What do you think?
Rate this book
Pepper Jones #1
Pepped Up
My best friend’s that guy. You know the one. Popular. Quarterback. Trouble. And clueless about my deeper feelings for him. So I’m focused on my other love, running. I want to qualify for cross country nationals, and I don’t need to be distracted by Jace Wilder’s latest shenanigans.
Good thing there's a new guy in town. Even better, Ryan Harding is a running star, and it seems I've caught his interest.
I can handle long miles and hill sprints, but guys? That’s an entirely different challenge.
* No cliff hangers. While the series is best enjoyed when read in order, each book is a complete story. *
Good thing there's a new guy in town. Even better, Ryan Harding is a running star, and it seems I've caught his interest.
I can handle long miles and hill sprints, but guys? That’s an entirely different challenge.
* No cliff hangers. While the series is best enjoyed when read in order, each book is a complete story. *
Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2013
1302 people are currently reading
3211 people want to read
About the author
Ali Dean
47 books1,023 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.
Get to know Ali Dean by following her on any of her social media and author links below.
www.alideanfiction.com
www.facebook.com/alideanfiction
www.twitter.com/alideanfiction
www.instagram.com/alideanfiction
www.bookbub.com/profile/ali-dean
www.pinterest.com/alidean750
Sign up for Ali's newsletter and receive free short stories as a welcome gift! https://www.subscribepage.com/alidean...
Get to know Ali Dean by following her on any of her social media and author links below.
www.alideanfiction.com
www.facebook.com/alideanfiction
www.twitter.com/alideanfiction
www.instagram.com/alideanfiction
www.bookbub.com/profile/ali-dean
www.pinterest.com/alidean750
Sign up for Ali's newsletter and receive free short stories as a welcome gift! https://www.subscribepage.com/alidean...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
October 31, 2015
Is this novel a One Star Rating or a Two Star Rating?
Reasons to Like This Novel (2 stars):
1. Grandma bunny is a hoot.
2. Grandma bunny smokes dope with her friends. I wanna be Grandma bunny's BFF.
3. Grandma bunny drinks alcohol with Pepper, but with the caveat that Pepper is trusted to moderate her intake.
4. Pepper is a disciplined athlete who loves her sport and strives for excellence.
5. Pepper selects friends with substance, intellect, and personality.
6. Pepper wants to be a good teammate, even though cross country running tends to be idealized as an individual sport.
7. Pepper is a good granddaughter and a good friend.
Reasons to NOT Like This Novel (1 star):
1. The protagonist, Pepper, pines after Jace when he continues to ignore her. (bitchslap #1)
2. The protagonist, Pepper, makes out with Jace, and then still pines away for him after he immediately fucks a few other girls. (bitchslap #2)
3. The protagonist chooses a drug dealer over a good guy: Jace = hot, football-star-drug-dealer; Ryan = disciplined, talented, loving young man who treats Pepper with affection and respect. Ryan gives Pepper good training advice, encourages her discipline, and yes, I have to write it again, treats her with loving affection. (Right - kick that shitty nice guy to the curb!)
4. The novel perpetuates the shallow ideal that girls like/love/fall for guys who are hot. Why couldn't Ryan be a nerd? Or ugly? Or a disabled runner? Or a good runner who struggles to stay on the team because his undiagnosed dyslexia makes it difficult for him to keep his grades up and qualify for athletics? Something, Ali Dean! Something! Something that makes Ryan more interesting than just the other hot guy in competition with hot guy number one.
5. The novel perpetuates the myth that girls can change troubled drug dealers into good guys. -ummmm.... yes, our shit rocks, Ladies, ...but no, we don't change men. They grow up when they choose to grow up.
6. Again, white suburban characters dominate. At first I thought this author would develop the characters of diversity that "marginally" appear in the text... (see what I did there?), but they are so flat as to be casual after thoughts about integrating characters that reflect the diversity that exists in Colorado.
7. Grandma Bunny gives Pepper alcohol before she goes out with Ryan. Because this teachers Pepper what???? Underage drinking is no big D. --- right! Yes, this contradicts #3 in reason to like the novel.
8. Jace is a dick. He knows that Pepper loves him, makes out with her, leading her on, taking his pleasure and then openly gets it on with another girl, right in front of Pepper. And then Pepper STILL pines for him... aggghhh!!!! (a good shake, and then a bitchslap) Yes, this is just like reason #2, but this point can't be emphasized enough.
9. Pepper is a smart talented girl who for the duration of three years can't figure out that Jace is infatuated with her, while EVERYONE else can see that he's infatuated with her. Puh-leeease! I hate smart girls who have that one fatal stupidity flaw at the same time.
10. Pepper, by virtue of her ....? what? good heart? .... gets Jace to change. He stops dealing drugs (poof! just like that!) and there are magically NO consequences for him from his other nefarious drug suppliers. Yeah, right! Doesn't Ali Dean ever watch Law and Order? There's no getting out. Come on!
Reasons to Like This Novel (2 stars):
1. Grandma bunny is a hoot.
2. Grandma bunny smokes dope with her friends. I wanna be Grandma bunny's BFF.
3. Grandma bunny drinks alcohol with Pepper, but with the caveat that Pepper is trusted to moderate her intake.
4. Pepper is a disciplined athlete who loves her sport and strives for excellence.
5. Pepper selects friends with substance, intellect, and personality.
6. Pepper wants to be a good teammate, even though cross country running tends to be idealized as an individual sport.
7. Pepper is a good granddaughter and a good friend.
Reasons to NOT Like This Novel (1 star):
1. The protagonist, Pepper, pines after Jace when he continues to ignore her. (bitchslap #1)
2. The protagonist, Pepper, makes out with Jace, and then still pines away for him after he immediately fucks a few other girls. (bitchslap #2)
3. The protagonist chooses a drug dealer over a good guy: Jace = hot, football-star-drug-dealer; Ryan = disciplined, talented, loving young man who treats Pepper with affection and respect. Ryan gives Pepper good training advice, encourages her discipline, and yes, I have to write it again, treats her with loving affection. (Right - kick that shitty nice guy to the curb!)
4. The novel perpetuates the shallow ideal that girls like/love/fall for guys who are hot. Why couldn't Ryan be a nerd? Or ugly? Or a disabled runner? Or a good runner who struggles to stay on the team because his undiagnosed dyslexia makes it difficult for him to keep his grades up and qualify for athletics? Something, Ali Dean! Something! Something that makes Ryan more interesting than just the other hot guy in competition with hot guy number one.
5. The novel perpetuates the myth that girls can change troubled drug dealers into good guys. -ummmm.... yes, our shit rocks, Ladies, ...but no, we don't change men. They grow up when they choose to grow up.
6. Again, white suburban characters dominate. At first I thought this author would develop the characters of diversity that "marginally" appear in the text... (see what I did there?), but they are so flat as to be casual after thoughts about integrating characters that reflect the diversity that exists in Colorado.
7. Grandma Bunny gives Pepper alcohol before she goes out with Ryan. Because this teachers Pepper what???? Underage drinking is no big D. --- right! Yes, this contradicts #3 in reason to like the novel.
8. Jace is a dick. He knows that Pepper loves him, makes out with her, leading her on, taking his pleasure and then openly gets it on with another girl, right in front of Pepper. And then Pepper STILL pines for him... aggghhh!!!! (a good shake, and then a bitchslap) Yes, this is just like reason #2, but this point can't be emphasized enough.
9. Pepper is a smart talented girl who for the duration of three years can't figure out that Jace is infatuated with her, while EVERYONE else can see that he's infatuated with her. Puh-leeease! I hate smart girls who have that one fatal stupidity flaw at the same time.
10. Pepper, by virtue of her ....? what? good heart? .... gets Jace to change. He stops dealing drugs (poof! just like that!) and there are magically NO consequences for him from his other nefarious drug suppliers. Yeah, right! Doesn't Ali Dean ever watch Law and Order? There's no getting out. Come on!
April 14, 2015
“He was a mystery to her, and every time she tried to solve him it caused her a little more pain. But when she tired to give him up he pursued her in her thoughts, stronger each time.”
----Anna Godbersen, an American author
Ali Dean, an American author, pens an enticing novel about a high-schooler-cross-country runner and her decisions about love and relationships, in her new book, Pepped Up which is the first book in the Pepper Jones series.
Synopsis:
Pepper Jones is ready for an epic cross country season. She wants to qualify for Nationals, and she’s willing to do anything it takes to make it happen. She can handle long miles and hill sprints, but boys? That’s an entirely different challenge.
Pepper’s never considered revealing her deeper feelings for her longtime friend, Jace Wilder. After all, he’s got the personal magnetism and good looks to hook just about any girl in town -- and he has. Their friendship stands apart from high school social circles, and they’re both just fine with that (or at least they pretend to be).
That is, until running star Ryan Harding moves to town.
When it comes to running, Pepper’s goals are clear. But when it comes to Jace and Ryan, it’s nowhere near as simple.
Pepper Jones, a 16year old high school junior, loves to run, in fact she is so good at it that she is preparing herself to compete in the national cross-country running championship. But the only thing that muddles her life is her crush on her childhood best-friend-cum-sort-of-family, Jace- a high school senior, a top-class footballer, who is terribly attractive and a complete womanizer. But Jace never showed any interest on Pepper mainly due to the reason that she is actually a part of her family. Pepper's love life sparks up when another cross-country runner named, Ryan joins her class, but unlike Jace, Ryan shows his interest on Pepper, whereas Pepper's heart is torn between Jace and Ryan? Who will she choose? Yeah this book is a complete YA story featuring high school, sports and a love-triangle.
Being not so much of a YA fan, I still enjoyed reading this light-hearted romantic YA, which definitely reminded me of my school days and all the dramas about hot boys. Pepper is one hell of a lucky chick who had two hot admirers in her school. The writing f this book is really nice, pretty eloquent with a moderate pace. Although there weren't much layers in the story which allowed me to contemplate and anticipate things bit easily, but the mystery of who Pepper will choose was tightly wrapped under layers of confusion and drama, and all that surrounding Jace and Pepper.
The characters are real and Pepper's dilemma over Jace and Ryan sounded pretty believable, but then again, given the fact, that Pepper is the narrator of this book, it was easy for us to ponder about who she will finally choose. The author portrays the voice of a 16year old teenager quite strikingly and the way she have layered her narration with a bit of humor and drama, simple kept me engaged to the story.
Pepper is a charming character with a lot of determination to be the champion of this cross-country running championship. And through Pepper, the author brings alive the world of a sportsman, his/her stamina, determination, strength, in short, it was very insightful to read about an athlete. In fact, because of Pepper's running, Colorado comes alive in front of our eyes, it was very picturesque and vivid with intricate detailing.
In the beginning of the book, Jace made me feel irritated about his whole drama about not dating Pepper, whereas he did have feelings for Pepper. Jace is like a closed book, not letting others see his inner feelings. The rest of the supporting characters are also very well-developed like Pepper's nun as her guardian is someone who is very lively and brings a shade of happiness in some gloomy moments.
But what really made me glued to the book was Pepper's character. She is one hell of a powerful YA character who knows what she wants best for her heart, by not causing much pain to those who adore her.
Verdict: Don't miss out this book if you're a huge YA fan!
Courtesy: I received a copy of this book for a blog tour.
----Anna Godbersen, an American author
Ali Dean, an American author, pens an enticing novel about a high-schooler-cross-country runner and her decisions about love and relationships, in her new book, Pepped Up which is the first book in the Pepper Jones series.
Synopsis:
Pepper Jones is ready for an epic cross country season. She wants to qualify for Nationals, and she’s willing to do anything it takes to make it happen. She can handle long miles and hill sprints, but boys? That’s an entirely different challenge.
Pepper’s never considered revealing her deeper feelings for her longtime friend, Jace Wilder. After all, he’s got the personal magnetism and good looks to hook just about any girl in town -- and he has. Their friendship stands apart from high school social circles, and they’re both just fine with that (or at least they pretend to be).
That is, until running star Ryan Harding moves to town.
When it comes to running, Pepper’s goals are clear. But when it comes to Jace and Ryan, it’s nowhere near as simple.
Pepper Jones, a 16year old high school junior, loves to run, in fact she is so good at it that she is preparing herself to compete in the national cross-country running championship. But the only thing that muddles her life is her crush on her childhood best-friend-cum-sort-of-family, Jace- a high school senior, a top-class footballer, who is terribly attractive and a complete womanizer. But Jace never showed any interest on Pepper mainly due to the reason that she is actually a part of her family. Pepper's love life sparks up when another cross-country runner named, Ryan joins her class, but unlike Jace, Ryan shows his interest on Pepper, whereas Pepper's heart is torn between Jace and Ryan? Who will she choose? Yeah this book is a complete YA story featuring high school, sports and a love-triangle.
Being not so much of a YA fan, I still enjoyed reading this light-hearted romantic YA, which definitely reminded me of my school days and all the dramas about hot boys. Pepper is one hell of a lucky chick who had two hot admirers in her school. The writing f this book is really nice, pretty eloquent with a moderate pace. Although there weren't much layers in the story which allowed me to contemplate and anticipate things bit easily, but the mystery of who Pepper will choose was tightly wrapped under layers of confusion and drama, and all that surrounding Jace and Pepper.
The characters are real and Pepper's dilemma over Jace and Ryan sounded pretty believable, but then again, given the fact, that Pepper is the narrator of this book, it was easy for us to ponder about who she will finally choose. The author portrays the voice of a 16year old teenager quite strikingly and the way she have layered her narration with a bit of humor and drama, simple kept me engaged to the story.
Pepper is a charming character with a lot of determination to be the champion of this cross-country running championship. And through Pepper, the author brings alive the world of a sportsman, his/her stamina, determination, strength, in short, it was very insightful to read about an athlete. In fact, because of Pepper's running, Colorado comes alive in front of our eyes, it was very picturesque and vivid with intricate detailing.
In the beginning of the book, Jace made me feel irritated about his whole drama about not dating Pepper, whereas he did have feelings for Pepper. Jace is like a closed book, not letting others see his inner feelings. The rest of the supporting characters are also very well-developed like Pepper's nun as her guardian is someone who is very lively and brings a shade of happiness in some gloomy moments.
But what really made me glued to the book was Pepper's character. She is one hell of a powerful YA character who knows what she wants best for her heart, by not causing much pain to those who adore her.
Verdict: Don't miss out this book if you're a huge YA fan!
Courtesy: I received a copy of this book for a blog tour.
January 5, 2014
WARNING: INDUCES HEAVY 
EFFECT.
----12/30/13 edit: The good thing is that I'm still OK with my rating. I still loved the book, but as I thought about WHY Jace and Pepper couldn't be together (the reason why Jace kept pushing Pepper away), I just didn't get it.
I think that's my only real gripe about this book that I didn't mention in my earlier, original review. The reason that was given just felt sloppily thrown in, and not fully explained, or justified. Also, the very bad behavior he engaged in that one night when he was on E, it's kind of unforgivable. I'm hoping for some real explanations in the sequel. I just really liked Jace, and it's really weird because normally, I'd probably be on team Scott instead. There was something so special about his character; I loved his protectiveness, attitude, everything. But after constantly asking myself WHY, I didn't really have a solid answer.
I need answers. I need to know MORE of WHY Jace was SO bad, yet SO damn attractive. Why did he do the things he did, and act the way he did? Why NOW? Hopefully, the sequel clears that up and delves deeper into Jace + Pepper's past as well! I loved the little flashback scene in the beginning.
*fingers crossed*
----End edit-----
Quick tip: don't start on this book late at night, especially if you have to wake up early the next day.
For those of you who aren't interested in reading about running, don't dismiss this book just yet. And don't let the cover scare you off either. Why? Well, two words: Jace Wilder.
He's one of the hottest bad boy jocks I've come across in the new adult genre, and I was instantly sold. He's the guy you love to hate, but end up loving. Trust me, I'm not an easy sell, especially with the whole good girl/bad boy dynamic. But honestly, I couldn't help fall for him in all his bad-assery. I think I even heard my heart melt. *dreamy sigh*
Again, I repeat: I hate the good girl/bad boy trope. I just don't buy it. And I hate how some books portray hot bad boys who are essentially sluts (and are really BAD in a bad way, not in a good way) as some hero to be idolized. I hate how those types of stories make it seem like the "bad boy" could get away with murder, if he sincerely "loved" only ONE girl (the heroine) from afar (in true stalker fashion). I can't say this book didn't have any of that. If anything, it was essentially all of those things I mentioned I hated, yet the *delivery* was nothing short of spectacular. It was actually exciting. Gut wrenching. Unputdownable.
I think what really distinguished this book from the hoard of other new adult books with love triangles featuring the all american good boy v. the all american bad boy jock, and the naive girl next door, was the INTENSE chemistry between all three of the characters. Wow.
I honestly looked at the cover, read the brief description, and truly didn't expect much. By the end of it, I knew I would remember the name Jace Wilder.
There aren't too many explicit sexual scenes; I can only think of one. But this was one of the "hottest" and steamiest new adult books I've read. This author knows HOW and WHAT to write. It's not always about the "sex" - it's about the connection, the chemistry, the dialogue, the characters. And I was definitely "feeling" all of the above.
Sign me up for the sequel, I'm in.
EFFECT. ----12/30/13 edit: The good thing is that I'm still OK with my rating. I still loved the book, but as I thought about WHY Jace and Pepper couldn't be together (the reason why Jace kept pushing Pepper away), I just didn't get it.
I think that's my only real gripe about this book that I didn't mention in my earlier, original review. The reason that was given just felt sloppily thrown in, and not fully explained, or justified. Also, the very bad behavior he engaged in that one night when he was on E, it's kind of unforgivable. I'm hoping for some real explanations in the sequel. I just really liked Jace, and it's really weird because normally, I'd probably be on team Scott instead. There was something so special about his character; I loved his protectiveness, attitude, everything. But after constantly asking myself WHY, I didn't really have a solid answer.
I need answers. I need to know MORE of WHY Jace was SO bad, yet SO damn attractive. Why did he do the things he did, and act the way he did? Why NOW? Hopefully, the sequel clears that up and delves deeper into Jace + Pepper's past as well! I loved the little flashback scene in the beginning.
*fingers crossed*
----End edit-----
Quick tip: don't start on this book late at night, especially if you have to wake up early the next day.
For those of you who aren't interested in reading about running, don't dismiss this book just yet. And don't let the cover scare you off either. Why? Well, two words: Jace Wilder.
He's one of the hottest bad boy jocks I've come across in the new adult genre, and I was instantly sold. He's the guy you love to hate, but end up loving. Trust me, I'm not an easy sell, especially with the whole good girl/bad boy dynamic. But honestly, I couldn't help fall for him in all his bad-assery. I think I even heard my heart melt. *dreamy sigh*
Again, I repeat: I hate the good girl/bad boy trope. I just don't buy it. And I hate how some books portray hot bad boys who are essentially sluts (and are really BAD in a bad way, not in a good way) as some hero to be idolized. I hate how those types of stories make it seem like the "bad boy" could get away with murder, if he sincerely "loved" only ONE girl (the heroine) from afar (in true stalker fashion). I can't say this book didn't have any of that. If anything, it was essentially all of those things I mentioned I hated, yet the *delivery* was nothing short of spectacular. It was actually exciting. Gut wrenching. Unputdownable.
I think what really distinguished this book from the hoard of other new adult books with love triangles featuring the all american good boy v. the all american bad boy jock, and the naive girl next door, was the INTENSE chemistry between all three of the characters. Wow.
I honestly looked at the cover, read the brief description, and truly didn't expect much. By the end of it, I knew I would remember the name Jace Wilder.
There aren't too many explicit sexual scenes; I can only think of one. But this was one of the "hottest" and steamiest new adult books I've read. This author knows HOW and WHAT to write. It's not always about the "sex" - it's about the connection, the chemistry, the dialogue, the characters. And I was definitely "feeling" all of the above.
Sign me up for the sequel, I'm in.
June 23, 2025
Review from 2013:
R-rated YA/NA girl-power, sports novel with romantic-triangle subplot
Sixteen-year-old Pepper Jones loves running, and she's fantastic at it, even though she's only been running a little over two years. In fact, she's well on her way to achieving her goal to become a national cross-country champion this year, while still a junior in high school. The only thing complicating her life is her long-term crush on her best friend, seventeen-year-old senior, Jace Wilder. They've been neighbors since they were toddlers. Pepper's parents died in a car accident when she was a baby, and Jace's mother deserted him and his father when he was four. Pepper's grandmother, Bunny, became her guardian, and she became Jace's chidlcare provider, too, when he lost his mother. Pepper regarded Jace in a sisterly light until the summer Pepper was thirteen and Jace was fourteen, and she suddenly became aware of how gorgeous he had become--and the unsettling reality that girls were flocking around him, vying for his attention, many of them physically pawing him in the process.
Unfortunately for Pepper, the odds of her ever being more than a little sister to Jace are slim to none. He's never flirted with her or in any way indicated that he has any romantic interest in her. And at the end of the previous school year, she overheard Jace telling one of his friends that he could never date her, because she's like family to him. As a result, Pepper has done her best to hide her true feelings from Jace, not wanting to lose him as a friend. But it's a constant, painful struggle to accomplish that, because her heart is shredded anew every time she's forced to witness womanizing Jace accept the latest of an endless string of eager offers of sex from girls Pepper considers far more attractive and sophisticated than herself. He's so in demand, in fact, that he's recently begun enjoying the sexual favors of college girls from the nearby University of Colorado (UC), as well. Yet, in the midst of all this debauchery, it's evident to everyone who knows Jace--except Pepper--that he's never gotten emotionally involved on any level with any female other than Pepper.
In contrast to Jace, Pepper is practically a nun. She's never dated, other than a fellow member of her track team escorting her to the prom last year as "just friends," and she's never even been kissed. But suddenly, her lack of a love life might actually change, because Ryan Harding has come to town.
Ryan is a new student at Pepper's high school who is a star, cross-country runner like Pepper. He's moved to Colorado from California because his father is the new coach at UC, which Pepper hopes to attend after graduation. He's almost as handsome as Jace, and certainly as athletic and ripped. And where Jace is a talented football player courted by numerous top-drawer university football coaches, Ryan is a potentially world-class runner, equally pursued by athletic departments at prestigious universities all over the country. Ryan is also almost as fawned on by every girl in sight as Jace.
But there are major differences: Where Jace refuses to see Pepper as a romantic partner, Ryan admits what all the boys at school know--and have never said to Pepper's face because of Jace's over-protectiveness--that Pepper is a beautiful girl and ideal girlfriend material. In addition, where Jace is a classic "man whore," Ryan has only dated one girl in his life, and he was faithful to her for the entire three years of their relationship, up until just before Ryan's family moved across the country and Ryan ended the relationship. Also, unlike Jace, Ryan only drinks the occasional beer and does not get drunk or do drugs. Additionally, Ryan doesn't spend his time, as Jace does, hanging with the popular crowd at school, even though he is eagerly accepted in their ranks from the start. Instead, he chooses to socialize with Pepper's laid-back, track-team friends. Best of all, he shares Pepper's passion for running.
Pepper realizes her choice should be perfectly clear between these two boys: forget her unrequited crush on Jace and accept a relationship with a high-class guy, and she does try her best to carry out that decision. But unfortunately, as soon as Pepper begins dating Ryan, Jace suddenly starts acting like he's anything but Pepper's pseudo-brother, and more like he's--could it be?--jealous.
What I liked:
This author is clearly a very talented writer. Her writing is smooth, and her characterizations are vivid and three dimensional. Pepper is a dynamic, extremely sympathetic heroine. I enjoyed the use of first-person point of view, and I found the window into Pepper's running world fascinating. It is obvious the author knows that world very well but, more than that, she conveys it in such a way that, even if the reader knows nothing about running and could care less about it, Pepper's experience of it is exciting enough to inspire readers young and old to jump into a pair of running shoes and take off. The setting in Colorado also comes alive on the page and makes the reader long to visit that amazing, mountain-filled state.
What isn't suited to my own individual taste:
First, while listing what I didn't enjoy, I want to make clear that I am not grading this book down for not being entirely to my own personal taste (as you can see by the 5-star rating), because I don't consider that a literary crime. Many other readers may find the aspects of this book that did not suit me to be a perfect match for their reading interests.
First, I'm not myself a fan of YA romantic triangles because, as is the case in this book, sometimes the guy who ends up with the heroine is not who I had hoped she would choose. It is a testament to how great the rest of the book is and what a wonderful heroine Pepper is, though, that I found it impossible to put the book down, in spite of its romantic triangle. Just in case I didn't make it absolutely clear from what I said already, Pepper is one of the most terrific heroines in YA/NA I've encountered, whether in indie or mainstream YA/NA novels.
Second, I'm not a fan of R-rated YA/NA novels, which is what I consider this book to be, and I had many squeamish moments at the various bacchanalian activities portrayed onstage or mentioned as occurring offstage in this book. Pepper, herself, though, truly respects her own body as her vehicle for the passion of her life, her running, and as the book is in first-person point of view, the reader is not encouraged to see either drinking, drugging, or mindless sexual activity as a positive choice.
If you enjoyed this book's girl-power, sports plot, you might also want to read:
Cinderella Steals Home by Carly Syms (baseball)
Cinderella in Cleats by Carly Syms (football)
Cinderella in Skates by Carly Syms (hockey)
Falling Hard (Roller Girls #1) by Megan Sparks (roller derby)
Hooked by Liz Fichera (golf)
Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally (softball)
Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally (horse-racing jockey)
In particular, if you liked the platonic, "man-whore," best-friend subplot of this story combined with a girl-power, sports main plot, you'll love:
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (football)
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Girl-Power Sports Plot: 5 stars
Romantic-Triangle Plot: 3 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
R-rated YA/NA girl-power, sports novel with romantic-triangle subplot
Sixteen-year-old Pepper Jones loves running, and she's fantastic at it, even though she's only been running a little over two years. In fact, she's well on her way to achieving her goal to become a national cross-country champion this year, while still a junior in high school. The only thing complicating her life is her long-term crush on her best friend, seventeen-year-old senior, Jace Wilder. They've been neighbors since they were toddlers. Pepper's parents died in a car accident when she was a baby, and Jace's mother deserted him and his father when he was four. Pepper's grandmother, Bunny, became her guardian, and she became Jace's chidlcare provider, too, when he lost his mother. Pepper regarded Jace in a sisterly light until the summer Pepper was thirteen and Jace was fourteen, and she suddenly became aware of how gorgeous he had become--and the unsettling reality that girls were flocking around him, vying for his attention, many of them physically pawing him in the process.
Unfortunately for Pepper, the odds of her ever being more than a little sister to Jace are slim to none. He's never flirted with her or in any way indicated that he has any romantic interest in her. And at the end of the previous school year, she overheard Jace telling one of his friends that he could never date her, because she's like family to him. As a result, Pepper has done her best to hide her true feelings from Jace, not wanting to lose him as a friend. But it's a constant, painful struggle to accomplish that, because her heart is shredded anew every time she's forced to witness womanizing Jace accept the latest of an endless string of eager offers of sex from girls Pepper considers far more attractive and sophisticated than herself. He's so in demand, in fact, that he's recently begun enjoying the sexual favors of college girls from the nearby University of Colorado (UC), as well. Yet, in the midst of all this debauchery, it's evident to everyone who knows Jace--except Pepper--that he's never gotten emotionally involved on any level with any female other than Pepper.
In contrast to Jace, Pepper is practically a nun. She's never dated, other than a fellow member of her track team escorting her to the prom last year as "just friends," and she's never even been kissed. But suddenly, her lack of a love life might actually change, because Ryan Harding has come to town.
Ryan is a new student at Pepper's high school who is a star, cross-country runner like Pepper. He's moved to Colorado from California because his father is the new coach at UC, which Pepper hopes to attend after graduation. He's almost as handsome as Jace, and certainly as athletic and ripped. And where Jace is a talented football player courted by numerous top-drawer university football coaches, Ryan is a potentially world-class runner, equally pursued by athletic departments at prestigious universities all over the country. Ryan is also almost as fawned on by every girl in sight as Jace.
But there are major differences: Where Jace refuses to see Pepper as a romantic partner, Ryan admits what all the boys at school know--and have never said to Pepper's face because of Jace's over-protectiveness--that Pepper is a beautiful girl and ideal girlfriend material. In addition, where Jace is a classic "man whore," Ryan has only dated one girl in his life, and he was faithful to her for the entire three years of their relationship, up until just before Ryan's family moved across the country and Ryan ended the relationship. Also, unlike Jace, Ryan only drinks the occasional beer and does not get drunk or do drugs. Additionally, Ryan doesn't spend his time, as Jace does, hanging with the popular crowd at school, even though he is eagerly accepted in their ranks from the start. Instead, he chooses to socialize with Pepper's laid-back, track-team friends. Best of all, he shares Pepper's passion for running.
Pepper realizes her choice should be perfectly clear between these two boys: forget her unrequited crush on Jace and accept a relationship with a high-class guy, and she does try her best to carry out that decision. But unfortunately, as soon as Pepper begins dating Ryan, Jace suddenly starts acting like he's anything but Pepper's pseudo-brother, and more like he's--could it be?--jealous.
What I liked:
This author is clearly a very talented writer. Her writing is smooth, and her characterizations are vivid and three dimensional. Pepper is a dynamic, extremely sympathetic heroine. I enjoyed the use of first-person point of view, and I found the window into Pepper's running world fascinating. It is obvious the author knows that world very well but, more than that, she conveys it in such a way that, even if the reader knows nothing about running and could care less about it, Pepper's experience of it is exciting enough to inspire readers young and old to jump into a pair of running shoes and take off. The setting in Colorado also comes alive on the page and makes the reader long to visit that amazing, mountain-filled state.
What isn't suited to my own individual taste:
First, while listing what I didn't enjoy, I want to make clear that I am not grading this book down for not being entirely to my own personal taste (as you can see by the 5-star rating), because I don't consider that a literary crime. Many other readers may find the aspects of this book that did not suit me to be a perfect match for their reading interests.
First, I'm not myself a fan of YA romantic triangles because, as is the case in this book, sometimes the guy who ends up with the heroine is not who I had hoped she would choose. It is a testament to how great the rest of the book is and what a wonderful heroine Pepper is, though, that I found it impossible to put the book down, in spite of its romantic triangle. Just in case I didn't make it absolutely clear from what I said already, Pepper is one of the most terrific heroines in YA/NA I've encountered, whether in indie or mainstream YA/NA novels.
Second, I'm not a fan of R-rated YA/NA novels, which is what I consider this book to be, and I had many squeamish moments at the various bacchanalian activities portrayed onstage or mentioned as occurring offstage in this book. Pepper, herself, though, truly respects her own body as her vehicle for the passion of her life, her running, and as the book is in first-person point of view, the reader is not encouraged to see either drinking, drugging, or mindless sexual activity as a positive choice.
If you enjoyed this book's girl-power, sports plot, you might also want to read:
Cinderella Steals Home by Carly Syms (baseball)
Cinderella in Cleats by Carly Syms (football)
Cinderella in Skates by Carly Syms (hockey)
Falling Hard (Roller Girls #1) by Megan Sparks (roller derby)
Hooked by Liz Fichera (golf)
Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally (softball)
Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally (horse-racing jockey)
In particular, if you liked the platonic, "man-whore," best-friend subplot of this story combined with a girl-power, sports main plot, you'll love:
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (football)
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Girl-Power Sports Plot: 5 stars
Romantic-Triangle Plot: 3 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
August 22, 2019
Easy read. I “started it” and ended up finishing it the same day. It kind of sucks you in right from the start but UGH! Jace! I’m a little disappointed and bothered by the whole thing and how easily the author lets that go. Plus, I’m team Ryan so that didn’t help matters. Still though, it’s a good book and I already started the follow up book (although I KNOW things aren’t going to go the way I want).
September 28, 2016
*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was interested in this book and was hoping for a light and cute romance but it was not to be. The first half of the book was okay but by the end I was so disappointed in not only Jace but also Pepper. Jace acts like a jerk throughout the book being domineering and controlling of Pepper and treating her like shit, constantly being hot and cold towards her yet she still ends up with him by the end of the book. Not only does he ignore her most of the time they are at school, he keeps tabs on her, warns boys away from her, deals drugs and parties hard having casual hookups and orgies with any breathing female all while he knows how he feels about Pepper, knowing she likes him and knowing it will hurt her. I tried to put myself in Pepper's shoes; Jace is her childhood best friend, she's had a crush on him for years and he's hot, but still I came up short. If I was Pepper I would have dumped his ass. I felt like Jace's behaviour was an insult to women everywhere and quite frankly was so disgusting and disrespectful. This really ruined the book for me. Not only that but Pepper starts a relationship with Ryan although she knows she's really only biding her time until
Jace wants to date her. For me this is just extremely messed up and the whole drama would have been sorted out if Pepper just removed herself from Jace's life and started dating someone else once she was sure she had gotten over Jace. Hence, this was a disappointing read due to the characters and the plot that I found to be quite offensive to women everywhere. While I am aware that the females were consensual, the fact that Jace was so disrespectful of Pepper's feelings and these girls feelings was horrible.
I was interested in this book and was hoping for a light and cute romance but it was not to be. The first half of the book was okay but by the end I was so disappointed in not only Jace but also Pepper. Jace acts like a jerk throughout the book being domineering and controlling of Pepper and treating her like shit, constantly being hot and cold towards her yet she still ends up with him by the end of the book. Not only does he ignore her most of the time they are at school, he keeps tabs on her, warns boys away from her, deals drugs and parties hard having casual hookups and orgies with any breathing female all while he knows how he feels about Pepper, knowing she likes him and knowing it will hurt her. I tried to put myself in Pepper's shoes; Jace is her childhood best friend, she's had a crush on him for years and he's hot, but still I came up short. If I was Pepper I would have dumped his ass. I felt like Jace's behaviour was an insult to women everywhere and quite frankly was so disgusting and disrespectful. This really ruined the book for me. Not only that but Pepper starts a relationship with Ryan although she knows she's really only biding her time until
Jace wants to date her. For me this is just extremely messed up and the whole drama would have been sorted out if Pepper just removed herself from Jace's life and started dating someone else once she was sure she had gotten over Jace. Hence, this was a disappointing read due to the characters and the plot that I found to be quite offensive to women everywhere. While I am aware that the females were consensual, the fact that Jace was so disrespectful of Pepper's feelings and these girls feelings was horrible.
November 29, 2018
I both liked and hated this.. I think I am getting too old for high school romances. Which is extremely depressing for me. Pepper seemed so naive and honestly kind of dumb. She has been crushing on her neighbor and best friend for years. ( super common troupe but I love it!) The problem with this is, Jace is a jerk. Like he feeds her little scraps of his time and Pepper kisses his butt. Then in comes Ryan, who in my opinion is perfect. This guy wants her and wants to actually hang out with her in public. But Pepper still pants after Jace. Even though he screws everything and starts taking (and selling) Drugs! I don't freaking get it. Jace is the worst.
I love love triangles. Most people hate them. But I LOVE them. And 9 times out of 10 I love both of the guys. But I hate Jace. He is one of my least favorite characters ever. Like seriously ever. And since I have looked to the next couple books, I know that she stays with him and I want nothing to do with that. So I won't be continuing the series. The writing is good and I like the author. I plan on trying one of her other books but this series just is not for me.
I love love triangles. Most people hate them. But I LOVE them. And 9 times out of 10 I love both of the guys. But I hate Jace. He is one of my least favorite characters ever. Like seriously ever. And since I have looked to the next couple books, I know that she stays with him and I want nothing to do with that. So I won't be continuing the series. The writing is good and I like the author. I plan on trying one of her other books but this series just is not for me.
June 6, 2019
I really liked the running aspect of this story. The training and mental strain it can have on performance. I really enjoyed reading about that.
Pepper was a great heroine. She is also your typical high school girl in love with her best friend. I had to put that into perspective. If I was that young and one boy gave mixed signals but said “only friends” and another boy showed interest you’d go for the sure thing.
I liked both Ryan and Jace. I don’t think the story needed the drug thing. That took away from the story for me.
Other than that I loved it especially Pepper’s grandmother. ;)
Pepper was a great heroine. She is also your typical high school girl in love with her best friend. I had to put that into perspective. If I was that young and one boy gave mixed signals but said “only friends” and another boy showed interest you’d go for the sure thing.
I liked both Ryan and Jace. I don’t think the story needed the drug thing. That took away from the story for me.
Other than that I loved it especially Pepper’s grandmother. ;)
January 29, 2019
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! YA best friends to lovers trope. It was an OK read.
February 28, 2014
I read this book because of two things. My dear friend, ♥ Sarah recommended it to me. I think if it wasn't because of her, I don't think I would find this book. With tons of YA books out there I often miss good books that don't have much hype. I think Pepped Up is one of those books. Once I saw her recommendation and read the blurb, I just knew I have to read it. So thank you Sarah! And it's about running. Well...the main character loves running, just like I do, though I'm not an athlete like Pepper.
So what this book is all about? It's about Pepper Jones, a junior in Brockton High School who loves to run and is in her way to compete in Nationals for the first time. She spent most of her life with Jace Wilder, a senior popular quarterback at their school and also her neighbor. She also has a crush on him for years but can't do anything because at some point he always keeps her in a distance. And then there is a new junior student, Ryan Harding who happens is a cross country runner too and is in a way for National too.
"The ominous clouds look like they'll break at any moment, and I love to run in the rain. Everything seems to be in my favor."
I love Pepper's voice here. I can feel like she is real. She tells her story clearly and without holding back. If something hurts her or makes her happy, she tells me just the way she feels it. I think that's what I love about her. She's honest, with everything and everyone, including with Jace.
"Running is my thing. And this season is going to be epic."
Cross country running is a subplot in this book. But I really like that it has more than enough story as it is one of big parts in Pepper's life. I just read a book with the main character being an athlete too but the sport doesn't describe much in the book. And I dislike it. Somehow I'm afraid that I won't read much about cross country here either, glad it doesn't happen. And since I'm not familiar with cross country student competition in US, Pepper's description helps me connect with her story easily. That, I really like!
I also like the paced. It doesn't feel too slow or too fast. It's perfect in its own. In some part Pepper doesn't tell her story straight after she tells one thing, instead it jumps a couple days or weeks after that. However I don't feel it's too fast because at the same time it gives me time to connect with so many things in her life, for example with her running and her relationship with Ryan and her new friends.
Regarding with her relationship with Jace and Ryan, I thought it will be like Liza-Ryan-Tony in Play With Me which seems has similarity when I read the blurb. But somehow it's way different but in a good way for both of the books. I like Pepper and Jace relationship. I always like best friend turn into boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, anyway. But here, don't think I can say that I like Jace much. Unlike Pepper, he holds back most of everything. I know that he likes her more than friend but his holding back and keeps everything blur and quite a mystery to Pepper is kind of frustrating me. I just want to smack him and stop hurting Pepper. But the good thing with Pepper is she always knows what she wants and sticks for it. Jace might hurt her and break her heart but it doesn't mean that she stops living her life, focuses on her goals and tries to pursuit her own happiness. I think she can balance it all and I'm admired her for it. On the other hand, I really like reading Pepper and Ryan relationship. He's very kind and sweet to her. And I just love the way he takes their relationship slowly. It's like he gives times for her to know him and when their relationship happens, I don't feel like it's an instalove or an instarelationship or whatever you call it. It just feels natural. Then the weird thing happens, at the end of the book. No matter how much I want to see Pepper end up with someone, I understand her decision. I think it's the best for the three of them. But it just makes me want to read the sequel ASAP!
So what this book is all about? It's about Pepper Jones, a junior in Brockton High School who loves to run and is in her way to compete in Nationals for the first time. She spent most of her life with Jace Wilder, a senior popular quarterback at their school and also her neighbor. She also has a crush on him for years but can't do anything because at some point he always keeps her in a distance. And then there is a new junior student, Ryan Harding who happens is a cross country runner too and is in a way for National too.
"The ominous clouds look like they'll break at any moment, and I love to run in the rain. Everything seems to be in my favor."
I love Pepper's voice here. I can feel like she is real. She tells her story clearly and without holding back. If something hurts her or makes her happy, she tells me just the way she feels it. I think that's what I love about her. She's honest, with everything and everyone, including with Jace.
"Running is my thing. And this season is going to be epic."
Cross country running is a subplot in this book. But I really like that it has more than enough story as it is one of big parts in Pepper's life. I just read a book with the main character being an athlete too but the sport doesn't describe much in the book. And I dislike it. Somehow I'm afraid that I won't read much about cross country here either, glad it doesn't happen. And since I'm not familiar with cross country student competition in US, Pepper's description helps me connect with her story easily. That, I really like!
I also like the paced. It doesn't feel too slow or too fast. It's perfect in its own. In some part Pepper doesn't tell her story straight after she tells one thing, instead it jumps a couple days or weeks after that. However I don't feel it's too fast because at the same time it gives me time to connect with so many things in her life, for example with her running and her relationship with Ryan and her new friends.
Regarding with her relationship with Jace and Ryan, I thought it will be like Liza-Ryan-Tony in Play With Me which seems has similarity when I read the blurb. But somehow it's way different but in a good way for both of the books. I like Pepper and Jace relationship. I always like best friend turn into boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, anyway. But here, don't think I can say that I like Jace much. Unlike Pepper, he holds back most of everything. I know that he likes her more than friend but his holding back and keeps everything blur and quite a mystery to Pepper is kind of frustrating me. I just want to smack him and stop hurting Pepper. But the good thing with Pepper is she always knows what she wants and sticks for it. Jace might hurt her and break her heart but it doesn't mean that she stops living her life, focuses on her goals and tries to pursuit her own happiness. I think she can balance it all and I'm admired her for it. On the other hand, I really like reading Pepper and Ryan relationship. He's very kind and sweet to her. And I just love the way he takes their relationship slowly. It's like he gives times for her to know him and when their relationship happens, I don't feel like it's an instalove or an instarelationship or whatever you call it. It just feels natural. Then the weird thing happens, at the end of the book. No matter how much I want to see Pepper end up with someone, I understand her decision. I think it's the best for the three of them. But it just makes me want to read the sequel ASAP!
September 3, 2019
Title: pepped Up
Author: Ali Dean
Format: Audio
Narrator: Stacey Glemboski
Genre: YA, sports (cross country running)
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Yes book 1 of the Pepper Jones series
POV: Pepper
Steam Level: heavy petting
4.5/5
I don't usually read a lot of YA books but this one was a lot of fun. Pepper and Jace have been best friends since childhood but things get weird when Pepper starts noticing Jace and his hot body and his playboy ways. Things amp up a notch when the new boy in town takes an interest in Pepper who Jace has declared off limits to the other boys in school. Pepped Up intertwines elements of a love triangle and friends to lovers elements portraying Pepper's emotions and confusion well. I started listening to this with the intention of stopping when I was finished with what I was working on and ended up binging it instead.
I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Author: Ali Dean
Format: Audio
Narrator: Stacey Glemboski
Genre: YA, sports (cross country running)
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Yes book 1 of the Pepper Jones series
POV: Pepper
Steam Level: heavy petting
4.5/5
I don't usually read a lot of YA books but this one was a lot of fun. Pepper and Jace have been best friends since childhood but things get weird when Pepper starts noticing Jace and his hot body and his playboy ways. Things amp up a notch when the new boy in town takes an interest in Pepper who Jace has declared off limits to the other boys in school. Pepped Up intertwines elements of a love triangle and friends to lovers elements portraying Pepper's emotions and confusion well. I started listening to this with the intention of stopping when I was finished with what I was working on and ended up binging it instead.
I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 21, 2014
(Source: I own a copy of this book.)
17-year-old Pepper is a cross-country runner, and while she knows how to run, she doesn’t necessarily know what to do when boys start to take an interest in her.
Ryan is also a runner, and Pepper really likes him, but her best friend Jace seems be acting weird, and she wonders if he might feel the same way about her that she feels about him.
Does Jace really like Pepper? Or should she go for it with Ryan?
This was a good YA story about cross-country running, and the problems of a love triangle!
I liked Pepper, and I liked how committed she was to running. Her passion really came across throughout the story, and I was desperately hoping to see how she would do at the competitions.
The storyline in this was pretty good, and really tense in places. When Jace started acting like he maybe did have feelings for Pepper, but at the same time seemed to be pushing her away, I really didn’t know how to solve the problem! It was so frustrating when it seemed like he didn’t want her, but he didn’t want anyone else to have her either.
The romance in this was in the form of a love-triangle, with Ryan also competing for Pepper’s attention. It was so difficult to choose between the two boys though because whilst Ryan was sweet, and Pepper obviously had feelings for him, Jace was an old friend and such a big part of her life that it was impossible to know how things could possibly work out!
There were other things going on in the story, and the running was a big part of it. There were also other things going on that were also difficult problems to solve though, and things really did seem messed up in places.
The ending was okay, but it did seem to happen really quickly. At 97% I was wondering how this could possibly be about to end, and at 99% it was all over! I did think that this ending did lack a little something, and I was surprised to learn that this book is only the first book in the series! Now I have to wait to find out what happens next which is a bit frustrating.
Overall; a good YA contemporary romance with cross-country running,
7.5 out of 10.
17-year-old Pepper is a cross-country runner, and while she knows how to run, she doesn’t necessarily know what to do when boys start to take an interest in her.
Ryan is also a runner, and Pepper really likes him, but her best friend Jace seems be acting weird, and she wonders if he might feel the same way about her that she feels about him.
Does Jace really like Pepper? Or should she go for it with Ryan?
This was a good YA story about cross-country running, and the problems of a love triangle!
I liked Pepper, and I liked how committed she was to running. Her passion really came across throughout the story, and I was desperately hoping to see how she would do at the competitions.
The storyline in this was pretty good, and really tense in places. When Jace started acting like he maybe did have feelings for Pepper, but at the same time seemed to be pushing her away, I really didn’t know how to solve the problem! It was so frustrating when it seemed like he didn’t want her, but he didn’t want anyone else to have her either.
The romance in this was in the form of a love-triangle, with Ryan also competing for Pepper’s attention. It was so difficult to choose between the two boys though because whilst Ryan was sweet, and Pepper obviously had feelings for him, Jace was an old friend and such a big part of her life that it was impossible to know how things could possibly work out!
There were other things going on in the story, and the running was a big part of it. There were also other things going on that were also difficult problems to solve though, and things really did seem messed up in places.
The ending was okay, but it did seem to happen really quickly. At 97% I was wondering how this could possibly be about to end, and at 99% it was all over! I did think that this ending did lack a little something, and I was surprised to learn that this book is only the first book in the series! Now I have to wait to find out what happens next which is a bit frustrating.
Overall; a good YA contemporary romance with cross-country running,
7.5 out of 10.
August 19, 2015
This review was originally posted on [Between My Lines]
I absolutely love books with a fitness theme so as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover for this one, I was IN! Anything that inspires me to lace up my runners too is a must-read in my eyes.
My Thoughts on Pepped Up:
Books with sports themes are my magnets and they suck me up every time! I love reading books that focus on running as it makes me want to pound the pavements too. And Pepper LOVES to run, the joy and release that it gives her made me happy as I get that. I’m not a natural runner like Pepper but it’s my therapy and seeing her love for running just fires me up too.
I really enjoyed watching her get psyched up for competitions and even just the daily details of her running regime felt fun to tag along to. Outside of her running ability Pepper isn’t the most confident of girls and her interactions with guys made me cringe a little at times. BUT this is a series that you need to be patient with. You need to give Pepper space to grow because believe me she does.
Her best friend Jace who is the love of her life can be pretty annoying at times. I felt from the get go that underneath the rough exterior was a guy worthy of her but he needs a few sharp edges knocked off him first. It's always clear how much he cares for Pepper but he doesn't know the right way to show this. Again he needs time to grow and again he does!
So with interesting character development, a fab setting and lots and lots of drama, I was pretty happy that I had book 2 on hand to dive into.
Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for giving me a copy of these books in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I absolutely love books with a fitness theme so as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover for this one, I was IN! Anything that inspires me to lace up my runners too is a must-read in my eyes.
My Thoughts on Pepped Up:
Books with sports themes are my magnets and they suck me up every time! I love reading books that focus on running as it makes me want to pound the pavements too. And Pepper LOVES to run, the joy and release that it gives her made me happy as I get that. I’m not a natural runner like Pepper but it’s my therapy and seeing her love for running just fires me up too.
I really enjoyed watching her get psyched up for competitions and even just the daily details of her running regime felt fun to tag along to. Outside of her running ability Pepper isn’t the most confident of girls and her interactions with guys made me cringe a little at times. BUT this is a series that you need to be patient with. You need to give Pepper space to grow because believe me she does.
Her best friend Jace who is the love of her life can be pretty annoying at times. I felt from the get go that underneath the rough exterior was a guy worthy of her but he needs a few sharp edges knocked off him first. It's always clear how much he cares for Pepper but he doesn't know the right way to show this. Again he needs time to grow and again he does!
So with interesting character development, a fab setting and lots and lots of drama, I was pretty happy that I had book 2 on hand to dive into.
Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for giving me a copy of these books in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
October 5, 2015
Huh.
I wanted to give this book a 1.5 stars but goodreads wont let me so 2 stars instead.
During the time I was reading this book, all I wanted was either to slap Pepper or punch Jace in the face. Don't get me wrong, I like Pepper since she's a hardworker and I admire her perseverance towards running and determination to improve herself. Jace on the other hand, ugh. He may be the popular-handsome-football-player but his character has no depth or whatsoever. He didn't grow up, even just a little; didn't face the consequences of his actions and just use Pepper as an excuse to do the things he did.
I don't like the ending either, if there was an ending at all. I don't want to think that the author left the story hanging so I will be oblige to buy and read the sequel.
I wanted to give this book a 1.5 stars but goodreads wont let me so 2 stars instead.
During the time I was reading this book, all I wanted was either to slap Pepper or punch Jace in the face. Don't get me wrong, I like Pepper since she's a hardworker and I admire her perseverance towards running and determination to improve herself. Jace on the other hand, ugh. He may be the popular-handsome-football-player but his character has no depth or whatsoever. He didn't grow up, even just a little; didn't face the consequences of his actions and just use Pepper as an excuse to do the things he did.
I don't like the ending either, if there was an ending at all. I don't want to think that the author left the story hanging so I will be oblige to buy and read the sequel.
September 23, 2013
This is a hard one to review... I would say 2.5 stars, but I was nice & rounded to 3... Here is why... Jace is hot and you have known him all your life BUT the sex and the drugs... Ugh... The stuff about the E just really made my skin crawl & she still has feelings for him?!? But I liked pepper & the running backdrop & really liked Ryan... And her friends but I never got Jace... Just didn't get him... I would live to know what his & Wes falling out was about... I have a few guesses... It says at the end there will be a book 2 I'll read it, but I bet that it will bounce back & forth between guys again...
November 26, 2014
Pepped Up was a decent read.
I liked Pepper, and i spent most of the book hoping things turned out well for her.
I really liked her relationship with her nan, and i enjoyed the bits where Jace was included.
The ending was good, and i'm looking forward to book two.
Overall, An enjoyable read.
I liked Pepper, and i spent most of the book hoping things turned out well for her.
I really liked her relationship with her nan, and i enjoyed the bits where Jace was included.
The ending was good, and i'm looking forward to book two.
Overall, An enjoyable read.
September 20, 2016
Ohhhhhh I can. NOT. WAIT. For the next book!!!!
December 21, 2018
Since I caught a glimpse of Pepper and Jace on the Stark Academy Series, I could not wait to start.
I never thought of myself as a sports-romance lover but here I am, reading Ali's books one after the other and I'm loving it. It's so energetic, it actually feels like I'm experiencing the thrill and the endorphins that run through the characters.
Jace and Pepper had that kind of vibe that friends have when they know each other for a long time and feel more than friendship. It's so cute, I love reading this stuff. I can't get the smile off my face.
Even though Ryan was the perfect guy in everything, I kept rooting for Jace. (I always team with the troubled guy - they are the one that deserves and needs the most, so...)
So, I loved reading this book, I could not put it down and can't wait to follow up on the series. <3
I never thought of myself as a sports-romance lover but here I am, reading Ali's books one after the other and I'm loving it. It's so energetic, it actually feels like I'm experiencing the thrill and the endorphins that run through the characters.
Jace and Pepper had that kind of vibe that friends have when they know each other for a long time and feel more than friendship. It's so cute, I love reading this stuff. I can't get the smile off my face.
Even though Ryan was the perfect guy in everything, I kept rooting for Jace. (I always team with the troubled guy - they are the one that deserves and needs the most, so...)
So, I loved reading this book, I could not put it down and can't wait to follow up on the series. <3
April 29, 2019
Well...it was bad. The girl was too naive. The boy was horrible and controlling. I found him manipulative as well. Don't get me wrong we all manipulate at some extent but his deal was barf worthy. She uses Ryan. Big no no in my book.
June 17, 2019
This was a hard book to rate. Pepper and Jace were very difficult people to like. They both wanted to be more than friends. Yet Jace couldn't go there. I will be honest I don't think it would work good between them anyways. Jace has too many secrets. A big part of why this got as m any stars as it di was because of Pepper's grandma. That woman was awesome.
December 22, 2019
Read these earlier this year but never read the last book. RTC if I ever finish.
Want to read
March 25, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/25/2020)! 🎁
December 14, 2020
Lo bueno:
🔸Wattpad vibes.
🔸Personajes tridimensionales (AHH la abuela de Pepper es amor).
🔸Escritura decente con una trama que es entretenimiento puro y simple.
Lo malo:
🔸Wattpad vibes !!!!!
If you know, you know.
🔸Wattpad vibes.
🔸Personajes tridimensionales (AHH la abuela de Pepper es amor).
🔸Escritura decente con una trama que es entretenimiento puro y simple.
Lo malo:
🔸Wattpad vibes !!!!!
If you know, you know.
October 20, 2013
AMANDA'S 5 STAR THOUGHTS
I NEED BOOK 2… NOW!!! I loved this book! I instantly clicked with it and just couldn't stop reading! This book was recommended to me because of my love for all books by Tijan! And let me just say that Ali Dean is now on my radar and I am anxious to read EVERYTHING she writes in the future! This is one of those books that sucks you in and just won't let go, I can't say enough!
"This right here is what I live for. The steady rhythm of my feet landing softly on dirt."
Pepped Up is the story about Pepper Jones. She lives to run and is an amazing cross country runner for her High School, Brockton Public. Pepper has worked hard and is hoping to qualify for Nationals this year! Pepper is not one of the popular girls who goes to parties and hook-ups. But her best friend, Jace Wilder, is the most popular boy in school! Everyone loves him, the guys idolize and respect him and the girls all swoon at his feet! They have been friends their whole life and even though they now run in different social circles, they have always been close!
"Pep, you're my best friend. Even more than Wes. You're like family, you know?"
But now that Ryan Harding has moved to town and is interested in Pepper, everything is starting to change. Ryan is a cross country runner and he is instantly drawn to Pepper. No matter how hard she tells herself to stay focused on running, Ryan and Jace always seem to be in the front of her mind! She has always liked Jace more than in a friend way, but never wanted to tell him. But everything is changing and she is starting to learn that maybe she means more to him than she though… but what about Ryan? And how much does she really know about Jace?
"Jace isn't usually like this… I don't know what's gotten into him." Ryan places his hands on my hips. "I do. He's afraid of losing you."
Ali Dean is an amazing Author! I am hooked on this series and am so excited to read more! This book is another YA that stands out because it is so different! And I loved every word! Don't miss out!
I NEED BOOK 2… NOW!!! I loved this book! I instantly clicked with it and just couldn't stop reading! This book was recommended to me because of my love for all books by Tijan! And let me just say that Ali Dean is now on my radar and I am anxious to read EVERYTHING she writes in the future! This is one of those books that sucks you in and just won't let go, I can't say enough!
"This right here is what I live for. The steady rhythm of my feet landing softly on dirt."
Pepped Up is the story about Pepper Jones. She lives to run and is an amazing cross country runner for her High School, Brockton Public. Pepper has worked hard and is hoping to qualify for Nationals this year! Pepper is not one of the popular girls who goes to parties and hook-ups. But her best friend, Jace Wilder, is the most popular boy in school! Everyone loves him, the guys idolize and respect him and the girls all swoon at his feet! They have been friends their whole life and even though they now run in different social circles, they have always been close!
"Pep, you're my best friend. Even more than Wes. You're like family, you know?"
But now that Ryan Harding has moved to town and is interested in Pepper, everything is starting to change. Ryan is a cross country runner and he is instantly drawn to Pepper. No matter how hard she tells herself to stay focused on running, Ryan and Jace always seem to be in the front of her mind! She has always liked Jace more than in a friend way, but never wanted to tell him. But everything is changing and she is starting to learn that maybe she means more to him than she though… but what about Ryan? And how much does she really know about Jace?
"Jace isn't usually like this… I don't know what's gotten into him." Ryan places his hands on my hips. "I do. He's afraid of losing you."
Ali Dean is an amazing Author! I am hooked on this series and am so excited to read more! This book is another YA that stands out because it is so different! And I loved every word! Don't miss out!
January 6, 2017
I bought this book today and I I liked most of the story. I understand Jace had issues and couldn't fully commit to Pepper because his feelings for her made him feel out of control. Pepper is the kind of main character I don't feel strongly invested in. She didn't feel multi-dimensional. I truly appreciated her dedication to running. I enjoyed reading about the sport. Zoe, her friend, did. I liked her spirit and her support of Pepper.
Jace getting involved with drugs and becoming a dealer along with their childhood friend, Wes, felt completely superfluous. The sex orgies mentioned in the book are also unnecessary. I get Jace was out of control, but did the reader really need to know about his "rollin"? it's not like he was being abused, he sought out the escape. Pepper being his rock can be good and bad. Jace must learn to live a good life on his own and not rely on her during every setback.
It didn't add anything to the story in my opinion. I did learn that Wes is a good friend which is a good thing to know if he's going to be in the subsequent books.
Ryan is an awesome character and I'm not sure if he's going to be in the next couple of books, but I hope he is. Pepper and he have a special relationship.
The second book in the series is free if you have Kindle Unlimited. I don't think I would have paid for book 2. It is a decent read. Happy reading!
Jace getting involved with drugs and becoming a dealer along with their childhood friend, Wes, felt completely superfluous. The sex orgies mentioned in the book are also unnecessary. I get Jace was out of control, but did the reader really need to know about his "rollin"? it's not like he was being abused, he sought out the escape. Pepper being his rock can be good and bad. Jace must learn to live a good life on his own and not rely on her during every setback.
It didn't add anything to the story in my opinion. I did learn that Wes is a good friend which is a good thing to know if he's going to be in the subsequent books.
Ryan is an awesome character and I'm not sure if he's going to be in the next couple of books, but I hope he is. Pepper and he have a special relationship.
The second book in the series is free if you have Kindle Unlimited. I don't think I would have paid for book 2. It is a decent read. Happy reading!
September 30, 2014
Props to Ali Dean for getting this couch potato even the slightest bit interested in running. Dean seems to know a lot about cross country running and the parts of the book that focus on Pepper’s training and her feelings about running and her place on the team and the pressure to reach a national level with her sport are all done very well. Unfortunately, the book loses a lot of points when it comes to Pepper’s love life and depicting the more adult, social aspects of high school. It touches on some pretty gritty and risqué stuff like hardcore drugs, underage drinking and sex but does it in the lamest After School Special way possible. Seriously, the Disney Channel would have rejected this as not being realistic and edgy enough for a TV movie. The bad boys in this story come across as such wannabees. The teens are all playing at doing so. None of it is realistic; not even “YA Fantasyland” realistic. And Pepper has the biggest crush on Lame-o Wannabee #1 even though she has perfectly good options right in front of her! Ugh. Teenage girls: not making a lick of sense since the beginning of time.
August 12, 2015
3.5 I think I like Ryan better! Review to come at when I make it to the most recent book.
September 27, 2024
3.5⭐
This book is the first in a series which follows Pepper Jones through her journey from highschool to college. I went into it blind but I think this is YA and perfect for teens.
Nothing significant happened in this book but I was looking for some typical american highschool drama and this fits the narrative so I more or less enjoyed it. It was nice to see an athletic fmc who's a runner and idk much about the sport so this was something new to me. I can sense a love triangle brewing and ngl it makes me uncomfortable because Ryan seems like a great guy and it's gonna hurt to see him getting ditched for Jace. Atleast he has a separate book later in the series so that softens the blow. This may be the first time where I'm not liking the mmc (Jace Wilder). He just screams trouble and not in the typical bad boy way which I usually like. But I'm curious to see where everything heads off to and I really like the fmc. The series is a pretty long one so I hope I'll enjoy it no matter what.
This book is the first in a series which follows Pepper Jones through her journey from highschool to college. I went into it blind but I think this is YA and perfect for teens.
Nothing significant happened in this book but I was looking for some typical american highschool drama and this fits the narrative so I more or less enjoyed it. It was nice to see an athletic fmc who's a runner and idk much about the sport so this was something new to me. I can sense a love triangle brewing and ngl it makes me uncomfortable because Ryan seems like a great guy and it's gonna hurt to see him getting ditched for Jace. Atleast he has a separate book later in the series so that softens the blow. This may be the first time where I'm not liking the mmc (Jace Wilder). He just screams trouble and not in the typical bad boy way which I usually like. But I'm curious to see where everything heads off to and I really like the fmc. The series is a pretty long one so I hope I'll enjoy it no matter what.
September 4, 2019
Audiobook Review:
Pepped Up (Pepper Jones Series, Book One) is a ya sport romance about a cross country runner and her best friend. A perfect balance between school days and private spere. The narrative flows through smoothly without filler. The sport aspect about cross country runners was well researched and detailed, giving it a realism sense. An intriguing glimpse of the mind of a athlete. Well developed, compelling characters with complex personalities. Supporting character Gran was my favorite character & accentuated the narrative. A bit of lock stock and barrel with angst, high school drama, family, romance, and a bit of mystery. One of the best parts is the change in dynamics between Pepper and Jace and Peppers ability to not sacrifice her life and stays true to herself. The writing style is explicit, vivid and flows through smoothly. Looking forward to listening to the next audiobook in this ya sports romance.
Narator Stacey Glemboski did a wonderful performance with this audiobook. It was so easy to listen to, went so quickly and smoothly as her voice soothing.
Pepped Up (Pepper Jones Series, Book One) is a ya sport romance about a cross country runner and her best friend. A perfect balance between school days and private spere. The narrative flows through smoothly without filler. The sport aspect about cross country runners was well researched and detailed, giving it a realism sense. An intriguing glimpse of the mind of a athlete. Well developed, compelling characters with complex personalities. Supporting character Gran was my favorite character & accentuated the narrative. A bit of lock stock and barrel with angst, high school drama, family, romance, and a bit of mystery. One of the best parts is the change in dynamics between Pepper and Jace and Peppers ability to not sacrifice her life and stays true to herself. The writing style is explicit, vivid and flows through smoothly. Looking forward to listening to the next audiobook in this ya sports romance.
Narator Stacey Glemboski did a wonderful performance with this audiobook. It was so easy to listen to, went so quickly and smoothly as her voice soothing.
January 15, 2020
Pepped Up
This is Ali Dean's debut novel and my first book that I've read of hers. I will say that I did enjoy this book, but I am looking forward to seeing what kind of writing growth comes in the next books!
Pepper is a cross country runner and Jace is her best friend. Of course lines get blurred, but there's lots of wishy washy, drive you crazy, back and forth going on. Ryan is the new guy at school and is also a cross country runner. He didn't seem to get the memo that Pepper is off limits so we get to see a bit of a power struggle. Always interesting!
If you're looking for anything steamy, this definitely isn't the book for you. It's a pretty legit YA read!
This is Ali Dean's debut novel and my first book that I've read of hers. I will say that I did enjoy this book, but I am looking forward to seeing what kind of writing growth comes in the next books!
Pepper is a cross country runner and Jace is her best friend. Of course lines get blurred, but there's lots of wishy washy, drive you crazy, back and forth going on. Ryan is the new guy at school and is also a cross country runner. He didn't seem to get the memo that Pepper is off limits so we get to see a bit of a power struggle. Always interesting!
If you're looking for anything steamy, this definitely isn't the book for you. It's a pretty legit YA read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews