Hotel of Secrets is the charming and lovely story of Maria, successful hotel owner in Vienna. Or she would be, if her hotel wasn’t trying to recover from eight years of mismanagement from her mother. When Maria is given the chance to host a ball that could change the fortunes of the hotel for good, she vows for it to succeed by any means necessary. Even if that means avoiding sabotage, reconfiguring her entire budget, and getting to know the very handsome American spy. Eli is suspicious of Maria from the beginning, but soon finds himself captivated by the incredible feats Maria manages with ease. After several near death experiences, it becomes clear Maria is being targeted. Eli and Maria must work together to pull off the ball and discover who is attempting to take Maria and her hotel off the playing board. 

I loved this book!! I felt completely transported to Vienna and its glittering, entangled society. Maria and her family are characters who it would be difficult not to root for and feel connected to. I particularly loved the relationship between Maria and her grandmother, both of whom would do anything for each other. Eli and Maria had amazing chemistry and I loved the role reversal of power that took place with Maria being more experienced. Maria and Eli go on excellent adventures, with a strong supporting cast of characters who create an ironclad sense of found family. Maria and her chef/best friend Hannah have an enjoyable dynamic similar to Lorelai/Sookie (Gilmore Girls). There is never a dull moment with multiple spies frequenting the hotel to outright sabotage and assasination attempts (plus family drama!). However, the joy and romance remained a steady constant throughout. 

Diana Biller’s writing is incredibly witty, with many quotable lines. There is unquestionable queer representation, and I loved how accepted it was although I’m curious whether this would have truly been the case during the time. Regardless, it was well done and I loved it! Maria is such a strong heroine who is determined not to let her hotel and legacy crumble and instead claws her way back from ruin with the help of her family and chosen family. I was impressed with how creative she was when she brainstormed solutions to keep the hotel afloat. Hotel of Secrets is a world that I was sad to leave and hope to return to!

Hotel of Secrets would be perfect for readers who enjoy historical romance with a touch of danger, readers who enjoy Eva Ibbotson (The Reluctant Heiress), and determined heroines who refuse to let assisination attempts imperil their dreams. 

Thank you so much to Diana Biller, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.