Forum: Story Recommendations

Looking for any/all stories where the MC has a major glow-up.

I'm talking leaves home as a loser/nerd/awkward nobody and comes back years later looking, acting, or living like a completely different person.

Physical glow-ups are great, but I'm also interested in broader transformations: getting rich, becoming powerful, gaining confidence. That sort of thing.

I'm preferably looking for stuff that's at least on the decent side of writing, but at this point I'm desperate, so shoot for the moon.
Thanks. And sorry if I sound a bit demanding.

A bit different, the girl left and didn't recognize the guy when she came back. Goin' Fishin' by Marsh Alien.

Good Hunting, limab

https://storiesonline.net/s/65806/his-lucky-charm
Argon is a great writer. This is set during the Crimean and American civil wars. Jilted & depressed junior British army officer resigns his commission and heads to America. Returns years later as a very wealthy man married to a beautiful woman. Multiple personalities and threads to the story and it fits nicely into his Anthony Carter universe of Napoleonic naval novels.

https://storiesonline.net/s/28571/going-home-by-lumpy

A Glow Down? Wunder-kid goes to the NFL, gets injured and washes out, becomes a NYC cop then gets shot the day his wife leaves him. Ordered to retire by the force, he goes back to his home town with his tail between his legs, regains his center and becomes a truly respected lawman.

Another odd one, nobody leaves, but Ne'er Do Well by SW MO Hermit.

Good Hunting, limab