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Beachbreak High #3
It Was Always Jace
Ask your best friend nicely, and he might become your personal tutor. He might even turn into something more…
Callie Cooper is the laidback surfer girl of Beachbreak High. She skips class to catch waves, and because of that, no one has high expectations for her future – including herself. But when she finds herself failing photography class, she hits a new low – she might not even graduate high school.
Jace Griffin is Callie’s best friend. He’s also Beachbreak’s hottest surfer – complete with sandy hair, blue eyes, and washboard abs. When he’s accepted into a competitive scholarship program, it’s everything he’s ever wanted. Except there’s no way he can babysit his brothers, run his pedal restaurant, and complete the rigorous application process at the same time.
With the pressure mounting, these best friends turn to each other. Callie will take some tasks off Jace's plate, and he’ll teach her everything he knows about photography.
It should be easy.
But as they work together, Callie wonders – if Jace is really her best friend, if he’s really just the boy next door, then why can’t she stop thinking about his lips on hers?
It Was Always Jace is the third book in the Beachbreak High YA sweet romance series. If you like adorable dates, laugh-out-loud moments, and all of the feels, you’ll love Emily Lowry’s sweet romances.
Callie Cooper is the laidback surfer girl of Beachbreak High. She skips class to catch waves, and because of that, no one has high expectations for her future – including herself. But when she finds herself failing photography class, she hits a new low – she might not even graduate high school.
Jace Griffin is Callie’s best friend. He’s also Beachbreak’s hottest surfer – complete with sandy hair, blue eyes, and washboard abs. When he’s accepted into a competitive scholarship program, it’s everything he’s ever wanted. Except there’s no way he can babysit his brothers, run his pedal restaurant, and complete the rigorous application process at the same time.
With the pressure mounting, these best friends turn to each other. Callie will take some tasks off Jace's plate, and he’ll teach her everything he knows about photography.
It should be easy.
But as they work together, Callie wonders – if Jace is really her best friend, if he’s really just the boy next door, then why can’t she stop thinking about his lips on hers?
It Was Always Jace is the third book in the Beachbreak High YA sweet romance series. If you like adorable dates, laugh-out-loud moments, and all of the feels, you’ll love Emily Lowry’s sweet romances.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2021
266 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Emily Lowry
16 books181 followersEmily Lowry is true romantic. She’s a huge fan of happily ever afters, witty, fun characters and fast-paced sweet romances.
Emily writes from her home in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and in her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, baking cakes and paddleboarding.
Discover Emily Lowry’s first series, Rumors and Lies at Evermore High, for perfect sweet romance reads filled with gossip, high school drama & falling in love for the first time <3
Emily writes from her home in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and in her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, baking cakes and paddleboarding.
Discover Emily Lowry’s first series, Rumors and Lies at Evermore High, for perfect sweet romance reads filled with gossip, high school drama & falling in love for the first time <3
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 7, 2023
I'm so sorry I don't want to be a hater of this book because the author is new and seems nice but like I fr could not enjoy this book😭😭😭😭😭
This book took almost TWO MONTHS to read and it's only like 200 pages. Idk why I am in such a reading slump since I've started University and I cannot read a book for the life of me. send help.
i think the next book will be better tho it already seems like it'll be a lot better.
I JUST WANNA READ QUEEN OF SHADOWS
This book took almost TWO MONTHS to read and it's only like 200 pages. Idk why I am in such a reading slump since I've started University and I cannot read a book for the life of me. send help.
i think the next book will be better tho it already seems like it'll be a lot better.
I JUST WANNA READ QUEEN OF SHADOWS
March 16, 2025
Not much plot, but good characters. I liked the friends to lovers story and I liked the setting. The ending was very rushed though, and that was disappointing.
February 15, 2021
I received a copy of It Was Always Jace thanks to the publisher through BookSprout in exchange for an honest review.
Summary thanks to Amazon:
“Ask your best friend nicely, and he might become your personal tutor. He might even turn into something more…
Callie Cooper is the laidback surfer girl of Beachbreak High. She skips class to catch waves, and because of that, no one has high expectations for her future – including herself. But when she finds herself failing photography class, she hits a new low – she might not even graduate high school.
Jace Griffin is Callie’s best friend. He’s also Beachbreak’s hottest surfer – complete with sandy hair, blue eyes, and washboard abs. When he’s accepted into a competitive scholarship program, it’s everything he’s ever wanted. Except there’s no way he can babysit his brothers, run his pedal restaurant, and complete the rigorous application process at the same time.
With the pressure mounting, these best friends turn to each other. Callie will take some tasks off Jace’s plate, and he’ll teach her everything he knows about photography.
It should be easy.
But as they work together, Callie wonders – if Jace is really her best friend, if he’s really just the boy next door, then why can’t she stop thinking about his lips on hers?
It Was Always Jace is the third book in the Beachbreak High YA sweet romance series. If you like adorable dates, laugh-out-loud moments, and all of the feels, you’ll love Emily Lowry’s sweet romances.”
Review:
It Was Always Jace is a sweet YA summer love novel. I love Callie and how she knows what she wants (namely surfing), which gets her into some issues. But each time she’s on the beach, I feel like I am with her. I feel the sand and the salty breeze. I pretend the water is warm. Sigh…. I need a vacation.
Jace I identify way more with, especially lately. Overachiever. Workaholic. So busy can’t breathe (I may be projecting with this one!). But he loves his family and his friends. Everything he is doing is to make his family’s life just a bit easier. Excelling in school to ensure a scholarship and taking care of the younger siblings (who are a lot of work). Thankfully Callie lives next door.
When Callie sees that Jace is struggling, she jumps in to help, only ulterior reason is for some tutor help and only if he has time and nothing else in his life suffers because of it. That scene was really really sweet.
Overall, the whole story flows well and keeps you engaged. It is more of a chill-pace than I would normally like, but the beachy feel really makes it perfect. It reminds me to take a breath and enjoy the sun.
Definitely recommended!
Summary thanks to Amazon:
“Ask your best friend nicely, and he might become your personal tutor. He might even turn into something more…
Callie Cooper is the laidback surfer girl of Beachbreak High. She skips class to catch waves, and because of that, no one has high expectations for her future – including herself. But when she finds herself failing photography class, she hits a new low – she might not even graduate high school.
Jace Griffin is Callie’s best friend. He’s also Beachbreak’s hottest surfer – complete with sandy hair, blue eyes, and washboard abs. When he’s accepted into a competitive scholarship program, it’s everything he’s ever wanted. Except there’s no way he can babysit his brothers, run his pedal restaurant, and complete the rigorous application process at the same time.
With the pressure mounting, these best friends turn to each other. Callie will take some tasks off Jace’s plate, and he’ll teach her everything he knows about photography.
It should be easy.
But as they work together, Callie wonders – if Jace is really her best friend, if he’s really just the boy next door, then why can’t she stop thinking about his lips on hers?
It Was Always Jace is the third book in the Beachbreak High YA sweet romance series. If you like adorable dates, laugh-out-loud moments, and all of the feels, you’ll love Emily Lowry’s sweet romances.”
Review:
It Was Always Jace is a sweet YA summer love novel. I love Callie and how she knows what she wants (namely surfing), which gets her into some issues. But each time she’s on the beach, I feel like I am with her. I feel the sand and the salty breeze. I pretend the water is warm. Sigh…. I need a vacation.
Jace I identify way more with, especially lately. Overachiever. Workaholic. So busy can’t breathe (I may be projecting with this one!). But he loves his family and his friends. Everything he is doing is to make his family’s life just a bit easier. Excelling in school to ensure a scholarship and taking care of the younger siblings (who are a lot of work). Thankfully Callie lives next door.
When Callie sees that Jace is struggling, she jumps in to help, only ulterior reason is for some tutor help and only if he has time and nothing else in his life suffers because of it. That scene was really really sweet.
Overall, the whole story flows well and keeps you engaged. It is more of a chill-pace than I would normally like, but the beachy feel really makes it perfect. It reminds me to take a breath and enjoy the sun.
Definitely recommended!
February 13, 2021
Callie Cooper has gotten herself in trouble as she is failing photography class which may prevent her from graduating high school. She loves surfing so much that she had no problem skipping classes when the waves were good. Now she needs some help quickly or she will have to repeat the school year.
Jace Griffin is Callie’s best friend, a hard worker, overachiever type, who has been accepted into a competitive scholarship program. This will help him reach his dreams and will be a help to his family. But other responsibilities are putting his dreams in jeopardy. He is needed to babysit his brothers, keep his grades up, run his pedal restaurant, and complete the application process for this scholarship program where he must actually develop a real business lasting over a few months — and show proof the business is viable. He can’t do it all.
So Jace and Callie work out a way to make things possible. She lives next door and is willing to babysit and do whatever she can to help him. In return, he will teach her what she needs to know about photography to pass the class. Will her photography project be good enough to pull up her failing grades? Will Jace have the time to work on all of the tasks he has taken on?
There is so much happening and so many emotions swirling around. Grab your copy and read this story from start to finish. There are always bumps along the way. But Jace and Callie have a perfect friendship, and maybe all along they were made for each other. But you’ll never know if you don’t get started!
Jace Griffin is Callie’s best friend, a hard worker, overachiever type, who has been accepted into a competitive scholarship program. This will help him reach his dreams and will be a help to his family. But other responsibilities are putting his dreams in jeopardy. He is needed to babysit his brothers, keep his grades up, run his pedal restaurant, and complete the application process for this scholarship program where he must actually develop a real business lasting over a few months — and show proof the business is viable. He can’t do it all.
So Jace and Callie work out a way to make things possible. She lives next door and is willing to babysit and do whatever she can to help him. In return, he will teach her what she needs to know about photography to pass the class. Will her photography project be good enough to pull up her failing grades? Will Jace have the time to work on all of the tasks he has taken on?
There is so much happening and so many emotions swirling around. Grab your copy and read this story from start to finish. There are always bumps along the way. But Jace and Callie have a perfect friendship, and maybe all along they were made for each other. But you’ll never know if you don’t get started!
February 15, 2021
5🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭
Spanish & English Opinion ::
ESP ::
Me encanta la autora. Todos los libros que he leído de ella me han gustado mucho, porque son divinos, así que decir lo siguiente es toda una declaración pero hasta ahorita, este ha sido mi favorito.
La relación entre Jace y Callie es HERMOSA y muy natural. Las decisiones difíciles son acerca de qué hacer con su futuro, teniendo un amor tan grande como el que se tienen y enfrentando los desafíos. El amor que se tienen es tan profundo, primero como mejores amigos y luego cómo algo más, que leerlos es encantador.
Tengo muchas ganas de subirme al restaurante de Jace y de aprender a surfear para poder experimentar momentos tan increíbles.
Me encantó. Puso a mi corazón feliz y nada mejor para un San Valentín que eso.
ENG ::
I simply love Emily Lowry. Every single book that I have read from her is amazingly cute, so, my next words are serious: this has been my favorite story so far! (And that’s a LOT to say).
Jace and Callie have this incredibly special relationship where they love each other as BFF and then as something more. They struggle with decisions about their future but they are so in love and care so much about the other that the book is romantic, extremely cute and simply great to read.
I’d love to have a date on Jace’s restaurant and also I wish I could surf and be able to experiment all the amazing things Jace and Callie live.
There was no better book for me to read today, St. Valentine’s day, than this one, that filled my heart with love in the cutest way possible.
Spanish & English Opinion ::
ESP ::
Me encanta la autora. Todos los libros que he leído de ella me han gustado mucho, porque son divinos, así que decir lo siguiente es toda una declaración pero hasta ahorita, este ha sido mi favorito.
La relación entre Jace y Callie es HERMOSA y muy natural. Las decisiones difíciles son acerca de qué hacer con su futuro, teniendo un amor tan grande como el que se tienen y enfrentando los desafíos. El amor que se tienen es tan profundo, primero como mejores amigos y luego cómo algo más, que leerlos es encantador.
Tengo muchas ganas de subirme al restaurante de Jace y de aprender a surfear para poder experimentar momentos tan increíbles.
Me encantó. Puso a mi corazón feliz y nada mejor para un San Valentín que eso.
ENG ::
I simply love Emily Lowry. Every single book that I have read from her is amazingly cute, so, my next words are serious: this has been my favorite story so far! (And that’s a LOT to say).
Jace and Callie have this incredibly special relationship where they love each other as BFF and then as something more. They struggle with decisions about their future but they are so in love and care so much about the other that the book is romantic, extremely cute and simply great to read.
I’d love to have a date on Jace’s restaurant and also I wish I could surf and be able to experiment all the amazing things Jace and Callie live.
There was no better book for me to read today, St. Valentine’s day, than this one, that filled my heart with love in the cutest way possible.
February 12, 2021
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This book was amazing. It was a medium-length story with great characters and an incredible plot. I loved Jace and Callie. They had so much fun together. I loved the tie in of family and friendship. The whole story was perfect together. All the events flowed incredibly. The book seemed to finish so fast even though it was a normal-sized novel. I really look forward to the next book in this series.
This story follows Callie and Jace. They’ve been best friends since Jace defended Callie’s birthday cake at a friend’s party in kindergarten. They know everything about each other. Jace wants to get into U & M in an accelerated business school. The thing is, he doesn’t have much time. He has to take care of his siblings, school, now the application, his restaurant, and having a bit of social life along with everything. Callie needs to get a good grade on a photography project. The class was supposedly easy as Jace told her but the teacher heard the feedback and decided to make it more difficult. Jace agrees to give Callie some tips while Callie could babysit Jace’s brothers on nights Jace needs. Slowly, the two realize there is more. But the future is in the way.
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was amazing. It was a medium-length story with great characters and an incredible plot. I loved Jace and Callie. They had so much fun together. I loved the tie in of family and friendship. The whole story was perfect together. All the events flowed incredibly. The book seemed to finish so fast even though it was a normal-sized novel. I really look forward to the next book in this series.
This story follows Callie and Jace. They’ve been best friends since Jace defended Callie’s birthday cake at a friend’s party in kindergarten. They know everything about each other. Jace wants to get into U & M in an accelerated business school. The thing is, he doesn’t have much time. He has to take care of his siblings, school, now the application, his restaurant, and having a bit of social life along with everything. Callie needs to get a good grade on a photography project. The class was supposedly easy as Jace told her but the teacher heard the feedback and decided to make it more difficult. Jace agrees to give Callie some tips while Callie could babysit Jace’s brothers on nights Jace needs. Slowly, the two realize there is more. But the future is in the way.
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2021
I just finished this sweet romance in time for Valentines Day. I felt all the feels finally reading Jace and Callie's adorable story. We get a few glimpses of the duo in previous Beach Break High books, I wasn't sure what to expect for their story, however, I quickly fell in love with how these two have been friends since birth, their light up window sign signals, and the evolution of their relationship. Alongside Jace and Callie's story we get to see past characters from the first two books in the series which I absolutely LOVE. It's nice seeing past main characters and how they are doing. I am intrigued by another couple, Asher and Kenzie, they're friends of the group and hope to get some more of their story! But I digress, this book is equally as good as the first two in the series and I recommend it to any young/high school reader or anyone how is looking for a quick sweet romance read.
Before reading this book I need to warn you that you will crave pizza during and after reading this cutie.
Before reading this book I need to warn you that you will crave pizza during and after reading this cutie.
October 15, 2023
At the begin I didn't think I would like it since I was so big into the surfering part of it and was more into Asher's character and reading his book . But after like 20% it got better and this book is definitely more plot heavy than the first two but Callie and Jace definitely had more chemistry and emotional connection the plot just brought everything together and out of the 3 I've read this had the strongest plot and I was hoping the characters would get together so much cause there chemistry is something that can't be beat and I can't wait to read Asher's book beacause I know it will good like the rest of the series
February 12, 2021
I received an ARC copy of Emily's new book new book It was always Jace. The Story follows Best friends Callie and Jace journey.
A spark of chemisty.
A spark of something more than friendship.
'In that moment when our eyes met something passed between us. Something strong and uncontrollable, like a storm at sea that threatens every ship in it's path. A storm that was both terrifying and beautiful'
Will Jace realise that the dream he is chasing is already right in front of him.
Another beautifully written book by Emily.
A spark of chemisty.
A spark of something more than friendship.
'In that moment when our eyes met something passed between us. Something strong and uncontrollable, like a storm at sea that threatens every ship in it's path. A storm that was both terrifying and beautiful'
Will Jace realise that the dream he is chasing is already right in front of him.
Another beautifully written book by Emily.
February 12, 2021
DO NOT READ WHILE HUNGRY 😂
This book was so cute, especially if you love oblivious romances, which it just do happens I do.
There's a lot of food in it, and I was pretty hungry while I read it, but it was still amazing.
I like that the characters developed and made their own choices, I liked the role the parents played (off the page but still)
I found myself overly invested in their fictional relationship and I am 100% sure I will be just as invested in the next book about Asher.
This book was so cute, especially if you love oblivious romances, which it just do happens I do.
There's a lot of food in it, and I was pretty hungry while I read it, but it was still amazing.
I like that the characters developed and made their own choices, I liked the role the parents played (off the page but still)
I found myself overly invested in their fictional relationship and I am 100% sure I will be just as invested in the next book about Asher.
February 27, 2021
Jace and Callie are neighbors and classmates. She helps him with his family and responsibilities and he helps her with class. The characters both love to surf, which bonds them even more. Surprises and twist develop and a few situations cause trouble, but together they can achieve anything. Like that this story has a few of the other book characters as well, to pull it all together. Perfect for YA. Well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2024
Callie and Jace
Callie is a surfer and loves the beach. She find herself in a photography class. She doesn't know what to do with that. They give her a big project. That she has trouble doing.
Jace is the best friend. He helps her with her class. But is trying to get into a scholarship program. In a whole other state.
There are lots of feelings between each other.
It's a sweet, adorable YA romance. There are some cutesy dates along the way. I really enjoy this author and how she writes. She is really easy to read and enjoy her stories.
Callie is a surfer and loves the beach. She find herself in a photography class. She doesn't know what to do with that. They give her a big project. That she has trouble doing.
Jace is the best friend. He helps her with her class. But is trying to get into a scholarship program. In a whole other state.
There are lots of feelings between each other.
It's a sweet, adorable YA romance. There are some cutesy dates along the way. I really enjoy this author and how she writes. She is really easy to read and enjoy her stories.
February 12, 2021
Another sweet YA read from The Beachbreak High crew. This is Callie and Jace’s story the best friends. They both have been in love with each other but never admitted it.
I just love her stories, it gives you all the feels of young love. This best friends to lovers story was so sweet, the surfing the friendship, the window signs, oh my heart!
My heart seriously melted! I simply adore the beachbreak high crew.
“For my little clam shell” = SWOON and HEART-EYES!
I just love her stories, it gives you all the feels of young love. This best friends to lovers story was so sweet, the surfing the friendship, the window signs, oh my heart!
My heart seriously melted! I simply adore the beachbreak high crew.
“For my little clam shell” = SWOON and HEART-EYES!
March 24, 2022
It was a really sweet read. No meanness or immaturity. The high schoolers definitely didn’t act like high schoolers haha. It reminded me of the song by T Swift You Belong with Me. Just super sweet and no angst. Cute scenes. Nothing mind blowing. I loved “the herd”. I loved how they were legit friends before things turned romantic. I love wearing my husbands sweatshirts so I totally get Callie. They were both super supportive and neither made any mistakes haha.
September 4, 2025
Callie had a bit more personality than previous books but seemed to be different at the end. Kind of grew I guess. She was kinda ADHD it felt like.
I liked Jace. But he was trying to support his entire family as a high schooler.
Content:
It was clean only kisses no cursing.
Best friends to lovers.
Almost nonexistent parents.
Spoiler:
Also wondered why her dad still let him come through the window after they started dating
I liked Jace. But he was trying to support his entire family as a high schooler.
Content:
It was clean only kisses no cursing.
Best friends to lovers.
Almost nonexistent parents.
Spoiler:
Also wondered why her dad still let him come through the window after they started dating
February 12, 2021
The story continues...
It Was Always Jace is such a fun, clean, YA novel. This story picks up in Beachbreak and continues the series. Jace and Callie's friends-to-lovers story is super cute and fun to read. Callie is a fun loving surfer girl and Jace is her best friend and neighbor. You'll love getting to read their story.
It Was Always Jace is such a fun, clean, YA novel. This story picks up in Beachbreak and continues the series. Jace and Callie's friends-to-lovers story is super cute and fun to read. Callie is a fun loving surfer girl and Jace is her best friend and neighbor. You'll love getting to read their story.
June 4, 2023
Callie and Jace are friends.
When Jace’s has too many plates to keep spinning, his carefree friend might be his best bet. He might just teach her something too. Both giving making the sum of their friendship greater than either could imagine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Jace’s has too many plates to keep spinning, his carefree friend might be his best bet. He might just teach her something too. Both giving making the sum of their friendship greater than either could imagine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2021
It was always Jace is another cute story by Emily Lowry. Perfect for someone looking for a quick heartwarming love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2021
Cute
I enjoyed this book but honestly this one isn’t my favorite. Maybe it’s just because I don’t understand the concept of a petal restaurant. But the beautiful love between best friends turn lovers is my favorite. So all in all it’s a super cute book.
I enjoyed this book but honestly this one isn’t my favorite. Maybe it’s just because I don’t understand the concept of a petal restaurant. But the beautiful love between best friends turn lovers is my favorite. So all in all it’s a super cute book.
May 6, 2021
AMAZING
it’s one of those love story’s, the same stories but different characters. Even so it was one of the best books i’ve read and i’ve read a lot of books in my day. If your looking for a short and sweet romance this is definitely for you!
it’s one of those love story’s, the same stories but different characters. Even so it was one of the best books i’ve read and i’ve read a lot of books in my day. If your looking for a short and sweet romance this is definitely for you!
August 15, 2021
Sweet
Great story about falling in love with your best friend, fear of moving away to college, and how to support one another. Sweetheart characters and real life issues. Great book!
Great story about falling in love with your best friend, fear of moving away to college, and how to support one another. Sweetheart characters and real life issues. Great book!
October 24, 2022
the best!
This book series keeps getting better and better! This is my favorite one yet! You won’t regret reading it! If your looking for a cute, clean rom-com this is the book for you.
This book series keeps getting better and better! This is my favorite one yet! You won’t regret reading it! If your looking for a cute, clean rom-com this is the book for you.
March 18, 2023
I quite enjoy the friends to lovers trope, and this book was a sweet offering in the romance genre. The only thing that bugged me was that I wanted Callie to wash her hair more frequently :-D
This is a fun read.
This is a fun read.
Want to read
March 22, 2021Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
April 20, 2021
Can’t go wrong with a friends to love story. This was very cute. I really enjoyed it.
November 15, 2021
Meh
A little more melodramatic than the other books in the series. Jace and Callie were the most realistic couple in the series but their story was underwhelming for me.
A little more melodramatic than the other books in the series. Jace and Callie were the most realistic couple in the series but their story was underwhelming for me.
February 22, 2022
Maybe more like 3.5 stars
September 17, 2022
Best friends romance.
April 2, 2023
Love!
I hate books with multiple perspectives, but this series is something else. The books are short, easy to read, and hit me directly in my heart.
I hate books with multiple perspectives, but this series is something else. The books are short, easy to read, and hit me directly in my heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews