The Elevator Mechanic (Workplace Encounters) [Kindle Edition]

Generally when I review a book, I start off with a two paragraph blurb. I'd focus on one character per paragraph, touching on what makes them tick while giving an idea of the plot. For this book, however, I'm finding it impossible to stick to my usual style.

First off, there's little to no characterization to speak of. Little sets the two characters, Joe Taylor and Bill Evans, apart. Ms. Yates all but forgot to give them personalities and backgrounds. They're cardboard cutouts lamely occupying plot roles. Bill's the alpha male and Joe's the heroine.

Secondly, there's not much of a plot going on. I'd say it's formulaic, which it is, but that's only the half of it. It's also absurdly shallow. It's written at the level of an elementary chapter book. Joe and Bill lock eyes, Joe and Bill bump into each other at a club, Joe and Bill have sex, Joe and Bill fall in love, the end. There's no sexual tension, ambiguity, character arc, conflict, tension arc, etc.

Finally, the book is just juvenile. The writing is execrable. Gems include:

"He leaned forward and breathed in the scent of soap and musk that rose from Joe's hairy balls."

"With their bodies touching groin to chest, kissing became a whole new experience."

"Their hips started moving automatically, his erection seeking Bill's and finding it with unerring accuracy."

"Forget fortune cookies for dessert. He was going to go for another round of Joe's sweet cream."

Between the awkward, pervy moments to the bits of anatomical implausibility, the book was on par with fanfic. And not just fanfic, bad fanfic. I've read free stroke fiction on Literotica that contained more realistic dialog, richer characterization and sex scenes that were erotic rather than unintentionally hilarious.

There is nothing about this book to recommend it. It takes the concept of "poorly written" to startling new heights. Avoid at all costs, unless you're in the mood for a trainwreck read

'The Elevator Mechanic' by Serena Yates is about Bill and Joe, two men with shaky pasts, devoid of the love and support everyone deserves. Constant disappointment and ridicule caused them to retreat into themselves and avoid commitment, which effectively denied them what they needed most--a fulfilling relationship of love and trust.

Both characters showed tremendous personal growth by recognizing that when it came to each other, their fears were unfounded. They went from mistrusting, insecure men into a strong, confident couple. They slipped so naturally into a relationship that before they realized it, 'I' became 'we', and even more impressive, they were willing to admit that they were happy about it. They recognized that their passion for each other went much deeper and broader than either of them had previously experienced, then actively pursued what they needed to do in order for it to work. The old doubts and fears gave way to new truths and against all odds, they didn't let their gloomy, negative pasts rob them of a bright, positive future.

I especially loved their personality quirks--Joe's blushing, showing vulnerability as opposed to his outward passivity, and Bill with his bad boy, apathetic attitude in contrast to his nurturing tendencies. These details helped set the stage for their future success. As disillusioned as they seemed to be, subconsciously they continued to hope for something more.

'The Elevator Mechanic' is a delightful, heart warming story which I thoroughly enjoyed, and would recommend, particularly for anyone who believes in the power of love and its ability to overcome all obstacles, and in destiny, the feeling that there is someone out there meant just for you.

I really enjoyed this story. It was a wonderful read that I found really quite hot. This wasn't a story with lots of sex scenes tied together with a flimsy plot, but a full fledged story with plenty of hot sex, interesting characters, with interesting occupations. This was one read that provided plenty of fun.