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Midnight in The Renaissance Elevator: A Charity Anthology
Do you like mechanical devices with personality? Sure, who doesn’t? How about when they hold your life in the palm of their hands? Hmm…less sure now, yes? Don’t worry, you’re gonna love this.
At an LGBTQ literary retreat in October of 2022, a group of authors met a particularly cantankerous elevator. Doors slamming open or closed for no apparent reason? Check. Scary noises, also for no apparent reason? Also, check. Were we concerned for our lives? Okay, listen…
This cranky elevator figured heavily into conversations for the next few days, many of which included expletives in a dozen languages, but eventually, it became a (somewhat) beloved mascot. Some people actually chose it over the other elevators!
The resulting mayhem is over twenty-five different author takes on the underlying story behind the elevator’s peculiar behavior. Possession? Poltergeists? Personified mechanical objects? Vampires?
All these unique stories come together in one volume: Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator. Join us as we attempt to explain the unexplainable, rationalize the unrationalizable, and give imagination free rein.
Proceeds for the sale of this book benefit The Trevor Project, which provides crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. More information can be found about this worthy cause at www[dot]thetrevorproject[dot]org
Ride With the Wraith - Miski Harris
The Hundred Year Curse - Adam J. Ridley
Gateway to the Forgotten Estate - Alexis Woods
Elevated Desires - Ana Phoenix
Somewhere Below the Basement - Angel Martinez
What Goes Up - Ari McKay
The Thirteenth Floor - Belinda McBride
A Creak in the Night - BL Maxwell
Something Unholy - Charity Parkerson
Midnight Tango - CJ Warrant
Love in an Elevator - Drea Roman
Out of Order - Eden Winters
The Resident Imp - Duckie Mack
His Chance - Giovanna Reaves
Bang - JS Harker
Crash Into Me - J.K. Hogan
Saved by the Bell - Kaje Harper
All the Way to the Top - Katherine McIntyre
Getting the Shaft - Kiernan Kelly
The Renaissance Incubus - Katy Manz
Take It to the Next Level - Lee Blair
Stop Draggin’ My Heart Up and Down - Bix Barrow
Elevate Me - Beck Grey
Death Becomes Him - Pandora Pine
You’re Not There - R.L. Merrill
Hard - Reese Knightley
The Bond Witch Chronicles - Remi Varlow
Love is a Bumpy Ride - R.J. Peterson
Going Down - Zile Elliven
At an LGBTQ literary retreat in October of 2022, a group of authors met a particularly cantankerous elevator. Doors slamming open or closed for no apparent reason? Check. Scary noises, also for no apparent reason? Also, check. Were we concerned for our lives? Okay, listen…
This cranky elevator figured heavily into conversations for the next few days, many of which included expletives in a dozen languages, but eventually, it became a (somewhat) beloved mascot. Some people actually chose it over the other elevators!
The resulting mayhem is over twenty-five different author takes on the underlying story behind the elevator’s peculiar behavior. Possession? Poltergeists? Personified mechanical objects? Vampires?
All these unique stories come together in one volume: Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator. Join us as we attempt to explain the unexplainable, rationalize the unrationalizable, and give imagination free rein.
Proceeds for the sale of this book benefit The Trevor Project, which provides crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. More information can be found about this worthy cause at www[dot]thetrevorproject[dot]org
Ride With the Wraith - Miski Harris
The Hundred Year Curse - Adam J. Ridley
Gateway to the Forgotten Estate - Alexis Woods
Elevated Desires - Ana Phoenix
Somewhere Below the Basement - Angel Martinez
What Goes Up - Ari McKay
The Thirteenth Floor - Belinda McBride
A Creak in the Night - BL Maxwell
Something Unholy - Charity Parkerson
Midnight Tango - CJ Warrant
Love in an Elevator - Drea Roman
Out of Order - Eden Winters
The Resident Imp - Duckie Mack
His Chance - Giovanna Reaves
Bang - JS Harker
Crash Into Me - J.K. Hogan
Saved by the Bell - Kaje Harper
All the Way to the Top - Katherine McIntyre
Getting the Shaft - Kiernan Kelly
The Renaissance Incubus - Katy Manz
Take It to the Next Level - Lee Blair
Stop Draggin’ My Heart Up and Down - Bix Barrow
Elevate Me - Beck Grey
Death Becomes Him - Pandora Pine
You’re Not There - R.L. Merrill
Hard - Reese Knightley
The Bond Witch Chronicles - Remi Varlow
Love is a Bumpy Ride - R.J. Peterson
Going Down - Zile Elliven
472 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
98 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Miski Harris
18 books177 followersMiski Harris was born and raised in New York City with her younger brother and sister. She became and worked as a critical care nurse, served in the military, raised five amazing sons and traveled to other countries, sometimes, all at the same time. When Miski sets her mind to achieve something there is no force on earth that can stop her.
Through all the organized chaos that has often defined her life her one constant has been her love of books. Reading has always been a mainstay in her life and she is rarely seen without her Nook on which she has reportedly downloaded over 2,000 books. A woman of boundless imagination, she has always desired to give life to the characters who maintained residence in her imagination. With that in mind, she has finally put pen in hand to fulfill a lifelong desire to write books of her own.
Ask anyone who knows Miski to use one word to describe her and they would say fierce. A prior military commander once defined her as a “tender warrior”. Friends, patients, and associates have always found a strong advocate in this woman who is not afraid to speak her mind.
Miski believes three things: challenge is just another word to define worlds to conquer and lines to cross; love and faith are the most powerful forces in the universe, and the only thing that hinders success is to fail to try. With that in mind, she invites you to join her in a world where love is second to nothing and life is the greatest adventure of all.
Through all the organized chaos that has often defined her life her one constant has been her love of books. Reading has always been a mainstay in her life and she is rarely seen without her Nook on which she has reportedly downloaded over 2,000 books. A woman of boundless imagination, she has always desired to give life to the characters who maintained residence in her imagination. With that in mind, she has finally put pen in hand to fulfill a lifelong desire to write books of her own.
Ask anyone who knows Miski to use one word to describe her and they would say fierce. A prior military commander once defined her as a “tender warrior”. Friends, patients, and associates have always found a strong advocate in this woman who is not afraid to speak her mind.
Miski believes three things: challenge is just another word to define worlds to conquer and lines to cross; love and faith are the most powerful forces in the universe, and the only thing that hinders success is to fail to try. With that in mind, she invites you to join her in a world where love is second to nothing and life is the greatest adventure of all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 6, 2025
* The Meet Cuke-Beck Grey ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
01/2025 I just read this at a Book Funnel link and do not see this novella in the author’s book list. Since it is an elevator-centric story it is probably from this anthology. I enjoyed this meet cute story and there is no cucumber mentioned in the narrative, although one MC has a family farm. Rick and Seb are both very attractive men. This was a to the point hotel hookup story from which both men catch feelings and express to each other that they would like to see where it goes, even though any relationship would be bicoastal. I would like to see where this hot relationship goes, too. Author mentions a sequel will be coming in late 2025? That is a long wait!
* Ride With the Wraith • Miski Harris A shocking and sad death has an angry spirit not moving on until he avenges his death and speaks with his husband. A well written and sad story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* The Hundred Year Curse • Adam J Ridley
A scary and imaginative story set at a romance con. Well written and sexy with a vampire author MC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* A Gateway To The Forgotten Estate • Alexis Woods
A very cool opening scene. I thought MC was being escorted to a party, instead of to where he was taken.
Imaginative writing and characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* Elevated Desires • Ana Phoenix
You can't have an elevator anthology without a 'stuck in an elevator' story with two MCs and some sexy shenanigans. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* What Goes Up • Ari McKay
Instead of crossing the Styx with Charon, this story has the elevator ferrying the passengers either UP or DOWN.
A non-deceased man accidentally meets the accounts manager of the departed and they form a sweet relationship while waiting for the MC to be returned on the elevator to his mortal life. A bittersweet parting with 'until we meet again.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* The Thirteenth Floor • Belinda McBride
A wonderful story! I enjoyed this fanciful look at the Greek myths and a sad professor who has a cratering career as the myths are not a trendy subject. He is Denis and he meets beautiful demi god Bellerophon when the elevator takes him to a magical party.
The writing was excellent and set the mood perfectly in a lovely story with a sexy subtext. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* A Creak in the Night • BL Maxwell
Who you gonna call? Ghost...well, you know. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
* Something Unholy • Charity Parkerson ⭐️⭐️
* Midnight Tango • CJ Warrant ⭐️⭐️
* Love In An Elevator • Drea Roman
Living it up when I'm goin' down...I was sensing some Paul Rudd love from the author in this cute story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* Out of Order • Eden Winters
Otis(elevator)! And, there is a toolbelt from the Hart(t) company, I looked it up.
At first, I couldn't catch on as to who Elevator loved. I thought it was the grouchy hotel maintenance man, not
what he was wearing around his waist! I enjoyed the conversation between the inanimate objects, clever and amusing.
I liked this story and the happy ending. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* The Resident Imp • Duckie Mack
I was waiting for someone else to be the love interest, not the 5’ 2”, white haired with fangs imp that Dean met in the hotel elevator who I thought was a plot device instead of an interesting romance twist.
The author manages to write Jakobah as cute and twinkish and Dean is drawn to him. How these two end up together made for a sweet story that held my interest.
I was curious where is this hotel, as I have lived many places in Virginia and was making some guesses. Hampton Roads?
I have liked the author’s cool name since I first saw it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* His Chance • Giovanna Reaves ⭐️⭐️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vclB-...
I am about halfway through the anthology and don’t know how long a Goodreads review can be? Probably too much to read. This anthology is a very good one! Read it! 😀
01/2025 I just read this at a Book Funnel link and do not see this novella in the author’s book list. Since it is an elevator-centric story it is probably from this anthology. I enjoyed this meet cute story and there is no cucumber mentioned in the narrative, although one MC has a family farm. Rick and Seb are both very attractive men. This was a to the point hotel hookup story from which both men catch feelings and express to each other that they would like to see where it goes, even though any relationship would be bicoastal. I would like to see where this hot relationship goes, too. Author mentions a sequel will be coming in late 2025? That is a long wait!
* Ride With the Wraith • Miski Harris A shocking and sad death has an angry spirit not moving on until he avenges his death and speaks with his husband. A well written and sad story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* The Hundred Year Curse • Adam J Ridley
A scary and imaginative story set at a romance con. Well written and sexy with a vampire author MC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* A Gateway To The Forgotten Estate • Alexis Woods
A very cool opening scene. I thought MC was being escorted to a party, instead of to where he was taken.
Imaginative writing and characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* Elevated Desires • Ana Phoenix
You can't have an elevator anthology without a 'stuck in an elevator' story with two MCs and some sexy shenanigans. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* What Goes Up • Ari McKay
Instead of crossing the Styx with Charon, this story has the elevator ferrying the passengers either UP or DOWN.
A non-deceased man accidentally meets the accounts manager of the departed and they form a sweet relationship while waiting for the MC to be returned on the elevator to his mortal life. A bittersweet parting with 'until we meet again.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* The Thirteenth Floor • Belinda McBride
A wonderful story! I enjoyed this fanciful look at the Greek myths and a sad professor who has a cratering career as the myths are not a trendy subject. He is Denis and he meets beautiful demi god Bellerophon when the elevator takes him to a magical party.
The writing was excellent and set the mood perfectly in a lovely story with a sexy subtext. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* A Creak in the Night • BL Maxwell
Who you gonna call? Ghost...well, you know. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
* Something Unholy • Charity Parkerson ⭐️⭐️
* Midnight Tango • CJ Warrant ⭐️⭐️
* Love In An Elevator • Drea Roman
Living it up when I'm goin' down...I was sensing some Paul Rudd love from the author in this cute story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* Out of Order • Eden Winters
Otis(elevator)! And, there is a toolbelt from the Hart(t) company, I looked it up.
At first, I couldn't catch on as to who Elevator loved. I thought it was the grouchy hotel maintenance man, not
what he was wearing around his waist! I enjoyed the conversation between the inanimate objects, clever and amusing.
I liked this story and the happy ending. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* The Resident Imp • Duckie Mack
I was waiting for someone else to be the love interest, not the 5’ 2”, white haired with fangs imp that Dean met in the hotel elevator who I thought was a plot device instead of an interesting romance twist.
The author manages to write Jakobah as cute and twinkish and Dean is drawn to him. How these two end up together made for a sweet story that held my interest.
I was curious where is this hotel, as I have lived many places in Virginia and was making some guesses. Hampton Roads?
I have liked the author’s cool name since I first saw it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* His Chance • Giovanna Reaves ⭐️⭐️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vclB-...
I am about halfway through the anthology and don’t know how long a Goodreads review can be? Probably too much to read. This anthology is a very good one! Read it! 😀
October 16, 2023
A Common theme brings a satisfying variety
This was a great anthology. For anyone that has ever stayed at this hotel, works at this hotel or has attended GRL (Gay Romance Literature Retreat) this is a great read. Each author manages to take this theme of a malfunctioning elevator through their own lens. One of my particular favorites is where the story is told from the elevators perspective and has fallen in love with the repair guy's tool belt. I highly recommend.
This was a great anthology. For anyone that has ever stayed at this hotel, works at this hotel or has attended GRL (Gay Romance Literature Retreat) this is a great read. Each author manages to take this theme of a malfunctioning elevator through their own lens. One of my particular favorites is where the story is told from the elevators perspective and has fallen in love with the repair guy's tool belt. I highly recommend.
August 27, 2023
Ride With The Wraith by Miski Harris.
I liked this short story a lot! Although going into it I thought it was going to be a romance story, but it was more about Ray/Roy getting revenge on those who killed him. I did enjoy this story and the way it was written, I loved the aspect of the convention, that was really neat!
The Hundred Year Curse by Adam J. Ridley. This one was quick and straight to the point. I think things happened way too quickly but it was still a decent story.
Gateway To The Forgotten Estate by Alexis Woods
I wasn't a big fan of this story. I liked the idea of entering a cranky elevator and then stepping off into a different realm. I thought that aspect was cool. However, I'm not a fan of master/servants.. and even though they said the three men were mates, they kept calling Devan, Master. So that could just be a personal preference.
Elevated Desires by Ana Phoenix
This has been my favorite story yet! I really enjoyed reading the day-to-day buildup of Ben and Alex's awkward ramblings. I'm glad the haunted elevator gave them the nudge they needed.
Somewhere Below The Basement by Angel Martinez. This book was so fun to read! Jules walked into the elevator with a job he hated and upon arriving below the basement, he got offered his dream job and a date! I would've loved to see Jules and Orias actually go on a date but the story itself was great.
What Goes Up by Ari Mckay, This story was really cool! I absolutely loved the idea of the elevator being a cranky spirit doing community service, that was such a creative idea! And having Grant go to 'Up' was really unique. I loved how much deatil and story building was packed into such a short story. I am sad by how it ended though.
The Thirteenth Floor by Belinda Mcbride
The idea of characters someone writes coming to life is such a cool idea! That's what this book is about. Denis writes about long forgotten mythological people, and one night they come to life. He can't quite believe what he's seeing is real but he's happy about it anyway. I thought this book was very amazing! The detail to every single mythological character was so well done! I wish it was longer so we could see how Denis and Bellerophon worked as a couple.
A Creak In The Night by BL Maxwell. This was a short story about James and Dean who ended up having to deal with a ghost problem on their vacation. It was a good story, I liked the element of them not only hearing about the ghost but then they took care of the ghost as well. I thought it was cool.
Something Unholy by Charity Parkerson
This short story left me feeling a bit confused.. the pacing of the story felt very jumbled. I think the concept was there but the way the events happened felt off to me. Especially when the book ended so abruptly.
Midnight Tango by CJ Warrant
All I have to say about this one is aww. I really liked this one. Miguel works security at the Renaissance Hotel, and during his rounds one night he encounters a man named Simon. From that night on he can't get the man out of his mind. Even when he finds out the man he met isn't as alive as he thought.
Love In An Elevator by Drea Roman
I feel as though this has been the most well fleshed out one yet. It has a good premise, a good place, and two great MC's. And the fact that Chad had consumed not one but three Tiramisu's was hilarious. (You'll get why that moment, or rather what transpired after, is so funny after you read it.)
Out Of Order by Eden Winters
I loved that Eden wrote the elevator as a main character instead of just a place setting. It was so cool and unique to get the elevator's story! Otis, Aka the Elevator, had a crush on Hartt, aka Earl's tool belt. They both yearn to be human so they can be with each other. And on a stormy night their wish gets granted. This was such a cool story, I'm sad that it ended cause I truly enjoyed reading about both Otis and Hartt.
The Resident Imp by Duckie Mack.
I'm a big fan of Duckie's writing, I've been really excited to see what her contribution to this anthology would be. I've never read about an imp before so that was already unique, and then to have their romance build and feel so natural and drawn out even though the story itself was short, just made this book truly spectacular!
His Chance by Giovanna Reaves
Knocks and Royce's story felt a bit abrupt to me. The story started out really nice but then almost all of a sudden Knox is professing his love to Royce out of the blue. It just felt rushed.
Bang by JS Harker
Victor and Jason's story was cute. Very angst filled until the end. I'd almost say enemies to lovers, but we never really saw them as lovers.
Crash Into Me by J.K. Hogan
this one was interesting and unexpected? I don't quite feel as though it was a full story. By the time it felt as though the story truly started, it was the end.
Saved By The Bell by Kaje Harper
Oh, my heart. I think this book has been the cutest by far, it also had a really meaningful and powerful message that was portrayed really well. Mitchell and Kyle make such an adorable and supportive couple. Even though Kyle woke Mitchell up, Mitchell's first instinct was to ask how he could help and what was wrong. Which was adorable. What was even more adorable was the fact that these two men both helped out Reese and even offered to continue to help him if he ever needed anything. I love how Kaje not only wrote a really great story but she also had a really impactful and powerful message written within this incredible story.
All The Way To The Top by Katherine McIntyre
All I have to say is Jake and Cade's story was steamy.
Getting The Shaft by Kiernan Kelly
Nicholas and Clifford's love story was definitely the rom-com one out of all these books. I enjoyed the humour that was in this book and I loved how Nicholas (the elevator) wrote a book about his and Clifford's romance.
The Renaissance Incubus by Katy Manz
This one was interesting.. it was primarily focused on the steamy scene that occured in the elevator, but I did like how there was information about the convention. I've never been to GRL, and through these books I'm getting to learn more about it.
Take it to the next level by Lee Blair
This story was definitely the best meet-cute. I loved this one.
Stop Draggin' My heart Down by Box Barrow
Spicy, cheesy, and a cool tie in to Bix's Bent Oak series.
Elevated Me by Beck Grey I wish this was more focused on Rick and Seb's relationship rather than their one night stand.
Death Becomes Him by Pandora Pine umm this one was way too comedic for me. I see where the author was going but I just wasn't a fan of the story.
You're not there by R.L. Merrill an interesting story about a person who's stuck in a locket, and falls in love with a sailor.
Hard by Reese Knightley
This short was apparently a prequel to a book Reese has released already. So if you like the characters then you can read more about them in that book.
The Bond Witch Chronicles by Remi Varlow This bopk was really cool, I liked the witch element and how Benny was a skeptic until he saw that ghosts were real. I'm looking forward to when this series releases.
Love is A Bumpy Ride by R.J. Peterson
Kyle and Jon are visiting the hotel when Kyle gets the feeling the elevator is haunted. After getting told the rumor he's able to help the spirit move on.
Going Down by Zile Elliven
One of the MC's in this story was actually the elevator! Which I adore, I love that the author got so creative and made him into a shifter of sorts. Which I thought was really cool.
I liked this short story a lot! Although going into it I thought it was going to be a romance story, but it was more about Ray/Roy getting revenge on those who killed him. I did enjoy this story and the way it was written, I loved the aspect of the convention, that was really neat!
The Hundred Year Curse by Adam J. Ridley. This one was quick and straight to the point. I think things happened way too quickly but it was still a decent story.
Gateway To The Forgotten Estate by Alexis Woods
I wasn't a big fan of this story. I liked the idea of entering a cranky elevator and then stepping off into a different realm. I thought that aspect was cool. However, I'm not a fan of master/servants.. and even though they said the three men were mates, they kept calling Devan, Master. So that could just be a personal preference.
Elevated Desires by Ana Phoenix
This has been my favorite story yet! I really enjoyed reading the day-to-day buildup of Ben and Alex's awkward ramblings. I'm glad the haunted elevator gave them the nudge they needed.
Somewhere Below The Basement by Angel Martinez. This book was so fun to read! Jules walked into the elevator with a job he hated and upon arriving below the basement, he got offered his dream job and a date! I would've loved to see Jules and Orias actually go on a date but the story itself was great.
What Goes Up by Ari Mckay, This story was really cool! I absolutely loved the idea of the elevator being a cranky spirit doing community service, that was such a creative idea! And having Grant go to 'Up' was really unique. I loved how much deatil and story building was packed into such a short story. I am sad by how it ended though.
The Thirteenth Floor by Belinda Mcbride
The idea of characters someone writes coming to life is such a cool idea! That's what this book is about. Denis writes about long forgotten mythological people, and one night they come to life. He can't quite believe what he's seeing is real but he's happy about it anyway. I thought this book was very amazing! The detail to every single mythological character was so well done! I wish it was longer so we could see how Denis and Bellerophon worked as a couple.
A Creak In The Night by BL Maxwell. This was a short story about James and Dean who ended up having to deal with a ghost problem on their vacation. It was a good story, I liked the element of them not only hearing about the ghost but then they took care of the ghost as well. I thought it was cool.
Something Unholy by Charity Parkerson
This short story left me feeling a bit confused.. the pacing of the story felt very jumbled. I think the concept was there but the way the events happened felt off to me. Especially when the book ended so abruptly.
Midnight Tango by CJ Warrant
All I have to say about this one is aww. I really liked this one. Miguel works security at the Renaissance Hotel, and during his rounds one night he encounters a man named Simon. From that night on he can't get the man out of his mind. Even when he finds out the man he met isn't as alive as he thought.
Love In An Elevator by Drea Roman
I feel as though this has been the most well fleshed out one yet. It has a good premise, a good place, and two great MC's. And the fact that Chad had consumed not one but three Tiramisu's was hilarious. (You'll get why that moment, or rather what transpired after, is so funny after you read it.)
Out Of Order by Eden Winters
I loved that Eden wrote the elevator as a main character instead of just a place setting. It was so cool and unique to get the elevator's story! Otis, Aka the Elevator, had a crush on Hartt, aka Earl's tool belt. They both yearn to be human so they can be with each other. And on a stormy night their wish gets granted. This was such a cool story, I'm sad that it ended cause I truly enjoyed reading about both Otis and Hartt.
The Resident Imp by Duckie Mack.
I'm a big fan of Duckie's writing, I've been really excited to see what her contribution to this anthology would be. I've never read about an imp before so that was already unique, and then to have their romance build and feel so natural and drawn out even though the story itself was short, just made this book truly spectacular!
His Chance by Giovanna Reaves
Knocks and Royce's story felt a bit abrupt to me. The story started out really nice but then almost all of a sudden Knox is professing his love to Royce out of the blue. It just felt rushed.
Bang by JS Harker
Victor and Jason's story was cute. Very angst filled until the end. I'd almost say enemies to lovers, but we never really saw them as lovers.
Crash Into Me by J.K. Hogan
this one was interesting and unexpected? I don't quite feel as though it was a full story. By the time it felt as though the story truly started, it was the end.
Saved By The Bell by Kaje Harper
Oh, my heart. I think this book has been the cutest by far, it also had a really meaningful and powerful message that was portrayed really well. Mitchell and Kyle make such an adorable and supportive couple. Even though Kyle woke Mitchell up, Mitchell's first instinct was to ask how he could help and what was wrong. Which was adorable. What was even more adorable was the fact that these two men both helped out Reese and even offered to continue to help him if he ever needed anything. I love how Kaje not only wrote a really great story but she also had a really impactful and powerful message written within this incredible story.
All The Way To The Top by Katherine McIntyre
All I have to say is Jake and Cade's story was steamy.
Getting The Shaft by Kiernan Kelly
Nicholas and Clifford's love story was definitely the rom-com one out of all these books. I enjoyed the humour that was in this book and I loved how Nicholas (the elevator) wrote a book about his and Clifford's romance.
The Renaissance Incubus by Katy Manz
This one was interesting.. it was primarily focused on the steamy scene that occured in the elevator, but I did like how there was information about the convention. I've never been to GRL, and through these books I'm getting to learn more about it.
Take it to the next level by Lee Blair
This story was definitely the best meet-cute. I loved this one.
Stop Draggin' My heart Down by Box Barrow
Spicy, cheesy, and a cool tie in to Bix's Bent Oak series.
Elevated Me by Beck Grey I wish this was more focused on Rick and Seb's relationship rather than their one night stand.
Death Becomes Him by Pandora Pine umm this one was way too comedic for me. I see where the author was going but I just wasn't a fan of the story.
You're not there by R.L. Merrill an interesting story about a person who's stuck in a locket, and falls in love with a sailor.
Hard by Reese Knightley
This short was apparently a prequel to a book Reese has released already. So if you like the characters then you can read more about them in that book.
The Bond Witch Chronicles by Remi Varlow This bopk was really cool, I liked the witch element and how Benny was a skeptic until he saw that ghosts were real. I'm looking forward to when this series releases.
Love is A Bumpy Ride by R.J. Peterson
Kyle and Jon are visiting the hotel when Kyle gets the feeling the elevator is haunted. After getting told the rumor he's able to help the spirit move on.
Going Down by Zile Elliven
One of the MC's in this story was actually the elevator! Which I adore, I love that the author got so creative and made him into a shifter of sorts. Which I thought was really cool.
September 2, 2023
So, we were all thinking it - that thing is sentient/haunted/possessed/whatever. If you were at GRL 2022 there's no way you didn't have a close encounter with the elevator of evil. What a wonderful way to celebrate the brilliant group of authors there and raise some money for a fantastic cause; to use all the creativity to bring together this collection of short stories that all feature the elevator in all its spooky glory.
In this love letter to the biggest non-book related talking point of the retreat are snippets that showcase each author's voice perfectly: Pandora Pine gives us a spooky Supernatural-esque ghost story whilst RL Merril's PNR is more closely tied to the GRL attendee community, also delivering a sweet insta connection. Katherine McIntyre's contribution is a hot exhibitionist short, whilst Remi Varlow's story is more behind the scenes action rather than focusing on hotel guests. I could go on...
The bottom line is there's something here for everyone, but ultimately it's a great charity initiative…buy this book! 5*
In this love letter to the biggest non-book related talking point of the retreat are snippets that showcase each author's voice perfectly: Pandora Pine gives us a spooky Supernatural-esque ghost story whilst RL Merril's PNR is more closely tied to the GRL attendee community, also delivering a sweet insta connection. Katherine McIntyre's contribution is a hot exhibitionist short, whilst Remi Varlow's story is more behind the scenes action rather than focusing on hotel guests. I could go on...
The bottom line is there's something here for everyone, but ultimately it's a great charity initiative…buy this book! 5*
August 30, 2023
Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator is a charity anthology put together by a multitude of wonderful authors. The proceeds are going to the Trevor Project. I loved all the different takes on why the elevator acts the way it does. I would give all the different stories a 4 or 5 star rating. All the stories are short reads so whenever you want something quick you can just pick a story and enjoy. I would definitely recommend this anthology. I truly appreciate the authors who contributed to it.
September 3, 2023
There was a good mix of authors I knew and new to me authors and a good mix of short stories tied together by the seemingly possessed elevator. Some I enjoyed more than others and I will be looking for more by those authors. Three I really enjoyed were by Beck Grey, Duckie Mack & JS Harker, but there were plenty of others that were really good. Well worth taking a look at for those who like paranormal short stories.
September 24, 2023
It is entirely normal for me to skip many stories in anthologies. I'm a picky reader and no longer suffer through prose I dislike. So: I read four of these all the way through. One ended not great, the others were fine. There are many stories, so the percentage of good for me is quite low. Still, charity.
August 30, 2023
This is a very interesting and entertaining collection of stories by several authors including Bix Barrow. I really enjoyed each story and I can see myself reading them all again.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
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November 16, 2023So many cute stories, some a bit creepy and not my style but a great concept. An "evil" elevator is the main character through all the stories. Eden Winters had one where the elevator was a MC and it was cute. I don't usually read anthologies, but this one was just right.
September 1, 2023
An anthology of short stories where the elevator is the way to the paranormal and the element that changes forever the life of the characters.
RIDE WITH THE WRAITH by MISKI HARRIS
Raymond and David story is a heart-breaking one as death separate them when Raymond was killed. He return's in the firm of a wraith to make his killers pay and to wish David happiness.
It was a quirky short story about revenge and justice.
THE HUNDRED YEAR CURSE by ADAM J. RIDLEY
Luke and Colin story is said from Luke’s POV and was a delight about a curse that leads him to his forever partner.
It has horror and fun with a happy ending.
GATEWAY TO THE FORGOTTEN ESTATE by ALEXIS WOODS
Declan (Devan), Lucian and Kestral story was a sweet one that speak of reunion after a long separation, love, devotion and responsibilities.
They were sweet together and extremely lovely and clingy after his absence.
I liked the concept and the world created, as well as the way Devan recovered his memories.
ELEVATED DESIRES by ANA PHOENIX
Alex and Ben story was a sweet one, with funny and awkward moments as Alex tries to make courage to interact with the one he likes and meets in the elevator.
I liked the story and the concept, and I really would have liked to know Ben's impressions and thoughts.
SOMEWHERE BELOW THE BASEMENT by ANGEL MARTINEZ
Jules and Orias story was an interesting one with a visit to hell and a job opportunity at the end. They have an interesting interaction and a good chemistry as well as helpful prospects
WHAT GOES UP by ARI MCKAY
Grant and Reginald story bring us to In-Between when a glitch makes it possible. The visit is fruitful with good prospects and a possible return but the right time has to pass to make it possible.
It was an interesting prospect and it had a couple of funn and sweet moments.
THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR by BELINDA MCBRIDE
Denis and Bellerophon story was intriguing as the world that Denis writes about comes to live and changes his life radically and also gains a lover.
It has an air of mystery and anticipation and I liked how it linked with his hopes and dreams.
A CREAK IN THE NIGHT by BL MAXWELL
Dean and James story brings us a haunted elevator and a haunted room that causes chaos and mayhem.
I liked how they banished the spirit and how they continued their vacation.
SOMETHING UNHOLY by CHARITY PARKERSON
Adam and William story was interesting as the paranormal strike again for a incubus this time and the human he starts to have feelings for.
I liked their interactions and their ending as they both find home in each other.
MIDNIGHT TANGO by CJ WARRANT
Miguel and Simon story is a heart-breaking one as the truth comes to light, but a silver lining appears when a new possibility arises.
I liked their bonding and encounters but an air of mystery remains that will be elucidated and will break your heart that will later mend.
LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR by DREA ROMAN
Scott and Chad story was funny and intense as a night when inhibitions are low and an elevator helps them approach more and interact more. After their time at the hotel they exchange numbers and keep in touch.
OUT OF ORDER by EDEN WINTERS
The elevator, Otis, and the tool belt, Hart, story was funny and interesting as we see how magic and wishes makes the troublesome elevator and the tool belt he has feelings for, humans so they can explore further what they feel for each other.
I liked the concept, the adventure they engage once humans, the decisions they made, but most of all their thoughts and actions when they weren't sentient.
I really liked seeing the other side of things to see how the elevator perceived all the things he's done to people.
THE RESIDENT IMP by DUCKIE MACK
Dean and Jakobah story was a sweet one about an imp and the human who sees him and whom starts to feel attraction. Dean helps frees Jakobah from his imprisonment and that their adventure can begin.
I liked Dean's caring nature and the way he helps and get to know Jakobah, as well as their relationship progress.
HIS CHANCE by GIOVANNA REAVES
Royce and Knox story was interesting with a quirky side as they received help from the beyond to make them realise their feelings.
The situation that helps them creates an air of mystery that is revealed at the end and is the most unexpected thing possible but also has a grain of truth.
One one-sided love creates heartache, that keeps increasing as the fear of rejection chances the life of three persons.
It was interesting the way those persons are reunited and the plans that are put in motion for Royce and Knox to end up together.
I really enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to see more adventures of those two that make the reunion possible.
BANG by JS HARKER
Jason and Victor story is about reunion and second chances at love after clearing all the hurt, misunderstanding, and revealing the truth about their separation.
In a life or death situation they discover they are soulmates and are ready to acknowledge their true feelings.
CRASH INTO ME by J.K. HOGAN
Naveen and Radha story was interesting as they meet and some outside forces cause disruption and takes them in Radha's world. The chemistry between them is pulsing despite their differences, and the unknown that arises.
SAVED BY THE BELL by KAJE HARPER
Kyle and Reese being trapped in an elevator brings out their trauma, and they start talking and know each other as a way to distract themselves and waiting for Kyle's boyfriend Mitchell to help them out.
Their trapping saved Reese in doing a mistake and ruining his life.
ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP by KATHERINE MCINTYRE
Jake and Cade was hot as they both ignored all the rumours about the elevator and decided to make out inside it. It was hilarious how they were caught after the act and how they escaped from it.
GETTING THE SHAFT by KIERNAN KELLY
Nicholas and Clifford was a sweet, endearing and fun story about the breaking of a curse and how they found their happiness through communication, trust and loving moments.
THE RENAISSANCE INCUBUS by KATY MANZ
Tony and Arthur story was intriguing with a legend full of hope and promises, a pleasant unexpected encounter and the repercussions of it a year later.
I liked the mystery and the conclusion of this short story.
TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL by LEE BLAIR
Cory and Marcus story was about second chances to fix a missed opportunity at happiness.
I liked how they recognised each other and how beautifully they clicked.
STOP DRAGGIN’ MY HEART UP AND DOWN by BIX BARROW
Doyle and Kurt was sweet about fixing a past misunderstanding and the elevator that brings them together again. I liked how adored they were and the elevator jokes.
ELEVATE ME by BECK GREY
Rick and Seb story was endearing as the elevator brings them together. They connected beautifully but they are slow to venture into a relationship as family circumstances are difficult but they make plans for a next meeting and taking in slow.
DEATH BECOMES HIM by PANDORA PINE
Jones and Beau story was twisted with mystery, revenge and ghosts. It's not a happy story as both protagonists end up dead, they didn't love each other, and their sense of right and wrong is broken.
They are in a loop until the truth is revealed and the revenge completed.
YOU’RE NOT THERE by R.L. MERRILL
Brian and Cole story was a sweet heart-breaking adventure with a happy ending after some paranormal intervention.
Cole is a ghost stuck to the elevator until Brian frees him after finding the truth and returning to the hotel.
I liked how they clicked together and I’m happy they found a way to be together.
HARD by REESE KNIGHTLEY
Caleb and Wolf story is about reconnecting and accepting past mistakes for a brighter future. They are both overprotective and a separation shown them their errors in thinking and had to adjust it so they both are content.
THE BOND WITCH CHRONICLES by REMI VARLOW
Benny and Jazz story was interesting and end on a cliff-hanger. The elevator brings again two people together, only this time one has an abusive and controlling boyfriend, and the unknowing bonding will just complicate things.
I liked the supernatural aspect, the friends and the way they clicked.
LOVE IS A BUMPY RIDE by R.J. PETERSON
Kyle and Jon story was interesting with a side of paranormal that reveals the sad story of a spirit that haunts one of the elevators and that finds peace after wishing him to find it.
GOING DOWN by ZILE ELLIVEN
Sage and Raine story was sweet with a side of possessiveness, and a sad story that will endear you to the suffering that had taken place.
I liked their interactions, their moments together, how they bonded and their plans for the future.
RIDE WITH THE WRAITH by MISKI HARRIS
Raymond and David story is a heart-breaking one as death separate them when Raymond was killed. He return's in the firm of a wraith to make his killers pay and to wish David happiness.
It was a quirky short story about revenge and justice.
THE HUNDRED YEAR CURSE by ADAM J. RIDLEY
Luke and Colin story is said from Luke’s POV and was a delight about a curse that leads him to his forever partner.
It has horror and fun with a happy ending.
GATEWAY TO THE FORGOTTEN ESTATE by ALEXIS WOODS
Declan (Devan), Lucian and Kestral story was a sweet one that speak of reunion after a long separation, love, devotion and responsibilities.
They were sweet together and extremely lovely and clingy after his absence.
I liked the concept and the world created, as well as the way Devan recovered his memories.
ELEVATED DESIRES by ANA PHOENIX
Alex and Ben story was a sweet one, with funny and awkward moments as Alex tries to make courage to interact with the one he likes and meets in the elevator.
I liked the story and the concept, and I really would have liked to know Ben's impressions and thoughts.
SOMEWHERE BELOW THE BASEMENT by ANGEL MARTINEZ
Jules and Orias story was an interesting one with a visit to hell and a job opportunity at the end. They have an interesting interaction and a good chemistry as well as helpful prospects
WHAT GOES UP by ARI MCKAY
Grant and Reginald story bring us to In-Between when a glitch makes it possible. The visit is fruitful with good prospects and a possible return but the right time has to pass to make it possible.
It was an interesting prospect and it had a couple of funn and sweet moments.
THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR by BELINDA MCBRIDE
Denis and Bellerophon story was intriguing as the world that Denis writes about comes to live and changes his life radically and also gains a lover.
It has an air of mystery and anticipation and I liked how it linked with his hopes and dreams.
A CREAK IN THE NIGHT by BL MAXWELL
Dean and James story brings us a haunted elevator and a haunted room that causes chaos and mayhem.
I liked how they banished the spirit and how they continued their vacation.
SOMETHING UNHOLY by CHARITY PARKERSON
Adam and William story was interesting as the paranormal strike again for a incubus this time and the human he starts to have feelings for.
I liked their interactions and their ending as they both find home in each other.
MIDNIGHT TANGO by CJ WARRANT
Miguel and Simon story is a heart-breaking one as the truth comes to light, but a silver lining appears when a new possibility arises.
I liked their bonding and encounters but an air of mystery remains that will be elucidated and will break your heart that will later mend.
LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR by DREA ROMAN
Scott and Chad story was funny and intense as a night when inhibitions are low and an elevator helps them approach more and interact more. After their time at the hotel they exchange numbers and keep in touch.
OUT OF ORDER by EDEN WINTERS
The elevator, Otis, and the tool belt, Hart, story was funny and interesting as we see how magic and wishes makes the troublesome elevator and the tool belt he has feelings for, humans so they can explore further what they feel for each other.
I liked the concept, the adventure they engage once humans, the decisions they made, but most of all their thoughts and actions when they weren't sentient.
I really liked seeing the other side of things to see how the elevator perceived all the things he's done to people.
THE RESIDENT IMP by DUCKIE MACK
Dean and Jakobah story was a sweet one about an imp and the human who sees him and whom starts to feel attraction. Dean helps frees Jakobah from his imprisonment and that their adventure can begin.
I liked Dean's caring nature and the way he helps and get to know Jakobah, as well as their relationship progress.
HIS CHANCE by GIOVANNA REAVES
Royce and Knox story was interesting with a quirky side as they received help from the beyond to make them realise their feelings.
The situation that helps them creates an air of mystery that is revealed at the end and is the most unexpected thing possible but also has a grain of truth.
One one-sided love creates heartache, that keeps increasing as the fear of rejection chances the life of three persons.
It was interesting the way those persons are reunited and the plans that are put in motion for Royce and Knox to end up together.
I really enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to see more adventures of those two that make the reunion possible.
BANG by JS HARKER
Jason and Victor story is about reunion and second chances at love after clearing all the hurt, misunderstanding, and revealing the truth about their separation.
In a life or death situation they discover they are soulmates and are ready to acknowledge their true feelings.
CRASH INTO ME by J.K. HOGAN
Naveen and Radha story was interesting as they meet and some outside forces cause disruption and takes them in Radha's world. The chemistry between them is pulsing despite their differences, and the unknown that arises.
SAVED BY THE BELL by KAJE HARPER
Kyle and Reese being trapped in an elevator brings out their trauma, and they start talking and know each other as a way to distract themselves and waiting for Kyle's boyfriend Mitchell to help them out.
Their trapping saved Reese in doing a mistake and ruining his life.
ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP by KATHERINE MCINTYRE
Jake and Cade was hot as they both ignored all the rumours about the elevator and decided to make out inside it. It was hilarious how they were caught after the act and how they escaped from it.
GETTING THE SHAFT by KIERNAN KELLY
Nicholas and Clifford was a sweet, endearing and fun story about the breaking of a curse and how they found their happiness through communication, trust and loving moments.
THE RENAISSANCE INCUBUS by KATY MANZ
Tony and Arthur story was intriguing with a legend full of hope and promises, a pleasant unexpected encounter and the repercussions of it a year later.
I liked the mystery and the conclusion of this short story.
TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL by LEE BLAIR
Cory and Marcus story was about second chances to fix a missed opportunity at happiness.
I liked how they recognised each other and how beautifully they clicked.
STOP DRAGGIN’ MY HEART UP AND DOWN by BIX BARROW
Doyle and Kurt was sweet about fixing a past misunderstanding and the elevator that brings them together again. I liked how adored they were and the elevator jokes.
ELEVATE ME by BECK GREY
Rick and Seb story was endearing as the elevator brings them together. They connected beautifully but they are slow to venture into a relationship as family circumstances are difficult but they make plans for a next meeting and taking in slow.
DEATH BECOMES HIM by PANDORA PINE
Jones and Beau story was twisted with mystery, revenge and ghosts. It's not a happy story as both protagonists end up dead, they didn't love each other, and their sense of right and wrong is broken.
They are in a loop until the truth is revealed and the revenge completed.
YOU’RE NOT THERE by R.L. MERRILL
Brian and Cole story was a sweet heart-breaking adventure with a happy ending after some paranormal intervention.
Cole is a ghost stuck to the elevator until Brian frees him after finding the truth and returning to the hotel.
I liked how they clicked together and I’m happy they found a way to be together.
HARD by REESE KNIGHTLEY
Caleb and Wolf story is about reconnecting and accepting past mistakes for a brighter future. They are both overprotective and a separation shown them their errors in thinking and had to adjust it so they both are content.
THE BOND WITCH CHRONICLES by REMI VARLOW
Benny and Jazz story was interesting and end on a cliff-hanger. The elevator brings again two people together, only this time one has an abusive and controlling boyfriend, and the unknowing bonding will just complicate things.
I liked the supernatural aspect, the friends and the way they clicked.
LOVE IS A BUMPY RIDE by R.J. PETERSON
Kyle and Jon story was interesting with a side of paranormal that reveals the sad story of a spirit that haunts one of the elevators and that finds peace after wishing him to find it.
GOING DOWN by ZILE ELLIVEN
Sage and Raine story was sweet with a side of possessiveness, and a sad story that will endear you to the suffering that had taken place.
I liked their interactions, their moments together, how they bonded and their plans for the future.
Read
October 14, 2024Review/reading in progress, and I'm SO happy to have found another m/m anthology! Short little quickie stories can be just the thing to fill in tiny gaps of time, and I've found some seriously wonderful new-to-me authors through these little compilations over the years.
There's actually only one author in this one whose work I absolutely adore (Angel Martinez), but for once - lol - I'm holding back from jumping immediately to her story, and just plan on reading them in order instead.
There are a fair number of other authors included whose stories I've enjoyed in the past, and a LOT of them who are new-to-me, so I'm excited to see what kind of delights are to be found in this one!
(Although sighhhhhhhh, anthology publishers. A quick peek inside tells me that they've failed to include synopses of each story, which is soooooo fucking annoying in anthologies like this. But oh well! I'm diving in anyway... 🤣 Here we go!)
👎 RIDE WITH THE WRAITH by Miski Harris ⭐⭐⭐
2.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. This is a new-to-me author and tbh, not the strongest start to the anthology IMHO. A little too on-the-nose with the m/m romance book event setting after reading about the anthology's genesis, but I'll give the author that one. I did think (assume?) this was a romance anthology, and this story definitely isn't that, so it left me a little disappointed by the end. I think that disappointment could have been overridden by an amazingly creative premise or mind-blowing paranormal explanation to the elevator's hijinks, but as it is, I'm just sort of meh on this one. The plot was "been there, done that" and the characters were relatively forgettable. It definitely wasn't bad, but it's also not inspiring me to go check out anything else by this author. As for the (lack of) romance, maybe that's just not what this anthology is about? But since I'm also a thousand percent down for paranormal, sci-fi, etc genre stories, I'm still excited to read the rest!
👍 THE HUNDRED YEAR CURSE by Adam J. Ridley ⭐⭐⭐
3 STARS. New-to-me author. Ok, so... are *all* the stories set at a writer's conference? I understood from the book description that that was the inspiration for this anthology, but I guess I assumed/hoped that the stories would be more varied in terms of a cursed elevator. BUT anyway, this one was once again at a writer's conference and threw in a curse (hence the title, lol) and a vampire ... the world building in something this short was virtually non-existent, and the story mostly consisted of some minor set up and a little sex. But you know what? It was fun! Is the premise enough to spawn a well-developed full-length novel? Absolutely, and I'd be here for it! As-is, with the short, I enjoyed it... but there was also nothing intriguing enough to make me want to dive into the author's back catalog. I'd definitely be open to giving his books a try in the future, though, if I found one with an intriguing blurb!
👎 GATEWAY TO THE FORGOTTEN ESTATE by Alexis Woods ---
DNF/No rating. But points for not having this set at an author's convention, lol. Although the actual weird elevator that's supposed to be the inspo for each story played... not much role at all? At least in the portion I read. This is a new-to-me author, and it was a DNF. It looked like it was heading toward m/m/m territory, which is never a fave of mine, but mostly I just... got bored? So, moving on!
👍 ELEVATED DESIRES by Ana Phoenix ⭐⭐⭐
3 STARS. A mostly new-to-me author (I've read one book she co-wrote with someone else in the past, and enjoyed it)... this one was cute? I was THRILLED to finally get an elevator completely unconnected to a writer's conference or any other conference 🤣 ... the story itself was basically a sweet-ish/hot-ish meet cute and bj, but overall it was a forgettible little interlude tbh. No real intriguing mystery about the elevator and it read like the start to a fun romance, but ended before there was even a hint of an HFN.
👍 SOMEWHERE BELOW THE BASEMENT by Angel Martinez ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. Am I surprised that I enjoyed this author's contribution? Nope! Was it adorable and interesting and a little bit unique? Yep! This was another short read that didn't get much further than the meet-cute, and another one I would very much enjoy reading as a full novel, for sure 😊
👍 WHAT GOES UP by Ari McKay ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. Awww 🥰 This might be my fave so far. It was just a snippet, and I would have been overjoyed to get an epilogue-style peek of , but I definitely enjoyed this one and may have to go check out what else this new-to-me author has written. Very sweet.
👍 THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR by Belinda McBride ⭐⭐⭐
3 STARS. This was cute. A new-to-me author. This short had no on-page smexy times and left with the hint of a future HFN. Another one that feels like it would be a fun start to a full novel/series.
👎 A CREAK IN THE NIGHT by BL Maxwell ---
DNF/No rating. New-to-me author, and I just... got bored? I've left this story partially read on my Kindle for a few days now, and every time I open it (the Kindle, not the story) I see it sitting there and then go off to Amazon to look for something else. 🤣 I'm not sure if this short is connected to another series by this author, since it's definitely plopped down in the middle of ... something, but whatever's happening here, it's just not holding my interest. 🤷♀️ "It's not you; it's me."
👍 SOMETHING UNHOLY by Charity Parkerson ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. Super short, ended too abruptly, nothing more than a snippet, really... but fun and hot and I enjoyed it. I'd definitely read more about these two!
👍 MIDNIGHT TANGO by CJ Warrant ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP New-to-me author, and I really liked this one! I'm even ok with the ending. This was a short story romance done right IMHO. 🥰
👍 LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR by Drea Roman ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. A hit-or-miss author for me that I don't usually pick up, but this one was a lot of fun! Probably one of my faves of the anthology so far. Another short story done right!
👍 OUT OF ORDER by Eden Winters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 STARS! New-to-me author, and absolutely DELIGHTFUL! This is 100% what I'm here for, creative and hot and sweet and unique. I adored it!
👍 THE RESIDENT IMP by Duckie Mack ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. This was another one that had me smiling all the way through it! I've only recently found this author, and have enjoyed what I've read of hers quite a lot. And I'd *really* enjoy this short turning into a full novel, where Dean's cop-stalker gets some comeuppance, Jakobah explores the world, and we get some size-difference smexy times, too! A girl can dream...
👎 HIS CHANCE by Giovanna Reaves ⭐⭐
2 STARS. I really didn't care for this one. The paranormal factor felt completely over-the-top in a disconnected-to-the-storyline way... which was maybe partially due to the "wtf is happening here with the romance" storyline. I HATE it when the love interest isn't clear, and the ambiguity about whether this was a Royce-and-Caleb, Royce-and-Knox, or m/m/m Royce, Caleb, and Knox thing in the beginning was annoying AF and almost enough for me to DNF it. In fact, I think I would have if it hadn't been so short. The explanation for the paranormal horror that came at the end wasn't even satisfying given how little depth there was in a story this short to Caleb's history, or Knox's side of his relationship with Royce, or the random tabby cat... lol. Anyway, A new=-to-me author that didn't work for me at all. Moving on...
👍 BANG by JS Harker ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS! A new-to-me author definitely worth looking for more books from. This was creative and nicely paced for a short story ... although of course I want to know more 🤣 If we could have lingered in the moment of the big reveal a little longer, or not longer but more in-depth - I'd like to have seen Victor - then this probably would have been a 5-star short for me. Really well done, though!
👍 CRASH INTO ME by J.K. Hogan ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS... or NO stars, maybe, lol. Only because this was great, but then it ended all dramatic and abrupt, at what's *clearly* the beginning of a great world/story that needs to be told. 🤣 A new-to-me author who I might forgive for that if they go on and write Naveen and Radha's whole book. 😉
👍 SAVED BY THE BELL by Kaje Harper ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. I'm not even a little bit surprised that I liked this one 😊 I'm also not surprised this author made it a little angsty. Normally not my thing, but this was really well done, sweet and a little poignant, and would have actually gotten 4-stars from me even without the way she managed to wrap Reese's vignent into the middle of Kyle and Mitchell's love story. I don't normally like reading about established couples, but this short story was a perfect moment for them. Definitely one of my favorites in this collection!
👍 ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP by Katherine McIntyre ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. New-to-me author, and this one was hella fun even if exhibitionism normally makes me too nervous to read, lol. The constant adoration between these two saved it from being boring-just-sex, and while there wasn't enough to the story to send me off searching for more books by this author, it was a great addition to this collection, for sure!
👍 GETTING THE SHAFT by Kiernan Kelly ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. This was fun! I particularly liked the author's take on "one true love." Just like Clifford, though, I was a little sad to see Nicholas A new-to-me author I'd definitely be willing to try again!
👍 THE REAISSANCE INCUBUS by Katy Manz ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. New-to-me author, and while I've got to admit, I almost universally dislike stories about incubi (Lee Colgin's and Delaney Rain's being the exception), this one was fun! (Although Arthur also wasn't technically an incubus, so there's that 🤣)
👍 TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL by Lee Blair ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. This is an author I've only recently discovered. I enjoyed this cute little contemporary second-chances short just as much as I have the books of hers I've read so far. Nothing paranormal here and the wacky antics of the elevator of the infamous were barely touched on, but it was a cute premise and a sweet love story for what it was. 😊
👍 STOP DRAGGIN' MY HEART UP AND DOWN by Bix Barrow ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. A new-to-me author and a fun, sweet story! Reading this back to back with Lee Blair's story was fun since the two authors obviously collaborated to use the same setting: a wedding between two side characters named Reese and Alicia. And of course just like that one, this is a contemporary setting with nothing paranormal about the elevator situation. Just some maintenance issues, lol. Still, it was another sweet second chances story, and I may go check out more by the author since it was a feel-good, easy read and I wouldn't mind trying something of theirs that's longer. 😊
👍 ELEVATE ME by Beck Grey ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. SUUUUUUUUPER sweet! This is another new-to-me author, and I really liked this one! 🥰 Another contemporary meet-cute + sex, left open-ended without even a real HFN *but* the perfect segue to roll into a full novel. And YES, PLEASE. I would very, very much like to read Rick and Seb's cross-country love story all the way through to the HEA. I'm definitely going to check out this author's other works, because this is exactly the kind of sweetness and character depth I adore in romance.
👍 DEATH BECOMES HIM by Pandora Pine ⭐⭐⭐
3 STARS. This one was fun mostly because it was a new twist. Not the romance I, personally, am here for, lol, but still a creative story! (And I do love seeing the PNR ones in here, since the elevator situation seems to be just begging for that kind of explanation. 😁)
📆 LOL, I forgot this was on my Kindle! I read all of the above while the anthology was still available back in December 2023, but now (Ocrober 2024) I'm going to check out the stories I never got to...
👍 YOU'RE NOT THERE by R.L. Merrill ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. Aw, this was surprisingly sweet. A new-to-me author that I would pick up more by, I think. (Although a quick peek here on GR looks like they write primarily m/f, which I'm generally not in the mood for, so... we'll see.)
👎 HARD by Reese Knightley ---
DNF/No rating. I didn't get past the first page or two of this one before figuring it's not for me. I can definitely get into a good action-oriented romance, but something about the way this one dumped the reader (moi) into the action mid-scene had me backing away fast. I have no idea if this is related to pre-existing characters or another series by this new-to-me author, but it felt like a lot right out of the gate with nothing there to get me invested in the couple introduced mid-fight on page 1. So, I'm out. 🤷♀️
👎 THE BOND WITCH CHRONICLES by Remi Varlow ⭐⭐
2 STARS. This is another new-to-me author, and I... will not be reading more by them. The story itself was okay? Writing quality felt a little lacking but it was sweet and kinda cute annnnnnnnnnd... then it just, ended? Not an HFN. Definitely not an HEA. No, a deliberate "this is the beginning of xyz novel which will be available soon!" So, it was a meet cute / teaser / first few chaps of a longer story, and just... ended. Had it been a complete story, I think it would have been an enjoyable enough 3-star read for me, but an anthology like this is NOT the place for a teaser, it's a place for bite-sized bits of enjoyment, and this was a waste of time that left me unsatisfied due to the author's choice to include a teaser instead of an actual story, so... NOPE.
👎 LOVE IS A BUMPY RIDE by R.J. Peterson ---
DNF/No rating. I only got a page or two in with this new-to-me author, but there were SO many side-character names dropped in already for a short story that it bogged down whatever the fuck was happening... which I didn't care about enough at that point to keep wading through, so 🤷♀️
👍 GOING DOWN by Zile Elliven ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. Very sweet, semi-interesting, but overall not all that engaging.
There's actually only one author in this one whose work I absolutely adore (Angel Martinez), but for once - lol - I'm holding back from jumping immediately to her story, and just plan on reading them in order instead.
There are a fair number of other authors included whose stories I've enjoyed in the past, and a LOT of them who are new-to-me, so I'm excited to see what kind of delights are to be found in this one!
(Although sighhhhhhhh, anthology publishers. A quick peek inside tells me that they've failed to include synopses of each story, which is soooooo fucking annoying in anthologies like this. But oh well! I'm diving in anyway... 🤣 Here we go!)
👎 RIDE WITH THE WRAITH by Miski Harris ⭐⭐⭐
2.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. This is a new-to-me author and tbh, not the strongest start to the anthology IMHO. A little too on-the-nose with the m/m romance book event setting after reading about the anthology's genesis, but I'll give the author that one. I did think (assume?) this was a romance anthology, and this story definitely isn't that, so it left me a little disappointed by the end. I think that disappointment could have been overridden by an amazingly creative premise or mind-blowing paranormal explanation to the elevator's hijinks, but as it is, I'm just sort of meh on this one. The plot was "been there, done that" and the characters were relatively forgettable. It definitely wasn't bad, but it's also not inspiring me to go check out anything else by this author. As for the (lack of) romance, maybe that's just not what this anthology is about? But since I'm also a thousand percent down for paranormal, sci-fi, etc genre stories, I'm still excited to read the rest!
👍 THE HUNDRED YEAR CURSE by Adam J. Ridley ⭐⭐⭐
3 STARS. New-to-me author. Ok, so... are *all* the stories set at a writer's conference? I understood from the book description that that was the inspiration for this anthology, but I guess I assumed/hoped that the stories would be more varied in terms of a cursed elevator. BUT anyway, this one was once again at a writer's conference and threw in a curse (hence the title, lol) and a vampire ... the world building in something this short was virtually non-existent, and the story mostly consisted of some minor set up and a little sex. But you know what? It was fun! Is the premise enough to spawn a well-developed full-length novel? Absolutely, and I'd be here for it! As-is, with the short, I enjoyed it... but there was also nothing intriguing enough to make me want to dive into the author's back catalog. I'd definitely be open to giving his books a try in the future, though, if I found one with an intriguing blurb!
👎 GATEWAY TO THE FORGOTTEN ESTATE by Alexis Woods ---
DNF/No rating. But points for not having this set at an author's convention, lol. Although the actual weird elevator that's supposed to be the inspo for each story played... not much role at all? At least in the portion I read. This is a new-to-me author, and it was a DNF. It looked like it was heading toward m/m/m territory, which is never a fave of mine, but mostly I just... got bored? So, moving on!
👍 ELEVATED DESIRES by Ana Phoenix ⭐⭐⭐
3 STARS. A mostly new-to-me author (I've read one book she co-wrote with someone else in the past, and enjoyed it)... this one was cute? I was THRILLED to finally get an elevator completely unconnected to a writer's conference or any other conference 🤣 ... the story itself was basically a sweet-ish/hot-ish meet cute and bj, but overall it was a forgettible little interlude tbh. No real intriguing mystery about the elevator and it read like the start to a fun romance, but ended before there was even a hint of an HFN.
👍 SOMEWHERE BELOW THE BASEMENT by Angel Martinez ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. Am I surprised that I enjoyed this author's contribution? Nope! Was it adorable and interesting and a little bit unique? Yep! This was another short read that didn't get much further than the meet-cute, and another one I would very much enjoy reading as a full novel, for sure 😊
👍 WHAT GOES UP by Ari McKay ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. Awww 🥰 This might be my fave so far. It was just a snippet, and I would have been overjoyed to get an epilogue-style peek of , but I definitely enjoyed this one and may have to go check out what else this new-to-me author has written. Very sweet.
👍 THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR by Belinda McBride ⭐⭐⭐
3 STARS. This was cute. A new-to-me author. This short had no on-page smexy times and left with the hint of a future HFN. Another one that feels like it would be a fun start to a full novel/series.
👎 A CREAK IN THE NIGHT by BL Maxwell ---
DNF/No rating. New-to-me author, and I just... got bored? I've left this story partially read on my Kindle for a few days now, and every time I open it (the Kindle, not the story) I see it sitting there and then go off to Amazon to look for something else. 🤣 I'm not sure if this short is connected to another series by this author, since it's definitely plopped down in the middle of ... something, but whatever's happening here, it's just not holding my interest. 🤷♀️ "It's not you; it's me."
👍 SOMETHING UNHOLY by Charity Parkerson ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. Super short, ended too abruptly, nothing more than a snippet, really... but fun and hot and I enjoyed it. I'd definitely read more about these two!
👍 MIDNIGHT TANGO by CJ Warrant ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP New-to-me author, and I really liked this one! I'm even ok with the ending. This was a short story romance done right IMHO. 🥰
👍 LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR by Drea Roman ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. A hit-or-miss author for me that I don't usually pick up, but this one was a lot of fun! Probably one of my faves of the anthology so far. Another short story done right!
👍 OUT OF ORDER by Eden Winters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 STARS! New-to-me author, and absolutely DELIGHTFUL! This is 100% what I'm here for, creative and hot and sweet and unique. I adored it!
👍 THE RESIDENT IMP by Duckie Mack ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. This was another one that had me smiling all the way through it! I've only recently found this author, and have enjoyed what I've read of hers quite a lot. And I'd *really* enjoy this short turning into a full novel, where Dean's cop-stalker gets some comeuppance, Jakobah explores the world, and we get some size-difference smexy times, too! A girl can dream...
👎 HIS CHANCE by Giovanna Reaves ⭐⭐
2 STARS. I really didn't care for this one. The paranormal factor felt completely over-the-top in a disconnected-to-the-storyline way... which was maybe partially due to the "wtf is happening here with the romance" storyline. I HATE it when the love interest isn't clear, and the ambiguity about whether this was a Royce-and-Caleb, Royce-and-Knox, or m/m/m Royce, Caleb, and Knox thing in the beginning was annoying AF and almost enough for me to DNF it. In fact, I think I would have if it hadn't been so short. The explanation for the paranormal horror that came at the end wasn't even satisfying given how little depth there was in a story this short to Caleb's history, or Knox's side of his relationship with Royce, or the random tabby cat... lol. Anyway, A new=-to-me author that didn't work for me at all. Moving on...
👍 BANG by JS Harker ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS! A new-to-me author definitely worth looking for more books from. This was creative and nicely paced for a short story ... although of course I want to know more 🤣 If we could have lingered in the moment of the big reveal a little longer, or not longer but more in-depth - I'd like to have seen Victor - then this probably would have been a 5-star short for me. Really well done, though!
👍 CRASH INTO ME by J.K. Hogan ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS... or NO stars, maybe, lol. Only because this was great, but then it ended all dramatic and abrupt, at what's *clearly* the beginning of a great world/story that needs to be told. 🤣 A new-to-me author who I might forgive for that if they go on and write Naveen and Radha's whole book. 😉
👍 SAVED BY THE BELL by Kaje Harper ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. I'm not even a little bit surprised that I liked this one 😊 I'm also not surprised this author made it a little angsty. Normally not my thing, but this was really well done, sweet and a little poignant, and would have actually gotten 4-stars from me even without the way she managed to wrap Reese's vignent into the middle of Kyle and Mitchell's love story. I don't normally like reading about established couples, but this short story was a perfect moment for them. Definitely one of my favorites in this collection!
👍 ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP by Katherine McIntyre ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. New-to-me author, and this one was hella fun even if exhibitionism normally makes me too nervous to read, lol. The constant adoration between these two saved it from being boring-just-sex, and while there wasn't enough to the story to send me off searching for more books by this author, it was a great addition to this collection, for sure!
👍 GETTING THE SHAFT by Kiernan Kelly ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. This was fun! I particularly liked the author's take on "one true love." Just like Clifford, though, I was a little sad to see Nicholas A new-to-me author I'd definitely be willing to try again!
👍 THE REAISSANCE INCUBUS by Katy Manz ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. New-to-me author, and while I've got to admit, I almost universally dislike stories about incubi (Lee Colgin's and Delaney Rain's being the exception), this one was fun! (Although Arthur also wasn't technically an incubus, so there's that 🤣)
👍 TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL by Lee Blair ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. This is an author I've only recently discovered. I enjoyed this cute little contemporary second-chances short just as much as I have the books of hers I've read so far. Nothing paranormal here and the wacky antics of the elevator of the infamous were barely touched on, but it was a cute premise and a sweet love story for what it was. 😊
👍 STOP DRAGGIN' MY HEART UP AND DOWN by Bix Barrow ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. A new-to-me author and a fun, sweet story! Reading this back to back with Lee Blair's story was fun since the two authors obviously collaborated to use the same setting: a wedding between two side characters named Reese and Alicia. And of course just like that one, this is a contemporary setting with nothing paranormal about the elevator situation. Just some maintenance issues, lol. Still, it was another sweet second chances story, and I may go check out more by the author since it was a feel-good, easy read and I wouldn't mind trying something of theirs that's longer. 😊
👍 ELEVATE ME by Beck Grey ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. SUUUUUUUUPER sweet! This is another new-to-me author, and I really liked this one! 🥰 Another contemporary meet-cute + sex, left open-ended without even a real HFN *but* the perfect segue to roll into a full novel. And YES, PLEASE. I would very, very much like to read Rick and Seb's cross-country love story all the way through to the HEA. I'm definitely going to check out this author's other works, because this is exactly the kind of sweetness and character depth I adore in romance.
👍 DEATH BECOMES HIM by Pandora Pine ⭐⭐⭐
3 STARS. This one was fun mostly because it was a new twist. Not the romance I, personally, am here for, lol, but still a creative story! (And I do love seeing the PNR ones in here, since the elevator situation seems to be just begging for that kind of explanation. 😁)
📆 LOL, I forgot this was on my Kindle! I read all of the above while the anthology was still available back in December 2023, but now (Ocrober 2024) I'm going to check out the stories I never got to...
👍 YOU'RE NOT THERE by R.L. Merrill ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS. Aw, this was surprisingly sweet. A new-to-me author that I would pick up more by, I think. (Although a quick peek here on GR looks like they write primarily m/f, which I'm generally not in the mood for, so... we'll see.)
👎 HARD by Reese Knightley ---
DNF/No rating. I didn't get past the first page or two of this one before figuring it's not for me. I can definitely get into a good action-oriented romance, but something about the way this one dumped the reader (moi) into the action mid-scene had me backing away fast. I have no idea if this is related to pre-existing characters or another series by this new-to-me author, but it felt like a lot right out of the gate with nothing there to get me invested in the couple introduced mid-fight on page 1. So, I'm out. 🤷♀️
👎 THE BOND WITCH CHRONICLES by Remi Varlow ⭐⭐
2 STARS. This is another new-to-me author, and I... will not be reading more by them. The story itself was okay? Writing quality felt a little lacking but it was sweet and kinda cute annnnnnnnnnd... then it just, ended? Not an HFN. Definitely not an HEA. No, a deliberate "this is the beginning of xyz novel which will be available soon!" So, it was a meet cute / teaser / first few chaps of a longer story, and just... ended. Had it been a complete story, I think it would have been an enjoyable enough 3-star read for me, but an anthology like this is NOT the place for a teaser, it's a place for bite-sized bits of enjoyment, and this was a waste of time that left me unsatisfied due to the author's choice to include a teaser instead of an actual story, so... NOPE.
👎 LOVE IS A BUMPY RIDE by R.J. Peterson ---
DNF/No rating. I only got a page or two in with this new-to-me author, but there were SO many side-character names dropped in already for a short story that it bogged down whatever the fuck was happening... which I didn't care about enough at that point to keep wading through, so 🤷♀️
👍 GOING DOWN by Zile Elliven ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 STARS, ROUNDED UP. Very sweet, semi-interesting, but overall not all that engaging.
September 1, 2023
‘The doors closed with ease behind me and I pushed the button for the lobby before really looking him over. He had such interesting features. His hair was so light it was practically white. His skin had an ashen tone to it, though the pink of his cheeks stood out against the almost stony facade. His cheeks were so round, I wanted to hold them in my hands and nuzzle my scruff against them. Woah there, down boy. The last cutie I fell for got me in heaps of trouble but I couldn’t resist a sweet face. And his eyes were dark and wide, with almost no pupils. I felt like I could fall into them and never get back out.’ Duckie Mack’s The Resident Imp♥️
This anthology of short stories, created by a group of authors who met at a book signing, is pure delight. Each little morsel is a treat that satisfies a craving you may not even have known you had!
Ride With the Wraith Miski Harris; The Hundred Year Curse Adam J. Ridley; Gateway to the Forgotten Estate Alexis Woods; Elevated Desires Ana Phoenix; Somewhere Below the Basement Angel Martinez; What Goes Up Ari McKay; The Thirteenth Floor Belinda McBride; A Creak in the Night BL Maxwell; Something Unholy Charity Parkerson; Midnight Tango CJ Warrant; Love in an Elevator Drea Roman; Out of Order Eden Winters; The Resident Imp Duckie Mack; His Chance Giovanna Reaves; Bang JS Harker; Crash Into Me J.K. Hogan; Saved by the Bell Kaje Harper; All the Way to the Top Katherine McIntyre; Getting the Shaft Kiernan Kelly; The Renaissance Incubus Katy Manz; Take It to the Next Level Lee Blair; Stop Draggin’ My Heart Up and Down Bix Barrow; Elevate Me Beck Grey; Death Becomes Him Pandora Pine; You’re Not There R.L. Merrill Hard Reese Knightley The Bond Witch Chronicles Remi Varlow Love is a Bumpy Ride R.J. Peterson Going Down Zile Elliven! Whew!!!
I was just as excited to read some of my favorite authors as I was to find some new ones, and each sweet treat made my Covid recovery reading mind more than thrilled. It was the perfect time to spend in the Renaissance Elevator!
This anthology of short stories, created by a group of authors who met at a book signing, is pure delight. Each little morsel is a treat that satisfies a craving you may not even have known you had!
Ride With the Wraith Miski Harris; The Hundred Year Curse Adam J. Ridley; Gateway to the Forgotten Estate Alexis Woods; Elevated Desires Ana Phoenix; Somewhere Below the Basement Angel Martinez; What Goes Up Ari McKay; The Thirteenth Floor Belinda McBride; A Creak in the Night BL Maxwell; Something Unholy Charity Parkerson; Midnight Tango CJ Warrant; Love in an Elevator Drea Roman; Out of Order Eden Winters; The Resident Imp Duckie Mack; His Chance Giovanna Reaves; Bang JS Harker; Crash Into Me J.K. Hogan; Saved by the Bell Kaje Harper; All the Way to the Top Katherine McIntyre; Getting the Shaft Kiernan Kelly; The Renaissance Incubus Katy Manz; Take It to the Next Level Lee Blair; Stop Draggin’ My Heart Up and Down Bix Barrow; Elevate Me Beck Grey; Death Becomes Him Pandora Pine; You’re Not There R.L. Merrill Hard Reese Knightley The Bond Witch Chronicles Remi Varlow Love is a Bumpy Ride R.J. Peterson Going Down Zile Elliven! Whew!!!
I was just as excited to read some of my favorite authors as I was to find some new ones, and each sweet treat made my Covid recovery reading mind more than thrilled. It was the perfect time to spend in the Renaissance Elevator!
January 1, 2024
5 Stars for Charity
Ride With the Wraith by Miski Harris - 3/5, Horror HEA
The Hundred Year Curse by Adam J. Ridley - 3/5, HEA
Gateway to the Forgotten Estate by Alexis Woods - 3/5, HEA
Elevated Desires by Ana Phoenix - 4/5, Happy ending
Somewhere Below the Basement by Angel Martinez - 4/5, Happy ending
What Goes Up by Ari McKay - 2/5, No ending
The Thirteenth Floor by Belinda McBride - 3/5, Happy ending
A Creak in the Night by BL Maxwell - 4/5, Valley Ghosts Short with Happy ending
Something Unholy by Charity Parkerson - 4/5, HEA
Midnight Tango by CJ Warrant - 1/5, No ending
Love in an Elevator by Drea Roman - 3/5, HFN
Out of Order by Eden Winters - 5/5, HEA
The Resident Imp by Duckie Mack - 4/5, HEA
His Chance by Giovanna Reaves - 4/5, HEA
Bang by JS Harker - 3/5, Happy ending
Crash Into Me by J.K. Hogan - 2/5, Cliffhanger
Saved by the Bell by Kaje Harper - 3/5, Happy ending
All the Way to the Top by Katherine McIntyre - 3/5, HFN
Getting the Shaft by Kiernan Kelly - 3/5, HEA
The Renaissance Incubus by Katy Manz - 3/5, HFN
Take It to the Next Level by Lee Blair - 3/5, HEA
Stop Draggin’ My Heart Up and Down by Bix Barrow - 3/5, HFN
Elevate Me by Beck Grey - 3/5, No ending
Death Becomes Him by Pandora Pine - 3/5, Horror ending
You’re Not There by R.L. Merrill - 3/5, Horror HFN
Hard by Reese Knightley - 3/5, Out For Justice short, no ending
The Bond Witch Chronicles by Remi Varlow - 1/5, Teaser for new series, no ending
Love is a Bumpy Ride by R.J. Peterson - 2/5, No ending
Going Down by Zile Elliven - 3/5, HFN
Ride With the Wraith by Miski Harris - 3/5, Horror HEA
The Hundred Year Curse by Adam J. Ridley - 3/5, HEA
Gateway to the Forgotten Estate by Alexis Woods - 3/5, HEA
Elevated Desires by Ana Phoenix - 4/5, Happy ending
Somewhere Below the Basement by Angel Martinez - 4/5, Happy ending
What Goes Up by Ari McKay - 2/5, No ending
The Thirteenth Floor by Belinda McBride - 3/5, Happy ending
A Creak in the Night by BL Maxwell - 4/5, Valley Ghosts Short with Happy ending
Something Unholy by Charity Parkerson - 4/5, HEA
Midnight Tango by CJ Warrant - 1/5, No ending
Love in an Elevator by Drea Roman - 3/5, HFN
Out of Order by Eden Winters - 5/5, HEA
The Resident Imp by Duckie Mack - 4/5, HEA
His Chance by Giovanna Reaves - 4/5, HEA
Bang by JS Harker - 3/5, Happy ending
Crash Into Me by J.K. Hogan - 2/5, Cliffhanger
Saved by the Bell by Kaje Harper - 3/5, Happy ending
All the Way to the Top by Katherine McIntyre - 3/5, HFN
Getting the Shaft by Kiernan Kelly - 3/5, HEA
The Renaissance Incubus by Katy Manz - 3/5, HFN
Take It to the Next Level by Lee Blair - 3/5, HEA
Stop Draggin’ My Heart Up and Down by Bix Barrow - 3/5, HFN
Elevate Me by Beck Grey - 3/5, No ending
Death Becomes Him by Pandora Pine - 3/5, Horror ending
You’re Not There by R.L. Merrill - 3/5, Horror HFN
Hard by Reese Knightley - 3/5, Out For Justice short, no ending
The Bond Witch Chronicles by Remi Varlow - 1/5, Teaser for new series, no ending
Love is a Bumpy Ride by R.J. Peterson - 2/5, No ending
Going Down by Zile Elliven - 3/5, HFN
September 8, 2023
“Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator” is an anthology of short stories by almost thirty authors to benefit The Trevor Project. I got the book because it included a new story by CJ Warrant, one of my favorite authors—the other authors were new to me and discovering them was an added bonus. “Midnight Tango” was classic CJ Warrant, delivering all the feels through well-developed MCs and interactions that made both Miguel and Simon feel real and relatable; I’m hopeful she plans to expand their story. Bix Barrow’s “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Up and Down” was such a good read that I went over to KU and borrowed book one of her Bent Oak series. “Going Down” by Zile Elliven was not the type of story I usually read…and now I’m wondering just why that is, because it was delightful. Sage and Raine made me wish that magical meetings such as theirs were possible (or maybe they are and I just need to expand my awareness?), and I’m looking forward to the novella. Remi Varlow also promises a longer version of her short story, “The Bond Witch Chronicles,” which I’m already looking forward to. To keep this review manageable, I’ve only called out a few of the stories, but all were enjoyable. I highly recommend reading this anthology.
April 23, 2025
I completely forgot that I hadn’t rated or reviewed this one. It got swept up in the Great Amazon Battle I was forced into for a while, and while I finished it, it never registered (clearly) and I have a smooth brain so I just… fucking forgot. My b.
I’d say maybe four stories were worth the time and effort, and I hate saying that, I do, but this was an anthology that just did not do it for me. It was all so wildly different from story to story, and some folx seemed to understand the assignment while others didn’t even know there was one. I’m not even sure some of these stories were aware there was a sort of prompt/theme or what it was.
(Edit to add: When a bunch of stories tried to use the same convention, and then others didn’t, suddenly it all fell apart and the theme was a burden and not a joy.)
I sincerely hope there’s a better one in future, because I loved the concept and the theme, but you’ve gotta come together if you’re coming together. I don’t know what to tell y’all. I don’t make the rules, I just know them.
3/5. Yay for charity. Better vibes next time?
I’d say maybe four stories were worth the time and effort, and I hate saying that, I do, but this was an anthology that just did not do it for me. It was all so wildly different from story to story, and some folx seemed to understand the assignment while others didn’t even know there was one. I’m not even sure some of these stories were aware there was a sort of prompt/theme or what it was.
(Edit to add: When a bunch of stories tried to use the same convention, and then others didn’t, suddenly it all fell apart and the theme was a burden and not a joy.)
I sincerely hope there’s a better one in future, because I loved the concept and the theme, but you’ve gotta come together if you’re coming together. I don’t know what to tell y’all. I don’t make the rules, I just know them.
3/5. Yay for charity. Better vibes next time?
September 23, 2023
Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator
Ride With the Wraith - 4
The Hundred Year Curse - 2 stars
Gateway to Forgotten Estate - 4
Elevated Desires - 4
Somewhere Below the Basement -4
What Goes Up - 4
The Thirteenth Floor - 2
A Creek in the Night - 2
Something Unholy - 1
Midnight Tango - 2
Love in an Elevator - 1
Out of Order - 2
The Resident Imp - 3
His Chance - 3
Bang - 1
Crash Into Me - 1
Saved by the Bell - 4
All The Way to the Top - 1
Getting the Shaft - 2
The Renaissance Incubus - 3
Take it to the Next Level - 2
Stop Dragging My Heart Up & Down - 3
Elevate Me - 2
Death Becomes Him - 5
You're Not There - 5
Hard - 1
The Bond Witch Chronicles - 1
Love is a Bumpy Ride - 2
Going Down - 3
Ride With the Wraith - 4
The Hundred Year Curse - 2 stars
Gateway to Forgotten Estate - 4
Elevated Desires - 4
Somewhere Below the Basement -4
What Goes Up - 4
The Thirteenth Floor - 2
A Creek in the Night - 2
Something Unholy - 1
Midnight Tango - 2
Love in an Elevator - 1
Out of Order - 2
The Resident Imp - 3
His Chance - 3
Bang - 1
Crash Into Me - 1
Saved by the Bell - 4
All The Way to the Top - 1
Getting the Shaft - 2
The Renaissance Incubus - 3
Take it to the Next Level - 2
Stop Dragging My Heart Up & Down - 3
Elevate Me - 2
Death Becomes Him - 5
You're Not There - 5
Hard - 1
The Bond Witch Chronicles - 1
Love is a Bumpy Ride - 2
Going Down - 3
September 12, 2023
I just love this anthology. It’s amazing how many stories can be made from a single idea, that of a haunted elevator. A lot of them are no more than a ‘meet cute’, just right over a cup of tea where the reader can use their own imagination on how the story would progress going forward and others are a bit longer. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to find some ‘new to you’ authors and also to catch up with some favourites all whilst raising money for a worthy cause (The Trevor Project). I did like some stories more than others but there was honestly not one that I disliked. Dive right in for some paranormal fun.
April 11, 2025
There is a total of 28 short stories in this anthology all centering on a scary elevator, and they range from a few pages to chapter length. I am only going to review a few of my favorites. Every paranormal theme you can think of is covered!
Somewhere Below the Basement, Angel Martinez. This was a really fun take on the evil elevator and a clever interpretation of Hell/Heaven. I laughed out loud when the story covered bureaucracy paperwork.
Out of Order, Eden Winters. This is a totally different take on the evil elevator and it was so much fun.
Resident Imp, Duckie Mack. A cute and funny story.
Getting the Shaft, Kiernan Kelly. A sweet and romantic story.
Somewhere Below the Basement, Angel Martinez. This was a really fun take on the evil elevator and a clever interpretation of Hell/Heaven. I laughed out loud when the story covered bureaucracy paperwork.
Out of Order, Eden Winters. This is a totally different take on the evil elevator and it was so much fun.
Resident Imp, Duckie Mack. A cute and funny story.
Getting the Shaft, Kiernan Kelly. A sweet and romantic story.
August 27, 2023
I was given an early copy of this anthology where the proceeds go to the Trevor Project. All of these stories are short and packed with with fun, frolic and downright scary characters. I'm pretty sure if I'm ever in an elevator that doesn't stop on my floor, I will learn to walk the stairs! The first story was absolutely fabulous, Ride With the Wraith by Miska Harris and set the tone for the rest of the series. There were only a few stories that didn't quite capture my attention. I met some unfamiliar authors that I will definitely be checking out! I highly recommend this anthology!!
September 2, 2023
So far, the only story I have read is Death Becomes Him by Pandora Pine. Once I have read the other stories, I will update my review. So, we have Jones who is in love with Beau and one day comes home early from work & finds him in their bed with someone else. Jones does get his revenge against him. I'm not going to get into what the mystery is as it would spoil the story, but I didn't see it coming & it was really well written.
I rec'd a copy of this story from the Author, and this is my honest review.
I rec'd a copy of this story from the Author, and this is my honest review.
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January 7, 2026I’m not going to give an official star rating for this anthology because I haven’t read it, but there’s a short story by Beck Grey in here that I did read. It was originally published as Elevate Me, but was rereleased with three more chapters and renamed The Meet Cuke. Since it doesn’t have its own Goodreads entry, I’m using this for tracking purposes.
I read along while listening to the audiobook. The narration was pretty good, but there’s just not much to say when nothing really happened. Although, it’s only a prequel, so I feel like it has potential.
2.5/5 stars, rounded down to 2.
I read along while listening to the audiobook. The narration was pretty good, but there’s just not much to say when nothing really happened. Although, it’s only a prequel, so I feel like it has potential.
2.5/5 stars, rounded down to 2.
August 27, 2023
This is easily one of my favorite premises for an anthology — so there’s this weird, spooky elevator… This collection showcases a wide variety of stories built around this concept, and I found myself really enjoying them all. Creative, interesting, easy to read and to get caught up in— it’s hard to ask for anything more. Well worth checking out.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 31, 2023
I love the premise of this anthology! All of the stories are short enough to read if you just want a quick, delightful story while taking a break - or you can read them straight through because they are addicting - found my self saying "just one more and then I'll get to those dishes!" I think my favorite was Kiernan Kelly's Getting the Shaft. I don't think I will take an elevator again without wondering who else might be there with me! Very enjoyable anthology. 10 out of 10 recommend!
January 11, 2025
All the Way to the Top
An intense addition to a haunted elevator anthology that I fully intend to find and engross myself into. One thing I have learned is that the best aspect of an elevator anthology is the limited time you have to pull the reader into your book. Katherine does just that with Jake and Cade’s elevator ride! Nice little twist right at the end, too! I wonder if Cade was embarrassed 😳
An intense addition to a haunted elevator anthology that I fully intend to find and engross myself into. One thing I have learned is that the best aspect of an elevator anthology is the limited time you have to pull the reader into your book. Katherine does just that with Jake and Cade’s elevator ride! Nice little twist right at the end, too! I wonder if Cade was embarrassed 😳
August 14, 2023
I loved getting a head start on the spooky story season!
I enjoyed every single story enough to want an extended version. However, I'm happy with the way each one ended. This was such a creative idea and I'd happily read another one!!
Proceeds for the sale of this book benefit The Trevor Project.
I enjoyed every single story enough to want an extended version. However, I'm happy with the way each one ended. This was such a creative idea and I'd happily read another one!!
Proceeds for the sale of this book benefit The Trevor Project.
August 22, 2023
I never thought I’d enjoy a book of short stories based on a cranky elevator, but this book worked for me. Thirty authors have each contributed a short spooky story of varying lengths to the collection, which meant I could easily read and finish one as I had time during the day. I recommend this as a great and enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 1, 2023
Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator has many highly varied short stories featuring various paranormal explanations for a cranky elevator. These stories range from humorous, like Going Down, where a character finds out what happens when you spread a little kindness around. To the spooky like Renaissance Incubus, where you find a mystery wrapped in a more sinister mystery. Take It To The Next Level was a cute second chance romance. And The Bond Witch Chronicles is a fight against a dark presence to free true love.
August 31, 2023
This is a great anthology with a ton of fantastic authors! It's a great tasting platter to find new authors as well as the big names that initially drew me in. Most of the stories were great and I really enjoyed them. I found some new names I'll be looking out for, and thoroughly enjoyed the ones I knew I'd love.
September 6, 2023
This is the first time I've read some spooky thing. Thirty authors contributed a short spooky story to the collection. Can't say that I've read all of them but I've definitely read most of them and I loved them. I would ask everyone to give this a chance.
#ARC was provided by the author and her team and this is my honest review ☺️
#ARC was provided by the author and her team and this is my honest review ☺️
September 26, 2023
Something for everyone
I absolutely loved this collection of short stories. There is something for everyone: some are dark, twisted, scary, and others are sweet, cute, and funny. There were a few new to me authors that I'm interested in learning more about. I loved the creativity and uniqueness that each author brought to their vision of a haunted elevator.
I absolutely loved this collection of short stories. There is something for everyone: some are dark, twisted, scary, and others are sweet, cute, and funny. There were a few new to me authors that I'm interested in learning more about. I loved the creativity and uniqueness that each author brought to their vision of a haunted elevator.
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