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Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel
When a magical hotel appears smack-dab in the middle of the most unmagical of worlds, the last thing the residents expect is to fall in love.
Manager of the Number Five Wayside Inn and World Travel Hub, Pax Nomen has one of the easiest jobs in all the known universes, unless you count the occasional plumbing disaster. When Number Five Wayside gets stranded on a non-magical world, even Pax's trusty Wayside Handbook can’t help him. How is he going to “reboot” the hotel and keep it on its magical journey?
Josie LaChusia is a single mom experiencing debt, having parenting doubts, and tipping dangerously toward depression when an ad pops up on her phone that an apartment is available in a building she’s never seen before.
Pax needs a new guest to restart his hotel, and Josie needs a nudge to restart her life. In a building occupied by faeries, gargoyles, and a gnome with a bad attitude, two souls from very different places come together to create a home like no other.
Manager of the Number Five Wayside Inn and World Travel Hub, Pax Nomen has one of the easiest jobs in all the known universes, unless you count the occasional plumbing disaster. When Number Five Wayside gets stranded on a non-magical world, even Pax's trusty Wayside Handbook can’t help him. How is he going to “reboot” the hotel and keep it on its magical journey?
Josie LaChusia is a single mom experiencing debt, having parenting doubts, and tipping dangerously toward depression when an ad pops up on her phone that an apartment is available in a building she’s never seen before.
Pax needs a new guest to restart his hotel, and Josie needs a nudge to restart her life. In a building occupied by faeries, gargoyles, and a gnome with a bad attitude, two souls from very different places come together to create a home like no other.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Everett
6 books839 followersElizabeth Everett is a USA Today Bestselling author of historical romance and lives in upstate New York. Her work is inspired by her admiration for rule breakers and belief in the power of love to change the world.
Head over to Elizabeth's website and subscribe to The Rule Breaker's Report for the latest news, exclusive excerpts from Elizabeth's books, giveaways, and terrible jokes.
Head over to Elizabeth's website and subscribe to The Rule Breaker's Report for the latest news, exclusive excerpts from Elizabeth's books, giveaways, and terrible jokes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
April 11, 2026
This was an amazing romantasy. I received this ARC today and I was about 30% through this book in the first gulp before I even realized I was tucked in. It was like the starving hunger of a little kid at the adult Thanksgiving dinner table for the first time. The part I loved most about this book is how spectacularly relatable the main character was. She doesn't share many of my traits, but she was having my thoughts and reacting the way I wanted to, and having my same values. It was as though I was the one experiencing a magical inn and I couldn't get enough.
We're not supposed to put direct quotes in reviews of ARCs in case the book changes a little. But, without a quotation, when the male romantic interest asked the main character if she could imagine a story where she's happy in the end and then tells her it's ok to imagine herself happy. She deserves it, he tells her. Oh, I just melted.
Plot wise, this book is the same general concept of the magic inn "clean sweep" series by Ilona Andrews. I liked those too. This one did it better, though. However, I thought it was worth pointing out for those that didn't care for that series. (Who even are you? But that's an aside.)
I was really excited about this book and found myself wanting to tell everyone on the street. But I know that wouldn't go over too well. ME: have you read this great book? THEM: my relationship with Jesus is fine, thank you. ME: No, you misunderstand, I meant THIS book. With the hotel. THEM: *backing away from the eccentric book lady* ME: Well, that's fair, really. No one to blame but myself, truly.
If I had to write a negative thing about the book it would be the need for at least one more chapter. It's not enough to make a complete resolution of the plot. I want a chapter to bask in the characters' happiness with them.
If you'll excuse me, I have a library date with Elizabeth Everett's other books, because, it turns out, she's not a debut and I have a sudden reading backlog.
We're not supposed to put direct quotes in reviews of ARCs in case the book changes a little. But, without a quotation, when the male romantic interest asked the main character if she could imagine a story where she's happy in the end and then tells her it's ok to imagine herself happy. She deserves it, he tells her. Oh, I just melted.
Plot wise, this book is the same general concept of the magic inn "clean sweep" series by Ilona Andrews. I liked those too. This one did it better, though. However, I thought it was worth pointing out for those that didn't care for that series. (Who even are you? But that's an aside.)
I was really excited about this book and found myself wanting to tell everyone on the street. But I know that wouldn't go over too well. ME: have you read this great book? THEM: my relationship with Jesus is fine, thank you. ME: No, you misunderstand, I meant THIS book. With the hotel. THEM: *backing away from the eccentric book lady* ME: Well, that's fair, really. No one to blame but myself, truly.
If I had to write a negative thing about the book it would be the need for at least one more chapter. It's not enough to make a complete resolution of the plot. I want a chapter to bask in the characters' happiness with them.
If you'll excuse me, I have a library date with Elizabeth Everett's other books, because, it turns out, she's not a debut and I have a sudden reading backlog.
March 24, 2026
Sweet and fun, with some very funny moments. I will definitely read book 2!
March 19, 2026
I wanted to love this book. The description sounds so cute but the only way I can describe it is it Hotel Transylvania didn’t have a plot, a cringy love scene and a 3 year old that has far two much dialogue. I absolutely love cozy book but this one in particular has not plot, no stakes at all. It’s mostly just vibes and cringy romance.
April 9, 2026
Single mother Josie has been barely scraping by since losing her partner, and now her rent has jumped yet again. Just when she’s convinced she’s out of options, a listing pops up for a nearby rental that, while definitely a bit shabby, has good bones, a welcoming feel, and most importantly, a price she can manage.
Meanwhile, Pax is doing everything he can to keep Number 5 Wayside Hotel running. The hotel is a sentient refuge for magical beings, but it has mysteriously run out of fuel, leaving it stranded on Earth. With its glamour flickering and its systems failing, Pax is desperate to find a solution before the guests become trapped far from home. Taking on human residents might be the answer, especially when the hotel reacts so strongly to Josie and her four year old son, Amos. But hiding the hotel’s magic from Josie is harder than he expected, and Pax doesn’t want to frighten away the sweet, worn down woman he’s unexpectedly drawn to.
Some of the Inn’s residents were quite unlikable, and I thought the cause of the hotel’s problems would be obvious. There were also some genuinely sweet, welcoming characters who immediately take to Josie and Amos, which added a lot of charm.
Both Josie and Pax carry deep emotional wounds. Josie struggles with feeling like she’s failing as a parent, a fear made worse by her overbearing mother in law. Pax, orphaned young, has never truly felt loved or chosen. Watching these two bruised souls slowly learn to trust, lean on each other, and believe they deserve happiness was touching.
I really enjoyed Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel! It was cozy and magical, but it also had some emotional depth. Seeing Josie and Pax, two tired, bruised people, find comfort and love in each other was heartwarming. The romance wraps up nicely, but there’s definitely room for more stories at the Wayside, and I’d happily come back for another visit.
I voluntarily read a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Meanwhile, Pax is doing everything he can to keep Number 5 Wayside Hotel running. The hotel is a sentient refuge for magical beings, but it has mysteriously run out of fuel, leaving it stranded on Earth. With its glamour flickering and its systems failing, Pax is desperate to find a solution before the guests become trapped far from home. Taking on human residents might be the answer, especially when the hotel reacts so strongly to Josie and her four year old son, Amos. But hiding the hotel’s magic from Josie is harder than he expected, and Pax doesn’t want to frighten away the sweet, worn down woman he’s unexpectedly drawn to.
Some of the Inn’s residents were quite unlikable, and I thought the cause of the hotel’s problems would be obvious. There were also some genuinely sweet, welcoming characters who immediately take to Josie and Amos, which added a lot of charm.
Both Josie and Pax carry deep emotional wounds. Josie struggles with feeling like she’s failing as a parent, a fear made worse by her overbearing mother in law. Pax, orphaned young, has never truly felt loved or chosen. Watching these two bruised souls slowly learn to trust, lean on each other, and believe they deserve happiness was touching.
I really enjoyed Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel! It was cozy and magical, but it also had some emotional depth. Seeing Josie and Pax, two tired, bruised people, find comfort and love in each other was heartwarming. The romance wraps up nicely, but there’s definitely room for more stories at the Wayside, and I’d happily come back for another visit.
I voluntarily read a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
March 9, 2026
3.5⭐️ This was a reasonably satisfying cozy fantasy that didn't quite live up to its promise. Pax is the manager of a traveling sentient hotel that picks up and deposits guests throughout various magical worlds. When the hotel ends up on earth (we're not told how that happens) and out of fuel, Pax determines that the best way to fix the hotel is to "reboot" it by pretending it's an apartment and bringing in a tenant. Enter Josie, struggling single mom of the adorable 4-year-old Amos.
Not all of the hotel guests are on board with this plan. Thus we begin a story of Josie trying to get by as a parent and Pax trying to keep her from figuring out that the apartment is actually a magic hotel while keeping the less happy guests at bay. Pax and Josie are instantly attracted to each other, but the story fortunately avoids an insta-love connection and slowly develops the relationship between the two.
That relationship was the best part of the novel. Pax is incredibly supportive and also a big proponent of asking for consent, which was refreshing. Josie is guarded and anxious, but she's a good mom who appreciates Pax for who he is and how he interacts with Amos. The setting of the book is also a big plus. I've always liked books with sentient buildings (sentient anything, really), and the author skillfully developed the guests residing within the hotel. The novel is front-loaded with arch humor that occasionally veers cartoonish but then settles down as the book progresses.
There were a couple of things lacking in the book. First, the author missed a great opportunity to develop a found family element. There were hints that it could happen a couple of times in the book but nothing came of it. Progress towards fixing the hotel was nearly stagnant, and when the solution was discovered towards the end of the book, it was somewhat hokey. I wish the author had done more with it, especially given a comment that the former hotel manager had made and that Pax later reflected on. It made it seem like that was the key to solving the problem, and it was disappointing that Everett didn't follow through on that because it would have made for a more satisfying ending.
In spite of my issues with it, I more or less enjoyed my time with the novel. It has some flaws that kept it from being what I would have hoped for or expected, but it serves its purpose as a solid cozy fantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Not all of the hotel guests are on board with this plan. Thus we begin a story of Josie trying to get by as a parent and Pax trying to keep her from figuring out that the apartment is actually a magic hotel while keeping the less happy guests at bay. Pax and Josie are instantly attracted to each other, but the story fortunately avoids an insta-love connection and slowly develops the relationship between the two.
That relationship was the best part of the novel. Pax is incredibly supportive and also a big proponent of asking for consent, which was refreshing. Josie is guarded and anxious, but she's a good mom who appreciates Pax for who he is and how he interacts with Amos. The setting of the book is also a big plus. I've always liked books with sentient buildings (sentient anything, really), and the author skillfully developed the guests residing within the hotel. The novel is front-loaded with arch humor that occasionally veers cartoonish but then settles down as the book progresses.
There were a couple of things lacking in the book. First, the author missed a great opportunity to develop a found family element. There were hints that it could happen a couple of times in the book but nothing came of it. Progress towards fixing the hotel was nearly stagnant, and when the solution was discovered towards the end of the book, it was somewhat hokey. I wish the author had done more with it, especially given a comment that the former hotel manager had made and that Pax later reflected on. It made it seem like that was the key to solving the problem, and it was disappointing that Everett didn't follow through on that because it would have made for a more satisfying ending.
In spite of my issues with it, I more or less enjoyed my time with the novel. It has some flaws that kept it from being what I would have hoped for or expected, but it serves its purpose as a solid cozy fantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2026
Number Five Wayside Inn runs out of magic “gas” and the manager finds himself perplex as do the angry travelers who expected to be at their destination and not trapped in a non-magical place. Pax, looks to the Wayside Handbook and decides what the hotel needs is a reboot.
Josie LaChusia is a widowed mother of a five-year-old and looking for a new apartment when an ad pops up about a vacancy near the college where she works. Josie thinks the two-bedroom apartment is the perfect fit, even if the residents seem a little strange.
The Wayside Hotel, now pretending to be an apartment complex, is a magical living thing. It has to be to accommodate all of its guests, from gargoyles to sea creatures. It senses what Josie and her son need, from the color of the walls to the furnishings… all interesting when you are trying to keep its true nature secret. I loved figuring out what the hotel needed to reboot and seeing it give the residents nudges.
I loved how the story unfolded from the rule-following hotel assistant to the relationship that slowly developed between Pax and Josie. The residents try to appear human as they learn their ways, and I laughed at their antics.
This is a story of new beginnings, found family, magic, and the power of love. We get side threads involving some residents. We also have some trouble from Josie’s mother-in-law, who thinks their grandson would do better living with them. The hotel itself was fascinating and reminded me a little of Ilona Andrews’ Innkeeper series, but on a cozy level. Character growth, trust, and allowing oneself happiness are all themes in this magical tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Josie LaChusia is a widowed mother of a five-year-old and looking for a new apartment when an ad pops up about a vacancy near the college where she works. Josie thinks the two-bedroom apartment is the perfect fit, even if the residents seem a little strange.
The Wayside Hotel, now pretending to be an apartment complex, is a magical living thing. It has to be to accommodate all of its guests, from gargoyles to sea creatures. It senses what Josie and her son need, from the color of the walls to the furnishings… all interesting when you are trying to keep its true nature secret. I loved figuring out what the hotel needed to reboot and seeing it give the residents nudges.
I loved how the story unfolded from the rule-following hotel assistant to the relationship that slowly developed between Pax and Josie. The residents try to appear human as they learn their ways, and I laughed at their antics.
This is a story of new beginnings, found family, magic, and the power of love. We get side threads involving some residents. We also have some trouble from Josie’s mother-in-law, who thinks their grandson would do better living with them. The hotel itself was fascinating and reminded me a little of Ilona Andrews’ Innkeeper series, but on a cozy level. Character growth, trust, and allowing oneself happiness are all themes in this magical tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 5, 2026
I absolutely loved this story about a magical hotel that has to transform itself into a human ready apartment building. Found family, acceptance of differences, and sports jerseys on gargoyles, it’s all perfect!
Plot: 9/10
Magic system: 3.8/5
Spice level: 2/5
Plot: 9/10
Magic system: 3.8/5
Spice level: 2/5
October 22, 2025
This was an entertaining book for sure, but I have a few quibbles with it. Mostly I think there was just a bit too much going on and too many little side things that had to get resolved. Also, the FMC is a bit... eh. I hate to say it because if she were a real person, she'd be lovely, but it's true. I don't feel like we really got to delve into her backstory/motivations and the same for the MMC because there was just so much going on.
That being said, I did enjoy this book. All of the side characters were extremely entertaining and the plot didn't drag. I just wanted a bit more of things.
I have a hard time setting on who I'd recommend this to. Romance readers would probably enjoy it, but they'd have to be ok with a bit of a confusing start because of the fantasy elements right out of the gate that aren't well-explained.
I did receive a copy of this book from NetGalley, however, it did not influence my review in any way.
That being said, I did enjoy this book. All of the side characters were extremely entertaining and the plot didn't drag. I just wanted a bit more of things.
I have a hard time setting on who I'd recommend this to. Romance readers would probably enjoy it, but they'd have to be ok with a bit of a confusing start because of the fantasy elements right out of the gate that aren't well-explained.
I did receive a copy of this book from NetGalley, however, it did not influence my review in any way.
April 2, 2026
4 stars. This was such a cute and cozy fantasy romance! There's something about inns or hotels that make the perfect backdrop for cozy reads, and throw in a bit of magic and you've got me hooked! The Wayside Hotel is a magical hotel that ferrets intergalactic beings to different planets. Unfortunately for all of the current residents, the hotel has broken down and is stuck in Western New York, Earth. The hotel staff have no idea what has caused the hotel to run out of magical "gas" but they figrue letting a human rent a room certainly can't hurt the situation. And for what it's worth, the hotel (which is sort of sentient) seems to like her! This book has kind of a zany cast of characters, and going into this, I totally didn't realize that this was going to be a series. But I'm pretty excited to see that some of the side characters are getting their own books. You've got humans (including an adorable 'Pider Man loving kid), gnomes, fairies, vampires, a medusa, and even an alien knight! All in all, this was fun, sweet, heartwarming, and cozy. Thank you Berkley romance and ace for the gifted copy!
October 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!!! I'm gonna call it a cozy paranormal fantasy romance! What could better then reading about a sentient hotel that magically transports multiple beings to different realities? The perfect October read!
This book is one part temperamental magical hotel.
One part retired warrior now hotel manager.
And one part single mom down on her luck.
When the Wayside Hotel breaks down on earth our strange mix of inhabitants decide to rent a room to a mortal in hopes of fixing our weary hotel. The only catch? Josie cant know they aren't human or that the hotel is magical. Of course shenanigans ensue! This book will give you the warm fuzzies with its sweet romance between Pax and Josie, as well as the found family vibes.
This book is one part temperamental magical hotel.
One part retired warrior now hotel manager.
And one part single mom down on her luck.
When the Wayside Hotel breaks down on earth our strange mix of inhabitants decide to rent a room to a mortal in hopes of fixing our weary hotel. The only catch? Josie cant know they aren't human or that the hotel is magical. Of course shenanigans ensue! This book will give you the warm fuzzies with its sweet romance between Pax and Josie, as well as the found family vibes.
March 23, 2026
A joyful, whimsical celebration of motherhood and community as a single mom moves with her young son into a magical, sentient hotel she thinks is an ordinary apartment building, only to find herself living among animated gargoyles, a cantankerous gnome, a rule abiding gorgon with a fabulous fashion sense, a sultry vampire with a flair for the dramatic, a cheerful bevy of faerie princess cheerleaders, a vegan zombie, and a rather appealing paladin who traded in his sword for the management of the residence. Everett’s heroine is the heart of the story, a struggling widowed mother who’s tired of constant and conflicting parenting pressures from society, coworkers, the media, the internet, and a disapproving mother-in-law, certain she’s getting everything wrong. With the help of the supportive community at the Wayside, she rebuilds her confidence and finds new ways of managing her strongest parenting fears. Because this is an Elizabeth Everett book, we also get a lovely romance with a kind, caring, supportive man; a memorable cast of side characters; a beautiful sense of setting that’s a character in its own right; some fun jabs at petty bureaucracy—whether within the contentious tenants’ association or at a university advising office—and a few delicious barbs about consumer culture and the current state of US politics. The tone remains warm and inviting, even when the undertones of satire are at their sharpest, welcoming the reader in on every page as the residents of the delightful Wayside bicker and banter their way toward a better understanding of each other, and of themselves. Imaginative, immersive, and full of love.
November 11, 2025
I so enjoyed this book! I read this one slowly, wanting to savor the world-building and cozy vibes. I loved how very different and yet similar Pax's and Josie's journeys were, and rooted for them from the start. And the fun and unique characters that peopled the hotel were fantastic. But I think my favorite aspect of this story was how it brought together such mundane details about life in our world with such magical ones from other worlds—really bringing home how unique the hotel and its inhabitants are. Fingers crossed we get a second book where we see the hotel take everyone off on an adventure!
March 16, 2026
A uniquely wonderful fantasy. Perfect for fans of Heather Fawcett & Sarah Addison Allen
I loved everything about this wonderful story.
It's full of whimsy, humor, and raw tenderness that brought tears to my eyes.
More robust review to come.
I loved everything about this wonderful story.
It's full of whimsy, humor, and raw tenderness that brought tears to my eyes.
More robust review to come.
September 17, 2025
Let me start this by stating that I am not a fantasy or romantasy or paranormal reader. Generally speaking, I don't enjoy the world building and grandiosity of fantasy, and I tend to get bogged down in the details and in not being able to pronounce names and places and it's truly frustrating to me to read that genre. This book was not like that at all, and I think that allowed me to really enjoy it because I wasn't distracted by those things... maybe this will turn some hardcore romantasy readers away, but it was a huge plus for me.
It is set in a magical sentient hotel that is marooned on Earth in New York state (so many Bills references... E^2 definitely put a bit of herself in this!), and she (the hotel) is hellbent on matchmaking the FMC and MMC. The cast of characters is hilarious, and I can't tell you how many times I cracked up at their chaos and shenanigans (and what she decided to name some of these creatures). If you've read any of E^2's previous HR STEM books, you'll recognize that the humor and silliness from her MMCs translated well to the creatures that live in the hotel. This book (especially the beginning and the wide variety of creatures) really reminded me of Hotel Transylvania, which is one of my favorite animated movies: a human falls in love with a non-human at a hotel where humans aren't allowed.
I wanted a bit more after the conflict though: more of their romantic relationship and more insight into their future. I feel like it was left open just a little bit, and I really like my romances tied up tight with a pretty bow... although if this turns into a series and we get to see more of their future in other books, then I'll retract this statement (that is currently not known).
Just like all E^2 books, it is well written, it has a good plot, and it is lightly spicy. Although she switched subgenres from HR STEM to romantasy (?... I'm still not sure if that's the right definition for this book, but I don't know enough to classify it any other way), you can very clearly read her voice in this novel. she is consistent in her writing style and her stance on women's issues.
Thank you for the ARC, E^2!
4.5 stars!
It is set in a magical sentient hotel that is marooned on Earth in New York state (so many Bills references... E^2 definitely put a bit of herself in this!), and she (the hotel) is hellbent on matchmaking the FMC and MMC. The cast of characters is hilarious, and I can't tell you how many times I cracked up at their chaos and shenanigans (and what she decided to name some of these creatures). If you've read any of E^2's previous HR STEM books, you'll recognize that the humor and silliness from her MMCs translated well to the creatures that live in the hotel. This book (especially the beginning and the wide variety of creatures) really reminded me of Hotel Transylvania, which is one of my favorite animated movies: a human falls in love with a non-human at a hotel where humans aren't allowed.
I wanted a bit more after the conflict though: more of their romantic relationship and more insight into their future. I feel like it was left open just a little bit, and I really like my romances tied up tight with a pretty bow... although if this turns into a series and we get to see more of their future in other books, then I'll retract this statement (that is currently not known).
Just like all E^2 books, it is well written, it has a good plot, and it is lightly spicy. Although she switched subgenres from HR STEM to romantasy (?... I'm still not sure if that's the right definition for this book, but I don't know enough to classify it any other way), you can very clearly read her voice in this novel. she is consistent in her writing style and her stance on women's issues.
Thank you for the ARC, E^2!
4.5 stars!
April 20, 2026
4 ⭐️
What a sweet, fun Romantasy! I loved the found family and getting to know all of the wildcard characters at the hotel. Pax melted my heart 100 times over, and Amos took the cake as my all time favorite character.
The plot and execution were quirky and unique, with a TJ Klune vibe that I loved.
Overall, this was a cute fun fantasy read with some unexpected spice and a sweet ending!
What a sweet, fun Romantasy! I loved the found family and getting to know all of the wildcard characters at the hotel. Pax melted my heart 100 times over, and Amos took the cake as my all time favorite character.
The plot and execution were quirky and unique, with a TJ Klune vibe that I loved.
Overall, this was a cute fun fantasy read with some unexpected spice and a sweet ending!
January 5, 2026
This was a cute and cozy read that I had a fun time with, though it didn’t fully sweep me off my feet. The concept of a sentient building and the magical residents was easily the highlight for me! Whimsical, charming, and entertaining. I appreciated the slower, gentle romance and the found family vibes woven throughout. It’s the kind of story that’s easy to sink into and enjoy in the moment.
That said, it felt like there was a lot going on, and I found myself wishing we’d gone a bit deeper with the main characters rather than juggling so many side plots. While the they were all colorful and fun, some elements felt a little underdeveloped, which kept this from being a standout read for me. Overall, this was a cozy fantasy that was enjoyable and lighthearted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC
That said, it felt like there was a lot going on, and I found myself wishing we’d gone a bit deeper with the main characters rather than juggling so many side plots. While the they were all colorful and fun, some elements felt a little underdeveloped, which kept this from being a standout read for me. Overall, this was a cozy fantasy that was enjoyable and lighthearted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC
March 6, 2026
This was a cute idea. The cover, title and blurb got me interested, so I was disappointed when it fell flat. A traveling and living hotel is sick. Packed with mystical creatures things look bad until Josie, a human, and her son come to live.
But the story suffered from juggling too much. Her son Amos may be the secret to healing the hotel, putting him in danger. Amos’s paternal grandparents are convinced they can take better care of him than Josie is. There’s a romance between Josie and Pax, the hotel manager, and a chaotic gang of creatures with all kinds of issue. The potential for fun quickly dissolves into a mishmash without focus.The author tends to tell as opposed to show in ways that feel a bit preachy at times. And I’m all for setting a fantasy in modern day New York, but while monsters learning about the world through “the you tube” is amusing, wondering if Trump “eats children” pulled me right out. Must I be reminded of the hellscape in which we all live? It’s the opposite of cozy.
If I still gave half stars this would be a 2.5. I found Cliche and cheesy when I was looking for cozy and fun.
Thanks to Berkley Romance for the free advanced finished copy and PRHaudio for free ALC.
But the story suffered from juggling too much. Her son Amos may be the secret to healing the hotel, putting him in danger. Amos’s paternal grandparents are convinced they can take better care of him than Josie is. There’s a romance between Josie and Pax, the hotel manager, and a chaotic gang of creatures with all kinds of issue. The potential for fun quickly dissolves into a mishmash without focus.The author tends to tell as opposed to show in ways that feel a bit preachy at times. And I’m all for setting a fantasy in modern day New York, but while monsters learning about the world through “the you tube” is amusing, wondering if Trump “eats children” pulled me right out. Must I be reminded of the hellscape in which we all live? It’s the opposite of cozy.
If I still gave half stars this would be a 2.5. I found Cliche and cheesy when I was looking for cozy and fun.
Thanks to Berkley Romance for the free advanced finished copy and PRHaudio for free ALC.
April 26, 2026
A lovely cozy fantasy romance about a magical hotel that gets suck in modern day London and the single mother and her young son who come to live there and who just might be the key to freeing its mysterious paranormal residents.
I really loved this one. It's charming, funny, had great found family vibes and the romance between Pax, the Hotel's manager and Josie was adorably sweet with just a bit of spice. Pax grew up an orphan, lived as a soldier and is in awe of how loving Josie's relationship with her son is. While Josie doubts her parenting abilities at every turn as her mother in law tries to gain custody, Pax can't help falling (and fighting) for them both.
A great departure from Elizabeth Everett's usually Victorian historical romances and perfect for fans of books like A witch's guide to magical innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
I really loved this one. It's charming, funny, had great found family vibes and the romance between Pax, the Hotel's manager and Josie was adorably sweet with just a bit of spice. Pax grew up an orphan, lived as a soldier and is in awe of how loving Josie's relationship with her son is. While Josie doubts her parenting abilities at every turn as her mother in law tries to gain custody, Pax can't help falling (and fighting) for them both.
A great departure from Elizabeth Everett's usually Victorian historical romances and perfect for fans of books like A witch's guide to magical innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
November 28, 2025
Josie is struggling to find a new apartment near the university where she works. When she tours a surprisingly cheap and perfect option, she’s allowed to move in immediately. The apartment building chose her and her son.
The apartment is actually the Wayside Hotel number five, a magical entity that serves as a floating hotel for various magical creatures between magical realms. Now stuck on Earth, the eccentric inhabitants (including manager Pax) must find a way to recharge its magic and get back on the road. Watching the unique and often hilarious magical residents try to understand human life through library books was a treat!
This was a wonderfully inventive cozy fantasy. I loved the magical creativity and the colorful cast of characters. I was hooked after the opening line and stayed completely vested in the story.
The apartment is actually the Wayside Hotel number five, a magical entity that serves as a floating hotel for various magical creatures between magical realms. Now stuck on Earth, the eccentric inhabitants (including manager Pax) must find a way to recharge its magic and get back on the road. Watching the unique and often hilarious magical residents try to understand human life through library books was a treat!
This was a wonderfully inventive cozy fantasy. I loved the magical creativity and the colorful cast of characters. I was hooked after the opening line and stayed completely vested in the story.
April 8, 2026
It seems like nowadays, all the historical romance authors are dipping their toes into other genres to see what fits in today’s market. I think some authors do it better than others like my recent read from Elizabeth Everett, Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel , which is a sci-fi, romance!
Centring around a magical structure that looks like an apartment building, but happens to be a magic filled, intergalactic world travelling hub that’s full of other worldly residents (think vampires, pixies, gnomes, gargoyles…). This hub is is not working to its optimum capacity and needs to fix itself before it can continue on its plan journey… Prompting the residence to search for solutions in the best solution they have is to introduce some new life blood into the complex, in the form of a human woman and her young son whom happen to be in need of a safe, nice, and decently priced accommodation!
Josie LaChusia feels like something is off about the apartment, but it’s just too perfect to pass up, and the handsome building manager, Pax is also hard to resist! Pack goes out of his way to make them feel at home and is surprised by the connection. He feels to this being when he’s never felt this emotion before since he was only trained to be a space warrior.
Josie and packs both have a lot on their shoulders, respectively, Josie, trying to raise her young son and keep his paternal grandparents from taking him away from her and packs trying to fix the intergalactic hub and get his passengers back on track… But they seem to find out that they are better able to meet both their needs when they work together than apart!
This was such a fun and unique cast of characters! I really enjoyed all the different magical and mythical creatures secretly living in the hub, hiding their true selves from Josie and her son. It led for a lot of comedic moments. I really liked how all these different entities come together and create a real solid found family for all the residence, Josie and her son included. I’m not sure if this is going to become a series, but there’s a lot of potential characters that I would be interested in seeing their HEA stories!
Also, am I the only one who read the wayside school book series when I was young and absolutely loved it’s ridiculousness? I feel like Elizabeth must’ve been influenced to some degree especially with some of those side characters!
Overall, I have a lot of fun with this book. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started it but once the story got moving, I fell in love with all the characters and had a great time seeing them achieve their goals.
Centring around a magical structure that looks like an apartment building, but happens to be a magic filled, intergalactic world travelling hub that’s full of other worldly residents (think vampires, pixies, gnomes, gargoyles…). This hub is is not working to its optimum capacity and needs to fix itself before it can continue on its plan journey… Prompting the residence to search for solutions in the best solution they have is to introduce some new life blood into the complex, in the form of a human woman and her young son whom happen to be in need of a safe, nice, and decently priced accommodation!
Josie LaChusia feels like something is off about the apartment, but it’s just too perfect to pass up, and the handsome building manager, Pax is also hard to resist! Pack goes out of his way to make them feel at home and is surprised by the connection. He feels to this being when he’s never felt this emotion before since he was only trained to be a space warrior.
Josie and packs both have a lot on their shoulders, respectively, Josie, trying to raise her young son and keep his paternal grandparents from taking him away from her and packs trying to fix the intergalactic hub and get his passengers back on track… But they seem to find out that they are better able to meet both their needs when they work together than apart!
This was such a fun and unique cast of characters! I really enjoyed all the different magical and mythical creatures secretly living in the hub, hiding their true selves from Josie and her son. It led for a lot of comedic moments. I really liked how all these different entities come together and create a real solid found family for all the residence, Josie and her son included. I’m not sure if this is going to become a series, but there’s a lot of potential characters that I would be interested in seeing their HEA stories!
Also, am I the only one who read the wayside school book series when I was young and absolutely loved it’s ridiculousness? I feel like Elizabeth must’ve been influenced to some degree especially with some of those side characters!
Overall, I have a lot of fun with this book. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started it but once the story got moving, I fell in love with all the characters and had a great time seeing them achieve their goals.
March 13, 2026
4.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy!
This book was such a fun read and the cutest cozy romantasy ever. It took me a little bit to get into, but once I hit the 20% mark, I couldn’t put it down. I found myself thinking about this book constantly while going about my day, and kept finding any excuse to hop back into it.
While this book is a romantasy and the romance was so cute, this book was also SO MUCH MORE. The focus on Josie and her character growth was so good and I was rooting so hard for her. We slowly see all of the characters grow throughout this and I love them all so much. Pax also has a huge character development throughout that made me love him even more by the end, which I didn’t think was possible.
I usually don’t enjoy little kids in books, but I loved the inclusion of Amos and it was done so well. Seeing the love Josie (and eventually Pax) has for Amos and how all she wants to be is a good mother, ugh my heart. I felt like this book wouldn’t be the same without him, and that’s what really sold me on him being an important inclusion.
THE ROMANCE! I was not expecting spice but there is one scene of it, which I absolutely ate up. Pax falls so fast and so hard for Josie, and she takes her timeee admitting her feelings for him. I love them both so much and I need MOREEE.
Overall, this book is fun, cozy, and just perfect. I highly highly recommend it to everyone!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy!
This book was such a fun read and the cutest cozy romantasy ever. It took me a little bit to get into, but once I hit the 20% mark, I couldn’t put it down. I found myself thinking about this book constantly while going about my day, and kept finding any excuse to hop back into it.
While this book is a romantasy and the romance was so cute, this book was also SO MUCH MORE. The focus on Josie and her character growth was so good and I was rooting so hard for her. We slowly see all of the characters grow throughout this and I love them all so much. Pax also has a huge character development throughout that made me love him even more by the end, which I didn’t think was possible.
I usually don’t enjoy little kids in books, but I loved the inclusion of Amos and it was done so well. Seeing the love Josie (and eventually Pax) has for Amos and how all she wants to be is a good mother, ugh my heart. I felt like this book wouldn’t be the same without him, and that’s what really sold me on him being an important inclusion.
THE ROMANCE! I was not expecting spice but there is one scene of it, which I absolutely ate up. Pax falls so fast and so hard for Josie, and she takes her timeee admitting her feelings for him. I love them both so much and I need MOREEE.
Overall, this book is fun, cozy, and just perfect. I highly highly recommend it to everyone!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you to ACE for the eARC via Edelweiss.
This whimsical novel is just what I needed!
Sometimes you just need something that is lighthearted enough to be the perfect palate cleanser, and this book was exactly that!
Our FMC, Josie, is a single mother who wants nothing more than for her son Amos to have everything she did not have growing up, and then some. She is notified that an apartment building near her work has an open apartment, so she decides to take a tour, and of course it is perfect for her family!
Pax is our MMC and he is in charge of the "apartment building," or what is really known as Number Five Wayside Hotel. The actual identity of Number Five must be kept secret, as well as all of its mythical creatures that are residing there at the moment. Something has been happening to many of the other Wayside Hotels, and Number Five is also "sick," so our characters must figure out what to do in order to make her feel better (yes the hotel is sentient!).
I loved how quirky the side characters were and they helped add the humor into the story. At times I felt the romance between the MCs to be a bit unnecessary, but ended up enjoying them together at the end.
I'd love to see if we get another book in this universe!
This whimsical novel is just what I needed!
Sometimes you just need something that is lighthearted enough to be the perfect palate cleanser, and this book was exactly that!
Our FMC, Josie, is a single mother who wants nothing more than for her son Amos to have everything she did not have growing up, and then some. She is notified that an apartment building near her work has an open apartment, so she decides to take a tour, and of course it is perfect for her family!
Pax is our MMC and he is in charge of the "apartment building," or what is really known as Number Five Wayside Hotel. The actual identity of Number Five must be kept secret, as well as all of its mythical creatures that are residing there at the moment. Something has been happening to many of the other Wayside Hotels, and Number Five is also "sick," so our characters must figure out what to do in order to make her feel better (yes the hotel is sentient!).
I loved how quirky the side characters were and they helped add the humor into the story. At times I felt the romance between the MCs to be a bit unnecessary, but ended up enjoying them together at the end.
I'd love to see if we get another book in this universe!
April 1, 2026
This was such a fun read with a hilarious cast of magical beings, a sentient hotel, and a single mom who is trying her best while unknowingly being a savior to the hotel (and guests). Number Five Wayside Hotel is a magical hotel that is one of the World Travel Hubs for magical beings to journey to other realms. One day, it stops smack-dab in the middle of an unmagical world and is unable to move. Pax Nomen, the Hotel's Manager, realizes a new guest is needed to help "reboot" the hotel. What ensues next is comedic chaos, life realizations, and a chance at love.
If you want a cozy fantasy that features a sentient hotel filled with cheerleader faeries, sports jersey wearing gargoyles, medusa, and a gnome with a bad attitude (among others), definitely pick this one up! The chemistry between all the characters is fantastic and the mischief that they create in this new world had me cackling. There's a slow burn romance between Pax and Josie that is also magical in a sense. I loved it all!
This was my first book by Elizabeth Everett and I'm excited to read more!
Thank you so much to Ace for the advanced copy!
If you want a cozy fantasy that features a sentient hotel filled with cheerleader faeries, sports jersey wearing gargoyles, medusa, and a gnome with a bad attitude (among others), definitely pick this one up! The chemistry between all the characters is fantastic and the mischief that they create in this new world had me cackling. There's a slow burn romance between Pax and Josie that is also magical in a sense. I loved it all!
This was my first book by Elizabeth Everett and I'm excited to read more!
Thank you so much to Ace for the advanced copy!
April 3, 2026
This was so fun and lighthearted, and it's cool seeing Elizabeth Everett step outside historical romance, although I do find her historicals better, and I know she prefers that format. Josie is a fairly relatable FMC, and perhaps unpopular opinion but her son Amos was SO cute and I loved so many of his lines, particularly when he brought that child's optimism and sweet perspective to the other characters. The world building is decent, if a little vague sometimes, and I liked the various side characters.
After some heavy reads, I definitely needed the more quirky vibes here, but my one big gripe was the sometimes overuse of pop culture references. Perhaps that's a result of it being the author's first contemporary, but after the first few chapters it got a little stale. I really love what this sets up for future though, and didn't expect the ending to be a little open ended where the future of this weird found family hotel is going. There's a decent mystery to keep up with and I'm definitely picking up future installments, particularly when I need something sweet, easy to read, and fun.
After some heavy reads, I definitely needed the more quirky vibes here, but my one big gripe was the sometimes overuse of pop culture references. Perhaps that's a result of it being the author's first contemporary, but after the first few chapters it got a little stale. I really love what this sets up for future though, and didn't expect the ending to be a little open ended where the future of this weird found family hotel is going. There's a decent mystery to keep up with and I'm definitely picking up future installments, particularly when I need something sweet, easy to read, and fun.
March 18, 2026
Super cozy, magical romance that will warm your heart!
This was such a cute, cozy read! I LOVED the list of characters. The way they had to deal with the “real world”. The disdain for Disney hahaha!
The snow scene, I was dying laughing! Adorable!
I loved how sweet Pax and Josie were. How clueless he was to what was happening and what he was feeling 🥰🥰 and how tentative and cautious she was with her feelings, and with the kind of future they could have.
Josie’s son, his dialogue and the mispronounced words were perfection! He was the cutest! And his interactions with the magical beings were adorable!
Pax’s speech! Oh so heartwarming! How pure his feelings were and every time he asked to kiss her 🥰🥰
I loved the theme, that what the world needs is more love. How it brings people together, how it awakens things and brings them back to life. And how the hotel embodied that theme, with the birds flying and the rooms changing and the bed appearing out of nowhere 😂😂
This was such a cute, cozy read! I LOVED the list of characters. The way they had to deal with the “real world”. The disdain for Disney hahaha!
The snow scene, I was dying laughing! Adorable!
I loved how sweet Pax and Josie were. How clueless he was to what was happening and what he was feeling 🥰🥰 and how tentative and cautious she was with her feelings, and with the kind of future they could have.
Josie’s son, his dialogue and the mispronounced words were perfection! He was the cutest! And his interactions with the magical beings were adorable!
Pax’s speech! Oh so heartwarming! How pure his feelings were and every time he asked to kiss her 🥰🥰
I loved the theme, that what the world needs is more love. How it brings people together, how it awakens things and brings them back to life. And how the hotel embodied that theme, with the birds flying and the rooms changing and the bed appearing out of nowhere 😂😂
February 18, 2026
This was a fun book in a lot of ways. The cast of magical characters was a blast to read about, especially when you add in a couple of human characters that don’t know they’re surrounded by magical creatures. I also really liked the found family storyline.
Unfortunately, I found my interest waning while reading. I wanted more from the story, although I don’t know if I can pinpoint what was missing.
I can pinpoint the fact that the ending was way too rushed. Something super intense happened in the last 5% of the book, and then I blinked and it was resolved. I felt that it could’ve been utilized earlier in the plot.
This is one of those books that I could see a lot of people really loving, so definitely check it out if you’re interested.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my gifted copy!
Unfortunately, I found my interest waning while reading. I wanted more from the story, although I don’t know if I can pinpoint what was missing.
I can pinpoint the fact that the ending was way too rushed. Something super intense happened in the last 5% of the book, and then I blinked and it was resolved. I felt that it could’ve been utilized earlier in the plot.
This is one of those books that I could see a lot of people really loving, so definitely check it out if you’re interested.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my gifted copy!
April 3, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW ✨
MAGIC & MISCHIEF AT THE WAYSIDE HOTEL, by Elizabeth Everett, was a cozy read, jam-packed with curious characters, a sweet love story, and a supernatural dilemma.
The Wayside Hotel, which usually transports guests between worlds, runs out of magical power leaving it stranded on Earth. It's supernatural and otherworldly passengers are left to pass as human residents, in hopes that a solution can be found.
Enter Josie and her young son, Amos - a family who need a break from their own challenging lives. As a sentient building, The Wayside makes sure to provide the perfect apartment for Josie and Amos & the residents follow manager Pax's lead to help them feel welcome in hopes that their presence will heal whatever is broken & get them back on their way. In the process, love is found, community is fostered, and healing happens.
This is ultimately a story of found family, community, trusting oneself, and a love that heals. While I often felt it a little out of this world for my taste, author Elizabeth Everett has crafted a story that just feels GOOD. Cute, creative, sexy & sweet, Magic & Mischief at the Wayside Hotel is a feel good fantasy with an odd but entertaining cast of characters. Pax and Josie both experience healing and breathe new life into one another with their growing attraction and connection.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I felt like it was a bit hard to follow the plot at times but I was invested in the characters and wanted to see it through. I'm glad I did!
Thank you to @acebookspub & @berkleypub for the eARC via NetGalley!
Magic & Mischief at the Wayside Hotel
By Elizabeth Everett
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
MAGIC & MISCHIEF AT THE WAYSIDE HOTEL, by Elizabeth Everett, was a cozy read, jam-packed with curious characters, a sweet love story, and a supernatural dilemma.
The Wayside Hotel, which usually transports guests between worlds, runs out of magical power leaving it stranded on Earth. It's supernatural and otherworldly passengers are left to pass as human residents, in hopes that a solution can be found.
Enter Josie and her young son, Amos - a family who need a break from their own challenging lives. As a sentient building, The Wayside makes sure to provide the perfect apartment for Josie and Amos & the residents follow manager Pax's lead to help them feel welcome in hopes that their presence will heal whatever is broken & get them back on their way. In the process, love is found, community is fostered, and healing happens.
This is ultimately a story of found family, community, trusting oneself, and a love that heals. While I often felt it a little out of this world for my taste, author Elizabeth Everett has crafted a story that just feels GOOD. Cute, creative, sexy & sweet, Magic & Mischief at the Wayside Hotel is a feel good fantasy with an odd but entertaining cast of characters. Pax and Josie both experience healing and breathe new life into one another with their growing attraction and connection.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I felt like it was a bit hard to follow the plot at times but I was invested in the characters and wanted to see it through. I'm glad I did!
Thank you to @acebookspub & @berkleypub for the eARC via NetGalley!
Magic & Mischief at the Wayside Hotel
By Elizabeth Everett
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
April 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this wholly original story.
My favorite aspects:
➛Zany, memorable characters
➛The emotional complexities
➛The slow-building romance
My one stumbling point was that the ending left some unanswered questions. But that made more sense after I accidentally discovered this is the first in a series. For some reason, that information seems to be top secret. It really should be in the description, if not also on the cover.
*Thanks to Ace Books for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley!*
My favorite aspects:
➛Zany, memorable characters
➛The emotional complexities
➛The slow-building romance
My one stumbling point was that the ending left some unanswered questions. But that made more sense after I accidentally discovered this is the first in a series. For some reason, that information seems to be top secret. It really should be in the description, if not also on the cover.
*Thanks to Ace Books for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley!*
May 6, 2026
insta-love, the main character has a child that talks really poorly and often, lots of modern references (spiderman, buzz lightyear) that make it hard to take it seriously or view it as a fantasy at all, aand yeahhh its just not my thing. i got halfway through before dnf-ing but i feel thats enough progress to indicate i read this and understood how i felt and what was happening. loved the vibes of the wayside and the beginning making it seem cool and suspenseful by describing it as a living thing with other waysides disappearing, but it gets lost quickly
March 12, 2026
This book is a cozy read where a magical hotel runs out of fuel and is stuck on Earth. Josie and her son, Amos, are new tenants in the apartment building and shenanigans arise.
The book sounded like a good mix of whimsical with an eclectic group of characters and I liked the premise of the plot. The world building was a bit thin and seemed more of an afterthought. I wanted more depth to the characters, and I wish the hotel guests had developed a found family type of dynamic. The romance was a bit instant love for me. I also wish we spent more time focusing on fixing the hotel’s magic as it was stagnant for a lot of the book and wrapped up too quickly at the very end.
I think readers who will enjoy the cozy vibes or romance may enjoy this book if they’re okay with having not much in terms of plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ace for the ARC.
The book sounded like a good mix of whimsical with an eclectic group of characters and I liked the premise of the plot. The world building was a bit thin and seemed more of an afterthought. I wanted more depth to the characters, and I wish the hotel guests had developed a found family type of dynamic. The romance was a bit instant love for me. I also wish we spent more time focusing on fixing the hotel’s magic as it was stagnant for a lot of the book and wrapped up too quickly at the very end.
I think readers who will enjoy the cozy vibes or romance may enjoy this book if they’re okay with having not much in terms of plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ace for the ARC.
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