The Luxe Venice: Venom - Fiona Paul

Venom by Fiona Paul
Date Released: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Philomel
Pages: 331 pages
Format: Hardcover
Source: Target
Rating:
Series: (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1) 

Goodreads Synopsis: 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.

From Goodreads

Venom by Fiona Paul was a book filled with promise, especially with all the great reviews on it, I was bound to pick it up. I have to say that it was a fulfilling, racing, and magical book that brings the world of Venice alive with murder and suspense. I mean the back cover had me hooked and of course I would definitely pick it up! 

The setting is a true seller for the book. Venice? The olden days? Rich Luxe? Count every YA reader in! Who wouldn't want to be there too and I think that was a big part of the book. Here we meet Cassandra, or Cass for short and she's living in a grand villa with her aunt since her parents are dead and she's struggling to find herself. But once she finds a murdered woman, tension heats up and the suspense boils over. She also meets Falco, a local artist who definitely has eyes for her. The chemistry between they was like cat and dog. Always against each other and had this fierce attitude, it was great and I loved it! 

Another this I loved besides a great setting, a great romance, there is also that great pacing with action and suspense that makes this book so gripping! It made the setting come alive and as Cass learned more and more about what Venice truly is, I loved it coming together. The action was done really great in the book! It was small scenes but they were hooking and you can easily visual yourself in Cass's perspective. One thing I would say I didn't like was that Cass need to have more personal thoughts like piecing more of the clues together. It needed that binder to bring the book together more.

Venom was a great book filled with the rich and luxe world of Venice, but equally great chemistry between the protagonist and her artist lover. Throw is well-written scenes of action and suspense you got yourself a true winner!

Find Venom On:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads