All the Stops

by Maren Jenner

A stalled elevator, an unrequited crush, and the chance for everything to change.

McKinley Finnegan’s unrequited crush on her brother’s best friend Jack Langdon has gone on long enough. When he asks for her help with her brother’s surprise party, she promises herself this is it — if Jack doesn’t notice her at the party, she’s done for good.

Jack has always avoided encouraging MK’s crush, convinced he wasn’t the settling-down type. Party planning brought them closer together, but even with their daily talks, he still wasn’t prepared for seeing her face to face. Or the newfound feelings that ignited when they met again in person.

As the nignt winds down, the two stay to cleanup. Jack puts his foot in his mouth, making for a tense ride to her hotel where he insists on on escorting her to her room. When the elevator stalls, he has to decide — keep his mouth shut and risk losing Mk forever or pull all the stops and go for it by putting his heart on the line.

The Shafted Series is a collection of short, standalone, in-elevator romances that can be read in any order.

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2025

About the author

*For trigger warnings in Maren's books, please visit her website at marenjennerbooks.com
Maren Jenner lives in Michigan with her supportive husband and spunky daughter. She loves writing, and, when she’s not working on her next book, she’s got her nose in a different one. Her summers are spent on any lake she can visit, but the beaches of Lake Michigan are her favorite.
The Cupcake Standard was her debut novel, though she’s been writing for as long as she can remember. It’s always been a dream to become a full time author. Her dreams wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of her family and friends. And, of course, her invaluable readers!
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Reviews

[Ariel Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is that it was too short. 😂 I really enjoyed this one and wanted to be with these characters longer to see their story unfold

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should of been longer but that end was so cute

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story as an ARC reader. I've only read the "wrighting the wrongs" series so far by this author- but enjoyed them so was eager to read another! this a novella meant to explore tropes- and it was great! the story jumps right in, but at the same time doesn't feel too rushed because we get a quick glimpse of history between the characters. well written and a nice, steamy reset!

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen. I picked up All the Stops not knowing what i was in for. I've only read her Wrighting the Wrongs series. What I got was a full-blown emotional rollercoaster driven by a man who talks like he stepped out of a dream.
My favorite moment? Easy:
“Every time my phone made a noise over these last few months, I hoped it was you. Needed to see your name on the screen.” Jack shoved his hands into his pockets. “Seeing you tonight? It felt like I’d found what’s been missing in my life.”
Sir. Jack. I am BEGGING you to calm down before I fling my phone into traffic. The angst? The yearning? The hands in the pockets like he’s trying not to unravel right there in the middle of the scene?? Maren Jenner did not need to go that hard and yet… she did.
Anyway, 5 stars because I now measure all romantic potential by whether someone would say something like that to me. And spoiler: the bar is now in orbit. Thanks a lot, Maren. 😌👏

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**McKinley and Jack**

"All the Stops" is the third book in the Shafted series, featuring short love stories that start off hot and spicy in a trapped elevator and end even steamier in the bedroom.

In this installment, we’ve got McKinley, who has always had a secret crush on Jack—her brother’s best friend. After spending months planning her brother’s birthday party alongside Jack, she’s really hoping he’ll notice her this time around. Little does she know, Jack has been aware of her all along! When they get stuck in that elevator, things start to get incredibly steamy between them.

It’s a fun, easy read that you can enjoy in one sitting, filled with lovable characters. I can’t wait to see who will be the next to take an unexpected ride in that elevator! Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mayras mini book reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice rating: 2

I was able to read this book ahead of its release date thanks to Maren Jenner.

I recommend this to someone looking for a quick stand alone read with pining.

It’s impressive how much pining was able to be packed into this short story. Proving that short stories don’t all have to be insta love or lust. There is good establishment of them knowing each other for a long time but not in a romantic way. Plus we get the moment that things changed for the MMC.
I liked that although it was the FMCs first time going all the way she wasn’t written to be naïve or completely inexperienced.
This is the first story in the series that takes us out of the elevator and into one of the hotel room to finish the story. It was a good bonus.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Debbie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the stories in the Shafted series so far and this one is my favorite! I love the brother’s best friend trope and unlike so many times with this trope, MK’s brother Callum actually approves and encourages a relationship between his sister and his best friend Jack.

MK has had a crush on Jack for a long time, but it’s not until they’re working together to plan a birthday party for Callum that he realizes his feelings towards her have changed. While cleaning up after the party, MK and Jack can’t stop thinking about the other. Afterwards, they finally admit their feelings for each other and things heat up when they’re trapped in the hotel elevator together! The scenes are definitely sweet and steamy and the perfect length to read in one sitting.

[Noa Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Seeing you tonight? It felt like I’d found what’s been missing in my life." - Jack

"It felt so right, as if she was exactly where she was supposed to be." - McKinley

McKinley has always liked Jack, her brother's best friend. They have been talking and ended up stuck in an elevator. Jack wants to give her everything that she wants because he's finally ready to have a relationship with the girl of his dreams. This is short and spicy and was very fun to read!

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and dirty. That's what this was. I loved it so much. We basically just got to experience the pinnacle of the slow burn, brothers-best-friend romance and that is one of the most unique things I've gotten to read!

I already love Maren's writing, but I'll definitely be reading the rest of the Shafted series just because everyone deserves to have a good time. And that's what this book is.

overall: highly recommend
spice: open door

[Karen Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 3 shorts from The Shatfed series and they are stand alone books with an elevator as the common denominator. I read All the Stops as an ARC reader and enjoyed every minute of it. What stands out the most is the balance between heat and heart. By the time the elevator begins to move again, you’re rooting for Jack and McKinley not just to get out of the elevator, but for them to take a real chance on each other and love.

[Tams Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything Maren Jenner I love, this book was no difference at all.

It’s very clear that Maren can already write good romances (her ENTIRE series about the Wrighting brothers) and somehow they can also write such a short romance book but add so much character depth.

I didn’t know these characters for long, but I knew so much about them by how much context was given, and even I was rooting for them.

A short, steamy romance set in an elevator is such an interesting concept, and safe to say I will definitely be reading the rest of the series after this one!!

[Becky Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Shafted Series. Each book is a short stand alone and great for in between reads. I don't want to give too much away being this book is a novella but if you are looking for a short, quick read with Brothers best friend, in elevator steam, unrequited love and he falls hard and fast then grab this book!!! I love this whole little series!!!!

[Becci Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good friends to lovers story. And to make it all the better is a brother's best friend story.
McKinley and Jack came together to plan a birthday party for her brother. Long looks across the room, a brother's blessing Jack takes his shot when they go back to the hotel. Of course the hotel is new and working out the kinks in the building. On the elevator there is a notice that says that it is only working on generator power and may work and go up and down slowly. The spice in this short novella is on point. Although it may have started in the elevator it ended in the hotel room. They worshipped each other. McKinley had her reservations because of her brother, however Jack made it abundantly clear that they had his blessing. If you like
*age gap (small)
*brother's best friend
*friends to lovers
*instalove or long lasting crush
This book is for you.

[Jessica Ritzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of the stories in the Shafted series and this one is just as good as the others. Getting stuck in an elevator seems like an unpleasant experience, but these stories prove that it doesn't have to be all bad. Grab your copy and enjoy.

[Nifer Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐3🌶️ ARC E-book Dual POV Third Person
McKinley and Jack
It's like a shot of espresso, but instead of caffeine, it's spice. A quick sweet n' spicey story. Perfect for when you're short on time, in between longer stories, or a pick me up after something heavy.

[Bookskee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super spicy novella!

Yes, it's a novella. It's short, but really, there are days that you're busy, you're tired but you need something to read and this was great .

It felt like a summary of a full length book but with all the fun peices thrown in!

Enjoyed!

[Crystal Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute to read.. McKinley and Jack are so sweet together. The chemistry between them heated up quickly but it seems to fit how they knew each other all that time. Loved this quick read so much!

[Chasity7474📚❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great novella! Brother’s best friend. MK wanting him for years. His yearning once he realized she had grown up. Just overall a great book!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was amazing novella I loved McKenzie and Jack's relationship it was not rushed it was perfect the spice level was perfect I loved the ending 🥰

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short fun read. Brothers best friend, forever crush, amazing chemistry. Look what happens when you are stuck in the elevator. Jack & McKinley, yum. Enjoy

[Kelley wellmeier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick novella read! His best friends sister, stuck in an elevator, they both fall hard!

[Jessica Crome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the steaminess of this book especially since we get to see it build up to the elevator. Who doesn’t love a good elevator scene and this definitely is one! I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series

[Kasie Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 2.75🌶
This is the third novella in The Shafted Series, and while each story can absolutely be read as a standalone (the only connective thread is an elevator 👀), I still highly recommend reading the others too!

This one was so well done. You get just enough backstory to set the stage for the present-day tension without anything feeling rushed, and then you’re thrown right into everything unfolding in the best way. It’s a short, steamy read with a cast of supportive, push-you-toward-your-HEA characters who give the MCs that final nudge they desperately need.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Stops is a short, steamy novella. It's a Brother's best friend/Best friend's little sister romance, where McKinley and Jack have been keeping their feelings to themselves, and seems off-limits due to said brother/best friend. When they get stuck in an elevator their true feelings come out.
Great story you can read on one sitting with plenty of angst, emotions and steam!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good, quick read! Loved the secret crushes. I loved these characters and honestly could have read so much more of them

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet and sexy tale about two people seizing the opportunity and being brave enough to reveal their feelings. Mckinley and Jack have recently worked together planning her brother’s birthday party. On the day of the party, both have reached a decision about their feelings for the other. She has loved her brother’s best friend Jack for years, but has seen no hint that he feels the same. She has finally decided that maybe it is time for her to let go of her dream of more than friends with Jack. He, on the other hand, has decided that today is the day that he will tell McKinley how he feels, which is definitely not brotherly and more than friendship. Unfortunately, they are at odds when they leave the party venue. Both are stewing a bit when they enter the elevator of the hotel. When they leave it, they have hashed out their feelings and created some steam.

This captivating novella has my full recommendation.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I love, LOVED this novella. I have not read the other books in this series, but I am now going to have to go back and check them out. This novella can be read as a standalone.

Who would not want to be "stuck" in an elevator with their crush. At least while you are passing the time until the firefighters come and rescue you, you will have someone to look at and maybe something will happen and you will end up sharing a kiss or two. Just ask McKinley.

This is what happens to her. Jack finally recognizes that McKinley is more than his best friend's sister. One thing leads to another and before you know it, these two are hot and heavy.

This novella will have you needing a cold glass of water to cool down from all the steamy goodness!

[Melissa Motes · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKinley (MK) has been crushing on her brother's best friend, Jack, for years. Jack hasn't noticed. MK and Jack are tasked with planning a birthday party for her brother. MK feels like this is her last chance for Jack to notice, but he is oblivious. After a couple of events on the night of the party, MK and Jack become stuck in an elevator. In the dim lights of the elevator car, feelings are revealed and acted on by both parties.

All the Stops is a fun spicy novella. Even though this book is party of a series, All the Stops, can be read as a standalone.

[Laura Perttula · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little different than the others, I think.

Cute short story. Truthfully I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two in this series, which I loved, but it’s still definitely worth reading. The characters were a lot more immature and tentative in this book and I personally didn’t resonate with that as much. If you’ve read MJ’s other series that focus on young adults and often first love this is more in line with those. I felt like the other books in this series were a little more slightly seasoned adults.

[Kahlexza Snethern · Rating 3 out of 5]

series is losing its appeal

The first book - great, second - still decent, this one? Lacking. The first kept my interest through the connection or the characters, even book 2 they still had great chemistry, this book the whole plot was handed to him in one conversation and everyone decided they were head over heels with no real reason.