Just WOW. Diana Biller is an auto-buy author for me. Her historical romances are the perfect blend of fascinating history, engaging and dynamic characters, swoonworthy gestures, sparkling wit and steamy romance. This book was just so much FUN to read; I found myself slowing down to savor her writing because I didn't want this story or my time with these endearing characters to end. Her writing captured my interest from the very first page and kept it throughout. There's something magical about how real and alive her characters feel. The banter was top notch and I loved the elements of humor, intrigue, mystery and family that were interspersed throughout. I cannot wait for more of her books.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and SMP for my copy.

** spoiler alert ** Not only is this an easy 5-star read, but it’s my favorite book that I’ve read this year!! Highlights include: grumpy/sunshine romance trope 👏🏻 a bit of a slow burn *chef’s kiss* drama, a dash of mystery, a badass heroine who doesn’t need a man, but WANTS this one 😭 The humor is a bit modern, but it doesn’t detract in any way, and I found myself actually chuckling out loud a few times!
Maria Wallner, manager of Hotel Wallner in Vienna, Austria, is working night and day to bring her family’s hotel back to the forefront of peoples minds after almost a decade of shambles. She’s creative, strong, and yeah, maybe has a few screws loose, but she loves her family and friends, and with their help she’ll see her hotel in the spotlight. So what if there has been multiple attempts on her life? If she slowed down every time someone tried to kill her, her dream wouldn’t come true! Plus, Eli will be there to save her, at least until he has to go back to America.
Eli Whittaker works for the United States Treasury Department, and he gets sent to Vienna on what was supposed to be a wild goose chase. But there’s some strange stuff going on, and this jeopardy-friendly hotel manager must be a part of it! After saving her life twice in 24 hours, Eli keeps a close eye on Maria. He really needs to know: why does she keep talking about my mouth?

Oh my goodness. The Banter, the tension, the Mystery! I loved Maria and Eli.
I'm not one to usually go for a historical romance, but this book really changed my mind. I was captivated from the first page and devoured this. Diana Biller, consider me a new fan.
Also, I love Historical Romance now? Who would have thought.

Thank you netgalley for providing me an arc for an honest review.

This book transports you to Vienna in the 1800s. With dazzling balls, mystery, and romance, this book is a must for anyone who loves historical fiction.

Is this a gorgeous, beautifully written historical romance book? Yes. It's also an historical fiction novel about a brave woman trying to save a once-grand hotel in Vienna, spies from several countries, and intrigue among Austrian aristocrats during the mid- to late-1800s with nuggets for people who love epistolary style at the start of each chapter. Historical romance is a genre that's full of books set in this time period, Hotel of Secrets shines because of the layered storylines, vivid descriptions of Vienna during Fasching (Carnival), charmingly imperfect main characters, and secondary cast that varies from ridiculous to truly villainous.

The main character, Maria Wallner, is trying to bring her family hotel back into fashion by hosting a ball during the Fashching season. The hotel has been run by women in her family for four generations, but her vapid mother's lack of interest and a financial crisis in Austria left it in shabby condition. Much of the book deals with Maria's fight to bring the hotel back. You can't help but root for Maria. Her mother is written as a hapless obstacle instead of a villain and her grandmother is a morally grey character, but one who loves her granddaughter and their hotel fiercely.

Our other main character is Eli Whittaker, an American Treasury agent sent to investigate a leak at Vienna's American Legation. Secret codes were stolen and a message about them originated from Hotel Wallner. Straight-laced Eli has a rough transition to Vienna, which is in party mode around the clock when he arrives. He slowly plods through the finances of the American Legation, but also becomes involved in the sometimes hilarious, but also dangerous events at the hotel.

Of course, the two storylines draw together as do the main characters. Biller weaves things together in a way that makes you care about the romantic storyline, the spy investigation, and the fate of the hotel equally. The romance part is very, very good (you'll never think of linen closets the same way again) and chapter 27 will probably get read and read again by quite a few readers, but you'll also find yourself needed to see the villains get their due and the hotel flourish. Find a playlist of waltzes and dive in.

The NetGalley blurb promised banter and shenanigans, which are two of my favorite things. Diane Biller delivers that in spades. I laughed so much. I enjoyed the setting, the Hotel Wallmer, 1870s Vienna, and the quirky cast of characters. A quarter of the way through the book, I was sure this was going to be a 5 star read, but then something happened. I’m not sure when this stopped working for me. It may have been the millionth time Eli’s mouth twitched. It may have been just the presence of Maria’s mother in a scene. I honestly don’t know. What I can say with certainty is that I found at least 2/3 of the book to be ridiculously entertaining, even if I never bought into…oh. That’s it. Despite the words and looks that passed between them, the relationship between Eli and Maria never felt real or believable to me. It felt flat. Looking at the writing, all of the words are there, but they don’t land quite right. Regardless, Hotel of Secrets is an entertaining way to pass a rainy afternoon. If nothing else, come for the shenanigans. You won’t regret it.

Once again, Diana Biller has written one of the most flawless and enchanting historical romances I’ve ever read. Eli and Maria stole my heart — as did The Hotel Wallner.

Also, I’m willing a follow up story about Claude into existence.

I look forward to Diana Biller's books more and more with each one she writes. Her historical fiction is fun, flirty and always has a delightful hint of danger to her mysteries. But mostly, she is VERY good at writing swoon-worthy couples surrounded by the most delightfully kooky cast of characters. Hotel of Secrets is no different from her adventures with the Moore Family (though she better be returning to them because I need to know what happens to the youngest Moore!).

Hotel os Secrets stars Maria Wallner, the latest in a long line of strong, independent women who have run Hotel Wallner in Vienna for three generations but the grand hotel has seen better days and things are tight. Maria has a plan to get them back on top though 1878. A plan being thoroughly tested by the presence of a reluctant U.S. Secret Service Agent sent to investigate stolen codes from the American consulate and who really doesn't get the fact Vienna is an old school party town and he happens to be visiting during Ball season. Add in Maria's fabulously endearing, but crazy, family and lots of more espionage, family secrets, and scandals, and this book is a fun romp from start to finish!

Historical Romance is not one of my favorite genres... unless it is written by Diana Biller. I loved Biller's "Widow of the Rose House" and "The Brightest Star in Paris"-- so much so that I have the kindle editions, but also had to buy physical copies (which is very unlike me!).

My point: Hotel of Secrets is no different- it was amazing. It is a one-shot story, which I love- this is an easy book to read, without needing too much knowledge on the historical context (1870s Vienna). Biller adds many details of this time frame that creates the perfect atmosphere and world building setup.

Maybe I am just not remembering correctly for Biller's other books, but this one actually had a level of smut to it. FMC Maria Wallner has quite a bit of sexual experience at the beginning of the story, especially in comparison to her love interest. It creates an interesting, and sometimes funny environment. There was a nice balance of romantic tension without it going over-the-top. While the story is predominantly a romance, it is also a mystery and it has strong elements of a generational story with mothers and their daughters.

Diana Biller is an instant-read author for me. She knows how to write witty conversations, great mysteries within the romance genre, and characters that are memorable.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced e-copy of this book. It will available for purchase on March 23, 2023--- a bit of a wait from today, but well worth the wait. If you haven't read "The Widow of Rose House" or "The Brightest Star in Paris" (or her Christma novella "A Christmas Spark") I recommend all three of those to read in the meantime :)

So much happening in this old Vienna Austria romance. An excellent who done it! So much happening under the guise of subterfuge, spy’s that are really terrible, yet lighthearted humor wraps over the dark underneath tenor of this story. Loved this book. Enjoyed to the very end. A definite addition to your TBR list.

Light, witty and at times emotional. It’s the journey to that ending that makes this an enjoyable book. Overall, I enjoyed this story and, it was a good read.Love it

Ebook received for free through NetGalley

Oh my goodness! This book was so incredibly good! I was stuck between not being able to put it down and wanting to savor it. So glad I came across it!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Eli is in Viena to find an individual who is selling secrets to Europe. He meets a woman whi is the daughter of the owners who makes him forget his mission. This book was well written.

Another good book by Ms. Biller. I particularly liked that the book was set in late 19th century Vienna, as that is a historical period of interest to me, and because I have seen/been to some of the places referenced in the story. It is also amusing to read the US referred to as a backwater country, which was still an apt description as of the late 1870s when compared to the European powers. The story revolves around the Hotel Wallner. The Wallner family has run the hotel for generations, but between the Financial Panic of 1873 and lax management by Maria's mother, Elisabeth, whose interested focused more on her married lover, Baron Heinrich von Eder, than the hotel, the Hotel Wallner has fallen into decline. Maria is determined to revive the fortunes of the hotel, and the New Year's Eve ball is the start of that effort. However, 1878 will get off to a difficult start, with multiple threats to Maria and the hotel. The Wallners have connections to the royal family, although the full extent of the connection is a secret, even among some members of the family. The Wallner women are also collectors of secrets, keeping journals in which they write down daily events and observations which often revolve around the hotel and its guests. Information that is quite valuable. Even seemingly innocuous overhead statements can be rather important when additional context is provided. Add into the mix a US Treasury Agent, Eli Whittaker, who has been dispatched to Vienna to investigate the leaking/theft of US diplomatic codes, and who is staying at the Hotel Wallner.

The intimate scenes are quite good. Due to events as a teenager, Eli Whittaker has chosen to be celibate. Resisting temptation has not been particularly difficult so far. However, that will change when he is confronted with the enigma that is Maria Wallner. He finds her exasperating at first, as well as a potential suspect in the case that has brought him to Vienna. Maria finds him both exasperating and appealing. Unlike Eli, Maria enjoys a good romp in the bed (or elsewhere), no strings attached, and thinks about ways to make the hotel more appealing to amorous couples, while remaining discrete and upscale. Eli is a quick study, becoming competent in various subjects. This extends to the intimate arts as well, with the use of some helpful literature and a good teacher/willing partner in Maria.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller is a excellent historical fiction and romance that has it all: historical, romance, wit, banter, mystery, and action.

Let me first just say wow! Maria Wallner and Eli Whittaker are excellent main characters. Their chemistry, banter, the electricity…wow.

I love everything about this book. Do not let the initial genre of historical romance chase you away. This is so much more. There is action, intrigue, mystery, suspense, historical details added throughout, and the wit, humor, sass, sarcasm, and passion added that truly makes this unique and above all the rest of its competitors.

1870s Vienna is a perfect time and location for this backdrop to add an opulent and authentic feel to this narrative. I laughed so many times at the one-liners, that I lost count, and the author kept me pulled in the entire time!

I just loved this. Do yourself a favor and read it!!!!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/28/23.

I had a difficult work week and this escape into 1870s Vienna made me immeasurably happy. As a devoted fan of Eva Ibbotson, I’ve always adored historical Vienna as a literary setting. The waltzing during the winter Ball Season! The shocking social scandals! The political intrigue surrounding the chaotic imperial dynasty! I love the drama of it all, and this book is nothing but drama.

In HOTEL OF SECRETS, Maria Wallner is throwing a grand ball for her hotel’s comeback into society, but keeps getting distracted by an American agent investigating leaked codes (and her). The hotel sabotaging incidents and assassination attempts on Maria’s life are, however, more troubling than some leaked codes. Something is afoot, and it’s clear that the scandalous Wallner family is knee-deep in imperial intrigue. There are three generations of Wallner women, and each secret is more shocking than the last.

HOTEL OF SECRETS is a standalone but I hope the author considers writing more books set outside England and the United States. I was incredibly impressed by the depth of historical research regarding the 1873 financial crisis and political uprisings neighboring the Austro-Hungarian empire. If I had one criticism: there are a couple plot points that I didn’t totally grasp due to confusion. I also didn’t care at all because I was so swept up by the rest of the story. Longer RTC closer to publication date.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.