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Elevator Girl
If only she'd taken the stairs …
Lisa Johnston never thought that she'd have to see her high school nemesis again, and definitely not in an elevator on the way to work. She's willing to pass it off as a minor coincidence until Jake is assigned to work with her foundation's park project—Lisa's park project. Nevertheless, she's determined not to let Jake undermine how far she's come in ten years. But his apparent attraction toward her is as bothersome as it is puzzling. Then she realizes … Jake has no clue who she is.
Praise for Elevator Girl:
“Elevator Girl is a savvy and sensitive look at relationships in our complex, modern world. An enjoyable chronicle filled with moments both torturous and tender, it’s sure to strike familiar chords in anyone who’s tried to navigate the stormy sea of love. Fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary or the works of Sophie Kinsella will be well pleased with this gem from debut author Kim Hruba.” - William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author of Ordinary Grace
Lisa Johnston never thought that she'd have to see her high school nemesis again, and definitely not in an elevator on the way to work. She's willing to pass it off as a minor coincidence until Jake is assigned to work with her foundation's park project—Lisa's park project. Nevertheless, she's determined not to let Jake undermine how far she's come in ten years. But his apparent attraction toward her is as bothersome as it is puzzling. Then she realizes … Jake has no clue who she is.
Praise for Elevator Girl:
“Elevator Girl is a savvy and sensitive look at relationships in our complex, modern world. An enjoyable chronicle filled with moments both torturous and tender, it’s sure to strike familiar chords in anyone who’s tried to navigate the stormy sea of love. Fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary or the works of Sophie Kinsella will be well pleased with this gem from debut author Kim Hruba.” - William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author of Ordinary Grace
391 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 24, 2015
I absolutely adored this book. It had just the right amount of tension, humor, angst, and realism and I thought the author did a great job with the two points of view - Lisa and Jake.
When Lisa spots Jake in the elevator of her building at work, she recognizes him immediately as the guy in high school who laughed at her expense and one-upped her (and everyone) else at everything. She prays he won't recognize her and is not happy to learn they will be working together on a project. Jake, on the other hand, has seen Lisa several times before in the building, has no idea and he's intrigued. He has no idea they have a past, but he loves the way she plays hard to get. He is determined to win her over with his charm. What will happen when he learns the truth? I'll never tell, but the story is a wonderful, romantic, and humorous journey of self-discovery.
I related really well to Lisa in so many situations. I, too, would hate the Golden Boy who seemingly has everything handed to him on a silver platter and so, unlike her best friend and colleague, I didn't necessarily think she was being unreasonable in her dislike of him at first, but sometimes as Lisa learns, you need to peel off the layers as well as let go of the past. I also really felt her stream of emotions when she was dealing with Tony, a guy she was dating. I've been in a similar situation so the whole New Year's Eve scene and following airport ride rang very true for me. Aside from me being a non-practicing Jew and Lisa being a pretty good Catholic, we were very similar. Perhaps that's why I liked her so much :).
I highly recommend this book.
When Lisa spots Jake in the elevator of her building at work, she recognizes him immediately as the guy in high school who laughed at her expense and one-upped her (and everyone) else at everything. She prays he won't recognize her and is not happy to learn they will be working together on a project. Jake, on the other hand, has seen Lisa several times before in the building, has no idea and he's intrigued. He has no idea they have a past, but he loves the way she plays hard to get. He is determined to win her over with his charm. What will happen when he learns the truth? I'll never tell, but the story is a wonderful, romantic, and humorous journey of self-discovery.
I related really well to Lisa in so many situations. I, too, would hate the Golden Boy who seemingly has everything handed to him on a silver platter and so, unlike her best friend and colleague, I didn't necessarily think she was being unreasonable in her dislike of him at first, but sometimes as Lisa learns, you need to peel off the layers as well as let go of the past. I also really felt her stream of emotions when she was dealing with Tony, a guy she was dating. I've been in a similar situation so the whole New Year's Eve scene and following airport ride rang very true for me. Aside from me being a non-practicing Jew and Lisa being a pretty good Catholic, we were very similar. Perhaps that's why I liked her so much :).
I highly recommend this book.
August 27, 2014
DNFed almost halfway through. I thought the concept was interesting since the blurb made me believe Lisa and Jake were enemies in high school or Lisa was the victim of Jake's taunts. The blurb is deceiving. Jake has no idea who Lisa is or was in high school. Lisa had big jealousy issues because Jake was the most popular guy at school. She's bitter for no reason. Jake has no idea she existed.
When they meets years later, and Jake becomes smitten with Lisa after noticing her in the elevator and working alongside her, Lisa never tells him they went to high school. Why? No clue. It was beyond silly why Lisa was so stuck on Jake and why she wouldn't tell him about their high school years. Also the story dragged on, stretching out their tiresome ridiculous courtship.
Jake was a sweetheart though, but Lisa came across as sad and pitiful.
Big pass on this one.
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/9...
When they meets years later, and Jake becomes smitten with Lisa after noticing her in the elevator and working alongside her, Lisa never tells him they went to high school. Why? No clue. It was beyond silly why Lisa was so stuck on Jake and why she wouldn't tell him about their high school years. Also the story dragged on, stretching out their tiresome ridiculous courtship.
Jake was a sweetheart though, but Lisa came across as sad and pitiful.
Big pass on this one.
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/9...
December 13, 2016
Booooooooring. My goodness, 400 damn pages just for 2 stupid people to hug and kiss at the end. I want my hours back :/
September 4, 2014
Contemporary second chances romance from two people that went to the same high school but had very different experiences.
Lisa Johnston had an anonymous experience of High School, which I think most folks are forgotten once they pick up their diploma and walk out of the building so Lisa was a nothing special until she went to college and became herself. Jake Hansen had the special rare case of being king of high school. But he also became himself after leaving high school so he changed although stayed special because he is sexy hot as well as kind and smart as a lawyer who wants to help people.
Lisa makes a lot of lies by omission which is a dangerous game to play with so many people around who can out her at anytime. Jake over reacts, so does Lisa, there is a HEA anyway.
I just never invested in the characters like I do in the Knitting in the city series and after reading Friends Without Benefits which has a much better high school second chances plot so I couldn't give this more then 2 stars. I'm off to read Love Hacked so it is probably going to force me to down vote the next dozen books because it is so good!
305 pages and kindle freebie
Lisa Johnston had an anonymous experience of High School, which I think most folks are forgotten once they pick up their diploma and walk out of the building so Lisa was a nothing special until she went to college and became herself. Jake Hansen had the special rare case of being king of high school. But he also became himself after leaving high school so he changed although stayed special because he is sexy hot as well as kind and smart as a lawyer who wants to help people.
Lisa makes a lot of lies by omission which is a dangerous game to play with so many people around who can out her at anytime. Jake over reacts, so does Lisa, there is a HEA anyway.
I just never invested in the characters like I do in the Knitting in the city series and after reading Friends Without Benefits which has a much better high school second chances plot so I couldn't give this more then 2 stars. I'm off to read Love Hacked so it is probably going to force me to down vote the next dozen books because it is so good!
305 pages and kindle freebie
August 29, 2014
Genre: High school in real life, hidden identities
Summary: Lisa was quiet in high school and she always felt overshadowed by Jake Hanson, the golden boy of the high school. Well, she made some changes after high school and she is no longer that girl anymore. That doesn't mean that she wants to ever see Jake again. Well, one day on her way to work, she sees him in an elevator. She is horrified, but it appears that Jake doesn't recognize her. They end up working on a project together. As Jake gets to know her better, Lisa is torn between leaving her past behind her or finally telling Jake who she really is and moving on with her life.
Response: The premise of the story drew me in. I thought it would be a cute story, and it was. There was a surprising amount about non-profits, which was interesting, but kind of drew away from the premise of the story. Jake is kind of oblivious. Lisa is somewhat admirable, but she is a little neurotic so she began to grate on my nerves towards the end of the story, but overall, it was a cute tale.
Summary: Lisa was quiet in high school and she always felt overshadowed by Jake Hanson, the golden boy of the high school. Well, she made some changes after high school and she is no longer that girl anymore. That doesn't mean that she wants to ever see Jake again. Well, one day on her way to work, she sees him in an elevator. She is horrified, but it appears that Jake doesn't recognize her. They end up working on a project together. As Jake gets to know her better, Lisa is torn between leaving her past behind her or finally telling Jake who she really is and moving on with her life.
Response: The premise of the story drew me in. I thought it would be a cute story, and it was. There was a surprising amount about non-profits, which was interesting, but kind of drew away from the premise of the story. Jake is kind of oblivious. Lisa is somewhat admirable, but she is a little neurotic so she began to grate on my nerves towards the end of the story, but overall, it was a cute tale.
August 31, 2014
I thought this was cute. Quiet girl dates high school heart throb 10 yrs later...cute concept. I liked how the story evolved and it kept me reading.
but ********* spoiler alert **************
the end just kind of lost it. the reasons she hated him in high school were rather lame.... and really a 10 yr hatred against a trip to Washington? so he never really DID anything TO her (from the beginning you are lead to believe that he did something terrible like post naked photos, teased her mercilessly, and then had a "oh my gosh! that was YOU!? I'M SO sorry" type ordeal....that kind of stuff). but he barely even remembers her...... then when he finds out they were in the same class, he completely over reacts. I get being hurt, but he was an unbelievable extreme.
and then the end, "I forgive you," kiss and the end. I would have liked to learned more about their story about... did they still work together? what about Dave? etc? an epilogue would have been great.
anyhow, I did like the book. I just think it fell flat at the end. had great promise, it just ran out of gas.
but ********* spoiler alert **************
the end just kind of lost it. the reasons she hated him in high school were rather lame.... and really a 10 yr hatred against a trip to Washington? so he never really DID anything TO her (from the beginning you are lead to believe that he did something terrible like post naked photos, teased her mercilessly, and then had a "oh my gosh! that was YOU!? I'M SO sorry" type ordeal....that kind of stuff). but he barely even remembers her...... then when he finds out they were in the same class, he completely over reacts. I get being hurt, but he was an unbelievable extreme.
and then the end, "I forgive you," kiss and the end. I would have liked to learned more about their story about... did they still work together? what about Dave? etc? an epilogue would have been great.
anyhow, I did like the book. I just think it fell flat at the end. had great promise, it just ran out of gas.
January 16, 2015
I was given an advance reader copy of this book and so enjoyed reading it. From the very first page, when the main character, Lisa, sees a man she recognizes in the elevator at her work, I was intrigued. Clearly, Lisa and the man, whose name is Jake, have a past. But it's all much more complicated than one might assume. As author Kim Hruba skillfully takes us through the next few months with Lisa and Jake, she keeps the reader guessing at every turn. And this is far from a typical romantic comedy. The characters are smart, complex, well drawn people, and they face many choices, both in their careers and love relationships. I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out how everything would resolve, and literally didn't know how things would turn out until the very end. If you're looking for a fun, different, and ultimately rewarding read, do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
May 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, yes there were some parts when I thought "No, just no" but on the whole I liked both the main characters. Yes we are led to believe that Jake had been really horrible to Lisa at High School and when we find out the reasons she hated him they are pretty pathetic - especially to carry the grudge on for 10 years. I think I would've been more upset that he didn't really know who I was back then and couldn't remember me than being still being angry because he laughed when I farted in class (Lisa - not me!).
It is hard to know why she didn't tell him who she was - especially when her brother introduces himself to Jake - perfect opportunity but no she still doesn't - not only that BUT she doesn't even let on that he is her brother.
The end was rather rushed and it would have been nice to know what happened after but on the whole an enjoyable read.
It is hard to know why she didn't tell him who she was - especially when her brother introduces himself to Jake - perfect opportunity but no she still doesn't - not only that BUT she doesn't even let on that he is her brother.
The end was rather rushed and it would have been nice to know what happened after but on the whole an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2014
Refreshing and clean romance
Elevator Girl is a refreshing take on the thrills and chills of high school drama and can you leave it behind you. Throw in a handsome and now grown up male our main girl rushes back to those teenage emotions of feeling awkward and not fitting in. While part of her wastes to dislike him forever her adult hormones kick in and confound every situation our characters encounter together. This is a delightful and clean romance.
Elevator Girl is a refreshing take on the thrills and chills of high school drama and can you leave it behind you. Throw in a handsome and now grown up male our main girl rushes back to those teenage emotions of feeling awkward and not fitting in. While part of her wastes to dislike him forever her adult hormones kick in and confound every situation our characters encounter together. This is a delightful and clean romance.
August 27, 2014
She was so ridiculous for not telling him, I mean, who cares. And he was a total asshole at the end. I was hoping she would get with David. I mean he even says to David AT THE END 'you want her, you can have her' wtf? And then a page later he forgives her (for nothing by the way, not a big deal at all!) and they are together? Seriously?
January 22, 2016
The premise sounded interesting, somewhat reminiscent of a Sophie Kinsella book, but I just wasn't as enthralled with it.
The reasons Lisa hates Jake so much did not match the intensity of her dislike of him. The story and dialogue made for a quick read, but there wasn't anything particularly intriguing about their interactions.
It's not a book I would go back and read again.
The reasons Lisa hates Jake so much did not match the intensity of her dislike of him. The story and dialogue made for a quick read, but there wasn't anything particularly intriguing about their interactions.
It's not a book I would go back and read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2014
So much self-reflection, I loved it. It really captures the uncertainty and thought process of a real person. My only complaint is the abrupt and insubstantial ending. I wanted something a bit more solid, more certain than the maybe-kinda-probably ending we got.
October 9, 2014
Immature woman
All I can say is the main character was still living in high school and I didn't like her. I skipped her dialogue ask through the book. I had a hard time getting through it. one good thing I liked Jake that's it.
All I can say is the main character was still living in high school and I didn't like her. I skipped her dialogue ask through the book. I had a hard time getting through it. one good thing I liked Jake that's it.
September 4, 2014
I wish there would have been more to the ending...
September 4, 2014
Great
it's all about letting hurt go a way.this love hate relationships started in high school.the being thrown back together and Woking together. it ended great.
it's all about letting hurt go a way.this love hate relationships started in high school.the being thrown back together and Woking together. it ended great.
April 6, 2015
spending half the book making a diatribe on the fact that her last name is Johnston and not Johnson got super annoying. I never got past that.
November 25, 2016
This book was really cute. I took one star because in places it jumped from one scene to another with no warning and it was confusing. But really likable story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews