Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Roche Hotel #1

The Roche Hotel

Rate this book
After her husband ditches her for a blonde actress wannabe, Jane Seymour needs a job that pays the rent. The struggling Roche Hotel needs a miracle. With the former owner's wife butting her nose into the renovations and new owners who are in way over their heads, Jane may be the answer to their prayers. Sure, she can handle The Roche Hotel's quirky staff. But, can this skittish divorcee keep it all together when handsome Henry the Donut Guy makes his first delivery? This collection of serial fiction stories is a Tudorific romantic comedy that will leave you laughing out loud and hungry for more.

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2014

25 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Mysti Parker

55 books770 followers
Mysti Parker is an award-winning author and shameless chocoholic. She writes romance for every reader's taste from super sweet to scandalously spicy. When she's not writing the next best-story-ever or tackling the endless mountain of laundry, she works as a freelance copywriter and editor. Mysti resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, three children and too many pets.

Subscribe to Mysti's monthly newsletter & receive:
- Free books
- Exclusive excerpts & cover reveals
- Subscriber only giveaways

Signing up is easy peasy! Copy & paste this link in your browser: http://eepurl.com/chMhoH

For more updates and an endless array of food pics, follow her at:
http://www.mystiparker.com
http://www.facebook.com/RomanceforEve...
http://twitter.com/MystiParker
http://www.instagram.com/mysti_parker/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
32 (46%)
4 stars
19 (27%)
3 stars
9 (13%)
2 stars
6 (8%)
1 star
3 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Paula M.
581 reviews626 followers
August 5, 2019
This is way too short for my liking that's why I honestly don't know what to say. I like the writing and that's why I wish it was released as a full length novel because this story has a huge potential . The characters are comical, they can make you laugh and swoon and feel for them. But they're not all fleshed out. Especially the main character and her love interest. There's still a lot of mystery surrounding the characters. Although, I think that's what the author wants. Sadly, it didn't appeal to me.

The atmosphere of this book is also great. I like the hotel. I like the 'ghosts' and the rooms. There's a quirkiness and coziness in the setting of this book. The romance aspect is pretty slow but understandable considering the main characters back story.

Maybe if the author release a full length version of this, I might give it a try again. This is the 1st Episode or the 1st part of the story and even though my rating isn't that inviting, I STILL RECOMMEND it for readers who are okay with this concept and premise.

Thank you to Mysti for providing a review copy!
Profile Image for Kathleen Kelly.
1,379 reviews131 followers
December 18, 2014
The Roche Hotel is the first episode in a collection of stories that have a theme of the Tudor era even though this is a modern tale. It is a story of a young woman, Jane Seymour, see what I mean?, who after her husband absconds with another woman, finds herself in need of reinventing herself. The first thing she needs to do is find a job. She finds one at The Roche Hotel where she meets a variety of characters, including the previous owners wife who meddles in the running of the hotel. One day while she is manning the front desk she meets Henry, the Donut Guy who she is immediately attracted to and vice versa. Then a dead body turns up and the hotel is instantly thought to be haunted and there are people coming out of the woodwork to stay there.

I found this story to be a very fun short read, ending at just the right spot for the next episode to take over. Full of quirky characters, humor and romance, enough to keep the reader interested. I look forward to the next episodes!

I received this episode for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
Profile Image for Jen.
2,106 reviews155 followers
August 17, 2019
Author Mysti Parker asked me to listen to the audio of this book and review it, so here goes.

The words that come to mind when I think about this book are cute, adorable, entertaining, funny. It is all of those things and probably more, and translates well to audio. It's a cute premise: recently divorced (from a cheating husband) woman gets the first job that comes along, as a night clerk at a local hotel. The hotel is full of characters, all quirky and amusing, and the main character is alternately scared, cautious, intrigued and ultimately endeared to them all. There really isn't much of a plot here other than the developing romance between the main character and the love interest, but that's enough. And said romance is definitely on a fast track; while it takes its time growing, the book is so short that it doesn't have much time to actually grow slowly. So it seems fast, while in reality it is not. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not because of its contradictory nature. Having said that, this is just the first episode of a larger story, so it is likely that a broader story will unfold.

The thing that strikes me the most about this story is that it would make a fantastic graphic novel. That's how it reads - fun scenes with some laugh-out-loud moments. Most of the humor here is more amusement that brings a smile. But there was one instance where I really did laugh out loud. It's funny in a way that makes me think that this author will get more clever with her humor as she continues to write straight-up comedy.

The narrator, Angie Hickman, is perfect for this story. She really captures the tentative, uncertain quality that is most prominent in the main character's personality. Her voicing of the main character seemed right in line with what was written. Her use of accents wasn't just good, it defined each character in a way that made them entertaining and spot on for their place in the story. My favorite was the Sasquatch, but really they all were my favorites with their individual quirks.

This is a very short book. But again, it's part of a larger story and reads really like a web episode would. For what it is, it's excellent. I think it achieves all the goals the author wanted. I'm looking forward to hearing the next episode.
Profile Image for Tina Hayes.
Author 10 books57 followers
March 3, 2015
Mysti Parker's THE ROCHE HOTEL is a terrific, funny read! Jane takes a job working the front desk during night shift, and it turns out her job is not at all boring. The owners and other employees are a quirky mix of folks, the previous owner's wife keeps dropping by to cover up the naked statue's naughty bits, and don't forget Hunky Henry the Donut Guy.

Jane is adjusting to life after a divorce, dealing with her mother's dementia, figuring out whether she should give in to her urges and start a romance with Henry, and dealing with her duties at the hotel, which amp up just a bit after a body turns up.

Check in and check out THE ROCHE HOTEL! I'm looking forward to the next episode!

Profile Image for Kayla.
1,647 reviews
November 3, 2014
The main character drove me nuts. The way she focused on her ex constantly, and compared Henry to her ex annoyed the hell out of me. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book. I had a lot of fun reading about the crazy antics that happened at the hotel. I can't wait for season two.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,666 reviews43 followers
June 18, 2017
When Jane Seymour takes a job as the night clerk at the Roche Hotel, who knows what she was expecting to have happen. Most likely she thought it was a job and that was the extent of it. However, Jane is recovering from a nasty divorce, the unfaithful ex, and was not expecting to hear her boss and his wife arguing when she got there. Seems the wife didn't like that he hired someone younger than her and without consulting her! But it doesn't take Jane long to win her loyalty and secure the position.

Two years ago the hotel was purchased from the widow of the original owner. In the throws of redecorating, the widow keeps poking her nose into his business. And business is not that healthy!
One perk however is the doughnut guy who comes and fills the cases every morning. His name is Henry, and least you not realize this, Henry the VIII was married to Jane Seymour. Of course not this Henry! However although he is not royalty, he is handsome, available, and interested in Jane!

Over the next few weeks business picks up due to the Best Western having plumbing issues, and for the first time the hotel is livelier. But even that comes to an end when a councilman dies in the hotel as his two hookers leave his room. What else could go wrong?

Some surprises make this book end with a HEA ending for the time being. However the story is not over yet and season two and season three are waiting to be enjoyed.

Humor, romance, and a delightful dearth of gruesome details make this a book that is fun to read. It isn't very long, so even those who never find time to read should be able to fit this one in while they relax!
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
July 17, 2017
My sister worked her way through college as a night clerk at a motel and used to tell me some very funny stories; these easily top them. Set up like a series of half hour TV sitcom skits (without the 20 minutes of commercials sprinkled through), each episode is delightful, building on but not generally dependent on the previous one. I started out reading and then switched to AUDIO and was delighted with the clear, well-nuanced narration. Short and sweet, ideal for quick bites.
Profile Image for Amie's Book Reviews.
1,649 reviews171 followers
April 10, 2015
THE ROCHE HOTEL: Season One

Author: Mysti Parker

Type of Book: Audiobook

Narrator: Angie Hickman

Length: 1 Hour and 19 minutes

Genre: Romance, Serial Fiction Stories

Production Date: January 28, 2015

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

* I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

I love the cover of this audiobook. The marquee out front of the dark and mysterious hotel gives the cover a satisfyingly dark vibe.

I have to admit that I have listened to a few books narrated by Angie Hickman and I love her voice. She has an unparalleled ability to voice numerous female characters in a single story and to give each of them distinct accents.

Jane Seymour is used to being referred to as either Jane Seymour the famous actress or the famous Jane Seymour who was Henry The Eighth's true love.

Her ex-husband dumped her for a bimbo and she needed a job in order to pay the bills.

The Roche Hotel's former owner is still constantly at the hotel and poking her nose into every aspect of the business.

Jane works the front desk on midnight shift at the Roche Hotel. She seems to be exactly what the hotel needs and is great at her job. Her personal life, however is another story.

When Henry (who owns and operates a local bakery) asks her out, she is not sure what to do. She's interested, but she was badly hurt by her ex-husband.

This is a short audiobook that lasts only one hour and nineteen minutes, but it was an interesting beginning to the series. I will definitely be picking up Season Two.

Because of it's length I cannot write too much detail in this review without spoiling the experience for potential listeners. You need to listen to this audiobook. You will not be disappointed.

I rate both the performance and the story as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mysti Parker Mysti Parker is a wife, mom, author, and shameless chocoholic. She is the author of the Tallenmere standalone fantasy romance series and The Roche Hotel romantic comedy series. Her short writings have appeared in many anthologies.

To learn more about her visit http://mystiparker.com/


To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/amieroger

Profile Image for Joan Roman Pavlick.
51 reviews10 followers
May 5, 2015
The Roche Hotel: Season One by Mysti Parker. Performed by Angie Hickman. 1 hour 19 minutes.

Jane Seymour is so tired of life – she is so tired of hearing. “You have the same name as the actress?” Or “You are the same name of one of Henry the eight’s wives.” “Oh, the one that he cut the head off?” “No, that was the other one,” Jane tells them abruptly! Jane ends up divorcing her husband over a wanabee actress thou! Now she needs to get a job to support herself and ends up as a night clerk at the Roche Hotel.

Mysti Parker weaves a tale of amusement that only can only bring a smile of amusement to your face. I found this short yet very amusing quirky story of how a couple who took over a hotel from the former owner Mrs. Roche who stays on as a maid. Jane meets on her first night at the end of the shift the donut man Henry. Pretty ironic huh? Henry is already smitten by her and ask her for coffee. The day clerk is already convenience he is gay. Jane of course, does not let on that he has already given her his number. As the days go on they do build up their friendship.

The performance that Angie Hickman portrays of each of the characters well is great! Especially, Mrs. Roche. Quite comical one I might add. She has Jane in that “I can’t believe this is happening to me again! Scenario Again!” When a guest body is discovered dead in a room and turns up to be a famous person. Then a guest encounters a ghost. Is the ghost? The ghost of the recently deceased? Oh fun! Then guest calling wanting to book in the room of the ghost! Really? Jane can’t believe the way this job has turned her life around. See how it has done that!

All jammed in less than a 1 ½ hrs. This is not really a standalone. It does leave you wanting for more. So if you want an end don’t listen. If you want to wait for more than dive in! For the author does mention that there is future parts. So I do look forward to them and reviewing them.

This was provided to me by the author for an honest review and my thoughts above are solely mine and no way effected by others. Please like and leave your comments below. Love to hear from you.
Profile Image for El.
198 reviews
June 25, 2015
This review and more on So Bookalicious

The Roche Hotel will be releases in different episodes. I am not the biggest fan of that because it means the stories are short and often you have to wait some time on the next episode.

The story was too short for my liking, especially if you consider at what pace the story moved. I believe that this story could have been much better if it was releases as a full length novel. The writing was good and the characters were interesting. They could make me laugh, most of them were just comical especially the old lady Rochester. But they were not developed well enough for me. Especially the main character, I still do not know a lot about her. Her love interest is even a bigger mystery to me. And it was kind of hard of me to understand why exactly they liked each other. Maybe that was the plan of the author all along but to me it did not appeal. Hopefully everything will get much clearer in the next episode.

I really liked the setting of this book. The hotel is a really great idea to set these novellas in. The hotel had something gloomy with the ghosts that “hunted” it and all the drama that happens there. I am pretty curious to see what will happen next in the hotel.

Overall I liked this novella. It might have been a bit too short but I still enjoyed reading it and since it was this short I could read it in one sitting. This episode was only the first and this series has a lot of potential so I hope to hope the rest of the series as well.
Profile Image for Teresa.
986 reviews13 followers
February 22, 2015

i was given a copy of the Roche Hotel in exchange for a honest review.

I listened to the audio book of The Roche Hotel by Mysti Parker, and I have to say I really enjoyed the story.
the story is short was only about 1 1/2 hours long.The narrator done a great job with the story. The story was good and kept you interested. I loved the different situations that came up during a day or should I say night at the hotel. I liked the characters and the way the author gave a different personality to each one. I do wish there was a little less of Nick the ex but I am sure in the next book he will fade out. I do understand having an ex myself comparing people at first. I also wish I had a man who brought me donuts LOL.
The story if about Jane Seymore (not the actress or King Henry's wife) who is recently divorced. She takes job at The Roche Hotel as night desk clerk. As nights pass the author takes you through all the different situations she deals with and the people Jane meets like Henry, the donut guy. Henry owns the donut shop who delivers to the hotel for the guests. It takes a while for anything to transpire between Jane and Henry, not for his lack of trying or her lack of wanting, but in the end it's all good, even their parents kind of get together. I don't want to give to many details as to not spoil the story for you. I will personally be on the look out for book 2.
Profile Image for Teressa.
500 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2015

"The Roche Hotel: Season One is A Good One Loved It"

The Roche Hotel was a super cute story about a girl named Jane Seymour (same as the actress) who goes to work at the Roche Hotel after a failed marriage. Everything about this story was fun. It had perfect quips along with Mrs. Roche saying they were playing hipper hopper music. Business was a bit slow with only 5 guests including a swinging playboy senior with his younger entourage until he turns up dead.

There's a suspected ghost and the plumbing goes out at a competitors hotel and they suddenly get quite a few reservations. Meanwhile, Jane begins to warm up to Henry and the hotel is holding a costume party they attend together. There's a lot of fun packed into this short story. I can't wait to listen to season two now. This was great.

Angie Hickman is a terrific voice actor. I've enjoyed listening to her in the past and she always does a fantastic job. She has great character differentiations and keeps the story moving along. She was an overall wonderful narrator for this story.

Audiobook received in exchange for unbiased review.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,083 reviews196 followers
December 6, 2014
The Roche Hotel Season One by Mysti Parker
This book starts out with a newly divorced woman, who's mother resides in the local nursing home due to her failing memory, and is lucky to get a job as a night desk clerk at
The Roche Hotel. The Symthes own the hotel and it seems calamity after calamity occurs to the point not all their rooms are being used. They catch a break when another local hotel has problems but just can't seem to keep the hotel filled.
There are a few other colorful people to add to the tales of the late night patrons. Funny at times, you really can't make this stuff up and much of the things have really happened to the author.
A mishap occurs and it brings ghosts and it's Halloween time and it's like a Christmas miracle has come forth. Delightful tale and I can't wait to read season two to see what happens to all the characters.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Katrina Curry.
114 reviews17 followers
October 16, 2014
Best Romantic Comedy of 2014!

This was by far the easier read of my entire life! Sure, 153 pages isn't a lengthy novel, but if it's a horrible piece of work, even one of that length could drag on for a week! I was still laughing long after I finished it! There is literally humor to be found on every page.

Mysti Parker's prose, as usual, was immaculate. I enjoy her writing so much that I get jealous from time to time...shhhh ;). I can't help myself. I love a well-written, strategic book.

Jane's predicament with her mother pulled at the old heart-strings. It was captured so well, that even those who have yet to face those days can relate. As is her situation with the jerk of an ex-husband. I'm sure many can relate to that!

The romance between Jane and Henry may have been short and sweet...very sweet, but it was nice and simple. I'm ready for more! Get to it woman.
Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
3,063 reviews295 followers
February 3, 2015
This was an interesting read for me. I've listened to some serial stories before but I've never really read any. This book contains the whole first season and I was kind of glad not to have to wait in between episodes. I had the whole first season at my fingertips. :)

This book has the perfect setting for odd happenings. A hotel. So many weird things can happen in a hotel. And they do. Add in some quirky characters and a hot doughnut guy and you have a fun, light-hearted story that will make you smile. I enjoyed reading this book. It was very surface and never got too deep but sometimes that is exactly what I'm looking for.

It's a quick read and was over before I expected. Sad. I wanted more.

This is a clean book. No swearing and only some mild sexual innuendo.

3.5 stars, rounding up
Profile Image for D.E..
Author 92 books977 followers
March 5, 2015
The Roche Hotel was a quick, fun read. It is witty and well-written. The Henry VIII references were my favorite. The book left me wanting, however, as it was incredibly short and just kind of ended without any resolution. As a reader, I’m a bit tired of the trend that writers cut a novel into several parts. I usually won’t buy these types of books as the overall price of the story can become prohibitive at $1.99 per episode. But that’s a personal preference and has nothing to do with the actual writing style of the writer. It is difficult, though, to judge the character growth and story progression when the narrative is that short and unfinished. I’m curious what will happen next with Jane and Henry and will we get a bit of mystery as well?
Profile Image for Delta.
1,242 reviews22 followers
October 29, 2015
I've never read a book like this and I didn't really get it. It was like a serial podcast, but not enough meat to really feel like an 'episode'. While the situations were funny and interesting, and the writing was done very well, it felt very incomplete. I would have like to have seen a short story for each episode, instead of what felt like an outline.

I listened to the audio version and Angie Hickman did a great job. There wasn't much to go off of in terms or character so it felt like Hickman really brought some personality to the story. The pacing was great and her speech was clear.

Could have used more story.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
2,322 reviews38 followers
January 26, 2015
4 STARS


This is a short book or the first part it is only 65 pages. The character Jane Seymour is the main character. She is a divorced. Jane just got the job working at the Roche Hotel front desk at night.

She has some interesting things happen to her while working. I like Jane and want to see what happens next to her.

I also like the former owner of the Roche Hotel. She is determined little old lady.

I would like to read the next episode of the Roche Hotel..

I was given this ebook to read and in return I agreed to give honest review of The Roche Hotel.
Profile Image for Anna .
116 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2015
An interesting story, the beginning of the Roche Hotel adventures. Jane Seymour gets a new job in a struggling Hotel (and its ghost) and meets Henry, the Doughnut Guy who is handsome and most promising to make her forget her looser husband that left her for a bimbo actress. The narration is hilarious, there is no bedroom activity (yet) in this first book but it's really lovable and deserves a reading and a five star review.

Thanks a lot Mysti Parker and Angie Hickman for this book, looking forward to hearing the next one.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,427 reviews96 followers
May 16, 2015
Short, funny, and leaves you wanting the next one. The characters are believable and clearly depicted. The story flows well, but is divided into "episodes" rather than chapters, which I personally found odd. Overall it was fun and worth reading.
AH is a skilled audio performer who is able to bring the characters to life and keep them well differentiated in voice.
I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review
Profile Image for Linda Clarke.
Author 57 books54 followers
November 4, 2015
I am a lover of clean sweet romance. The Roche Hotel by Mysti Parker is an adorable story. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the narrator, Angie Hickman, who portrayed the heroine perfectly. I was able to feel the personality of the young woman easily and enjoyed the humorous moments. Some of the characters were so funny. I would definitely listen to more audios by this narrator and this author. --Written by Author Linda Weaver Clarke
Profile Image for Chelsea Blackheart.
2 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2014
It was an EXCELLENT read! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, characters, and the comedy in it. Jane and Henry are now one of my favorite couples ever! So cute!! I also really loved Mrs. Roche and how she always tried her best to cover up the statue's nether regions! XD I most definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys light comedy, a little bit of history, and very interesting/crazy characters!
Profile Image for Cara •~•Audioholic•~•.
125 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2015
This audiobook was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

The Roche Hotel was a very enjoyable quick read. I am so glad I chose to give this book a chance because I normally do not go for books that are this short but this book surprised me and I finished the entire story in one sitting. Absolutely recommend this for those readers looking for something short and entertaining.
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,932 reviews39 followers
June 19, 2015
A very fun short read!Jane Seymore , not THAT one,works in a hotel.Part 1 has her starting work and the things that happen her first few months.Having worked in a few hotels,I particularly enjoyed it.
Angie Hickman s narration was wonderful!"
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."
Profile Image for Paula Shene.
Author 37 books31 followers
October 15, 2014
Very engaging read with loveable characters, even the one with the loin cloth.


Author 16 books30 followers
October 29, 2014
A fun romantic romp in the vein of Janet Evanovich. Great setting and characters galore. I'm looking forward to the second 'season'.
44 reviews
October 20, 2014
A fast-paced, tangled web of mis-adventures, romance and comedy define this first "season" at The Roche Hotel. Each chapter ends with suspense and I quickly moved on to learn what comes next.
Profile Image for Patricia Kiyono.
Author 45 books129 followers
December 25, 2015
This was so much fun to read! The references to Tudor history were awesome, and I loved watching as Jane and Henry got acquainted. I can't wait to read Season Two!
2,854 reviews10 followers
February 2, 2022
Okay but not noteworthy. Like a sitcom, the episodes have little, if anything, to do with each other. Also, like some sitcoms, a few of the episodes get a bit slapstick. Overall an entertaining ensemble of stories. There is a mild romance which weaves its way through occasionally.

Entertaining. Romantic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Profile Image for T.E. Antonino.
Author 6 books173 followers
May 5, 2017
You can tell Mysti Parker enjoyed writing this book. She seems to have a thing for quirky characters. You need to pay attention while reading or you'll lose the thread. This book reminds me of a comical soap opera. It was a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.