When the clock strikes midnight, will she seal more than a deal?
Lily May moved from her small Southern town to the big city to make a name for herself. No matter how many times life knocks her down she gets right back up on her five inch heels and keeps going. When she finds out billionaire Ashton lives in her building she is determined to snag him as a client, but what she doesn’t expect is the unexplained sparks that ignite every time they’re near each other.
Ashton is used to people trying to use him to get ahead in the business world and has made it a hobby of turning people away. However, the southern belle with the big smile and great legs, doesn’t know how to quit. As each encounter grows more intense he resolves to keep his distance. But on New Year’s Eve, when their elevator gets stuck, Ashton has nowhere to hide.
Time is running out, temptation is burning hot, and when the clock strikes midnight secrets will be revealed. But when the doors finally open will they walk out together or as they went in; alone?
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — OK, I wasn’t sure I was going to fall in love super hard with this one based on the preview in the previous book, but I DID!! It was super cute, I LOVED our MCs, it was just fun and smile inducing!
So why wasn’t I sure about it? Well, Lily May is not a girl I thought I would relate to. She loves designer stuff (like purses and shoes), which is NOT ME. And I am very sensitive to the whole Southern charm/hokey phrases thing…I don’t know why, but if not done right it can really set me off because it feels like making fun or stereotyping, you know? But Lily May…I don’t know why, but it all just worked for her. She was, in a word, endearing. I LOVED her spirit and spunk. I’m not a goal setter either, so I didn’t always relate to her positive affirmations, but they just FIT with her. She was Lily May, and I loved who she was. It was hard not to love her. She was determined and smart and creative and thoughtful and full of beautiful positivity. Which is not to say she didn’t falter, that her bravado didn’t occasionally slip, but I think that’s what makes her so real, and what makes someone like me, who is SO DIFFERENT, still connect to her and want her to succeed. She’s someone I would love to have as a friend.
Ashton actually had more ups and downs for me, which surprised the crap out of me!! He was so blinded by his own ambitions, by his own view of the world and his own dreams, that he found it hard to understand someone who wanted different things. I believe very firmly that we, as humans, are very different, and it takes different things to make us happy. So he made me so cranky sometimes because he didn’t see that! He was so positive he was right. It was his major flaw, and I LOVED seeing Lily May open his eyes in that respect. But in other aspects, he was a total sweetheart. He may not have been effusive in his praise and affections, but he was thoughtful in more subtle ways. And I appreciated that he didn’t resist change too much.
The romance was beyond sweet. They just made me smile. I truly felt their connection, and how it sort of turned from crushes into more. I was actually a bit bummed that it was fade-to-black, b/c I bet their steamy scenes would have been amazing! I loved that they both brought out different sides to the other, even though I noticed it more in Lily May bringing out a lighter side of Ashton.
As with all the stories in this series, it was so fun to see cameos of characters we love. I love that it’s a complete stand-alone, but that if you do read the whole series, you get all these extra goodies.
And again, shout out for LGBT inclusivity with the Dads. Not made a big deal, just normal. *slow clap*
And can I just say that while I was slow in figuring out the title, it was fun having that lightbulb moment…it made it so perfect, I love that.
So yeah. If you love cute quirky characters, you really need to check out this book, or heck the whole series. I can’t wait for more!
It is the 4th book in Romance for all Seasons and just like all the other books it was amazing!! ❤
A hot billionaire and an event planner!! They were so good together.
Ashton was kind, hardworking and HOT. He valued determination and hardwork and never judged a person on his/her occupation or salary.
Lily May was an assistant to event planner and wanted to show her potential. She pursued Ashton until he agreed for the meeting. And that's what drew him to her, her determination to never give up. It was simply captivating and page turner. ❤
I can't really seem to get enough 😂. I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Going Down is the 4th book in the Romance for all seasons series. I am really liking this series and Going Down wasn't an exception. I really liked Ashton and Lily May's story. I really like the writing style and can't wait for the next book.
Ashton Mills meets Lily May Jenkins in an elevator on what is her worst day ever. The string of bad luck that ensues during a simple elevator ride and morning had me laughing so loud my family looked at me strangely.
Ashton Mills is a self made billionaire who is a bit of a stick in the mud. He works hard for everything he does and doesn't believe that everyone else works hard if it isn't the way he thinks it should be. We were first introduced to Ashton in Alex and Frankie's story.
Lily May Jenkins is from the mountains of North Carolina. She moved to Seattle to start a career in Event Planning under her boss who uses her as an unappreciated coffee gopher rather than a talented, creative event planner. Lily determines that she needs to land the big Gala that Alex hosts each year and that her boss will finally appreciate her.
Between Lily May and her frankness and her southern sayings that seem random to her determination to land the big account so that she can move up in her career, Ashton is drawn to her more every time he sees her.
This story was my favorite so far of Sandra Marie's. I liked the other ones a lot, but this one takes the cake and I can't wait to read the next one!.
Going Down #4 - Having read the first three books, I still enjoyed reading this addition. This book is just as entertaining and delightful as the previous stories. I barely remember Ash from a previous story, but he's a good guy, lots of fun and takes care of business. Even though what Lily May suffered through in the first chapter, the story never let LM down; she was just as funny, sweet and determined to the last page. The other characters do a great job in their roles.
The storylines, like in the other books, are interesting with plenty of humor to keep the reader involved with the characters and their antics. It's never a dull moment with anything in this series and the pace is continuous so the stories are a fast read since it's difficult to stop reading.
As a Southerner, I laughed at a lot of the vernacular comin outta Lily May's mouth. "Bless your heart" is not something to say as LM used it; it's actually a polite way to insult someone. I just wish authors would stick to what they know. I'd rather have the site be Auckland instead of Seattle, and read real Kiwi speak instead of Southern (or American) done wrong.
I contacted the author to review her books and I'm happy I found this delightful series. 4*
Lily May is sweet as apple pie and just wants to impress her boss by landing a job planning the charity even billionaire Ashton Mills plans every year. They live in the same building so it shouldn’t be so hard to snag the job. Lily May and Ashton end up running into each other in the elevator a lot, to the point where some might consider it to be stalking.
I absolutely love Lily May, she is sweet and hard working and definitely will work hard to prove she is the right person for the job. Ashton seems like a tough billionaire but he is truly a big softy at heart. I love the relationship he has with his Dads.
The chemistry between Lily May and Ashton is also on point and it comes to major head on New Years Eve when they get stuck in the infamous elevator in their apartment building. That night changed everything not only in their relationship together, but also changed Ashton’s relationship with his own family. It gave him a new outlook on life.
Going Down may be my favorite out of the series so far but I can’t wait to see what is in store next for this group of friends!
I won't lie, when I read the title and description, I immediately started alternating between Aerosmith and Ke$ha in my head. However, this cute, sweet love story should not be lumped in with either Aerosmith or Ke$ha :)
Lily Mae is a sweet southern gal who had set out to prove herself to one of the greats in her chosen line of work. So isn't she lucky when fate delivers her into billionaire Ashton's lap (literally). Ashton is the no-nonsense self-made man who doesn't have time for anything but work.
Watching these two come together was heartwarming - not only because of the chemistry between them, but how each one helped the other grow. These characters bring out the best in not only each other, but others throughout the story as well. It's a must read for anyone who wants a pick-me-up!
If you like cute romances with a little humor, you need to read this series. Lily May is a true southern girl (lingo and all) that is trying to get her big break to impress her boss. Billionaire Ashton is temporarily living in the same apartment complex as Lily May so she sees him as the best way to achieve that goal. Her tenacity (and clumsy habits) to get Ashton's attention become the livelihood of this story. It's cute and funny and some of the characters from the previous books make appearances.
Oh my I absolutely loved Lily May! She was a real firecracker and I got a kick out of her expressions. And Ashton, ooooooh boy, he was so clueless about so much and Lily May rocked his world. I loved how she was able to gently force a turn around in him even though he was a little slow to catch on. She was sunshine to everyone she met and had him realizing how gray his life had been before her. These two were a great pair and I loved getting to know Ashton after meeting him in Alex and Frankie's story. A great addition to the series - I cannot wait for the next one!!!
Fourth book is as sweet as the rest. Read the others first. Even though Ashton and Lily Mae's story works on it's own, you see other characters from previous books.
Ashton is a billionaire, and Lily Mae is an assistant event planner hoping to become a more important part of her boss's team. A chance and very amusing meet cute in her building's elevator sets off their story. He's not the ruthless businessman his reputation seems to suggest, and she is smarter than she gets credit for. Enjoyable story. I didn't feel this one was as holiday focused as some of the previous books.
Lily May has left her small town in the mountains of North Carolina and is determined to find success and happiness in Seattle. She knows her dream will come true if she can persuade Ashton Mills to let her company plan his charity gala! Ashton is the youngest and richest man in Seattle, a workaholic who spends most of his time in his office. After a chance encounter in an elevator, it seems that fate has decided that they are made for each other! A romantic and entertaining read! Lily May is cheerful and optimistic, Ashton so serious but unable to resist her charm! I loved this book!
Going Down was an instant “There’s no way I’m putting this book down until I finish it!” Sandra Marie has become the queen of holiday romances. I have read all her Romance for all Seasons stories, but I have to say Going Down is my favorite. Lily May is created perfectly. I mean her name says it all. She’s a true Southern girl with all the sass and attention needed to show how beautifully wonderful she is. Ashton is exactly as his name would indicate. He’s handsome, rich and a little stuffy. But when Lily May grabs ahold of him, there’s no letting go. These two have my heart. What a wonderful story to start the New Year.
Lily Mae is such a fun character! I could feel her enthusiasm and determination thru the book! I love when an authors writing is able to really bring the character to life. I love Ashton as well. He is not your typical self centered billionaire. He is caring but only shows that side to certain important people. Lily Mae is just what he needed to slow down and enjoy life a little. I also really loved catching up with characters from the other books and learning more about Gavin. Hoping Gavin will have his own book too. I look forward to February for the next book!
Going Down was a little slow to start but gradually pulled me in. The pace reflects the unfolding relationship between Ashton and Lily May which was quite cute. Ashton is a great character and I really enjoyed reading how he evolves through the story, more so than Lily May, who although is sweet and spunky, doesn’t change much. Overall, an entertaining read with some returning characters from previous books, which are always fun to read about.
What a fun, quirky, refreshing story. I love the character of Lily May who is cute, a klutz, and says the funniest things in her southern accent. I could just hear her as I was reading. She seems to bring life and a smile to everything and everyone and just lights up the room. What a great story! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
This book is the perfect Hallmark escape! Lily May has such a fun and optimistic outlook on life, while Ashton is the serious CEO. Lily May brings so much color into ashton’s black and white life! Although this is part of a series, it could very easily stand alone! with that being said, I believe this was a great addition to the series and I can’t wait to read Sandra’s next book!!
Going Down was such a pleasure to read. Lily May is such an upbeat, optimistic, outgoing southern belle. Ashton is the too serious CEO. The plot shows great character development as these two fall in love.This was just the best escape book with which to spend the afternoon.
The fourth book in this series and it just keeps getting better!!
Lily May is a Southern girl living in the Pacific Northwest, trying to hold it down and succeed with one of the worse bosses since Miranda Priestly. Ashton is a self-made millionaire, slaying every day and making moves in every aspect of his business.
I loved the meeting between these two and the easy relationship they had. This book made me laugh way more than I was expecting it to since when Ashton was introduced in Under the Tree, I thought he was going to be an uptight Type A (which he kind of was but in a more low-key way). I'm loving how this world grows with every book and I can't wait to see what comes next!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
A cute read just in time to ring in the new year. Going Down is full of sweetness with a little bit of giggling thrown in too. I love Lily May. She is a breathe of fresh air, tenacious and so full of life. You just feel the pull between Lily May and Ashton. Ashton is a workaholic. He doing everything he can to succeed in life. I love how Lily May opens his eyes to see his faults in himself and what he has done with his family. I love the changes with Ashton as Lily May inserts herself into his life. This is a fun and cute read that you'll love ringing in the New Year with.