Room One Hundred & Twenty-One: Kiss of Fire by Elyse Kelly is an enthralling novel that masterfully blends the elements of mystery, romance, and a touch of supernatural. The story is set against the backdrop of a quaint hotel that holds secrets as old as its foundation stones. Elyse Kelly's narrative prowess draws readers into a vividly depicted world where the past and present collide with soaring emotions and eerie occurrences.

The protagonist, Emma Wright, is a recent divorcee seeking to redefine her life and find her own path forward. Her journey leads her to the mysterious Grandview Hotel, nestled in the picturesque but eerie town of Maysville. The hotel, an architectural relic, is known for its Room 121, where guests have reported strange phenomena, whispers from the dark, and fleeting shadows in mirrors. Seeking a fresh start, Emma accepts a position at the hotel, unwittingly stepping into a vortex of romantic intrigue and historical mystery that revolves around this infamous room.

Kelly’s strength lies in her ability to create profoundly relatable characters, and Emma is no exception. Her vulnerability and determination make her a compelling centerpiece of the narrative. As Emma delves deeper into the mystery of Room 121, she meets Tom Haskins, a local historian, whose allure is matched only by his knowledge of the town’s haunted past. The chemistry between Emma and Tom is palpable, evolving beautifully from camaraderie to a deeper, passionate connection. The romantic developments are tastefully interwoven with the core mystery, enhancing the novel’s appeal without overshadowing the supernatural elements.

The supernatural aspect of Room One Hundred & Twenty-One is handled with a deft touch that avoids common clichés. The hauntings in Room 121 are more than mere ghostly encounters; they are deeply intertwined with the hotel’s history, involving heartaches, scandals, and a fiery tragedy that once engulfed part of the town. These historical threads are skillfully woven into the present, challenging Emma not just to uncover, but also to confront the past. Kelly’s eloquent prose evokes a haunting atmosphere that is as much psychological as it is spectral.

One of the novel's standout elements is its vivid setting. Kelly brings the Grandview Hotel and Maysville to life with descriptions that titillate the senses. The eerie silences of the hotel corridors, the rustic charm of the town’s facades, and the chilling breezes that seem almost supernatural—all contribute to a setting that feels like a character in its own right. This richly described milieu reinforces the story’s mood, enveloping the reader in a cloak of suspense and foreboding.

As the narrative unfolds, the layers of mystery surrounding Room 121 are peeled back, revealing secrets that are as much personal as they are supernatural. Kelly does an excellent job of balancing the pacing, keeping the readers on their toes with meticulously timed revelations and well-crafted flashbacks that illuminate the backstory without halting narrative progression. The final chapters are particularly gripping, as Emma and Tom’s investigation draws to a climax, intertwining their fate with the spirits haunting Room 121.

The thematic depth of the novel is another commendable aspect. It explores themes of loss, redemption, and the eternal quest for truth and closure. Through Emma’s journey, Kelly posits that confronting the past can be a pathway to healing and future happiness. This resonates deeply, especially in the way the narrative handles the resolution of the hauntings—offering both peace to the spirits and a new beginning for the characters.

However, while Elyse Kelly excels in most areas, there are moments where the subplot involving secondary characters could have been streamlined. Certain side narratives feel less developed or somewhat tangential to the main story arc. This, however, is a minor quibble in an otherwise compelling novel.

In conclusion, Room One Hundred & Twenty-One: Kiss of Fire is a mesmerizing tale that mixes romance, mystery, and the supernatural in a concoction as potent as it is poignant. With its strong characterization, evocative setting, and clever plotting, the book is a commendable addition to the genres it straddles. It invites readers into its pages with the promise of suspense and romance and delivers on that promise with a potent narrative force. Elyse Kelly, with this latest offering, proves once again why she is considered a formidable voice in contemporary romantic suspense.