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Going Up

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USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske’s outrageous romantic comedy about love and lies between perfect strangers…

If someone had told Noah Donovan he was going to be stuck in an elevator with a very beautiful, slightly odd bartender and her fluffy packrat, he never would have believed it. Fortunately, the quirky brunette leaves the very cuddly rodent behind. Unfortunately, she’s married.

In Lexi Allison’s job, she’s accustomed to warding off unwanted advances with a fake wedding ring. So when she meets a tatted-up hunk in an elevator, she’s quick to revert to her default tall tale. This guy certainly knows how to push her buttons, but the thing is, they’re the right buttons. Not that it makes any difference. She won’t see him again anyway.

Noah and Lexi are about to discover that fate has plans for both of them—and that their ups and downs are just beginning. Because it’s going to take two lies, three misunderstandings, a case of mistaken identity, and one very persistent rodent to prove that perfect strangers can make the perfect couple.

149 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2018

155 people are currently reading
1091 people want to read

About the author

Tawna Fenske

73 books1,614 followers
When Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”

Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.

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5 stars
125 (31%)
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139 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,031 reviews25.3k followers
May 17, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS

Going Up is a stand alone novella by Tawna Fenske. This is part of the Kindle in Motion books. I had never even heard of these until I found this book. There are adorable moving graphics, like little tiny videos throughout the book that enhanced my reading experience. And if you ever suggested I would read and love a romance with little rats (they call them packrats) as pets and that they would be adorable, I would have thought you were crazy!!

Noah Donovan is a stone mason and Lexi Allison is a mixologist. Both of these two are just going about their lives when they are stuck together in an elevator. If it weren’t for an ornery little packrat, they might have never seen each other again after that day. But little Bartholomew had other plans!

This really was so cute. I’m trying to not keep re-using the word adorable! I love Tawna’s way of telling her stories with humor and so much heart. I am so very glad I happened upon this book. The Kindle in motion aspect of it should work on just about any app. If you decide to jump in, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,311 reviews2,153 followers
January 13, 2020
This is one of those reviews that I left too long after finishing the book. I remember it. Mostly. But my review is going to be a bit vague. And hard to justify.

Anyway, I liked the book. I liked the characters. Noah is exactly my type and I loved his care and concern. I particularly loved his interactions with the packrat Lexi was looking after. Lexi was a bit harder to engage with because she's kind of prickly and prone to jumping to conclusions. She has an excuse in having dealt with aggressive lying men in the past but I found that got old and the more she got to know Noah, the less patience I had with painting him with that broad brush.

The story is short but about right for their relationship. I mean, they're very good for each other and you can totally see their connection right from the start. So this is a decent 3½ stars that I'm rounding solely on Noah and the packrat. I do wonder what it is about sticking elevators that makes them the go-to meet cute in so many of my most recent romances, though.

A note about Steamy: There's an explicit sex scene so this is no higher than the middle of my steam tolerance. It could be lower, but I don't actually remember, so I'm guessing, here.
Profile Image for Tapasya.
366 reviews
July 1, 2018
Ah, this was fun read!
I liked Noah and Lexi! There are so cute together.
It's easy and fast paced novella, and I enjoyed reading it.

I haven’t read anything else from Tawna Fenske, but after this, I’m excited to check out her other books.
Profile Image for Jessica Lemmon.
Author 200 books1,914 followers
January 3, 2019
Sweet and fun!

What fun little novella this was! The illustrations made it even more fun. Also: I want a pet packrat. Is that weird?
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,791 reviews146 followers
July 18, 2018
**3.5 Stars**

Being stuck in an elevator is not anyone's idea of fun, but since Noah is there with a gorgeous woman passing the time until they're rescued could be interesting. Well, if she wasn't married that is.

Lexi, a bartender, has accepted that getting hit on is a regular part of her job, but that doesn't mean she can't do anything to deter it. So, hello fake wedding ring. It doesn't stop everyone, but it helps. And when she's trapped in an elevator with the sexiest man she's ever seen, well, they'll never see each other again, so...

But fate has other plans in mind for these two and continually pushes them together. Their chemistry is off the charts and being in the same room makes them feel as if no one else exists. The feelings that started that first day are growing rapidly and neither really want to stop them. Besides, it's not like they actually could, right? Fate always gets her way.

One-click now and follow along as two people meet and realize their paths keep crossing for a reason.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for Lisa (Remarkablylisa).
2,518 reviews1,812 followers
July 4, 2019
Could barely finish this one. It was kind of messy in the beginning and the convos were whacky. Pass up on this one!
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,631 reviews267 followers
August 10, 2018
This is a fun romantic comedy in Tawna Fenske's lovable quirky style! A meet cute in a stuck elevator and an unusual pet ( a packrat! I didn't even know that was a real animal!) give the characters something to bond over and a reason to hasten their attraction into a full blown love affair. Smart and funny, despite their chemistry consent is important and given. It's sexy but not over the top descriptive.

Apparently there are some animated features visible if you read this on the right device but neither my kindle paperwhite nor my android phone kindle app were able to take advantage of these extras. I recommend it therefore by the story alone if you are looking for something lighthearted and fun to read.

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Profile Image for Trianna/Treereads.
1,139 reviews54 followers
July 26, 2018
2.5/5

Noah was too perfect. But, I did enjoy that they deal with the issue of going from a stranger to a love interest. Lexi is the right amount of skeptical and Noah is very aware that people (women specifically) could feel uneasy around him. He thus tries to show that he is a good guy, rather than being affronted when Lexi is wary of him.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for *Ritzrenee*.
471 reviews68 followers
July 17, 2018
Just wanted a short read
Insta-love

Books like this are making me cynical about romance novels. I kind of knew the insta-love was going to happen but I still wanted to give it a try. Well, the plot was cute but the romance was definitely not apt for me. Nonetheless, this reminds me of the wedding date book where the protagonists were stuck in an elevator.

P.S This is just a bias review from someone who does not like insta-love.
Profile Image for Laurence R..
615 reviews84 followers
September 25, 2018
This is a really cute story! It was easy and fun to read. I really liked the characters, but I wish that I could have known more about her. The novel is short because the story itself isn’t that long, but I still feel like there is more that could’ve been said about the characters. I still enjoyed reading this in one sitting, so I’m not exactly complaining. If you’re looking for a feel-good novel, this is the one for you!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen.
179 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2018
What a sweet story about being in the right place when life throws you a curveball. Noah and Lexi meet under very uncomfortable circumstances (my heart panicked when the elevator stopped). What occurs next is life like an elevator and finding your happily ever after.

My only disappointment, wanting more to read. I adore Tawna Fenske's novels she has a knack for delivering likable and relatable characters.
Profile Image for Treena.
1,343 reviews83 followers
August 4, 2018
I normally don't like novellas bec I find them too short and therefore, too abrupt. But the blurb for this book was so adorable. And the novella was just that --- adorable. I really enjoyed it! It's fun and funny with such sweethearts for MC's. It's just what I was looking for in between long, heavy reads.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
August 9, 2018
I keep meaning to get Tawna's book started ...never enough time ...so mean amazing awesome authors I am trying to get under my book belt ...i did win this through a Goodreads giveaway and just immediately snapped it up on my kindle and started reading ...guess you would call it an active book ... like the pictures move and all ... cool but kind of creepy too .. 1st time this happened i about peed my pants was totally not thinking this would happen ... (this was while reading a totally different book, but i think they need to tell you that pics will move and stuff??! like a disclaimer or something??!) must read, loved it ... totally could be a movie ...but i guess it sort of was already??! neat-O!! glad to say now that I have read one of Tawna's book and I can not wait to read more. she is awesome ...love her style. love her smile ... i love it when you see your author, so important ... who wants to follow a unknown picture ... i appreciate authors who show their face on their profiles. i love it 2ndly when they smile and Tawna is even laughing ... so sweet!! we love our authors happy, healthy and writing ... thank you! Must read, enjoyable, quick and so fun!! ( ;
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
July 17, 2018
This is simply a fun lighthearted story that will leave you with a big goofy smile on your face. There's nothing like meeting a great guy while you are stuck on an elevator. That's exactly what happens when Lexi Allison and Noah Donovan find themselves sitting in an elevator waiting to get rescued. There is an instant attraction between the two but....

You want to read this hilarious story to see how a little white lie and a furry varmint can have a huge impact on this budding relationship. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Ofelia.
988 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2018
What a fun read! Lexi and Noah are just so cute together. The fact that they met in an elevator and then Noah tracks her down so he can give her back her Bartholomew is just so romantic. Plus I really loved how he track her down because of the constellation of freckles he noticed in her arm. Noah is just a giant teddy bear and the fact that he contacts his sister all the time so he can ask her advice is just supper sweet. I really enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to read more of Tawna Fenske.

***Received this ARC by NetGalley as an exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jaime Fiction Fangirls.
1,664 reviews153 followers
September 20, 2018
This was quick, cute read. I loved Noah and his clear awareness of how intimidating he might look to people and that rather than take offense to it, he does his best to reassure them that they have nothing to worry about. Unless you’re a purse snatcher!! I liked that Lexi was wary of a stranger but not so closed off and afraid that she didn’t give him a chance. The star of the story for me though, was Bartholomew!!! Who knew anything would ever make me want a pet rat?!?

I understand this book is a Kindle in Motion book but because I received an ARC or just because my device didn’t support it, I didn’t get to see that aspect of the story, so I cannot comment on it.

*I receive an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
Profile Image for Linda Grimes.
Author 6 books158 followers
July 17, 2018
Need a lift? Look no further. This hot and hilarious Fenske novella is just the ticket to raise your spirits! Noah gets my vote as the romance hero I'd most like to be stuck in an elevator with -- mmm-mmm, good! But if it can't be me, Lexi makes a fine stand-in. The ups and downs on the way to true love made for a thoroughly enjoyable ride. Oh, and if you're not terribly fond of small rodents, trust me, you will be by he end of this book. Fun!
Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
July 17, 2018
Fun and entertaining

This story was funny and illustrations gave it even more life.

* Good storyline with a nice progression
* Descriptions of characters are good and realistic
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
* A good amount of dialogues
* Sweet love scene

5 star entertainment
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,113 reviews27 followers
November 22, 2022
very cute romcom with animation!!

Had no idea what to expect with this but it ended up being super cute. Lexi & Noah’s story has an unlikely four-legged accomplice/orchestrator who brings them together after they’re stuck between floors in an elevator for over an hour. Sweet story, enhanced with gif-like graphics throughout. As with all Tawna Fenske books, the HEA is guaranteed.
Profile Image for Laura..devouring books like crumpets.
1,962 reviews109 followers
February 6, 2024
this was a bit of a hot mess for me

A girl who has a degree in psychology, runs a Bar when shes scared of people. meets a 6ft+ tatted guy in a lift, tells him shes married, has a pet rat.... Meets him again Jumps to conclusions acts like some nutty fruitcake....

so it was a bit meh for me but a short easy read.
Profile Image for Jeannine.
1,364 reviews45 followers
July 13, 2018
This is my first book by this author and I thought it was a fun and cute novella. It was a quick read that made me smile a bunch and I thought both Noah and Lexi were adorable together. I mean, I wouldn’t hate being stuck in an elevator with a six foot five hottie. I’ve never heard of a packrat before, so that little guy and his shenanigans were cute too.
2,354 reviews14 followers
August 27, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..yeah I wasn't really into this book, I had to make myself continue til the end. Not bad just not great. I probably wont read anymore from this author..
Profile Image for Bec.
1,659 reviews42 followers
December 9, 2018

Lexi Allison is used to men hitting on her. It happens all the time, especially in her line of work as a bartender. But when she becomes stuck in an elevator with the gorgeous Noah Donovan, she can't help but resort to her ruse that she's married. Not that it's true, but it's the only way she can ward off unwanted advances. However, when she leaves her cute and cuddly packrat behind in the elevator, Noah tracks Lexi down to give the cuddly rodent back. Will Noah be able to win Lexi over once he learns the truth about her being single or will they lose their shot at happy ever after?

Ms. Fenske always writes such fun and interesting reads with plenty of great banter between the main characters that either makes me laugh or smile and I've got to say that this story was no different. Really, I loved the way this story started, which drew me in immediately and made me want to get to know more about the main characters. Why does the heroine always use the ruse of being married to ward off unwanted advances? What happened in her past that made her need to use such a ruse? Is she coming off a bad break-up and not willing to give her heart to another man? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really gets interesting, as the hero and heroine find themselves stuck in an elevator together. Will they be able to handle being stuck in the elevator?

As for the dialogue, it was very entertaining and I loved the banter between Noah and Lexi, as they get to know each other, even if there are plenty of obstacles along the way such as lies, misunderstandings and a case of mistaken identity. Moreover, I really liked both the main characters and could understand the heroine's need to protect herself by using the ruse after all she's been through. It's actually quite genius, even though Noah turns out to be a good guy and wouldn't push her into anything she wasn't ready for. Yet, she has to decide that for herself. Not everyone is as good a guy as the hero.

Furthermore, with the main characters, I loved their back stories and their growing relationship, which made this story go really fast. The heroine is strong, brave and I liked that she gave Noah a chance. Really, she couldn't have found a more perfect guy than Noah, which is proven by all he does when it comes to the heroine's packrat. While the hero, I absolutely loved him. He's kind, caring and I enjoyed how he won the heroine over, especially since she doesn't trust easily.

Overall, Ms. Fenske has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was tangible from the moment they meet; the romance was worth the wait, as their relationship goes from platonic to physical intimacy; and the ending had me worried that a misunderstanding could end this couple's relationship. Will Noah allow the heroine to explain? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, as I loved the playful banter between Noah and Lexi. I would recommend Going Up by Tawna Fenske, if you're looking for a quick entertaining read or if you enjoy books by authors Marina Adair, Jill Sanders, Avery Flynn and Catherine Bybee.
13 reviews
September 15, 2018
What a fun little read. Not my normal genre, but enjoyed this novella. Perfect names for Noah and Lexi. Even though the plot was predictable, the characters were so delightful I was compelled to "read on." Added bonus was the artwork included in the story. Quickly realized I needed to switch from my Kindle Reader to the Kindle app on my iPad so the graphics were visible.

I'll definitely read more of her books when I'm in the mood for a quick and quirky read.
Profile Image for Tina.
790 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2020
9/10 ~ 4.5 stars

Short and cute. Had a smile on my face while reading. I really enjoyed the "Kindle in motion" aspect.
Profile Image for Anna lost in stories *A*.
1,021 reviews189 followers
September 4, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book :) this was yet another Tawna Fenske story I read and once again the best adjective to describe it was: hilarious :) if you are looking for a book that will brighten your day and let you forget all about real world for a while, definitely pick one of her gems :) since this was a novella, my review will be a bit shorter than usual, because obviously I don't want to spoil you too much about the plot :) our main characters, Noah and Lexi, met when they got stuck together on an elevator... :) he's all tall, big and dangerous looking, which is very misleading, because Noah is one of the sweetest guys I've read about in a long time :) Lexi is a bit skittish, which is very reasonable when you learn more about her and her past... that very funny encounter would be probably their last if it weren't for the fact that Lexi accidentally left behind her in the elevator pet rat she was taking care of... when Noah finds her to return him, sparks fly and situation changes... :) that's all the details I'm willing to give you :) so instead let's jump into my thoughts and feelings :)

This was a novella, so naturally certain things happened sooner than I prefer them, but I still absolutely loved it :) easily given 5 stars :) mostly because it was so ridiculously hilarious that I had an amazing time while reading it ;) I snort-laughed many, many times... which I am beginning to expect from Tawna's books... that's usually my most common reaction... :) I have no idea where she gets ideas for some of the scenes, but usually the weirder they are the more I love them in the end :) this story had everything a reader needs from a good book :) great writing style, lovable main characters, cute and swoonworthy romance... and since this one is not as long as some of her other books, it's a perfect way to try out her work if you are completely new to her as an author :) so you can absolutely fall in love and then just binge-read all her previous stories... I'm way ahead of you when it comes to that :) I highly recommend you guys this lovely gem, and I'm really sorry I can't share more details, but I honestly think that it's better for your reading experience if you know less... that way you can gasp in surprise just like I did ;) happy reading :)

XOXO

A
Profile Image for Alexandra Consolver.
593 reviews15 followers
August 2, 2018
Full Review:

3 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy quirky romantic comedies.

When Noah and Lexi get stuck in an elevator together, they bond instantly (with the help of Bartholomew the pack rat). Lexi doesn't let anyone get close, and Noah is big, burly, and intimidating but they instantly click. After they get out of the elevator they think they'll never see each other again, until Bartholomew turns up missing.

I enjoyed this quirky novella about a chance meeting between two characters stuck in an elevator. Lexi and Noah were quirky and fun characters. I liked that their story, setting, personalities, etc. were a little off the wall but authentic. Unfortunately the animation wasn't available on my device, but I bet it was really fun.. This was a fun change of pace in romance books. I felt like the whole story just made me feel cozy.

Right After Reading:

This was a cute little novella. Unfortunately the animation wasn't available on my device, but I bet it was really fun. I liked Lexi and Noah and all of their quirks. This was a fun change of pace in romance books. I felt like the whole story just made me feel cozy.

I was given advance access to this title by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley
Profile Image for 2kasmom.
1,448 reviews52 followers
August 25, 2018
Noah meets Lexi in an elevator of all places. He is a stone mason who has an artists eye. He is immediately attracted once they start talking. He would love to see her again, but she is married.

Lexi is trapped in the elevator with a hottie who has a soft heart. She is impressed almost instantly, but has trust issues that stop her from reaching out and telling him the truth. When they see one another again, can she get the courage to move on?

I loved the interaction between the characters. This is an author who is great about humor and banter and never disappoints. Such a sweet and sexy story that makes for a great read and finishes with an HEA.


**This early copy was provided by Netgalley and its publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews

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