What do you think?
Rate this book
All's Fair in Love and Sports #1
Running to You
Sammy didn’t expect Brandon to look twice. But Brandon didn’t count on Sammy running off with his heart.
First love can be bittersweet in this touching teen romance.
Sammy had her sights set on track state finals and never paid much attention to the college guys who came to help her mom run their bed-and-breakfast. But that was before Brandon. He was young and strong and not that much older than Sammy.
Brandon took the job to help pay for college. It sounded easy: live in the apartment above the garage, be the handyman and groundskeeper, and run off to the dorms in the fall. He didn’t count on finding a family.
He didn’t count on Sammy running away with his heart.
When tragedy strikes, Brandon has to make a choice. Be the big brother Sammy so desperately needs, or admit his feelings run much deeper.
First love can be bittersweet in this touching teen romance.
Sammy had her sights set on track state finals and never paid much attention to the college guys who came to help her mom run their bed-and-breakfast. But that was before Brandon. He was young and strong and not that much older than Sammy.
Brandon took the job to help pay for college. It sounded easy: live in the apartment above the garage, be the handyman and groundskeeper, and run off to the dorms in the fall. He didn’t count on finding a family.
He didn’t count on Sammy running away with his heart.
When tragedy strikes, Brandon has to make a choice. Be the big brother Sammy so desperately needs, or admit his feelings run much deeper.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2019
190 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
dnf
February 25, 2020DNF 60% 💔
Me estaba gustando bastante, tiene unos protagonistas que me gustan y una relación muy cute. Sí, peca de rápido pero después todo es muy positivo y me encanta como se relacionan porque tienen una relación super bonita. Pero al 60% ha llegado un drama sufridor de los que no sale nada bueno y no escogí yo este libro para sufrir.
No es un drama de esos que saca mi odio simplemente leía este libro para pasar un buen rato y lo estaba consiguiendo pero a partir de ese giro me temo que se va a volver todo bastante más oscuro y prefiero no pasar por ello.
Reseña: http://librosdelcielo.blogspot.com/20...
Me estaba gustando bastante, tiene unos protagonistas que me gustan y una relación muy cute. Sí, peca de rápido pero después todo es muy positivo y me encanta como se relacionan porque tienen una relación super bonita. Pero al 60% ha llegado un drama sufridor de los que no sale nada bueno y no escogí yo este libro para sufrir.
No es un drama de esos que saca mi odio simplemente leía este libro para pasar un buen rato y lo estaba consiguiendo pero a partir de ese giro me temo que se va a volver todo bastante más oscuro y prefiero no pasar por ello.
Reseña: http://librosdelcielo.blogspot.com/20...
May 23, 2020
G-rated, family-drama, sports romance
Sammy's mother owns and runs a bed-and-breakfast on a beautiful lake in Michigan, and the two of them live there all year round. Sammy's passion is participating on her school’s track team, and she spends her free time during the summers running. Two twin girls the same age as Sammy are also on the track team. They are her friends, stay in training by running with her all year, and they also work as part-time maids at the inn. They are excellent runners, but not as good as Sammy, who is outstanding.
Sammy’s dad died 15 years ago, and her mother has mourned him ever since. Over the years, there have been many different teenage boys working for her mother during the summer, the inn’s high season, but Sammy has never paid much attention to any of them, until Brandon.
Brandon’s parents died in a car accident six months before, and his girlfriend callously dumped him soon after. Understandably, he’s depressed and alienated. He quickly becomes very close to Sammy's kind, sweet mother, who is supportive and nurturing toward him. She allows him to live in the apartment above their garage while he works as their handyman and groundskeeper.
When they first meet, Sammy resents the fact that Brandon treats her like a child, which seems unfair to her, since they are very close in age. She’s just turned 17, he’s just turned 18, and he’s a rising freshman in college, while she’s a rising senior in high school. He hasn't run since the previous fall when he was on the cross country team at his high school, and his spirits begin to rise when he starts training with Sammy and the twins for a 10K marathon.
Brandon and Sammy gradually become friends due to his closeness to her mother and their running together, but Sammy wants more from him than mere friendship. Will Brandon ever see her as anything more than a little sister?
This is a poignant, family drama, including both tragedy and romance. Its events occur across a full year in chronological time. I enjoyed the scenes of Sammy and Brandon’s running together very much. There are excellent subcharacters, each with a distinctive voice, especially Sammy’s wonderful mother.
This is a G-rated version of a classic, “slow-burn” romance. Its ending is a bit surprising, given the ages of the romantic protagonists, but well motivated and moving.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Running Plot: 4 stars
Family Drama Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
Sammy's mother owns and runs a bed-and-breakfast on a beautiful lake in Michigan, and the two of them live there all year round. Sammy's passion is participating on her school’s track team, and she spends her free time during the summers running. Two twin girls the same age as Sammy are also on the track team. They are her friends, stay in training by running with her all year, and they also work as part-time maids at the inn. They are excellent runners, but not as good as Sammy, who is outstanding.
Sammy’s dad died 15 years ago, and her mother has mourned him ever since. Over the years, there have been many different teenage boys working for her mother during the summer, the inn’s high season, but Sammy has never paid much attention to any of them, until Brandon.
Brandon’s parents died in a car accident six months before, and his girlfriend callously dumped him soon after. Understandably, he’s depressed and alienated. He quickly becomes very close to Sammy's kind, sweet mother, who is supportive and nurturing toward him. She allows him to live in the apartment above their garage while he works as their handyman and groundskeeper.
When they first meet, Sammy resents the fact that Brandon treats her like a child, which seems unfair to her, since they are very close in age. She’s just turned 17, he’s just turned 18, and he’s a rising freshman in college, while she’s a rising senior in high school. He hasn't run since the previous fall when he was on the cross country team at his high school, and his spirits begin to rise when he starts training with Sammy and the twins for a 10K marathon.
Brandon and Sammy gradually become friends due to his closeness to her mother and their running together, but Sammy wants more from him than mere friendship. Will Brandon ever see her as anything more than a little sister?
This is a poignant, family drama, including both tragedy and romance. Its events occur across a full year in chronological time. I enjoyed the scenes of Sammy and Brandon’s running together very much. There are excellent subcharacters, each with a distinctive voice, especially Sammy’s wonderful mother.
This is a G-rated version of a classic, “slow-burn” romance. Its ending is a bit surprising, given the ages of the romantic protagonists, but well motivated and moving.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Running Plot: 4 stars
Family Drama Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
August 13, 2023
I've actually read this book twice which in a way amazes me because I didn't like the message that this book conveyed which I explain in the spoiler.
Content: terminal illness, kisses, eluding to sleeping together but it doesn't happen on page
Content: terminal illness, kisses, eluding to sleeping together but it doesn't happen on page
January 20, 2020
It was ok
For the most part, I did like the book. But it felt more like the bones of a book and not a full book.
Time was skewed and not represented well. It would be weeks or months after a chapter, but there was no indication of it. There was interaction between Sammy and Brandon, but it was mostly dialogue. You really weren't given anything else, like their surroundings or what not. And their internal dialogue was always the same. To the point of annoyance. It usually went to the extent that Sammy was too young and Brandon only saw her as a sister. Sammy was almost exactly a year younger. That age difference is nothing. And the brother/sister thing was annoying because I never saw indication that that was how they felt. And Renae and Brandon didn't have enough time together to warrant him calling her mom. It just felt forced and rushed.
There were also several scenes to develop and grow characters, but that didn't happen. Like, the fair incident. Who was that Sammy being very provocative with her date and getting drunk? Just to make Brandon jealous. She was written to be enjoying herself, but she really put herself in danger. And Brandon teaching her a lesson about alcohol? Why not impart the wisdom of choosing better dates? Ones that won't get you drunk to take advantage of you? (And whatever happened to those charges? Whole part of the story not discussed again...) And then again with the twins. Were their parents ok with their minor children not returning home? I doubt it. But the consequences of their behavior are conveniently left out.
Plus, did Sammy beat the twins in her last race? I would have liked to know. And the ending was way too abrupt. How did they manage the B&B? Did they finish school? I felt invested enough to want to know how they navigated a really delicate situation because marriage didn't make it all better. They'd still have challenges and very little support to get through it.
For the most part, I did like the book. But it felt more like the bones of a book and not a full book.
Time was skewed and not represented well. It would be weeks or months after a chapter, but there was no indication of it. There was interaction between Sammy and Brandon, but it was mostly dialogue. You really weren't given anything else, like their surroundings or what not. And their internal dialogue was always the same. To the point of annoyance. It usually went to the extent that Sammy was too young and Brandon only saw her as a sister. Sammy was almost exactly a year younger. That age difference is nothing. And the brother/sister thing was annoying because I never saw indication that that was how they felt. And Renae and Brandon didn't have enough time together to warrant him calling her mom. It just felt forced and rushed.
There were also several scenes to develop and grow characters, but that didn't happen. Like, the fair incident. Who was that Sammy being very provocative with her date and getting drunk? Just to make Brandon jealous. She was written to be enjoying herself, but she really put herself in danger. And Brandon teaching her a lesson about alcohol? Why not impart the wisdom of choosing better dates? Ones that won't get you drunk to take advantage of you? (And whatever happened to those charges? Whole part of the story not discussed again...) And then again with the twins. Were their parents ok with their minor children not returning home? I doubt it. But the consequences of their behavior are conveniently left out.
Plus, did Sammy beat the twins in her last race? I would have liked to know. And the ending was way too abrupt. How did they manage the B&B? Did they finish school? I felt invested enough to want to know how they navigated a really delicate situation because marriage didn't make it all better. They'd still have challenges and very little support to get through it.
January 24, 2019
So sweet
This was such a sweet and emotional story. I was a little annoyed in the beginning when Brandon kept saying Sammy was too young for him when he was only a year older. I'm happy they got their happily ever after once they both stopped dancing around each other.
This was such a sweet and emotional story. I was a little annoyed in the beginning when Brandon kept saying Sammy was too young for him when he was only a year older. I'm happy they got their happily ever after once they both stopped dancing around each other.
September 22, 2021
If you're looking for a clean romance, then Ms. Spencer's book will serve you well.
The HEA I expected. The timeline wasn't what I thought it would be, but as I don't want to give away spoilers, I won't elaborate.
This is a YA/NA age book with likeable characters, a lovely setting (who doesn't love a B&B?), and a few sweet kisses.
There is mention of sex but none happens on page.
The HEA I expected. The timeline wasn't what I thought it would be, but as I don't want to give away spoilers, I won't elaborate.
This is a YA/NA age book with likeable characters, a lovely setting (who doesn't love a B&B?), and a few sweet kisses.
There is mention of sex but none happens on page.
April 12, 2020
Fun (but slightly cringy) read.
Well, this was not what I was expecting. I had a whole less track and more possible death. It, however, had the same amount of drama and that was what I was looking forward to, apparently, because I really enjoyed myself. I for sure will read the next in the series.
I know I’m being harsh in my stars because I really enjoyed this book but I just can’t bring myself to give more when I compare it with other four-star reads for me... Also, I had some problems with how alcohol and marriage was handled (as in it’s simply terrible you should just never drink instead of moderation and not accepting drinks from random guys and not when you’re not of age, etc. - this is probably because the author is LDS and... I’m not - and the second as it’s okay for you to ask my mother if we can get married when we never ever talked about it and just discovered we were “in love” with each other a few moments ago). That just didn’t sit very well with me.
Whatever... (as our heroine would say 😂) I enjoyed it still and will read the other ones
Well, this was not what I was expecting. I had a whole less track and more possible death. It, however, had the same amount of drama and that was what I was looking forward to, apparently, because I really enjoyed myself. I for sure will read the next in the series.
I know I’m being harsh in my stars because I really enjoyed this book but I just can’t bring myself to give more when I compare it with other four-star reads for me... Also, I had some problems with how alcohol and marriage was handled (as in it’s simply terrible you should just never drink instead of moderation and not accepting drinks from random guys and not when you’re not of age, etc. - this is probably because the author is LDS and... I’m not - and the second as it’s okay for you to ask my mother if we can get married when we never ever talked about it and just discovered we were “in love” with each other a few moments ago). That just didn’t sit very well with me.
Whatever... (as our heroine would say 😂) I enjoyed it still and will read the other ones
March 4, 2019
Ive read " running to you " ,, it was instant everything ,, and the whole i love you but as sister but i love you bothered me ,, and she's 17 and got married ! I dunno ,, i gave it 2 out of 5 stars
January 4, 2019
I loved this great YA book. The story line kept me interested and wanting to find out what happened next. The characters were engaging and I could definitely relate to the storyline as my son does competitive track running (sprinting). This will be a story I definitely keep to read again...and again. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 26, 2019
I did not like Sammy at first I thought she acted immature. She complained about being called a younger sister but acted totally immature. As the story progressed she seems to grow up and I liked her more and more. Warning- this book has underage drinking and references to casual sex. The ending was different that what I expected. Overall by the end the book was gotten better.
September 24, 2025
Best book in the series (so far!).
January 15, 2019
Could have been so much more
I was very disappointed in the casualness of the twins toward “sleeping”around And also their attitude towards alcohol especially as athletes. Not appreciated by me but especially in a ya book.
While the main characters were charming and the setting a definite plus. Though the main characters made better choices than the twins there was no foundation made for why. A frank discussion would have been welcome. Dealing with death definitely created an easy opening for talk of afterlife if not specifically Christ. Praying would have been approach a good vehicle for further insight into the characters struggles and Perhaps encouragement and strength for them and the readers.
Despite these issues, I found the stirring. What happens next?
I was very disappointed in the casualness of the twins toward “sleeping”around And also their attitude towards alcohol especially as athletes. Not appreciated by me but especially in a ya book.
While the main characters were charming and the setting a definite plus. Though the main characters made better choices than the twins there was no foundation made for why. A frank discussion would have been welcome. Dealing with death definitely created an easy opening for talk of afterlife if not specifically Christ. Praying would have been approach a good vehicle for further insight into the characters struggles and Perhaps encouragement and strength for them and the readers.
Despite these issues, I found the stirring. What happens next?
November 20, 2019
This is a bit of a sad story about a teenage boy that has lost both of his parents and a teenage girl who has lost a father and soon finds out her mother is ill. During a time Sam (girl) should be daring and having fun with few cares in the world Sam has to face grief. But with Brandon she wouldn’t have to face it alone. Brandon has adopted Sam’s Mom as his Mom and Sam’s Mom thinks the two are only friends more like siblings. But the two of them have to figure out how to help the other past that. Warning to reader. While this was a clean book with no intimacy going on between the main characters, sex is discussed and other teens are engaging in sex yet there are no descriptions.
September 16, 2019
This book was well written and really sweet, it was a fast paced book that covered a whole year of the main character's lives. There was some under age drinking and reference to premarital sex, not in relation to the main characters. I really enjoy reading love stories and romances but found the ending hard to relate to as an older reader. I'm sure teenagers who do read this would thoroughly enjoy the ultimate happy ending.
The book told the story from both points of view. It was a clever story written with a younger audience in mind.
The book told the story from both points of view. It was a clever story written with a younger audience in mind.
November 8, 2020
Great YA story and great narration by Stephanie. A delightful story of young love and decisions they make that may last a lifetime. We have Brandon taking a job at the B & B doing odd jobs around his school work. With a much young Sammy, she is only a year young. When it comes to having to make a hard decision what will it be. I enjoy these of how they make a choice. Given audio for my voluntary excellent
September 13, 2021
A cute, sweet, heartwarming book
This book was a very fun, light read. There were a couple heavy topics and some grief, but for the most part it was lighthearted. The chemistry between Sammy and Brandon is undeniable, and they truly are far more mature for their age than people give them credit for. Julie does such a great job with her books, and her sports romance ones are some of my favorite. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes sweet ya books.
This book was a very fun, light read. There were a couple heavy topics and some grief, but for the most part it was lighthearted. The chemistry between Sammy and Brandon is undeniable, and they truly are far more mature for their age than people give them credit for. Julie does such a great job with her books, and her sports romance ones are some of my favorite. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes sweet ya books.
September 7, 2019
A enjoyable sweet well written feel good young love romance. This heartwarming storyline has angst, teenage drama, is a clean YA romance with a great twist. There is excellent character development with a smooth flowing bond from charming likeable characters. . The narrator does a wonderful job really making you feel and enjoy this great heartwarming story.
September 18, 2019
Can't put this book down
I choose this raiting because I couldnt put this book down. From working in a garden to going on runs to dramatic endings... dont want to give the ending away but I can say I was in tears a couple times reading this book. Very emotional book with sad and happy times... I suggest everyone should read this book
I choose this raiting because I couldnt put this book down. From working in a garden to going on runs to dramatic endings... dont want to give the ending away but I can say I was in tears a couple times reading this book. Very emotional book with sad and happy times... I suggest everyone should read this book
January 2, 2019
Great story!
I got it as soon as I could and read it way too fast. What a great read. The characters are endearing, the tension kept me turning the page, and I loved that they got their happily ever after. A fun, must read.
I got it as soon as I could and read it way too fast. What a great read. The characters are endearing, the tension kept me turning the page, and I loved that they got their happily ever after. A fun, must read.
June 3, 2019
I enjoyed this story. She is a runner with twin friends. Her mother runs a bed and breakfast. Branden comes along and changes her whole world. WIth her mom sick he becomes her "brother" / want to be more. Neither tells the other till a major kick hits them both.
August 26, 2019
Heartbreaker for sure
Brandon is a true gentleman who puts Sammy’s needs before his own. Sammy is humble, flirty, and snarky. She’s a perfect match for Brandon. But it takes way too long for them to figure that out. I do love a happy ending!
Brandon is a true gentleman who puts Sammy’s needs before his own. Sammy is humble, flirty, and snarky. She’s a perfect match for Brandon. But it takes way too long for them to figure that out. I do love a happy ending!
August 27, 2019
Cuteness!
It’s a quick read and I love every minute of it!!!! This is my first time reading by this author and I have to say, It’s recommended to people who just want some teen angst & young love experience! I dig this a lot!
It’s a quick read and I love every minute of it!!!! This is my first time reading by this author and I have to say, It’s recommended to people who just want some teen angst & young love experience! I dig this a lot!
October 11, 2020
Precious
This story was precious I loved how they fell in love with each other without all of the physical stuff and no matter what they put the other first despite their feelings and confusion. Well written!
This story was precious I loved how they fell in love with each other without all of the physical stuff and no matter what they put the other first despite their feelings and confusion. Well written!
September 17, 2021
This is my second series by this author. It’s definitely got a different feel. It took me just a tad to adjust to it and the male character’s narration. After that (only a couple chapters) I was drawn into the running. I really enjoyed the development of these characters.
April 9, 2022
Such a bitter sweet story
Sammy and Brandon…what a cute couple. I definitely shed some tears in this one and typically try to steer clear of books that could cause crying. I’m glad I didn’t skip this one though.
Sammy and Brandon…what a cute couple. I definitely shed some tears in this one and typically try to steer clear of books that could cause crying. I’m glad I didn’t skip this one though.
January 5, 2019
Very good story but very sad.
April 15, 2019
Was a cute and quick read!
August 29, 2019
Seriously good story. Not just an escape but had a very emotional story line along with the sweet romance!
September 7, 2019
3.5 stars. YA novel that deals with some heavy issues, but I had a hard time dealing the use of assumption as a literary device.
May 22, 2021
Fantastic story. Such a sweet family who includes everyone. And they found a grounds keeper who was trustworthy and dependable He was more than just a hired worker, they all became like family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews