I was a huge fan of The Kiss of Deception so I was confident I’d enjoy the sequel, The Heart of Betrayal. Little did I know, I’d enjoy the second installment even more than the first. I think the reason I love these books so much is due to the characters and the growth they go through in each book.
This series is so incredible I can’t recommend it enough. I am honored and thrilled to have Mary here today talking about her main character Lia and the fan attention this character has acquired in such a short amount of time.
Guest Post
After so many fans chose sides for each of Lia’s love interest -the hashtag #TeamLia was created in the fandom. Could you talk about her growth as a character?
Lia has come a long way—both literally and figuratively. At the beginning of The Kiss of Deception, she knew she wanted something more from life than what was being offered to her—like choice, power, and control of her own destiny. Isn’t that what we all want? And love too. Yes, let’s not leave that out. Lia wanted to love freely and be genuinely loved—not the kind of love dictated by an alliance and a marriage document. I think we all want that too. To be loved for who we are, not what we are, or because of some perceived value we can bring to a relationship.
While at times, Lia might be impulsive and her actions rash, she is not a person lacking conviction. I love that about her. As her best friend Pauline pointed out, “We can’t always wait for the perfect timing,” and Lia doesn’t. Sometimes it gets her into trouble, but she is at least taking action and trying to take control of her own life, and in the process, discovering more precisely what it is she wants, not just for herself, but for others too. And she is fierce in her goals.
I have to say, the first time I saw a #TeamLia tag, I was thrilled. It felt like fans were on her team supporting HER choice, no matter what that was. So yay! Besides Pauline, Lia has more bff’s—a whole army of them!
About the Book
The Heart of Betrayal
By: Mary E. Pearson
Release Date: July 7th 2015
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Summary:
Intrigue abounds in this hotly anticipated sequel to The Kiss of Deception!
Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape. Desperate to save her life, Lia’s erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komizar that she has the gift, and the Komizar’s interest in Lia is greater than anyone could have foreseen.
Meanwhile, nothing is straightforward: there’s Rafe, who lied to Lia, but has sacrificed his freedom to protect her; Kaden, who meant to assassinate her but has now saved her life; and the Vendans, whom Lia always believed to be barbarians. Now that she lives amongst them, however, she realizes that may be far from the truth. Wrestling with her upbringing, her gift, and her sense of self, Lia must make powerful choices that will affect her country… and her own destiny.
Giveaway
This giveaway is being provided by the publisher so it is only US/Canada.
Extras
- Review of The Kiss of Deception
- Review of The Heart of Betrayal
- Interview with Mary Pearson
- Lego Cover Art for The Kiss of Deception
Lia, of course!
Rafe!
RAFE!!!! I love him!!
Lia is definitely my fav character! 😉
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d probably pick Lia. Also I love the Lego cover!
I’m dying to read this series!!!! thanks so much for the fun post and giveaway!
I liked Rafe a lot, but I also found Kaden to be a really interesting character. Thanks for the giveaway!
I just bought book one so I don’t know yet but I’m excited to start!
I’m excited to start this! Thanks for the chance!!
Lia and Pauline!
I actually haven’t read this series so I don’t have one…yet!
I actually haven’t started this series yet, but I plan to soon!
I haven’t read this series yet, but I can’t wait to!
I haven’t read this series yet but most likely Lia but if any of the boys are swoon worthy than maybe one of them may be my favorite character.
I’ve only read the first book but I’m going to go with Lia! She can be really stubborn at times but I love how she stands up for herself!
Stunning blog tour post Kristen 😀 YAY for getting to be a part of it. <3 And aw, I'm so glad you loved book two even more than book one 🙂 That is an awesome feeling to have. I won't read this one, but oh, it is so gorgeous. Love the guest post 🙂 Thank you for sharing about it sweetie. <3
I like Lia the most! (Pauline is second, then Rafe third.) #TeamLia 🙂
I gotta say…I mean, I wouldn’t say he’s my favorite character, but Kaden is definitely the most interesting character to read about lol
Probably Lia, because of her tenacity and cleverness… I love reading from her perspective!
Love the post. 🙂 (Not entering, just admiring. I haven’t read this book yet, so you’re convincing me.)