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East Beach High #1
XOXO, Piper
I knew Asher Thompson was trouble the moment he stepped into my grandmother’s cafe.
1. He hates donuts.
2. He hates chocolate.
3. He hates me.
Ash may be East Beach High’s valedictorian and captain of the water polo team, but to me, he’s always been a grade-A jerk.
Now, I'm taking on a project to help a local preschool, and guess who shows up to plan the fundraiser?
Yup. Him.
It doesn't make any sense. Why would Ash help someone he hates so much? And why does my heart race every time he’s near?
XOXO, Piper is the first book in the East Beach High Series. Fans of enemies-to-lovers, first love, romantic grand gestures, and donut puns will adore this sweet novel.
1. He hates donuts.
2. He hates chocolate.
3. He hates me.
Ash may be East Beach High’s valedictorian and captain of the water polo team, but to me, he’s always been a grade-A jerk.
Now, I'm taking on a project to help a local preschool, and guess who shows up to plan the fundraiser?
Yup. Him.
It doesn't make any sense. Why would Ash help someone he hates so much? And why does my heart race every time he’s near?
XOXO, Piper is the first book in the East Beach High Series. Fans of enemies-to-lovers, first love, romantic grand gestures, and donut puns will adore this sweet novel.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2021
82 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Li
11 books55 followersGinger loves the color yellow, baked goods, and all things Halloween. When she's not busy playing with kids, she enjoys reading, listening to sappy pop music, and dreaming up love stories featuring brave heroines, a touch of magic, and hopeful endings.
To find out more about Ginger and her books, visit https://linktr.ee/GingerLiWrites
To find out more about Ginger and her books, visit https://linktr.ee/GingerLiWrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 31, 2024
This was a quick read. I mainly choose this book, because it was short and it had xoxo in the title. I needed this for a abc challenge.
The story is a coming of age ya romance. I liked the characters. And it had fluffy parts.
I felt entertained and enjoyed the book.
The story is a coming of age ya romance. I liked the characters. And it had fluffy parts.
I felt entertained and enjoyed the book.
February 6, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book one of a series, you do not need to read the other books for this story to be complete
– this is told from both Piper and Asher’s points of view
Review:
Oh my goodness! This book was phenomenal! I laugh quite a bit with all the embarrassing moments and sass characters threw at each other. I cried from all the strong emotions the characters (and us as readers) had gone through. Ugh 😂😍😩 And of course the whole main character’s don’t think the other likes them back while their friends have practically been shouting at them that they are! Because the friends see both sides while the character doubts.
Piper took on a lot after her mom died, and that included taking care of her autistic brother, so she is unused to the help her grandmother gives her when they go to stay with her. While working at her grandmother’s donut shop, Piper meets Asher who she thinks looks cute, until he doesn’t act the same way he looks. She’s content with never seeing him again after that day, but she also can’t seem to get him out of her mind…
Asher is on track with following in his stepfather’s footsteps for college, and part of the way he stays that way is by sticking with what he chose. That means: no dating, little to no sugar, and working extra hard on all his assignments. Though the girl at the donut shop might make him want to change two of those things, if he’d let himself. Despite his friend’s prodding he is determined to stay as far away from Piper (the girl) as possible.
But when both Piper and Asher hear that a local special needs school needs more funding to keep on offering their services, they band together to make it happen. And while Asher’s claiming it’s for his college applications, he has more than just that reason spurring him on…
Will either of them step up and let the other know their feelings? Could either of them back out if they get overwhelmed somewhere else in their life? If they do, can the other give their forgiveness?
– this is book one of a series, you do not need to read the other books for this story to be complete
– this is told from both Piper and Asher’s points of view
Review:
Oh my goodness! This book was phenomenal! I laugh quite a bit with all the embarrassing moments and sass characters threw at each other. I cried from all the strong emotions the characters (and us as readers) had gone through. Ugh 😂😍😩 And of course the whole main character’s don’t think the other likes them back while their friends have practically been shouting at them that they are! Because the friends see both sides while the character doubts.
Piper took on a lot after her mom died, and that included taking care of her autistic brother, so she is unused to the help her grandmother gives her when they go to stay with her. While working at her grandmother’s donut shop, Piper meets Asher who she thinks looks cute, until he doesn’t act the same way he looks. She’s content with never seeing him again after that day, but she also can’t seem to get him out of her mind…
Asher is on track with following in his stepfather’s footsteps for college, and part of the way he stays that way is by sticking with what he chose. That means: no dating, little to no sugar, and working extra hard on all his assignments. Though the girl at the donut shop might make him want to change two of those things, if he’d let himself. Despite his friend’s prodding he is determined to stay as far away from Piper (the girl) as possible.
But when both Piper and Asher hear that a local special needs school needs more funding to keep on offering their services, they band together to make it happen. And while Asher’s claiming it’s for his college applications, he has more than just that reason spurring him on…
Will either of them step up and let the other know their feelings? Could either of them back out if they get overwhelmed somewhere else in their life? If they do, can the other give their forgiveness?
January 29, 2025
Ok. I found this book to read for my 'X' title for the alphabet challenge. I was not sure what I was getting myself into, but it looked like a cute little light read for the letter X. I actually loved it. It was a cutesy young adult book, but it was well written and funny and just a sweet read. Slightly cheesy at times, but it was the perfect mind cleanse for my psychological thriller-loving brain. I actually enjoyed it so much I will have to see what happens to Violet and Olivia in the other two books in the series!
April 23, 2021
Disclaimer: this was an ACR from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is cute and usually I would have loved it, enemies to lovers is my favourite trope in romance.
However, this book is more like first-impression-gone-wrong-with-immediate-attraction to lovers. It's sweet story but the characters lack depth and nothing really happens. The writing is easy to follow and I finished it in a day.
The premise is cute and usually I would have loved it, enemies to lovers is my favourite trope in romance.
However, this book is more like first-impression-gone-wrong-with-immediate-attraction to lovers. It's sweet story but the characters lack depth and nothing really happens. The writing is easy to follow and I finished it in a day.
dnf
December 7, 2022Okay, first of all, I hate donuts too. So I kind of feel personally attacked.
This book is told in a dual POV, Piper and Asher. Can I just point out that Piper and Asher are two normal names that I am seriously thankful for? Because I am. I can’t tell you how tired of the weird names characters are getting. It’s almost like the author is trying to think of a name and drawing blank so instead of searching for names online, they start looking at random items around their house.
Anywho, back to the review.
The first chapter is literally the synopsis. Again, I feel called out for hating donuts. They give me heartburn. Also, too much sugar.
With only half an hour to go until closing time, I sat behind the counter and let out a yawn, my fingers running along its cool marble surface. As if on an invisible piano, they moved up and down on their own. Each movement measured and practiced.
That’s how the second chapter started. The writing does not get any better from here. There are way over descriptions. Conversations are stilted and sound forced. Oh, let’s not forget that meet-cute that was anything but cute. This guy was a complete jerk and knew he was but he can’t let a girl get in the way of the plan. *eye-roll*
I don’t think I have had so many notes in my kindle in only twenty-four pages. I don’t understand how this book got 4.08 stars on Goodreads. The author overexplains everything. There is nothing likable about either MCs. I thought I could get through this book, which I probably can it’s not that hard to read, but I don’t want to waste any more time.
If you follow me on my Instagram the_kansan_reader, you probably saw my rant in my story.
This book is told in a dual POV, Piper and Asher. Can I just point out that Piper and Asher are two normal names that I am seriously thankful for? Because I am. I can’t tell you how tired of the weird names characters are getting. It’s almost like the author is trying to think of a name and drawing blank so instead of searching for names online, they start looking at random items around their house.
Anywho, back to the review.
The first chapter is literally the synopsis. Again, I feel called out for hating donuts. They give me heartburn. Also, too much sugar.
With only half an hour to go until closing time, I sat behind the counter and let out a yawn, my fingers running along its cool marble surface. As if on an invisible piano, they moved up and down on their own. Each movement measured and practiced.
That’s how the second chapter started. The writing does not get any better from here. There are way over descriptions. Conversations are stilted and sound forced. Oh, let’s not forget that meet-cute that was anything but cute. This guy was a complete jerk and knew he was but he can’t let a girl get in the way of the plan. *eye-roll*
I don’t think I have had so many notes in my kindle in only twenty-four pages. I don’t understand how this book got 4.08 stars on Goodreads. The author overexplains everything. There is nothing likable about either MCs. I thought I could get through this book, which I probably can it’s not that hard to read, but I don’t want to waste any more time.
If you follow me on my Instagram the_kansan_reader, you probably saw my rant in my story.
October 4, 2021
My full review can be read here: bit.ly/3ms1y6m
"Before you came into my life, I was frozen by my past. You were like the sun, you freed me with your smiles and chocolate donuts."
I've had my eye on this book for a few months now, because its cute cover (and blurb) TOTALLY caught my attention. Donuts and hate-to-love vibes? AND they have to work together? YESSSSSS!
Some points that NEED to be shared...
1: I already love the bromance
2: Dudeeee I want some donuts
3: Piper holds her own and I approve
4: Ughhhh, Taylor whyyyy??
5: Olivia is so sweet
6: The main office with Asher
7: I’m loving Wes’ personality
8: Chocolate donuts
9: The texts
10: Jealous Asher...
11: “You’re not getting it” 😭
12: The talk (during Wes’ Halloween party)
13: Micahhhhh
14: Grams is so sweet.
15: I love donut puns lolllll
16: The “because I’m all in” speech.
As far as content goes: No language that I can remember. And any suggestive content was veryyy mild. Asher's biological dad left him and his mom, and he was an alcoholic (in the past). Side-characters dealt with cancer. Grief, anger, fear, and stress were some elements that were present in the book. Piper struggled with the aftermath of an accident. Her dad was absent/controlling/unsupportive. None of this was triggering for me, but could be for other readers.
This was a really sweet YA romance that touched on some deeper themes, which definitely pulled on the heartstrings. Piper and Asher had their struggles (individually and with each other) but they really did belong together. And I loved how they helped each other become the best versions of themselves. Oh, and that epilogue was the cutesttttt!! GAH. So good!
Also, all the donut talk makes me want donuts now lol. (When do I not want donuts though??)
Go get yourself a donut, and go read this book! 🍩💗
"Before you came into my life, I was frozen by my past. You were like the sun, you freed me with your smiles and chocolate donuts."
I've had my eye on this book for a few months now, because its cute cover (and blurb) TOTALLY caught my attention. Donuts and hate-to-love vibes? AND they have to work together? YESSSSSS!
Some points that NEED to be shared...
1: I already love the bromance
2: Dudeeee I want some donuts
3: Piper holds her own and I approve
4: Ughhhh, Taylor whyyyy??
5: Olivia is so sweet
6: The main office with Asher
7: I’m loving Wes’ personality
8: Chocolate donuts
9: The texts
10: Jealous Asher...
11: “You’re not getting it” 😭
12: The talk (during Wes’ Halloween party)
13: Micahhhhh
14: Grams is so sweet.
15: I love donut puns lolllll
16: The “because I’m all in” speech.
As far as content goes: No language that I can remember. And any suggestive content was veryyy mild. Asher's biological dad left him and his mom, and he was an alcoholic (in the past). Side-characters dealt with cancer. Grief, anger, fear, and stress were some elements that were present in the book. Piper struggled with the aftermath of an accident. Her dad was absent/controlling/unsupportive. None of this was triggering for me, but could be for other readers.
This was a really sweet YA romance that touched on some deeper themes, which definitely pulled on the heartstrings. Piper and Asher had their struggles (individually and with each other) but they really did belong together. And I loved how they helped each other become the best versions of themselves. Oh, and that epilogue was the cutesttttt!! GAH. So good!
Also, all the donut talk makes me want donuts now lol. (When do I not want donuts though??)
Go get yourself a donut, and go read this book! 🍩💗
November 24, 2021
Xoxo, Piper is a sweet clean YA with such likable characters that you just want to keep reading about them and their lives! I enjoyed Piper and Asher’s story especially because it wasn’t all easy and breezy. Each character had a situation in their life that they had to work through and by the end of the story, both had grown and learned valuable lessons.
October 24, 2024
3.5
C'est mignon, c'est ensoleillé, c'est plein de bons sentiments.
L'autrice tente de rajouter un peu de gravité à l'ensemble, mais c'est un peu raté. Bas est trop peu exploité à mon goût et le passé d'Asher est trop superficiel, pourtant elle a vraiment essayé d'ajouter des choses intéressantes. Mais au final les faits ne sont pas traités, juste un peu évoqués puis oubliés.
C'est mignon, c'est ensoleillé, c'est plein de bons sentiments.
L'autrice tente de rajouter un peu de gravité à l'ensemble, mais c'est un peu raté. Bas est trop peu exploité à mon goût et le passé d'Asher est trop superficiel, pourtant elle a vraiment essayé d'ajouter des choses intéressantes. Mais au final les faits ne sont pas traités, juste un peu évoqués puis oubliés.
Read
January 17, 2024This was...fine. Sugary sweet for most of it. A plot that's been done a million times before with an ending you could see coming miles away. I liked Bas's addition to the story and you can see the set up for the next two couple books coming too. It was fine for what it was. A cute/sweet (almost middle grade, honestly) romance.
CW: cancer, parental death, alcoholism, missing child, emotional abuse by a parent
CW: cancer, parental death, alcoholism, missing child, emotional abuse by a parent
August 17, 2025
3.5 stars - sooo cheesy but cute and an easy read
April 16, 2021
XOXO, Piper was a super cute, sweet high school romance. Generally light and fluffy, but not without depth. Piper is thrown into a completely new life after being home schooled and her brothers caretaker in New York when she moves in with her grandmother in California and goes to a public school for her senior year.
One of the first people she meets is Asher, the popular, smart, driven guy in her class. He doesn't want anything to stop him from his self-made goals and pushes away his attraction for her with rudeness, in turn making her dislike him. When they are forced to work together, they get to know each other and we get to see their relationship change through both their POVs.
Despite following a typical enemies to lovers route, the author gives them plenty of back story to make them both feel like real people, and we get to know just enough about the side characters to make me want to pick up the next book in the series when it comes out and see what is going on with them on a deeper level.
If you want a sweet, clean, (spoiler?) happy ending this is the book, and likely series, for you.
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
One of the first people she meets is Asher, the popular, smart, driven guy in her class. He doesn't want anything to stop him from his self-made goals and pushes away his attraction for her with rudeness, in turn making her dislike him. When they are forced to work together, they get to know each other and we get to see their relationship change through both their POVs.
Despite following a typical enemies to lovers route, the author gives them plenty of back story to make them both feel like real people, and we get to know just enough about the side characters to make me want to pick up the next book in the series when it comes out and see what is going on with them on a deeper level.
If you want a sweet, clean, (spoiler?) happy ending this is the book, and likely series, for you.
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
April 26, 2021
3.5 Stars
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A clean, sweet, fluffy, enemies to lovers high school cliche read.
This book may have been a cliche but it definitely has depth. There's a pretty good lesson to be learned from it.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A clean, sweet, fluffy, enemies to lovers high school cliche read.
This book may have been a cliche but it definitely has depth. There's a pretty good lesson to be learned from it.
May 10, 2021
The Most Amazing Love Ever . . .
Asher Thompson came into the donut shop to find Wes. Instead he found Piper Cetti with icing from a donut on her top lip. He was mesmerized as he pointed it out to her, then noticed her dimples as she smiled at him. She tried to tempt him with a donut, not knowing that he was co-captain of the water polo team and carefully watched everything he ate. He was adamant about sticking to his goals and would never touch a donut, despite admitting to himself how awesome these looked. But he had a plan and donuts, which he told her were not healthy, were not part of it. Nor was this cute girl, especially when she gently argued that chocolate was indeed healthy since it comes from a bean, which practically makes it a vegetable! He wanted to smile because he really liked this girl. Instead, he was a jerk and said that lie she told customers did not convince him. He didn’t apologize. He did not need to be distracted by a girl with his important college application deadlines coming up. But he jerked his hand when she passed his tea to him and their skin brushed. Hot tea hit his wrist. She apologized and reached for his cup to make a fresh one, but he jerked it back, saying she had already done enough! He knew he should apologize, but she intrigued him and he had to stay away.
After this rough beginning, the author will bring you into the story of Piper and Asher. Surprisingly, their main issues are very similar. Piper’s father focused so heavily on her being a success with her classical music, to the point that he stopped seeing her as his child, worthy of his love, but instead was isolating her to force her focus on the music which he pushed her to make better, never being satisfied with her. Asher was also under tight control, self-imposed, because his father had left them after throwing himself into alcohol and addiction because he, too, was controlled and could not handle it when that control fell apart. Ash was so intent on proving he was nothing like his birth father that he failed to see he wasn’t living his life and instead was becoming more like his father, shutting out what was important and focusing on the wrong priorities. This story is absolutely beautiful. And while their stories play out, they lead the high school and community in a fund-raiser to keep a special needs school for children funded after it would have had to shut down the following year. This story is amazing, heartwarming, and just perfect.
And on a personal note, I absolutely loved the way the author introduced us to each character, where we see Piper tapping her fingers on the counter as if she had been playing the piano which this child prodigy knew so well; and Grams coming in singing into her wooden spoon to a Pat Benatar song, giant earrings swaying and wearing Crocs. If that doesn’t bring up the images of these two and make you know them immediately, you must not have the personal experience to conjure up those meaningful associations that make these people become a part of your own history! Sorry, I am over-explaining but so impressed at this talent! This book was just GREAT and you truly won’t want to miss this one, I promise!
Asher Thompson came into the donut shop to find Wes. Instead he found Piper Cetti with icing from a donut on her top lip. He was mesmerized as he pointed it out to her, then noticed her dimples as she smiled at him. She tried to tempt him with a donut, not knowing that he was co-captain of the water polo team and carefully watched everything he ate. He was adamant about sticking to his goals and would never touch a donut, despite admitting to himself how awesome these looked. But he had a plan and donuts, which he told her were not healthy, were not part of it. Nor was this cute girl, especially when she gently argued that chocolate was indeed healthy since it comes from a bean, which practically makes it a vegetable! He wanted to smile because he really liked this girl. Instead, he was a jerk and said that lie she told customers did not convince him. He didn’t apologize. He did not need to be distracted by a girl with his important college application deadlines coming up. But he jerked his hand when she passed his tea to him and their skin brushed. Hot tea hit his wrist. She apologized and reached for his cup to make a fresh one, but he jerked it back, saying she had already done enough! He knew he should apologize, but she intrigued him and he had to stay away.
After this rough beginning, the author will bring you into the story of Piper and Asher. Surprisingly, their main issues are very similar. Piper’s father focused so heavily on her being a success with her classical music, to the point that he stopped seeing her as his child, worthy of his love, but instead was isolating her to force her focus on the music which he pushed her to make better, never being satisfied with her. Asher was also under tight control, self-imposed, because his father had left them after throwing himself into alcohol and addiction because he, too, was controlled and could not handle it when that control fell apart. Ash was so intent on proving he was nothing like his birth father that he failed to see he wasn’t living his life and instead was becoming more like his father, shutting out what was important and focusing on the wrong priorities. This story is absolutely beautiful. And while their stories play out, they lead the high school and community in a fund-raiser to keep a special needs school for children funded after it would have had to shut down the following year. This story is amazing, heartwarming, and just perfect.
And on a personal note, I absolutely loved the way the author introduced us to each character, where we see Piper tapping her fingers on the counter as if she had been playing the piano which this child prodigy knew so well; and Grams coming in singing into her wooden spoon to a Pat Benatar song, giant earrings swaying and wearing Crocs. If that doesn’t bring up the images of these two and make you know them immediately, you must not have the personal experience to conjure up those meaningful associations that make these people become a part of your own history! Sorry, I am over-explaining but so impressed at this talent! This book was just GREAT and you truly won’t want to miss this one, I promise!
May 9, 2021
Sometimes you need a sweet romance book to lift your spirits!
In Book 1 of the East Beach High series,Xoxo, Piper by Ginger Li tells the story of Piper, a former musical prodigy who has moved to the coast with her younger brother. While settling in and helping out at her grandmother's cafe she meets Asher, the high-school golden boy, and their first meeting is... Well not the best.
When the local preschool that her brother is set to attend is threatened by a lack of funding, Piper gathers her new friends to plan a big fundraiser, Piper is surprised by Asher wanting to help out. What's in it for him?
I thought this was a very sweet book to read (my inner teen Tara was very happy) the characters were very likable! I also found the struggles that these characters go through very interesting and relatable - Piper with her burn out, Asher with his struggles with food and both of their complicated relationships with their parents.
The side characters were also a lot of fun. I could see the setting up for future books and I look forward to reading them!
If you love a sweet high school tale of love, comedy and doing the right thing - then this is the book for you!
In Book 1 of the East Beach High series,Xoxo, Piper by Ginger Li tells the story of Piper, a former musical prodigy who has moved to the coast with her younger brother. While settling in and helping out at her grandmother's cafe she meets Asher, the high-school golden boy, and their first meeting is... Well not the best.
When the local preschool that her brother is set to attend is threatened by a lack of funding, Piper gathers her new friends to plan a big fundraiser, Piper is surprised by Asher wanting to help out. What's in it for him?
I thought this was a very sweet book to read (my inner teen Tara was very happy) the characters were very likable! I also found the struggles that these characters go through very interesting and relatable - Piper with her burn out, Asher with his struggles with food and both of their complicated relationships with their parents.
The side characters were also a lot of fun. I could see the setting up for future books and I look forward to reading them!
If you love a sweet high school tale of love, comedy and doing the right thing - then this is the book for you!
May 17, 2021
Great book and great start to a new series! I easily read this in less than 24 hours which is what I needed after my last couple books.
Life is a little rough for Piper lately. Her dad is traveling in Europe while she watches her autistic brother and is helping out her grandmother at the donut shop. She’s also going into senior year and starting at an actual school instead of being homeschooled. I really enjoyed the fact that she stood up for herself against Taylor and held her own when Asher was being a jerk.
Asher was an interesting character. Water polo player and a popular senior. Piper immediately caught his eye but he had plans and dating was not part of that plan.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Asher and Piper but I wish Asher hadn’t been so hot and cold with his emotions and opened up to Piper. Piper was dealing with her own issues as well as trying to raise money for her brothers new school.
I loved the side characters in this story. They made great friends and were able to bring Piper back out of her shell. I’m excited for the second one and to see Violet come out of her shell as well!
Life is a little rough for Piper lately. Her dad is traveling in Europe while she watches her autistic brother and is helping out her grandmother at the donut shop. She’s also going into senior year and starting at an actual school instead of being homeschooled. I really enjoyed the fact that she stood up for herself against Taylor and held her own when Asher was being a jerk.
Asher was an interesting character. Water polo player and a popular senior. Piper immediately caught his eye but he had plans and dating was not part of that plan.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Asher and Piper but I wish Asher hadn’t been so hot and cold with his emotions and opened up to Piper. Piper was dealing with her own issues as well as trying to raise money for her brothers new school.
I loved the side characters in this story. They made great friends and were able to bring Piper back out of her shell. I’m excited for the second one and to see Violet come out of her shell as well!
November 17, 2021
This was a cute high school romance with characters going through serious life challenges. The group the author puts together of a new girl, popular jocks, a quirky introvert, and outgoing musician types led to some fun banter and character dynamics as the group worked together to pull off a fundraiser for a local preschool. I loved the amount of "screen time" the supporting characters got and already can't wait to dive into their stories!
I really enjoyed the way Piper came into her own and stood her ground to live the life she wanted. *Slight spoiler* I wish there was some resolution with dad, but the way she put Asher in her place was *chef's kiss* perfection. She was understanding of the circumstances, but still knew her value and what she deserved.
As Asher began to look in the proverbial mirror, he saw who he was becoming and what kind of man he wanted to be. His growth from the jerk we meet in chapter 1 to the end of the book is drastic, and I enjoyed the dual POV so we could get in his head. Ultimately, he fought to be the man he wanted to be, one worthy of Piper, and he succeeded.
I really enjoyed the way Piper came into her own and stood her ground to live the life she wanted. *Slight spoiler* I wish there was some resolution with dad, but the way she put Asher in her place was *chef's kiss* perfection. She was understanding of the circumstances, but still knew her value and what she deserved.
As Asher began to look in the proverbial mirror, he saw who he was becoming and what kind of man he wanted to be. His growth from the jerk we meet in chapter 1 to the end of the book is drastic, and I enjoyed the dual POV so we could get in his head. Ultimately, he fought to be the man he wanted to be, one worthy of Piper, and he succeeded.
April 17, 2021
A sweet romance featuring Piper and Asher, with realistic problems and swoony moments. When Piper moves to East Beach, she has to juggle with both her father's high expectations for a future she doesn't want, and ensuring her younger autistic brother's preschool doesn't close down. Asher, on the other hand, puts his studies and achievements above all else, until he learns the hard way that there are more important things to life. They get off to a rocky start, and there were some moments where I felt so bad for them both!! But this book has a HEA, so it all works out in the end. :)
I loved the secondary cast of characters too. They were all interesting and unique. I'm excited to see who the other books will cover!
P.S. The story has an added bonus of Piper working in a donut shop, where I drooled over the descriptions of all the donuts and then had severe cravings for some after. :P
(I was given an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review)
I loved the secondary cast of characters too. They were all interesting and unique. I'm excited to see who the other books will cover!
P.S. The story has an added bonus of Piper working in a donut shop, where I drooled over the descriptions of all the donuts and then had severe cravings for some after. :P
(I was given an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review)
April 23, 2021
A sweet, high school romance filled with excellent puns and classical music references throughout! I loved the characters - both Piper and Asher lived lives that many others can relate to - and their friends helped make the story come alive.
This book hits the exact right notes of humor, drama, and romance. Piper and Asher meet almost as soon as the book begins in Piper’s grandmother’s donut shop — and the rest is history! These two protagonists sign-up to run a fundraiser together for Piper’s brother’s school and while that is the basis for their spending time together, we know it’s never that simple.
I really enjoyed this book, especially as a teacher constantly in search of real-life stories to share with my students to encourage their reading habits - and this will definitely make it to the shelves of my classroom!
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest and voluntary review*
This book hits the exact right notes of humor, drama, and romance. Piper and Asher meet almost as soon as the book begins in Piper’s grandmother’s donut shop — and the rest is history! These two protagonists sign-up to run a fundraiser together for Piper’s brother’s school and while that is the basis for their spending time together, we know it’s never that simple.
I really enjoyed this book, especially as a teacher constantly in search of real-life stories to share with my students to encourage their reading habits - and this will definitely make it to the shelves of my classroom!
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest and voluntary review*
May 9, 2021
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick read with an enemies to lovers romance that made me want to keep turning the pages to find out what might happen next. It's been a while since I read just a romance novel (I tend to lead more toward Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Romance). So this took me a minute to really get into, especially since it's a high school age setting. I admit, I think I would have enjoyed this book at lot more when I was a teenager, so I definitely recommend it to younger readers.
The one reason that I gave this four stars was because I wanted a bit more tension between the love interests, especially since this is enemies to lovers. I did really enjoy the story, though, and I'm already a big fan of Ginger Li's other books so looking forward to more!
Thanks again to the author for allowing me to read the book early!
This was a quick read with an enemies to lovers romance that made me want to keep turning the pages to find out what might happen next. It's been a while since I read just a romance novel (I tend to lead more toward Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Romance). So this took me a minute to really get into, especially since it's a high school age setting. I admit, I think I would have enjoyed this book at lot more when I was a teenager, so I definitely recommend it to younger readers.
The one reason that I gave this four stars was because I wanted a bit more tension between the love interests, especially since this is enemies to lovers. I did really enjoy the story, though, and I'm already a big fan of Ginger Li's other books so looking forward to more!
Thanks again to the author for allowing me to read the book early!
August 21, 2021
Really cute and sugary sweet. Piper and Asher both had more depth than I’d expected them to get in such a short book, and their struggles hurt my heart. The conflict was believable and made sense, although I did want to just yell at Asher a number of times. Piper maybe once haha. I’m all for cliches when executed well, although I did find the mean girl character a bit unnecessary because she didn’t really contribute to the story (and fits the stereotypical, kind of one dimensional mean girl character that I don’t love, since there’s no time/reason to give her character more backstory/anything). That and my irritation with Piper’s dad are probably what kept this from being a five star rating for me.
Overall, just a wholesome read you donut (*wink*) want to miss out on if you enjoy adorable first love with kind-hearted characters. Loved the dynamic between them and their friends, and of course Piper’s grandmother and brother. And Chip. I love Chip.
Overall, just a wholesome read you donut (*wink*) want to miss out on if you enjoy adorable first love with kind-hearted characters. Loved the dynamic between them and their friends, and of course Piper’s grandmother and brother. And Chip. I love Chip.
April 30, 2021
A wonderful clean and sweet teen YA romance! When ex child piano prodigy Piper moves to California from New York to live with her grams and tend to her autistic brother whom she adores, little does she know that on the first day she’ll run into a jerk from the local high school water polo team who likes her. I loved Piper and Ash’s story, loved the doughnut cafe, loved their side-kicks and can’t wait until social media whizz Vi and playboy Wes hit it off in the sequel (I can only wish). A very easy and fast read tackling teen issues of self worth, rejection, fulfilling parental expectations and naturally, the cherry on the cake is the embarrassing public display that wins the girl in the end. Go, Asher! Recommended for lovers of clean and sweet teen romance with believable dialgoues, minimal mean gurls theme and humour on the side.
May 10, 2021
I thought this was a sweet, clean YA book with a fun plot and loveable characters. Piper and Asher were so cute in this enemies-to-lovers troupe as they navigate a big fundraising effort for Piper's brother.
The author did a great job of weaving in an initial dislike and misunderstanding of the two main characters, into a HEA that I was cheering for. All the while, you really began to get to know and root for the main characters and understand their internal struggles, and how their POVs changed. Loved the added backstory to make the characters multi-dimensional. You could really feel the struggles they went through, and how they came to terms with their family, situations, and just all the issues teens need to navigate through.
Overall, great novel and I am excited for the next in the series!
The author did a great job of weaving in an initial dislike and misunderstanding of the two main characters, into a HEA that I was cheering for. All the while, you really began to get to know and root for the main characters and understand their internal struggles, and how their POVs changed. Loved the added backstory to make the characters multi-dimensional. You could really feel the struggles they went through, and how they came to terms with their family, situations, and just all the issues teens need to navigate through.
Overall, great novel and I am excited for the next in the series!
June 22, 2021
Adorable, G-rated, YA, beach-town romance
Seventeen-year-old Piper Cetti and her four-year-old, autistic brother, Bas, have recently relocated from New York City to East Beach, a small, California oceanside town, to live fulltime with their maternal grandmother. Piper’s mother, a well-known professional dancer, has been dead for many years. Her father is a famous orchestra conductor who is currently traveling all over Europe, and she hasn’t seen him for months. Piper has spent all of her childhood up until now as a home-schooled student, because she was living the life of a prodigy, concert pianist—until her wrist and hand were injured in a car accident six months ago. Tomorrow she will begin attending an actual brick-and-mortar school for the very first time. She will be a senior, and she is worried about how she will fit in. Fortunately, her little brother is doing fine. For the whole of the summer that they have lived with Gran, Bas has been doing well in a local preschool that caters to kids with special needs. Piper had hoped he would continue there indefinitely, until she learns, to her dismay, that the school is running out of funding, and it will close soon without some kind of providential intervention. Piper is determined to do her best to be its salvation for Bas’s sake, by fundraising enough money to keep it in business.
Asher Thompson is also a senior at East Beach High. He is captain of the school’s water polo team, a demanding sport played in the deep end of a pool, where the feet of the players never touch bottom. As a result of his athletic training, handsome Asher is very muscular and fit. He is also well on his way to graduating at the end of this school year as class valedictorian. His goal is to win a scholarship to the polo team at UC Berkeley, his idolized stepfather’s alma mater. Asher has no time for dating, and no interest in the kind of junk food sold at Piper’s Gran’s quirky donut shop, Space Donuts. But, in spite of himself, he is strongly attracted to beautiful, perky Piper from the moment they meet, when his best friend, Wesley, drags him into the donut shop a few days before school starts. It is also very difficult to stay detached from Piper when he gets involved with her project to save her little brother’s preschool. Asher justifies the great deal of time this involves by telling himself he needs more extracurricular activities on his resume to enhance his application to Berkeley. But the actual truth is that he strongly wants to help lovable, little Bas, and he can’t resist the chance to spend time with Piper.
This is a cute, G-rated, YA romance. It is written from the point of view of both Piper and Asher, so we get to know them both quite well. They each have an important growth arc of the “coming of age” variety, which is the core of every YA novel. But, because the main plot is their romance, the author seamlessly weaves their personal, emotional insights into the evolution of the romance between them.
There are many wonderful subcharacters in this novel, especially Asher’s best friend, Wesley, and Gran and Bas. They strongly contribute to the overall story, but the author, wisely, never allows them to upstage Piper and Asher.
I also enjoyed the vividly drawn setting of a lovely, little, California beach town.
I rate this novel as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Save the Preschool Subplot: 4 stars
Piper’s Family Drama Subplot: 4 stars
Asher’s Family Drama Subplot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
Seventeen-year-old Piper Cetti and her four-year-old, autistic brother, Bas, have recently relocated from New York City to East Beach, a small, California oceanside town, to live fulltime with their maternal grandmother. Piper’s mother, a well-known professional dancer, has been dead for many years. Her father is a famous orchestra conductor who is currently traveling all over Europe, and she hasn’t seen him for months. Piper has spent all of her childhood up until now as a home-schooled student, because she was living the life of a prodigy, concert pianist—until her wrist and hand were injured in a car accident six months ago. Tomorrow she will begin attending an actual brick-and-mortar school for the very first time. She will be a senior, and she is worried about how she will fit in. Fortunately, her little brother is doing fine. For the whole of the summer that they have lived with Gran, Bas has been doing well in a local preschool that caters to kids with special needs. Piper had hoped he would continue there indefinitely, until she learns, to her dismay, that the school is running out of funding, and it will close soon without some kind of providential intervention. Piper is determined to do her best to be its salvation for Bas’s sake, by fundraising enough money to keep it in business.
Asher Thompson is also a senior at East Beach High. He is captain of the school’s water polo team, a demanding sport played in the deep end of a pool, where the feet of the players never touch bottom. As a result of his athletic training, handsome Asher is very muscular and fit. He is also well on his way to graduating at the end of this school year as class valedictorian. His goal is to win a scholarship to the polo team at UC Berkeley, his idolized stepfather’s alma mater. Asher has no time for dating, and no interest in the kind of junk food sold at Piper’s Gran’s quirky donut shop, Space Donuts. But, in spite of himself, he is strongly attracted to beautiful, perky Piper from the moment they meet, when his best friend, Wesley, drags him into the donut shop a few days before school starts. It is also very difficult to stay detached from Piper when he gets involved with her project to save her little brother’s preschool. Asher justifies the great deal of time this involves by telling himself he needs more extracurricular activities on his resume to enhance his application to Berkeley. But the actual truth is that he strongly wants to help lovable, little Bas, and he can’t resist the chance to spend time with Piper.
This is a cute, G-rated, YA romance. It is written from the point of view of both Piper and Asher, so we get to know them both quite well. They each have an important growth arc of the “coming of age” variety, which is the core of every YA novel. But, because the main plot is their romance, the author seamlessly weaves their personal, emotional insights into the evolution of the romance between them.
There are many wonderful subcharacters in this novel, especially Asher’s best friend, Wesley, and Gran and Bas. They strongly contribute to the overall story, but the author, wisely, never allows them to upstage Piper and Asher.
I also enjoyed the vividly drawn setting of a lovely, little, California beach town.
I rate this novel as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Save the Preschool Subplot: 4 stars
Piper’s Family Drama Subplot: 4 stars
Asher’s Family Drama Subplot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
January 22, 2022
Donuts, high school, enemies to lovers, bromance, friends, music you got it all in this book.
Umm...the book is one sweet, clean, cliche enemies to lovers high school rom-com book.
I totally loved this book, just couldn't keep it down.
My highlights of this book :
1. Donuts (I had to get myself a few after reading this book...cravings you know :P)
2. Asher (Dude, you got to let loose...which he eventually did)...OMG and the Jealous Asher (loved the cafeteria scene)
3. I loved Wes, Olivia, Violet, Micah...amazing friends, loved the way they all interact.
4. The grand gesture, piano lessons, wow just wow!!
5. Loved Piper and Asher's personalities, they held their own and were good together.
Umm...the book is one sweet, clean, cliche enemies to lovers high school rom-com book.
I totally loved this book, just couldn't keep it down.
My highlights of this book :
1. Donuts (I had to get myself a few after reading this book...cravings you know :P)
2. Asher (Dude, you got to let loose...which he eventually did)...OMG and the Jealous Asher (loved the cafeteria scene)
3. I loved Wes, Olivia, Violet, Micah...amazing friends, loved the way they all interact.
4. The grand gesture, piano lessons, wow just wow!!
5. Loved Piper and Asher's personalities, they held their own and were good together.
June 7, 2022
Meh - I think it had a good frame and the author can write, but there were many parts that just didn't ring true to me and I wish I was with this author in some writer's circle so I could tell her what to fix and how this book would be so much better! For example, Asher immediately holds Piper in a hug? WTF? I can't see that at all. Piper blurts out things all the time and its so cringe-worthy. The ending was so embarrassing. And the bro interaction just didn't seem based in reality, more like what we girls imagine boys are talking about.
I am thinking of reading book 2, as I've heard the writing gets better and I am hoping this couple, Piper and Asher are featured being normal instead of cheesy.
I am thinking of reading book 2, as I've heard the writing gets better and I am hoping this couple, Piper and Asher are featured being normal instead of cheesy.
September 24, 2021
I picked this up in the mood for a nice feel-good romance and it was not a disappointment. Piper is sure of many things about her new start, and Asher is desperate not to let anything distract him from his own goals. The story was engaging from the first page, and I ended up finishing it in one sitting. I adored the dynamic between the characters and have pre-ordered the second in the series and can’t wait to dive into that. The twists along the way just made the book even better and so very relatable. I adored the book, and this is a series that I will be following for a while. Highly recommended for all those who love a good young adult contemporary romance.
January 20, 2022
3.5 stars: It’s so high school and I loved it. It took a minute to get out of the adult romance mindset because teenagers are awkward and silly, uncertain about romance and relationships, and have so much life to figure out. And Ginger Li played all of that so well to cook up these endearing characters who reminded me of a handful of friends from my own high school days.
And Asher! “Piper didn’t just steal a piece of my heart, she tucked a piece of hers in there and healed a part of me that I hadn’t even realized was broken. She made me want to be better. And braver. And now I was ready to do something reckless to win her back.” Swoon.
And Asher! “Piper didn’t just steal a piece of my heart, she tucked a piece of hers in there and healed a part of me that I hadn’t even realized was broken. She made me want to be better. And braver. And now I was ready to do something reckless to win her back.” Swoon.
February 2, 2022
Must read.
Okay, so I'm not the best reader and I refuse to read series.
When I started the first book in the series, I had a difficult time getting used to her style of writing. But I enjoyed the story so it was worth it to keep trying.
I absolutely loved the story in the first book, so I had to keep reading. I'm a person who loves to see the point of view from all the characters, so I loved that it goes back and forth between the main characters.
My favorite part about this series though, is that each story is different, and just builds on the lives of the different characters in this awesome friend group.
Highly recommend.
Okay, so I'm not the best reader and I refuse to read series.
When I started the first book in the series, I had a difficult time getting used to her style of writing. But I enjoyed the story so it was worth it to keep trying.
I absolutely loved the story in the first book, so I had to keep reading. I'm a person who loves to see the point of view from all the characters, so I loved that it goes back and forth between the main characters.
My favorite part about this series though, is that each story is different, and just builds on the lives of the different characters in this awesome friend group.
Highly recommend.
June 17, 2024
This was a cute read. I needed a book starting with X for my alphabet soup challenge and I didn't want any of the "x-rated" ones out there;) Plus, being a Kindle Unlimited member, it's always nice to read stuff that's free with that. It was a mostly clean YA romance based around some high schoolers. It was great to show their character flaws and the messy families they came from since life just isn't all that nice and clean anymore. Having taken piano lessons throughout my entire childhood, I could relate to the main character and knew some of the composers and pieces she mentioned. All in all, an enjoyable quick feel-good book.
May 1, 2021
Okay, I will admit at first I did not like Asher. The first page I thought to myself, “oh hell no.” And when he wanted to pull her hair...I wanted to smack him. I’ve personally have been depressed lately but I smiled so much reading this book. They’re so damn cute. You can’t help but love all the characters, I want more and I’m super excited the next one is about Violet. I think I’m wishing there was a tad more drama, especially with her dad. I can’t believe how he acted and would have liked to see more with that.
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