Qualifying for Nationals. It’s all I can think about, and I’m willing to do anything it takes to make it happen. I can handle long miles and hill sprints in cross country, but guys? That’s an entirely different challenge. I’ve kept my feelings hidden from the boy next door all this time. My longtime friend, Jace Wilder doesn’t see me that way. He has the personal magnetism and good looks to hook just about any girl in town—and he has. Our friendship stands apart from high school social circles, and I’m fine with that, or so I keep telling myself. That is, until running star Ryan Harding moves to town and bridges the gap. Apparently, I’ve caught his eye and suddenly Jace starts seeing me in a different light. Everything changes, for all of us. On the trails, my goals are clear. Train, run, breathe, run, win. But when it comes to Jace and Ryan, it’s nowhere near as simple. This battle can’t be won by crossing a finish line, this war is in my heart.

Winning nationals wasn’t the only dream that came true. I also walked away with the heart of the one boy I couldn’t live without. I knew the being Jace Wilder’s girlfriend wouldn’t be simple. But how could I have known all the hurdles we would face? Drama at school? That’s a given. Jealous girls? That I expected. Family secrets? Not so much. At least I can always hit the trails to clear my head… or so I thought. The high expectations from my winning cross country season still haunt me, and hold me hostage. I can’t seem to get psyched up for what comes next. My competitive spirit is fading and I’m lost without it. What will I do when my one constant is no longer my safe place? Life on and off the track is spiraling out of control, leaving me in its wake as I struggle to remember who I truly am.

(This is the third book in the Pepper Jones series. The following description contains spoilers for Pepped Up and All Pepped Up. It is highly recommended that you read the books in order.) Pepper is finally a senior, and she’s determined to defend her national cross-country title. Although Jace is busy with the demands of college football, he’s still at Pepper’s side, supporting her goals. But is she taking her renewed enthusiasm for training too far? As Jace and Pepper focus on their athletic ambitions, they discover that Jace’s social status has followed him to college, despite his attempt to keep a low profile. With her boyfriend as an idol on campus, Pepper discovers that she might just be a target to those who find Jace threatening. Are Jace and Pepper strong enough to withstand the pressure from those who want something from them? It won’t be easy fighting for her title and her boyfriend, but nothing easy is worth winning… or keeping.

Jace College isn’t all fun and games, and it gets lonely at the top. Thankfully, I have Pepper. She is the last person I would ever dream of hurting, but when I realize she has the power break my heart, I do the only thing I know. I push her away like I did back in high school, back when I thought she was better off without me. One thing’s becoming clear, I’m not better off without her. I need her. What have I done?Pepper I thought everything would fall into place when I started college, instead everything is falling apart. Uncertain of my coach’s expectations or my place amongst new cross country teammates, I’m struggling to redefine my running goals and prove myself. My steady relationship with Jace should be a source of comfort, but his unexplained behavior throws everything between us off track. Running may be the only way to help me get through it, but I’m not running away, not from this new team or from Jace. This freshman is headed for the finish line, and nothing is standing in my way.

Pepper I’ve made it this far and I’m not about to slow down now, in fact I’m ready to start breaking some records. With my junior year of college quickly approaching, I know it’s time to step it up a notch if I want to run professionally after I graduate. Hoping for a race day breakthrough, I wonder if it’s actually a mental barrier holding me back and if so, how am I supposed to confront what I can’t see? Letting my past be my guide, both on and off the trails, I listen to my heart and finally know what it takes to win it all… trust. In Jace and myself. Jace I want Pepper back. Anyway I can have her, however she will take me. I’m reluctant to bulldoze my way into her life, having already crushed her once (okay, probably a few more times than that) before, but I’ll do whatever it takes. I just need to remind her what we had- what we have, and what’s at stake, but first, I’ll have to get her to listen to me. What happens if I’m too late and she crosses the finish line without me?

Pepper: The best part of a happy ending... finding out it's actually just the beginning. Having someone promise to be by your side, to chase dreams with, whisper troubles to, it's more than I could have imagined. But after three seasons of Jace playing pro ball in Ohio, three long seasons, with him on the road, and me training all over the world, I’m questioning if we can really have it all. Harsh criticism of our relationship is all too familiar and uncovers old wounds. I only ever wanted to run and to be with Jace, and finding the perfect balance proves to be my greatest trial yet. We vowed not to let our love deter each other's athletic goals, but I miss him. I miss us. Jace: The demands of our careers have us running in opposite directions, when we should be putting down roots, together. But escalating fame and an overbearing agent have me fumbling everything I hold dear, including Pepper. After years of dedication and sacrifice, I'm finally in a position to trade to my hometown team. Moving back to Colorado could be the answer to all our problems, but just when I think we're finally on the right track, we're sacked with news that turns everything upside down. News that rattles me and sends Pepper into a tailspin. It's time for me to remind the girl that I fell in love with how to fight. Until she's ready, I'll fight hard enough for the both of us. For better or for worse.

Ryan Harding. He’s running royalty. The guy I’ve been following online since I started this sport. Sure, I’ve got a crush on him, but so does nearly every other runner in the country. I’m an unknown in this world, it’s not like the prince of distance running is ever going to notice me, which is for the best. I’ve been down this road once before with the Mr. Perfect type, and I’m not doing it again. Indigo Adams stood out the moment I saw her cross the finish line. She’s not only got a gorgeous stride and stellar kick, but possesses the tenacity and drive required to reach the top. She’s the perfect fit for our newly-formed team in Colorado, though her running potential isn’t the only thing that’s captured my attention. Indigo seems skeptical of our selection of her and even more skeptical of me and my intentions. What will it take for her to see she belongs here in Brockton, on this team… and with me?

Get the first five books in the best-selling YA/NA crossover series! This bundle (1) Pepped Up, (2) All Pepped Up, (3) Pepped Up and Ready, (4) Pep Talks, and (5) Pepped Up Forever. 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 should be read in order, each book is a complete story. \ \This series contains mature content.\