Belladonna Blog Tour - Fiona Paul's Book Boyfriends

I am thrilled to be part of the Canadian blog tour for Fiona Paul's Belladonna. If you missed the first stop on the tour be sure to check out Razorbill Canada's website to learn all about what to see in Florence.

If you missed my review yesterday be sure to stop by and read it. Today I have Fiona stopping by to talk about something very important - BOOK BOYFRIENDS. That's right. Fiona offers up her top 10 swoon worthy book hotties. If you follow her on Twitter you will be aware that she has amazing taste (hello, she loves Eric Draven) so her list is worth checking out. If you haven't met some of these guys yet, I am guessing you'll want to.

When Kathy suggested a list of favorite kiss scenes or YA boys for this tour stop, I jumped at the chance to prattle on about some of my fictional crushes. There are some notable boys missing from this list—Four, Alex, Noah, Etienne, etc. What can I say? Those guys are a little too perfect for me. I prefer my book boyfriends rough around the edges and dark around the heart. Here are my top ten, in no particular order:

1. Jonah Griggs from Jellicoe Road: I first heard of Jonah via twitter, where I get all my important book-boyfriend news. “So dreamy,” everyone said. I started reading and was immediately confused. This Jonah guy appeared to be a common thug. “Some of these tweeps clearly have issues,” I muttered. But sure enough, as the mystery played itself out, the layers began to peel back on Jonah. What can I say? You guys were right. Bonus factor: He’s Australian.

2. Cassel Sharp from the Curse Workers series: Cassel is the right kind of con man, the guy who worries about his mother and doesn’t want to hurt anyone. He’s not particularly interested in saving the world, but he’ll step up and get his hands dirty to protect the people he loves. Bonus factor: Mafia connections.

3. Cas Lowood from Anna Dressed in Blood: Instead of playing video games and checking out chicks like most teen boys, Cas travels around killing ghosts. Like his near-namesake, Cassel, he also loves his momma and is fiercely protective of those close to him. Bonus factor: Knife skills.

4. Cole St. Clair from The Shiver Trilogy: Oh, Cole. Brilliant, tormented, and self-destructive as all hell. You’re like a young, Canadian Kurt Cobain who also happens to get wolfy now and again. The only thing better than the Cole of Linger is the Cole of Forever. Thank you Maggie Stiefvater for letting me hang out inside this delicious boy’s head for two books. Bonus factor: He’s a rock star. (Kathy's note- Um, HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF COLE?! Seriously, she had me at Kurt Cobain. MUST READ IMMEDIATELY)

5. Ash Fisher from The Black City Chronicles: When we meet brooding half-Darkling Ash, he’s just a petty drug dealer from the wrong side of the tracks. Ash alternates between being melancholy, angry, and hilariously sarcastic, but he’s never phony. Even when Ash behaves badly, I can’t help but cheer for him. Bonus factor: Euphoria-causing venom.

6. Eli from Along for the Ride: Eli, the boy who has stopped living, meets Auden, the girl who has never really lived, and together they explore the world that exists while most of us are sleeping. Eli is the kind of guy that brings out your best—he makes you kinder, he makes you braver, he makes you want to risk it all. Bonus factor: Mad biking skills.

7. Austin from A Tale of Two Centuries: I was lucky enough to read this book early (look for my blurb!) and oh my sweet slacker boy at the back of the class goodness. Austin gets Renaissance good-girl Less in trouble on her first day of high school and then has the nerve to flirt with her! But he’s no standard slacker—like a proper 80s bad boy (Judd Nelson, anyone?) he’s got his reasons for being the way he is. Bonus factor: Hottest surfing lessons ever.

8. Xander from the Matched trilogy: Xander is attractive, smart, successful, and kind. He’s also unfailingly patient and loves his woman unconditionally, even though he knows she has feelings for another man. Meanwhile, the other guy is hot because…the government deems him off-limits? I was so unimpressed by him that I can’t even remember his name. Xander all the way for me. Bonus factor: He’s a medic!

9. Gale from The Hunger Games: I mean, what is there to say? He’s smoking hot. He’s a hunter, a provider. He was like “oh hey, babe, that’s cool” when Katniss had to pretend to love another man on national television and he never lost faith in her for a moment. I mean, unless you really really like bread, I don’t see how this is even a choice…Bonus factor: Liam Hemsworth.

10. Akiva from Daughter of Smoke and Bone: I know, I know, Akiva does some Very Bad Things. But once he realizes just how badly he screwed up he sets about trying to atone for his sins. I wasn’t sold on him in book #1, but when I saw him interact with his angel family in book #2, when I saw the lengths he was willing to go to for Karou, I realized he was a keeper. Bonus factor: He flies.

*Runs to get a copy of Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver trilogy* Thank you for stopping by Fiona! Be sure to follow the rest of the Belladonna Canadian Blog Tour. Next stop will be at Conversations Of A Reading Addict.

The official tour schedule is as follows

Monday July 8 - Razorbill Canada
Tuesday July 9 - My stop!
Wednesday July 10 - Conversations Of A Reading Addict
Thursday July 11 - Fantasy's Ink
Friday July 12 - Read My Breath Away
Saturday July 13 - Emilie's Book World
Monday July 15 - Book Nerd Canada
Tuesday July 16 - Wrap Up on Fiona Paul's Blog

You can find Fiona at various places on the internet

Fiona's Blog: fionapaulbooks.blogspot.com
Fiona's Twitter: twitter.com/fionawritesYA
Fiona's FB: www.facebook.com/fionapaulbooks
Belladonna on GR: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18042405-belladonna

Be sure to stop by and say hello!

Belladonna by Fiona Paul

Belladonna by Fiona Paul
Release Date – July 16, 2013
Publisher Website - Philomel/Razorbill
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR VENOM**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In the second in the stunning 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 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.

I fell in love with Venom. It's setting, it's characters, and the enticing mystery that Cassandra stumbled into.I am happy to say that my love of this series has only grown after reading Belladonna. Everything I loved in Venom from it's setting, the characters and steamy romance is found within Belladonna's pages, and more.

Second books in a series are always hard. Often they suffer from what I call 'second book syndrome'. It is evident that things are being dragged out simply to add another novel to a series that could have consisted of two books. Belladonna avoids this. The plot of the second novel is directly tied to the first, but dives deeper into it. It delves off until unexpected places, and while it is a continuation, it's own purpose to the overall plot is evident.
 
The mystery surrounding The Order of the Eternal Rose is the main focus of the novel. As their secrets begin to unravel, and their desires become clear the shivers begin. The sense that they will do anything, use anyone, to achieve their goals is overwhelming. As it begins to unravel I couldn't help but be bewitched by the attention to detail in this story. The build up of this 'group' has been done wonderfully, and they feel like an honest threat. Their power doesn't just reside in the ability to instill fear, but the prominent members in society have a far reaching influence that may prove more dangerous than expected.

Cassandra proves herself quite resourceful, brave and honorable. She isn't a damsel waiting to be saved. She wants to control her own destiny and does so. She doesn't flinch or hide when things become too much. She embraces them and strives to overcomes them. I liked that this is done in a realistic way. Cass is still a 'proper' lady and isn't trained in fighting, or anything of that nature. Some luck, and cleverness allow her to navigate this mystery and  her desire to do what is right pushes her forward. Her fight to prove Luca's innocence is admirable, and allows Cass to be the heroine in a story where she could have all to easily been the one needing the saving.

After being attacked at the end of Venom Cassandra is skittish, and has flashbacks in certain situations. I was pleased to see that the attack resonated with the character. It wasn't brushed aside, and she was effected by what happened to her. It was refreshing to see in a novel, because too often it is the opposite. She had a traumatic experience, and the story reflects this. It makes Cassandra's action all the more brave because she's fighting her instincts that are telling her to run.

Fiona Paul's research into Venice and Florence is impeccable. She brings both of these destinations to life, along with the time period the novel is set in. She manages to capture the essence of what the cities are like and uses vivid descriptions to bring them to life. She captures Renaissance Italy in such a way that you can almost smell the musty air of Venice, and feel the dampness in the air. The way superstition, and beliefs are woven into the story also show another layer of research that brought an authenticity to the setting.

If Venom was Falco's novel, Belladonna belongs to Luca. I found him intriguing in the first novel, but he steps it up in the sequel. He's dependable, unwavering, and offers unfailing belief in Cassandra. This triangle is fairly even in regards to the two guys. Each offers something Cassandra needs, and each is carrying secrets. It makes the outcome unpredictable. As Cassandra grows and matures what she needs and wants out of a partner is changing and this is reflected in the story. I am curious how the events of Belladonna will shape her and her choices in Starling.

As a sequel that surpasses the original Belladonna delivers mystery, romance, and moves Cassandra's story forward in the most unexpected ways. Fans of historical novels will appreciate the amount of detail incorporated, and those looking for a thrilling read will find that within these pages.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

Small but awesome mailbox this week consisting of two review copies

Tampa by Alissa Nutting (Goodreads)
Belladonna by Fiona Paul (Goodreads)

Huge thank you to Penguin Canada for the copy of Belladonna. I am part of the Canadian blog tour and will be posting my stop within the next 2 weeks.

A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada for the review copy of Tampa. I've heard good things, so I am looking forward to seeing how I feel once I've read the book.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOKS

Glitter and Doom by Bethany Griffin

I stumbled upon this whlie looking at the Harper Collins summer catalog. A e-novella coming between Masque of the Red Death and Dance of the Red Death. Super excited to read it and find out who it's about. Does it feature someone else's point of view other than Araby?

Cover of Josephine Angelini's Goddess

These covers are rather striking, and I think I like this one the most out of all of them. I am curious to find out how Helen's story ends (and if she ends up with Orion).

Cover for Belladonna by Fiona Paul

I really enjoyed Venom and can't wait to read the follow up. This cover is just as pretty as the first in the series.

Cover for Towering by Alex Flinn

I didn't know this was even being released. I LOVE fairytale re-tellings and this one about Rapunzel sounds awesome.

TV

Once Upon A Time's Killian Jones (AKA Hook)

Yup...totally smitten. Devilish charm, a stunning accent and the guyliner. It all worked, and I hope he stays forever.

OTHER

Ontario Blogger Meet Up 

This event takes place TODAY! I am beyond excited to meet so many people that I talk to over twitter. It is going to be an amazing afternoon filled with books and book chat. I am also really looking forward to the Cassandra Clare signing right after that we are all heading to. It is going to be a incredible but busy day.

So what you are obsessed with this week?