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Small Town #2

Chasing the Beta

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With her mother now gone and her father's still a no show, Alice is unprotected, vulnerable and alone.

How will she manage to survive without her mother's protection? Who was responsible for it? Is Alice the murderer's next target? If so, who will protect her?

With the murderer still on the loose in Small Town, Alice must be prepared to confront the dangers around her in order to keep those close to her safe again, but can she do it after the heartbreak, betrayal and the loss she has already endured?

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About the author

Jessica Edwards

22 books828 followers

Hello there! 

My name is Jessica, and I am a twenty four year old self published author.

At the moment, I am working on my twelfth novel, which I hope to finish and publish by the end of the year. I am very passionate about literature, creative writing and reading books.
In my spare time, I love to be outdoors, going for walks, visiting new places, reading, writing and playing with my two gorgeous cats, Dolly and Pippin. I also enjoy reviewing Korean dramas on my YouTube channel.

I never thought I was going to be a writer. It didn't even cross my mind that writing books was something I was ever going to do. When I was sixteen years old, I was studying Performing Arts in college, preparing for a future in acting. It took me two years to realize that acting wasn't something I wanted to do. At the beginning of the course, my heart was set on becoming an actor, but by the third year, I completely lost interest in it. Acting didn't bring a smile to my face anymore. I think at that point, I started asking myself what it is that I enjoyed doing, and I couldn't think of anything other than reading books.

I believe that everyone can write a story, whether it's a short story or a four hundred page story. The things that our minds come up with is just unbelievable. You are going to have people who either love your book or hate it, but don't let things like that discourage you, because, in the end, you can say that you've written a book. By yourself. 

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Edwards.
Author 22 books828 followers
January 3, 2018
Finally!
That's all I can say really!
It's been an absolute joy to write this book.
I'm happy that I've finally finished this book, but I'm also sad because I can't express how much I LOVED writing this book.
But it's time now for me to have a very long rest xD

Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,452 reviews122 followers
September 8, 2017
Wow! There are so many twists in this book that I'm dizzy. Excellent book!
Alice is still trying to get her feet under her. Each day brings a new predicament. You can feel her trying to hold on to her humanity while everyone pulls at her.
Can't wait to read the next installment! I have absolutely no idea where the story will go, but I know it will be thrilling!
Profile Image for GimmeAllTheWerdssss.
597 reviews257 followers
July 24, 2017
I enjoyed this one much more than the first one :-) The story progressed nicely and I think Jessica did a good job at portraying Alice's pain well. I liked how Silver was handled and I was glad to see that Max is being redeemed. His actions at the end will go far into bettering the overall opinion of him. More Kellan and some good Bane moments were included. Going forward it will be interesting to see how its handled with two Alpha's because its quite clear that Alice won't be a "beta" to Ryder.

Personally I liked that there wasn't any sex...but there was affection and closeness AND that fit the story better than sex.

Good job Jessica!
Profile Image for Liz.
2,372 reviews46 followers
August 14, 2017
Arrgghh! I can't believe that the book ended there! I was so engrossed in the story I didn't realise that I was at the end... just as things were getting juicy. I loved the first book, the characters had grabbed my attention and this book only made me love them more.

It's difficult to say much without giving away spoilers but Alice is learning to live with the major changes that have happened in her life. The murderer is still on the lose and Alice and her friends continue to live with imminent danger.

I loved the fact that this book was a little slower paced, it gave the story chance to develop. The ending, well, it wasn't like I wasn't expecting the developments but I certainly enjoyed how things played out. I can't wait to see what happens next. A great read!

Profile Image for Ashlynn.
131 reviews12 followers
Read
November 9, 2017
I think this was a record for me...I finished it in 2 hours...

Review Section
I don't really have much to say because the first review was so in-depth and I feel the same way about them all. The writing style is the bomb.com, the character development is not a lot but its enough to build description, thoughts/feelings. There's a small amount of grammar issues, and sentence issues but nothing major and nothing that will take away from the plot. Great plot twists will knock your socks off, you see some of them coming though. You're just like.."I think..." and then sometimes you're right. Jessica is the master and cliffhanger endings.
Profile Image for Jane Shambler.
799 reviews32 followers
October 30, 2017
O.M.G.!

Can you hate a person even though you've never met them? I'm sitting here on a dull rainy Monday afternoon, minding my own business, reading a book when the last words I read are ' to be continued '. If kindle's could bounce mine would be at this moment.

Ok, maybe hate is too strong a word, but I'm feeling frustrated here. How can you do this? Not once but twice? I'm at a loss for words. A lot of questions are answered, only for even more to be asked.

If you are going to read these books make sure you read them in order. They are not stand-alone. Actually I'll challenge anyone who reads them not to feel frustrated. This book is shorter than the first, but seems to cover more. It's a compelling read. It's interesting and has you guessing all the way through.

Enjoy! You won't regret picking these up.
Profile Image for Elle❤.
224 reviews42 followers
October 15, 2017
3.5 stars

**Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!**

This second installment was a lot more interesting and suspenseful than the first!

Though Alice has had to face an awful, drastic change in her life, she remains a strong and independent character, so far, which I'm really happy about. I do sense a love triangle forming, which I'm hoping doesn't develop into anything...

Also, when Alice stood up for herself and put Silver in her place...YAAS.

Profile Image for Fuzaila.
252 reviews380 followers
November 6, 2017
What?! SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THE THIRD BOOK IS OUT!! Why did you have to do this Jessica Edwards? I need to know what happens. NOW.

This book was better than the first one, though a bit predictable. I guessed most of the story right away, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.

The plot starts right where the first book ends. After losing her mother to the mass murderer, Alice has no idea how to go on with her life. With her best friend Sam, brutally attacked, and in bed, Alice has no option other than to stay with Ryder and the wolves at his house. Adding to her misery, is the information that her father has been called to town. A father – whom she hasn't ever known, who left her and her mother even before she was born. Then there is Max, with all his lies, who is still begging her for forgiveness.

Alice cannot let the murders go on. Who is the killer? Who might be behind the attacks? And, WHY?


- I loved the quick pace of the book. It was such an easy read. One moment I was just started, and the next I know, it finished!

- I love Alice. She isn't made to be a badass she isn't.

- But she stands up for herself, and that's admirable!

- And SAM. Where was Sam for most part of the book?

- Gosh, I missed her.

- Ryder was annoying with his protective stance sometimes.

- But then he would act totally adorable, and I’d forgive him too soon.

- I wish Kellan gets what he deserves. And he deserves something good!

- Bane is one of my favorites too. He is totally the arrogant guy girls eye more than the hero. Can’t blame Sam!

- Max wasn’t creepy at all in this book. He was really good actually.

- But, Mr. EDMUND. That guy seriously beats Voldemort with his creepiness!

- And I hate every bit of him.

- I hope he rots in hell

- Now there is also Mark, I wish I could hate him,

- But for the very few moments he had in the book, I liked him.

- About that damn ENDING. I guessed right all along.

- I wish I was wrong though. It would have been better that way.

- But I still loved the book.

- And I need the third one rn!

- Please, Jessica, make my wait last shorter!

Update: The third book is out today and I CANT WAIT
Profile Image for Lys ♡.
137 reviews34 followers
September 17, 2017
Ah shiiiii... This book has a lot going on which is great! No dull moments. But, I think the first book so far is my favourite.

Something that annoyed me in this book was Ryder's possessiveness... Personally in books and real life, I cannot stand someone being possessive over a person. But I get that Ryder is an Alpha and he will do anything to protect Alice.

I wish Sam was in this a bit more as I love her wit and her outright craziness. I also really liked Max better in this book too and especially towards the end with his heroic act to prove himself.

BUT that ENDING though! So much going on and faaaaaaaaarrrrr out her dad is back in town and Oliver and Max and Alice and omg?!?

Thank you Jessica for sending me Chasing The Beta! I think you have done an amazing job.
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,365 reviews203 followers
September 21, 2017
WARNING: This review will mostly contain gifs because I am too emotional to write an actual review.







What an ending..

I'm in shock. This whole book took my emotions on never-ending rollercoaster..

I've just been sitting here on my couch and just talking to myself, like..



I'm not going to spoil anything in this review but I just have to say that I did not see the freaking ending coming at all. I was way off with my prediction...like another planet off.

I love Alice.
I love Sam.
I love their friendship.
I love Ryder.
I love Alice and Ryder's relationship.
I love the friendship between Alice and Max.
I actually like Bane now.
I still like Kellan.
I still hate Mr. Edmund.
I still hate Silver.
I don't really know how I felt about Max...

I really really want the next book... now.


Profile Image for Sabrina.
593 reviews265 followers
April 1, 2018
Oh I have a new OTP💖.
This is getting better and better.
Profile Image for Taylor.
48 reviews15 followers
October 4, 2017
 "Did you forget that I’m a wolf too? Oh wait, I’m actually an Alpha, which means a wolf like you, is beneath me. Talk to me again when your position has improved to a higher rank."
- Alice


Oh my God! Did she really just say that? Well, dang! That was totally BADASS! I love books with a strong heroine. Alice was that, and this book was perfect. Of course, that wouldn't be complete without hot guys. Ryder, Kellan, Bane, and Max. Gosh! Way to go, Ms. Edwards. LOL

I also want to point out that the ending was just perfect, you know, for a cliffhanger. It couldn't have gone any better. And because of that cliffhanger, I am dying to read the next one. OMG, what's going to happen now? So excited.

*Special thanks to Jessica Edwards for sending me a pdf copy*
Profile Image for *❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆*.
414 reviews93 followers
September 15, 2017
Okay, wow I knew this book would turn out to be more intense than the first but damn that is some plot twist!

But I absolutely loved it, every word, every betray, every lie, every confrontation was well written and well paced. I was so engrossed by the book that I hadn't realised I was already by the end! Why did it have to end there!

I still liked all the characters, and I knew Silver wouldn't take Ryder's betrayal well, but damn did that girl go full on. Although I did have suspicious from the start and I guess I did predict most of the things that would happen, but it's always a surprise when characters do something wrong and they look pleased, or at least they admit it without hesitation. So even though silver was okay in the first, she definitely become very disliked by this one.

Who I really wanted to see more was Bane, I was sad he didn't have a larger role like the first, but I'm hoping that changes in the third one. And please more bane and Sam!!! I need this ship to happen!! I love them both ❤️

Overall, I loved the plot, definitely more action and emotions in this one. I loved how I was eager to turn the page and wait what would happen next.

Received a copy from the author herself, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Profile Image for Nisa.
47 reviews
December 29, 2017
I enjoyed reading this one too. This one for me had a slow beginning (Well mostly full of feelings) but after some time it finds the same pace with the first book. :)))

If I compare this with the first book in the series I waited for a long time to something happen. Actually, if I need to say more clearly I waited just to learn what I guess about Max. In the first book, I had some doubt who was doing killings but after some point, I knew who was the culprit. So when I learn It wasn't surprising to me. I like to guess in stories what will happen so it makes me enjoy the story. I don't know someone - who doesn't like to be able to guess what will happen- how will feel about it.

If you want to have a good time and want some easy read I would recommend giving a try reading this series :))))

Thanks, Jessica Edwards for providing me a free copy of this e-book in exchange for honest review. :)

Profile Image for Ryan Buckby.
704 reviews92 followers
October 27, 2017
Once again thank you to the author jessica for sending me a copy of the second book so i could continue this series

Wow, there are so many twist in this book and i can say this book is definitely a big step up and is honestly headed in the right direction.


Plot: the book picks up right after the first book and we see Alice dealing with the death of her mother and we see her trying to piece everything together to finally get the truth found out. There are a lot of twist and turns in this story and it kept me guessing from the beginning right up to the end of the book. Alice is also going through so many changes throughout the book and is learning so much about everything that has happened, there is still a murder in the town that has yet to be revealed and i honestly don't know who it is.


I loved how slower the story was in this book because it gave time for the story progress and for the characters to grow more and we start to see what the characters are really like, and i can't wait to see how they deal with all this stuff in the next book.


Characters:


Alice: Alice has grown a lot since the first book and going from being a normal teenager to getting turned into a wolf, she has been through a lot and now with the death of her mother and her dad coming back on the scene i think things for alice are just about to get a whole lot more crazier. Her relationship with Ryder has grown a lot also in this book and i really enjoy these two together and i hope there relationship can stand all the things that are about to happen. I like this character and hope she can get things on track and beat whatever is coming.


Ryder: Ryder has interested me in this book, hes become that overprotective person towards Alice and i feel like he could get her or them both hurt in someway if something does go down. I still like this character but i did find him being over protective hurt his character and i hope he snaps out of that because i feel like he has this fixation towards alice that is a little creepy but i kind of understand why hes being overprotective because she's still new to this world she didn't ask for.

Max: Ok Max wasn't creepy in this book at all and just surprised me a lot actually, i defiantly end up liking this character probably and i can't wait to see more of this character in the third book.


Mr Edmund: i hate this character now and i honestly didn't think he had any problems but with everything i learned about him in this book i hate this character now. He blamed Alice for something that wasn't her fault at all and that made me angry. His creepiness level throughout this entire book kind of freaked me out and that is a testament to how much of improvement Alice has done with the story and this character.


Sam: alright so she wasn't in this book much but i honestly need more of sam because she's funny and brings the light moments that i feel like this story needs at the moment because a lot of darker moments are coming and we need sam.


Jessica you have created a story that has improved so much and it shows in your writing and story telling and this story was so good. I have no idea were you are going in the third book but i cannot wait to see were you take this story!




Profile Image for Treece.
521 reviews151 followers
January 13, 2018
Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Some pretty darn good twists. Clean up and editing would work wonders all around.

Ryder has grown on me more. The villains are a bit predictable even when the motivations are not. Alice does stupid things without thinking at times. I missed Sam in this book, bring her back more. Max is pretty interesting. Bane was absent quite a bit, too. Kellan is Kellan which doesn't do much for me. Silver is predictably vile, no shocker there (as I unmasked her situation).

Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

A pretty darned good series by a new author who has great ideas and is creative with the whole high school romance supernatural elements. With a bit more polish, this series could go really far. Still, cliff-hangers will suck forever. Thankfully, I have book three.

Profile Image for Hannah.
76 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2018
The cliff hangers at the end of these books are going to kill me.
Mini review time!

- the pacing moved fast again but almost too fast towards the end. I feel like the ending should’ve been prolonged just a few more pages long.
- I told you I didn’t like Silver!
- I’ve always liked Max and now I just like him even more!
- Ryder got a little toooooo protective over Alice but I suppose it comes with the territory.
- the descriptions of the wolves/shifting was still on point
- I enjoyed having a chapter in Ryder’s perspective. I feel like I know him a bit more 👍🏻

Will post a more in depth review later on in the week!

4/5 stars!
Profile Image for Hayli.
349 reviews56 followers
February 6, 2018
3.5 stars

That ending was great. I wasn't expecting what had happened. Though, I felt like for the majority of the book I was waiting for something to happen.

Ready for the next one!
Profile Image for Hiba.
1,068 reviews416 followers
February 12, 2018
I started this one this morning, and now I'm done.. At first it gave me a feeling that I liked the first book better, but as the story progressed it was really catching and intriguing.
For someone's first book, this series is really good. Not so full of details and all, but really interesting.
And now all I want is to read the third book!
One thing I didn't like is how Alice grows so freaking quiet around Ryder, I mean GIRL! You're an Alpha, stand for yourself and fight like an Alpha would.
From the looks of it, Alice still needs a lot of practice in the world of wolves.
Profile Image for Cali Teer.
145 reviews41 followers
December 13, 2017
OK let me just start by saying I am a total goof since Jessica was nice enough to send me a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review and well.... I read the second book first on accident *face palm* "gee, how did you not realize you were reading the second book cali? It's been a long week Ok? don't make me feel more shame.

Anyways, I was thoroughly confused in the beginning and kept thinking to myself " wow there's a lot going on, I wish I would have some more background info" lol. Even though I felt dropped in the middle of chaos (totally my fault) I still enjoyed it! I plan on reading the first book tonight and hopefully that'll tie up some questions I had. But Kudos to you Jessica, even having no idea what was going on I was sucked into the plot and I read it in one day. I think you have amazing potential and I look forward to continuing with the series!

Profile Image for Nele.
557 reviews34 followers
November 7, 2017
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks for this opportunity, Jessica.

We're starting the second book with the feeling of loss, disbelief and incomprehension. Why? Why is this happening? And I was so feeling sorry for the main character Alice, although I still don't like her all that much. (Oops)
Alice did grow a little in this second installment. I mean, she's a bit more assertive, but still clueless on the people/wolves around her. Some things in the book you can see for miles away, and Alice doesn't get it. Huh, Max is a wolf. No way?! (I did not see that coming :p)

I was more pro-Silver, although she also has a lot of faults, but at least she's consistent.

This second book ends again in a cliffhanger, not that massive as in the first one, because I kind of saw it coming. But that's a thing that Miss Jessica does well ;-)

Still some faults in constructing sentences, bit of grammar here and there, and I have no idea what a 'fatel position' is, but that's easily overlooked.
I enjoyed reading this book, thank you!
Profile Image for Shaikha.
230 reviews147 followers
January 12, 2018
This book did not disappoint, I am truly impressed with the twists and how things were unfolding, even though I saw some of them coming, it was really clever and well put.

Alice is stronger now. Ryder is a control freak, but I still like him though. Max was getting on my nerves since the first book but I think I’m starting to like him now after everything he said and did in Chasing the Beta. I missed Sam, she wasn’t a huge part of this book, but I hope there’s more of her in Chasing the Alpha. ☺️
Profile Image for Heike.
65 reviews30 followers
October 8, 2017
You shouldn't read this if you haven't read the first book.
first of all I really hated the "to be continued" part I just can't get enough of this story. I really can't take my eyes off it, all the twist and turns about it make me "WOW" this, every time I had a suspicious was drown out through the chapters. The one thing I loved the most is the intensity of this, ever since chapter one your eyes are glue to the story wanting for more until you get to the "to be continued" and burst with disappointment.
Thanks Jessica to sending me a copy of this book was really wonderful and more delightful to read because in this you have the chance to care a lot more for the characters.
CHASING THE BETA
At the end of "chasing the omega" some bad stuff happened and Alice live through this book chasing the killer of Small Town. While doing this she has the chance to experience the whole new thing about being a Wolf and all the abilities that take to be a good one and figure out things for herself of course with Ryder always by her side, I kinda understand why he is so overprotective and dont-mess-with-my-girl type with Alice, I really had a bad feeling with Max too though I don't want to give spoilers so I'll leave that away.
Bane, Kellan and Sam though there's no much of they in this book I really loved when they appear and with they unique personalities made me laugh.
Even though you get all the answer in this book I really wanna know how is this series going to conclude with the fact of new characters and revelation of the final chapter of this one.
Thanks Jess for this amazing series.
Profile Image for Megan.
160 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2017
WTF!
Did I just read 2 books in one day? Holy shit what is happening to me!

I honestly can say the exact same about this book as the the previous one! Gosh it's so good I'll probably finish the third one tomorrow and go into a reading slum after that because I suspect that nothing will be keeping my interest as much for a long while...

I can honestly say that it has been a while since I've been so intrigued by a saga!

I just love this and the chapter told from Ryder's perspective was just excellent! I laughed so much! He reminds me a lot of my boyfriend to be honest so I just love him!

Love love love these books and I am so glad that I love them so much but a little part of me is dying inside knowing that the third one will be the last... Hopefully just for now we shall see!
Profile Image for Alyson Stone.
Author 4 books71 followers
November 29, 2017
Book: Chasing the Beta
Author: Jessica Edwards
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank, the author, Jessica Edwards for providing me with a free copy.

I loved this book! I thought it was so much better written than the first book, which was a great read. I loved the nonstop action and how much the plot actually picked up. Right away, we are thrown into the events and the characters seem so much stronger than they did in the first book. I love how the characters’ bonds are exploded and how this really does get the plot moving.

I loved Alice. She seemed like a much stronger character than she was in the first book. She is actually taking control of her life and doesn’t let anyone stop her. Ryder did get on my nerves though; he wants to control every bit of her life. I am so happy that she is not letting him get away with it. As many of you know, Alice has been through some rough times, but she has pulled through. She uses all the bad in her life to make her strong.

Now, Ryder is a control freak. This doesn’t mean that I don’t like him, but I am team Max. I really do think Max is the better match for Alice, but that’s just my opinion. I really do think that Ryder has Alice’s best interests at heart, but he needs to let up a little and let Alice be her own person. She does not belong to him and is more than capable of being her own person.

Sam was missing for most of the book, which is a shame. I really do enjoy her character a lot. I do hope she is back for book three! However, the little bit that she is in the book is great. I love the bond she and Alice have.

Okay, the plot is just nonstop. Jessica’s book really isn’t that long, but it is nonstop and action packed. The world of Small Town is very developed and complex. We have a huge cast of characters to go along with the plot and each really do add something to it. I think all of this together is what this series such a great read!

Now, we do have a cliff hanger, which will only make you reach for book three faster. Also, do not read this unless you have read the first book. Like I said, everything picks up where book one left off.
Profile Image for starrgaze..
570 reviews108 followers
March 11, 2018
I actually liked this so much more from the first one! It was definitely more captivating, the story itself getting more and more twisted and interesting AND the finale! Wow. Now I can't wait to start the third one!
Great job!
Profile Image for Javi_starrysckeye*.
33 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2017
I’m so glad I read your series! And that playlist is to die for!!! Can’t believe you’re also a Kpop fan!!!😝😍 I just looovv’d this book!! Jessica will youube making side stories for Bane and Sam,and Kellan? I would love to read theirs! Werewolf stories are so interesting to me, I can’t get enough of them!! So a HUGE Thank You!!
Profile Image for Theeeonlylimit.
168 reviews31 followers
January 2, 2018
This part was so... WOW! So much action, so many things going around. I love it. It has everything that I've been missing in the "Chasing the Omega". And this ending... I cannot wait to read next part.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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