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Lift Me Up
Georgia 'Georgie' Wright can't catch a break. Between dealing with chronic illness, being between jobs and a crocheting yarn obsession she can't fund, it doesn't seem anything else can go wrong. That is, until she has one of the lowest days of her life wrapped up in a pretty little bow: she gets stuck in an elevator.
Convinced she is going to never get out, the only thing that keeps her going is the voice of the elevator phone operator who talks to her about anything and everything, promising she will, in fact, make it out alive. She can’t help but feel drawn to this man that saves her in every way, even if she’ll never meet him again. There’s nothing more she wants than to find him, to thank him. She’ll do whatever it takes.
Things are about to get knotty.
Convinced she is going to never get out, the only thing that keeps her going is the voice of the elevator phone operator who talks to her about anything and everything, promising she will, in fact, make it out alive. She can’t help but feel drawn to this man that saves her in every way, even if she’ll never meet him again. There’s nothing more she wants than to find him, to thank him. She’ll do whatever it takes.
Things are about to get knotty.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 14, 2026
I adored this book!
Georgie is living with a chronic illness (YAY for the representation!) and gets stuck in the elevator in her apartment building.
Noah is the cute hero on the other end of the phone that helps talk her through it when she becomes anxious.
What follows is a sweet (also serious), heartwarming story. It was funny and made me laugh 🤭 It will give you so many emotions, and it’s a delightful read.
Definitely recommend!
**Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy**
Georgie is living with a chronic illness (YAY for the representation!) and gets stuck in the elevator in her apartment building.
Noah is the cute hero on the other end of the phone that helps talk her through it when she becomes anxious.
What follows is a sweet (also serious), heartwarming story. It was funny and made me laugh 🤭 It will give you so many emotions, and it’s a delightful read.
Definitely recommend!
**Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy**
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for free to review, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I believe this book is needed in the fictional world today. It’s extremely rare to read books where the main character is both plus sized and has a chronic illness. This book made me laugh out loud, and I even cried a couple of times, because representation really does matter. Even though the chronic illness is different, I can still find parallels to my own life. I absolutely devoured this book, and struggled to put it down.
The plot is based around Georgia’s (Georgie) life. She lives with an autoimmune condition that manifests in the skin, and leads to painful flares. She is in between jobs, and on one of the worst days in her life she gets stuck in an elevator. She is convinced she’ll never get out, and an elevator operator helps her to tackle the fears by having a long conversation with her. She becomes obsessed to thank him for his help.
The character line up is small, but mighty, which brings maximum character development and a romance that feels intimate.The MMC, Noah, gives away a golden retriever energy that is absolutely adorable. It was a perfect balance throughout the book with sweet romance and spicy scenes that made me kick my feet and giggle. The side character’s stories linked nicely to the main plot, and I loved them all! There even was a dog that multiple times made me go: “awww!”
One thing that felt extra recognisable as someone who lives with a chronic illness herself, was the theme that Georgie didn’t want to be a burden on her bad flare days. It felt very accurate, and I’m sure a lot of people with chronic illnesses can recognise this.
I really recommend this book if you like:
- A good romance with spice
- The thought of a plus sized FMC
- Chronic illness representative in literature
- Grumphy vs Shunshine
- Animal sidekick
- Hurt vs Comfort
A huge thanks to Love Shack PR and author Danni Maxwell for the ARC copy! I truly enjoyed this read.
I believe this book is needed in the fictional world today. It’s extremely rare to read books where the main character is both plus sized and has a chronic illness. This book made me laugh out loud, and I even cried a couple of times, because representation really does matter. Even though the chronic illness is different, I can still find parallels to my own life. I absolutely devoured this book, and struggled to put it down.
The plot is based around Georgia’s (Georgie) life. She lives with an autoimmune condition that manifests in the skin, and leads to painful flares. She is in between jobs, and on one of the worst days in her life she gets stuck in an elevator. She is convinced she’ll never get out, and an elevator operator helps her to tackle the fears by having a long conversation with her. She becomes obsessed to thank him for his help.
The character line up is small, but mighty, which brings maximum character development and a romance that feels intimate.The MMC, Noah, gives away a golden retriever energy that is absolutely adorable. It was a perfect balance throughout the book with sweet romance and spicy scenes that made me kick my feet and giggle. The side character’s stories linked nicely to the main plot, and I loved them all! There even was a dog that multiple times made me go: “awww!”
One thing that felt extra recognisable as someone who lives with a chronic illness herself, was the theme that Georgie didn’t want to be a burden on her bad flare days. It felt very accurate, and I’m sure a lot of people with chronic illnesses can recognise this.
I really recommend this book if you like:
- A good romance with spice
- The thought of a plus sized FMC
- Chronic illness representative in literature
- Grumphy vs Shunshine
- Animal sidekick
- Hurt vs Comfort
A huge thanks to Love Shack PR and author Danni Maxwell for the ARC copy! I truly enjoyed this read.
September 22, 2026
Life with a chronic illness is complex enough without adding love into the equation in Lift Me Up.
Georgia is having a terrible day and it’s about to get worse - the elevator she’s in has just broken down. The only thing that keeps her calm is the voice on the end of the emergency call bell. Once she is free though, that connection is gone…or so she thinks.
A chance encounter in her favourite yarn shop lands her not only a job but also a reconnection with Noah, the man who kept her sane. But Georgia is reluctant to get close to anyone - as a sufferer of Hidradenitis Suppuravita, she has been rejected and hurt before. This is the story of how Noah - along with a very special dog Birdie - helps Georgia to open her heart.
This was a special contemporary romance. It has a strong focus on life with a chronic illness, and focuses in on how things that seem straightforward to most people (job applications, grocery shopping, intimacy) are fraught with difficulty for others. There’s also a deep dive into dealing with unhelpful doctors. Importantly, Georgia ends with hope but not a miracle cure that fixes everything.
The romance in this story evolves quickly initially, but struggles to progress as Georgia instinctively backs away as things get serious - before she can get hurt. The intimacy and the discussion of how Georgia’s HS was really special to read.
This book deals with chronic illness rep, judgement/body shaming, medical gaslighting, heavy parental expectations, threatened pre-term labor, sepsis and shelter animal fostering/adoption.
For fans of contemporary romance that tackle real issues, this was a great read. I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR.
Georgia is having a terrible day and it’s about to get worse - the elevator she’s in has just broken down. The only thing that keeps her calm is the voice on the end of the emergency call bell. Once she is free though, that connection is gone…or so she thinks.
A chance encounter in her favourite yarn shop lands her not only a job but also a reconnection with Noah, the man who kept her sane. But Georgia is reluctant to get close to anyone - as a sufferer of Hidradenitis Suppuravita, she has been rejected and hurt before. This is the story of how Noah - along with a very special dog Birdie - helps Georgia to open her heart.
This was a special contemporary romance. It has a strong focus on life with a chronic illness, and focuses in on how things that seem straightforward to most people (job applications, grocery shopping, intimacy) are fraught with difficulty for others. There’s also a deep dive into dealing with unhelpful doctors. Importantly, Georgia ends with hope but not a miracle cure that fixes everything.
The romance in this story evolves quickly initially, but struggles to progress as Georgia instinctively backs away as things get serious - before she can get hurt. The intimacy and the discussion of how Georgia’s HS was really special to read.
This book deals with chronic illness rep, judgement/body shaming, medical gaslighting, heavy parental expectations, threatened pre-term labor, sepsis and shelter animal fostering/adoption.
For fans of contemporary romance that tackle real issues, this was a great read. I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR.
October 18, 2026
I loved the representation of chronic illness, with HS. Seeing the real life stuff, involving her flares and the potentially embarrassing moments that sometimes happen. I definitely related to the feelings of inadequacy in relationships & potential intimacy. Maybe feel like your partner could do or deserves better than dealing with your illness. It was to see supportive vibes from Georgie’s mom, friend and new boss, even if the book began with a crappy interview experience.
3.5 stars rounded up for me. I am not sure if this was just my current vibe, reading mood, or what. I loved the concept and the characters but something just felt off for most of the book for me. While it was dual pov, I definitely think it skewed towards Georgie’s perspective more so. Not that that is a bad thing, but maybe I would have liked to see more of Noah's? Also, I felt like we’d start to dive into Noah, and his sister, but then something felt like it was missing. Even with Georgie’s belief that Noah was “perfect”. We did get to see maybe a peek into their attachment styles, and Noah being maybe a dormant in previous relationships I think it would have been fun to see more of that. All and all I would definitely read more from this author.
If you enjoy a different take on chronic illness, curvy representation, cinnamon roll type guy with a super fun meet-cute, I do recommend!
Thank you Love Shack for the ARC
3.5 stars rounded up for me. I am not sure if this was just my current vibe, reading mood, or what. I loved the concept and the characters but something just felt off for most of the book for me. While it was dual pov, I definitely think it skewed towards Georgie’s perspective more so. Not that that is a bad thing, but maybe I would have liked to see more of Noah's? Also, I felt like we’d start to dive into Noah, and his sister, but then something felt like it was missing. Even with Georgie’s belief that Noah was “perfect”. We did get to see maybe a peek into their attachment styles, and Noah being maybe a dormant in previous relationships I think it would have been fun to see more of that. All and all I would definitely read more from this author.
If you enjoy a different take on chronic illness, curvy representation, cinnamon roll type guy with a super fun meet-cute, I do recommend!
Thank you Love Shack for the ARC
September 17, 2026
An excellent book that, I feel, shows life with a chronic condition well. How it affects you. How it affects those around you. How your thoughts will often be against you. And how, with the right help, you can actually have some sort of life. A thoroughly needed view these days.
Georgie lives with, and suffers with, a rare chronic illness known as HS. She can live her day to day life but if a flare up happens she’s out of action and in a lot of pain for days at a time. This, obviously, can make things like finding a job, difficult.
So when she gets stuck in a broken lift, the very nice sounding emergency guy keeps her calm. He starts talking to her far longer than he should. Leading him to losing his job. So when Georgie tries to contact him again through the lift emergency button, he’s not there and she has no way to contact him.
Amazingly, they meet totally accidentally and what starts is an easy friendship. But can it be more? Will Noah leave when he finds out about her condition? Or is he one of the good guys who will help?
Georgie lives with, and suffers with, a rare chronic illness known as HS. She can live her day to day life but if a flare up happens she’s out of action and in a lot of pain for days at a time. This, obviously, can make things like finding a job, difficult.
So when she gets stuck in a broken lift, the very nice sounding emergency guy keeps her calm. He starts talking to her far longer than he should. Leading him to losing his job. So when Georgie tries to contact him again through the lift emergency button, he’s not there and she has no way to contact him.
Amazingly, they meet totally accidentally and what starts is an easy friendship. But can it be more? Will Noah leave when he finds out about her condition? Or is he one of the good guys who will help?
October 10, 2026
This book didn't ruin my life. It held it together with both hands and said "stay." Georgie’s chronic illness doesn’t disappear, and neither does her anxiety. Her ex left her believing she WAS the burden, and this book understands what it’s like to be so deep in your own head that you push away the one person who keeps showing up. Noah isn’t a hero trying to save her. He learns to give her injections and documents every reaction because it matters to HIM. He reads her journal and, instead of running, climbs a fire escape in the rain to tell her, “you don’t get to decide what I want.” He’s not trying to fix her. He’s simply choosing her. “It is the best feeling in the world to be wholeheartedly loved and to be in love.” That line broke me because this book EARNS it. Every flare, every silence, every moment Georgie believes she’s too much leads to luminaries spelling out “marry me” and a girl screaming for everyone to look because she can’t believe it’s FOR HER. This isn’t a love story about being saved. It’s about being seen. 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2026
💗 "Tell me something good."💗
Lift Me Up opens with FMC, Georgia (Georgie), stuck in an elevator with the emergency elevator responder, Noah, keeping her calm on the phone. Georgie hasn't had a recent healthy relationship. We learn about her challenges with chronic illness and how it impacts her career and relationships. She runs into Noah, who is a golden retriever of an MMC, and their chemistry is fast and cute. This cozy, spicy romance that will leave you a better person for having read and understood a person living with chronic illness.
I can't leave out that they are dog people and it's so cute. 🐶
If you love to read about an FMC who is finally, wholly loved, then you'll enjoy Lift Me Up. ❤️🩹
Lift Me Up opens with FMC, Georgia (Georgie), stuck in an elevator with the emergency elevator responder, Noah, keeping her calm on the phone. Georgie hasn't had a recent healthy relationship. We learn about her challenges with chronic illness and how it impacts her career and relationships. She runs into Noah, who is a golden retriever of an MMC, and their chemistry is fast and cute. This cozy, spicy romance that will leave you a better person for having read and understood a person living with chronic illness.
I can't leave out that they are dog people and it's so cute. 🐶
If you love to read about an FMC who is finally, wholly loved, then you'll enjoy Lift Me Up. ❤️🩹
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received this ARC from the publisher and my review is voluntary.
Lift me up is a refreshing contemporary romance with plus size FMC who has a chronic illness and a golden retreiver MMC. And an adorable doggo. I mean what's not to love.
There were a few areas that took me out of the story and a couple of loose ends that didn't really make sense but overall it was a quick easy read.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone that enjoys contemporary romance, grumpy and sunshine style books.
Lift me up is a refreshing contemporary romance with plus size FMC who has a chronic illness and a golden retreiver MMC. And an adorable doggo. I mean what's not to love.
There were a few areas that took me out of the story and a couple of loose ends that didn't really make sense but overall it was a quick easy read.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone that enjoys contemporary romance, grumpy and sunshine style books.
September 17, 2026
This book made me cry in the best way.
I had the honor of reading an early copy of Lift Me Up. I loved following Georgie on her journey through chronic illness and allowing herself to find love.
I also struggle with chronic illness and mental health, so this book made me feel seen.
This book came at a critical point in my life where there is a lot of uncertainty and depression.
Thank you, Danni, for writing such an amazing story. I hope one day I find a love like Georgie and Noah's.
I had the honor of reading an early copy of Lift Me Up. I loved following Georgie on her journey through chronic illness and allowing herself to find love.
I also struggle with chronic illness and mental health, so this book made me feel seen.
This book came at a critical point in my life where there is a lot of uncertainty and depression.
Thank you, Danni, for writing such an amazing story. I hope one day I find a love like Georgie and Noah's.
September 17, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
As someone who is severely overweight and has a chronic illness Georgie’s story really resonated with me. While some of our struggles are different, many are the same. I especially loved her description of her spoons. I have never really looked at mine that way, but will from now on. This romance is not without its obstacles, but it reached right in, grabbed my heart strings and would not let go. Absolutely phenomenal. Went through several tissues with this one. Thank you Danni for writing such an endearing love story.
As someone who is severely overweight and has a chronic illness Georgie’s story really resonated with me. While some of our struggles are different, many are the same. I especially loved her description of her spoons. I have never really looked at mine that way, but will from now on. This romance is not without its obstacles, but it reached right in, grabbed my heart strings and would not let go. Absolutely phenomenal. Went through several tissues with this one. Thank you Danni for writing such an endearing love story.
September 18, 2026
I Really enjoyed this book. This is the first book I've ever read by Danni Maxwell and what a wonderful way to be introduced to an author. I'm absolutely love the cover of the book for starters. I love the fact that the FMC is a curvy woman and that just makes me smile.
I really enjoyed the characters I know the characters were absolutely phenomenal they were just absolutely beautiful people.
I love the spots behind that it was just really amazing and could not get enough of it. I'm looking forward to reading anymore by this author.
I really enjoyed the characters I know the characters were absolutely phenomenal they were just absolutely beautiful people.
I love the spots behind that it was just really amazing and could not get enough of it. I'm looking forward to reading anymore by this author.
October 9, 2026
so sweet
It’s hard to put my feelings about this book into words. As someone who only knows HS from social media and otherwise has a pretty healthy life… this story got me in ways I didn’t expect.
That feeling of not being good enough.
Pretty enough.
Too loud.
Too fat.
Feeling out of place even though you are welcomed with open arms.
It can be heart breaking.
But given the chance? Opening yourself up after being closed off for years?
It can be… everything.
This book was funny, sad, inspirational, heartwarming… I can’t wait for more by Danni Maxwell.
It’s hard to put my feelings about this book into words. As someone who only knows HS from social media and otherwise has a pretty healthy life… this story got me in ways I didn’t expect.
That feeling of not being good enough.
Pretty enough.
Too loud.
Too fat.
Feeling out of place even though you are welcomed with open arms.
It can be heart breaking.
But given the chance? Opening yourself up after being closed off for years?
It can be… everything.
This book was funny, sad, inspirational, heartwarming… I can’t wait for more by Danni Maxwell.
Review of advance copy
I read and received an ARC from Love Shack PR.
If you’re looking for an easy to read contemporary fiction with a side of spice, you’ve found it here! Life Me Up has characters that are realistically flawed but sweet and likeable.
There is representation for chronic illness and plus size people and the author allows the reader into real-life situations that some people definitely face. It is both eye opening and informative.
If you’re looking for an easy to read contemporary fiction with a side of spice, you’ve found it here! Life Me Up has characters that are realistically flawed but sweet and likeable.
There is representation for chronic illness and plus size people and the author allows the reader into real-life situations that some people definitely face. It is both eye opening and informative.
September 17, 2026
Being trapped in an elevator and falling in love with the guy on the other end of the emergency call button is definitely a different one! Noah was all the green flags and loves fiercely. Georgie was so worried because of her autoimmune disease that she couldn't be loved and it made me sad for her because her ex really did a number on her. Yes she pushed Noah away multiple times but he never gave up. I adore Georgie and Noah!
September 21, 2026
Very sweet story. Noah is a sweetheart, a breath of fresh air. Birdie is a dream pup. Georgie, Georgie I understand on a level I wish I didn't. Chronic illness, a fear of the past repeating itself in her relationships... A deep seated dislike of elevators...
All in all, a very sweet story, delightfully written.
All in all, a very sweet story, delightfully written.
October 8, 2026
This book was a refreshing read and is absolutely needed in today's world. Not everyone understands invisible chronic illnesses and the way it affects your daily life, even as a plus size woman. And no one seems to understand that don't always have these illnesses just because you're plus sized. I absolutely loved this book and the realistic representation of REAL PEOPLE.
Review of advance copy
These characters were so relatable. There was so much that felt like real life. Understanding and supporting chronic pain was such a life lesson and empathy teacher. There were just a few things that didn't click for me.
September 30, 2026
Thank you Love Shack PR for the ARC! I learned so much about chronic illness from this story and there’s inspiration sprinkled throughout! The meet cute was perfect and I found this to be a cozy read!
Review of advance copy
Arc read this was such an easy and fun read. I adored it so much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
More like a 4.5
I absolutely adored Georgie and Noah. This was such a sweet, emotional, funny, and spicy romance, and I loved how much heart was packed into their story.
Georgie immediately stole my heart. I loved her confidence and the way she had been taught from a young age to like and accept herself, even though living with HS has made her relationship with her body and health complicated. Her struggles felt incredibly real, especially the way she tried to protect the people she loved from having to deal with her illness. I appreciated how openly the book explored what it is like to live with a chronic condition without making it her entire identity.
And Noah. This man. He was so thoughtful, patient, caring, and emotionally intelligent. From the very beginning, his kindness toward Georgie had me melting. I loved watching him learn about her condition, make accommodations without making her feel like a burden, cook for her, care for her, and simply show up. He had his own anxieties and insecurities too, which made him feel even more human.
Their relationship was adorable. I loved the elevator meet-cute, their little book club, the trips to the animal shelter, and all the everyday moments where they slowly became important to each other. The bookstore setting and the crochet/dog elements added so much warmth to the story, and I absolutely loved Birdie.
The spice was definitely there too, and Georgie taking control sometimes (YAAAS). Their chemistry was fantastic, but what made them work for me was the emotional connection underneath it all.
Franny and Georgie's mom were also wonderful supporting characters. I loved how much of a support system Georgie had, even when she was determined to push everyone away. I did get frustrated with Georgie at times, especially when she kept insisting she had to protect Noah by making decisions for him. Girl, let the man decide what he wants!
Overall, this was a beautiful story about love, vulnerability, chronic illness, and learning that you don't have to be perfect or hide the difficult parts of yourself to be worthy of being loved. Noah and Georgie were adorable, the emotional moments hit hard, and the dogs brought so much extra heart to the story. Definitely one that left me smiling.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
I absolutely adored Georgie and Noah. This was such a sweet, emotional, funny, and spicy romance, and I loved how much heart was packed into their story.
Georgie immediately stole my heart. I loved her confidence and the way she had been taught from a young age to like and accept herself, even though living with HS has made her relationship with her body and health complicated. Her struggles felt incredibly real, especially the way she tried to protect the people she loved from having to deal with her illness. I appreciated how openly the book explored what it is like to live with a chronic condition without making it her entire identity.
And Noah. This man. He was so thoughtful, patient, caring, and emotionally intelligent. From the very beginning, his kindness toward Georgie had me melting. I loved watching him learn about her condition, make accommodations without making her feel like a burden, cook for her, care for her, and simply show up. He had his own anxieties and insecurities too, which made him feel even more human.
Their relationship was adorable. I loved the elevator meet-cute, their little book club, the trips to the animal shelter, and all the everyday moments where they slowly became important to each other. The bookstore setting and the crochet/dog elements added so much warmth to the story, and I absolutely loved Birdie.
The spice was definitely there too, and Georgie taking control sometimes (YAAAS). Their chemistry was fantastic, but what made them work for me was the emotional connection underneath it all.
Franny and Georgie's mom were also wonderful supporting characters. I loved how much of a support system Georgie had, even when she was determined to push everyone away. I did get frustrated with Georgie at times, especially when she kept insisting she had to protect Noah by making decisions for him. Girl, let the man decide what he wants!
Overall, this was a beautiful story about love, vulnerability, chronic illness, and learning that you don't have to be perfect or hide the difficult parts of yourself to be worthy of being loved. Noah and Georgie were adorable, the emotional moments hit hard, and the dogs brought so much extra heart to the story. Definitely one that left me smiling.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
October 9, 2026
This is a very cute book, unfortunately I do not believe I was the best audience for it. The blurb is compelling enough to read but one. I started diving into the books I had some difficulties with the characters. Throughout the book Noah is described by Georgie as perfect constantly and he honestly doesn’t feel real at all. Georgie through the first 70% of the book was very relatable and felt like someone I could bond with. The last 30% made me not only dislike her but also want to DNF the book. Overall a good book, but not for me.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews