Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose, #1)

by Fiona Paul

Love, lust, murder, mayhem and high society converge in one thrilling debut

Cassandra Caravello has everything a girl could desire: elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, invitations to the best parties, 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—with a bloody X carved across her heart—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of secret societies, courtesans, and killers. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a poor artist with a mischievous grin . . . and a habit of getting into trouble. Will 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, romance, and mystery weave together in a novel that’s as seductive and stunning as the city of Venice itself.

• ISBN10: 039925725X
• ISBN13: 9780399257254
• Publish Date: 30 October 2012 (first published 1 October 2012)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Philomel Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 435
• Language: English

Reviews

[Kelly]

http://www.divabooknerd.com/2013/10/venom-by-fiona-paul.html
Venom for me has been the surprise of the year. I'm not sure what I had expected, but not only was it entertaining, it was a true thriller in every sense of the word. Set in an era where ladies should be just that, expected to maintain the upkeep of their household, and rely on their Lady's Maid to run their errands, but Cass isn't your average girl. Her sense of adventure far outweighs her density, and she is far too accepting of others.

Fiona Paul has created a lush and lavish world, made realistic by the seedy underbelly of murderous crimes and forbidden love. The storyline will keep you guessing from start to finish and I had no clue where the plot was heading. Suspenseful and thrilling, it's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Suz @ Bookish Revelations]

Venom sparkles like a beautiful jewel shining with intriguing mystery and covered in suspense. It is sure to get any reader's blood tingling with suspicion. Fiona Paul pens such a wonderfully elegant, dangerously seductive, and powerfully edgey novel filled with some pretty unique characters. It's a dangerous world of elite status, a murder mystery to be solved, and gorgeous imagery that is stunning and breath taking. There are so many incredible things to love about this novel, that reader's will be unable to put it down as it draws them into its powerfully alluring web of mystery and suspense.

In so many ways the story is as hauntingly beautiful as the imagery used to describe Venice. The writing style will pull readers into the story and allow them to feel the bone-chilling suspense and experience the mystery and intrigue as they stumble along with Cassandra on her mission to figure out who murdered a young mysterious woman. Those who fall in love easily with historical fiction, will absolutely be left clammoring for more. There are many twists and turns, as the story possesses so much charisma and intricate details surrounding the mysteries around twists of every corner. It is such a captivating and engrossing read, that I could definitely see anyone falling under its delightful spell.

There are hints of strength tempered against the darkness, wrapped up in secret deception, and lies. It's enough to chill anyone to the bone and still leave them craving more. It's definitely alive with vibrancy that just pops off the pages, has a beautifully written storyline that is marvelously fleshed out and a pretty amazing cast of characters. This is definitely the book that you would want to read if you're looking for a fantastic historical romance with a little bit of suspense involved.