Along for the Ride: A short standalone in-elevator romance

by Maren Jenner

A blind composer wishing for love, a ballet dancer with a fierce crush, and a stalled elevator full of endless possibilities.

Avid ballet dancer, Emily Van Buren is beyond thrilled when her company partners with the Grand Rapids symphony to showcase her favorite composer, Grayson Michaels. A corporate dinner gives her the chance to know him better, and her fleeting crush turns into something more concrete. If only she could find the courage to tell him.
Grayson can’t get Emily off his mind after their easy conversation at the corporate dinner. Her regular visits to the studio quickly become the highlight of his day, though they don’t offer the opportunity for chatting one on one, and his time there is coming to an end. When his after-work plans are unexpectedly canceled, he eagerly accepts Emily’s offer to spend the afternoon together.
The walk to his hotel leaves them both wanting more time, and a stalled elevator grants their unspoken wish.
With nowhere to go and nothing to do but talk, Grayson and Emily have to decide if they’re only along for the ride or brave enough to see where this connection might lead.

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

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Maren Jenner for the arc! I loved this sweet and spicy romance novella! Emily and Grayson are meant to be. They relate to each other through the arts (she as a ballet dancer and he as a composer) but I think it is Emily’s warmth and consideration of Grayson when showing him her dancing through movement and touch that seals the deal when it comes to their passion for each other and starting a relationship.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when you meet your idols. Probably usually not this lol.

Can a novella be a slow burn?
Spicy novellas usually have hot and heavy flirting, but this one was kinda sweet and romantic. It was adorable.

Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to arc read this novella

[Debbie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of The Shafted Series, especially this latest novella! Emily and Grayson have been working together - she is a ballet dancer and he is the composer of the songs the company she works for is using. They have become friends while working together and one day they decide to hang out outside of work and end up stuck in the elevator of his hotel together. They both have been secretly harboring feelings for each other and this gives them a chance to admit that.

I have to say, their elevator scene is one of the, if not the most, sensual scenes I’ve ever read in a book. IYKYK! Grayson is blind and like him, I love that Emily doesn’t treat him any differently because of it. They really connect with and understand each other and it’s easy to see that they’re perfect together. Overall, a very sweet and passionate story!

[Noa Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He admired her dedication to her art, but the way she’d used her talent to express what he couldn’t took his curiosity to a new level." - Grayson

"This man was everything she wanted and so much more than she could ever have dreamed." - Emily

Grayson's music means a lot to Emily, and she's very excited to meet her idol. Grayson is blind and finally feels understood by someone, and that is Emily. He wants to let her listen to some music in the hotel, and they get stuck in the elevator. I LOVE how gentle they were for each other; they really are a great match. This is the kind of connection that is so pure. I totally would read a full-length book about them. They are both creative and gave an insight into what they love and made it accessible.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

.

[Kasie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 2.75🌶
This might honestly be one of the most sensual stories I’ve ever read.
You have a ballerina and a blind music composer, and when I say you can close your eyes and fully envision every scene, I mean it. The way this story pulls you in and makes you feel everything is unforgettable.
Maren did such a beautiful job showcasing disability, not as a limitation, but as just one piece of a deeply layered person. The love, the compassion, the connection… it all felt so intentional and real. It truly makes you see beyond what’s on the surface.
And whew… the chemistry? 🥵🔥
Yeah, I’m going to need more of this.
This is one of those books I’ll forever remember, not just for the story, but for the way it made me feel.

[Becky Hensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this quick read. It's got a slower build up than the others in this series, which isn't a bad thing. I loved the way that these characters interacted with each other and the way they learn about each other not in the romantic ways but in the general sense. I loved when she "shows" him how she dances. If you are looking for a palate cleanser, then any book in this series would be great for that.

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along For The Ride is a short romance that is full of emotions, romance and intimate moments. Emily is a ballerina who gets a chance to meet and work with her idol, Grayson, a blind composer with the Grand Rapids Symphony. Their connection feels natural and is full of passion.

[Jessica Crome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these fast paced stories. This was my favorite of the series thus far. I loved how she showed him ballet and the connection they had from the start. The characters are wonderful and make sense for the story. Loved it all!

[Ariel Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was so sweet and I really didn’t want it to end. I loved seeing the start of Grayson and Emily’s relationship and definitely was left wanting more.

[Bookskee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great super short spicy novella!

You know when you get a bag of mini chips... finish it and wish you had a bigger bag? Yeah.. that's how I felt with this book... it left me hungry for more!

[Esther Cespedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story.

[book _nerd .uk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I am really enjoying this mini-series of novellas. All under 100 pages and all great.

I especially enjoyed this one with the disability representation. Maren absolutely nailed it.

Greyson and Emily are such a cute pair, the composer and the dancer. The descriptions used were great and you could envision everything that was happening.

I do hope there are more novella’s in this series.

[Brenda Ashworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out awesome

Well it was really good, they were getting along great. Seemed like they were starting a relationship, getting ready to go out to dinner after a few "things " happened but then the book just abruptly ends. I knew it was a short story but I felt cheated.

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along for the Ride by Maren Jenner completely stole my heart. This novella is soft, romantic, and full of quiet, meaningful moments that prove love doesn’t need grand gestures to feel powerful.

Emily Van Buren is an avid ballet dancer who has long admired composer Grayson Michaels, so when her ballet company partners with the Grand Rapids Symphony and she finally meets him at a corporate dinner, sparks begin to fly almost instantly. Their connection feels natural and genuine from the start. It's built on shared passion, mutual respect, and a gentle curiosity about each other that slowly deepens.

What I loved most about this story is the representation. Grayson is a blind composer, and the way his experience is written feels thoughtful, respectful, and beautifully integrated into the romance. It never feels like a gimmick. It’s simply part of who he is, and it adds such depth to the way he experiences music, movement, and connection.

And then there’s the stalled elevator scene and the moment where everything shifts. Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, and this one is done so well. Trapped between floors with nothing but time, conversation, and growing tension, Emily and Grayson finally get the space to truly see each other beyond passing moments and shared rooms. The vulnerability and honesty in those scenes made my heart ache in the best way.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was the way Emily worked with Grayson to help him “see” her dance. Instead of simply performing for him, she describes and translates the movement while sharing the emotion, rhythm, and physicality of the dance in a way that allows him to experience it through sound, sensation, and imagination. It was such a beautiful, intimate moment between them and perfectly captured the way their worlds, music and ballet, intertwine.

For a novella, this story delivers an incredible amount of emotional depth. The pacing feels just right, the chemistry between Emily and Grayson is soft and sincere, and the romance blooms in such an authentic way that you can’t help but root for them.

Sweet, heartfelt, and full of quiet magic, Along for the Ride is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when life forces you to slow down and simply enjoy the ride.

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

Spice level 1

I was able to read this book ahead of its release date thanks to the author.

I would recommend this book to someone looking for a quick book snack with disability rep and a hint of spice.

This is book five in The Shafted Series. A collection of standalone novellas connected only by the hotel and the elevator. 100% can be read out of order.

This is the fifth book in the series that I have read and am always amazed at how the author is able to keep the concept fresh and new.
“Along for the ride” takes place in two different places. The theater where both the FMC and MMC will be performing and the hotel.
The theater setting is great because it helps establish a quick history for these characters so it doesn't feel insta-lust. They know each other, have worked and socialized in the same circles leading up to their elevator moment. Both characters have established attraction for each other.

This was the first time reading a romance where one of the MCs is blind and it was definitely a new experience. Usually there is so much emphasis put on how physically attracted the MMC is to the FMC but that was not that case here. His attraction to her was purely based on her personality, not her looks.
The FMC is a fan of him before they meet but she doesn't become completely smitten until they interact and she gets to know him more. I did like that she was honest and told him she was a fan girl prior to them heading to the bedroom.

I loved how the author touched on ableism and even had the FMC being mindful not to fall into that. Leaning into things that she could tell gave him more confidence and made him comfortable. Also, apologizing when she felt like maybe she had said or done something to make him feel less than. The conversation with his friend and the fireman were good examples.

My favorite scene was when she figured out a way to “show” him dance. It created a very intimate moment between them.
There is spice in this book but it is mild by my standards.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to future stories in the series.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**His Ballerina!**

"Along for the Ride" is the fifth book in The Shafted series, and I absolutely love it! The series features a matchmaking elevator that brings together different couples who find themselves stuck, leading to some steamy moments before they are rescued. In this installment, we meet Grayson, one of the most famous blind composers, and Emily, a prima ballerina. They share a mutual respect for one another.

When the symphony and ballet company collaborate on a project, it creates the perfect opportunity for Grayson and Emily to meet for the first time. Their attraction, chemistry, and connection are instant. As they walk back to the hotel, they get to know each other better, and things heat up between them. Emily gives Grayson the chance to finally "see" her dance, and after they are rescued from the elevator, things become even spicier when they move into Grayson’s room.

The author, Jenner, truly knows how to pack so much heat and spice into a short, instalove story that you won't want it to end. The characters, Grayson and Emily, are wonderfully crafted—fun, heartfelt, and easy to read in one sitting. I can't wait to find out who the next couple will be stuck in the elevator!

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

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and sensitive romance, with a hint of angst and spice. Both Emily and Grayson are drawn to music and to creating their own brand of artistry. She is a ballerina and he is a composer who also happens to be blind. She has a crush on him, one that she tries to hide from him. Emily doesn’t know that Grayson now has a crush on her. It is his blindness that holds him back from approaching her at first, but her kindness, charm and joie de vivre draw him to her. He eventually gets the courage to ask Emily to accompany him on the walk to his hotel, and she accepts. Grayson then invites her to his room to hear his latest composition. Neither counted on a stalled elevator, though they both see it as a blessing later. The forced proximity leads to them getting to know one another better, to being more vulnerable than they would be usually and to finding the courage to show each other without words how they feel. They know where they stand with each other at the end of the day. Grayson’s blindness is not a deterrent in Emily’s eyes. Her body and soul are perfect for Grayson. They are ready to face and to fight for a future together.

I am very happy to recommend this wonderful novella.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, I absolutely loved this novella. It gave off a different vibe than the prior stories in this series. This is not a bad thing. In fact, I really enjoyed the fact that it was different. What I mean by this is that the story was full of deep emotions and not an insta-lust. Not that I have anything against a fast and furious romance.

Yet, there is just something that hits differently when the emotions are raw. Because Grayson is blind, touch comes into play a lot more than vocal. When Emily "showed" Grayson how she danced by allowing him to feel it through her movements that was a beautiful and steamy scene.

Readers of this series are in for a special treat with this novella. It is one that will stick with you. Grayson and Emily dance the language of love.

[Crystal Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute fast paced story. Grayson and Emily liked each other from the first time they met. Grayson is a blind music composer. Emily is a ballet dancer. Grayson’s music is being featured in a musical that Emily is dancing in. While rehearsing the music live, Grayson was having difficulty describing to the orchestra what he wants with his music and Emily helps him. From there they decide to walk to his hotel together. Grayson was staying at The Warren a new hotel with notoriously slow elevators (running on generator power). Some conversation and a stalled elevator ride later, they grow closer and hot… it was spicy and sweet and fast paced.

[Chasity’s_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters and the elevator scene was so sweet & steamy!

Emily is a ballerina and Grayson is a composer and also blind. It was sweet seeing how thoughtful Emily was with Grayson to ensure he was comfortable with her.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book Grayson and Emily are perfect together I loved how they interacted with each other not just on a spicy level but in general they learned about each other in so many ways I loved that ❤️ this was the best one of this series

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quick spicy read, Emily and Grayson are both lovers of music, Emily is a ballerina and Grayson a composer who happens to be blind. This is a very heartfelt story and I really enjoyed reading.

[Nifer Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐2🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person 79pgs
Standalone #5 in The Shafted Series
Emily and Grayson
A delightfully quick and fun read. I love this series, low stakes, palate cleanser , but with spice.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These novellas by Maren Jenner just absolutely steal my heart. This is so sweet. The communication is top tier. She packs everything in in just 70 pages and it will make you smile :)

[Melissa Motes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along for the Ride is part of the Shafted Series by Maren Jenner. Each installment is a standalone with the common feature of a very slow elevator that is prone to frequent stops. This installment involves Emily, a ballerina, who has been tasked to dance to her favorite composer's work at a showcase. Grayson is the blin composer, who enjoys Emily's company. Their shared love of the arts and understanding for each other has the reader rooting for their HEA. Both are smitten with each other which is prevalent in the heat between Emily and Grayson. This is my new favorite in the series!

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all these stories so far but this one was amazing. Emily the ballerina and Grayson the blind composer. Their connection is ❤️‍🔥 and the way they communicate with both words and touch is ❤️. Enjoy