability on her side in Belladonna. And the things that brought her down? Oh, I wanted to cry. 

Falco. There was a LOT of Falco in Belladonna, thank God. I just...the extent of my love for him is immeasurable. Even with what's happened in this book. He was just as heartbreaking as before, just as swoon worthy as before, and just as sweet as before. But there's an edge to it, now that she's on a mission to save Luca. But, you guys, he still helps her, and they made me feel a heart tug. Falco still helped her because it's what she wanted and I...I...so, if Cass goes with Luca, can I have Falco? Just asking, of course.

But, just in case you wanted to be sure, Falco is all he was in Venom and so much more!

Luca wasn't really in Belladonna as much as I'd expected (sort of hoped? Sorry guys, I was thinking about Falco here!), but from what we do see from him, I think he's shaping up to be a guy who can almost, not quite, rival Falco in my eyes. He was just so incredibly sweet, willing to let Cass go if it meant she'd be happy. I honestly want my own Luca mixed with Falco. Yeesh, Fiona Paul definitely knows how to make guys we swoon about!

The writing? Do you even have to ask? the writing was just gorgeous! It never gave too much detail, but gave you enough so that you could clearly picture the scene in your head. And I'm no expert on Venice or the Renaissance (no matter what my parents want to believe), but everything felt historically correct at least, and that's pretty much what matters! 

Compared to Venom, Belladonna was a very quick read. It went by and I had no idea how I was already halfway into the book! There was a giant twist to the usual historical--vampires. But, you guys, without fully spoiling anything, I'm pretty sure there was a stage during the Renaissance where people did believe in vampires. And don't worry, Belladonna stays purely historical, thank goodness! But it was a fast plot that was quickly delivered that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Belladonna is definitely one of my favorite sequels, ever! Engaging characters, a quick plot, and amazing writing, Secrets of the Eternal Rose is definitely going to be your next favorite series!

Pages: 339

Series: Secrets of the Eternal Rose #2

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

Publisher: Philomel

Release Date: July, 2013

Rating: 5

Venom Readalong Week 4: 25-34

ITS THE LAST WEEK! Sadness. But winners will be posted tomorrow over here so check your inboxes SOON! 

I'm so sad this is ending, but it's been fun! 

Did you trust Falco the whole time?

DEFINITELY NOT. I mean...hello? You met him in a GRAVEYARD. But then again, I couldn't really blame Cass for falling for him...

As a whole, did you feel this book was sufficiently creepy and mysterious?

YES. YESYESYES. 

Were you surprised by the ending?

WHAT THE HECK. YES. I was *not* expecting that AT ALL

Do you think Cass made the right decision concerning the boys in the end? Would you do what she did (answer without spoiling!)

I loved it! I mean, she made the decision best for her and it was completely unexpected! Different from most love triangles, I'll say! Seriously. *SURPRISE*

Were you right about the murderer? If not were you surprised?

Ummm, I was dead wrong. Seriously. I had no idea whatsoever. But then, I'm completely dumb when it comes to this. So, YEAH I was surprised!

Now that you've met both, what Team are you? 

Falco. Always and FOREVER. 

What were your immediate thoughts after finishing? 

OMG. WHERE'S BELLADONNA?

So glad you've been with us so far! :D

Check out Fiona Paul's blog here!

Venom Readalong (9-16)

WEEK 2 OF THE VENOM READALONG!!! Made by MOI and Annabelle (Sparkles and Lightning!) Yes, this is late, but I just wanted to do Friday. You know, for no particular reason...

I will be answering this and pretending like I haven't read this awesome book already.
(Here are some other posts for this week! Just click here)

Rereading this has been a blast and having read the ARC first, I see some changes being made! Awesome changes, of course!

Do you think Cristian rescuing Cass was a coincidence?

Well, I've learned that, in books, nothing's ever a coincidence. ;) 

Do you think the tossing of her stays symbolizes anything? Or is it just a fun scene (that totally made me grin!)?

I think it symbolizes the way she thinks--that she doesn't want to be caged in and sheltered anymore.

Who do you think was behind the falcon mask?

Well, I've read this so I honestly can't say, but definitely the murderer!

What do you think of the whispered conversation between Falco and his friends?

Well, there are some people up to no good! Definitely suspicious here...Please don't be the murderer.

In this chapter, Cass comes across prostitutes up close for the first time and finds herself enthrall we by the strangeness of it. How would you, as a sheltered high-class girl, have reacted?

I'd, personally, be revolted. I'd have run away as fast as I could lol! I don't do well out of my areas of comfort!

It's obvious Falco is keeping secrets. What do you think they are? Why do you think he's hiding the truth from Cass?

Well...here's another question I can't answer. But he's definitely hiding the fact that he knows that person from the cut up body parts...I forgot his name. And I think he's trying to be the person Cass THINKS him to be, which is why he's not telling her the truth. 

When Cass asks Falco, "Why should I trust you?" he responds, "Because you want to." Is that a good reason for trust? Why or why not?

Yes! You have to trust your gut, right? And so far, he hasn't given much reason why not to. If he was (or was aquainted to) the murderer, wouldn't Cass be dead?

Check out Fiona Paul's blog here!

Venom Readalong (1-8)

WEEK 1 OF THE VENOM READALONG!!! Made by MOI and Annabelle (Sparkles and Lightning!) Yes, this is late, but I just wanted to do Friday. You know, for no particular reason...

I will be answering this and pretending like I haven't read this awesome book already.
(Here are some other posts for this week! Just click here)

What do you think of Falco so far? Do you trust him?
So far? Absolutely NOT. I mean, he suddenly leaves before dawn for "work", he pops out of nowhere, and HE'S IN THE GRAVEYARD AT MIDNIGHT. I don't buy that story of reading...he's up to something.

Thoughts on Siena?
She seems very timid and super shy...that's about it!

If you were in Cass's place, would you sneak out and try to solve it or try your best to shake it off?
Probably shake it off. Actually, I wouldn't be IN a graveyard in the first place. Those things freak me out.

Is it stupid of Cass to trust Falco so much? Would you, in her place?

YES. I mean, hello random guy who lazes around in graveyards at night. Creepy, no? But I probably would. I mean, FALCO.

Do you think Cass' Aunt Agnese is smothering her?

Without a doubt! Stuffy lady...but I'm guessing not all the high society women were exactly like Cass, then. 

Did anything seem off about the funeral to you?

Nothing, unless you count the fact that the preacher's eyes seemed to dark to Cass at that one moment...

Short answers, but trust me, the next questions are going to definitely have more in depth answers!

NEXT UP:

Chapters 9-17!

Check out Fiona Paul's blog here!

Blog Tour: Venom by Fiona Paul

Y'all know I'm such a giant fan of VENOM (Check out my review here) and I've asked Fiona Paul to do a lot of Promo stuff (check out the guest post here and my interview here!) and VENOM totally deserves it! So I'm absolutely THRILLED to be on the Venom Blog Tour and even more excited to be kicking it off! EEP! And during the blog tour, you can collect snippets of the novella VENOMOUS! (I had to cut out a lot of squealing in this intro. Just thought I'd say that.) Here's the first snippet!

Venomous

A Secrets of the Eternal Rose short story

By Fiona Paul

The year is 1600 and the streets of Venice, Italy are ripe with intrigue and danger. In this introduction to the world of Venom, 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 them. 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.

--

As the gondola slows to a stop, I adjust the neckline of my dress and emerge from behind the leather curtains of the felze. Arabella, my friend and roommate, laced my stays extra tightly and the stiff framework presses against my rib cage as I stand. The private dock of Palazzo Domacetti is crowded with other guests. All of Venice seems to be watching me as I take the gondolier’s hand and alight from the boat.

 Slowly, I step onto the dock, reveling in the stares of desire and jealousy. For the first time in my life, I am the girl that the other girls wish they could be. It’s not because I’m the prettiest or the youngest, or even the most talented. It’s because one of the richest and most powerful men in Venice went looking for a new companion, and he chose me.

            Someone tugs sharply at my dress and I wobble in my chopines, stepping sideways to regain my balance. I turn around. A toothless woman with a stooped back is gripping the emerald-green satin of my top skirt in her gnarled hand. Her other hand clutches a leather canteen. She’s not wearing a hat, and snarls of gray hair hang like storm clouds around her pale face.

            “The mark,” she rasps. She is rank with the stench of ale and worse things. Filth. Death. I grew up around these smells and I will never forget them.

            Tugging the fabric free of her bony fingers, I glance down at my bodice and skirts, at my sleeves and lace gloves, looking for a spot or stain. I’m clean, but I pull my cloak tight around me anyway, attempting to cover my entire body with the soft suede garment.

 “What mark?” I ask, even though she’s clearly drunk or mad. Perhaps both.           

“The Devil’s mark,” she hisses. One crooked finger lifts toward my face. “You are chosen.” She throws back her head and cackles.

            Around me, nobles and other courtesans watch the exchange with curiosity, but no one steps in to help. My new patron, Joseph Dubois, is just now alighting from the gondola, having stopped to pay the gondolier. He moves immediately to my side and gestures quickly at a pair of men clad in the red and black livery of Palazzo Domacetti. They step forward to seize the woman.

            “Off with you now,” one says. A heavy club hangs from his belt. “You’ve no business in this district.”

            The old woman allows the men to lead her away from the palazzo, but she continues to cackle, a sound that makes my skin twitch and crawl as if I am covered with cockroaches. “Chosen,” she shrills once more. And then she disappears around a corner, safely out of sight.

--

Isn't that AMAZING! I can't wait for the next posts to find out what happens next! The next part will be on The Compulsive Reader on Oct 3! 

Venom Blurb

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 weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

Short Author Bio

Fiona Paul lives in St. Louis, MO where she's managed to persuade prestigious 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 addition 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 truckload of novels, not necessarily in that order.She also writes contemporary YA under the name Paula Stokes.

Contact Info
Fiona Paul's Website
Fiona Paul's Blog
Fiona Paul's Twitter
Fiona Paul's Facebook

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