Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - Hotel of Secrets

I really enjoyed the setting in late Imperial Vienna, which was a nice change from most historical romances. There's definitely a lot more mystery/action than those as well. I do think the main characters could have been a little more developed, particularly the MMC.

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wilybooklover's review against another edition

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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

Spoiler

that scene where Maria masturbates in front of him?? HOT!!

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.

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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

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I really wanted to like this book because I love historical fiction and was excited to read about a story set in Vienna (and in ball season! Dreamy setting). Sadly after getting 54% of the way I just had to DNF. I really tried but after halfway through I still couldn’t care about the main characters that much. I preferred side relationships over the main romance and felt like there was too much going on plot wise. It’s a bit of history, espionage, and romance all in one but it was lacking in the historical aspect because it was trying so hard to focus on too many plot lines and many characters.

Overall I’d still recommend to historical romance lovers looking for a light storyline which was enjoyable enough

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srivalli's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

3.75

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Read it as a light mystery and romance novel

1878, Vienna, Austria

Maria Wallner has only one goal- to revive the lost glory of Hotel Wallner and make it the most successful establishment in Vienna once again. She is determined to not let anything come in the way of her plans, be it her dysfunctional family dynamics, the sudden attacks on her, and a handsome American agent with secrets of his own.

Eli Whittaker doesn’t have time for anything except his job. He is in Vienna to find out who is selling the American codes. He just wants to uncover the truth and go back to Washington, DC. Of course, life has other plans for him. Eli may be annoyed by the night-long waltzes and dazzling attractions. But when he sees that Maria Wallner is somehow in the middle of chaos, he is determined to keep her safe and also find the culprit selling American codes, no matter what it takes.

The story comes from the third-person POV of Maria and Eli.

What I Like:

The book is set in Vienna, and though it doesn’t exactly explore the region, it gives enough details about the local culture, the people, etc. I could picturize the hotel, the waltzes, those lovely gowns, and yummy cakes.

Maria is an interesting character, even if she needs Eli’s help a little too much. She is competent enough to handle her hotel (after all, she isn’t trained to deal with assassins) and knows when to put her foot down.

Hannah is one of my favorite side characters. Her love for baking and creativity comes across very well throughout the book. I sure wouldn’t mind tasting her cakes and cookies. The almond cake seems to be a general favorite.

The writing is easy to read once you get into the grove. It is lighthearted, a bit funny, quirky, and a touch sarcastic. Not something I expect in a historical mystery. But this one is a blend of genres (more in the next section), so the writing style keeps the plot light instead of weighing it down. It works for me as I don’t look for heavy plots.

A few scenes are quite delightful and entertaining. Some of it is a little cringe, but it somehow fits the narration and makes it funny. I’m not sure if it was intended or if I’m the only one who found some steamy scenes a bit humorous. A little weird but fun too.

I really like the reversal in how the FMC and MMC are portrayed. Let’s just say Maria has a lot more experience than Eli. ;)

The other side characters have varying roles. Some, like Mac, have an extra space to grow while a few waltz in and out whenever required.

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

I’m not sure how to categorize this book. It starts out as a spy-ish thriller with international mystery. The romance appears slow burn until around 50%. Then, the plot shifts genres, and we have romance at the forefront with steamy scenes. The mystery part weakens in the second half.

Eli is supposed to be a grumpy and standoffish brooding hero with a tragic past. He is okay and has good qualities, but his career isn’t fully explored. This is disappointing, given the strong start. An epilogue set a year later would have sorted this and given a more rounded ending to the plot.

Josephine, Maria’s grandmother, was a formidable character. I would have loved it with her in a greater role. Also, maybe more about her past would have been icing on the cake. The same goes for Adelaide. She has a limited role but aces it. I could visualize her with ease.

The reveal and climax are dramatic but more in the family drama genre rather than that of a spy thriller. The tension and suspense aren’t enough. The ending also feels a little abrupt after reading 400-odd pages.

To summarize, Hotel of Secrets is an entertaining historical novel that reads best as a drama with open-door romance and a bit of mystery. It’s lighthearted despite the heavy themes.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

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P.S.: I love the cover!

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