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Glow Up: Running Interference

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After a heartbreaking loss, Mark O’Neil finds himself back where it all started – Lavendale. With a great push from his family and friends, he makes an appearance at All-Star weekend. Where he finds himself reevaluating his life. His list of things to do – regroup, spend time with his boys and land a contract with the Lavendale Knights. Saving a soft spoken beauty wasn’t on his agenda. When they collide, he is unable to see anything other than her.

Shayla Hawkins is an aspiring fashion designer who is on the verge of her first break. She is taking everything she has and betting on herself. But her boyfriend’s pipe dreams of being a rapper interferes with her plans – yet again. Now, with nothing left to fall back on and a delay in her plans, she finds herself in a detrimental situation.

With Mark’s need to be the hero and Shayla’s inability to speak up for herself, the two find everything they were lacking in one another. But how long does the whirlwind romance last when there’s forces at play to ruin everything they’re building?

Find out on this episode of Glow Up

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2024

148 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Aubreé Pynn

130 books715 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Shawndra.
87 reviews37 followers
January 1, 2025
Aubree and that PYNNNNNN! Whew! I loved this book so much. For the first few chapters, all I kept screaming was “STAND UP SHAYLA! STAND UPPPPP”. Life was beating my girl DOWN! Aubree had me all in my feels for Shayla. I just wanted the best for her. Shayla had terrible friends, a terrible boyfriend, no familial support. I wanted to SWING lol. But one bad night turns into a series of good nights. And man… that glow up! Which leads me to…

Mark! My boy lowkey has a savior complex but it worked out in his favor. Mark was at the Super Bowl. The win right at his fingertips. And a bad play changed everything. Hoping to have a little fun & network with the big dawgs, he comes across a damsel in distress.

Mark was a protector, comforter, lover, friend. He came with a family & team willing to do anything for each other. Shayla needed that. She needed that win. And I’m so happy that her GLOW UP came.

Let me end this review by saying… F*k Aleecia AND LaRell!
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
653 reviews29 followers
January 4, 2025
A dark knight and his ladybug

After the ending of Come Up, I've been anticipating Glow Up for a while. Shayla's story is one that will have you going through a lot of emotions. This is definitely a story about finding your inner voice. Shayla was so earnest, and she had so many people in her life that meant her no good. Mark was truly her angel, literally saving her from a horrible situation. I loved them together. Mark was such a protector, and he loved so fiercely. He poured into Shayla so effortlessly she had no choice but to glow up! This was definitely my favorite book in the Wags series so far.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,044 reviews116 followers
January 5, 2025
Pretty good… but I have a questions about what happened with the heroine’s stolen ID, by her ex. The hero’s mom was my girl…Overall the story was good. 4.75 stars.
Profile Image for Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_).
423 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2025
Ladybug x Papi

Aubree Pynn's Glow Up is a heartfelt and beautifully woven story that dives into love, healing, and self-discovery. After a devastating loss, Mark O’Neil returns to Lavendale, hoping to rebuild his life and career. What he doesn’t expect is Shayla Hawkins—a talented yet soft-spoken aspiring fashion designer—who’s battling her own challenges. Their meeting sparks a connection that neither can ignore, even as outside forces threaten to tear them apart.
Mark’s protective nature and Shayla’s quiet strength make them a couple worth rooting for. Their journey highlights themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the power of finding someone who truly sees you. Pynn’s depiction of Shayla’s struggles, Mark’s determination, and the Spanish cultural elements added depth and authenticity to the story.
This installment in the WAGS series is undeniably my favorite! Shayla’s experiences resonated deeply with me, and I found myself both cheering for her growth and swooning over Mark’s unwavering love. As for Shayla’s ex and those toxic friends? They can exit stage left—disrespectfully.
Glow Up is a compelling, emotional ride that will stay with you long after the last page. If you’re a fan of romance with a side of self-empowerment, this book is a must-read. It’s definitely a 5-star gem in my book!
Profile Image for The Urban Fiction Librarian.
385 reviews47 followers
April 3, 2025
Okay listen up….. as of today this is my favorite book from Szn 1 of WAGS. I loved Book 1 and 2 BUT Mark and Shayla HIT different. This is a top read for me for 2025. Mark was everything. Shayla was that girl and you can’t make me believe otherwise. Shayla was going through so much and had been through so much but still kept her head up. Mark stepped up and in a major way I mean there is no way you couldn’t fall in love with him.

I thought no one could compare to Jay Lucci but him and BIG DADDY MARK are neck and neck. Mark was patient, kind, gentle, her friend, and so loving. Baby that man showed up as her friend before anything else. What Mark and Shayla built was strong, unwavering, beautiful and whole. You could feel them coming off the pages. Mark showed Shayla all that she was capable of and Shayla showed Mark he wasn’t what the world saw him as. They both spoke life into each other. Big Pynnie doesn’t cease to amaze me and I’m here for it.

Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
Profile Image for Lisette.
615 reviews43 followers
January 8, 2025
Ok!!!!!

Marcccccuuuuuussssss darling!
I enjoyed Marcus and Shayla's relationship!
They were both such good people. They were truly made for each other. I'm so glad the villains in the story received their karma. This story was written really well and the character development was top tier.
Profile Image for Jade Whiteside.
117 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2025
Another great read in Aubreé Pynn's WAGS series. I was so confused about who Mark and Shayla were at the end of the second book, but I'm glad I was able to find out.

It was a hell of a lot that happened during that one All-Star weekend, and we're constantly reminded as each book comes into the fold. However, with what we already know from the previous books, each book introduces the struggles that blossoms into these beautiful relationships.

Like Khamari and Jaymarius in the first two books, Mark definitely was not out looking for love and, in fact, was probably completely done with being in a relationship. However, that superhero feature that he had, had him running across Shayla during that one particular night in the hotel during All-Star weekend.

Like every other FMC in the series thus far, Shayla was out here grinding, trying to make her dreams a reality while dealing with the unfortunate curveballs life threw her way. Coming from an abusive home as a child caused her to accept complete bullsh*t as an adult, leading her to be in a physical, mental, and emotional relationship (that wasn't really a relationship) with an untalented, broke, struggling, dirty rapper.

Throw in the fact that Shayla was tied to Aleecia's snake a**, and she was left to deal with a lot. However, when she needed it the most, she made a friend who just wanted to help and be the protection and reassurance she never had in life. That friendship quickly turned into a relationship once she stopped fighting it. From there, Shayla began to glow up in all aspects of her life.

The one thing I loved the most about Mark and Shayla's relationship was how loud and proud they were about their love for each other and how they continued to pour into each other.

Shannon, Shayla's father, wasn't sh*t. I don't get how a parent could be so evil to their own child. Jail was not enough, and I hope he truly suffers and gets what he deserves somewhere within this series.

Nonetheless, I am excited to read Makavelli and Tatiana's story next. I've literally been waiting for it since book one when it was made clear that there is something between them.
1,089 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2025
Glow up

This was such a good book from beginning to end. In the trigger warning, AP said Shayla was big mama and I couldn’t agree more. Once her and Marcus crossed paths and developed their friendship and pouring love and support into each other, they both experienced a glow up like none other. Mark gave Shayla that safe space and protection she had been missing and seeking in the wrong places and people but once he started pouring into her, she started to realize she was that girl! Her ex, her father and Aleecia could all recognize her genuine spirit and tried repeatedly to break her, but they never could because Shayla was clearly one of God’s favorites.

I loved Mark and the way he stood by Shayla and encouraged her and lifted her up and poured into her without condition and I loved how she did the same for him. What she lacked in money, she more than made up for with her genuine spirit and energy. These two definitely matched energies and their love and bond was so cute and kept me smiling. One of my favorite scenes between them was their private photoshoot.

I also can’t go without mentioning my love for this friend group and Mark’s mother and sister. Marcella was a rider and I loved her. She took no ish and played no games with her kids or about her kids. I am looking forward to getting more out of this series and seeing what will happen next between Mak and Tati.
Profile Image for Melise.
516 reviews58 followers
January 2, 2025
Happy New Year FORREAL

Starting my year RIGHT with **AUBREE THEE PYNN**, the big PYNN, PYNN Griffey, or whatever else she wanna go by—I’m calling her! This was so good, y’all, I’m not even gonna hold you. Everything was THERE, and it all came together so seamlessly.

Now, let’s talk about that ending—got me HOT because, whew, wasn’t there a good prison fight or shanking available?! Like, come on! Lmaoo.

What I love most about this author is her ability to do interconnected storytelling so WELL. The main characters always stay the priority—we get depth, drama, some freakin’, and happiness by the end—but the cameos? Oh, the cameos. They always hit. They enhance the story, leave you wanting just enough, and have you LOCKED IN for the next book. No rushing through the star couple, no shortcuts—just pure excellence.

That said...my one humble request? I need MORE death! Lmaoo. Some folks just aren’t redeemable, okay? CLOCK THEM OUT permanently! Start the BBQ—I need eternal flames for some of these folks. Lol.

And let me just say, the way some moments were retold to refresh us as readers was chef’s kiss. It never felt redundant, just the perfect touch.

All in all, an amazing read to kick off my year. I’m grateful and hype. Aubree did her thing AGAIN!
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,682 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2025
My favorites!😍😍

Mark and Shayla were by far my favorite WAGS couple. From the moment he saves her its go time and he is not letting up. While his family is questioning who she is, he's learning everything he can about her. These two learn that people are placed in your path for a reason, and there's is to not only save each other, but be exactly what they need. Shayla not only proves that she's not about money and fame, but elevating Mark, herself, and ridding them both of things that serve them no purpose. She not only gains a man that worships, protects and loves her, but she gains a family, friends and a life that she only ever dreamed of. Shayla's confidence is growing with every boss move she makes and all those who were praying and preying on her downfall as well as her mans were appropriately dealt with. I have never read a series that was filled with worthless people, but the good part about that is they ALL got what was coming to them. Now, I need to address that ending. Shannon is definitely a snake, but I have a feeling that he's going to get his ten fold! Amen?! Seriously, my favorite WAGS couple and I hope to see them later in somebody book. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
1,127 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2025
this is book 3. we are still dealing with all star weekend but this time from the perspective of Mark and Shayla. mark plays in the NFL and is at All Star Weekend trying to secure a new contract.
meanwhile, Shayla is having the worst time of her life. her boyfriend emptied her back accounts, stole her car and moved away to become a rapper! sis is flat broke and rent is due. Shayla begrudgingly agrees to go out with her best friend to All Star Weekend. unbeknownst to Shayla, her friend sets her up to be sold to some gang members. luckily, mark happens by and saves Shayla but when she gets home, she learns that she has been evicted from her apartment. sis is flat broke with no where to go. talk about a parade of horribles.

although Mark had a Savior complex, it soon became clear that his interest in Shayla was about more than just saving her. he wanted her. I couldn't wait for these two to get it together. talk about a fairytale!

the rest of the story resolved the issue of the sexual assault accusation and Shayla's former friend. 🙄 there are also other story arcs that make the book juicy, layered, and interesting.

I listened to the audiobook. Lauryn Nichols and midnite Michael did a great job.
205 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2025
Was this book good? Absolutely. Did I want it to end ummmm no lol. Shayla had me stressed out chileeeeeee. She wanted love and acceptance so bad she was accepting the bare minimum in every relationship. Her upbringing was breaking my heart, but her drive and resilience was unmatched. Mark was such a beautiful person with an amazing heart.
Babyyyyyyy he was building her up and loving (I can’t use the D word here) her down. He was a savior and I don’t care how independent you are it’s something beautiful about a genuine provider. Affirmation after affirmation. Mark poured into his woman and she poured into him. Do you know how good it feels to be seen, to be loved through all your flaws and walls. This book had me pulling out my manifestation journal for the new year. So many gems were dropped through the chapters and I made sure to add new affirmations to my mirror lol. I’m happy they both reached their dreams but also got their happy ending. I can’t wait to see how Makavelli and Tatiana story will unfold.
Profile Image for Carissa G.
229 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2025
**ARC Copy Received**

I absolutely LOVED Glow Up and this one is definitely my favorite of the WAGS Series! This one hit home! I related to Shayla so much that as I was telling my husband about the book while getting ready for church this morning I started crying!

I have always been the plus size friend, and with that comes all kinds of smart remarks, remarks about my weight, remarks about why a guy would actually choose me over one of my friends! And although I never just sat back and took stuff it still plays on your mind…years later!

I loved Shayla and Marcus characters!!! Marcus protective nature and his love for Shayla reminded me so much of my husband and I! Shayla’s ex boyfriend and original friends can go straight to hell…disrespectfully!!!

There is so much I could say about Glow Up but I don’t want to give the storyline away! Just know this one is definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in my book! And the Spanish Culture in this book 🤌🏽♥️!!!
Profile Image for Lisareadsromance.
655 reviews16 followers
January 7, 2025
This is my fav of the series. Love the growth and healing that Shayla and Mark went through. They needed each other more than ever. Mark was def someone who would give so much of himself if he felt you were worth it and he found that in Shayla. Seeing how Shayla starts as insecure and unsure of herself and worth, it was great seeing her growth into the confident woman near the end. She never gave up on herself no matter how hard things got, she didn't want to be dependent on anyone, Mark does a great job with reaffirming her and building her up and believing in her gifts. I loved Mama Cella, she was def a ride or die. I can't wait to get the next story and find out more about the other characters, like Isha, and Mykeya.
444 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2025
Glow Up

Baby…the way Mark came behind Shayla needed to be studied. He took his time with her—fostering a friendship and mutual trust—before giving in to his feelings for her. I think that’s what I loved most about this. Both had traumas that were linked to the poor decisions of their fathers, but still found a way to love one another through them.

The way Shayla stepped into her purpose was beautiful. I loved how despite her fears she accepted all that Mark poured into her while also pouring into him. Even when things went left, they were each other’s anchor. His family became hers and his friends embraced her. So beautiful.

Now that said..bring on Mak.
Profile Image for Tyler Dent.
193 reviews
December 8, 2025
this is my favorite on in the series

mark and shayla fit each other so well, they brought each other the peace and happiness each other was missing. mark calling shayla his ladybug not knowing at first that what shayla mom used to call her because she said shay is lucky and brings luck was so cuteeee. the found family between logan, jacari, mekhia, shayla and the other wags was so beautiful to see. i love how they instantly accepted shayla, started supporting and showing up for shayla fashion brand. they made me want to be their friend too. mark mama ain’t play about mark, mekhia or shayla and i loved every second of it.
Profile Image for Kay Dupree.
165 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2025
This is the second year I brought in the New Year with Aubree Pynn. I wanted Shayla to caught a break so bad. No one was looking out for her. Not her weak ass rapper boyfriend, her only friend, and not even her own father. She’s such a wonderful soul that only worked hard for dreams. When she meet Marcus nothing could stop the Dark Knight Papi for saving this beautiful soul.

I’m simply love the way that Aubree writes. She keeps you engaged and swooning. This book was everything I needed a more. Aubree doesn’t disappoint.
151 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2025
Just when you think there’s one book bae Aubree gives you more. One thing I can say about AP is she knows how to write an antagonist and protagonist. However, no matter the situation the mmc is going to protect his woman. Mark being the man of the household made sure to protect his family and his (Tyrese voice)Shayla didn’t have to worry for anything. Nevertheless, both needed each other. Mark needed Shayla for refuge and Shayla needed Mark for reassurance . The flow of the story was chef’s kiss, and I am so glad the villains got their karma.
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
746 reviews18 followers
January 5, 2025
I feel like I’m watching this on TV

Episode 3 of WAGS is just as explosive and entertaining as episodes one and two. Episode 3 introduces us to Mark a football player at crossroads in his career, and Shayla a young woman with dreams of becoming a fashion designer who keeps falling short in love and her dreams. I love Mark and Shayla’s love story so much. The way they both pour into each other and help to heal their wounds is beautiful. Aubree will always leave you satisfied but wanting more at the same time!!
Profile Image for Treasure.
440 reviews7 followers
January 12, 2025
Both Marcus and Shayla have been treated badly by love.
Both of them aren't looking for love but when the love bug bites, how can they resist?

An unfortunate incident at the club forces Marcus to defend a damsel in distress from area gang members.
Shayla thought she was out with her friends and was pimped out by her friends.
This is how the journey starts

He is the man who keeps her safe and motivated. She is the woman who is his peace and coping mechanism.

A definite 5-star read, the story is loaded and a good time.
Profile Image for NwabiReads.
219 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2025
so good '

This was a good time! Shayla and Mark had so much chemistry! I loved how even though Mark saved Shayla, she in turn saved him! The story was well balanced on the plot and the romance. Mark was there for his girl and I loved this. Lama huge fan of words of affirmation and I loved how much of that we got. Instant connection can be a hit or a miss but with this one I loved that although they connected instantly, they did have a lot of focus on getting to know each other! Superb book!
Profile Image for Kay Scott.
270 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2025
Shayla deserved her happy ending after the betrayal of her father, her ex, and her friends. Like how on Earth does your friend sell you off to be trafficked and she is still alive to tell the story and continue to torment you throughout the book. I thought I was crazy after recognizing these people were not getting what they deserved...until the end! The vindication of everyone that wronged her was so good!! Mark was THE MAN! I don't know how any other book boyfriend will beat him out. Just cashapping 1,000 every time she leaves the house!!!!! Drive the Benz, here are some new shoes for tonight, here is a wad of cash for your hair..........MARKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!
24 reviews
January 3, 2025
This book was nothing but amazing

How can I describe this book? Everything you could want in a book and more. Aubree did her thing with this book. It sucks you in from the beginning to the end. Marcella is one to love from the moment you meet her. Shayla and Mark are beautiful together trying to find their way. The story is full of secrets, romance and twists. Get ready for the fun ride of the book. Read it in one day.
Profile Image for Kia.
1,159 reviews
March 24, 2025
Marcus and Shayla

These two honestly were broken individuals who just needed to find their person, they just didn’t realize their person was so close. Shayla never had a protector and Marcus never had someone really appreciate him, so when they finally find each other it was like finding a missing puzzle piece. Now that cliffhanger let’s me know that the drama is still unfolding so I can’t wait to see what happens.
Profile Image for Tiffany Johnson.
138 reviews
November 20, 2025
Aye ladybug!

Shayla has been giving a rough paper route and Mark is captain save a girl! I thought Shayla was close friends with Logan and Jacari, but I guess she was just “friends” with Aleecia who they tried to warn her about…Aleecia really is scum! And Marcella is the mom of the year! Love her! McKeya is a great sister as well! This book was a good close out to the series, just wonderful
Profile Image for Precious.
363 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2025
excellent as always!

First book of 2025 and it was time well spent. I love an Aubree Pynn book! Both the MMC and FMC were well matched and ready for one another. This story has all the pieces of a wonderful story that is full of love, awesome supporting characters and a plot that kept me engaged and not wanting to end!
Profile Image for Tanesha Abernathy.
535 reviews
January 4, 2025
Aubree Pynn never disappoints…

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode of WAGS, I didn’t even realize it had been released but that’s what I get for not researching well enough. The character development and cross over in each book is what makes it great! I was wondering how the last scene of the prior book was gonna tie into this book. Well, done!

Can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Breeana.
625 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2025
Shannon there is a place for people like him! He can dish it out but can't take it.

Mark and Shayla were put through it! I really need more of them honestly they are couple goals. Marcella and Henry need a novella asap! Mykeya and the hockey player need a book asap. Isha and Sad need they own book too like Aubree left the door of possibilities opened.
Profile Image for Jahari Dowdy.
872 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2025
Awesome Glow up

The Glow up was soooo AMAZING!!! The MMC was ready to love ❤️ and help the FMC with her glow up. Her ex was 🗑️ trash, she was bounced around in foster care, her friends and father were trash too🗑️ so she deserved all the love she could stand. This one was by far my favorite!!!! Definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Joreen.
427 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2025
4.75⭐️
I loved this book real bad!
I kept saying “my shaylaaaaaa” in the first few chapters. Sis was going through it. Shayla was such a sweet and strong character. She was honestly just a good person.
Love Mark, I think he may be my favourite male character in the series. I love how they started off as friends and built their relationship afterwards.
I love them bad
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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