The Glow Up

I Heart SapphFic Pride Collection, Book 2

By: Cara Malone

Narrated by: Gaylen Lux

A coveted summer internship takes a small-town girl to the Windy City, where she’s totally out of her element—and learning who she is for the first time.

Jo’s dreams have always been too big for her small-town Montana life. When she lands a competitive internship in Chicago, her conservative parents worry about letting her go. But it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, sure to change her world.

Hazel is a city girl to the core, absorbing all the culture Chicago has to offer in her quest to make beautiful queer art. When a gorgeous girl in a prairie dress stumbles in front of her scooter during the city’s Pride Parade, it’s almost vehicular manslaughter at first sight—but Hazel acts in the nick of time and winds up with a clueless baby gay in her lap.

Meeting Hazel and her friends unveils a world Jo never imagined, as well as parts of herself she’s long kept hidden. But first loves are doomed to end, and the summer won’t last forever. Jo’s parents expect her to return to her life in Montana, sacrificing the new family she’s found with Hazel. Can she go home again?

What begins as a traffic accident evolves into a smoldering attraction in this romance full of pride, found family and the glow-up of a lifetime.

©2022 Cara Malone (P)2022 Cara Malone

Took awhile to get used to the narrator

The story was definitely a sweet coming out story with adorable characters. It’s a perfect summer read and fits well with the Pride collection. It took me a bit to get used to Gaylen Lux’s narration but she did capture the Chicago accent.

Very fun, low stress story.

I love a sweet romance with little to no forced drama or tension. The main character kinda speed runs her gay awakening compared to some other stories, but in a good way. "I liked kissing a girl, I didn't like kissing a boy. i want to kiss that girl more. Therefore, I've come to the conclusion that Im gay." Its a fun ride.

Good love story

I really enjoyed the story. It seems like I laughed alot. It was nice to have an upbeat story and a great ending as well,

Fun and engaging

The Glow Up was a treat to listen to! Two young, talented women who want to use their talents for good and find a way to each other as well!

Just obnoxious

The story could have been cute but the characters were just juvenile and irritating. The narrator really missed the mark and the voices were so grating. I could have put up with the story if not for her voices. Couldn't finish the book.