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Pepper Jones #2
All Pepped Up
Winning nationals wasn’t the only dream that came true. I also walked away with the heart of the one boy I couldn’t live without. I knew the being Jace Wilder’s girlfriend wouldn’t be simple. But how could I have known all the hurdles we would face?
Drama at school? That’s a given. Jealous girls? That I expected. Family secrets? Not so much. At least I can always hit the trails to clear my head… or so I thought.
The high expectations from my winning cross country season still haunt me, and hold me hostage. I can’t seem to get psyched up for what comes next. My competitive spirit is fading and I’m lost without it. What will I do when my one constant is no longer my safe place? Life on and off the track is spiraling out of control, leaving me in its wake as I struggle to remember who I truly am.
Drama at school? That’s a given. Jealous girls? That I expected. Family secrets? Not so much. At least I can always hit the trails to clear my head… or so I thought.
The high expectations from my winning cross country season still haunt me, and hold me hostage. I can’t seem to get psyched up for what comes next. My competitive spirit is fading and I’m lost without it. What will I do when my one constant is no longer my safe place? Life on and off the track is spiraling out of control, leaving me in its wake as I struggle to remember who I truly am.
Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2014
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653 people want to read
About the author
Ali Dean
47 books1,024 followersAli is a USA Today Bestselling author of sports romance. She has always loved to read, especially when there's a happily ever after, but found that there weren't enough books out there featuring girl athletes. So, she decided to work on that. Like the heroines in her books, Ali is an athlete, with running and skiing her favorite sports these days. Ali hails from Vermont and now lives in her own happily-ever-after in Colorado with her husband, two sets of twins, and golden retriever Pancake. When she's not pursuing an outdoor adventure, Ali's less healthy passions include ice cream, coffee, and beer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
April 20, 2015
“The more you love,the more love you have to give.It's the only feeling we have which is infinite...”
----Christina Westover, an American author
Ali Dean, an American author, pens her second book in the Pepper Jones series, All Pepped Up and this time the story revolves around Pepper and her relationship with her childhood friend, Jace, and let's just say, Jace is not an easy guy to love and for Pepper her storybook relationship is not at all perfect considering the fact that this time the challenges for a cross-country runner is very hard and complicated.
Synopsis:
Pepper Jones knew that being Jace Wilder’s girlfriend wouldn’t be simple. But she didn’t predict just how many complications would arise from his past. Jealous girls? That she expected. Family secrets? Not so much. At least Pepper can always hit the trails to clear her head… except when it comes to racing. The high expectations from her phenomenal cross country season haunt her, and she can’t seem to get psyched up for track season. Pepper’s junior year at Brockton Public is full of challenges on and off the track, but she’s not afraid to face them.
Pepper Jones, the 1-year old high school junior and a cross-country running star has finally found peace with her heart, meaning she finally found love with her long-time-crush-cum-childhood-best-friend, Jace Wilder, and going into a relationship with the bad-boy of her school, she embraced every single consequence- from jealous exes, to his wild tantrums to his family drama to those insecure moments to the changes that leaves her confused. And this time the challenges are big for her to win the cross country championship.
This book begins right where the first book ends, and the author have done a pretty great job in featuring all those teenager insecurities and what happens when you win over the heart of the most popular boy of the school- rumors, slut-shaming, tormenting etc everything becomes so common in your life, if you happen to be that lucky girl. The only part which disappointed me was the author made this whole book a drama of love and jealously between Pepper and Jace.
The characters seemed a bit off actually. I mean in the last book Pepper's strong and determined demeanor can be hardly registered in this second book, moreover, the relationship throws the edge off her. Jace is like the previous book, short tempered and sexy, over-possessive about Pepper and still ends up being the life of the party. Whereas, Pepper had to be mature for Jace's sake to handle him and herself.
The chemistry between Pepper and Jace is bit wild and steamy, with zero-passion or interest. I mean, what I can say more, there was lot of DRAMA, in capital letters, and less of the cross-country championship.
The writing is nice and engaging but the plot development is not the strongest aspect in this book. The narration revolves around Pepper and Jace's love-life drama, but the author laced it with the right emotions, that are surely going to warm your heart off.
Verdict: The previous book if this series was lot better than this one, and if you're anticipating high enough to read this book, then I would suggest you to give it a pass!
Courtesy: I received a copy of this book for a blog tour purpose.
----Christina Westover, an American author
Ali Dean, an American author, pens her second book in the Pepper Jones series, All Pepped Up and this time the story revolves around Pepper and her relationship with her childhood friend, Jace, and let's just say, Jace is not an easy guy to love and for Pepper her storybook relationship is not at all perfect considering the fact that this time the challenges for a cross-country runner is very hard and complicated.
Synopsis:
Pepper Jones knew that being Jace Wilder’s girlfriend wouldn’t be simple. But she didn’t predict just how many complications would arise from his past. Jealous girls? That she expected. Family secrets? Not so much. At least Pepper can always hit the trails to clear her head… except when it comes to racing. The high expectations from her phenomenal cross country season haunt her, and she can’t seem to get psyched up for track season. Pepper’s junior year at Brockton Public is full of challenges on and off the track, but she’s not afraid to face them.
Pepper Jones, the 1-year old high school junior and a cross-country running star has finally found peace with her heart, meaning she finally found love with her long-time-crush-cum-childhood-best-friend, Jace Wilder, and going into a relationship with the bad-boy of her school, she embraced every single consequence- from jealous exes, to his wild tantrums to his family drama to those insecure moments to the changes that leaves her confused. And this time the challenges are big for her to win the cross country championship.
This book begins right where the first book ends, and the author have done a pretty great job in featuring all those teenager insecurities and what happens when you win over the heart of the most popular boy of the school- rumors, slut-shaming, tormenting etc everything becomes so common in your life, if you happen to be that lucky girl. The only part which disappointed me was the author made this whole book a drama of love and jealously between Pepper and Jace.
The characters seemed a bit off actually. I mean in the last book Pepper's strong and determined demeanor can be hardly registered in this second book, moreover, the relationship throws the edge off her. Jace is like the previous book, short tempered and sexy, over-possessive about Pepper and still ends up being the life of the party. Whereas, Pepper had to be mature for Jace's sake to handle him and herself.
The chemistry between Pepper and Jace is bit wild and steamy, with zero-passion or interest. I mean, what I can say more, there was lot of DRAMA, in capital letters, and less of the cross-country championship.
The writing is nice and engaging but the plot development is not the strongest aspect in this book. The narration revolves around Pepper and Jace's love-life drama, but the author laced it with the right emotions, that are surely going to warm your heart off.
Verdict: The previous book if this series was lot better than this one, and if you're anticipating high enough to read this book, then I would suggest you to give it a pass!
Courtesy: I received a copy of this book for a blog tour purpose.
August 19, 2015
My feels for this one are pretty similar to book 1 (Pepped Up). The setting was ace and during this book I felt got to understand both Jace and Pepper a lot better. They still both drive me batty at times but I’m firmly on their side. They are teenagers making teenage messes at times but this edge of realism worked really well.
And I went straight on to book 3!
And I went straight on to book 3!
October 23, 2014
(Source: Read using Kindle Unlimited)
This was an okay story, but it wasn’t as good as the first in the series.
Pepper was an okay character, and I did feel sorry for her and what she was going through in this book; but I also wanted her to man-up and start training properly again as she seemed to just lose all her spark! I also found that because I have seen the kid’s TV program ‘Peppa Pig’ since reading the first book, that whenever anybody said ‘Pepper’, I thought ‘Pig’.
Jace irritated me a bit in this book, and as the book went further along I remembered him irritating me in the first book as well. I mean quit whining already! Quit throwing your weight around, getting jealous, and trying to fix things with your fists. Ugh.
The storyline in this was a little disappointing for me. I felt like the whole book was about Pepper’s love life, and there was very little about her running, except for when her love life started to ruin her running career. We had some mean girls who tried to get Jace and Pepper to break up, and that was about the top and bottom of this story.
The ending to this was alright, things were happy enough, and we weren’t left with a cliff-hanger. I just expected more from this story for some reason though.
Overall; less running, and more loving,
6.5 out of 10
This was an okay story, but it wasn’t as good as the first in the series.
Pepper was an okay character, and I did feel sorry for her and what she was going through in this book; but I also wanted her to man-up and start training properly again as she seemed to just lose all her spark! I also found that because I have seen the kid’s TV program ‘Peppa Pig’ since reading the first book, that whenever anybody said ‘Pepper’, I thought ‘Pig’.
Jace irritated me a bit in this book, and as the book went further along I remembered him irritating me in the first book as well. I mean quit whining already! Quit throwing your weight around, getting jealous, and trying to fix things with your fists. Ugh.
The storyline in this was a little disappointing for me. I felt like the whole book was about Pepper’s love life, and there was very little about her running, except for when her love life started to ruin her running career. We had some mean girls who tried to get Jace and Pepper to break up, and that was about the top and bottom of this story.
The ending to this was alright, things were happy enough, and we weren’t left with a cliff-hanger. I just expected more from this story for some reason though.
Overall; less running, and more loving,
6.5 out of 10
December 22, 2018
In the second book of the series, I learned more about Jace, how he functions and how the abandon of his mom still messed with him. It was really good to understand him more, made him look a lot better than he did in the first book. But apparently, his past is coming and I hope Pepper doesn't suffer from it.
I loved this book, it was funny but had a lot of drama and suspense.
Can't wait to continue reading the series. <3
I loved this book, it was funny but had a lot of drama and suspense.
Can't wait to continue reading the series. <3
January 6, 2015
I devoured this book. I picked it up the minute I finished Pepped Up, the first book in the series, and couldn’t put it down. I read while we were supposed to be watching a movie, while riding in the car, and on my iPhone while waiting in line to check out. Now that I’m done and I don’t have a third book to start, I’m sad. But in a good way. Ali Dean is a fresh voice in the young adult genre and I can’t get enough of her.
All Pepped Up picks up right where Pepped Up ends. Pepper is dealing with the highs and lows of dating her lifelong friend and “it” boy, Jace. Saying Jace got around before he hooked up with Pepper would be an understatement, and not everyone is happy to have to give him up. As Pepper comes to terms with her running career on the heels of winning a national championship in cross, she has to cope with jealousy, trust issues, and a few changes in Jace’s life she never saw coming.
Plot
Once again, Ali Dean does a masterful job of weaving the running through the romance. Whereas before, the running plot was more of a straight-shot track-style run, this time, it takes a meandering, cross/trail course as Pepper tries to find her footing in the spring track season. The romance plot is more streamlined this time around, although never smooth. Even though Jace and Pepper are dating, the thread of angst makes this yet another delicious young adult romance that kept me turning page after page.
Characters
Pepper did a lot of growing in the first book, so it was nice to see she still had some room to develop. She is fast becoming one of my favorite young adult characters. She’s just so down to earth and honest. I also loved the see Jace and Wes evolving and watching them react to the way their friendship with each other and with Pepper has changed. A subplot, which I won’t spoil, has Jace doing the most growing up we’ve seen so far. He’s still a long way from where he needs to be, but he’s trying and he so desperately wants to be the boy Pepper deserves, it’s just so dang sweet to watch.
Bottom Line
Once again, Ali Dean delivers a solid young adult romance with heart. I’m looking forward the third book. I haven’t been this excited about a young adult series since Lux by Jennifer L. Armentrout. So if you’re reading this, Ali Dean, write faster!
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
All Pepped Up picks up right where Pepped Up ends. Pepper is dealing with the highs and lows of dating her lifelong friend and “it” boy, Jace. Saying Jace got around before he hooked up with Pepper would be an understatement, and not everyone is happy to have to give him up. As Pepper comes to terms with her running career on the heels of winning a national championship in cross, she has to cope with jealousy, trust issues, and a few changes in Jace’s life she never saw coming.
Plot
Once again, Ali Dean does a masterful job of weaving the running through the romance. Whereas before, the running plot was more of a straight-shot track-style run, this time, it takes a meandering, cross/trail course as Pepper tries to find her footing in the spring track season. The romance plot is more streamlined this time around, although never smooth. Even though Jace and Pepper are dating, the thread of angst makes this yet another delicious young adult romance that kept me turning page after page.
Characters
Pepper did a lot of growing in the first book, so it was nice to see she still had some room to develop. She is fast becoming one of my favorite young adult characters. She’s just so down to earth and honest. I also loved the see Jace and Wes evolving and watching them react to the way their friendship with each other and with Pepper has changed. A subplot, which I won’t spoil, has Jace doing the most growing up we’ve seen so far. He’s still a long way from where he needs to be, but he’s trying and he so desperately wants to be the boy Pepper deserves, it’s just so dang sweet to watch.
Bottom Line
Once again, Ali Dean delivers a solid young adult romance with heart. I’m looking forward the third book. I haven’t been this excited about a young adult series since Lux by Jennifer L. Armentrout. So if you’re reading this, Ali Dean, write faster!
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2014
Check out more of my reviews on my blog www.gemmareadstoomuchforittomenormal....
All Pepped Up is book #2 in the Pepped Up Series, I read and loved the first book in the series and have been lucky enough to be given an ARC by the publishers in exchange for an honest review so here goes...
The good bits...
• Pepper seems to really mature in this book.
• Jase I love the softer side of Jase.
And the not so good bits...
• I hate Mean Girls!!
Ok so I enjoyed the second book in the series but it’s not as sickly sweet as Pepped Up, this book seems to slide a bit closer the dark side.
Pepper seems to really grow and mature in this book, she has lost some of the innocence from the first book and we see her drinking, partying and experimenting with Jase.
I like seeing her embrace a more grown up attitude, unfortunately with it comes a lack of drive towards her racing and it was interesting to read about the psychological effects of pressure on athletes.
I love seeing the softer side of Jase he has really kicked up the protective side of his nature.
Wes is Jase’s brother I did not see that coming!!! but I love it.
I feel a bit sorry for Pepper in this book by becoming Jase’s girlfriend she moves into a world of bitchy girls and vengeful boys. This is definitely a coming of age novel for Pepper and I really engaged with her and the way she is dealing with the changes in her life.
I hate bitchy mean high school girls and Madeline and her clan are pure evil!!!
This book defiantly has a darker edge to it I mean Gangs, drug dealers and a group of boys trying to drag Pepper into a room WTF!!!
I feel like Jase really grew up in this book too and I loved how he embraced a relationship with both his brother and his mom.
I needed more Jase & Pepper time though for me there just wasn’t enough time when it was just them.
I liked this book it’s not as happy clappy as the first book but I enjoyed the more mature edge it has going on. I really hope this series continues as I would love to read about the couple more in the future it got 4 stars from me.
All Pepped Up is book #2 in the Pepped Up Series, I read and loved the first book in the series and have been lucky enough to be given an ARC by the publishers in exchange for an honest review so here goes...
The good bits...
• Pepper seems to really mature in this book.
• Jase I love the softer side of Jase.
And the not so good bits...
• I hate Mean Girls!!
Ok so I enjoyed the second book in the series but it’s not as sickly sweet as Pepped Up, this book seems to slide a bit closer the dark side.
Pepper seems to really grow and mature in this book, she has lost some of the innocence from the first book and we see her drinking, partying and experimenting with Jase.
I like seeing her embrace a more grown up attitude, unfortunately with it comes a lack of drive towards her racing and it was interesting to read about the psychological effects of pressure on athletes.
I love seeing the softer side of Jase he has really kicked up the protective side of his nature.
Wes is Jase’s brother I did not see that coming!!! but I love it.
I feel a bit sorry for Pepper in this book by becoming Jase’s girlfriend she moves into a world of bitchy girls and vengeful boys. This is definitely a coming of age novel for Pepper and I really engaged with her and the way she is dealing with the changes in her life.
I hate bitchy mean high school girls and Madeline and her clan are pure evil!!!
This book defiantly has a darker edge to it I mean Gangs, drug dealers and a group of boys trying to drag Pepper into a room WTF!!!
I feel like Jase really grew up in this book too and I loved how he embraced a relationship with both his brother and his mom.
I needed more Jase & Pepper time though for me there just wasn’t enough time when it was just them.
I liked this book it’s not as happy clappy as the first book but I enjoyed the more mature edge it has going on. I really hope this series continues as I would love to read about the couple more in the future it got 4 stars from me.
July 11, 2014
The first word that comes to mind after reading All Pepped Up is Fantastic!! I so love this series. All Pepped Up is the second book in the series the first one being Pepped up.
Pepper has a love for running and also a love for Jace. She gets a little lost durning her journey in this book. She's not sure what's worth it anymore. She doesn't have a feel for the competition of running or the feeling of being free the rush the adrenalin that once came with it it just isn't there anymore. In order for her to find her love for running again she needs to find her self as a person and not just who she is as Jace's girlfriend.
Jace is the popular guy, the football star the player (until pep that is) but his heart only has ever had room for one girl and that's Pepper Jones his child hood best friend. He's sweat and soo sexy. Some might not like is possessiveness when it comes to Pep but I loved it. We get a feel to how much Jace truly loves her.
We get to watch as they grow as a couple and individuals. We also learn more about there friend Wes. There's a secret that Jace and Wes are hiding once Pepper finds out can she forgive them? Or forever feel left out?
There are all kinds of drama and twits and turns for Pepper and Jace not only as a couple but as individuals. There are people determined to split them up no matter what the cost is. The question is can they over come these obstacles that are thrown there way? Is there love strong enough? Or will everyone get what they want and that's to see Pep and Jace to break up. I give this boom 5++ stars it's a must read.
* I was given an ACR for an honest review* ( review done by My Dirty Little Obsession)
Pepper has a love for running and also a love for Jace. She gets a little lost durning her journey in this book. She's not sure what's worth it anymore. She doesn't have a feel for the competition of running or the feeling of being free the rush the adrenalin that once came with it it just isn't there anymore. In order for her to find her love for running again she needs to find her self as a person and not just who she is as Jace's girlfriend.
Jace is the popular guy, the football star the player (until pep that is) but his heart only has ever had room for one girl and that's Pepper Jones his child hood best friend. He's sweat and soo sexy. Some might not like is possessiveness when it comes to Pep but I loved it. We get a feel to how much Jace truly loves her.
We get to watch as they grow as a couple and individuals. We also learn more about there friend Wes. There's a secret that Jace and Wes are hiding once Pepper finds out can she forgive them? Or forever feel left out?
There are all kinds of drama and twits and turns for Pepper and Jace not only as a couple but as individuals. There are people determined to split them up no matter what the cost is. The question is can they over come these obstacles that are thrown there way? Is there love strong enough? Or will everyone get what they want and that's to see Pep and Jace to break up. I give this boom 5++ stars it's a must read.
* I was given an ACR for an honest review* ( review done by My Dirty Little Obsession)
January 21, 2015
I commented in the first book that it doesn't seem like the kids are in high school because they're so mature. Well, they've taken a step back and it's high school drama coming out of their ears.
Locker trashing? Check.
Slut-shaming? Check.
Juvenile but vicious? Check.
Hurtful rumours? And relationship smashing Gossip? Check. Check.
Pepper's super insecure and nervous about the girl tormentors that come after her once she and Jace go public. While Pepper still loves to run she's a little traumatised from her last event so she's taking it easy and trying not to think about competing. My favourite parts of the book are when she's running and in her element.
Jace is possessive and I was in the mood for some silly, jealous alpha behaviour. Any other day and I would have wanted to hit him over the head for treating Pepper like that and hit her over the head for encouraging him.
Ryan keeps proving to be such an awesome guy. There's something about his temperament and his attitude that really points out the problem with Jace and Pepper's relationship. Jace is a party boy and an energiser bunny. He hardly has any time to talk to Pepper and all their moments are so physical and sexual. They make big statements about each other and gloss over problems with their Very Big Love.
I liked Pepper better when she's with Ryan. She's rational and strong and independent.
With Jace it's all swoon and flutter and can't live without him.
Sexual Content: No graphic sex scenes. But plenty of make out scenes that are pretty sleazy.
Verdict: Not impressed
Locker trashing? Check.
Slut-shaming? Check.
Juvenile but vicious? Check.
Hurtful rumours? And relationship smashing Gossip? Check. Check.
Pepper's super insecure and nervous about the girl tormentors that come after her once she and Jace go public. While Pepper still loves to run she's a little traumatised from her last event so she's taking it easy and trying not to think about competing. My favourite parts of the book are when she's running and in her element.
Jace is possessive and I was in the mood for some silly, jealous alpha behaviour. Any other day and I would have wanted to hit him over the head for treating Pepper like that and hit her over the head for encouraging him.
Ryan keeps proving to be such an awesome guy. There's something about his temperament and his attitude that really points out the problem with Jace and Pepper's relationship. Jace is a party boy and an energiser bunny. He hardly has any time to talk to Pepper and all their moments are so physical and sexual. They make big statements about each other and gloss over problems with their Very Big Love.
I liked Pepper better when she's with Ryan. She's rational and strong and independent.
With Jace it's all swoon and flutter and can't live without him.
Sexual Content: No graphic sex scenes. But plenty of make out scenes that are pretty sleazy.
Verdict: Not impressed
July 31, 2014
OK, it’s hard to write a review for this book without it containing spoilers for Book 1, Pepped Up. But hopefully all of you have already read the first book, so it shouldn’t be an issue.
I was given this book for an honest review, and I think I loved it even more than the first one. The hardcore sex and drugs going on in Book 1 had me rooting for Ryan rather than Jace, to be honest. However, in Book 2, Jace really steps up his game and becomes someone worthy of Pepper’s love, and I was proud of his transformation and that of some of the other characters as well.
Where Book 1 dealt with Pepper trying to help others through their struggles, Book 2 finds Pepper having some serious struggles of her own. Her trust in Jace will be tested, and her love of competition will be questioned. Pepper has to decide what she really wants and has to trust her heart to take her there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. This book does contain mature content, so I do recommend it for the more mature YA readers; however, I did find it to be toned down from the content of Book 1, which was a plus. The book was well-written and kept me captivated from cover to cover. Definitely a recommended read.
I was given this book for an honest review, and I think I loved it even more than the first one. The hardcore sex and drugs going on in Book 1 had me rooting for Ryan rather than Jace, to be honest. However, in Book 2, Jace really steps up his game and becomes someone worthy of Pepper’s love, and I was proud of his transformation and that of some of the other characters as well.
Where Book 1 dealt with Pepper trying to help others through their struggles, Book 2 finds Pepper having some serious struggles of her own. Her trust in Jace will be tested, and her love of competition will be questioned. Pepper has to decide what she really wants and has to trust her heart to take her there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. This book does contain mature content, so I do recommend it for the more mature YA readers; however, I did find it to be toned down from the content of Book 1, which was a plus. The book was well-written and kept me captivated from cover to cover. Definitely a recommended read.
August 23, 2014
I'm not entirely sure if this is the only sequel to this book, but if it is Ali Dean really knows how to fit a good story in two books. There was a lot of stress put on Pepper and Jace in this book since he was such a major player before, but now being committed to Pepper makes all the girls he was with before so jealous. It's interesting to read the extent some people with go to in order to hurt other. I do hope there's more to Pepper and Jaces story, but if not this was definitely a good ending.
November 27, 2014
This was an okay read, but i didn't like it as much as book one.
Pepper was an okay character, but i didn't like her, or root for her as much as i did in the first book.
The main thing that made this less enjoyable for me was that everything was more focused on the drama than anything else. It got annoying.
Overall, A bit of a disappointment.
Pepper was an okay character, but i didn't like her, or root for her as much as i did in the first book.
The main thing that made this less enjoyable for me was that everything was more focused on the drama than anything else. It got annoying.
Overall, A bit of a disappointment.
January 7, 2017
Book 2
Pepper and Jace's relationship goes to the next level, but I really don't like his reaction to difficulties. You can't control anything in life. I really like Wes. I'm glad Jace and he are brothers. Pepper did some growing up in this book as a woman and a runner. The running scenes are exciting. On to free Book 3!
Pepper and Jace's relationship goes to the next level, but I really don't like his reaction to difficulties. You can't control anything in life. I really like Wes. I'm glad Jace and he are brothers. Pepper did some growing up in this book as a woman and a runner. The running scenes are exciting. On to free Book 3!
August 12, 2015
Moving right into the next, but I dare say we haven't seen the last of Pep and Jace haters..........
December 3, 2018
Excellent sequel, R-rated YA/NA girl-power, sports novel
This book is the second in a soon-to-be, six-book series about Pepper and Jace, whom we first met in book 1, PEPPED UP. These books are not stand-alone, and it is recommended that they be read in order. Note that this review will be a spoiler for book 1 if you have not read it yet.
This series is set in a small, mountain city in Colorado, and the series offers fascinating local color from this lovely setting.
At the end of PEPPED UP, Pepper and Jace have just officially begun dating, after 14 years of being close friends, making book 1 a classic "friends to romantic partners" story. There is also an exciting sports-related plot in book 1, with Pepper becoming one of the top, female, high-school runners in the country. Book 1 takes place during the first semester of Pepper's junior year in high school and Jace's senior year, making her 16 and him 17 at the time. This book continues in the second semester of that same school year, and Jace turns 18 during this book.
Anyone looking at Pepper's life from the outside might assume she has it made. She's a pretty, slim, star athlete, and she's dating the school's gorgeous star quarterback, who is the most popular guy at her school. But Pepper has never cared for the type of adulation that is so much a part of her charismatic boyfriend's life. He's a natural leader, with both male and female teens hanging on him wherever he goes. Pepper is the opposite. She much prefers to stay away from parties, fade into the background in general, and at all times avoid the excess drama that seems to prevail among the partying seniors in Jace's crowd.
Unfortunately, drama is stalking her every step now that she and Jace are an item. Jealous ex-lovers of the formerly promiscuous Jace are extremely displeased that he is out of commission, and one ex-fling of his in particular, a beautiful, sexy vixen who is as popular as Jace, is determined to steal Jace from Pepper (the classic, "Evil Other Woman" antagonist). In addition to fending off scheming teenage girls, a family secret about his father that Jace has kept from Pepper for years is suddenly revealed, and she is hurt that Jace has not trusted her enough to confide in her about it long before now. And just to make Jace's parent issues over-the-top complete, his recovering-addict mother, who deserted him when he was a baby, resulting in lifelong abandonment issues within Jace, has unexpectedly moved back to town. Pepper is worried that she will suck in Jace, convincing him she can offer him the maternal affection he deeply longs for, only to leave him behind again and break his heart once more.
On top of all the people problems weighing Pepper down, she is also enduring trouble with her passion, running. She feels immensely pressured by perceived high expectations of her now that she is a national champion, and for the first time her intense joy in running has vanished, and her competitive spirit in track races along with it, due to her angsting over the possibility of becoming a failure.
I found this sequel just as compelling as book 1. So much so, in fact, that I could not stand to put the book down after I started it, staying up long into the night to read it straight through. I am a big fan of YA/NA sports romances where the heroine is a dedicated athlete, especially when the author keeps a strong balance between the romance and the heroine's struggles with her sport. Once again, as with book 1, PEPPED UP, talented author, Ali Dean, has pulled off this difficult artistic feat.
Pepper is a very sympathetic heroine, and I appreciated Jace's important emotional growth arc within this book, as well. I especially enjoyed the loyalty and protectiveness both Pepper and Jace display toward each other. I also felt that, in spite of there being no graphic portrayals of sexual activities--and no intercourse--between this attractive couple, that the sexual chemistry between them is very strong. Which is always a big plus in a romance novel.
Pepper's loving, eccentric grandmother, Bunny, who raised her after her parents died when she was a baby, remains a central figure in this novel, and is a wonderful addition to the series. I also love Pepper's dog, Dave, her frequent running partner whom she describes as a "multi-colored, short-haired mutt."
This book is best suited for adults and older teens because of the underage drinking, underage sex (between various teens), and illicit drug use of many of the teen characters. Importantly, though, within this book, Jace is drastically abstaining from all three of these troublesome activities compared to his behavior in book 1. Pepper remains a virgin who respects her body enough to avoid drugs and drink very little alcohol, especially compared to most of the other hard-drinking teens in this series.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Romantic Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Girl-Power Sports Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
This book is the second in a soon-to-be, six-book series about Pepper and Jace, whom we first met in book 1, PEPPED UP. These books are not stand-alone, and it is recommended that they be read in order. Note that this review will be a spoiler for book 1 if you have not read it yet.
This series is set in a small, mountain city in Colorado, and the series offers fascinating local color from this lovely setting.
At the end of PEPPED UP, Pepper and Jace have just officially begun dating, after 14 years of being close friends, making book 1 a classic "friends to romantic partners" story. There is also an exciting sports-related plot in book 1, with Pepper becoming one of the top, female, high-school runners in the country. Book 1 takes place during the first semester of Pepper's junior year in high school and Jace's senior year, making her 16 and him 17 at the time. This book continues in the second semester of that same school year, and Jace turns 18 during this book.
Anyone looking at Pepper's life from the outside might assume she has it made. She's a pretty, slim, star athlete, and she's dating the school's gorgeous star quarterback, who is the most popular guy at her school. But Pepper has never cared for the type of adulation that is so much a part of her charismatic boyfriend's life. He's a natural leader, with both male and female teens hanging on him wherever he goes. Pepper is the opposite. She much prefers to stay away from parties, fade into the background in general, and at all times avoid the excess drama that seems to prevail among the partying seniors in Jace's crowd.
Unfortunately, drama is stalking her every step now that she and Jace are an item. Jealous ex-lovers of the formerly promiscuous Jace are extremely displeased that he is out of commission, and one ex-fling of his in particular, a beautiful, sexy vixen who is as popular as Jace, is determined to steal Jace from Pepper (the classic, "Evil Other Woman" antagonist). In addition to fending off scheming teenage girls, a family secret about his father that Jace has kept from Pepper for years is suddenly revealed, and she is hurt that Jace has not trusted her enough to confide in her about it long before now. And just to make Jace's parent issues over-the-top complete, his recovering-addict mother, who deserted him when he was a baby, resulting in lifelong abandonment issues within Jace, has unexpectedly moved back to town. Pepper is worried that she will suck in Jace, convincing him she can offer him the maternal affection he deeply longs for, only to leave him behind again and break his heart once more.
On top of all the people problems weighing Pepper down, she is also enduring trouble with her passion, running. She feels immensely pressured by perceived high expectations of her now that she is a national champion, and for the first time her intense joy in running has vanished, and her competitive spirit in track races along with it, due to her angsting over the possibility of becoming a failure.
I found this sequel just as compelling as book 1. So much so, in fact, that I could not stand to put the book down after I started it, staying up long into the night to read it straight through. I am a big fan of YA/NA sports romances where the heroine is a dedicated athlete, especially when the author keeps a strong balance between the romance and the heroine's struggles with her sport. Once again, as with book 1, PEPPED UP, talented author, Ali Dean, has pulled off this difficult artistic feat.
Pepper is a very sympathetic heroine, and I appreciated Jace's important emotional growth arc within this book, as well. I especially enjoyed the loyalty and protectiveness both Pepper and Jace display toward each other. I also felt that, in spite of there being no graphic portrayals of sexual activities--and no intercourse--between this attractive couple, that the sexual chemistry between them is very strong. Which is always a big plus in a romance novel.
Pepper's loving, eccentric grandmother, Bunny, who raised her after her parents died when she was a baby, remains a central figure in this novel, and is a wonderful addition to the series. I also love Pepper's dog, Dave, her frequent running partner whom she describes as a "multi-colored, short-haired mutt."
This book is best suited for adults and older teens because of the underage drinking, underage sex (between various teens), and illicit drug use of many of the teen characters. Importantly, though, within this book, Jace is drastically abstaining from all three of these troublesome activities compared to his behavior in book 1. Pepper remains a virgin who respects her body enough to avoid drugs and drink very little alcohol, especially compared to most of the other hard-drinking teens in this series.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Romantic Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Girl-Power Sports Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
September 10, 2019
Audiobook Review:
All Pepped Up (Pepper Jones # 2) brings more to the narrative and character's continue to blossom. We get more of the personal relationships in this book, with sport moments sparingly placed. A YA sports romance blended together with angst, fun & flirty moments, and HS drama-prone gravity swirling through the pages. Family secrets brought to light creating a spiral effect.
In the end, more questions and look forward to listening to the next audio in this ya sports romance.
Stacey Glemboski performance was just right and a joie de vivre to listen to
🎧 Audiobook Obsession 🎧
All Pepped Up (Pepper Jones # 2) brings more to the narrative and character's continue to blossom. We get more of the personal relationships in this book, with sport moments sparingly placed. A YA sports romance blended together with angst, fun & flirty moments, and HS drama-prone gravity swirling through the pages. Family secrets brought to light creating a spiral effect.
In the end, more questions and look forward to listening to the next audio in this ya sports romance.
Stacey Glemboski performance was just right and a joie de vivre to listen to
🎧 Audiobook Obsession 🎧
June 19, 2019
This wasn't a terrible read but it wasn't great either. It is definitely your typical high school YA book. Lots of petty drama and stuff. Pepper and Jace are now officially dating. Of course they have pissed people off by doing that. Things got nasty but in the end they worked themselves out.
December 22, 2020
Sin avances en torno a la relación ni a los personajes. Sin trama. Pero lo peor: aburrido.
February 7, 2022
whole lot of drama in here, didn't love that but still enjoyed the book otherwise
March 18, 2022
I enjoyed watching their relationship grow in this one. Character development was good and plenty of sweet moments
September 27, 2024
3.5⭐
Madeline and Dorothy are getting on ny last nerve. Please let there be no more drama in the next books. Even if there is, I hope to god Pepper does something about it.🙏
Madeline and Dorothy are getting on ny last nerve. Please let there be no more drama in the next books. Even if there is, I hope to god Pepper does something about it.🙏
September 22, 2019
I received this book for an honest review from the author Ali Dean. Thank you, Ali Dean!
All Pepped Up is the second book in the series Peper Jones by Ali Dean. Read my review of the first book here.
In this book, Jace and Pepper are in a relationship. We see them as a couple and how they resolve their problems and how they manage to keep their relationship going.
Pepper is a little insecure because Jace was with other girls and he is like a celebrity in their town. Everyone knows Jace and he likes to be around people. She is afraid that Jace will leave her but Jace reassures her that he only loves her. We can see the softer side of Jace and I love this side of him. Jace is patient and sweet with Pepper.
In this book, we learned more about the past of Jace. We see him understanding and forgiving mistakes and him to give a second chance.
Pepper found out Jace’s family secrets and she was hurt because she didn’t understand why Jace didn’t trust her with his secrets.
Pepper was more mature in this book because she supported Jace and his decisions even if she didn’t understand his decisions. I liked her because she was there for Jace and she gives him what he needed. Also, Jace was there for Pepper when she needed his support.
I like this book because we get to see Jace and Peper like a couple and I love their relationship. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
All Pepped Up is the second book in the series Peper Jones by Ali Dean. Read my review of the first book here.
In this book, Jace and Pepper are in a relationship. We see them as a couple and how they resolve their problems and how they manage to keep their relationship going.
Pepper is a little insecure because Jace was with other girls and he is like a celebrity in their town. Everyone knows Jace and he likes to be around people. She is afraid that Jace will leave her but Jace reassures her that he only loves her. We can see the softer side of Jace and I love this side of him. Jace is patient and sweet with Pepper.
In this book, we learned more about the past of Jace. We see him understanding and forgiving mistakes and him to give a second chance.
Pepper found out Jace’s family secrets and she was hurt because she didn’t understand why Jace didn’t trust her with his secrets.
Pepper was more mature in this book because she supported Jace and his decisions even if she didn’t understand his decisions. I liked her because she was there for Jace and she gives him what he needed. Also, Jace was there for Pepper when she needed his support.
I like this book because we get to see Jace and Peper like a couple and I love their relationship. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
May 20, 2015
(Combined review for Pepped Up and All Pepped Up)
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
Overall Review: Considering the fact that this is the author's first book series I liked it a lot. Pepper Jones is a high school junior and cross-country runner.The two books mainly focus on her running,the championships,her relationship with her Grandma Bunny,her friendships and her complicated love life.
I really liked Pep's voice in the story.It was mature enough for YA,with the doubts and insecurities of a teenager and incredibly honest.I loved how she was honest about her feelings not only with herself but also with others.When she didn't know why she was feeling something she didn't understand she admitted it.
“Ryan, are you asking me, like, on a date?” He smiles slightly and looks down. “I’m serious. I’m asking because I don’t know how these things work. I’ve never been on a date before. Except to prom with Charlie last year. And that was more as friends.”
It was also incredibly insightful to read about Pepper's running;her schedules,championships and goals.I can relate with her on the reasons why she loves running.It was also nice to see how she tackled one goal at a time.In the first book she wants to focus on qualifying for the Nationals and she works hard for that.In the second book she is a little lost on what to do and also has to deal with everyone's expectations.
All the secondary characters were well fleshed-out and three-dimensional.Grandma Bunny was awesome.Pepper is very lucky to have such a pillar of support in her life.All teenagers need an adult like this.Pepper's relationship with her friends Charlie,Zoe,Jenna,etc was beautifully described.There is also Jace Wilder-Pepper's long time friend and practically a member of the family.
The writing style and the story remind me of Miranda Kenneally's books.In Kenneally's books, it is usually the protagonist who has a lot of issues and personal problems.But here in this series it is actually the protagonist's love interest. :-P
Now,coming to few of the problems I had with the books.One of them would be Pepper's relationship with Jace. Jace is highly dependent on Pepper and I hate how it adds a lot of pressure on her. I also dislike the fact that she lets it affect her running.And it makes me feel like Pepper is always giving and Jace is taking.I don't get why Pep has to adjust for him.I also don't believe in someone changing just for love.But its a YA series so I am cutting it some slack.I wish we would get to know the reasons why Jace pushed away Pepper for a while and why he felt the need to do and deal drugs.There is also a little bit of the stereotypical high school cliques,with the queen bees and the jocks.
There is a lot of drama that goes around.The second book focuses more on the romance-angst.That was a little disappointing.But on the upside we get to know more about Jace.The first book revealed very little about him.In the second book we get to see him attempt to reconnect with his mother, who abandoned him when he was young.I loved how he was able to relate with her problems and how he forgave her.He is also much more sweeter to Pepper.Though the possessiveness and jealousy is there(Yeah. I didn't like that),the second book is much more steamier.The character development that Pepper undergoes in the books is nice to watch.
I'd recommend this series to all fans of Contemporary YA with a little angst.Can't wait to see where the author is going to take Pepper and Jace in the forthcoming books.
The review can also be found here
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
Overall Review: Considering the fact that this is the author's first book series I liked it a lot. Pepper Jones is a high school junior and cross-country runner.The two books mainly focus on her running,the championships,her relationship with her Grandma Bunny,her friendships and her complicated love life.
I really liked Pep's voice in the story.It was mature enough for YA,with the doubts and insecurities of a teenager and incredibly honest.I loved how she was honest about her feelings not only with herself but also with others.When she didn't know why she was feeling something she didn't understand she admitted it.
“Ryan, are you asking me, like, on a date?” He smiles slightly and looks down. “I’m serious. I’m asking because I don’t know how these things work. I’ve never been on a date before. Except to prom with Charlie last year. And that was more as friends.”
It was also incredibly insightful to read about Pepper's running;her schedules,championships and goals.I can relate with her on the reasons why she loves running.It was also nice to see how she tackled one goal at a time.In the first book she wants to focus on qualifying for the Nationals and she works hard for that.In the second book she is a little lost on what to do and also has to deal with everyone's expectations.
All the secondary characters were well fleshed-out and three-dimensional.Grandma Bunny was awesome.Pepper is very lucky to have such a pillar of support in her life.All teenagers need an adult like this.Pepper's relationship with her friends Charlie,Zoe,Jenna,etc was beautifully described.There is also Jace Wilder-Pepper's long time friend and practically a member of the family.
The writing style and the story remind me of Miranda Kenneally's books.In Kenneally's books, it is usually the protagonist who has a lot of issues and personal problems.But here in this series it is actually the protagonist's love interest. :-P
Now,coming to few of the problems I had with the books.One of them would be Pepper's relationship with Jace. Jace is highly dependent on Pepper and I hate how it adds a lot of pressure on her. I also dislike the fact that she lets it affect her running.And it makes me feel like Pepper is always giving and Jace is taking.I don't get why Pep has to adjust for him.I also don't believe in someone changing just for love.But its a YA series so I am cutting it some slack.I wish we would get to know the reasons why Jace pushed away Pepper for a while and why he felt the need to do and deal drugs.There is also a little bit of the stereotypical high school cliques,with the queen bees and the jocks.
There is a lot of drama that goes around.The second book focuses more on the romance-angst.That was a little disappointing.But on the upside we get to know more about Jace.The first book revealed very little about him.In the second book we get to see him attempt to reconnect with his mother, who abandoned him when he was young.I loved how he was able to relate with her problems and how he forgave her.He is also much more sweeter to Pepper.Though the possessiveness and jealousy is there(Yeah. I didn't like that),the second book is much more steamier.The character development that Pepper undergoes in the books is nice to watch.
I'd recommend this series to all fans of Contemporary YA with a little angst.Can't wait to see where the author is going to take Pepper and Jace in the forthcoming books.
The review can also be found here
May 24, 2015
A 3.5.
The second book in the Pepper Jones series has stepped this up considerably. As you can probably tell from the summary, Pepper is with Jace, but not everything is perfect.
Pepper finds out exactly what she's made of when she has to face the jealousy of Jace's prior hookups. And when I say jealousy, I don't just mean girls standing on the sidelines giving her the stink-eye jealousy. I'm talking jealous girls who do some pretty awful things to try to ruin her happiness. Who wouldn't have a hard time with trust with some of the stuff that's pulled on her.
Jace has his own issues to deal with as well, as something new pops into his life to turn things on their ear. He's a great guy though, his feelings for Pepper are so strong, and he's so protective of her that you just want to swoon at him. He'll probably go in my book boyfriend list.
There was some great internal conflict for Pepper in this series, in addition to what's taking place around her. For someone who has always been so confident and sure of what she wants, there are several things that have shaken her up and tested her pretty deeply. I loved watching how she handles these things.
Just as with the first book, it was a very fast read. It was cute, with some depth, entertaining and engrossing. I'll definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next!
The second book in the Pepper Jones series has stepped this up considerably. As you can probably tell from the summary, Pepper is with Jace, but not everything is perfect.
Pepper finds out exactly what she's made of when she has to face the jealousy of Jace's prior hookups. And when I say jealousy, I don't just mean girls standing on the sidelines giving her the stink-eye jealousy. I'm talking jealous girls who do some pretty awful things to try to ruin her happiness. Who wouldn't have a hard time with trust with some of the stuff that's pulled on her.
Jace has his own issues to deal with as well, as something new pops into his life to turn things on their ear. He's a great guy though, his feelings for Pepper are so strong, and he's so protective of her that you just want to swoon at him. He'll probably go in my book boyfriend list.
There was some great internal conflict for Pepper in this series, in addition to what's taking place around her. For someone who has always been so confident and sure of what she wants, there are several things that have shaken her up and tested her pretty deeply. I loved watching how she handles these things.
Just as with the first book, it was a very fast read. It was cute, with some depth, entertaining and engrossing. I'll definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next!
June 29, 2014
This review can also be found at TheChiqBlog.com
Seriously, this series is ADORABLE! I adore Pepper. She's an awesome, kickass heroine, and the yearlong wait for the sequel to Pepped Up was SO worth it!
I didn't like Jace at all in the first book, and wanted Pepper and Ryan to end up together, and was kinda hoping it would happen in this book. But I was wrong. Pepper and Jace were very cute, and even though his possessiveness and jealousy annoyed the beejezus out of me, I thought him and Pepper were too darn cute.
I am SO thankful Ali let me have an ARC of this book. I completely, 100% adored it!
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
Seriously, this series is ADORABLE! I adore Pepper. She's an awesome, kickass heroine, and the yearlong wait for the sequel to Pepped Up was SO worth it!
I didn't like Jace at all in the first book, and wanted Pepper and Ryan to end up together, and was kinda hoping it would happen in this book. But I was wrong. Pepper and Jace were very cute, and even though his possessiveness and jealousy annoyed the beejezus out of me, I thought him and Pepper were too darn cute.
I am SO thankful Ali let me have an ARC of this book. I completely, 100% adored it!
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
June 30, 2014
All Pepped Up was an amazing book. You really got to know the characters. You got to know more about not only Pepper but about Jace and Wes and their friendship. You also see how much Jace really does love Pepper. It is great to see the transition from friendship to relationship. There bond grows throughout the book.
On the running side Pepper just seems to not be into running at the moment. As a runner I can totally relate to this. I don't always love running and racing. It is nice to see how she handles it. Ali Dean is very good talk talking about running. I loved this book and I cannot wait until the next one comes out.
On the running side Pepper just seems to not be into running at the moment. As a runner I can totally relate to this. I don't always love running and racing. It is nice to see how she handles it. Ali Dean is very good talk talking about running. I loved this book and I cannot wait until the next one comes out.
August 10, 2014
I received this book as an ARC for a honest review. This was an awesome follow up to the Ali Dean's first book in the series about Pepper Jones, the running phenomenon. Pepper won the Nationals at the end of the first book and started seeing Jace, her best childhood friend. Now it seems Pepper has lost her love of running. And the "Mean Girl's" at school will do anything to break her and Jace up. Can Pepper get her groove back with her running and can her and Jace overcome the obstacles and save their relationship? Great book, 5 *****. Hope there will be a third one! http://harpsromancebookreview.com
March 3, 2016
Full review and more at
http://bookplusheart.weebly.com/conte...
I really enjoyed the 1st book. This one I wasn't as keen on, but that will not stop me from reading the next one the in Pepper series.
July 11, 2014
Pepped up
It was a really good book I enjoyed reading this one and the second one to I loved the story plot line I thought it was a great read I think everyone should read this book
It was a really good book I enjoyed reading this one and the second one to I loved the story plot line I thought it was a great read I think everyone should read this book
July 30, 2014
Yaaaaa
Yaaaaa
I love this book! it's a great sports related and romance book! Pepper is an amazing character and you put yourself in her shoes throughout the book!!!
Yaaaaa
I love this book! it's a great sports related and romance book! Pepper is an amazing character and you put yourself in her shoes throughout the book!!!
August 9, 2014
I loved this sequel to the Pepper and Jace story. This one had all the parts to make a good read two likable characters in love, the evil one trying to mess them up, a little angst and the lesson learned at the end.
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