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Love in an Elevator: A Romantic Comedy Anthology
Laugh, swoon, and escape with this romantic comedy anthology!
Will an elevator ride change her life? In HOLD THE LIFT by Aven Ellis, Sierra Crawford ends up meeting sexy British hockey player Jude Parker after their elevator sticks. Sierra finds herself getting to know Jude—and she likes what she sees. But he wouldn’t be interested in a food-obsessed assistant editor right? Sierra knows she’s quirky—her fondness of Magic 8 Balls is proof of that—so there’s no way he could look her way. Or can he?
In DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte, Lauren Oswald never expected to see her college love, Jamie, again. Not after the way things ended. She certainly doesn’t expect to see him ten years later at a bachelorette party in Vegas, waiting inside a hotel elevator. Slightly older. Different haircut. No wedding ring. Same eyes. As the pair embark on a late night errand, Lauren is flooded with memories of how Jamie became the one that got away—and she realizes that this one night could be their last chance to make things right.
In GOING UP? by Whitney Dineen, Fiona Kitchen had a dream when she moved to New York and it wasn’t taking a job as an elevator operator in a posh, West Side, apartment building. She also didn’t expect to meet a hot handyman, a Columbian drug lord and a notorious mob boss and then fall for one of them in a big way. Life in the Big Apple isn’t quite turning out the way she planned, but who said that was a bad thing?
In Becky Monson’s TAKING A CHANCE, Liza Parker has a fear of heights, crowds and small spaces. So what’s a girl like her doing on a crowded elevator going to the top of the Empire State Building? Freaking out, that’s what she’s doing. Enter Jay Sanders, a tourist who thinks he might be able to help Liza face her fears, but she has to be willing to spend the day with a complete stranger. Maybe taking a chance on Jay is just what Liza needs.
In HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU by Rich Amooi, Becca has had an office crush on Daniel—Mr. Delicious—for over a year. Getting stuck in an elevator with him was the last thing she expected. If only she can control her claustrophobia. To make matters worse, they're also stuck with an eighty-year-old man who has a weak bladder, and a penchant for playing cupid. But life is unpredictable. Sometimes, getting stuck is the best thing that can happen.
Computer genius Maisy Potter crosses an ocean to take her dream vacation at an English country estate … where the winsome Mark Prebys works below stairs. With him, Maisy discovers a carefree happiness she's never known. But will the troubles dogging her from back home, a secret or two whispered behind the parlour curtains, and misunderstandings to beat the band extinguish the magic they think they've found in each other? And if not, what happens when Maisy's enchanting holiday ends? Find out in UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo.
In THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale, Meet Bailey Burns: hottest thing on the literary circuit. And the most reluctant. After fainting in a lift and regaining consciousness to find herself kissing a stranger, Bailey thinks her week can’t get much worse. But it can. Much worse. Bailey is about to be proposed to by a crazed fan wearing a vampire costume. She’s about to discover she’s in relationship with the guy she kissed. Not only that, but said guy happens to be her new PR manager. Oh dear!
In OUT OF ORDER, by Dee Ernst, Grace has sworn off good-looking men.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2016
18 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Aven Ellis
54 books830 followersUSA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.
Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.
Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.
Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.
Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 25, 2016
Aven Ellis starts the book with the cutest most hilarious story and the stories keep the laughs going and the romance simmering. I love a good sweet short story that draws me in. these did that and they made me wish they were longer. I enjoyed each of the stories and laughed at each of them. It made me want to go find a rickety elevator just to see what happens.
I was provided an ARC of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.
All were new authors to me except for Rich Amooi and I am now looking for more books by them all to read. Great anthology!
January 19, 2017
Content: Fairly clean. There were several fade-to-black sex scenes, though nothing explicit. There was mild swearing in some of them. The F-bomb was dropped twice, once in two different stories. One story has flash backs that include the MC's Party-girl lifestyle, which she now regrets. One story talks about reading an explicit romance novel and gives some info on some of the scenes that would be included in that kind of book.
Overall, this was a cute collection. The stories were all fun and most were a little quirky. I liked the elevator theme and how they used it in a lot of different ways.
Overall, this was a cute collection. The stories were all fun and most were a little quirky. I liked the elevator theme and how they used it in a lot of different ways.
November 30, 2016
7 Chick Lit stories, 1 Dick Lit story, some by authors I've read before.
Hold the Lift by Aven Ellis
Age 23, Denver, Writer/reporter, athlete, MF
Woman arrives back to her apartment building after a long day of making fajitas. Smells like that. Is vaguely worried about how bad she smells. Doors begin to close, an English accent calls out 'hold the lift' - woman debates about doing so or letting the doors close. Holds the lift. Man gets on. Elevator goes up. Gets stuck. They are forced to spend hours talking. They get to know each other and like what they find. Eventually elevator repaired and their life (and story) continues.
Neat enough story. First thing I've read by this author.
Rating: 4.25
November 6 2016
Down, then Up by Beth Labonte
Las Vegas, Writer, Age - 31?, Second Chances, Flashbacks
One of the two authors in this collection that I have previously read.
A woman is on a Bachelorette trip, for her sister, to Las Vegas and she thinks it is worse than being on death row for a murder you did not commit, or winning the jackpot but losing the ticket in a fire. All because she gave up alcohol or something like that.
Late one night Lauren Oswald, the star of this particular story, is sent no a mission by her drunk sister and her sister's equally drunk friends - go forth and acquire donuts. Lauren initially thinks of fighting this request but then notices that one of the women seems to be on the edge of barfing. And then she recalls that she might actually like getting away for a while. So she does - darting out the door to find donuts.
The mission is derailed/redirected, adjusted immediately. When the elevator door pops open and Lauren spots the one man she didn't want to see - her ex-boyfriend from college. Who she hasn't seen for something like 10 years.
She briefly thinks of not getting on but does.
Whereupon a series of flashbacks and 'current present events' unfolds. Showing Lauren and Jamie Mullins (that ex-boyfriend) marching forward from introduction to each other, friendship, relationship, then splitsville, to leaping forward 10 years to 'today'. Though the first flashback occurs 13 years earlier.
Quite deep and enjoyable story - complete in and of itself - a full story, not just a snippet like many short stories can be.
Rating: 4.45
November 20 2016
Going Up? by Whitney Dineen
New York, Blue Collar, Mob Boss/Mafia
Another author I've read before.
A woman goes to New York from Western PA to try to succeed at her chosen profession (massage), but fails to get much luck. Takes a job as an elevator operator in an upscale location to pay the bills ($28.50 an hour to operate an elevator, mmphs).
Ends up flirting with one of the people who regularly rides the elevator who she thinks is a handy-man. Gives a massage to a mob boss (different guy), gets conned out of her fee by an old woman, etc etc.
Her grandmother owns and runs a biker bar, her mother . . . um, is equally 'independent' (word choice used in story) but I can't recall what she does, something about pottery, and her grandfather could be a mob boss . . . possibly/potentially.
This is actually a pretty interesting slice of life story involving a young woman finding a long lost family member. Problem, though, is that this story is in a romance collection. And the romance? Very thin. Very. Basically it consisted of 'young woman meets young man, they flirt, now they are a couple'. And so . . . lower rating. Sadly.
Rating: 3.5
November 21 2016
Taking a Chance by Becky Monson
New York, Facing Fears, Age-20s
Haven't read this author before.
A neat story about a woman somewhere around 23 years of age who is attempting to fulfill her dead sister's bucket list - she made a promise. Even if most of the things on the list are things that she's afraid of (like heights, and close spaces, and people, and germs), but she made a promise.
She bumps into a man in the elevator on the way up to the top of the Empire State Building who attempts to help her when she begins to show signs of panicing. panic-ing. hmms. He is about 27 or something like that.
I initially gave the story a rating of 4.45, though it probably deserves something higher than that.
Rating: 4.50
November 29 2016
Happy to be Stuck with You by Rich Amooi
Humor, Finance, Dick-Lit
Certain amount of humor does not overcome some of the short-comings inherent in this story. I was reluctant to read this one, but I figured I shouldn't prejudge a story just because it's by a man and starts in the point of view of a man - and calls itself chick-lit when it's clearly dick-lit.
But then the POV shifted to a woman and . . . I wanted to just toss the story and not finish it. But it is just a short story. And. Stuff. For better or worse it was not easy to read that type of female character and know that it is by a male author - granted it isn't easy to read when know female author, but harder to take with male author.
Then there was that 'smile' 'beautiful' comment and I wanted to shove a ice pick into the guy's dick.
So, this story didn't work for me.
Rating:1.5 - 2
November 29 2016
Upstairs, Downstairs . . . and the Lift Between by Geralyn Corcillo
England, Class/cultural differences
Haven't read this author before.
A woman has saved up five years so that she can have a 'country estate party' type of 'fantasy' experience in an old Baron estate in England. She herself is from California and works with computers.
She is a bright bubbly type, full of energy and joy. Brightens every room she enters. She's Maisy.
Then there's a fella named Mark. He's always running all over the place, working on/for Drakenfall -the name of the country estate.
Then Mark and Maisy meet, and both take a fancy to the other. But . . . one is a guest, and the other works downstairs. Soooo....
Lovely story. A few things of annoyance, but easily brushed past. Oddness about the narrator - vaguely confused, but I think everything was actually narrated by some old woman who watched everything unfold. Not exactly a POV I've come across a lot in my reading. Some vaguely disinterested/interested third party narrating stuff.
Rating: 4.9
November 29 2016
The Only Way is Up by Lindy Dale
Australia, Writer
Haven't read this author before.
A rather emotional woman, and a rather unprofessional man end up having their lives entangled. Twice. First when the woman fainted in an elevator and woke up to a man kissing her (him: I was giving you mouth to mouth!; her: You were sexually assaulting me!), then again when it turns out that the man had actually being heading to the hotel (in which the elevator was lcoated) to meet the woman (though neither recognized the other upon first meeting - the man didn't know what the woman looked like, and the woman didn't know her publiscist was sick and that his boss would be handling her on her book tour).
Well. PR man acts very unprofessionally. Writer woman acts professionally in public, and quite emotionally out of the public eye. Naturally they are perfect for each other.
The 'neatest' thing about this specific story is the part where it was taking place in Melbourne Australia.
Rating: 3.3
November 29 2016
Out of Order by Dee Ernst
Building Super, Paralegal, Writer, Morristown New Jersey, age: 40s
Haven't read this author before.
The lead female in this story has a rich aunt who lives in Morristown. She's going to Paris for a week, and needs her niece to live in her place to watch her dog. The LF (heh) is a paralegal with a writing fetish. Hmm. That isn't right. Fetish. hmm. Well, she writes in her spare time but is not confident enough to attempt to get her stuff published.
Neat thing about the story - both lead female and lead male are in their 40s.
Lead male is a building super (manager) and, apparently, something of a 'hunk'.
Which can cause 'issues' since the lead female has a lot of trouble acting like herself around handsome men - she turns into the type of woman who tries to guess what the man really wants then force herself to be that. She's attempting to stop being that type of woman.
I rather liked this specific story. So much so I've already picked up another book by this author (well, to be fair, what I picked up was the first book in her mystery series - which was free).
Rating: 4.44
November 29 2016
Overall
Hold the Lift by Aven Ellis - 4.25
Down, then Up by Beth Labonte - 4.45
Going Up? by Whitney Dineen - 3.50
Taking a Chance by Becky Monson - 4.50
Happy to be Stuck with You by Rich Amooi -2.00
Upstairs, Downstairs . . . and the Lift Between by Geralyn Corcillo - 4.9
The Only Way is Up by Lindy Dale - 3.30
Out of Order by Dee Ernst - 4.44
Overall average rating: 3.9175
Hold the Lift by Aven Ellis
Age 23, Denver, Writer/reporter, athlete, MF
Woman arrives back to her apartment building after a long day of making fajitas. Smells like that. Is vaguely worried about how bad she smells. Doors begin to close, an English accent calls out 'hold the lift' - woman debates about doing so or letting the doors close. Holds the lift. Man gets on. Elevator goes up. Gets stuck. They are forced to spend hours talking. They get to know each other and like what they find. Eventually elevator repaired and their life (and story) continues.
Neat enough story. First thing I've read by this author.
Rating: 4.25
November 6 2016
Down, then Up by Beth Labonte
Las Vegas, Writer, Age - 31?, Second Chances, Flashbacks
One of the two authors in this collection that I have previously read.
A woman is on a Bachelorette trip, for her sister, to Las Vegas and she thinks it is worse than being on death row for a murder you did not commit, or winning the jackpot but losing the ticket in a fire. All because she gave up alcohol or something like that.
Late one night Lauren Oswald, the star of this particular story, is sent no a mission by her drunk sister and her sister's equally drunk friends - go forth and acquire donuts. Lauren initially thinks of fighting this request but then notices that one of the women seems to be on the edge of barfing. And then she recalls that she might actually like getting away for a while. So she does - darting out the door to find donuts.
The mission is derailed/redirected, adjusted immediately. When the elevator door pops open and Lauren spots the one man she didn't want to see - her ex-boyfriend from college. Who she hasn't seen for something like 10 years.
She briefly thinks of not getting on but does.
Whereupon a series of flashbacks and 'current present events' unfolds. Showing Lauren and Jamie Mullins (that ex-boyfriend) marching forward from introduction to each other, friendship, relationship, then splitsville, to leaping forward 10 years to 'today'. Though the first flashback occurs 13 years earlier.
Quite deep and enjoyable story - complete in and of itself - a full story, not just a snippet like many short stories can be.
Rating: 4.45
November 20 2016
Going Up? by Whitney Dineen
New York, Blue Collar, Mob Boss/Mafia
Another author I've read before.
A woman goes to New York from Western PA to try to succeed at her chosen profession (massage), but fails to get much luck. Takes a job as an elevator operator in an upscale location to pay the bills ($28.50 an hour to operate an elevator, mmphs).
Ends up flirting with one of the people who regularly rides the elevator who she thinks is a handy-man. Gives a massage to a mob boss (different guy), gets conned out of her fee by an old woman, etc etc.
Her grandmother owns and runs a biker bar, her mother . . . um, is equally 'independent' (word choice used in story) but I can't recall what she does, something about pottery, and her grandfather could be a mob boss . . . possibly/potentially.
This is actually a pretty interesting slice of life story involving a young woman finding a long lost family member. Problem, though, is that this story is in a romance collection. And the romance? Very thin. Very. Basically it consisted of 'young woman meets young man, they flirt, now they are a couple'. And so . . . lower rating. Sadly.
Rating: 3.5
November 21 2016
Taking a Chance by Becky Monson
New York, Facing Fears, Age-20s
Haven't read this author before.
A neat story about a woman somewhere around 23 years of age who is attempting to fulfill her dead sister's bucket list - she made a promise. Even if most of the things on the list are things that she's afraid of (like heights, and close spaces, and people, and germs), but she made a promise.
She bumps into a man in the elevator on the way up to the top of the Empire State Building who attempts to help her when she begins to show signs of panicing. panic-ing. hmms. He is about 27 or something like that.
I initially gave the story a rating of 4.45, though it probably deserves something higher than that.
Rating: 4.50
November 29 2016
Happy to be Stuck with You by Rich Amooi
Humor, Finance, Dick-Lit
Certain amount of humor does not overcome some of the short-comings inherent in this story. I was reluctant to read this one, but I figured I shouldn't prejudge a story just because it's by a man and starts in the point of view of a man - and calls itself chick-lit when it's clearly dick-lit.
But then the POV shifted to a woman and . . . I wanted to just toss the story and not finish it. But it is just a short story. And. Stuff. For better or worse it was not easy to read that type of female character and know that it is by a male author - granted it isn't easy to read when know female author, but harder to take with male author.
Then there was that 'smile' 'beautiful' comment and I wanted to shove a ice pick into the guy's dick.
So, this story didn't work for me.
Rating:
November 29 2016
Upstairs, Downstairs . . . and the Lift Between by Geralyn Corcillo
England, Class/cultural differences
Haven't read this author before.
A woman has saved up five years so that she can have a 'country estate party' type of 'fantasy' experience in an old Baron estate in England. She herself is from California and works with computers.
She is a bright bubbly type, full of energy and joy. Brightens every room she enters. She's Maisy.
Then there's a fella named Mark. He's always running all over the place, working on/for Drakenfall -the name of the country estate.
Then Mark and Maisy meet, and both take a fancy to the other. But . . . one is a guest, and the other works downstairs. Soooo....
Lovely story. A few things of annoyance, but easily brushed past. Oddness about the narrator - vaguely confused, but I think everything was actually narrated by some old woman who watched everything unfold. Not exactly a POV I've come across a lot in my reading. Some vaguely disinterested/interested third party narrating stuff.
Rating: 4.9
November 29 2016
The Only Way is Up by Lindy Dale
Australia, Writer
Haven't read this author before.
A rather emotional woman, and a rather unprofessional man end up having their lives entangled. Twice. First when the woman fainted in an elevator and woke up to a man kissing her (him: I was giving you mouth to mouth!; her: You were sexually assaulting me!), then again when it turns out that the man had actually being heading to the hotel (in which the elevator was lcoated) to meet the woman (though neither recognized the other upon first meeting - the man didn't know what the woman looked like, and the woman didn't know her publiscist was sick and that his boss would be handling her on her book tour).
Well. PR man acts very unprofessionally. Writer woman acts professionally in public, and quite emotionally out of the public eye. Naturally they are perfect for each other.
The 'neatest' thing about this specific story is the part where it was taking place in Melbourne Australia.
Rating: 3.3
November 29 2016
Out of Order by Dee Ernst
Building Super, Paralegal, Writer, Morristown New Jersey, age: 40s
Haven't read this author before.
The lead female in this story has a rich aunt who lives in Morristown. She's going to Paris for a week, and needs her niece to live in her place to watch her dog. The LF (heh) is a paralegal with a writing fetish. Hmm. That isn't right. Fetish. hmm. Well, she writes in her spare time but is not confident enough to attempt to get her stuff published.
Neat thing about the story - both lead female and lead male are in their 40s.
Lead male is a building super (manager) and, apparently, something of a 'hunk'.
Which can cause 'issues' since the lead female has a lot of trouble acting like herself around handsome men - she turns into the type of woman who tries to guess what the man really wants then force herself to be that. She's attempting to stop being that type of woman.
I rather liked this specific story. So much so I've already picked up another book by this author (well, to be fair, what I picked up was the first book in her mystery series - which was free).
Rating: 4.44
November 29 2016
Overall
Hold the Lift by Aven Ellis - 4.25
Down, then Up by Beth Labonte - 4.45
Going Up? by Whitney Dineen - 3.50
Taking a Chance by Becky Monson - 4.50
Happy to be Stuck with You by Rich Amooi -2.00
Upstairs, Downstairs . . . and the Lift Between by Geralyn Corcillo - 4.9
The Only Way is Up by Lindy Dale - 3.30
Out of Order by Dee Ernst - 4.44
Overall average rating: 3.9175
September 12, 2018
After a harrowing day of smelling like fajitas, an assistant editor gets stuck in an elevator with a hot, British guy and is rooked into playing a game of “2 Truths and 1 Lie.” (“Hold the Lift” by Aven Ellis)
A woman gets stuck in the elevator with her ex, leading to the two spending the night in Vegas as she reminisces back to her college drinking days and how she lost the bestest friend she ever had. (“Down, then Up” by Beth Labonte)
“Going Up” by Whitney Dineen was also a great story of a struggling masseuse in the Big Apple and how she ends up being a ploy for the FBI.
Fun, witty, and charming stories!
A woman gets stuck in the elevator with her ex, leading to the two spending the night in Vegas as she reminisces back to her college drinking days and how she lost the bestest friend she ever had. (“Down, then Up” by Beth Labonte)
“Going Up” by Whitney Dineen was also a great story of a struggling masseuse in the Big Apple and how she ends up being a ploy for the FBI.
Fun, witty, and charming stories!
May 27, 2017
These are the kinds of anthologies that you wish would never end! They could never be long enough! There are a great summer read with plenty of romance. I love that I got to try new authors and find out I enjoy their writing quite a bit. What these books have in common is that the couples meet in or around elevators. Now who hasn't dreamed of being trapped in an elevator with a super hot guy?? My favorite of the anthology was Aven Ellis' Hold The Lift. It is the same vein as her other books which is great. I know we get more from them and others in their lives in this future series which is awesome!!
I was gifted an ARC of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2016
Nice anthology. my favorite short story is the one by Geralyn Corcillo
October 22, 2016
There was only one story, the first one by Aven Ellis that I enjoyed. The others were wordy and lost most me with all the inner dialogue. Not sure this anthology was worth even my $.99.
July 25, 2016
Love in an Elevator is a Romantic Comedy Anthology with a collection of eight short stories written by some wonderful authors.
An anthology like this is a great way to discover new authors. I started reading it, because I love Aven Ellis and her stories. Some authors I heard of talking to other bloggers and seeing their reviews and again some of these authors I have never heard of.
I have to say that sometimes short stories tend to be a bit too short, but here it wasn’t the case. I felt like they all had a great length and it’s fab that the all have the same topic with the elevator. It makes this anthology a lovely closed circle with lots of different elements.
Now. Let’s talk about the individual stories, starting with Hold the Lift by Aven Ellis. This story includs a hockey player and when this is the case I’m always over the moon. Sierra meets him in the elevator of their apartment building and when the elevator, or should I say lift is stuck, they get to spend some time together. Sierra embarrasses herself pretty fast, but Jude takes it easy and they get to know each other. Their conversation is easy, free and full of sparks. I really like following it. Aven has this gift of creating amazing atmospheres between the characters and she did it her as well. Of curse there also have to be one or another misunderstanding in this story, which made it all even more exciting. Even though the story is quite short, the characters are wonderfully lined out and the storyline has a great flow, I was hooked immediately and loved every part of this short story. 5/5
DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte follows the story of Lauren Oswald, who is in Vegas for her sister’s hen do. As the only sober one she is sent to get some donuts. The same goes for Jamie, he is the groom’s cousin and the men are in Vegas too. Jamie is not only the groom’s cousin though, no he is also her college love and of course she bumps into him in the elevator. They talk and catch up and their old feelings seem to come back…
This is a really fast-paced and exciting read and I loved getting to know the characters and their past. It kind of moved a bit too fast for me, but I still really enjoyed it. Beth’s writing is fun and vivid and oh well did I mention Las Vegas?! Always a great location. 4/5
The third story in this anthology is Going Up? By Whitney Dineen. It tells the story of Fiona Kitchen, who has moved to New York and dreams of running her own massage studio. To earn money for that she works as an elevator operator in a posh apartment building. That’s where she meets Jeremy and also some other people. Hidden behind it all is a bit of a mystery actually, but that didn’t really come a cross for me. The connections between the characters and some parts of the storyline sadly didn’t make any sense to me at all. It’s a fun read, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hope for. 3.5/5
Becky Monson’s Taking a Chance is a wonderful story. Liza is afraid of heights and is trying to go on top of the Empire State Building. Seeing that she struggles, Jay is there to help and takes her on a little journey around New York, to help her with her fear. These two characters hit it off immediately and it’s actually really sweet to see what Jay does for her. They talk about their present and past and have a fab time together. I have to say, yes it’s a bit unrealistic with the timings and the places they go, but nevertheless it’s a cute and sweet story, written in a really vivid and bubbly way. I was in New York in April, so it was great to read about all these fab places again. Becky also plays around with names and that in a really great way with a deeper meaning. 4.5/5
On we go with Happy to be Stuck with You by Rich Amooi. Becca has a crush on Daniel, but he is leaving the company and isn’t he gay?! On the way up to his goodbye party they get stuck in the elevator, the problem?! She is claustrophobic! A kiss seems to distract her and what kind of kiss. The confusion about thinking he’s gay and then him paying no attention to her during the party is there. But they get another chance and sparks definitely fly!!! A cute story! 4/5
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo is the story of Maisy Potter who goes on a vacation across the pond. She falls in love with the English countryside and also meets Mark. They hit it off immediately, but he is hiding something from her. I know it’s a short story, but things moved really quickly and weren’t really explained and it was hard to grip for me. The writing is vivid and exciting, I really liked that. 3/5
THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale follows Bailey Burns is an author, who kisses a stranger after fainting in an elevator. That stranger is much more though. Him announcing that they are in a relationship (PR thing) makes things more complicated. This is the only story I felt that it was too short, I want to know what happens next. I really liked the two characters and I think they are really cute together. This is a fun, entertaining and sweet read. 4.5/5
Last but not least, we have OUT OF ORDER by Dee Ernst. Grace has sworn off men and she is also a writer, afraid to be published. When she is dog sitting for her aunt, she meets Seth. They get to know each other and a relationship builds. It gets more interesting when Grace finds out he’s an author as well. A wonderfully written story with great characters and a gripping storyline, loved it. 4.5/5
So all in all I’d like to give this anthology 4 out 5 stars. It’s a great mixture of stories and authors. Every author brings something different to it and the mixture of styles is awesome.
An anthology like this is a great way to discover new authors. I started reading it, because I love Aven Ellis and her stories. Some authors I heard of talking to other bloggers and seeing their reviews and again some of these authors I have never heard of.
I have to say that sometimes short stories tend to be a bit too short, but here it wasn’t the case. I felt like they all had a great length and it’s fab that the all have the same topic with the elevator. It makes this anthology a lovely closed circle with lots of different elements.
Now. Let’s talk about the individual stories, starting with Hold the Lift by Aven Ellis. This story includs a hockey player and when this is the case I’m always over the moon. Sierra meets him in the elevator of their apartment building and when the elevator, or should I say lift is stuck, they get to spend some time together. Sierra embarrasses herself pretty fast, but Jude takes it easy and they get to know each other. Their conversation is easy, free and full of sparks. I really like following it. Aven has this gift of creating amazing atmospheres between the characters and she did it her as well. Of curse there also have to be one or another misunderstanding in this story, which made it all even more exciting. Even though the story is quite short, the characters are wonderfully lined out and the storyline has a great flow, I was hooked immediately and loved every part of this short story. 5/5
DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte follows the story of Lauren Oswald, who is in Vegas for her sister’s hen do. As the only sober one she is sent to get some donuts. The same goes for Jamie, he is the groom’s cousin and the men are in Vegas too. Jamie is not only the groom’s cousin though, no he is also her college love and of course she bumps into him in the elevator. They talk and catch up and their old feelings seem to come back…
This is a really fast-paced and exciting read and I loved getting to know the characters and their past. It kind of moved a bit too fast for me, but I still really enjoyed it. Beth’s writing is fun and vivid and oh well did I mention Las Vegas?! Always a great location. 4/5
The third story in this anthology is Going Up? By Whitney Dineen. It tells the story of Fiona Kitchen, who has moved to New York and dreams of running her own massage studio. To earn money for that she works as an elevator operator in a posh apartment building. That’s where she meets Jeremy and also some other people. Hidden behind it all is a bit of a mystery actually, but that didn’t really come a cross for me. The connections between the characters and some parts of the storyline sadly didn’t make any sense to me at all. It’s a fun read, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hope for. 3.5/5
Becky Monson’s Taking a Chance is a wonderful story. Liza is afraid of heights and is trying to go on top of the Empire State Building. Seeing that she struggles, Jay is there to help and takes her on a little journey around New York, to help her with her fear. These two characters hit it off immediately and it’s actually really sweet to see what Jay does for her. They talk about their present and past and have a fab time together. I have to say, yes it’s a bit unrealistic with the timings and the places they go, but nevertheless it’s a cute and sweet story, written in a really vivid and bubbly way. I was in New York in April, so it was great to read about all these fab places again. Becky also plays around with names and that in a really great way with a deeper meaning. 4.5/5
On we go with Happy to be Stuck with You by Rich Amooi. Becca has a crush on Daniel, but he is leaving the company and isn’t he gay?! On the way up to his goodbye party they get stuck in the elevator, the problem?! She is claustrophobic! A kiss seems to distract her and what kind of kiss. The confusion about thinking he’s gay and then him paying no attention to her during the party is there. But they get another chance and sparks definitely fly!!! A cute story! 4/5
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo is the story of Maisy Potter who goes on a vacation across the pond. She falls in love with the English countryside and also meets Mark. They hit it off immediately, but he is hiding something from her. I know it’s a short story, but things moved really quickly and weren’t really explained and it was hard to grip for me. The writing is vivid and exciting, I really liked that. 3/5
THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale follows Bailey Burns is an author, who kisses a stranger after fainting in an elevator. That stranger is much more though. Him announcing that they are in a relationship (PR thing) makes things more complicated. This is the only story I felt that it was too short, I want to know what happens next. I really liked the two characters and I think they are really cute together. This is a fun, entertaining and sweet read. 4.5/5
Last but not least, we have OUT OF ORDER by Dee Ernst. Grace has sworn off men and she is also a writer, afraid to be published. When she is dog sitting for her aunt, she meets Seth. They get to know each other and a relationship builds. It gets more interesting when Grace finds out he’s an author as well. A wonderfully written story with great characters and a gripping storyline, loved it. 4.5/5
So all in all I’d like to give this anthology 4 out 5 stars. It’s a great mixture of stories and authors. Every author brings something different to it and the mixture of styles is awesome.
July 24, 2016
This collection of romantic comedies is a fun, refreshing way to look at all the different ways an elevator can lead to hilarity and play a part in romantic relationships! I received a copy of this collection for free in exchange for an honest review.
Hold The Lift – Aven Ellis
I’m a huge Aven Ellis fan and this story was a prime example of why. Sexy British hockey player Jude Parker ends up stuck in the elevator in his building with Sierra Crawford, who is the assistant editor of a food magazine. The two hit it off immediately and even when circumstances keep them apart, they find ways to connect through social media. Of course connecting while miles and miles apart is never as easy as you think. Will a snafu with social media end this relationship before it begins? I loved the characters and Aven always does a fantastic job of making her stories fun, sexy and fabulous!
Down Then Up – Beth Labonte
This is my first Beth Labonte read, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Lauren Oswald is in Las Vegas for her sister’s bachelorette party and while she knows her college love, and likely the love of her life, Jamie, is there for the groom’s bachelor party she’s doing all she can to avoid him because of how they parted ways ten years before. When a chance encounter in the elevator brings the two of them together, sparks fly once again. Can these two reconnect and resurrect their love?
Going Up – Whitney Dineen
Fiona Kitchen is trying to make a new start in New York City by opening a branch of her massage business there. The problem is she’s got to build her client base and that’s easier said than done. When she lucks into a job as an elevator operator in a Central Park West apartment building she not only comes into contact with a mob boss, but also a hot as sin handyman that catches her attention. When all of the people she meets end up being more interconnected than she could have imagined, she finds different parts of her life being tied together. This was my introduction to this author and I’d definitely check out more!
Taking A Chance – Becky Monson
Liza Parker is a girl who has a host of phobias. Heights, crowds and small spaces headline them and while she is trying to overcome them to fulfill a promise to someone very important to her, she encounters a tourist who not only helps her to take the steps necessary to fulfill the promise, he also helps her take the chance that her sister once told her she needed to take. This was an entertaining short story that showed that sometimes doing the things that scare you the most can be the most rewarding!
Happy to be Stuck with You – Rich Amooi
On his last day at the office, Daniel is just trying to get to his going away party, but an elderly client has stopped in his office and even though he’s trying to pawn him off on Becca, the woman who will be taking over the account, the man won’t take the hint. When he’s finally able to break away from the man, he and Becca end up stuck with him in the elevator. There are two problems, one, Becca is claustrophobic and two, she’s had a crush on Daniel for years, but has always thought he was gay. Hilarity ensues as Becca realizes that she’s been wrong all along and Daniel is not gay by a long shot! Sparks fly and these two finally seem to be on the same page! Cute story!
Upstairs, Downstairs…and the Life in Between – Geralyn Corcillo
When Maisy Potter heads across the pond to take the vacation of a lifetime, she ends up falling for more than the English countryside. She meets Mark Prebys, who is basically the jack of all trades at Drakenfall, the manner she chooses to stay at, and she is immediately attracted to him. With work issues at home and having planned this vacation for five years, all she wants to do is enjoy it. Will she be able to do so or will not only issues at home, but a secret that Mark is keeping derail her happiness even more? This was a good story and I enjoyed it.
The Only Way is Up – Lindy Dale
Bailey Burns is an author whose recent book has exploded and caused her to be a household name. She’s just released a new book and is on a book tour to promote it when her publicist comes down with a horrible case of food poisoning. Knowing she needs someone from the PR firm there, the head of the firm, Callum, goes to meet up with her. After an encounter in the elevator that morning, Bailey is already flustered when she meets Callum for the first time. Or what she thinks is the first time. She is stunned to learn who he really is. When put in a difficult position at a book signing, he steps up and says they are in a relationship. While Bailey doesn’t respond well to that at first, will she change her mind? A quick paced, fun short story.
Out of Order – Dee Ernst
Grace is a writer who has never allowed herself to be published. When she goes to dog-sit for her Aunt and Godmother, she meets the building manager, Seth, who also happens to be an author himself. When the elevator goes out and Grace figures out that her Aunt’s eighty pound dog, Monty, won’t go up or down the stairs, she has to figure out how to get him out of the building to do his business since the apartment is on the third floor. Enter Seth, who helps out by taking them up and down the freight elevator and then decides to start going on walks with them. A relationship slowly builds as they both discover the other writes. A great way to finish off this anthology!
Hold The Lift – Aven Ellis
I’m a huge Aven Ellis fan and this story was a prime example of why. Sexy British hockey player Jude Parker ends up stuck in the elevator in his building with Sierra Crawford, who is the assistant editor of a food magazine. The two hit it off immediately and even when circumstances keep them apart, they find ways to connect through social media. Of course connecting while miles and miles apart is never as easy as you think. Will a snafu with social media end this relationship before it begins? I loved the characters and Aven always does a fantastic job of making her stories fun, sexy and fabulous!
Down Then Up – Beth Labonte
This is my first Beth Labonte read, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Lauren Oswald is in Las Vegas for her sister’s bachelorette party and while she knows her college love, and likely the love of her life, Jamie, is there for the groom’s bachelor party she’s doing all she can to avoid him because of how they parted ways ten years before. When a chance encounter in the elevator brings the two of them together, sparks fly once again. Can these two reconnect and resurrect their love?
Going Up – Whitney Dineen
Fiona Kitchen is trying to make a new start in New York City by opening a branch of her massage business there. The problem is she’s got to build her client base and that’s easier said than done. When she lucks into a job as an elevator operator in a Central Park West apartment building she not only comes into contact with a mob boss, but also a hot as sin handyman that catches her attention. When all of the people she meets end up being more interconnected than she could have imagined, she finds different parts of her life being tied together. This was my introduction to this author and I’d definitely check out more!
Taking A Chance – Becky Monson
Liza Parker is a girl who has a host of phobias. Heights, crowds and small spaces headline them and while she is trying to overcome them to fulfill a promise to someone very important to her, she encounters a tourist who not only helps her to take the steps necessary to fulfill the promise, he also helps her take the chance that her sister once told her she needed to take. This was an entertaining short story that showed that sometimes doing the things that scare you the most can be the most rewarding!
Happy to be Stuck with You – Rich Amooi
On his last day at the office, Daniel is just trying to get to his going away party, but an elderly client has stopped in his office and even though he’s trying to pawn him off on Becca, the woman who will be taking over the account, the man won’t take the hint. When he’s finally able to break away from the man, he and Becca end up stuck with him in the elevator. There are two problems, one, Becca is claustrophobic and two, she’s had a crush on Daniel for years, but has always thought he was gay. Hilarity ensues as Becca realizes that she’s been wrong all along and Daniel is not gay by a long shot! Sparks fly and these two finally seem to be on the same page! Cute story!
Upstairs, Downstairs…and the Life in Between – Geralyn Corcillo
When Maisy Potter heads across the pond to take the vacation of a lifetime, she ends up falling for more than the English countryside. She meets Mark Prebys, who is basically the jack of all trades at Drakenfall, the manner she chooses to stay at, and she is immediately attracted to him. With work issues at home and having planned this vacation for five years, all she wants to do is enjoy it. Will she be able to do so or will not only issues at home, but a secret that Mark is keeping derail her happiness even more? This was a good story and I enjoyed it.
The Only Way is Up – Lindy Dale
Bailey Burns is an author whose recent book has exploded and caused her to be a household name. She’s just released a new book and is on a book tour to promote it when her publicist comes down with a horrible case of food poisoning. Knowing she needs someone from the PR firm there, the head of the firm, Callum, goes to meet up with her. After an encounter in the elevator that morning, Bailey is already flustered when she meets Callum for the first time. Or what she thinks is the first time. She is stunned to learn who he really is. When put in a difficult position at a book signing, he steps up and says they are in a relationship. While Bailey doesn’t respond well to that at first, will she change her mind? A quick paced, fun short story.
Out of Order – Dee Ernst
Grace is a writer who has never allowed herself to be published. When she goes to dog-sit for her Aunt and Godmother, she meets the building manager, Seth, who also happens to be an author himself. When the elevator goes out and Grace figures out that her Aunt’s eighty pound dog, Monty, won’t go up or down the stairs, she has to figure out how to get him out of the building to do his business since the apartment is on the third floor. Enter Seth, who helps out by taking them up and down the freight elevator and then decides to start going on walks with them. A relationship slowly builds as they both discover the other writes. A great way to finish off this anthology!
November 5, 2018
This was a good collection of novellas. They were all well written and sweetly romantic.
January 10, 2017
It was okay, not the worst book that I have ever read!
January 22, 2017
Enjoyable collection of novellas!
August 15, 2016
Love in an Elevator or as being British I want to call it Love In A Lift is a collection of cute, fun, flirty novellas written by some great author. Usually, when I read an anthology, I will mainly read the one by the author whose work I Iove and have read before which in my case was Aven Ellis if I have time I may read a few others. However, after reading Aven’s contribution HOLD THE LIFT that I adored I decided I wanted to read the rest because I like the premise. I wanted to know wanted to know how an elevator aka lift helped each of the couples in the stories find love. Also reading an anthology is a great way to discover new authors.
First up we have HOLD THE LIFT by Aven Ellis. Sparks fly when Food-obsessed assistant editor Sierra Crawford get stuck in an Elevator with hot sexy British hockey player Jude Parker. Hold The Lift was a fun, easy read and Sierra and Jude are cute together, and of course love all the reference to anything British. Being a big fan of Aven’s I knew she would disappoint me as this was a cute, romantic and entertaining read. 5/5
DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte tells the story of Lauren and Jamie who had a romantic past together that didn’t end well. When these two meet in a Las Vegas elevator on the way to run an errand could fate be stepping in to give them a second chance? Being a big fan of second chance romance I enjoyed this one and I like that we get to see what happened between these two in the past. I like the characters and authors writing style. 4/5
GOING UP? By Whitney Dineen is about Fiona, who has moved to New York to pursue her dream, however, she discovers a lot more and a few surprises when she ends up getting a job as the elevator operator in a posh apartment building. A mixture of fun, interesting and mysterious characters go up and down the elevator. The story was fast paced, maybe a little too fast in some place, but I still enjoyed it. 4/5
TAKING A CHANCE, by Becky Monson was one of my favorites in the anthology. It was such an endearing and heartwarming read. When I discovered why Liza was in a crowded elevator that was going to the top of the Empire State Building although she has a fear of crowds and heights I had such admiration for her. And I adored Jay for wanting to help her succeed in what she has set out to do. I just adored what the author did with this one. Loved it! 5/5
HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU by Rich Amooi. When Becca gets stuck in an office elevator with sexy Daniel, it shouldn’t be a problem except Becca has a big crush on Daniel and to make matters worse, she is claustrophobic. Throw in a great kiss, some misunderstandings, and an eighty-year-old romantic and you have a fun cute, entertaining read. 4/5
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo tells the story of American Maisy Potter, who meets Mark Prebys during her stay Drakenfall country estate in England. There is an instance attraction, but there is more to Mark to than meets they eye. I like this story, but I felt it was too fast paced at times. I did like the author descriptive writing, and I would love to spend a weekend in a place like Drakenfall.
THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale.<.b> A Kiss from a sexy stranger after she faints in a lift is just the beginning of a crazy but in a good way week for author Bailey Burns. I have to say this was also a favorite. I loved the characters they were great together. There is always one story in an anthology that I wish was longer, and The Only Way Is Up is the one. I want to know more about this couple and what happens next. Loved the author’s writing style, which made for a cute, funny entertain read. 4.5/5
The final book in the anthology is OUT OF ORDER by Dee Ernst. Aspiring author Grace has sworn off men, and in her eyes, Seth is no different. However, fate, a neurotic golden retriever, and a broken elevator seem to have different ideas. Out Of Order a well-written, enjoyable story with great characters that hooked me from the start. 4.5 stars
Overall, I rate Love In An Elevator 4 stars. I enjoyed this collection of cute, fun, flirty novellas. I love that idea that each story was different, but connected to an elevator aka lift! If you’re looking for a collection of fun entertaining easy romantic novellas, then I would this give anthology ago. Two things I’m going to do for sure after reading Love in an Elevator the first is to check out more books from some of the new authors that are new to me and the second is to start using lifts a lot more! Haha!
First up we have HOLD THE LIFT by Aven Ellis. Sparks fly when Food-obsessed assistant editor Sierra Crawford get stuck in an Elevator with hot sexy British hockey player Jude Parker. Hold The Lift was a fun, easy read and Sierra and Jude are cute together, and of course love all the reference to anything British. Being a big fan of Aven’s I knew she would disappoint me as this was a cute, romantic and entertaining read. 5/5
DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte tells the story of Lauren and Jamie who had a romantic past together that didn’t end well. When these two meet in a Las Vegas elevator on the way to run an errand could fate be stepping in to give them a second chance? Being a big fan of second chance romance I enjoyed this one and I like that we get to see what happened between these two in the past. I like the characters and authors writing style. 4/5
GOING UP? By Whitney Dineen is about Fiona, who has moved to New York to pursue her dream, however, she discovers a lot more and a few surprises when she ends up getting a job as the elevator operator in a posh apartment building. A mixture of fun, interesting and mysterious characters go up and down the elevator. The story was fast paced, maybe a little too fast in some place, but I still enjoyed it. 4/5
TAKING A CHANCE, by Becky Monson was one of my favorites in the anthology. It was such an endearing and heartwarming read. When I discovered why Liza was in a crowded elevator that was going to the top of the Empire State Building although she has a fear of crowds and heights I had such admiration for her. And I adored Jay for wanting to help her succeed in what she has set out to do. I just adored what the author did with this one. Loved it! 5/5
HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU by Rich Amooi. When Becca gets stuck in an office elevator with sexy Daniel, it shouldn’t be a problem except Becca has a big crush on Daniel and to make matters worse, she is claustrophobic. Throw in a great kiss, some misunderstandings, and an eighty-year-old romantic and you have a fun cute, entertaining read. 4/5
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo tells the story of American Maisy Potter, who meets Mark Prebys during her stay Drakenfall country estate in England. There is an instance attraction, but there is more to Mark to than meets they eye. I like this story, but I felt it was too fast paced at times. I did like the author descriptive writing, and I would love to spend a weekend in a place like Drakenfall.
THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale.<.b> A Kiss from a sexy stranger after she faints in a lift is just the beginning of a crazy but in a good way week for author Bailey Burns. I have to say this was also a favorite. I loved the characters they were great together. There is always one story in an anthology that I wish was longer, and The Only Way Is Up is the one. I want to know more about this couple and what happens next. Loved the author’s writing style, which made for a cute, funny entertain read. 4.5/5
The final book in the anthology is OUT OF ORDER by Dee Ernst. Aspiring author Grace has sworn off men, and in her eyes, Seth is no different. However, fate, a neurotic golden retriever, and a broken elevator seem to have different ideas. Out Of Order a well-written, enjoyable story with great characters that hooked me from the start. 4.5 stars
Overall, I rate Love In An Elevator 4 stars. I enjoyed this collection of cute, fun, flirty novellas. I love that idea that each story was different, but connected to an elevator aka lift! If you’re looking for a collection of fun entertaining easy romantic novellas, then I would this give anthology ago. Two things I’m going to do for sure after reading Love in an Elevator the first is to check out more books from some of the new authors that are new to me and the second is to start using lifts a lot more! Haha!
July 23, 2016
If the two fabulous and very different stories I've read so far are any indication, this anthology of romantic, comic shorts is touching, funny and––true to the elevator theme––an uplifting and a wonderful ride.
Geralyn Corcillo, whose rom coms Queen of the Universe, Miss Adventure, and the short story quartet, 4 in the Afternoon are smart, fresh and brilliant, doesn't disappoint with her "Upstairs, Downstairs... and the Lift in Between."
Corcillo's set-up is fabulous: Pasadena computer programmer, nerd, skinny dipper Maisy Potter spends her hard-earned three-week vacation in England at a place I really wish were real. Ah, Drakenfall––"a place that existed just to make people happy"––a bed-and-breakfast /resort/ perfect English country estate mash-up where guests unburden themselves of their "real" lives and freely live out their Anglophile fantasies.
But––and this is why Corcillo's story works so beautifully––Drakenfall's dreamy expanse of green, the lake, the sheep, the horses, the soft duvets, the tea and scones delivered by a sweet and handsome man of all jobs Mark Prebys––have solidity and reality. Mark and the rest of the staff have serious responsibilities because Drakenfall is a working organic farm/animal preserve upon which the economy of its small Cotswold village depends. And Maisy has some knotty problems back home that she must use her time away to solve.
Corcillo uses the elevator conceit masterfully--and her description of the electric moment when lovers meet, the dread when they misunderstand each other, and the joy when they don't is sweet, funny, surprising and true.
I loved Corcillo's ambitious, satisfying and wise story. I loved Maisy's and Mark's intelligence, goodness and heart. And I loved Drakenfall. I can't wait to see what wonderful thing Corcillo will write next.
"Down, Then Up" by Beth Labonte returns the reader––with a jolt––to contemporary America, the world of elevators (not lifts), where people have serious troubles and deep regrets:
"There are worse things," our smart, wry heroine and narrator begins,"... than being on a bachelorette trip to Las Vegas when you've given up alcohol. Things like being on death row for a murder you did not commit."
Like Corcillo's Maisy, Labonte's Lauren is a geek at heart. Lauren is a Tolkien freak and a smart, funny, young writer who "does not half-ass anything."
When Lauren's sister and her drunken friends demand doughnuts, Lauren is releived to have an excuse to venture out from their hotel room. But at the Caesars Palace elevator she runs into "the love of [her] life, the one that got away..."
Does Lauren run or does she enter into the elevator and face Jamie? And what does Jamie, the man she loved and lost, do when he sees her?
It's a great set-up, clever use of the elevator theme (more than once) and and a fine story. LaBonte handles Lauren's drinking––at first celebratory, socially lubricating and liberating––then depressing and humiliating––with sensitivity and frankness. We cheer for Lauren and Jamie. For not half-assing anything. Especially love.
Geralyn Corcillo, whose rom coms Queen of the Universe, Miss Adventure, and the short story quartet, 4 in the Afternoon are smart, fresh and brilliant, doesn't disappoint with her "Upstairs, Downstairs... and the Lift in Between."
Corcillo's set-up is fabulous: Pasadena computer programmer, nerd, skinny dipper Maisy Potter spends her hard-earned three-week vacation in England at a place I really wish were real. Ah, Drakenfall––"a place that existed just to make people happy"––a bed-and-breakfast /resort/ perfect English country estate mash-up where guests unburden themselves of their "real" lives and freely live out their Anglophile fantasies.
But––and this is why Corcillo's story works so beautifully––Drakenfall's dreamy expanse of green, the lake, the sheep, the horses, the soft duvets, the tea and scones delivered by a sweet and handsome man of all jobs Mark Prebys––have solidity and reality. Mark and the rest of the staff have serious responsibilities because Drakenfall is a working organic farm/animal preserve upon which the economy of its small Cotswold village depends. And Maisy has some knotty problems back home that she must use her time away to solve.
Corcillo uses the elevator conceit masterfully--and her description of the electric moment when lovers meet, the dread when they misunderstand each other, and the joy when they don't is sweet, funny, surprising and true.
I loved Corcillo's ambitious, satisfying and wise story. I loved Maisy's and Mark's intelligence, goodness and heart. And I loved Drakenfall. I can't wait to see what wonderful thing Corcillo will write next.
"Down, Then Up" by Beth Labonte returns the reader––with a jolt––to contemporary America, the world of elevators (not lifts), where people have serious troubles and deep regrets:
"There are worse things," our smart, wry heroine and narrator begins,"... than being on a bachelorette trip to Las Vegas when you've given up alcohol. Things like being on death row for a murder you did not commit."
Like Corcillo's Maisy, Labonte's Lauren is a geek at heart. Lauren is a Tolkien freak and a smart, funny, young writer who "does not half-ass anything."
When Lauren's sister and her drunken friends demand doughnuts, Lauren is releived to have an excuse to venture out from their hotel room. But at the Caesars Palace elevator she runs into "the love of [her] life, the one that got away..."
Does Lauren run or does she enter into the elevator and face Jamie? And what does Jamie, the man she loved and lost, do when he sees her?
It's a great set-up, clever use of the elevator theme (more than once) and and a fine story. LaBonte handles Lauren's drinking––at first celebratory, socially lubricating and liberating––then depressing and humiliating––with sensitivity and frankness. We cheer for Lauren and Jamie. For not half-assing anything. Especially love.
August 17, 2016
I have books from all of the authors contributing on my kindle bar two (am now looking those two up!) and as you know I live for chick lit and so I lunged for this one. There’s eight stories/ novellas (as I see them described) all based around the title ‘Love in an elevator’ and I loved the fact that they all didn’t just descend to conversations in an elevator (known as lifts over here-Love in a Lift wouldn’t quite have the same ring now, would it?!). Actually, on the novella thing, a lot of people have commented on how great the length of these were but I’m in two minds. They consisted of a few chapters each, and for some reason I needed a breather in between each novella, even though I really enjoyed each and every one. I could only attribute this to the fact that my way of reading short stories is simply that of a runaway train, because they’re so short this is doable. With these it was like reading an extremely short book so I’d put it down. That being said I never put them down mid story, and flew through each one.
In terms of content there were a number of similarities that linked the stories. First, the male characters were all so likeable (special mention for George in Rich Amool’s story;)) They were warm and caring and funny and gorgeous and each one was unique and yet plausible. To add to this the romance was well done in each and every story, with some truly lovely moments (and some quite hot ones, though none which were ott, which is unusual for me)!
The comedy also (shockingly, this never happens) was for me in every story. Not so much laugh out loud as smiling and nodding along which is always good. There were stories with back stories connected, there were twists, and there was a story by Geralyn Corcillo that was told more in the manner of a Jane Austen classic, which to start with took me a little bit to get into, as it’s like a different language to me (to my shame I haven’t read many classics since my teenage years), then by the end of it I was taking down the book it’s preceding’s name to read when it comes out later in the year.
I adored the backstory to Lindy Dale’s lead character’s writing journey, smiled so much over Dee Ernst’s tale of guy meets girl via the dog she’s minding, but I think the two that stole my heart were Beth Labonte’s story of a closet geek’s (I loved the references, the humour AND the romance!) chance meeting with the one that got away and Becky Monson’s lovely tale of someone who’s trying to face her fears as a result of a promise she’s made.
All in all a great collection. Thanks to the author Geralyn Corcillo for this book in return for an honest review.
Rating 4/5
In terms of content there were a number of similarities that linked the stories. First, the male characters were all so likeable (special mention for George in Rich Amool’s story;)) They were warm and caring and funny and gorgeous and each one was unique and yet plausible. To add to this the romance was well done in each and every story, with some truly lovely moments (and some quite hot ones, though none which were ott, which is unusual for me)!
The comedy also (shockingly, this never happens) was for me in every story. Not so much laugh out loud as smiling and nodding along which is always good. There were stories with back stories connected, there were twists, and there was a story by Geralyn Corcillo that was told more in the manner of a Jane Austen classic, which to start with took me a little bit to get into, as it’s like a different language to me (to my shame I haven’t read many classics since my teenage years), then by the end of it I was taking down the book it’s preceding’s name to read when it comes out later in the year.
I adored the backstory to Lindy Dale’s lead character’s writing journey, smiled so much over Dee Ernst’s tale of guy meets girl via the dog she’s minding, but I think the two that stole my heart were Beth Labonte’s story of a closet geek’s (I loved the references, the humour AND the romance!) chance meeting with the one that got away and Becky Monson’s lovely tale of someone who’s trying to face her fears as a result of a promise she’s made.
All in all a great collection. Thanks to the author Geralyn Corcillo for this book in return for an honest review.
Rating 4/5
October 30, 2016
This is a cute collection of romantic comedy novellas. All the stories are a fun read, but in my humble opinion, as a huge fan of romantic comedy, one story in particular is truly outstanding, and it alone is worth the very reasonable price of the book, which I bought in Kindle format:
GOING UP? by Whitney Dineen
Fiona Kitchen moves to the Big Apple to expand her spa business to a new and more prosperous location, but instead of making the contacts that lead to fulfilling her dream, she ends up running all over New York with her portable massage table offering at-home massages to grumpy customers until the day the ultimate in bad customers, a rude old lady in a ritzy apartment building, tops off her dismissive attitude toward Fiona throughout the massage by refusing to pay her. The only silver lining of that rock-bottom moment comes when she's offered a job in that same posh building as an elevator operator. The pay is good, but she's forced to wear a bizarre uniform like something out of a 1950's movie. Her life gets increasingly complicated when she begins to fall in a big way for a gorgeous handyman updating the penthouse apartment in the building, and her life may actually be in danger when a notorious mob boss makes her an offer she can't refuse--to give him a massage in a huge, dilapidated warehouse he owns on the wrong side of town.
This story is an absolutely hilarious, chick-lit type romance. I laughed out loud numerous times. I loved the heroine, got a real kick out of her quirky mother and grandmother, and the mob boss turned out to be a huge comic surprise in the plot. The hero is both sexy and adorable and a great match for the wise-cracking heroine.
I rate this story as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Chick Lit Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
GOING UP? by Whitney Dineen
Fiona Kitchen moves to the Big Apple to expand her spa business to a new and more prosperous location, but instead of making the contacts that lead to fulfilling her dream, she ends up running all over New York with her portable massage table offering at-home massages to grumpy customers until the day the ultimate in bad customers, a rude old lady in a ritzy apartment building, tops off her dismissive attitude toward Fiona throughout the massage by refusing to pay her. The only silver lining of that rock-bottom moment comes when she's offered a job in that same posh building as an elevator operator. The pay is good, but she's forced to wear a bizarre uniform like something out of a 1950's movie. Her life gets increasingly complicated when she begins to fall in a big way for a gorgeous handyman updating the penthouse apartment in the building, and her life may actually be in danger when a notorious mob boss makes her an offer she can't refuse--to give him a massage in a huge, dilapidated warehouse he owns on the wrong side of town.
This story is an absolutely hilarious, chick-lit type romance. I laughed out loud numerous times. I loved the heroine, got a real kick out of her quirky mother and grandmother, and the mob boss turned out to be a huge comic surprise in the plot. The hero is both sexy and adorable and a great match for the wise-cracking heroine.
I rate this story as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Chick Lit Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
July 24, 2016
To be honest, I approached this anthology with trepidation. Why, you might ask? Well, simply because it’s an anthology and I’ve never considered myself a fan of short stories. Perhaps we can blame high school English classes for that. In any case, after reading this collection, I am now a complete convert. Anthologies are marvellous things and I plan to read many, many more of them.
Again, you may be wondering why…? And the answer is simple again - anthologies mean you can sample a range of authors before you commit yourself to their full length novels. When I saw this anthology advertised, I recognised some familiar and trusted names and some names I’d been meaning to try. There was also a couple of names that were new to me.
Boldly, I took the plunge, starting with the safe bets and working my way through the stories by authors I was curious about. And in keeping with the honest approach I started with, I have to admit I enjoyed them all. Some stories more than others of course – some resonated with me more - for example, Maisy Potter’s wistful observation about how green the grass is in England in Geralyn Corcillo’s UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN took me back to my last trip to the UK.
But all of the stories in this anthology are fun, easy and highly entertaining reads, perfect for when you have a night in and need a little hit of frivolity and a happily ever after. I’m giving this collection five stars for the cute theme, the way the stories complement each other and the quality of the authors it includes.
Again, you may be wondering why…? And the answer is simple again - anthologies mean you can sample a range of authors before you commit yourself to their full length novels. When I saw this anthology advertised, I recognised some familiar and trusted names and some names I’d been meaning to try. There was also a couple of names that were new to me.
Boldly, I took the plunge, starting with the safe bets and working my way through the stories by authors I was curious about. And in keeping with the honest approach I started with, I have to admit I enjoyed them all. Some stories more than others of course – some resonated with me more - for example, Maisy Potter’s wistful observation about how green the grass is in England in Geralyn Corcillo’s UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN took me back to my last trip to the UK.
But all of the stories in this anthology are fun, easy and highly entertaining reads, perfect for when you have a night in and need a little hit of frivolity and a happily ever after. I’m giving this collection five stars for the cute theme, the way the stories complement each other and the quality of the authors it includes.
July 28, 2016
Finding Love in an Elevator
If you're looking for a lovely bunch of short stories about falling in love, look no further. I don't like to give any spoilers in my reviews but I will say the following:
Aven Ellis's book is amazing! I adore her writing style. Sierra and Jude are no exception! I LOVE them! Absolutely refreshing and witty to read.
Beth Labonte's story was a wonderful story about two exs at a bachelor/bachelorette party in Vegas. I'm sure to be looking for more of her stories!
Whitney Dineen's story was good but not really for me.
Becky Monson's story about Liza and Jay was lovely. Taking chances and breaking out of your comfort zone. I will be hunting down more books from her.
I loved Rich Amooi's characters! They were so funny. There are lots of laugh out loud moments. Totally worth looking for more books!
Geralyn Corcillo's story reminds me of classic English romances. And I love them, so I loved this! Maisy and Mark are awesome.
I like Lindy Dale's story about Bailey and Callum. There were a lot of cringe-worthy moments, but they were really funny!
Dee Ernst's book was the perfect way to end this anthology. Again, another author I hadn't heard of, but I look forward to reading more!
Note, I did receive a free copy of this anthology in return for my honest review.
If you're looking for a lovely bunch of short stories about falling in love, look no further. I don't like to give any spoilers in my reviews but I will say the following:
Aven Ellis's book is amazing! I adore her writing style. Sierra and Jude are no exception! I LOVE them! Absolutely refreshing and witty to read.
Beth Labonte's story was a wonderful story about two exs at a bachelor/bachelorette party in Vegas. I'm sure to be looking for more of her stories!
Whitney Dineen's story was good but not really for me.
Becky Monson's story about Liza and Jay was lovely. Taking chances and breaking out of your comfort zone. I will be hunting down more books from her.
I loved Rich Amooi's characters! They were so funny. There are lots of laugh out loud moments. Totally worth looking for more books!
Geralyn Corcillo's story reminds me of classic English romances. And I love them, so I loved this! Maisy and Mark are awesome.
I like Lindy Dale's story about Bailey and Callum. There were a lot of cringe-worthy moments, but they were really funny!
Dee Ernst's book was the perfect way to end this anthology. Again, another author I hadn't heard of, but I look forward to reading more!
Note, I did receive a free copy of this anthology in return for my honest review.
July 23, 2016
Love In An Elevator-A Romantic Comedy Anthology
Aven Ellis said it best when she wrote: "I want my books to be easy reading, a beach read, and an escape when you need one." I would say that she was successful. In fact, this collection of stories about finding love in an elevator is all of those things, and more.
Despite being about meeting and falling in love in an elevator (or shortly thereafter), all of these stories are vastly different and unique in plot.
These books have humour, romance, they are easy to read, keep the reader's attention, and are fun. Written in the first person narrative, it is like listening to a friend telling you their story.
(There is some swearing in some of these books so if you are a sensitive reader you will want to know this in advance. The sensuality level ranges from squeaky-clean to sensual.)
Of course, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others. (My favourite is "Taking A Chance" by Becky Monson.) The fun of anthologies is the opportunity to read and to be introduced to new and different authors. There are many different styles represented here and there is sure to be something to appeal to every reader from the variety presented in this collection.
I heartily recommend them and rate this collection overall 4 stars.
Aven Ellis said it best when she wrote: "I want my books to be easy reading, a beach read, and an escape when you need one." I would say that she was successful. In fact, this collection of stories about finding love in an elevator is all of those things, and more.
Despite being about meeting and falling in love in an elevator (or shortly thereafter), all of these stories are vastly different and unique in plot.
These books have humour, romance, they are easy to read, keep the reader's attention, and are fun. Written in the first person narrative, it is like listening to a friend telling you their story.
(There is some swearing in some of these books so if you are a sensitive reader you will want to know this in advance. The sensuality level ranges from squeaky-clean to sensual.)
Of course, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others. (My favourite is "Taking A Chance" by Becky Monson.) The fun of anthologies is the opportunity to read and to be introduced to new and different authors. There are many different styles represented here and there is sure to be something to appeal to every reader from the variety presented in this collection.
I heartily recommend them and rate this collection overall 4 stars.
July 24, 2016
HOLD THE LIFT by Aven Ellis had a quirky style.
DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte did a good job of interweaving the past and present; the female lead was refreshingly not-so-perfect.
GOING UP? by Whitney Dineen was my favorite. It was the least predictable and a lot of fun.
TAKING A CHANCE by Becky Monson - I wasn't so sure about, but the ending knocked my socks off.
HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU by Rich Amooi - Rich delivers his trademark well-written characters with a touch of absurd humor.
In UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo was the one I didn't care so much for, just because the slang didn't sound authentic to me.
THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale - I didn't think I liked at first, but I was won over by the end.
OUT OF ORDER, by Dee Ernst was well-written and touches on the life and careers of several authors who have varying degrees of success and confidence.
The theme of the book is unusual and it is fun to see how it was integrated into each story. I was given the book by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.
DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte did a good job of interweaving the past and present; the female lead was refreshingly not-so-perfect.
GOING UP? by Whitney Dineen was my favorite. It was the least predictable and a lot of fun.
TAKING A CHANCE by Becky Monson - I wasn't so sure about, but the ending knocked my socks off.
HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU by Rich Amooi - Rich delivers his trademark well-written characters with a touch of absurd humor.
In UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo was the one I didn't care so much for, just because the slang didn't sound authentic to me.
THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale - I didn't think I liked at first, but I was won over by the end.
OUT OF ORDER, by Dee Ernst was well-written and touches on the life and careers of several authors who have varying degrees of success and confidence.
The theme of the book is unusual and it is fun to see how it was integrated into each story. I was given the book by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2016
I was given a copy of this book by Becky Monson for an honest review. I will be completely honest in saying that I have yet to read all the stories in the collection. So far, I have read the first story by Aven Ellis and then skipped to Ms. Becky Monson's story. I do have plans to finish the book in it's entirety, and then will update my review.
I really enjoyed the plots of both stories that I have read so far. The first story had a fun, flirty plot. It was clean in content, but not in language, which was a bit of a disappointment for me, as my personal preference is to not read profanity. I can usually overlook a word or two, but in this story, there was quite a bit.
For time purposes, because I had promised Ms. Monson that I would read and review her work, I skipped to her story. I am glad I did. Her story was a sweet tale of a young lady who has a collection of fears, and a young man who ends up helping her overcome one. The writing was very well done and enjoyable.
I look forward to finishing this fun collection and "meeting" some new authors!
I really enjoyed the plots of both stories that I have read so far. The first story had a fun, flirty plot. It was clean in content, but not in language, which was a bit of a disappointment for me, as my personal preference is to not read profanity. I can usually overlook a word or two, but in this story, there was quite a bit.
For time purposes, because I had promised Ms. Monson that I would read and review her work, I skipped to her story. I am glad I did. Her story was a sweet tale of a young lady who has a collection of fears, and a young man who ends up helping her overcome one. The writing was very well done and enjoyable.
I look forward to finishing this fun collection and "meeting" some new authors!
July 24, 2016
Love in a elevator I loved every authors story! They were each funny, and had me smiling for the couples. Such cute,romance stories that made you wish it would happen to you. Always meeting someone special in a elevator and going from there. Little Drama are in some but every story had a great ending! Rich Amooi story had me laughing the most a story about Becca liking Daniel but rumor is he's gay so Becca just has to get over it. Becca and Daniel get stuck in a elevator together with a client. And you have to read the rest to find out what happens lol 5/5 stars I was given this book to review for a unbiased review! A must read if you love romance/humor
July 26, 2016
I was a lucky winner of this book Love in an Elevator as an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have read all of Aven books and have enjoyed them all. Aven has such a great writing style that you can't help but fall in love with the characters. The ability to write in such and easy way that makes reading it so enjoyable that before you know it you have finished it! Hold the Lift was exciting and fun to read. A sexy British man with pale blue eyes and gorgeous blondish-brown hair with highlights that shine like gold...all giggles and smiles here!!!
August 18, 2016
I loved all the stories and the characters. I was hoping none of the stories would end. This is the first time I had read anything by all the authors except Rich Amooi. I will definitely be reading move by all of them now. I recommend this book to anyone that loves romance and want a great pick- me- up when they don't have time to get into a longer story.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 26, 2016
I was looking forward to reading this as I had already read and loved books by 5 of the 8 authors, and I wasn't disappointed.
The stories are fun, an easy read and a pleasant mix of styles. I only rated this 4 stars beaucouse the stories are too short to really develop and some of them I liked more than others , but they are still very enjoyable - happy endings are so nice, and I finished them smiling and relaxed.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The stories are fun, an easy read and a pleasant mix of styles. I only rated this 4 stars beaucouse the stories are too short to really develop and some of them I liked more than others , but they are still very enjoyable - happy endings are so nice, and I finished them smiling and relaxed.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2016
I do not recommend this book.
I don't remember where I heard about this book, but I usually get recommendations from blogs that recommend clean books, so I was disappointed with the content. Some of these stories made me laugh out loud, which I enjoy, but most of them were too loose with morals.
There were no sex scenes, but lots of characters had promiscuous lifestyles or attitudes. There was also profanity in most of the stories, including the name of Deity.
I don't remember where I heard about this book, but I usually get recommendations from blogs that recommend clean books, so I was disappointed with the content. Some of these stories made me laugh out loud, which I enjoy, but most of them were too loose with morals.
There were no sex scenes, but lots of characters had promiscuous lifestyles or attitudes. There was also profanity in most of the stories, including the name of Deity.
May 1, 2017
I really enjoyed these short stories. I had only read books from a couple of these authors before reading this, and now I am dying to seek out more from some of the others in this anthology. These were quick, breezy romances but sweet and some with some great quirky and memorable characters. I highly recommend it for a light and easy read that puts a smile on your face.
October 30, 2016
Overall, I'd give this a 3-3.5.
Hold the Lift by Aven Ellis: 4
Down, Then Up by Beth Labonte: 4
Going Up? by Whitney Dineen: 2.5
Taking a Chance by Becky Monson: 4
Happy to be Stuck With You by Rich Amooi: 2
Upstairs, Downstairs...and the Lift in Between by Geralyn Corcillo: 4
The Only Way Is Up by Lindy Dale: 2
Out of Order by Dee Ernst: 2.5
Hold the Lift by Aven Ellis: 4
Down, Then Up by Beth Labonte: 4
Going Up? by Whitney Dineen: 2.5
Taking a Chance by Becky Monson: 4
Happy to be Stuck With You by Rich Amooi: 2
Upstairs, Downstairs...and the Lift in Between by Geralyn Corcillo: 4
The Only Way Is Up by Lindy Dale: 2
Out of Order by Dee Ernst: 2.5
November 1, 2016
Fun romantic stories
This kind of book is why I enjoy my Kindle Unlimited subscription as it' is not something I would necessarily purchase but I would have missed this collection of romantic short stories. As is the benefit of anthologies I have discovered some new to me authors and will be looking for other books they have written.
This kind of book is why I enjoy my Kindle Unlimited subscription as it' is not something I would necessarily purchase but I would have missed this collection of romantic short stories. As is the benefit of anthologies I have discovered some new to me authors and will be looking for other books they have written.
July 23, 2016
I received this ARC from the author for an honest review.
This Anthology is 8 short witty stories from different authors. Who knew there were so many ways to find love in an elevator. Perfect for a summer read with a glass of wine.
Thoroughly enjoyed these.
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