The Elevator

Aria Ramdeen is learning to love herself--and her favourite foods--again. No guilt, no toxic boyfriend. Full of newfound confidence, she subscribes to LoveInTO, a Toronto-based dating website, where she’s matched with a crush she’s had for years: the attractive light-haired man who lives in her building. Aria messages him on the app, but there’s no response, leaving her crushed and embarrassed.

Rob Anderson, who’s recently divorced, secretly admires Aria. He just lacks the confidence to approach her. And since he’s let his LoveInTO subscription lapse, he doesn’t see Aria’s message. Suddenly, Aria seems guarded when they run into one another, and the pair endure months of long, awkward silence together in the elevator. Until one day, Rob decides to give the dating app another chance and subscribes again.

A fresh and entertaining modern romance seen through the eyes of two people who still believe in happily ever after, despite the pitfalls of modern dating technology, well-meaning advice from friends and family, and eating disorders. The Elevator will leave readers feeling hopeful and wanting to fall in love again.

Priya Ramsingh is a writer, and photographer. Her debut novel, Brown Girl in the Room, was published by Tightrope Books. (2017). Her short story, Pies for Lunch, was shortlisted for best short fiction in 2021, by The Caribbean Writer. She is a former reporter and diversity columnist for Metroland Media and continues to write op-eds for the Toronto Star. In her spare time, Priya is a wildlife photographer and naturalist. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Ramsingh now lives in Toronto.