The Glow Up (Franklin U #5) by A.M. Johnson

Sheena calls The Glow Up a "warm, mellow, comfortable read."

From the blurb:

Chris Delaney

I've promised myself that this was going to be the year to finally buckle down. I'm a junior, and I’ve settled on a major. I've got focus and determination. The one thing I haven't figured out yet? How to deal with the massive crush I've been harboring on the guy in study carrel six.

I don’t know his name and some of my friends think it’s time for me to move on, but he has this whole sexy, broody, dark eyes and messy hair thing going for him. And yeah, he seems like he could be my polar opposite. The kind of unapproachable, serious type who doesn’t smile much, but I’d like to think he’s all rays of sunshine underneath his stormy expressions and disheveled demeanor. All that intense energy… I dig it.

I want to know him.

The rub?

I’ll have to find the courage to actually introduce myself.

Aiden Russo

The college experience is supposed to be parties, drinking, and fun with a few classes mixed in. It sounds pretty amazing, right? For me, it turned out to be endless lectures, avalanches of homework, and copious amounts of caffeine. The study carrel might as well be my dorm room. And that guitar under my bed? It's got two years of dust growing on it. But this is the life I have to lead if I’m ever going to help my dad.

Pre-med isn’t for the weak.

The problem? Loneliness holds me hostage.

If only I could find someone willing to break through my ever-present cloud bank, and remind me what it’s like to have fun again.

Sheena's Review:

This is my first novel by A.M. Johnson and it certainly won't be my last, going on this one. This is the 5th in the Franklin U interconnected universe but could certainly be read as a standalone.

I adored this book from beginning to end. I loved both Chris and Aidan and was there with them the entire way through. This is just such a comforting read, it's sunshine and warmth, and mellow vibes and everything good. At first I was concerned it might be a bit unbalanced as Chris has had such a crush on Aidan for so long, but it was actually so sweet and so well done it just felt right. When we meet Aidan, he's just such a lost soul, drowning in school and responsibility and Chris has such a laid back vibe, it's exactly what Aidan needs to bring him out of his shell. Seeing him blossoming as the story went on was an utter joy to behold and I couldn't put this down.

This is a love story with deep roots in music, with so many shout outs to so many great bands and tunes, and I for one have definitely found a new band after reading this book (thanks for that, The Head and The Heart are great).

I've enjoyed the whole Franklin U series so far but this is easily my favourite so far, it's the ultimate comfort read and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's like a big hug.

Rating: 5 Stars

Heather's Review:

The Glow Up is sweet and warm... It's a story that will restore your faith in humanity and leave you thinking that there is sunshine behind the dark clouds... Aiden and Chris are great characters who feed off each other and help each other to experience their best lives... and it's so much fun to watch...

There is a great music tie in and the story flows as much as the music does - amazing playlist!  

I loved the pace, the story and the vibes that I was left with as I finished The Glow Up!

Rating: 5 Stars

The Glow Up is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.