Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel, Elizabeth Everett (Review by Sharon Steinman)
Rating: 4.0/5 Stars
Magic and Mischief at Wayside Hotel is a cozy romance fantasy that combines magical world-hopping, found family, and slow-burn chemistry into a warm, imaginative escape.
Josie LaChusia is a single mom drowning in debt and desperate for a fresh start. When an ad appears on her phone for an apartment in a building she’s never noticed before, she decides to check it out. The offer is hard to resist: affordable rent and an apartment full of potential. What Josie doesn’t realize is that she’s stepping into a world far more magical than she ever imagined.
Number Five Wayside Inn is no ordinary building. It’s a magical World Travel Hub that typically hops between dimensions. Its manager, Pax Nomen, takes pride in running the inn, but something has gone terribly wrong. The hotel is stuck, unable to travel between worlds, and its magical energy is dangerously low. Pax must find a solution before everything begins to unravel.
As Josie and Pax’s paths intertwine, they are unmistakably drawn to one another. The attraction between them is immediate, and the chemistry is undeniable. However, they come from very different worlds, each carrying responsibilities and circumstances that complicate what they’re feeling.
The cast of unusual characters is one of the book’s highlights. From paladins and gargoyles to faeries and other mythical beings, the residents of the Wayside Inn are endearing, quirky, and memorable. Their presence gave me strong The House in the Cerulean Sea vibes, making this a wonderful choice for readers who enjoy cozy, found-family magic.
This is the kind of story that feels like a warm escape—perfect for curling up with and getting lost in a world where magic is bold, vibrant, and often takes centre stage.
If you enjoy cozy fantasy, magical hotels, and romance-forward stories filled with charm, mystery, and a touch of mischief, Magic and Mischief at Wayside Hotel is a delightful read that will leave you smiling long after the final page.