I wasn't sure what to expect from this new addition to the Pepper Jones series, but I definitely knew that I was excited for it. I always felt like there was just a little bit more of Pepper's story to be told and this book fit every expectation I didn't know I had.

Perhaps the standout of this book is how solid Pepper and Jace have become as a couple. Marriage certainly agrees with them, even if their work schedules keep them from spending as much time together as they would like. Each faces their own career challenges, but the strength of their marriage keeps them from losing balance.

In the past books, it felt like whenever Jace was low, Pepper was high, or vice versa. Now they are on the same page, riding the waves together and keeping honesty and love at the center of their relationship. The way they talk through their feelings and fears, each one willing to sacrifice for the other, is so special. The best part? It feels so authentic to their story and what they've been through together.

Although the relationship plays a huge role in this story, let's not forget that Pepper is the heart of this series. Pepper never fails to inspire me, but in this book she shines. Her confidence, vulnerability, strength, and love comes together in a way that shows she is comfortable with herself, flaws and all. In particular, her racing scenes really explore the depth of her resilience.

And let's not forget about our secondary characters! Both friend and foe, each interaction with the secondary characters adds to the overall plot. It's easy to get overcrowded with so many big personalities, but the balance in this book is perfect. We get to revisit some of our old high school pals and newer college friends and see how they're handling tricky adult friendships.

Pepped Up and Wilder is an incredible addition, but it does get a little darker than its predecessors. We see Jace and Pepper at their most vulnerable while navigating indescribable hardship. However, the way they move through it together is nothing short of heartwarming. I'll say this, Pepped Up and Wilder will make you cry all kinds of tears, and you'll be thanking Ali Dean by the end.

*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.