Going Up

by Maren Jenner

Two strangers, one elevator, and a connection that can’t be ignored.

Ruth Adams thought relocating would give her a fresh start after her recent breakup with her boyfriend, but nothing has gone right since she left. Even the brand new hotel she's staying at has issues. Her mishaps continue until a handsome stranger steps into her elevator and gives her hope that her luck might be about to change.

When Tyler Stratton caught his girlfriend cheating, he hit the road with his custom-built motorcycle and hasn't settled since. After giving into the pull to stay in this new city, he wishes things could be different. The wish turns to hope when Tyler steps into an elevator at the hotel and is caught off-guard by the beautiful woman already inside.

Despite their shared chemistry, shadows from their pasts threaten to keep them apart. But when the elevator unexpectedly stops, Ruth and Tyler are forced to confront their fears and take a chance. Even though the elevator came to a screeching halt, they both feel like things might finally be Going Up.

The Shafted Series is a collection of short, standalone, in-elevator romances that can be read in any order.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Forced Proximity, Short Stories, Contemporary Romance

67 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2025

About the author

*For trigger warnings in Maren's books, please visit her website at marenjennerbooks.com
Maren Jenner lives in Michigan with her supportive husband and spunky daughter. She loves writing, and, when she’s not working on her next book, she’s got her nose in a different one. Her summers are spent on any lake she can visit, but the beaches of Lake Michigan are her favorite.
The Cupcake Standard was her debut novel, though she’s been writing for as long as she can remember. It’s always been a dream to become a full time author. Her dreams wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of her family and friends. And, of course, her invaluable readers!
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Reviews

[SinsandScares · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sometimes you just need a quick, steamy escape, and Going Up delivers. At 67 pages, this one doesn’t waste time with deep character arcs or drawn-out plotlines, but it gives just enough background on Ruth and Tyler to make their connection believable. I’m a sucker for a forced proximity setup, and being stuck in an elevator? Sign me up.

Is Tyler a little too perfect given his past? Sure. But hey, sometimes you’ve gotta let realism slide for the fantasy of a hot, emotionally available man who says all the right things under pressure. If you're looking for a low-commitment, high-swoon story with a touch of spice, this one's worth the ride.

I’ll definitely be going back for more of this elevator series when I need a little something to scratch the romance itch.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ Super fast, extra spicy, cute-af novella!

[Sarandah chrysalis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, sweet, sexy, with a nice little nod to Grand Rapids, Michigan 😍

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth is in town looking for an apartment and nothing is going right. Her hotel’s elevators are slow but she is on the 23rd floor so she gets on with a handsome stranger…and her bad luck continues with they get stuck.

Tyler has been traveling on his motorcycle going from town to town. Something called to him so he decided to get a room for the night….he never expected to meet someone on an elevator…

I really enjoyed this novella! It was a quick and spicy read. Ruth and Tyler seemed like opposites but they had more in common than you might expect. They had this immediate connection and chemistry.

Yes, they did have a bit of an insta-attraction but they got to know each other in the elevator. Tyler was really sweet and we see Ruth get some of her confidence back! Both of them had been heartbroken and I loved how they were able to share with each other!

✨What to Expect:
🔥Spicy Novella
💖Strangers To Lovers
🏍️Biker Guy x Event Planner
💜Who Did This To You?
🧲Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥Steamy Elevator Time
💋Insta-Attraction

[Christine Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great story for being short! Maren Jenner definitely delivers on the character development and plot without compromising the spice.
If you want something quick and fun, this is for you.

[Laura Perttula · Rating 5 out of 5]

short and spicy read!

This is one of my favorite books of Maren Jenner’s that I’ve read so far. It’s a quick read, and was over before I was ready because I was enjoying it, but the characters are likable and the spice is steamy.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute and steamy short story. I wish I could continue to know more about how this couple’s relationship plays out!

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Short and Spicy**

After a horrible break-up, Ruth has moved to a new city to start over. Unfortunately, all she has right now is her suitcase and nowhere to live. Tyler, having been betrayed by his girlfriend and best friend, has been a nomad for the past three years, traveling from city to city and only stopping when he feels a pull to stay for a bit.

Both of them end up checking into the same hotel and share an elevator ride; however, they get trapped together. While they wait to be rescued, they get to know each other, and the chemistry between them starts to heat up.

The story is well-written and fast-paced, allowing you to read it in just one sitting. The chemistry and spice are just enough to leave you wanting to know more about Tyler and Ruth's story. I am looking forward to more in this new series!

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going Up - Maren Jenner

This was such a cute little series. I loved Ruth and Tyler and thought they had great chemistry. I also really liked the who hurt you line and trope and how it’s referenced in the book. I thought that was really funny. I definitely will be reading the rest of the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 67 pages

Release Date 🌟 1/10/25

Format 💫 Digital

Series 🌙 The Shafted Series, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ romance, strangers to lovers, contemporary romance

Favorite Character ☀️ Tyler

Favorite Line 🌟 ‘She had her whole life ahead of her, and dammit, she would figure this out. No matter what the universe sent her way.’

“That line makes readers everywhere weak in the knees. People go feral over it.”

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story by Maren Jenner about Ruth and Tyler.
Ruth has been in town staying at the hotel whilst looking for a place to live following a rather brutal break up and Tyler is a bit of a nomad going from one city ro the next again following a betrayal of his ex girlfriend and his beat friend.

These two meet in an elevator and end up trapped together. This is a very fast-paced spicy read, but even after only around 60 pages, I wanted to know more of their story. Maren is great for pulling you in and making you want to learn more about her characters.

I would recommend this short, spicy read 📚

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going Up is a short novella about Ruth and Tyler and a stuck elevator. Ruth moved to Grand Rapids to get away from her ex and Tyler leads a nomadic life ever since his girlfriend cheated on him with is best friend years ago. he has a pull to Grand Rapids and ends up in the same hotel at Ruth. They get stuck in the elevator and sparks fly. They share their past and life stories. Will they be rescued soon? Can this meet-cute insta-lust lead to more?

[Becci Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC✨️

Sometimes you need just a short and sweet quick romance. This was that.

Girl sees boy, boy sees girl. Instant connection.
Ruth is looking for redemption at love and Tyler is just the man to give it to her. The spice was great. You just know when you've met the one. Ruth and Tyler's story was beautiful and I love that they came together.

[Jessica Crome · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story! It’s a fast paced read and completely worth it. I love how they each had their own troubles they were running from and one long slow elevator ride changes everything for them. I’d love to read how their relationship progresses but just knowing it exists is worth it. It makes me want my own elevator encounter

[Debbie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, fun, steamy read! From the moment they meet, the chemistry between Ruth and Tyler is evident. Being stuck in the elevator together is exactly what they both need for their walls to come down after their respective heartbreaks. I loved the sweet and spicy scenes! This was a perfect quick story!

[book _nerd .uk · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a cute, steamy novella then look no further. Maren has started this series off with a bang.

Ruth and Tyler both in a new city stuck in an elevator together what could possibly happen?

There is a good character development even tho it is a short read. I would love to see more of this couple in the future and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Jessica Ritzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super short story that I would love to eventually read more of. The characters have instant chemistry that makes you wonder how far they will take it. Ruth and Tyler have both experienced things that would make anyone hesitant to let their walls down. Is a super slow elevator ride all there is to this encounter?

[Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was anyone I’d want to be trapped in an elevator with, it would Tyler!

Maren pulls this short story off very well, you get just enough of a backstory for the MCs, enough spice, and a happy ending. What more could you ask for when doing a quick read? This book is a great palate cleanser if you need a break from your normal genres. I highly recommend Going Up!

[Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was anyone I’d want to be stuck in an elevator with, it would be Tyler!

Maren pulls this short story off very well, you get just enough backstory for the MCs, enough spice, and a happy ending. What more could you ask for when doing a quick read? This book is a great palate cleanser if you need a break from your normal genres. I highly recommend picking up Going Up

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, fast novella.

- Forced Proximity
- Strangers to lovers
- Insta-lust
- Who did this to you

I loved the quick, easy connection between Ruth and Tyler. It didn't seem fake or forced even though it was instant. Tyler looks hard but he's really so sweet.

Can't wait to see where this series goes!

[Candace Littich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and spicy just like I like them. Ruth and Tyler both coming off of bad break-ups meet in an elevator in the hotel that they are both staying at for the time being. The elevator gets stuck and one thing leads to another and BOOM, things get spicy. Definitely want more of these two!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maren answers the fantasy question what happens when two people drawn to each other are trapped in an elevator together in this sexy fun read. A page turner of delicious steam! I see why these short stories are becoming so popular! Can't wait for the next installment!

[Amber Follette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was such a good read. Ruth and Tyler were both lost trying to find their way, and fortunately for them, they had time due to the elevator getting stuck. The events throughout, well, use your imagination 😮‍💨

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going Up, a novella in the Shafted Series by Maren Jenner, is a great quick steamy read. I love how real Ruth is, she’s truly my kinda get comfy gal and who doesn’t like a man in leather? Such a fun read! Looking forward to the next in the series!

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short spicy read that was available for Stuff Your Kindle day. The title pretty much sums the book up lol. Ruth & Tyler find themselves stuck in an elevator on their first meeting & they have to find something to do to pass the time 😉

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and to the point, hits all the bases and then ends sweetly. Kind of wanted a little more talking and digging into their pasts and the possible future, but it's like 67 pages, I'm not getting a lot extra 😂

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sex appeal

3 for 3 in the series! Short but perfect! The quick buildup before the fun starts, because the elevator stalled! What would feel like it should be a ONS, leaves your imagination to see the possibilities of their future together!

[Ariel Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a good short story that left me wanting more!

[Crystal Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute novella! I loved the banter!

[Esther Cespedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy short story. It’s well written and even though it’s short it provides a good background for the characters.

[Erin Rinaldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

short sweet and spicy

Almost reads like a fever dream, quick buildup, descriptive and entertaining. Easy read, doesn’t leave much to be desired and ends on a feel good moment