Hotel of Secrets

Biller (The Brightest Star in Paris) transports readers to sparkling 19th century Vienna for a unique and wonderful tale of intrigue and espionage. Maria Wallner, manager and jack-of-all-trades at her family’s Hotel Wallner, is thrilled when the Wallner is chosen to host the famed Hotelkeepers’ Ball, hoping to use the event to restore the financially strapped hotel to its former glory. Meanwhile, American secret service agent Eli Whittaker is in Vienna on a tip about American codes being stolen and sold—and Maria is among his suspects. When Maria is repeatedly targeted by a mysterious attacker, however, Eli’s first instinct is to keep her safe and catch her assailant, throwing his carefully ordered investigation into chaos. As the pair grow closer in the dramatic run-up to the ball, Eli wrestles with the possibility of Maria’s involvement in code stealing—until his heart takes over, and his primary focus becomes their mutual attraction. Biller’s eclectic cast brings the refreshing setting to vibrant life while the intriguing mystery and mounting passion between the leads unite to keep the pages turning. Historical romance readers—especially those looking for a break from Regency England—will be dazzled. Agent: Amy Bishop, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Mar.)