thenextbookdilemma's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is another great historical romance but the setting is unique: 1880s Vienna! It was such a refreshing change from the usual regency/Victorian England setting and let me tell you, the excitement does not stop there! This book includes:
-spies!
-family secrets!
-ball season!
-sabotage!
-a plethora of assassination attempts
-how-to erotic texts
-a starchy American MMC who is very…competent
-*coughs* a competency kink
-an eccentric FMC who finds herself in the path of danger over and over.
Maria. I loved Maria! She is ambitious, practical, and diligent while also frivolous. Reader, you might ask how one can be both practical and frivolous and all I will say is linen closets and secret trysts. It’s hot. It’s a balance. She is fiercely independent and determined not to repeat the mistake of the women in her family of choosing terrible men to fall in love with.
The solution is to not fall in love and simply enjoy the occasionally casual lover….until she meets Eli.
Eli. Oh Eli. Reader, the *undoing* of Eli was exquisite. Eli is the sort of character who keeps all emotions locked down. He is dedicated to his work and finds emotions to be impractical. He is sent to Vienna to discover who is selling American codes but instead, he discovers Maria and suddenly, his emotions are a little too hard to lock down ….and he begins to come undone. Y’all Eli is so sweet and so….competent (when he sets his mind to learn something new, he LEARNS it *loud whispers* via erotic manuals!!). He is earnest and sweet and believes he is undeserving of love and I adored the development of his and Maria’s intimacy.
This book was so fun! There are several underlying mysteries that were highly enjoyable and I failed to guess any of them. And while the assassins and spies are fun, this book also touches on some pretty dark themes (check your CWs!) and also gives a truly lovely example of consent, intimacy, and communication. The chemistry was superb.
I mostly read this via audiobook and I definitely recommend it!
-spies!
-family secrets!
-ball season!
-sabotage!
-a plethora of assassination attempts
-how-to erotic texts
-a starchy American MMC who is very…competent
-*coughs* a competency kink
-an eccentric FMC who finds herself in the path of danger over and over.
Maria. I loved Maria! She is ambitious, practical, and diligent while also frivolous. Reader, you might ask how one can be both practical and frivolous and all I will say is linen closets and secret trysts. It’s hot. It’s a balance. She is fiercely independent and determined not to repeat the mistake of the women in her family of choosing terrible men to fall in love with.
The solution is to not fall in love and simply enjoy the occasionally casual lover….until she meets Eli.
Eli. Oh Eli. Reader, the *undoing* of Eli was exquisite. Eli is the sort of character who keeps all emotions locked down. He is dedicated to his work and finds emotions to be impractical. He is sent to Vienna to discover who is selling American codes but instead, he discovers Maria and suddenly, his emotions are a little too hard to lock down ….and he begins to come undone. Y’all Eli is so sweet and so….competent (when he sets his mind to learn something new, he LEARNS it *loud whispers* via erotic manuals!!). He is earnest and sweet and believes he is undeserving of love and I adored the development of his and Maria’s intimacy.
This book was so fun! There are several underlying mysteries that were highly enjoyable and I failed to guess any of them. And while the assassins and spies are fun, this book also touches on some pretty dark themes (check your CWs!) and also gives a truly lovely example of consent, intimacy, and communication. The chemistry was superb.
I mostly read this via audiobook and I definitely recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Child abuse
Moderate: Violence and Murder
mairead_parade's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Adored this. Imperial Vienna is a fun, vibrant setting for a very deeply felt romance (and a solid mystery) with strong character development and growth. Eli and Maria are so likable and well-matched, and I loved the Wallner matriarchy. I’m not sure a series is planned, but there were so many other rich stories among the secondary characters that I’d absolutely read more in this universe.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
caramiaculpa's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Fire/Fire injury, and Murder
wilybooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Diana Biller writes some of my favourite heroes. They're just so utterly besotted with their heroines; I love them!
Maria and Eli were so lovely together. Maria is take-charge and independent, running a hotel practically by herself. Eli is buttoned-up and reserved and unflinchingly honest (despite orginally being in Vienna undercover). He's protective of Maria without being domineering about it. I just LOVE to see a starchy hero become undone over the heroine and this book gave me that in spades. Their sexual tension was off the charts and There was very little internal conflict in this romance which is something I always appreciate. Just two incredibly competent people getting to know each other, falling in love and learning to accept it.
All in all, a stunning blend of swoony romance, suspense, and political intrigue. Very rich in historical detail and the complex politics of the time without becoming dry or overshadowing the romance. Plus a great cast of vividly-drawn secondary characters, from Maria's complicated family to her friends and hotel guests. I particularly loved Josephine and Claude! In fact, I want a story featuring Claude.
Maria and Eli were so lovely together. Maria is take-charge and independent, running a hotel practically by herself. Eli is buttoned-up and reserved and unflinchingly honest (despite orginally being in Vienna undercover). He's protective of Maria without being domineering about it. I just LOVE to see a starchy hero become undone over the heroine and this book gave me that in spades. Their sexual tension was off the charts and
Spoiler
that scene where Maria masturbates in front of him?? HOT!!All in all, a stunning blend of swoony romance, suspense, and political intrigue. Very rich in historical detail and the complex politics of the time without becoming dry or overshadowing the romance. Plus a great cast of vividly-drawn secondary characters, from Maria's complicated family to her friends and hotel guests. I particularly loved Josephine and Claude! In fact, I want a story featuring Claude.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Kidnapping, Confinement, Violence, Death, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Child abuse
searchingforhappilyeverafter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Willkommen im Hotel Wallner
Diana Biller’s Hotel of Secrets was my first read of the new year, and it was just wonderful. It’s an exciting tale of romance, spies, and mystery, and it has a delightful cast of characters.
Viennese hotelkeeper Maria Wallner wants to restore her family’s hotel to its former glory. However, assassination attempts and other mysterious incidents keep getting in her way. And most distracting is the American agent, whose stern and sexy mouth makes her want to him drag into the nearest linen closet.
Eli Whittaker is a guest at the hotel, and he is there on a case to find out who has been selling American codes. But upon arrival, he is swept up in Vienna’s dazzling ball season and a swoonworthy romance, all while trying to unravel the secrets.
Hotel of Secrets sparkles with Biller’s brilliantly crafted plot and well-developed characters, interspersed with detailed Austrian history and political intrigue.
It's no secret that Biller's Moore family is my favorite fictional family. The Wallners and their friends, while different from the Moores, are equally endearing. The way Maria and Eli get to know each other and fall in love is such a heartwarming journey. I loved the character development. Eli goes from stern and starchy secret agent to soft and gooey orchid knight. It was so fun to watch him open up to Maria and her family and learn how to laugh. The hotel’s forced proximity causes some delicious banter-filled moments and lots of swoony tension between the two main characters. It was a joy to see them both realize that love is a miracle. I also really enjoyed the relationship arcs between Maria and her family, especially her mother.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the unique and simply magical setting of a hotel in 19th-century Vienna. The Hotel Wallner is as pivotal to the story as the main characters. And the exquisite Viennese backdrop adds an extra layer of beauty to this romance.
Last, but not least, the way this book addresses sexuality and consent is perfect. In this book, the FMC is more experienced than the MMC (celibate), and some of the secondary characters are queer. Everything is really well done and respectful of all the characters’ experiences and choices.
What you can expect in this swoonworthy story:
- M/F romance
- Delicious banter
- Eli's sexy mouth
- Hilarious meet cute
- Forced proximity
- Eli's sexy mouth
- Competency kink
- He reads books on how to please her
- Eli's sexy mouth
- Viennese hotel setting
- Thrilling mystery
Oh and did I mention Eli's sexy mouth?
Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for the ARC.
Diana Biller’s Hotel of Secrets was my first read of the new year, and it was just wonderful. It’s an exciting tale of romance, spies, and mystery, and it has a delightful cast of characters.
Viennese hotelkeeper Maria Wallner wants to restore her family’s hotel to its former glory. However, assassination attempts and other mysterious incidents keep getting in her way. And most distracting is the American agent, whose stern and sexy mouth makes her want to him drag into the nearest linen closet.
Eli Whittaker is a guest at the hotel, and he is there on a case to find out who has been selling American codes. But upon arrival, he is swept up in Vienna’s dazzling ball season and a swoonworthy romance, all while trying to unravel the secrets.
Hotel of Secrets sparkles with Biller’s brilliantly crafted plot and well-developed characters, interspersed with detailed Austrian history and political intrigue.
It's no secret that Biller's Moore family is my favorite fictional family. The Wallners and their friends, while different from the Moores, are equally endearing. The way Maria and Eli get to know each other and fall in love is such a heartwarming journey. I loved the character development. Eli goes from stern and starchy secret agent to soft and gooey orchid knight. It was so fun to watch him open up to Maria and her family and learn how to laugh. The hotel’s forced proximity causes some delicious banter-filled moments and lots of swoony tension between the two main characters. It was a joy to see them both realize that love is a miracle. I also really enjoyed the relationship arcs between Maria and her family, especially her mother.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the unique and simply magical setting of a hotel in 19th-century Vienna. The Hotel Wallner is as pivotal to the story as the main characters. And the exquisite Viennese backdrop adds an extra layer of beauty to this romance.
Last, but not least, the way this book addresses sexuality and consent is perfect. In this book, the FMC is more experienced than the MMC (celibate), and some of the secondary characters are queer. Everything is really well done and respectful of all the characters’ experiences and choices.
What you can expect in this swoonworthy story:
- M/F romance
- Delicious banter
- Eli's sexy mouth
- Hilarious meet cute
- Forced proximity
- Eli's sexy mouth
- Competency kink
- He reads books on how to please her
- Eli's sexy mouth
- Viennese hotel setting
- Thrilling mystery
Oh and did I mention Eli's sexy mouth?
Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, and Gun violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Child abuse
megloveswords12's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse
unsuccessfulbookclub's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Violence, Child abuse, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Blood
skudiklier's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I really enjoyed this book! At first I wasn't sure if I'd love the writing, but by about a quarter of the way in I found myself too caught up in the story and characters to mind anymore. I found it really engaging and was very invested in what would happen, and in the romance. Slightly more spoilery/specific notes below:
(Also I normally wouldn't comment on the sex scenes specifically, good or bad, because that's embarrassing to me lmao. I would prefer to not acknowledge that when idk who will read this. So it's a mark of just how good they were that I feel the need to at least mention it in my review!)
Sometimes I start a (straight) romance and the male lead is described as so rude and humorless that I have no idea how they're going to bring me around to liking him by the end, or thinking he's a good fit for the female lead. This was one of those, but Biller did indeed end up putting me firmly on the side of the relationship! I love them together and really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read and review this ARC.
(Also I normally wouldn't comment on the sex scenes specifically, good or bad, because that's embarrassing to me lmao. I would prefer to not acknowledge that when idk who will read this. So it's a mark of just how good they were that I feel the need to at least mention it in my review!)
Sometimes I start a (straight) romance and the male lead is described as so rude and humorless that I have no idea how they're going to bring me around to liking him by the end, or thinking he's a good fit for the female lead. This was one of those, but Biller did indeed end up putting me firmly on the side of the relationship! I love them together and really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read and review this ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Gun violence, Child abuse, Murder, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, Vomit, War, and Death of parent
Minor: Domestic abuse
Content warnings from author's website:Spoiler
Gunplay Attempted murder Murder Killing in self-defense Assault Bad parents Animal attacks General violence Government corruption and injustice Discussion of past spousal and child abuse
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