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The Woman Upstairs
Ricci Velez is a fiercely independent woman that worked her way up from the poverty line to become a respected engineer and property developer. Mistaken as the little wifey by Tara Reeves, the new tenant at her Manhattan apartment building, Ricci wants to evict her before she even signs the lease. A slighted ex-tenant, a vandalized apartment, and an interfering best friend means that she’s forced to offer Tara a room in her own apartment. Can she survive having the secretive hard-nosed executive judging her in her own home? Worse still, can she survive her match-making mother shamelessly besotted by the temporary house mate?
125 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2015
33 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 14, 2019
Okay read!
I was puzzled with a few parts of this storyline:- like knowing Ricci is portrayed as an American but then has this annoyingly fake British accent. Also needed serious editing just way too many errors....
I was puzzled with a few parts of this storyline:- like knowing Ricci is portrayed as an American but then has this annoyingly fake British accent. Also needed serious editing just way too many errors....
April 29, 2018
3,5 Nice read
It was a nice read, Is perfect is you're looking for something cute and fast to read on a Saturday evening.
It did have potential for more, we didn't learn much about Tara and the ending felt a little rush.
But Overall it was a nice book.
It was a nice read, Is perfect is you're looking for something cute and fast to read on a Saturday evening.
It did have potential for more, we didn't learn much about Tara and the ending felt a little rush.
But Overall it was a nice book.
March 23, 2017
I liked it. It's a sweet romance that I enjoyed reading and I'm sure I'll re-read it in the future when I need a quick easy read such as this.
April 28, 2019
Amazing
I was rather down in spirits today and this book, it lifted me up. Now I am happy again. Book is well written and it exploits some read good plots when it comes to love and character judgement and some development. Camryn's work is really becoming one of my favourites. Very refreshing.
I was rather down in spirits today and this book, it lifted me up. Now I am happy again. Book is well written and it exploits some read good plots when it comes to love and character judgement and some development. Camryn's work is really becoming one of my favourites. Very refreshing.
August 22, 2016
This book had so much potential to be something great... But unfortunately it just didn't quite get there.
Entrepreneur & Real Estate developer Ricci has worker her way up from nothing and loves her work. She owns and manages a large apartment building in New York. She also seeks out other investments along the way. What you don't realise is, she throws herself into work because she doesn't want a relationship or more to point any commitment if it ends up like her Mothers marriage, who was left hurt and broken by her Fathers indiscretions.
Then we have Tara... Tara is in the midst of a divorce from her cheating and down right obnoxious Wife, Zoe. Tara is broken from not only beings cheated on by her wife but by her best friend.
Tara moves in upstairs to find the apartment trashed and unliveable.
Ricci asks her to move in until the repairs are complete... This makes them embark on a shaky and sometimes volatile but caring friendship!
The reason I'm giving this 2.5* is because i feel it took to long for the romance to blossom. I understood both heroines trepidation but it was more like a soap saga than a romance novel... Will they? Won't they?
I think if the author had maybe shortened the time it took for them to come to same understanding of love, throw in some better sex scenes or at least one good one and add a epilogue of how they are together a year after because I truly would of like to see if the relationship lasted!
Entrepreneur & Real Estate developer Ricci has worker her way up from nothing and loves her work. She owns and manages a large apartment building in New York. She also seeks out other investments along the way. What you don't realise is, she throws herself into work because she doesn't want a relationship or more to point any commitment if it ends up like her Mothers marriage, who was left hurt and broken by her Fathers indiscretions.
Then we have Tara... Tara is in the midst of a divorce from her cheating and down right obnoxious Wife, Zoe. Tara is broken from not only beings cheated on by her wife but by her best friend.
Tara moves in upstairs to find the apartment trashed and unliveable.
Ricci asks her to move in until the repairs are complete... This makes them embark on a shaky and sometimes volatile but caring friendship!
The reason I'm giving this 2.5* is because i feel it took to long for the romance to blossom. I understood both heroines trepidation but it was more like a soap saga than a romance novel... Will they? Won't they?
I think if the author had maybe shortened the time it took for them to come to same understanding of love, throw in some better sex scenes or at least one good one and add a epilogue of how they are together a year after because I truly would of like to see if the relationship lasted!
May 28, 2015
I just finished reading "The Woman Upstairs" and I was a little disappointed with it. I was expecting something more and the book sure had the potential to be a quite fascinating romance between a lovable handywoman and her posh tenant. But we learn a lot about Rica and her family and friends, and very little about Tara.
June 2, 2021
was a great book about how opposite attract. When Tara and Ricki Matt there were sparks and hard feelings all around. The characters in this book were great.There were plenty of emotions I was good and bad and that made for a great romance. I recommend this book for all romance lovers.
August 27, 2023
A nice enemies to lovers story. It6a quick read for a rainy Sunday afternoon! I enjoyed both MCs in Ricci and Tara. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! 5 stars.
February 20, 2017
2.75 stars
This wasn't my favorite from this author. In fact, it was quite problematic. The premise of the story is fine, Tara was okay and even the secondary characters were pretty decent. I didn't like Ricci most of the time, though, and she often came off as petulant and immature. I understand that she has defenses and fears she's working with but some of her behavior acted more like red flags to me regardless of any insecurities she had.
The story felt more like it was in a rough draft stage with the number of typos/incorrect words/missing words and the "Ci" vs "Si" used for Spanish. I think the author is Australian, and being that the story is in NY, there are some phrases that we wouldn't hear in New York...not a big deal for me, really, but it stuck out some.
I'd recommend Camryn Eyde's other works but not this one.
This wasn't my favorite from this author. In fact, it was quite problematic. The premise of the story is fine, Tara was okay and even the secondary characters were pretty decent. I didn't like Ricci most of the time, though, and she often came off as petulant and immature. I understand that she has defenses and fears she's working with but some of her behavior acted more like red flags to me regardless of any insecurities she had.
The story felt more like it was in a rough draft stage with the number of typos/incorrect words/missing words and the "Ci" vs "Si" used for Spanish. I think the author is Australian, and being that the story is in NY, there are some phrases that we wouldn't hear in New York...not a big deal for me, really, but it stuck out some.
I'd recommend Camryn Eyde's other works but not this one.
July 11, 2015
Decent, quick read. The plot wasn't too dramatic or surprising. Ricca is a pretty adorable character and the way she acts around Tara is really cute. I wish we would've learned a bit more about Tara though. The build up to their romance was just right, but the ending felt a little sudden, like the author didn't know what to do with the plot and just ended it.
December 8, 2015
Incredibly sweet and nicely written romance novel.
December 16, 2019
The story was good but the narrator was so monotone.
January 2, 2020
I have found my new author for 2020. The Woman Upstairs is a very slow burn romance full of insight and personal growth for Rica.
Tara is the boss of a friend of Rica’s who moves into an apartment upstairs in the building owned by Rica. Rica has sworn to never be in a relationship and Tara is escaping a marriage where her wife cheated.
I really liked this story. It felt real to me and very believable. There are a lot of women who have been hurt by love in their pasts. Overcoming your past to be open to a future is a difficult journey which Camryn Eyde chronicles very well.
Ms Eyde’s writing brings you quickly into the life of Ricci (Rica) and you cannot help but like this emotionally stunted but lovable character, her friends and family.
Tara is a slower reveal hiding behind her upbringing but she is worth the effort to find a witty and intelligent woman.
4.5⭐️
Tara is the boss of a friend of Rica’s who moves into an apartment upstairs in the building owned by Rica. Rica has sworn to never be in a relationship and Tara is escaping a marriage where her wife cheated.
I really liked this story. It felt real to me and very believable. There are a lot of women who have been hurt by love in their pasts. Overcoming your past to be open to a future is a difficult journey which Camryn Eyde chronicles very well.
Ms Eyde’s writing brings you quickly into the life of Ricci (Rica) and you cannot help but like this emotionally stunted but lovable character, her friends and family.
Tara is a slower reveal hiding behind her upbringing but she is worth the effort to find a witty and intelligent woman.
4.5⭐️
April 20, 2020
I saw some mixed reviews for this audiobook, but decided to listen to it for myself. I liked the story even with all the push / pull between the main characters. The best were the 4 shorts that came with it. They ranged from hot and sexy to sweet and full of love. I would listen to them over again. Taming the Boos, Celebrity Pass, Instameet and She are some great stories.
March 26, 2017
There are a few instances where editing is needed, but those are minor. This book still gets five stars because it has heart. It has depth. I loved these characters, I loved their interaction. They felt real, flawed but genuine. There was a key plot point about two thirds in that affected me physically. Just that heart wrenching feeling, where I forget that this is a story and I just want to give them a hug and tell them it will be ok.
This is the third book by Camryn Eyde I've read now, and I'm hooked. Any writer can improve their technical skill, get better editors, but the ability to pull you into a story and invest in the characters takes real talent. To be able to invoke such visceral reactions indicates a gifted author that is just going to continue to improve.
This is the third book by Camryn Eyde I've read now, and I'm hooked. Any writer can improve their technical skill, get better editors, but the ability to pull you into a story and invest in the characters takes real talent. To be able to invoke such visceral reactions indicates a gifted author that is just going to continue to improve.
December 8, 2024
** This review applies to the 5th short story, "SHE," performed by Abby Craden, in this audiobook compilation.
OMG, I forgot how funny Camryn Eyde is with her writing!! Her "Tricky" duology was one memorable, fun and hilarious read for me! I've read it numerous times and each time, I find myself LOL at the hilarious musings and the back-and-forths between the 2 MCs in my favourite scenes! Eyde writes neurotic comedy very well with her cutting remarks and comebacks laced with her signature sarcasm and dry humour that I really cherish!
Anyway, back to this short, "She" whose audiobook edition can only be found in Eyde's audiobook compilation, "The Woman Upstairs & Short Story Compilation." I decided to get it when I saw Craden, my favourite voice actor in audiobooks, listed as one of the performers in the 5-story compilation, not knowing which of the 5 stories was performed by her. Imagine my utterly pleasant surprise when it was "She" that she performed, because, coincidentally, that was the one story that I never read amongst the 5 that the compilation included!! Whaa?!?! So I dove in aurally without knowing what to expect as I didn't know anything about "She."
OMG. What a story!!! I mean, it's supposedly a short story. But how often do you read one that has a prologue, a body (main narrative), and an epilogue? AND...not only that, but one that comes full circle, motif style! I'm one of those oddballs who simply gravitates toward the aesthetics of crafting a story that is complete with a proper motif - coming full circle. Some may call this style old school, especially when you can rarely find this type of storytelling these days, not like this, not with a proper full circle motif that connects the beginning of the story with the end. But I simply call it a classic. It's only my most cherished favourite style of storytelling, be it in writing, audio or visual. Furthermore, something which I won't go into deets because it'll get technical... Eyde used another fave method of mine in storytelling - reverse chronology. That. Is. All.
Needless to say, when Craden started the epilogue, I immediately sensed the invisible motif thread flowing before my mind's eye connecting the prologue and I was completely awestruck. It was beautiful. It was like looking at a perfect aesthetic of an art piece. The motif of the prologue and epilogue circling the central narrative brought the entire story to a whole new level of depth and appreciation for me. What a gem. A rare one, I might add. Because I've come across some great motifs but this one is way up there on my list of favourites and a memorable one, at that, because they are few and far between. It's just like the story's cereus flower that only blooms once a year during full moon, in an arid environment.
For me, Eyde's UNreleased "She", is just that. A rare flower. My wishful thinking is that "She" turns into a full-fledged novel. But in its absence or impossibility, this short is jam-packed with everything you could ever need to have a complete and satisfying story. I'm still aghast at the notion that "She" was never released!! And you can only get this in a compilation!! Well, beggars can't be choosers. I'm just grateful that Eyde decided to include this story in the compilation.
"She." You know, as I was listening to it, I couldn't help thinking about Elvis Costello's song of the same title. Eyde never revealed the name of "She," the story's "She." Brodie's "She." And I absolutely LOVE this style because it just adds to the mystique, the rarity, the value of this "gem" with no name but holds such a level of affection for me. Just like Costello's classic, "She," Eyde's is also a song that sings to the tune of lyrical endearment for me...
"SHE pulled me to my feet
and I limped towards
that rare flowering plant that bloomed
right alongside my relationship.
SHE, like that flower,
was just as rare,
and just as beautiful.
SHE was my everything,
and that night,
as the petals opened in the moonlight,
I kissed her."
~ Camryn Eyde, "She"
SHE, Oh She...
I've since read it (it's in the book, "Short Story Compilation"). Perfectly crafted writing, brilliantly executed story. A rare style.
Craden's precision in interpreting Eyde's voice in telling her story, portraying her MCs (et al) with heart (and fab humour!) only elevates and brings to life, the beauty and aesthetic of her "night-blooming cereus (Hylocereus undatus)" aka "She."
Although "She" was written back in 2015 (!!) and performed in 2019 (!!), it is NOW forever etched on my list of ALL-TIME fave stories to read and listen to. I've since listened to this utterly brilliant song 3x already and I haven't had enough of it yet (and I will never because of its mere soothing acoustic vibrational resonance to my auditory sensory perception every time I listen to it).
An ENTHUSIASTIC MUST-LISTEN, guys! If you know Eyde's writing, it's hilarious, it's heartfelt, it's relatable. And, when it's voiced and brought to life by Craden's resonating performance, it's a no-brainer. LISTEN and ENJOY Eyde's SONG with Craden's VOCAL artistry.
Although "She" can only be found on the compilation audiobook, "The Woman Upstairs & Short Story Compilation," I believe it's worth it because the other stories which I'd read (yet to listen to them because of reasons...) are real fun. Plus, I thoroughly enjoy Eyde's writing and her style, so if you do, too, I'd say get it.
Get this compilation on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Woman-...
OMG, I forgot how funny Camryn Eyde is with her writing!! Her "Tricky" duology was one memorable, fun and hilarious read for me! I've read it numerous times and each time, I find myself LOL at the hilarious musings and the back-and-forths between the 2 MCs in my favourite scenes! Eyde writes neurotic comedy very well with her cutting remarks and comebacks laced with her signature sarcasm and dry humour that I really cherish!
Anyway, back to this short, "She" whose audiobook edition can only be found in Eyde's audiobook compilation, "The Woman Upstairs & Short Story Compilation." I decided to get it when I saw Craden, my favourite voice actor in audiobooks, listed as one of the performers in the 5-story compilation, not knowing which of the 5 stories was performed by her. Imagine my utterly pleasant surprise when it was "She" that she performed, because, coincidentally, that was the one story that I never read amongst the 5 that the compilation included!! Whaa?!?! So I dove in aurally without knowing what to expect as I didn't know anything about "She."
OMG. What a story!!! I mean, it's supposedly a short story. But how often do you read one that has a prologue, a body (main narrative), and an epilogue? AND...not only that, but one that comes full circle, motif style! I'm one of those oddballs who simply gravitates toward the aesthetics of crafting a story that is complete with a proper motif - coming full circle. Some may call this style old school, especially when you can rarely find this type of storytelling these days, not like this, not with a proper full circle motif that connects the beginning of the story with the end. But I simply call it a classic. It's only my most cherished favourite style of storytelling, be it in writing, audio or visual. Furthermore, something which I won't go into deets because it'll get technical... Eyde used another fave method of mine in storytelling - reverse chronology. That. Is. All.
Needless to say, when Craden started the epilogue, I immediately sensed the invisible motif thread flowing before my mind's eye connecting the prologue and I was completely awestruck. It was beautiful. It was like looking at a perfect aesthetic of an art piece. The motif of the prologue and epilogue circling the central narrative brought the entire story to a whole new level of depth and appreciation for me. What a gem. A rare one, I might add. Because I've come across some great motifs but this one is way up there on my list of favourites and a memorable one, at that, because they are few and far between. It's just like the story's cereus flower that only blooms once a year during full moon, in an arid environment.
For me, Eyde's UNreleased "She", is just that. A rare flower. My wishful thinking is that "She" turns into a full-fledged novel. But in its absence or impossibility, this short is jam-packed with everything you could ever need to have a complete and satisfying story. I'm still aghast at the notion that "She" was never released!! And you can only get this in a compilation!! Well, beggars can't be choosers. I'm just grateful that Eyde decided to include this story in the compilation.
"She." You know, as I was listening to it, I couldn't help thinking about Elvis Costello's song of the same title. Eyde never revealed the name of "She," the story's "She." Brodie's "She." And I absolutely LOVE this style because it just adds to the mystique, the rarity, the value of this "gem" with no name but holds such a level of affection for me. Just like Costello's classic, "She," Eyde's is also a song that sings to the tune of lyrical endearment for me...
"SHE pulled me to my feet
and I limped towards
that rare flowering plant that bloomed
right alongside my relationship.
SHE, like that flower,
was just as rare,
and just as beautiful.
SHE was my everything,
and that night,
as the petals opened in the moonlight,
I kissed her."
~ Camryn Eyde, "She"
SHE, Oh She...
I've since read it (it's in the book, "Short Story Compilation"). Perfectly crafted writing, brilliantly executed story. A rare style.
Craden's precision in interpreting Eyde's voice in telling her story, portraying her MCs (et al) with heart (and fab humour!) only elevates and brings to life, the beauty and aesthetic of her "night-blooming cereus (Hylocereus undatus)" aka "She."
Although "She" was written back in 2015 (!!) and performed in 2019 (!!), it is NOW forever etched on my list of ALL-TIME fave stories to read and listen to. I've since listened to this utterly brilliant song 3x already and I haven't had enough of it yet (and I will never because of its mere soothing acoustic vibrational resonance to my auditory sensory perception every time I listen to it).
An ENTHUSIASTIC MUST-LISTEN, guys! If you know Eyde's writing, it's hilarious, it's heartfelt, it's relatable. And, when it's voiced and brought to life by Craden's resonating performance, it's a no-brainer. LISTEN and ENJOY Eyde's SONG with Craden's VOCAL artistry.
Although "She" can only be found on the compilation audiobook, "The Woman Upstairs & Short Story Compilation," I believe it's worth it because the other stories which I'd read (yet to listen to them because of reasons...) are real fun. Plus, I thoroughly enjoy Eyde's writing and her style, so if you do, too, I'd say get it.
Get this compilation on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Woman-...
January 19, 2022
Si estás buscando una historia fácil, tranquila, llena de un humor que te recuerda a Robin Alexander y Kate Sweeney esta es la tuya. Personajes, tanto principales y secundarios llenos de un drama humorístico que te hace querer golpearlos. Le falto mas desarrollo. Creo que podría explotar más a todos los personajes, especialmente la relación madre e hija y ex esposas. Y por supuesto...más calor, nada porno...erótico/romántico. Más picante nena!!!...por eso no tiene el 5.
June 5, 2020
Why two stars? Because I feel like somewhere in the middle of the book the character had a complete personality change. She went from being strong, confident and smart to mousy and unsure. I struggle when there is such extreme shifts in character portrayal. It makes it harder to believe and makes me sort of lose interest.
October 29, 2015
This is the first book I've read by Camryn Eyde, and I'm already a fan. I love her easy-to-read writing style and sense of humor. This was a great story about two people trying to make sense out of their lives - independently and with each other. So relatable.
October 12, 2019
Fix Her Up
Ricci owns an apartment building and against her better judgement she agrees to rent a unit to the boss of her best friend. Tara is new in town and needs the apartment Ricci has for rent. After a really bad start, things only get worse for the two. Add in a meddling mother and an intense desire for the pretty woman upstairs and you have a really fun story! I really liked Ricci and Tara. Both women are tough, determined and independent but they also have deep pain and insecurities that get in the way. The tale is interesting, well written and has great flow, carrying you along from the first page to the last in a way that will leave you so happy and contented. It’s a great read for a quiet afternoon!
Ricci owns an apartment building and against her better judgement she agrees to rent a unit to the boss of her best friend. Tara is new in town and needs the apartment Ricci has for rent. After a really bad start, things only get worse for the two. Add in a meddling mother and an intense desire for the pretty woman upstairs and you have a really fun story! I really liked Ricci and Tara. Both women are tough, determined and independent but they also have deep pain and insecurities that get in the way. The tale is interesting, well written and has great flow, carrying you along from the first page to the last in a way that will leave you so happy and contented. It’s a great read for a quiet afternoon!
November 13, 2024
3 stars. I hated all of the side characters. They were all so annoying and unlikable. However, the main leads were great. Ricci and Tara are both very head strong characters and I loved how they got off on the wrong foot when they first met. Tara is incredibly rude but I loved watching her soften and open up. Ricci has some hang ups about relationships due to her parents. I liked her development a lot. The romance between them was really good and I liked the way that it developed. Great banter and snippy moments between them and I thought it was fun. If it would've been less of the asshole side characters and more of the romance this would've easily been a four star for me.
April 21, 2019
Tara and Rica didnot meet on the best of terms, each finding a reason to annoy/irratate the other. Though the reason is found why it does make each more human. The side story on the apartment issues, was real. Rica's mum was a lovable mum who always finds something to complain about thier kids, but in the most loving manner. Rica's vunerability was refreshing for someone who is always putting on a strong front. To see Tara grow, and become stronger as the book progressed was also wonderful.
I loved the verbal play between these 2 when they were angry, funny.
I loved the verbal play between these 2 when they were angry, funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
Oh my god that was extremely boring. I’ve been trying to finish this book for about 9-10 months. I just couldn’t. I only did it today because I thought I wanna delete it from my library. I don’t recommend it. The story is really indifferent. I couldn’t care for the MCs at all. Their chemistry is none existent because their personalities are limited. Maybe I’m harsh but I don’t care. I didn’t like it.
August 13, 2017
CUTE AND EASY ROMANCE
This story was about over coming heartache , trust issues, insecurities.
Two people who are so different finding common ground that ends in love.
This was a really cute romance, I only wish Rica would of come to terms sooner in the story, it would of made the ending not so abrupt.
This story was about over coming heartache , trust issues, insecurities.
Two people who are so different finding common ground that ends in love.
This was a really cute romance, I only wish Rica would of come to terms sooner in the story, it would of made the ending not so abrupt.
January 2, 2018
This is such a good book. I didnt know why i let myself pass it a few time until i decided to read it. This book have lots of humor. I laugh lots. There was a time when it got me frustrated as well. But i understand the situation between the main characters and what happened around them It kinda complicated but its getting better afterward. So no problem at all (for me) :D
January 4, 2018
Sweet story
It's amazing how oftentimes happiness is just an arm reach away only if we paid attention. For Ricca and Tara, I fund myself captivated with their pull and push relationship. The author hit a homerun to keep their relationship on a complicated situation even though the attraction was always there. I like this story.
It's amazing how oftentimes happiness is just an arm reach away only if we paid attention. For Ricca and Tara, I fund myself captivated with their pull and push relationship. The author hit a homerun to keep their relationship on a complicated situation even though the attraction was always there. I like this story.
December 29, 2016
A lovely story
I gave this five stars because both characters were flawed but endearing in their own way, Camryn Eyde definitely knows how to bring her characters to life with much humor and touching scenarios.
I gave this five stars because both characters were flawed but endearing in their own way, Camryn Eyde definitely knows how to bring her characters to life with much humor and touching scenarios.
May 8, 2017
Dragged
I felt this story just dragged on and nothing really happening. The one good thing about this was that we knew who or why they were who they were. Just didn't enjoy it at all.
I felt this story just dragged on and nothing really happening. The one good thing about this was that we knew who or why they were who they were. Just didn't enjoy it at all.
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