annabelle 's review for:

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

4.0

emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Loveable characters: Yes

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A very enjoyable read! 

There was lots I loved: 

• the setting of Vienna during ball season
• the multiple mysteries while trying to pull together a last minute ball
• the complicated family dynamics and all the family lore
• the characters are all very competent and capable! both Maria and Eli have a good head on their shoulders
• watching Maria and Eli fall in love and embrace vulnerability with each other!!
• Eli studying up on how to please Maria... I was so into it hehe

The only reason this isn't a full 5 stars is because of

Eli's reaction to Maria's love confession. The third act breakup was not totally out of left field, but it still felt jarring and a little unexpected. I honestly was not expecting him to react the way he did after everything else that happened. If we are meant to believe hes felt insecure/unworthy this enitre time, we could've seen more internal monologue of him not believing in her affections seriously. His reaction just felt really cruel when he doesn't seem like a cruel character at all.

Even with that little hiccup, I still really enjoyed my time with this book! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping