Come Up: Full Court Press

by Aubreé Pynn

Jacari Thomson has had it all until she didn’t. Upon learning her father’s poor investments have ruined the stability of her family and the advancement of her career, Jacari’s disparity kicks in. What started out as an All-Star weekend centered around enjoyment, turns into a devious plan to trap a baller and at the very least, clout. What she didn’t expect was to catch feelings in the middle of her target catching a case.

Jaymerius White has worked long and hard not only on himself, but his career. One weekend of fun changes his foreseeable future as an athlete. With his character and career under attack and his team scrambling to protect his image, Jaymerius is faced with more trouble than peace. While everything is hitting him at once, can he find peace within the chaos or will everyone’s come up be his demise?

Tune in to see how they fair through the schemes, known and unknown. Will caught feelings turn into something more?

Genres: Sports Romance, African American Romance, Spicy

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2024

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Remember when I said an AP book is hit or miss for me? 🫤🫤🫤🫤 I wish I could post a GIF to properly express how pissed off I am that I wasted my time on this book. I fault myself because, I was warned by my book besties to sit this one out and I didn’t listen. I’m hardheaded. I was determined to read Jacari and Jaymerius’ story but, you what? You don’t need to know everyone’s story. I could’ve definitely sat this one out. That’s all I got for y’all because, anything else will be disrespectful. I’m off AP for a good minute.

[Kameel]

DNF

[Jahda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh I didn’t really feel the connection between Jay and Jacari

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥹

Come Up was quite the journey! Trash parents were running rampant throughout this one, and don’t get me started on Alecia and Gezelle.. Chile. I don’t know how Jacari and Jaymerius overcame so much, but they did! Good read for me.

[Erin Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacaris had to snag her a baller and fast! & DID she. Her and Jaymerious meet during All Star Weekend and the rest is history. Instant attraction to each other.

They both came from horrible families. Jacaris was dealing with a shitty mother & father. & so was Jaymerious. I feel like they connected with each other even more because of their family trauma.

One thing I did love was Jacari & Logan’s friendship. Those girls are ride or die for each other 🫶🏽

[*Ebony I*]

DNF

If I read anymore of this book we are moving into 2 territory.
This book was hella mid and I need to reclaim my time. I got to 66% and it felt like a bunch of fluff and I was wondering when would it end 😒. We got all these storylines and none of them are that good. I think the author was trying to make the characters layered or complex if you will, but it was not executed well. I also see an editor listed, but they should have been helping her make the story more cohesive. It felt all over the place and on top of that there was zero love felt between the mcs.

[Jaliesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m on whatever you on. Mannn 🥹🥹 Jay & JaCari was a match made in heaven I loved what they brought in each other and the growth . This story was something serious and I think you want to take a ride with . It you do not want to miss so good . It’s the” we elevated each other “cause literally it’s was amazing to read and watch in unfold in all the ways how the try and fight it !! Yeaaa I’m locked in! WAGS! Ready for the next episode . 🥰

“Stop acting like you not that nigga” cause Jay definitely that nigga! & Ja that girrlllllll! 🤗

CARI & Logan I love their friendship , I love to read about healthy woman friendship! 👯💕 The best!

SN her dang Triggers are LIFEE!!! 😂😂

[Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay + Cari

Come up: Full Court Press is a gripping tale that dives deep into the toxic entanglements of family, identity, and the search for redemption, set against the backdrop of fame, fortune, and a high-stakes professional basketball world. This fast-paced narrative follows Jacari Thomson and Jaymerius White, two characters whose worlds collide in the midst of personal and professional upheavals.
Jacari is a character that is easy to empathize with, even when her decisions are clouded by desperation. Her father's financial ruin leaves her at a crossroads, and her initial plan to manipulate her way into security by targeting a basketball star feels both heartbreaking and relatable. Jacari's inner conflict-her good heart at war with her toxic upbringing-becomes the core of her character arc. It's a commentary on how family influence, no matter how damaging, can drive someone to make choices that clash with their true nature.
Jaymerius, on the other hand, is not only an athlete but a man trying to balance his public persona with the demands of a complicated personal life. A preacher's kid with a scandalous family, he embodies the struggle of reconciling the values he's been taught with the reality of his world. The tension between his faith and his professional life adds a layer of complexity that readers will appreciate. His journey through the chaos of public scrutiny while trying to stay grounded is one of the novel's highlights.

Pynn doesn't shy away from exploring the nuances of toxic family dynamics and how they shape an individual's view of self-worth. Both Jacari and Jaymerius are products of manipulative, self-serving families, but what's refreshing is how they don't succumb to the patterns they've inherited. Instead, they carve out a different path for themselves, offering hope and a reminder that one's upbringing doesn't have to define their destiny.
While Come up is an engaging romance at its core, it's much more than just a love story. The novel tackles issues such as colorism, greed, and societal expectations, providing a thought-provoking look into how these elements play out in modern relationships. Pynn's ability to balance the drama, emotion, and humor keeps the reader hooked, and the chemistry between Jacari and Jaymerius feels natural and authentic.
The book's ending, while satisfying, leaves just enough of a cliffhanger to keep readers eager for what comes next. As always, Aubree Pynn delivers with her captivating writing, creating flawed yet relatable characters, and placing them in situations where they must confront both their past and present in order to shape their future.
If you're looking for a romance with depth, heart, and social commentary, Come up is a must-read. Pynn's voice remains a powerful force in contemporary fiction, proving once again that she's the GOAT when it comes to crafting stories that resonate on multiple levels.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something to think about

Wow! Once again, this author gave readers something to think about. The families on both sides of this one were not so nice people. The preacher was really unhinged in his behavior towards this flock. The fallout with both Jacari and Jay's coming together unraveled all the hidden gems within both families. The Come up was a dealmaker for both Jacari and Jay....

[Mary Mimi Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back with Wags Season II. We start off where Boss up ended. And if you know AP you know we gonna get cliffhanger that’s gonna have us in her DM’s fussing !

Now these two both were born with trash parents how is all the parents trash!! 😂

When reading this I felt the two bonded over some trauma but the love was felt. Jacari trying to get in the industry and dealing with some trash people and on top of that her dad! Jay is PK and lord he’s dealing with a whole heap of mess from his family !
One thing Jay was ten toes down for our girl!

Can’t wait to see what Glow up is gonna give us!

[BossyLadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

three struggle stars. 😪 I'm being generous. this book was all over the place. it lacked focus and direction. some parts felt like Logan and Khamari's story. other parts, I didn't understand where Jacari and Jaymerius were going. they went from clear f buddies with Jacari scheming to pay her bills to living together, getting pregnant, needing to get married to protect Jaymerius in a lawsuit, to getting married on their own terms to love? I guess I didn't see/feel where the relationship bloomed? throw in both their crazy families, the stealing preacher, how she was raised, the rape scandal, and Jacari's cousin there was so much going on. disappointed with this one.

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a shame. The storyline fell flat half way and I was super confused lol Too many plot holes that it felt incoherent to me and didn't flow or capture my interest.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was trauma heavy and I think that's where a lot of people disconnected from it. I do think that it was a good read because Jaymerius and Jacari felt more connected in the end. I loved that he felt the need to adavance her career, and not allow his to overshadow hers. They decided that neither of their worthless families were going to disrupt and continue to disrespect what they were doing. Stephanie, Fanni, and that grandma had me wanted to crawl in the book behind they disrespectful selves. Thankfully the root of a lot of problems were solved in this book, but Jacari should have pointed that Rover in Aleecia's direction. That was one shady, trifling woman.

[Ice Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one so much and I think it’s because I really like Jacari and Jay.
I loved the character development and how their stories intertwined with the sweet and lovely romance.
The reassurance, the gifts, quality time and sacrifice to see each other win warmed my heart and I’m so happy they got their happy ending.
I really hated the story felt rushed and unfinished and her family members were so jarring. I wanted more of them as a couple in love.
Lovely read by the way.

[Kashi Ashley-Ann Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved Lo and Mari but Jay and Jaja just took their spot. lol sorry not sorry. AP put her feet, knee deep into this book, I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I loved the character development, the drama, the women having their men’s back… everything. This was definitely another 5 star read and I’m anticipating the books to follow in this WAG series

[Jenae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I personally didn’t really get the love vibes between Jacari and Jay. Just two people hunching and falling for each other (kinda). The family dynamic wasn’t necessarily triggering but both sides were so comically villainous that it was really hard to read about grown adults with the means to cut their families off and refusing to do so…like you make millions I’m assuming and your mother who you don’t fuck with is “forcing” you to go to church…and I (as the reader) is the supposed to respect you and root for you. But it at the end of it all it was okay…I really enjoyed the first book but I doubt if I finish the series when the subsequent books release

[Jade Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another banger. I love how we got to go back and read things from Jacari and Jaymerius' point of view from the night they all saw each other at the club and even at the hotel party.

Both Jaymerius and Jacari's families got on my last damn nerve, and though Jacari was initially looking for a come-up, God decided that she needed to come up in a completely different way. Harmless fun and going with the flow led them into a love they weren't even looking to build and didn't know they needed. With them now having each other, they get to build their own family and give and receive the love that they didn't know they needed.

THANK YOU Aubreé, for Lanez and Gizelle FINALLY getting the karma they deserved. I couldn't do another book with their trifling a** shenanigans. Now I hope Aleecia gets hers next...Logan already let us know from book 1 she wasn't sh*t.

Now, I hope I don't sound ridiculous when I say this...but who the hell are Mark and Shayla??? I've been racking my brain and thinking back to the first book, trying to figure this out.

[Shamell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacari Thomson BKA JaJa had it all until her dad decided to make poor investments. Jacari used her upbringing to literally use what she had to get what she wanted. What started out as an All-Star weekend with the intention on being young, turnt and lit, turned into a trap a baller weekend. I enjoyed this book from beginning to the very end. Jacari and Jay had a natural connection but their childhood trauma was blocking their blessing. This book reminded me that a woman can literally be going through hell but will try her best to bring her man peace. They both had deep rooted trauma and selfish parents full of entitlement and greed.
I loved the, “I’m on whatever you on.” Even though her plan was a success lol she actually found true love and security in the process.
Jaymerius worked long and hard not only on himself, but his career. Even when his character and career were under attack and his team struggled to protect his image, Jay found his own voice and peace. I loved how no matter what came their way they never stopped showing up for one another. They kept pouring into one another. She pushed him, spoke life into him and paid attention to his silent voice. In return he loved on her, pushed her to be a true song bird and live. Logan and Jacari friendship was beautiful but I was giving Logan the side a little lol.
Now do I like cliffhangers….. NO lol but I already know AP pen game is worth the wait.

[Karrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was good. There were parts i enjoyed. This book left me with a lot of questions.

1. Why did we have to read “Say The Word” first? In the authors note she mentioned we had to read say the word or we would be confused. I just want to know the correlation😭

2. What was the push for them to get married? At first the mom was pushing for them to get married when his parents barged into Jaymerius’ house. But then Jay and Jacari made it seem like getting married would save Christmas. I thought it was so Jacari wouldn’t have to testify against him 😭 but they didn’t even go to trial so idk. If that was the reason i wish it would have been clarified better.

3. Between boss up and come up , there was a lot of characters introduced. I wish like we got some kind of reminder when they reappeared.

4. I also don’t feel like we got the full extent of jays trauma. It doesn’t make sense to me that his parents did something to him but he had to go stand in front of the church and ask forgiveness? It also doesn’t make sense to me that they did something to him and they still treat him like trash but he’s still footing the bill for the church and giving them allowance and he is still allowing them to have control over him.

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

My nerves they bad....

Yup I need the next book because the ending of this One.... Alicia needs to die she really needs to die. Jacari and jamarius's parents ain't s***. Like literally they ain't s*** they suck a** and the colorism comments literally had me punching air. Baby when I tell you this book had me ready to choke somebody out, Just goes to show some people just suck a** and just are toxic and evil and have no good intentions towards you. A Carrie's parents had me literally sighed eyeing the f*** out of them not to mention jamerius father up here being a whole butt of pasta basically a big a** hypocrite. I would have punched his mama Fanny in the face because the way she was calling to carry out of her name I would have backhanded a b****. Carrie's grandmother could have caught hands too she isn't exempt... The little African animal in the car direction do deserve to be under a prison if you know you know. Aside from all of the people I f****** hated in this book I actually liked jacari and jamarius together they actually were each other's comfort and were each other's peace and really helped combat all the tromerly suffered in their life.

[Tracy - loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever, whatever you on

The things a toxic upbringing and family can do to you will have traumatic effects for years to come. Both Jamari and Jaymarius experienced this in their lives. It affected their relationships, self esteem, their self worth, self confidence, and how they viewed life. Their families controlled them through guilt, neglect and manipulation.
JaJa was between a rock and a hard place because even though she had a good heart, an amazing voice and she was a go getter, her family taught her to let money be her motivator and use what you got to get it.
Jay was not on no faking for the public or putting on airs type of time, especially with his religious family. He was a PK to a sinning and scheming pastor and the son to the turn a blind eye and cover up everything wife. He learned that every thing done in the dark may come into the light didn’t stop his family.
What was supposed to be a come up actually worked out for both of their good.

As always awesome read!

[Tyler Dent · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love seeing people cut ties with their toxic family members. just because someone is family doesn’t mean you have to put up with their disrespect, belittling, abuse.

jaymerius kept saying “i’m on whatever you on” while jacari was showing him that she wanted him but was also trying to protect herself because she thought he didn’t want more, but learning what happened between his ex and his dad i get why he was dragging but at the same time he should’ve just communicated with jacari that he wanted her permanently instead of realizing that once she left. love how jaymerius told jacari to stop settling for whatever he offers to give her when he can give her more and become the man she needs him to be. their relationship was so fast paced but i enjoyed seeing them show up for each other, protect each other, love on each other and heal together. love the friendship and sisterhood between jacari and logan, they were truly each other ride or die.

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come up

I loved this book from beginning to end. Jacari and Jaymerius gave me life with their connection. I loved their genuine connection and chemistry and how they gave each other peace in spite of their traumas. They both had similar traumas with their trash parents, but they both found love in each other and were determined to make it work. I loved how they showed up for each other and that their traumas allowed them to understand each other better. I also love how Logan and Jacari show up for each other and were able to tell each other when they were wrong or needed to tighten up.

The audacity of their parents, Aleecia, Lanez and Gizelle is at an all time high in this book and they will make you fighting mad, but they all will get what’s coming to them in some way by being horrible human beings.

This book does end on a cliffhanger but it ends in a way leaving us anticipating what will come next and I can’t wait. This is a definite must read series.

[Rhetoreecal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacari had a plan for her All-Star Weekend… and she ended up coming out of it with an addition she definitely didn’t budget for. What was supposed to be a calculated come-up turned into feelings, chaos, and a whole lot of emotional unpacking once Jaymerius entered the picture.

Jacari’s family wasn’t worth two pennies rubbed together, especially that grandmother. And Jaymerius’ folks? Not much better, and he’s a PK on top of that. Both of their families were hateful in the worst ways, but Jacari and Jaymerius still made the decision to protect what they were building together.

This book was a great continuation of the WAGs storyline. Lanez and Gizelle met their fate because them two were spawns from the start. They earned every consequence that came their way.

But that ending? Jacari’s cousin is so trifling. That cliffhanger was something. Book 3 Glow-Up next.

[Tanesha Abernathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this series...these books get you hooked. Just when I thought oh man I can't wait to read the second book in the series...there is going to be another one. This is good but the fact that its not out yet is what's eating me up. Welp, good thing this author has a lot more books for me to read and be upset about when I complete the series, lol.

Anyway, onto why I enjoyed this book. So this book not only touched on a budding romance but it also touched on childhood traumas plagued against both POVs during the course of their relationship. It goes to show that sometimes family can be your biggest come up or down fall...smh.

[Crystal Luckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaja and Jay forever...

Jacari was just looking for a Come up, but what she got was so much more. Jaymerius didn't expect a one night stand would turn into eternity. They both had so much in common in their family dynamics that they messed with their lives and how they felt about people. Once they trusted enough in each other, they became a power couple whose bond was strong. When I was first introduced to these two, I knew they would be a mess, but first impressions aren't always the best impressions. I really loved these two together and was rooting for them. I got so much from this book and didn't want to see it end!!!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The events of “Come Up: Full Court Press” occur simultaneously with the events in “Boss Up: Shooting Shots” (book one in this series). I read “Boss Up: Shooting Shots” a while ago, so I don’t remember much, but I do remember thinking there wasn’t really anything between Jaymerius and Jacari even though Jacari liked him. Turns out Jaymerius had way more feelings for Jacari than I thought.

Normally, I don’t like books where the main characters are a new couple and get pregnant early. The story usually becomes more about them preparing for the baby than it is about the couple learning one another. That’s not the case with “Come Up: Full Court Press”. Aubree Pynn did a great job with balancing the storyline about Jaymerius and Jacari as individuals learning about one another in a new relationship with the storyline about them preparing to be first time parents.

Jaymerius and Jacari were some interesting characters, to say the least lol. One thing about Jacari, sis was going to handle and stand on business. She did👏🏾 not👏🏾 play👏🏾 when it came to Jaymerius. Any and every one could get it if they came at Jaymerius sideways. I really kept forgetting Jacari was pregnant because she was always on go mode lol.

Jaymerius came off as timid and sweet, but he also was just as crazy behind Jacari as she was about him. Imani (Jaymerius’ attorney) made me holler when she asked Jacari to look after Jaymerius so he didn’t get into more trouble. Then Imani thought about it and was like, “what am I saying? They’re going to fight together,” because Jaymerius and Jacari definitely would 😂

But even with all of that, Jaymerius and Jacari sucked at communication and got on my nerves quite a bit. Granted, they acknowledged that they could be more vulnerable with one another and communicate better but it was still annoying. It went on for a while. All in all, I liked them but not as much as I liked Khamari and Logan in their book.

Also it felt like something was missing with “Come Up: Full Court Press” but I don’t know what it is. Normally, I’ll devour an Aubree Pynn book within a day but it took a week for me to get through this one.

[Milcah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

come up

With parents like Jay and Cari’s, you don’t need enemies. Those people were just selfish and conniving. I needed Stephanie and Fanni slapped, but maybe that’ll come in the next book. I was happy that Jay and Cari held on to one another and despite all the outside noise. The lengths they were willing to go to protect one another was admirable. I loved how supportive they were of one another and how their friends were there to keep them lifted.

Now I’m ready for what’s next, but I’ll be patient.

[camya smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay and Jacari are the epitome of love and I love me a man that stands on business, and Jaymerius stood on big business about his lady. And can you say family drama because i wanted to turn both of their families every which way but loose because they disgust me. Yet despite both their families being trash a love no one seen coming emerged. One thing Ms. Pynn can do is write a love story, okay, and I did not heed her warning of reading this book in 2 hours because it was just too good to put down. But instead of begging for book 3 i'll be in Ganton Hills until further notice.

[Treasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already knew Aubree wasn’t going to disappoint and honest, she wrote another amazing story . Both Jacari and Jay have family drama which has caused them trauma that they are dealing with in their every day life.
Jay doesn’t know how to love after a traumatic breakup and Jacari is seeking a come up like the women in her family thought her but instead she find her Prince Charming! Their love story isn’t an easy but definitely one worth fighting for!