Today, we are taking part in the Venom blog tour, celebrating the release of the debut YA historical novel from Fiona Paul. Each stop on the tour reveals a new excerpt for “Venomous” – a short story prequel to the events in Venom (featuring a courtesan and her tragic fate). We’re thrilled to bring you the next portion of the story – check it out, below! If you missed the last part of the story, read it on Adventures of a Book Junkie. Venomous A Secrets of the Eternal Rose short story 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. My heart suddenly beats tiny and fast against my ribs, like a mouse clawing at the bars of a cage. I’m not afraid of corpses as […]